Monday, July 28, 2008

He is Smart and Creative!

But sorry girls he is only 5 years old.

There are times that my little dude has come up with some of the most creative ideas. Like the Snow Shack. And the time that he wanted to go to Home Depot because he needed stuff for a project. He wanted to build a red house as apposed to the green house that Daddy was building in the back yard. Just the other day he wanted to sell PB&J's to the neighborhood for $1.50. He even convinced the neighbor to take him to the grocery store to help him buy some hand cuffs so he and his friend could plays cops and robbers. Every day there is something.

Sometimes I just HAVE to follow along. We took him to Home Depot and helped him get what he needed to for his project. We let him do all the planning for the snow shack and look where it got him. Tomorrow we will be following along with another of his little plans. Dinosaur Hunting.

Today I could tell that he was up to something. He had been looking through dinosaur books and marking some pages with sticky notes. He had been gathering items from around the house and packing them in his backpack. He even made a paper clip compass for every member in the family. When I asked what was going on he told me that he was taking the family on a dinosaur hunt tomorrow. Daddy and I had a little talk about it and we are totally intrigued. We are going to take him up Butterfield Canyon and see what it is all about. It is daddy's day off, so this should be fun!

Don't worry, I am going to take my camera.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

NKOTB FOREVER!

All those that are tired of my complaining raise your hand. Yea me too.

I have a few new readers (Hi guys!) so I just have to get that last post off of the top.

Does anyone remember their first concert? I totally do. Before I reminisce, let me set up the scene for you. (I can just hear my brother laughing at me now.)

Who remembers Tiger Beat? You know the magazine for teens with pages and pages of pictures of cute teen stars and music artists? Well my sister and I had this thing. While I was getting pictures of Will Wheaton and tacking them nicely to my walls, my sweat sister next door (sorry Sis, but I am about to expose you to the world wide web, but I still love you!) would wall paper her walls and even onto her ceiling with Danny, Donnie, Joe, John and Jordan. It really didn't stop at the walls though. She had New Kids on the Block everything. Somewhat similar to my niece's obsession with everything Hannah Montana.

Probably worse though.

Ok totally worse.

It was catchy though. Soon my walls were being covered with Will AND Jordan and some of the rest of the group, but mostly just those two. I remember learning to do the dances and singing Hangin' Tough everywhere.

Then guess what? My parents got tickets to go to the concert! My sister and her friends, my dad and myself headed down to Provo for the big night. I still remember my New Kids tee shirt, my way crazy short hair and my stylish head gear complete with a neon orange band that went around my neck. (Can you all picture the awkwardness?) This my friends was my very first concert!

For years I have been ashamed to admit that I was ever a fan. Even up to a few weeks ago. THEN I heard their new song. I am no longer ashamed to admit it! This new song of theirs TOTALLY ROCKS! I love it! Go ahead! Listen! Then you can judge me and my awkwardness!

I am happy to announce though, since that day I have collected a shoe box FULL off concert tickets for bands that are WAY cooler than New Kids on the Block. Just one of the perks for working for a radio station all during high school. Does that help with points on he coolness scale?

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Times are a changin'

Happy Day's of 47! Ever since I was a kid this was one of my favorite times of year! I love having BBQ's, watching parades, lighting fireworks, playing in the water.....the list of awesome activities can go on. I still have to train myself though to remember that Utah is the only state that celebrates the Day's of 47. It's too bad really, they are missing out.

While I do look forward to this every year my heart just isn't in it this year. I woke up this morning feeling a little sad at the fact that I haven't put more effort into celebrating this year. It could just be because I have to spend most of the day working. The hubby has to work all day too.

This time of the year causes me to reflect on the past. Thinking of the pioneers trekking across the country to settle themselves in a place where they were promised more freedom is very overwhelming to me today. They had it really hard with the trials that they were faced with and all the family members that they lost and all the stuff they had to leave behind. But I sit here today and think, yes, they had it hard, but they have one thing going for them, Incredible Faith! No matter how hard life got for them they knew their new life was going to be better for them. They had such strong faith that they had NO doubt that all that was given to them, trials or otherwise, was given to them by the Lord to help them become strong and more faithful. Life, as you all know, here at our house has been really hard lately too. I am trying to have that faith. I am trying really, really hard. But I keep getting stuck.

The pioneers where working towards Zion where they could build a new life, literally. Here I sit in an economy that is pretty unstable. I, literally can not get up and build a new life somewhere to get away from that. I am stuck with the rising gas prices, food prices (and everything else for that matter) no matter where I go. I am stuck with the cost of living going up and it becoming increasingly hard to get a stable job where my family can be happy.

A month and a half ago my hubby lost his job. This is something that I have really struggled with. (I think that you have all seen that) Not only because we were totally not prepared, or because of the crappy economy. No, it's mostly because I have seen the effect on my hubby, myself, and my kids. He has found a job that could work. It stinks. It isn't what he wants to be doing and they are working him to the bone, and as strange as it may sound they are working him to the very core of who he is. If that even makes sense. His new job is effected 100% on this falling economy and it isn't stable to me. He isn't happy. We are not sure what to do next.

Why do I share this now? Well, because I woke up this morning thinking of the faith of my ancestors and how all of us here in the great state of Utah have benefited for their trials and most importantly their faith. I look at my life and even though I want to pack up and start somewhere new sometimes, I think that there is going to be a time (I hope) that someone will benefit from our trials. I honestly hope that it is me. I hope that I can look back on this time in my life and see that I didn't give up, I kept trekking through it all. I may not really be able to pack up my house and family start over new, but I am still working on a new life. Where the gospel is more important, where financial strain will hopefully be less, where my hubby is happy at what he chooses to do, where my kids are well rounded and great people, where I stress less and enjoy life more.

I my still be struggling some days. Those are the days that my eyes are wet from tears the majority of the day, but here is where I want to change. The pioneers had great faith! I too can have that. So once the tears start to flow, instead of spending the day stressing about it, I want to be on me knees the majority of the day praying for strength. Praying for patience, opportunities to serve, for understanding, for help, for peace. All the while giving thanks to the MANY ways we have been blessed. Whatever it takes to build the new life that we are being guided to do. If my ancestors can do it, I know I can too!

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Who me?

I never get tagged to do anything. So when Sam of The Sams and Hollie tagged me the other day to play along here, I thought I better do it since I am sure it won't happen again (Hi Sam! Thanks!) So here it goes...

8 Things I Love/Am Passionate about:
My family
My religion
Photography
Exploring the world around me
Movies (Passion is such a strong word for this, but it still works)
My friends
Music
Blogging (I am a dork, I know!)
8 Things I want o do before I die:
Be in the Temple with all of my kids
Go on a mission
Get out of debt
Travel all over the world
Meet the Prophet
Graduate from Collage
Have one of my pictures in a magazine
Take each of my kids on a Mommy date so I can share my love and a few thoughts with each of them.
8 Phrases or Words I say often:
Oh Crud!
You little turd!
Just keep your hands to yourself!
Turn around and eat your dinner/lunch.
Love you!
I really do appreciate it!
It will work out somehow.
In a second.
8 Books I have read and enjoyed: (this will be short, so I am going to add movies. I am no a big book reader.)
Book of Mormon
Harry Potter
Fancy Nancy
Taking a Trip on my Train
ok Movies-
All the Ocean's Movies
August Rush
Vantage Point
Transformers
8 Things I have Learned or Remembered this Past year:
Time goes by too fast. My kids have grown so much this year.
You can sometimes be an example without saying anything at all.
No matter how hard things can get I will never be left alone.
There is a lesson to learn in EVERY trial.
There are ways to prepare even when you think you can't.
Nagging is not mothering.
Being patient is one of the most important traits a person can have.
There is nothing better than a hug and a kiss from your kids or your hubby.
8 People I want to tag.
Amy (Miss Smarty Pants)
Becky C.
Jen H.
Susan F.
Holly R.
Rob or Julie S.
Gena H.
Cari J.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Scrambled Thoughts With a Side of Achen'

Well, I am back from girl's camp and we all survived. Quite well actually! I had tons of fun and my kids enjoyed being tossed around. My poor hubby was worked to death, but he too survived. I am beat though. I have bruises all up and down my legs, arms and bum from tubing down the river. My legs are still tired from our forever long (but totally awesome) hike which gave me a blister on my heal the size of a small watermelon. I can't seem to catch up on sleep, and my foot still hurts really bad. (remind me to get that taken care of.) I loved it! I can't wait to go back next year!

I have about a million pictures to post but they are going to have to wait a bit. I have two photo sessions that I need to finish up. It is going to be another busy week.

After working so many days in a row last week (12 to be exact) I was having a little crappy attitude about working. Not the job. The job is fine. Just working in general. Going to girl's camp was a great break, but the working lots isn't changing for a little while. I know that it is the best for my family right now so I will just be grateful that I have this to help support our family. I am also grateful that I got my shift for the next few months and I actually got my 2nd choice! That means that I get to go to church again, and that I get Saturday's off! That made me feel better!

I am pretty proud of my crazy kids! They have been great helpers lately and I just need to take a moment to express how much I love them! Each one of them are so different, but they all have one thing in common, their mom and dad love them to pieces! They have been such great troupers through this crazy time in our lives. They make me laugh every day. I don't know what I would do without them! Thanks guys for making our family fun! (Even though they won't read this for years, maybe even never, still thanks guys!)

Well, I do have more thoughts, but I need to get working on all the things that I left behind last week. It is nice to be back and to read all 100 posts that I missed while I was Finding N-E-M-O (The theme of camp. Finding New Experiences to Make us One.) Have a great Monday!

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Girl's Camp

I am heading out in the morning to go to Girl's Camp. I am super excited!

I will hopefully come back refreshed.

Hopefully I will have lots of pictures too.

Hopefully my family will survive without me!

See you on Saturday!

Thursday, July 10, 2008

My whit's end.

I had to run to the store today. I needed shampoo and milk. I went through the shampoo isle and while trying to find the cheapest price my little princess got every color of the kids shampoo out and arranged them on the floor in a colorful rainbow.

I made her put all 10 bottles back.

I walked to the milk. She did follow, but I turned around and she was no where to be found. I went looking for her. She wasn't anywhere. I started looking up and down all the isles. It was reaching over 5 minutes and I still couldn't find her. I was panicking and yelling for her. I finally found her crying at the complete opposite end of the store. She was standing next to an old guy in a wheelchair with a cast on each foot. I went running to her and picked her up. I thanked the guy for helping her out.

I asked her where she had gone. Apparently she found some sparkly hair stuff and she wanted to look at them and got lost. It scared us both.

I am grateful that this happened though. I really love being a hands on teacher with my kids.

Last summer when little dude and his friends burned a straw broom on the neighbor's driveway, I took him by a house that had recently burned down. I told him that if he plays with fire, this is what could happen.

When Little Dude was having issues with respect and being mean we drew pictures of our monster's and buried them in the back yard.

I wish I could come up with a creative way to teach little Princess about lying. I am so sick and tired of it. It has been quite the day with her. She has been caught in a lie more than once today alone.

I had spent all afternoon making dinner for my neighbor and had my hubby and kids walk it over there. While walking there she took one of the bags and threw in on the ground and broke the dish and the dinner went spilling everywhere. She didn't want to carry it anymore.

What a long day! Does it make me a bad mom when I send her to bed early even though she was hungry? I needed her in bed. And in my book that is when you get when you lie about eating your dinner all gone, but you had really thrown it in the sink.

Monday, July 07, 2008

You are kidding me?

Would you believe that what I posted here back on the 1st of October about my insurance issues from when the baby way born 15 months ago is still not taken care of? I can't begin to tell you have very ticked off I am!

I used to be the person that would get mean to get things taken care of. That was before I had kids and realized myself that it just isn't nice. Today though, it all came rushing back to me when I had to call the insurance company AGAIN! Wouldn't you though if you were told a few months ago that it was going to be taken care of? That they were going to pay it. And they do, but months later go and take the MONEY BACK BECAUSE THEY SHOW THAT IT WASN'T PAID IN 90 DAYS! Seriously pissed!

Anyone know a good attorney?

Thursday, July 03, 2008

The Poopy Diaper of Life

I have had so many people tell me that they are worried about us. You are all so sweet and thoughtful. We are good. We really are.

This is where we are.

We are the diaper attached to a little baby's bum. It can only stay clean for so long then some crap comes along and it is time for a change. After it is changed things are nice and fresh again. We are in the middle of cleaning up the crap and have been using lots of wipes.

Great analogy I know. I just had to prove that I haven't lost my sense of humor.

No really things are changing and things are looking up. When all is said and done I know that I will look back on his time in my life and be grateful for the many things that I have learned. There are so many people that have lent a helping hand and reached out to us. Thank you! From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Sunday Adventures - Pepperwood Falls

I really should be better at posting pictures of our every Sunday adventures. We have been having so much fun. Our first Sunday adventure was to the Great Salt Lake. The next Sunday we went to a family party. The Sunday after that we went camping to Topaz Mountain where I totally forgot my camera. Remember how spontaneous that was? Yea, I was kicking myself the entire weekend. Then 2 Sunday's ago we went on a little hike up Bingham Creek. That was a quick and easy hike, but again, forgot the camera. (sometimes it is just too much to lug around) But last Sunday I remembered to take it and now I get to share ALL of them with you. So sit back grab a soda and something to munch on at enjoy this week's episode of our Sunday Adventure.

We adventured up to Pepperwood Falls this time. It is such a quick and easy hike that is pretty close to home. Not mention that it is really pretty too.



Lucky for us we have some cool friends that are always up to having adventures too. Here they are without their kids. Braxton and Joclyn came, but I just didn't get a good picture of them.




The kids were having so much fun playing in the water. It was really cold water, but they didn't seem to mind.



I love how they can be so carefree sometimes and they aren't afraid to try new things. Sometimes I get a little worried about what they are up to like climbing the mountain side, but that is what this is all about. Doing new things and exploring the world around us. They did great! Just look at them!






Little Man obviously couldn't climb the mountain, and we all know how much he loves to put his feet in the water. So he ate dirt instead and would give me crazy faces every now and then.







Daddy was having fun showing the kids around and playing with them. Showing little Dude that the rocks have silver stuff in them, taking Princess up to the falls, and carrying little Man all over the place.We all had a really good time.

The view was awesome too. We will have to go back someday.