The Coe Family

Homecoming Parade/Powder Puff Game

2011-09-22T22:53:00.000-07:00

Isn't this the COOLEST haircut EVER!?!?!?!

According to Addi it is SO cool! We were sitting, waiting for the homecoming parade to start when I kept hearing Addi say "Mom..., Mom...." I turned around to see her pointing to this man sitting a couple of benches in front of us and saying " Isn't that SO cool! I like the way it is shaved all on the top and has hair just around the bottom and the sides." My response was obviously "YES! should we take a picture of it?" She was so excited and who wouldn't be to see such an awesome haircut!

Yes, the boys look like they are auditioning to be the next Ronald McDonald but in reality they are just showing their school pride. They got to be in the homecoming parade this year with the kids from their school and it just so happens that their school colors are gold and red.

These two crack me up. They were more interested in playing and pulling silly faces than they were anything else - AND....finding older men with COOL haircuts!

Powder Puff Cheerleaders

These guys were the most exciting and entertaining part of the night. OK, the flag football game was alright but seriously, some of these boys were having WAY too much fun prancing around in their cheer leading uniforms which made it that much more fun to watch.

Nanny for a Week!

2011-07-27T18:32:00.000-07:00

Daxton

Thanks to my super AWESOME husband and my amazing mom, I got to fly out to Seattle for a week and help my sister with her adorable new baby and two kids while her husband was on a Trek with the youth in their ward.

Mia and Trevon kept me busy from the minute I landed at the airport. They immediately took pictures with my camera, we took a walk UP (literally - they live just above the Seattle Science Center and the Space Needle) to the park where Trevon and Mia took me on a "shortcut" their dad takes them on (definitely NOT a short cut but a sly move to keep them busy for longer) and played for hours. Most of the days were rainy so Trevon and I did a lot of puzzles, played with Lego's, pretended to be monsters etc. and Mia and I played SEVERAL games of Kids Skip-bo.

Of course what would a rainy day be without a little baking. We made yummy chocolate chip cookies while mom and Daxton slept. (And, things do cook differently at sea level than they do at high altitude)

Mia and Trevon had fun hiding behind signs at the Sea hawks and Sounders Stadium while I was shopping for souvenirs in the Pro Shop.

The Pier

Sam, Mary's husband, is amazing and Mary and I were able to get out for a Girls Night. We went to one of my FAVORITE Thai food places, Thai Toms, went to some of the crazy souvenir shops along the pier, and played at the arcade.

Mary insisted that I play the race car game - I think she thought she would beat me since all of the driving games make me dizzy, BUT......Ha! Ha! she was fooled - I won! However, we played what I thought was a mouse version of whack-a-mole but later found out that instead of hitting EVERYTHING that pops up, you are only supposed to hit the mice and not the cats. Hmmm.....I think Mary purposely didn't tell me that part so she could win. Regardless, we had a great time walking, talking, shopping and playing at the arcade.

Party Time!

2011-07-08T22:10:00.000-07:00

I absolutely LOVE my calling -
Primary Teacher!!!!

This year I get to teach the 6 -7 year olds and they are so much fun.
At the beginning of the year we made class rules and talked about how we should all behave in church and class. To re-emphasize those rules, we read a story about a town called Bugville and discussed how each different bug acted and which one we wanted to be like. One of the rules the class came up with was walking with "marshmallow feet". So, I bought mini marshmallows and a large Mason jar and we decided that when they followed the class rules they would earn marshmallows to put in the jar.
Once it was full they would earn a class PARTY!

THE PARTY-
Giant slip-n-slide in the back yard, pool filled with water, sprinkler under the trampoline, a game of Exterminator Tag (the "Exterminator" chased the "ants" with a spray bottle and if the "ant" got hit with water, they were a "dead ant" and had to sit on a beach towel until all of the other "ants were dead), a relay game carrying bugs on a fly swatter, read the book "The Very Hungry Caterpillar", and had snacks (otter pops, gummy worms, and bug juice).

The Girls

The Boys

We all had SO much FUN! It was a perfect way to spend a Friday afternoon.

Heat Wave!

2011-06-23T17:38:00.000-07:00

Anybody else's house this HOT!?!?!?!?

I knew it was going to be hot without an air conditioner but seriously.......88 deg. inside. I will definitely appreciate the air conditioner once we can use it again. Right now it is completely disconnected from the house. ...So not even an option. When we started the basement we decided to move the air conditioner to a different location AND pour cement. So.....unless we get the cement work prepped and ready to pour soon, it is going to be a VERRRRY LONG, HOT summer.

Love it When They are Sleeping

2011-04-26T13:59:00.000-07:00

Almost every night for about a week now, this is what Jason and I have found when we have gone in to give Addisyn her medicine at night. She is sound asleep with her headphones in and MP3 player close at hand.

Addi's First Soccer Game

2011-04-25T15:15:00.000-07:00

Addisyn has been SO excited for soccer to start. Every time we have to go to one of Britton's or Gavin's practices or games, she asks "When is MY soccer?" She finally had her first practice on Thursday and LOVED it!
She played her first game on Saturday. Unfortunately, I had to miss it because I was coaching Britton's game in Provo at the same time.
However, all I could do was laugh when I called Jason to see how her game was going. She apparently was playing really well but got tripped by a boy on the other team. When she got up she was upset and frustrated. Jason told her she was OK and just to go play the game. Well, apparently she didn't think it was OK so she jogged to the other side of the field and shoved the kid that tripped her. (She did NOT learn that from me). Jason finally had to tell the two of them that there was "no fighting" and they both went back to playing the game. Ha! Ha! I guess it is good to know she can hold her own - after all, why wouldn't she, she has two older brothers.

I called again when her game was over to talk to her but all I got was the silent treatment. She didn't want to talk about it. When I asked her what was wrong she quietly, but adamantly said "I'm just a little upset!" Why?......."because they kept scoring and I didn't want them to! Of course I was sympathetic....who EVER wants the other team to score?!?!... Not me. When I asked if she scored any goals she said with a mad little voice "yes, but for the OTHER team."

Addisyn was in a much better mood when I got home and told me ALL about her game and how much fun it was. Then she took me into the back yard and showed me how good she was at dribbling the ball and how fast she could go.
I love her little competitive spirit and her determination. I cannot wait to watch her game next week!

Spring!

2011-03-31T20:58:00.000-07:00

Could it be that nice spring weather has finally arrived?!?

I couldn't resist snapping a few pictures of my kids enjoying the WARM spring day.

Even if it only lasts for today.....

Getting Jesus' phone number

2011-03-22T22:06:00.000-07:00

Addisyn and I were having one of those days today. She didn't go to bed last night like she was supposed to - instead she kept coming out of her room "needing" to tell me something, or once in her room I would find her playing at her table with toys or looking at books. Needless to say, it made her very tired, and SASSY and DEMANDING all day. She had been sent to time out several times - which only made her cry and then get mad at me because she wanted her blanket. There were times that I thought I was going to lose it because I was SO tired of it, and several times that I just laughed at the way she was acting and talking - really if you had heard her she was talking and sassing like a spoiled teen-ager - My laughing at her only made her madder which made me laugh harder.

Since Addi and I were the only ones home, we had Eggo waffles for dinner. Her response - now picture this in the sassiest little voice you can - "Great, waffles! and they don't even have SPRINKLES on them!" I told her that sassy little girls don't get sprinkles on their waffles and if she had asked nicely she probably would have had sprinkles. Instead she had to eat the waffles "without sprinkles"! While she was eating I picked up the phone to call my mom. Of course, in the same snotty, sassy voice , Addi asked "WHO are YOU calling?" When I told her I was calling grandma she asked "WHY?!" I was still laughing at her sassy attitude. Just as my mom answered I told Addi I was calling grandma to get Jesus' phone number. Her face immediately changed from sassy, to scared, shocked and sad with the biggest, saddest frown on her face. She then started to cry and said "I don't want you to call Jesus" I asked "why don't you want me to call Jesus?" And she said, still crying and hugging her blanket, "because I don't want him to kill me." I told her I was not going to call Jesus and that Jesus would not kill her. I felt bad that it scared her but my mom and I could not stop laughing.

Addi really is a sweetheart (most of the time) and she LOVES Jesus, so threatening her with a phone call to let him know she was being naughty broke her heart.
I think I might have found a new way to get her to behave - The next time she is being naughty - I just might pick up the phone and tell her that I am calling Jesus.

Just Dance!

2011-03-21T14:39:00.000-07:00

I just couldn't resist taking pictures of Britton and Jayden playing "Just Dance" the other day. It made me smile every time I walked by the family room or stole a look from the kitchen. They were having so much fun dancing to song after song after song - I am not even sure how long they played, but it seemed like a really long time.
They both have some pretty good moves and can shake it like nobody's business.

I love how serious Britton looks - major concentration on the TV trying to get the moves down. And I love that Jayden just smiled the entire time.

Cookie Creation

2011-03-18T15:46:00.000-07:00

How does a cookie with chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, a dash of oatmeal, coconut, peanut butter chips, carmel, and marshmallows sound?.....
That is the creation that Addisyn and her cousin Mayci came up with today. They were SO excited to bake something and decided that regular cookies just wouldn't be good enough. I definitely had my doubts when every ingredient that was set on the cupboard was added to their cookie dough. However, it was their creation and I told them they could add whatever they wanted to them. When they got done, all of the boys (Britton, Jayden, & Gavin) got to be the tasters and try to guess what was in their piece of cookie dough - and you know....they got it right!
and
The cookies aren't too bad. The carmel is a little hard to chew but other than that...they are really
Sweet & Rich!

St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-18T15:29:00.000-07:00

St. Patrick's Day was pretty uneventful at our house this year. Usually I at least try to have an all green dinner but with both boys having soccer practice at different times in different locations, it just didn't happen this year.
But, Addi did make a DARLING hat at preschool that she proudly wore and showed off to all of us.

Black Eye Day 3

2011-03-17T20:46:00.000-07:00

I guess you can say that day 3 is better in some ways and worse in others, but mostly better.
Better: The swelling is not as bad, he went to school, he can smile now, and he actually let me take pictures today.
Worse: The bruising - it is getting darker, more colorful, and is clear down into his cheek (almost to his chin). - I am really hoping it is just really badly bruised (lots of tissue damage) and not a cracked or broken cheek bone.

I love this little guy. He has been so tough - even stayed at soccer practice the day it happened. He went to school today and made it through the millions of stares and questions from kids and teachers. And, despite it all, he still plays as hard as ever and cries when a ball (soccer ball, dodge ball, or basketball) accidentally hits his face but keeps on going.

Black Eye Day 2

2011-03-16T13:32:00.000-07:00

Gavin still didn't want his picture taken this morning but at least he tried to smile. I keep telling him that one day he is going to be glad I took pictures ... he doesn't believe me yet.

Baby Coen

2011-03-15T23:02:00.000-07:00

It's Official! We have a new nephew/cousin in our family!
My younger brother and his wife were blessed to adopt an ADORABLE little boy this past weekend. Jason and I were able to see him hours after he was born but the kids had to wait until he came home from the hospital. When they finally got to see him Monday, they couldn't stop smiling.

Nice Shiner!

2011-03-15T22:17:00.000-07:00

OUCH!!!!

This is how Gavin walked in the door from soccer practice today. Apparently the coach was having the kids race each other. They had to run as fast as they could to the coach and give him a "five". The only problem with his plan was that instead of holding his hands in front of him and to the side, he decided to hold them behind his back so that the kids had to run around behind him from each side to slap his hand and win. I hope he realized that it was a REALLY dumb idea when Gavin and another player collided!

I feel so bad for him. He can't smile, close his eyes, or chew without it hurting. The worst part is, he normally LOVES soccer practice but today he didn't want to go and I made him.
I feel SO guilty.

A Whole Lot of Something

2011-02-22T16:08:00.000-08:00

Anyone else have pictures like these on your camera?
Apparently, my kids have been having a lot of fun with my camera while I am not looking!
Just a whole lot of randomness and it makes me laugh!!!!

Britton's Birthday

2011-02-22T15:03:00.000-08:00

I CAN'T believe that Britton turned 11 this month!
He is growing up so fast and as excited as I am and as much fun as this soon to be Teenage is, I am still a little sad. He is already almost as tall as me, can already wear my shoes - wears my indoor soccer shoes to play futsal and steals my super warm socks to snowboard and snowshoe in. He thinks it is GREAT and I LOVE the big smile that comes across his face every time he realizes how tall he is getting compared to me.

Britton LOVES soccer and wanted a soccer ball cake. I had originally decided to make a soccer ball as well as his soccer Jersey but....the ball took a little longer than I had anticipated so the Soccer Jersey cake is still sitting in the freezer waiting to be decorated.

The Cake

The Presents

A Little Girl Time

2010-09-17T14:56:00.000-07:00

A little while ago I got to watch my friend Nicole's darling girls. We all had a great time painting our toenails and of course, Addi and Jayda had to have every color, which meant that each toe and each fingernail were a different color. It was so much fun having a house full of girls playing girly games, singing and dancing to music, playing barbies and babies, and playing so sweet and quiet.

Happy Birthday Addi!

2010-09-14T21:55:00.000-07:00

Addisyn turned 4 on Saturday, September 11th. Every time we told her happy birthday, she kept insisting that she was 3 NOT 4 and that it WAS NOT her birthday. On our way to soccer games that morning we passed the church which was surrounded by flags for 9/11. We started talking about it and what it was and when we said September Addi said, "September?! my birthday is September!" It actually took us most of the day to really convince her that it was her birthday.

The Cake

Addi doesn't really like cake but she LOVES Oreos! I decided to make her a "cake" made by stacking the Oreos into a tower and putting candles on top. She LOVED it! Instead of ice cream and cake, we had ice cream and Oreos.

The Presents

Addi was so excited to open everything she has been wanting and asking for for weeks - The books Pinkalicious and Purplelicious, The Polly Pocket Glamper, a Leapster from Grandma and Grandpa, and a new helmet for her NEW BIKE!

The Bike

I LOVE this little girl. She has definitely been my 9-1-1 baby from day one and I am grateful everyday for her. She is silly, sassy, stubborn, smart, happy, loving, sensitive, independent, and mischievous. I LOVE the way she says "Scunscreen" and "Smarshmallows". I LOVE her "fancy" walk. I LOVE how she bats her eyes and says "please momma, please" and then grins because she knows EXACTLY what she is doing. I LOVE how she calls her brothers "my boys" and her dad "dadda". I LOVE that she refers to Jesus as "My friend Jesus" like she knows him personally. I LOVE everything about her - even though she cut her hair! AHHH!

Happy Birthday Addi!

My Daughter has a MULLET!!!!

2010-09-13T22:05:00.000-07:00

Need I say More?!?!

Addisyn walked into the kitchen Sunday afternoon as if nothing were different, no sign of embarrassment or shame, but looked at me without saying a word until I noticed IT!
Sadly, I almost didn't notice it. I was in the middle of getting dinner ready. When I did notice, I did a double take, and with my eyes WIDE open asked "What Happened to your Hair?!?"
I feel so bad because she got this sad little look on her face when she said she had cut it. She was sad because she knew I didn't love it and because she KNEW she was not supposed to have her scissors. Needless to say, she was quite tidy. She had put all of her hair into the garbage can and had put her scissors away without being told and the best part is, knowing that I was still in shock, she just kept trying to comfort me by saying, "It's alright mom, hair will grow back."

Sweet and "SASSY"!

2010-09-10T15:44:00.000-07:00

Addisyn FINALLY got to start school on Tuesday. Talk about torture! Her brothers started two weeks ago and she has been asking when she gets to go to school everyday since then.

She was so excited to wear her new "school clothes" that have been hanging in her closet for weeks. She got up and picked out her pink and black striped outfit, and her shiny pink "school shoes". When I told her she could just grab her pink flip flops she informed me that she couldn't wear THOSE shoes to school - and said "I need my pink "SCHOOL SHOES".

Before we headed out the door, Addi had to load her Tinkerbell back pack full of "important" and "necessary" items from her room like her blanket, barbies, stuffed animals, barbie and doll combs, bouncy balls and various other random toys she could quickly find to put in there.

Addisyn confidently walked right into school, found her backpack hook and walked right to her seat.
There was absolutely no hesitation. She was so excited to be going to school like her brothers.

Addisyn LOVES school! However, when I asked her how school was and if she loved it she answered with a sigh and a little drama to her voice "yes,...but I don't like my teacher". Why? "Well, I just don't like having to go up and down the stairs - it just makes my legs SO tired".

She seriously cracks me up everyday. And her first day of school pictures say it all!

Sweet, and Sassy with a little Attitude!

One of THOSE Days

2010-08-31T19:23:00.000-07:00

Have you EVER had one of those days?!?!...

You know, the one where you had your day planned out, you knew EXACTLY what you were going to get done, where you were going to go, and you just KNEW it was going to be a fabulous day because you were going to be so productive that at the end of the day you would just sit back and think...."I am AWESOME!!!!" because of all of the things you were able to accomplish.

BUT, Nothing went as Planned!

That was exactly how my day went today.

It started out all wrong. Gavin woke up sick and stayed home from school, Britton got up too late to walk with me up to the school so I drove him and had to do my work out later, and what was supposed to be a quick trip to the dentist to get one tooth pulled ended by having 4, yes 4 teeth pulled instead.

About a week ago Britton got hit really hard in a tournament soccer game and broke one of his teeth. I knew it needed to be pulled so I made the appointment and took him in today. After taking x-rays, the dentist informed me that he had 4 teeth that needed to be pulled because the permanent teeth were coming in and didn't have room. He (the dentist) originally didn't want to pull all 4 since 1 was on the right side of his mouth and 3 were on the left side which would mean having his whole mouth numb and probably missing a day of school. However, after taking a closer look, we decided to pull all 4 teeth!

Britton trying to drink his Mountain Dew (a big NO, NO) but the dentist said to give him something with caffeine in it because it makes the Novocaine wear off faster. - Notice his bottom lip...we all had a good laugh watching him try to drink out of a straw. In fact his poor mouth was so numb that he was drooling while watching TV and had no idea. Ha! Ha!

My Sick Little Gavin

I felt so bad for Gavin today. Normally when he stays home sick he is up an running before kids get home from school but not today. He felt so yucky that I found him asleep on the bathroom floor.

I tried to wake him up and carry him to his bed but he didn't want to move. Instead, I got him his pillow and blanket and he slept most of the afternoon on the floor. Poor little guy. I felt so bad for him and was even going to run and pick up some sprite at the store but, he didn't want me to go.

So, as you can see, all of my great ambitions for today were quickly put to rest by having all of my kids home from school and needing my attention.

I was just

ONE OF THOSE DAYS!

First Day of School

2010-08-25T15:20:00.000-07:00

I love the enthusiasm my kids have on the first day of school. They get up on time, put on their new clothes, eat breakfast, and are ready to head out the door at least 15 minutes early. I only wish they had that kind of enthusiasm for the other 200+ days of school.
I also anxiously wait for them to run through the door to find out how their day went - you just never know.
Today I was so excited...When I asked how their day was both of them shouted "It was the best day EVER! My teacher is the COOLEST!"
Why is their teacher the "Coolest"? Britton's teacher jokes around a lot, gives "fun" homework if homework at all, doesn't give homework on Friday, tells a lot of stories, they only have to read 10 minutes in English each day and 10 minutes in Spanish each day, and he was in the army so "if we ever have a lock down, he can protect us".
Gavin's teacher is really nice, gave him gummie bears, he only picked up his pencil maybe twice today, and didn't give them homework.

Gavin

Started the 3rd grade this year

It is his second year in the Spanish Immersion program

He still does not like homework or reading

He loves to be outside playing sports and riding his bike

He is playing competition soccer this year

His favorite sports are soccer, football and basketball

He is currently reading The Lightening Thief series

He loves listening to music, being silly and "bugging" his brother and sister

He is silly, sweet, sensitive, athletic,and smart and has a very contagious giggle

Britton

Started the 5th Grade this year

It is his 4th year in the Spanish Immersion Program

He LOVES to read, play video games, and watch TV

He loves having late nights and hanging out with friends

It is his 2nd year playing competition soccer for the Rage

His favorite sports are soccer and basketball

He likes school but doesn't want anyone to know

He will only dance and do silly "moves" at home

He is a great friend, smart, can speak and understand Spanish, sensitive, a great soccer player, and is growing up way to fast

Gavin is 8

2010-08-25T14:43:00.000-07:00

We just celebrated Gavin's 8th birthday!

I can't believe how fast time seems to be flying by and I am having a really hard time letting go of my "little" boy. He has been anticipating his birthday for at least 3 months now and he was So excited to get exactly what he has been asking for.....a Dinner with grilled chicken, snicker salad, rolls, corn on the cob, and asphalt pie, Money and a NEW Bike.

Britton and Addi gave Gavin a much needed new bike helmet.
This also served as a distraction while Jason brought Gavin's mountain bike around back.

I am so glad he LOVED it! He jumped on and rode around until it got dark and then was up early the next morning riding again.

For his PARTY we took all of his friend to a park in American Fork and slid for 2 hours down an ENORMOUS water slide.

We at Gavin's favorite flavor of popsicles (cherry mango) , opened presents, and sent everyone home with a new beach towel and dog tags.

It was a perfect way to celebrate a summer birthday - Hot Sun, Water, Friends and Food!

First Trip of the Summer!!!

2010-07-09T11:41:00.000-07:00

Every Year, As soon as school gets out, we take a trip to St. George. We LOVE it there! We usually head down the day school gets out with no set plans other than to swim and spend time in the HOT sun, and get a tan!

We did A LOT of SWIMMING!
We usually spend almost all day, every day at the pool.
This year Addi hit a milestone. She started putting her head all the way under the water, jumping from the edge of the pool to anyone who would catch her, and SWIMMING!

We did A Little Geo caching

We Played at the park where Addi insisted on selling me tickets to "the movie".

And we spent an Afternoon at the splash park in downtown St. George.

On our last day we took a drive out to Gunlock Reservoir and found some amazing waterfalls.

Gunlock was our "new" discovery this year. We had never been there before. It is beautiful and we would love to spend an entire day there the next time we are in St. George.

"You Might Be a Redneck..."

2010-07-09T11:18:00.000-07:00

If your water slide consists of a banquet table with hoses attached to it!

Thank goodness for kids and their creativity!

They played for HOURS on this homemade water slide which is now lovingly referred to as

the "Ghetto Slide"

And nothing ends a long hot summer day at a water park like Popsicles

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-20T20:51:00.000-07:00

I wish I could say that I was the greatest wife in the whole world, that I had gotten up at the crack of dawn to make Jason his favorite breakfast, music from the Tabernacle Choir was playing softly in the background, that all of the kids were fed, bathed, dressed for church and ready to walk out the door 20 minutes early, and that we were all smiling as we loaded into the car.

Like I said...I WISH! As it is, I am not the greatest wife in the world. We all ate cold cereal, there was no music playing in the background, Addisyn got a bath, her hair got thrown up into a bun minutes before walking out the door - she wore flip-flops because we didn't have time for the fight, I was still frantically grabbing things to stuff into my bag to teach my lesson, and Gavin was not happy that he could not take

his markers to draw with at church and proceeded to condemn us until he walked through the doors of the church.

Never-the-Less...I have an absolutely WONDERFUL, AMAZING Husband, who despite the fact that it was Father's Day and he should have been able to relax this morning, got up, helped feed kids and get them ready, and waited patiently as I ran around the house like a crazy woman trying to make sure everything and everyone was ready to head out the door to church on time...and we almost made it! Only 3 minutes late!

I LOVE this man. He is honestly my best friend. He is a great husband and father. He is fun, energetic, determined, trustworthy, a hard worker, and loves his family. He is a great example for our kids and for the young men he is in charge of.

I also LOVE my dad. He is an amazing grandpa, full of energy and love for his kids and grandkids. He is always willing to go outside and play a game of catch, push kids on the swings, take them for 4-wheeler rides, teach them how to plant a garden, and support them in all of their school and athletic activities. We have so much fun together and I am so grateful to have such wonderful men in my life.

Memorial Day

2010-06-20T20:11:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day for our family has always involved traveling to the Orem Cemetery on the Sunday before Memorial Day to honor Jason's relatives - Grandma Coe, Grandma and Grandpa Bobo, Cousin Lance etc.

Britton, Gavin and Addisyn really enjoy finding each marker and placing flowers on each relativ's grave while Jason tells fun memories he has of each relative. They also love running up and down the rows of military flags trying to see who will find their great grandpa's flags first.

On Monday, we travel to Morgan, Coalville and Wanship to honor my relatives. Grandma and Grandpa Durrant, Great Grandma's and grandpa's, great aunts, uncles etc. After visiting each cemetery we all gather at my great aunt Deon and Great uncle Gerald's house for a chicken BBQ complete with aunt Deon's famous marshmallow brownies.

It is a tradition we have all come to love and appreciate. It gives us time to reflect on the many memories we all have of our past relatives and how much of an influence they had on each of our lives.

Spring Dance Recital

2010-06-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

I tried! I REALLY did try to get a "normal" happy, smiling picture of Addi in her ADORABLE dance costume - Hair curled, make-up on etc. But what I want and think is cute, is completely another thing according to her. Pictures started out OK - she was adorable and happy as long as she was pulling faces then...Well, this is our version of "normal" when it comes to pictures and I think the pictures speak for themselves.

Even though she didn't like having pictures taken, Addisyn was beaming when she walked off of the stage after her performance. She danced to Pooh's Lullaby and was so cute and she performed the darling routine so well.

Cute in Curlers

2010-06-12T15:23:00.000-07:00

I absolutely LOVE the way little girls look when their hair is up in curlers!

For Addisyn's big end-of-the-year dance recital she had to have her hair pulled up in the front and curly in the back. I have only put her hair in curlers one other time and it didn't turn out so great. So, for dress rehearsal I thought I had better try curlers again to see if we could get better results.

Addi was so adorable checking herself out in the mirror, thinking she looked all grown up, and having a great time blowing her own hair dry. She is so into "I'm growing up mom" and "I'm big" that being able to put real make-up on, along with the curlers, made her day. She "pranced and "strutted" her stuff all around the house and made sure her daddy saw how beautiful she was.

Security Detail

2010-06-12T15:11:00.000-07:00

For me the last week of school seemed to fly by...but the boys thought it would never end. To make the last week of school fun for the kids, Britton's teacher had a different theme for each day where the students could dress according to the theme. One day was "crazy hair day", one was "sports day", and one day was "spy day. Britton is usually shy, reserved and very self conscious - and typically will NOT participate when the class or school has a day where they can dress different. So, it SHOCKED me when he actually planned each night what he was going to wear the next day to go along with his classroom theme. It was so fun to watch him come up with each part of his costume and plan it out detail by detail.

For "spy day" he borrowed Jason's sunglasses, put on his own suit coat with white shirt, and thought he was pretty inconspicuous and I just smiled the whole time knowing he was completely confident in what he was wearing.

That evening I caught him and Gavin out side sword fighting in their "spy gear". Jason was having scouts at our house and they were pretending to "spy" on the scouts as they came and be their body guards. I asked if they were spies with swords - which we all laughed about and then they decided they were security guards instead.

There is such a thing as TOO BIG!

2010-04-23T18:34:00.000-07:00

We have all heard the phrase, "Bigger is better" or "The Bigger the Better"...Right? Well, I am here to tell you that there is such a thing as TOO BIG! Now don't get me wrong, there is no such thing as too big when it comes to storage space , Dr. Pepper, Chocolate ice cream (especially with mint), strawberries, boxes of thin mint girl scout cookies, or Bangs in the 80's. But, when it comes to the size of the bottle your daughter's medicine comes in....REALLY?

Just look at the size of this thing! It is HUGE! So big in fact that when my mother-in-law saw it she laughed and said, "That looks like what we used to get from the vet for our horses". Yes, it is big. The bottle itself measures 8 1/2 inches tall and 12 inches around.

I know my daughter has to take a lot of medicine every day but it usually comes in 2 bottles not a jug. I am not sure who at the pharmacy thought this massive, glass bottle was a good idea or even user friendly but it did give me a serious look of confusion when I saw it and a good laugh. Maybe that was their intention - a good ol' pharmacy joke. None the less, it did put into perspective just how much medicine my sweet little girl takes everyday. (And that is only one of her medications....) Big sigh....

Now, onto the next item that can be too big. That would be the size of spoon you are given by your waiter at a restaurant.

Last weekend we went out to dinner with some friends and watched the 1st Jazz game in the Playoffs.

We had a great time munching on appetizers, dinner and then decided to get dessert. I wasn't paying much attention when the waiter brought our dessert and told us he had brought a whole bunch of spoons and set them on our table. Then, he said "Sorry, we are out of spoons so I brought you big ones." OK, I am thinking a soup spoon instead of the "normal sized" everyday spoon we all eat with. But, NO.....my friend picked up her spoon to start eating her dessert and said "He wasn't kidding when he said Big"!

It was a SERVING SPOON!!!!! You know, the kind you put in a salad or casserole! Seriously...What was HE THINKING!!!!

I tried to give you a little perspective but the picture does not do it justice. The bottom spoon is a "normal" sized spoon. The Top spoon is a serving spoon. Once again, a cruel joke or did they really not have someone who could wash dishes? Hmmmmm..... Either way, we all had a good laugh at each other as we tried to eat dessert with a GIGANTIC spoon.

So, the next time you say, or hear someone say, "There is no such thing as too big" or "The bigger the Better", you might want to think twice about it because you might just get stuck with something worse that a GIANT spoon to eat your dessert with.

Easter at Nana's

2010-04-21T19:48:00.000-07:00

I know I am behind on my blogging - infact, I am really behind. HOWEVER, I figure for my sake (and yours or course) LATE IS BETTER THAN NEVER!

This year we got to spend Easter Weekend in St. George with Nana and Papa, and some of Jason's fun family. We got to spend time with Carsyn, Kaytlyn, Dallin and Vikki which doesn't happen all that often. As usual, Nana, who is always planning fun activities for the kids, had fun Easter activities ready and planned for each day of the weekend.

Day 1: Dye eggs with the kids, play Easter Bingo with skittles, and make fun Easter Bunny or chick puppets.

Day 2: Easter Morning - Find Easter Baskets and Easter Eggs

Easter Afternoon

We had an Easter Egg Hunt outside for all of the kids. Each kid was assigned a certain color and could only find that color of egg - No fighting and whining that way.

Kaytlyn and Dallin teamed up to find their eggs which were hidden "Hard". One of their eggs was burried in the playground gravel, one up on top of Papa's shed roof, one shoved under a pile of rocks, and one was even put iside the tongue of a trailer. If you notice - There were no limits for hiding their eggs.

Gavin

Britton

Carsyn

Addisyn

Prizes

The eggs were filled with candy (of course), money, and prize papers. Nana had gotten each of the kids little prizes to go along with their egg hunt and had even wrapped their prizes in tissue paper that matched their plastic egg color. It was so fun to see the excitement on their faces as they counted their candy, and opened their prizes.

Easter Weekend was a great mix of watching conference, spending time with family, enjoying the sunny weather, dying easter eggs, egg hunts, and eating LOTS and LOTS of CHOCOLATE!

Easter Bunny!

2010-04-19T18:55:00.000-07:00

Jason's sister decided to give her little boy a bunny for Easter this year. Super fun and a great idea.
The only problem was, the bunny was not in St. George.
So, we got to take the bunny on a 4 hour drive in our car all the way to St. George.
My kids absolutely LOVED it.
They got to take turns holding the bunny most of the drive.

Despite the smell, which really wasn't THAT bad, we made it. Kyson was SO excited to see his bunny that he stayed up until 10:30 pm and they all played with "MOPSY" until after midnight.

Fine Art

2010-03-27T18:29:00.000-07:00

AHHHHHH!

I now have new artwork on my wall.

This morning Addisyn had two pieces of paper in her hand and asked me for the glue. I gave it to her and she asked if she could glue it to the counter. I obviously told her "no" to which she was not very happy. I explained that she could glue the paper to a magazine or another piece of paper. She didn't like that idea either BUT, when I left her she was happily putting glue all over the back of the paper and kept telling me "that's not enough". She seemed content and I forgot that she was playing with glue. I am not sure how much time went by before she came and found me -BEFORE - I got to the kitchen and asked "Mama, can you get me a paper towel so I can get it wet? Please mama, Please." I said yes, Why do you need to clean up a mess? and without batting an eye she said "Yes". We got into the kitchen and apparently she forgot about the paper towel an so did I until Britton and Gavin came in and saw the pictures on the wall. Not only did she glue the paper to the wall, she drew a picture on one of them with PERMANENT marker!
Does it ever end!?!

Style N Glitz

2010-03-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

My Sister-In-Law Gina has been working really hard to get her new business started. It is called

Style N Glitz
She just held a boutique today and asked if I would take some pictures of some of her products for people to look at and get an idea of how to wear them.
So, Check it out:

She makes super cute leg warmers for infants, toddlers and teens. They can be worn above the knee like tights or below the knee, and they look darling with boots, shoes or flip flops.

Leg Warmers

Arm Warmers

They are also super fun to wear as arm warmers. Instead of layering another shirt, you can put these up over your arms to coordinate with your outfit and create a whole new look.

Flowers

I thought this idea was really cute. She has what she calls "Three Little Pigs" which is a set of three flowers - 1 medium size and 2 small size flowers that can be worn three different ways.

1. Wear 1 flower alone on a headband or side ponytail

2. Wear 2 small flowers (One on each "fun bun" or pony tail)

3. Clip all 3 flowers to a headband and wear them together.

She also makes the larger flowers that can be worn in your hair or clipped to a hat, and more vintage looking flowers.

Addisyn ablsolutely LOVES the leg warmers/arm warmers and would rather wear those than have to put leggings on or a long sleeved shirt.

If you are interested let me know - they are a really fun way to change the look of an outfit.

CREEPY!!!!

2010-03-19T15:52:00.000-07:00

I have definitely seen some really strange things while driving down the road....I have even seen some people doing some really stupid/strange things while they are driving. BUT, the other day I was heading to Sandy to meet some friends at Jordan Commons for a Girls Night Out. As I was driving down Redwood road, I got behind a small, green car that appeared to have a passenger in the back seat. The only problem was, this "passenger" NEVER moved - I mean NEVER!!!!! Yup, stiff as a board. Hmmmmmm....upon closer examination...the lady had a manikin head - yes, JUST THE HEAD, mounted to the center of her back seat. Maybe you think she is a genious for figuring out a way to access the carpool lane as a single passenger vehicle - and MAYBE she is. But I think it was just CREEPY to be driving around with a fake, plastic, balding head mounted to the back seat of her car. My only regret...that I was too preoccupied trying to figure out why there was a manikin mounted to her seat to pull out my phone and take a picture of it.

Moments

2010-03-19T15:35:00.000-07:00

This is one of my all-time FAVORITE Pictures.

I have always loved pictures taken of just the grandparents and grandchildren but I had never thought of taking a picture with my aunt and her great nieces and nephews.

It was definitely a challenge - mad kids, crying kids, uncooperative kids, but in the end all we needed was one good picture.

Mia (my niece), Britton, Trevon (my nephew), Gavin, Earlene (my Aunt), and Addisyn

Quick, Messy, Fun...

2010-03-16T15:05:00.000-07:00

If you need something for your kids to do without adult supervision...
THIS IS NOT THE THING TO DO!

However, if you are looking for something that is fun, easy and different and don't mind a little mess..... but them a Tie Dye Kit.

My sister was kind enough to give my kids one for Christmas - Knowing they would LOVE IT!!!!
So, I thought I would let her enjoy the fun to and waited until she and her kids could have FUN with it too.

THE MESS

As expected - the Kids loved it and thought it was the funnest thing they had ever done. Each one of them had their own t-shirt and to our surprise, it was a lot of fun even with the mess.

THE FINISHED PRODUCT

SNOW!!!!

2010-03-16T14:53:00.000-07:00

I LOVE the snow!

I love the way it looks when it is floating, in big flakes,
down to the ground.

I Love how the trees and bushes are tansformed when they are covered in snow.

I Love how there seems to be a calmness in the air as it snows.

I Love how it transforms the yucky, dead grass, trees and bushes into something that feels magical.

I LOVE trying to catch snowflakes on my tongue.

AND....

I LOVE playing in the snow.....

I LOVE pulling my kids in a sled behind the 4-wheeler in my parents back yard.

I LOVE the sheer JOY on their faces as they fly over bumps, tip and turn around obstacles, and see how long they can hold on to the back of sled while they drag behind it.

I LOVE building a snowman and seeing the AWE and EXCITEMENT my kids have once it is finished.

and.....

I LOVE that no matter how old we get, we can be silly, eat snow, go tubing/sledding while screaming and laughing out loud the whole time, make snow angels, have snowball fights like we did when we were kids an NO ONE says a word or looks at you like you are crazy!

Family Photo

2010-03-13T13:39:00.000-08:00

Just before Christmas last year (2009) my aunt asked if I could take a picture of her with her siblings. Of course I said yes, I would do anything for these 3 amazing people - one of them being my mom . Not just because they are related, but they are like having a second and third set of parents.

I have been fortunate enough to grow up with an aunt and an uncle who consider me and my siblings as there own children and I have always known I could count on them to be there for us if we needed them.

Earlene, Scott and JoAnn (my mom)

It was so much fun "trying" to take pictures of these three. They were almost as cooperative as my own kids. While trying to take pictures, they kep pulling goofy faces, laughing, and messing around. In fact, I was laughing so hard at them that I was having a hard time taking the pictures.

It was nice to see my mom and her siblings enjoy their time together, step back from their everyday responsibilities and just relax and have fun.

Tutu's and Tap Shoes

2010-03-10T16:19:00.000-08:00

Addi had her first dance program in December. She was so excited to show us the cute little routine they had been learning in class as well as her leaps, plie's, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd position, etc.

It was the cutest thing to see her excitement, her little shy smile, and her beaming smile when she completed each part of the program and noticed her mom, dad, brothers and grandma and grandpa watching and cheering her on.

Addi did an amazing job on her first performance
and
she LOVES dancing!!!

Welcome To....

2010-03-10T15:50:00.000-08:00

SUNNY ST. GEORGE?????

I obviously have not looked at my blog for a LONG time...not that I don't think about it ALL of the time - I just haven't done much with it. I had a little free time today and thought I would make an attempt at bringing my blog a little more up-to-date. To my suprise...I found this St. George post in my Drafts. Yes, I had COMPLETELY forgotten I had even started it.

For my birthday, back in December, Jason decided to suprise me with a trip to one of our favorite places, St. George. He had planned everything. Condo arrangements, food, activities, etc. He had everyday planned around the things I LOVE - sleeping, shopping, mountain biking, hiking and time in the sun (or at least the hope of a little warmer weather away from the snow).

Much to his disappointment, the weather in St. George was not only COLD, it was - FREEZING!!!

Most of his plans had to be changed due to the weather.
We still went shopping (he's such a good sport), he still let me sleep in every day, and we still went hiking - In the snow.

However, instead of mountain biking and time in the sun he took me caving. I have only been caving once in the Nutty Putty caves, which are now closed due to someone getting trapped and dieing (no biggie right - NOT) so it was a little creepy at first - I don't love the dark or the unkown and putting the two together is twice as bad. But Jason is super patient and enthusiastic - I would even say crazy at times. He appears to have no fear climbing and exploring while I held back and let him check things out first.

Even with the bad weather we had a great time. It was a much needed break from the caziness of life, kids, being a mom, schedules, cleaning, cooking etc.
Jason is so great and knew exactly what I needed for my birthday!

Night out with the Boys

2010-01-11T21:59:00.000-08:00

The boys have been dying to go to a Jazz Game so when Jason called and said one of his clients had given him tickets we were all excited. Britton and Gavin were so hyper and giddy that they could hardly wait to get inside the arena. We were so close to the floor you could hear Carlos Boozer yell every time he shot the ball.

We all had such a great time and it was a much needed night out with just the boys.

Addi and Mayci at it AGAIN!

2010-01-11T21:31:00.000-08:00

Did somebody say PARTY!!!!
Apparently I didn't get the memo.

I finally had a day to clean the cushions for my deck furniture before I put them away for the winter. Addi and Mayci wanted to play and I figured it was no big deal - they play really well together and entertain each other. They are always busy and today was no exception. I had told them that I would be downstairs cleaning cushions so they needed to entertain themselves and not keep asking me for things.

They had been upstairs playing for a LONG time and then they started coming downstairs. Each time they came down they went to the toys and took loads upstairs. When I asked what they were doing they said "We're having a party!" At that point I was so close to having all of the cushions cleaned that I didn't even want to know what they were really doing until I had finished. By the time I went upstairs to to see their "PARTY", they had covered the family room floor, the hallway, and the front room floor with everything from blankets, to decorations, balloons, toys.....YOU NAME IT - THEY HAD IT! Party dresses, princess music and all.

You just never now what these two girls are going to do when they get together - or by themselves for that matter.

Creative Genius'

2010-01-11T20:22:00.000-08:00

ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!

Ok, so these pictures were taken back in October but when I came across them today I thought...Hmmmm.
I know my kids are creative and constantly coming up with new ways to do things but skateboarding down the rock wall....

Before I got the camera out they actually had another board that started at the top of the rock stairs and overlapped the bottom board. By the time I had my camera, and after several attempts, they decided that it wasn't such a great idea and ditched the top board. - THANKFULLY! - They were having SO much fun that all I could say was "if you are going to do that, AT LEAST go put your helmets on." - Obviously they chose to ignore that motherly advice.

While the boys were "skateboarding", Addi found one of her favorite spots and made herself at home in a pile of dirt. So much for keeping a cute little girl clean. And as usual, she "posed" for pictures.

SO Much to Catch up on!

2009-12-29T20:52:00.000-08:00

Addi's First Haircut

Addi was SO EXCITED to get her hair cut. She had gone with me when I took the boys to get their hair cut and decided she wanted her hair cut too. She wants to be just like her brothers and thinks whatever they do she needs to do (or at least should get to do).

I kept asking Addi how she wanted her hair cut and she would grab all of it into a pony tail and say "like this". I think she was ready to cut it ALL off!

Luckily I had the last say...and we just trimmed it up so it was all even.

Addi was so adorable and LOVED her "new"haircut.

A Fall Tradition

2009-11-11T21:31:00.000-08:00

I am definitely a SUMMER girl. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the heat and would rather be by the water playing in the HOT sun than anything else. HOWEVER, I also love this time of year when the weather isn't hot but isn't quite cold enough for a coat. I LOVE that each year I can look forward to a day of acting like a kid again, playing and jumping in the leaves with my kids.

My parents have a HUGE maple tree in their yard and each year it drops thousands of leaves. The pile of leaves usually starts out bigger than the kids and is an endless playground for burrowing, jumping, and disappearing.

This year Britton and Gavin played "Hide-and-Seek" with Addi. They each took turns being burried in the pile of leaves and then had Addi try to find them by digging through the pile until they were found.

I LOVE that my parents join in the fun. My mom waits, almost in anticipation, for the kids to come up and play. She and my dad are great sports and rake the leaves into a pile time after time so we can all play to our hearts content.

********

Some of my FAVORITE Pictures

I LOVE these pictures of my parents and my kids. My heart smiles everytime I look at them. They truely show how much fun my kids have with their grandma and grandpa and how much they are all loved. My only regret is that Gavin isn't in them. He had to stay home the day these were taken and came up the next day to have fun in the leaves.

My kids and I truely are lucky to live so close to my parents.

It SNOWED!!!

2009-11-11T12:10:00.000-08:00

My kids have been looking forward to the snow for sometime now so when it snowed a couple of weeks ago they couldn't contain themselves.

Addi made one snow angel after another, and rolled and played in the snow until she was too wet and cold to move. She FINALLY came in "needing" hot chocolate and telling me how "yummy" the snow tasted.

Britton and Gavin immediately hit the slopes with their sleds, sandboard, and snowboards. It wasn't a GREAT hill unless it had at least one JUMP on it that allowed you to "catch air".

I smiled all day thinking about how much fun they were having. BUT, I am NOT ready for snow!!!

Halloween Traditions

2009-11-08T20:18:00.000-08:00

Cookies at Grandma's

Carving Pumpkins

Halloween Treat

Fun Halloween Dinner

School Halloween Program

Contacts

2009-11-05T15:11:00.000-08:00

I realized on the previous picture of Cindy and Greg that you couldn't see Cindy's AMAZING green eyes. Hopefully now you can see them. Very Cool!

Party at the Pump House

2009-11-04T20:09:00.000-08:00

Every year my sister-in-Law hosts a Halloween party at the "Pump House". Cindy LOVES Halloween and always goes all out when it comes to decorating and making it fun for the kids. This year was no exception. She had once again spent at least a month decorating the entrance to the pump house, created a haunted maze in the reeds by the lake, and set a pirate ship in the water on the lake near the boat dock. Her decorations are AMAZING!!! - Next year I am going to try to remember to take pictures.

Kim, Jason, and Ryker came as "Pigs in a Blanket". Gina, Cory, Mason and McQuade were a Princess/Queen, Knight, Dragon and Court Jester. Lindsay and B.J. - Olive Oyle and Popeye, and Cindy and Greg were Wizards/Sorcerers. Take a look at Cindy's AMAZING green "cat-eye" contacts. CREEPY!

Jason and I were supposed to be the Prom King and Prom Queen. After spending so much time on Gavin's costume, ours got left until the last minute.

Gavin, Jayden, Britton and Tegan are cousins and best friends. They ran all night long back and forth from one room to the next and found new freedom this year at the Halloween party. They were "FINALLY", as they put it, old enough to run outside to the maze and the pirate ship WITHOUT a dad tagging along.

Addi and Mayci are always our little princesses. Addi was Cinderella and Mayci was Belle. We couldn't get pictures of them together at the party so we settled for Halloween night.

Addi was so cute getting ready for Cindy's party. She kept telling me she wasn't going to get scared this time at Cindy's party. As soon as we got to Cindy's, Addi saw Jason's cousin Jake who always dresses really creepy. This year he was a very scary clown and as soon as Addi saw him she grabbed me and said "I don't like him". Then, as we were walking through the pump house she started covering her eyes and trying to get out. When I said "I thought you weren't going to get scared this time" she said "I'M NOT, I AM JUST FREAKING OUT".

The party was once again a success, complete with several creative, amazing costumes.

Trick-Or-Treat!

2009-11-03T20:17:00.000-08:00

Halloween 2009

Halloween couldn't have been over soon enough for me this year. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Halloween, but once again I was FRANTICALLY trying to MAKE another costume. I thought I was going to have it easy this year.

CINDERELLA

Addi decided to be Cinderella and she NEVER changed her mind. She was so excited when the cute neighbor girls brought over "her dress". She came running into my room all excited telling me "mom, my dress came!" After that, everyone that came to our house got to see her Cinderella dress. We even made her a cute necklace out of ribbon to match Cinderella's. The only thing she wanted that she didn't get was blue Cinderella hair. She has a Cinderella Barbie with a streak of blue hair and she decided the night before that I should spray her hair blue like Cinderella.

GRIM REAPER

After Britton's werewolf costume last year I was ECSTATIC when he said he wanted to be the grim reaper this year. I already had the make-up and the robe, I just had to make the robe a little shorter. The only thing I had to find for him was his scythe which only required a quick trip to Party Land.

LEPRECHAUN

Gavin, on the other hand, made Halloween very challenging this year. In March we walked into Target and he saw the stuff out for St. Patrick's Day. He got all excited and said he was going to be a Leprechaun for Halloween. So, I bought a hat and a bow tie thinking this will be great! What an easy costume right? WRONG!!! Have you ever tried to find stuff for a Leprechaun in October!?!?!

I made a trip to DI and got lucky. I found a very small pair of boys dress pants that were a dark, sage green. I found a green crochet vest in the women's department and another small cream colored vest in the boys department. I thought I could dye the small vest green. - DIDN'T WORK - the dark green R.I.T dye turned it khaki brown. SO, I got to sew once again and make his vest smaller, remover the buttons and sew on new gold ones, cut off the pants and sew elastic in the bottom of them, sew elastic to his hat to make it smaller, and try to make a beard. After looking at fabric stores I ended up at the Dollar Store and found an orange fuzzy purse that I cut off and sewed elastic to. To finish it all of he wore white tights - because I could NOT find any green and white ones, and we sprayed his hair orange with orange hair spray. He was a little upset in this picture because we ran out of hair spray Halloween night. He had already been in his costume 3 other times for a school program, a school parade/party, and his aunt Cindy's Halloween party.

Needless to say, I made several trips to several stores and was completely ready for Halloween to be over.

Britton , Gavin, and Addi were lucky this year. They got to trick-or-treat with two sets of cousins. First Kim showed up with Ryker and Haylee and the five of them took off around the neighborhood and then around 6:30 Jayden, Tegan and Mayci came over to trick-or-treat the rest of the night. Once the kids were done trick-or-treating, we headed over to Kim's to hang out and enjoy the rest of Halloween.

Flag Football

2009-10-23T09:39:00.000-07:00

Gavin has been wanting to play football for the last 2-3 years and I have been extremely reluctant to let him play.
This year we decided to let him play Flag Football and OF COURSE he LOVED IT!!!

He Loved every minute of it. If he wasn't in the game he was off on the sidelines playing catch, practicing kicking, or tackling one of his team mates. Gavin is super fast, has a great arm, and can really kick the ball - in fact, he was one of the only kids on the team that could throw, catch and kick the football.

Gavin is an amazing little athlete. On this play he blocked, dodged, and outran the other team then ran the ball in for a touchdown. He is so fun to watch -always full of enthusiasm and energy. He can't sit still and he ALWAYS has football, soccer ball, baseball, or bouncy ball in his hands.

I have a feeling I am going to be watching a lot more football in the years to come.

Grandparents are the GREATEST!

2009-10-20T12:54:00.000-07:00

Last week my mom and dad took the kids to Santaquin to the "Red Barn" for a little FALL FUN.
Nothing fancy, just a ride on a wagon pulled behind a tractor -
Destination: PUMPKIN PATCH!

Britton and Gavin immediately started searching for the BIGGEST pumpkins they could find, while Addie searched and searched for "just a little one. It was so fun to listen to them as they described what each pumpkin looked like or what it could become once it was carved or painted. They even found one that could be come a rat once it was painted and laying on its side.

Of course the day wouldn't be complete without ICE CREAM!
Blue mint, Vanilla, chocolate, Key lime pie, and Praline Pecan. Mmmmmm....Yummy!
Thanks Mom and Dad. It was a great way to spend the day with the kids.

Grandparents really are the GREATEST!

Just for you Sis.

2009-09-25T18:17:00.000-07:00

I know it is a little early for Halloween pictures but my One and ONLY sister keeps reminding me that Halloween is coming and that she still hasn't seen my kids Halloween pictures from last year.

Every time I look at these pictures I just smile and hope that this year won't be so hectic.
I am reminded of what a challenge it was to find a cape for Gavin. It shouldn't have been so difficult but we could NOT find a kids cape anywhere and finally found a short adult cape which luckily worked just fine. Plus, I borrowed a red vest that had to be tailored to fit.

Then there was Britton who wanted to be a Werewolf - BUT - he didn't want the werewolf costumes in the store that had masks and "just made you look like a wolf." So, after looking at every possible Halloween/Costume store, I ended buying fake fur, ripping a pair of old jeans and a flannel shirt, and SEWING, his costume together. Then, we had to put brown make-up on his face and glue, yes GLUE fur to his face.

I am actually really proud of myself, because I am not a seemstress. What should take no time at all or looks like it should be really easy takes me FOREVER!

Regardless, their costumes were super cute and they LOVED them.

The other reason I can't quit smiling when I look at these pictures is that little Addi was
TERRIFIED
of her brothers. It took a long time to convince her that they were not going to hurt her and that they were "nice monsters". In fact, it took a lot of convincing for her to believe that the "monsters" were actually Britton and Gavin.

On your Mark, Get set, ...

2009-09-25T17:17:00.000-07:00

Go!!!!!!

The Pinewood derby seemed to sneak up on us this year. In fact, I looked at the calendar and was shocked , actually panicked a little, when I noticed that the pinewood derby was in just 1 Week! Normally Jason and Britton work on Britton's car for weeks trying to get the design AND paint just right. However, when I, in a panic, told Jason he only had 1 week until pack meeting, he calmly said, "Hmmm, you are probably right."

I, of course, wasn't so calm and really had to work hard to keep my mouth shut. HOW in the world were they going to get a car done in less than 1 Week?

Despite all of my innner turmoil, Britton and Jason came up with an AMAZINGLY, Fun and Unique car.

YES, it is a pencil and the lead really does write.
The cub scouts got to name their cars.

The No. 2 Pencil became...

"Do Your Homework"

Jason and Britton had so much fun working on this car together. It was fun to see them both get excited about the design and find ways to make it into a real pencil.

Way to go Britton!!!

FRUSTRATED!!!!

2009-09-15T15:21:00.000-07:00

What is going on with the formatting on my blog posts? It is driving me crazy because when I type the posts the formatting is very different than when I actually post it. I am super frustrated because Addisyn's birthday layout is all squished together without spacing. However, when I was typing it, there were a lot of spaces between paragraphs and pictures. AHHHHH!!!! Obviously I am still an amature blogger and it still takes me forever to get a post done so it is even more frustrating when it doesn't look right.

Happy Birthday Addisyn!

2009-09-15T13:11:00.000-07:00

Addisyn turned 3 last Friday, September 11. Her Favorite book right now is "Alice The Fairy" by David Shannon so it was really fun to celerate with all of her friends by having a Fairy Party.

I was lucky enough to find matching fiary wings and fairy skirts so each little girl was "transformed" into a fairy when she arrived.

After their wands were decorated, we played "fairy freeze dance"

while they danced to the "Tinkerbell" soundtrack.

They were all SO cute and had so much fun dancing and pretending to be real fairies.

Did somebody say FAIRY DUST?

Hopefully the sugar rush wore off before bedtime.

***

The Cake

After the party the race was on to get Addi's birthday cake done. I had invited Addi's grandparents and great aunts over for dinner and cake and ice cream but it all had to be ready in time for people to eat, Britton to get to soccer practice, and for my parents to get to the airport.

Thanks to Gina - my amazingly talented Sister-In-Law - helping me all afternoon, I was able to decorate this fun Tinkerbell cake.

***

Family

Addi and Mason had so much fun playing all day.

They couldn't stop giggling and laughing and thought everything was Hillarious.

All throughout the day on Wednesday, Addi kept whispering to me "I want princess music".

It was so cute to see the expression on her face when she opened her Disney princess CD.

Addi was spoiled with Barbies, music, movies, money and dress-ups. I think Gavin had as much fun with the dress-ups as Addi. He was being so silly and dancing all over the living room. He is such a good big brother and so willing to entertain and cater to Addi.

Happy Birthday Monkey!

Happy Birthday!...One Month Late.

2009-09-12T15:36:00.000-07:00

Gavin's Birthday was August 13th, and it always seems that something, some event, falls on the same day as his birthday. This year Britton ended up having a soccer tournament the day of Gavin's birthday with a game at 4:30 pm. and a game at 7:30 pm. Normally the kids get to pick their favorite dinner and have cake and ice cream with cousins and friends but that just didn't work this year. SO...Gavin decided he wanted to celebrate his birthday this year by going out to breakfast. He originally chose IHOP, then changed his mind and wanted to go to McDonalds....THEN, for some reason....(not sure how that happened..HA! HA!) He decided IHOP would be a better choice.

Breakfast was great! It was fun to spend some time with grandma and grandpa and open a few presents at the same time.

Our original plan was to give Gavin a couple presents at breakfast, one around lunch time, and then a couple of presents at dinner. We thought this would give him something to look forward to all day and not fee like we had forgotten him after breakfast...BUT...He couldn't wait. He opened all of them as soon as we got home from IHOP.

We got home so late from Britton's tournament that cake and ice cream had to wait. In fact, Gavin's birthday was Thursday, Jason went camping with the scouts Friday - Saturday, so cake, candles and ice cream all happened Saturday night.

Gavin is a little dare-devil. He LOVES extreme sports and is constantly building bigger, better, higher jumps for his bike and 4-wheeler. I was really excited when I saw a picture of a skateboard cake - it just fit Gavin'g personality perfectly. The only problem was, his cake was not supposed to be a yellow and pink skateboard, it was supposed to be yellow and RED. So much for liquid food coloring...it just kept getting pinker and pinker.

Even with all of the confusion and chaos on Gavin's birthday, we had a great time.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY G.G.

Back to School?

2009-09-01T21:05:00.000-07:00

How is it that school has started already?

Where did the summer go?

It seems to me like summer was just getting started when it abruptly ended.
OR...
maybe I was just really slow getting into the groove of summer.

Either way, it makes my heart a little sad knowing that summer has once again come and gone, my kids are off on their own for 6+ hours a day, and fall is just around the corner.

Britton started the 4th grade this year....

He loves Spanish Immersion.

He is an awesome soccer player.

He is currently into collecting Bakugan and spends every dime he earns on them.

His favorite computer game is Wizard 101.

He is smart, silly, sensitive, dependable, a great friend, and I can't get enough of his cute smile and contagious laugh.

Gavin started the 2nd grade this year....

He is excited to learn Spanish in the Spanish Immersion program.

He loves all sports and is starting flag football.

He would rather be outside on his 4-Wheeler or bike jumping dirt hills than anything else.

His bright eyes and silly faces make me smile and when he starts to giggle I can't help but start laughing with him.

He is sweet, sensitive, silly, daring, determined and defiant all crammed into one.

Addi THOUGHT she was going to school with the boys this year....

She got up early.

Dressed in her new school outfit.

Grabbed her backpack.

Posed for "1st day of school pictures".

and then proudly said "Bye, Bye. I see you later mommy".

She excitedly jumped in the car with Jason and the boys and headed off for school. She patiently walked through the school halls next to Jason and walked to boys to their classrooms and then asked "Where is my class Daddy?"

She is so eager to grow up and be a big kid like her brothers.

Her enthusiasm and innocence bring a smile to my face.

My Little Ballerina!

2009-09-01T14:31:00.000-07:00

Addi started her "dancing class" this week.

She excitedly chose, and adamantly insisted on wearing her new "pink dancing suit", her "pink dancing dress" , and her "shiny black dancing shoes".

However,

Ballet was first so we took her to "dancing class" dressed in her tiny, pink ballet slippers with tap shoes and bag in hand.

When we got to the dance studio she quickly followed her teacher, found her spot on the floor, and didn't stop smiling the entire hour.

This little girl breaks my heart.

She is sweet, sassy, silly, independent and determined

and definitely knows exactly what she wants.

(And she usually gets it)

I Love her with all of my heart.

The Sweetest Things...

2009-08-14T19:31:00.000-07:00

Addisyn is afraid of thunder. The noise is too much and she hates it. To help with this a little bit we have been telling her that they are bowling up in heaven and that all of the noise is the bowling ball knocking over the bowling pins. Of course she just giggles and says "that is silly" and isn't too convinced that there really is a bowling game going on.

Tonight as I was leaving my sister-in-law's house and putting Addi in the car it was raining and there was thunder. My conversation with Addi went something like this:

Addi: Mommy they are bowling again.

Me: It is really loud, they must be having a really good time up there.

Addi: I want to go up there.

Me: Up where?

Addi: Up there to help them bowling.

Me: I think that would be fun but I don't think we can get up there yet.

Addi: We need to get "suction cups" to help climb up there. We need to buy some suction cups on our shoes so we can climb up that mountain to help them.

Me: Suctions cups are a great idea. Who are you going to help?

Addi: I need to get suction cups so I can help my friend Jesus, and my friend the boy and my friend the girl do bowling.

I really wish I had a little tape recorder running 24/7 so I could remember all of the cute, funny little things she says. She is so sweet and she has the greatest imagination.

Forgotten....

2009-08-12T22:15:00.000-07:00

I decided to use my SLR camera yesterday to take pictures of Addi while she was playing outside. Apparently, I haven't used it for a long time. So long, in fact, that the battery was dead because my camera had been on (in the bag) the entire time and I had forgotten what pictures I had even taken with it. BRILLIANT! Needless to say I was a little bugged, but when pulled out the card and plugged it into my computer I instantly began to grin and giggle.

I had completely forgotten about these pictures and they all just make me smile!

Pedicures...

Addi and Maycie were so proud of their "beautiful" toes. They were both giggling and grinning as they showed me what they had done with the sidewalk chalk.

Addisyn's Bike

I LOVE Addi's expressions.

She just wanted to ride her bike and it was too much to have me taking pictures of her.

Day Trip...

2009-07-29T18:55:00.000-07:00

Before school got out my friends and I had a pretty good system...every Wednesday we got together for lunch, either at someone's house or to one of our favorite hot spots (Cafe Rio, Zupas, Kneaders, Rumbi...the list goes on and on). That worked so well that we thought once school was out we would plan a little outing every Wednesday with the kids. That hasn't happened so much...in fact, not at all until today. We took the kids to the Kennecott Copper Mine. I hadn't been there since I was a kid and the only thing I could remember was the giant tire outside the visitor center, and I mean giant. Each tire weighs over 10,000 lbs. and is 12 feet 6 inches tall.

We all had a great time watching the trucks drive through the mine, looking at all of the artifacts they had outside and learning about all of the ways copper is used and mined. Not only was it fun but Britton earned a tour patch for cub scouts by answering two sheets worth of questions about the mine, copper and other minerals. Way to go Britton!

After the mine tour we stopped in Herriman at a little splash park; had lunch, played on the playground and cooled off in the water.

4th of July!!!

2009-07-28T15:54:00.001-07:00

I realize I should have posted the 4th of July sooner....like before the 24th of July. But, I figure late is better than never.

For the past few years our 4th of July plans have always been the same and I have Loved it. We have always spent it with family and friends, enjoying the neighborhood party, a BBQ at our house, and an amazing fireworks display ( put on by Jason, Darren and the boys) in front of our house in our little cul-de-sac. This year however, was a little different. My parents, who always spend the 4th of July with us, were out of town, our friends had family in town and were spending it with them, we somehow didn't get or misplaced our invite to the big neighborhood party, and Darren had been at Lake Powell all week, so we didn't have plans....which was a little weird. We thought about going down to the condo in St. George but the kids quickly changed our minds when they reminded us that they always spend the 4th with Jayden and Tegan and wanted to stay and play with friends for the 4th.

Not having plans ended up being just fine. We were invited by friends to go to the parade in Provo, which we did and had amazing seats. Thanks Beau and Leslie (or should I thank their cousins) for camping out on Freedom Blvd. and saving us a spot on the front row. The kids Loved it. We stopped at Krispie Kreme for hot donuts and took a cooler full of juice, chocolate milk, milk and water. The highlights for Addi were the big balloon floats and the Cougar cheerleaders giving her a "High 5". Gavin thought catching a T-shirt and the candy was the greatest ever.....even though the T-shirt is too big for his dad, and Britton had fun with it all...especially giving "high 5's" to the National Guard/Army guys.

After the parade we hooked up with Darren, Sheryl and kids to go boating. Normally this would have been the greatest part of the day, but Jason ended up "face-planting" while wake-boarding and ended up with a concussion. While Jason tried to remember what day it was and why his teeth hurt so bad, the kids rode the tube until Darren got tired of driving in circles.

Instead of BBQ-ing at our house, we ended up at Cindy's. Which was a good thing for me....I had plenty of help from Jason's siblings. By this time Jason needed a little "babysitting" and I needed help while I cooked dinner, fed kids, and ran home for Addi's medicine. Needless to say, I do not have as many pictures of fireworks or festivities this year.

July 24th - "Pioneer Day"

2009-07-28T14:38:00.000-07:00

For the 24th of July we decided to hike to Stuart Falls with Friends. The kids had a great time and it was a fun, easy hike....as long as you were able to stay away from all of the stinging nettle lining both sides of the trail.

The waterfalls were amazing! and great way to cool off after a long hike. I had forgotten how big they really were. Gavin, Jordyn, and Ashtyn were all brave enough to "shower" in the waterfall....Britton however, decided that a mist of the cold water was plenty for him.

Addi is not one for getting splashed or sprayed by cold water. She decided to stay and play next to the river instead. When I told her to look at me because I wanted to take a cute picture of her, This is what I got. She makes me laugh!!!!

On the way back, the kids climbed a water tower, posed for pictures, and Addi took a little nap. I think she has hiking figured out.

Food..Family...Fun!!! It wouldn't be the 24th of July without a BBQ at mom's house and fireworks. After a long day hiking it was good to just relax and hang out while the kids (and adults) played.

FINALLY Blogging...

2009-07-28T14:29:00.000-07:00

So I have only been wanting to start a blog..and talking about it for a couple of years now. Not bad right...not unless you consider that fact that I had my sister-in-law help me set it up over a month ago and I am still trying to figure it out. That should help explain the name of my blog...Just COE! already. I am realizing I just need to get it done whether it takes mo forever or not.

I am hoping this will help me keep track of all of the things I actually do so I can not only show the kids when they are saying they are bored and never do anything, but to also help ME realize that we do a lot of things even when I don't feel like we have.