Crazy4Family

Kaysns 11th Birthday

2011-10-03T20:31:00.000-07:00

Kaysn is 11! I blew up 11 balloons and put $11.00 in the last one. Kaysn asked for deviled eggs for breakfast on his birthday....something I don't make very often. He also got a boomerang, i-tunes gift card, and a bunch of Angry Birds stuff at his friend party.

Picking Pumpkins

2011-10-03T15:50:00.000-07:00

We went to pick out special pumpkins to paint as angry birds. They doubled as decorations for Kaysns birthday party and Halloween decor for the front porch. Brynlie didn't want to be in the picture because she couldn't sit on the truck, so she is quite the little grouch in this one :)

Kenzies BRIGHT little room.

2011-09-12T16:03:00.000-07:00

Tah-dah! I waited until Kenzie went to bed and pulled it all together. I love it! I really went back and forth on doing this room white. It is the only white room in my whole house, but I am so glad we did. It makes everything else POP...and you would never know that you were in the basement.

The green dresser is a BRIGHT to say the least but I love it. I used her favorite colors, green and orange, and the pink was all me....it really needed it, and all little girls rooms need a little pink right?

I think my dad thought I was a little crazy when I said I didn't want closet doors...right dad? They could always be added later, but I have had these sheer curtains floating around in my head for months and just knew I had to make them. LOVE how they turned out!

Spray painted this beauty orange for her ear-rings and necklaces.

With Kenzie it is all about what things feel like...thats why I brought in furry, fuzzy, feathery, flowy and fluffy finds :) ................say that 5 times fast!

Often imitated but never duplicated.......the infamous green dresser! (get it Jenn?)

I have had this beauty in my garage painted for about a month and I am lucky it didn't get stolen before it made it down stairs. Who new 'Key Lime Pie' was such a popular color for furniture. After moving her in I decided there is room after all for the end table (the room really is tiny.) So I'll get that painted this week and move down there to.

I wanted to do something personal that she would still enjoy as she gets a little older so I came up with this window..... perfect.

Yes, no carpet yet....we'll get there eventually. A friend is giving me a larger remnant that will cover the closet and the entire room, so it won't be quite this bad. I still have to get the hallway finished before I can actually have carpet laid...oh and save lots of $$$.

I am also making her a magnet/chalk board when I get together with Carlie and I'll post some pictures when it's done.

I said I'd paint it!...here's the end table.

Jack-O-Lantern hand soap.

2011-09-09T14:16:00.000-07:00

I totally do not get credit for this super cute idea.....but can I just say that I love Blog Land! My BFF Jenn found this idea at Every Creative Endeavor. We checked out the tutorial and whipped up our own version today. They were super easy and inexpensive. The best part is that it's only September 9th and I have them ready to go. (Trust me that never happens!)

I WILL blog again.....no really!

2011-09-04T23:41:00.000-07:00

Okay friends and family, I sincerely apologize for telling you that I post everything to my blog and then not. I promise to get caught up.....I know, right. So guess what?!?!?!

I started USU! My classes started last Monday. It has been a bit of a slow start and I struggled a little with some of the online programs at first but I think I got it mastered now. So far I love my classes, and I am really enjoying the challenge.....I made my first ever PowerPoint presentation today! I admit that the last couple weeks have been a little crazy though......Along with starting school I finished and decorated Kenzies room and she moved in yesterday for her birthday. I have been taking Kaysn to football 5 days a week and I stay for the games and practices (as long as he wants me there I will be!) Still working from 7-2 each day and the kids and I are getting back into the swing of school schedules and homework...... Balancing my time has been interesting, but Blake gave the kids and I all blessings a few weeks ago for school, and have faith it will all work out. I am so grateful for his help and support!

Baked Sweetly

2011-09-02T19:34:00.000-07:00

Onesie Cupcakes!

I haven't actually given this to my sister yet.....Surprise Carlie!!! ....sorry, I just couldn't wait to blog it. Plus I have more surprises up my sleeve..... so it's all good :)

I made Veronica a set first and loved it so much I just had to put this one together and take pictures.

Finishing Kenzies Room

2011-08-27T15:04:00.000-07:00

Kenzies Room has been a long time comming. I have had my 3 little girls in a room togethr for 7 1/2 years. They have loved it and are so cute together. But it is time to give Kenzie a space of her own.

My dad and brother Jared have come up and helped a ton! I could never have even attempted it without out them....and may I just say they did an amazing job, the finish work and details aren't your typical DIY basement quality. Thanks for not throwing tools at me for taking pictures, I just couldn't help it.

LOVE YOU GUYS :)

The room has been painted and ready to go for a few weeks now but since Kenzies birthday is Saturday I decided to wait and surprise her. (Plus then all the decor can double has Birthday gifts.....sneaky aren't I.)

Making Bird Feeders

2011-08-04T21:27:00.000-07:00

To keep the kids busy while school is out we made bird feeders. They were really easy to make and turned out cute. Now the kids sit at the window and watch for the birds to come out and nibble on the feeders. We'll definitely be making these again.

We found the instructions here.

Toilet Paper Ninjas

2011-07-20T00:20:00.000-07:00

Yep, you read it right. The kids were playing that they were ninjas and one of them got the idea to use toilet paper for their belts. It was super funny! They are so creative!

Happy Birthday Babe!!!

2011-07-08T22:46:00.000-07:00

We took the family out to Texas Roadhouse for Blakes Birthday this year. He was just dying to pose on that Saddle....I wish I'd had a video camera because he totally played it up....what a goofball :) Happy 36th Babe! Hope it was a good one, we love you.

These Pets Rock!

2011-07-08T22:11:00.000-07:00

The kids all painted pet rocks today. They did a great job and it was fun seeing how creative they got with them. They made Bunnies, Bees, Ladybugs, Frogs, Spiders and even a Pig. We also painted the girls jewelry boxes while we had the mess out. They had been begging me to paint them for weeks so they were super excited and it was nice to get them done.

Story time

2011-06-11T00:37:00.000-07:00

First off that hair! Oh Bryn....Love you silly girl!
Brynlie decided to bring her dolls out in the back yard for story time this afternoon. A few minutes later Brecken came out with her dolls and animals as well. They took turns reading the books and helping the dolls to take turns reading the books. Kaysn and I just sat back and watched, it was cute :)

Look Mom...No Training Wheels!

2011-06-08T09:32:00.000-07:00

Brynlie let Blake take her training Wheels off today. She has never been really interested in riding her bike so we haven't pushed her to take them off. But today she pulled out her Bike and when Blake suggested they try taking them off she agreed. She did great! Didn't even fall down once! The kids all loved helping her and following her up and down the street. She is having a bit of a hard time getting started but once she gets moving there is no stopping her! Go Brynlie!

101 Bits of Summer Fun

2011-06-06T22:27:00.000-07:00

Let the Summer Fun begin!!!I scored when I found this cute free printable on Laura Winslows photography Blog! I did a little editing on photoshop to add in a few of my own ideas. Jenn made one to and had this super cute Key Lime Spray paint that we used on a $5.00 Walmart Frame. I love how they turned out. My picture stinks cause I took it at about 2am and natural lighting is hard to come by in the middle of the night...... You can read the image below a little better. I'd love to do everything on the list by the end of Summer Vacation.....and we are crossing items off the list as we go with dry erase markers. We also put together these cute journals so the kids could document all of the fun things we do this Summer. Once again I edited a free printable , this time from The Crafting Chicks. I had the covers laminated and the book bound and added a little ribbon to the binding just for fun. Can't wait for the kids to get started! Then I used The Crafting Chicks printable as background paper for this Favorite things Summer questionier that I created for the first page of the Journals. I would love to do a similar questionier for Winter as well. I loved thier answers but Kaysn and Kenzie insisted that it is a journal and it's private..... so I can't share!

Our little Garden

2011-05-30T21:49:00.000-07:00

We got our Garden planted today.....yes, Kenzie and I worked very hard. Blake tilled it for me last week and Brynlie, Brecken and Kaysn lasted about 15 minutes helping us, but Kenzie stayed with it the whole time and helped me until all of the planting was done. I can't wait until we start seeing our seeds sprout!

A week after we planted we had a really heavy rain storm that completely flooded our poor little Garden. I am holding out hope that our little seedlings will survive....time will tell. Check out all this standing water!

........so much for my drains, they work great until we get totally dumped on!

Memorial Day Letters

2011-05-30T21:28:00.000-07:00

We sat down with the kids.....yes on my messy bed.....and we each wrote letters to those we love who have passed away. We shared our letters and talked about Jacob, Baby Jake, Grandpa, Grandma, Great Grandma, Carolyn and Emily. We shared a few hugs and tears and then tied the letters to the balloons and let then drift into the heavens. We made sure the kids understood that they would not actually receive the letters but knew we were thinking of them. We don't live near the semitary and this was a really sweet experience and a good opportunity to discuss life and death...... and why we miss and love those we have lost.

Kaysns Program

2011-05-26T19:59:00.000-07:00

Kaysn did a great job at his 4th grade program. It was all about Pioneers and Utahs Heritage. They sang a lot of fun songs, took turns reading parts and afterwards showed their parents the Power Point Presentation they made for their county report.....yes my son is more computer savvy than I am (I know, big surprise...not.) He did his report on Cache Valley which we were both excited about. Good Job Kaysn!!!

My Sleeping Beauties

2011-05-18T11:07:00.000-07:00

I have missed this...... for years I would put the girlies into their beds and then come to check on them only to find all three had snuggled up in the same bed. They quit doing it for the most part when Brynlie and Brecken started Kindergarten.... but tonight I walked in to see it once again. I am such a softie and got a little teary thinking of how much they have grown and changed and how sweet it is that though things change they are still so close. It wont be long until they can't even cram into that little bed anymore.

Mothers Day

2011-05-08T21:03:00.000-07:00

I was very spoiled this mothers day. My family is amazing and I am so very blessed to have them in my life.

If I didn't have you.....

2011-05-03T17:56:00.000-07:00

Brynlie is so stinkin' funny...... This morning at about 7:15 as I was lying in bed awake (but dreading getting up.) I heard her little voice in the hallway talking to the picture frames. It immediately caught my attention because the first thing she said was "Kaysn, I would be so sad if you were dead." My ears perked up and I tried to figure out what she was doing. Then she said, "You are my only brother!.... and the best brother in the whole world!.... you take care of me and what would I do with out you!" (all in very exaggerated tones) Then a few seconds later she starts again...."Brecken I would be so sad with out you, your my best friend and my twin! My only twin! and what would I do without my twin, who would I play with.... my life would be so lonely." Then again a few seconds later...... "Kenzie you are my favorite one in the whole family! Your my big sister, well one of my big sisters cause I have Kylie to.....and I really like you, I like to play with you, please don't die."....."Kylie your my other big sister, and I really love you! I would be really sad if I didn't have my biggest big sister anymore, my life would be ruined! I miss you.".... Then Blake walked past her and into our room and she ran off to eat breakfast. It was the sweetest thing ever.
I do find it a little strange that she was thinking so much about death, but I wonder if what got her thinking about it are the photos that hang across the hall around the saying..... 'The Best way to have a piece of Heaven in your Home is to have someone you Love in Heaven'....whatever triggered it, it was super sweet and very unexpected.

Playin' with Play Doh

2011-04-27T12:03:00.000-07:00

It has been a very gloomy day. We grabbed some free Wendys frostys that the kids had earned at school and then whipped out the play doh and started creating. It kept them busy for a couple of hours and I have to admit even I got kind of into it. They were very creative and insisted I take photos of the last scene they created before we cleaned it all up for the day.

perspective....

2011-03-19T22:42:00.000-07:00

320*Sycamore creates a weekly post titled 'courage for the week.' I always look forward to reading them, they are so positive and often help me put perspective on the craziness of life. I had a conversation with a close friend this week about just this topic. So much is unexplained, we don't often understand the things that are happening in our lives. We must have FAITH in our Creator, his perspective is so much greater than ours, he has so much abundance, happiness and beauty in store for us if we just TRUST in him.

Our Lucky Day!

2011-03-17T14:25:00.000-07:00

What cute little Leperchans I have, I am super LUCKY!

That silly Leperchaun played all kinds of tricks at our house. The kids loved discovering all the silly things he did...shoes in the fridge, a chair in the shower, a guitar in the pantry, GREEN Milk, a Pillow Pet on top of the hutch, upside-down stools, Ketchup and Mustard on the bathroom counter and Brynlie thought it was absolutly hilarious that her monkey was in a pot on my pot rack.
That sneaky little guy didn't just play tricks either. He left a bunch of treats in his hat and at the end of the RAINBOW...and lots of treats on the ground everywhere he went.

The kids were funny because they picked up and straightenend everything they saw right away....apparently they only clean up after people who leave candy everywhere. We had GREEN Juice and Lucky Charms breakfast bars for breakfast.

......all dressed up in their new GREEN duds for School. Don't wanna get pinched!!!

We had an extra special GREEN dinner...Sloppy Joes on GREEN Buns, GREEN Punch, RAINBOW Jello and Cupcakes! Now how am I gonna top that next year?

Blessing Little Mason

2011-03-06T17:18:00.000-08:00

My cousin Nichole is one of my favorite people ever! So much so that I named my little girl Kenzie Nichole. I have always been very close to my Aunt Stacey and Uncle Glenn and their wedding is one of my favorite memories as a little girl. I remember the day I heard Nichole was born, and her first birthday, her nursery and so many things between now and then. Nichole and I were always close growing up (even if I am a ton older) and so it is awesome to hold her little Mason. He is one very lucky, loved, and stinkin' cute baby. They had so much support there today, he has so many people who love him and absolutly the BEST Grandparents and Parents.

BYU Game

2011-03-05T15:56:00.000-08:00

Today was AWESOME!!! Kaysn, Blake and I went to the BYU game with the Calls. We couldn't have picked a better game, it was Seniors night and the crowd was totally fired up! It was a little disappointing that Davies didn't play, but the one and only...totally amazing.... Jimmer Fredette tore it up and scored 38 points! The Cougars won Wyoming 102 to 78 and were awarded The Mountain West Conference Championship. After the game it was fun to watch the team celebrate as confetti was shot everywhere, the team passed around the championship Trophy and cut down the net. Jimmer could hardly move without tons of reporters right on his heals. As we made it outside the Cougars rang the Victory Bell.

It is rare that Blake and I are able to just spend a day with just our boy. He is out numbered by the girlies at our house. We had great time together and I hope he remembers this day for a long time to come.

Had to throw this in.....

He is such an amazing player.....

Teach me How to Jimmer!

Snowboarding at Snowbasin

2011-03-04T16:25:00.000-08:00

One of the perks of being a Fourth Grader is finally to go on the Ski/Snowbaording Trip. Kaysn went yesterday and chose to Snowboard. They provide lessons and though he was a little nervous at first he said he picked it up really quickly and had a great time. He was proud to have not gotten injured, since we have definitly been accident prone in the past. He wants to go again, which is okay with me because Blake and I are skiers and I would love to learn to snowboard.

Super MOM!

2011-03-03T23:14:00.000-08:00

I have come to the conclusion that I will never be a.......I will never fit in a HOT, TIGHT, SUPER HERO outfit....even one with 'painted-on' abs.and I will never be able to do it ALL....but I really wish I had a CAPE...NO SERIOUSLY, just to wear on those RARE days when I feel like I am actually above a 5 on the 'Super Mom Meter'.....which of course is scored by me, and I am never hard on myself, or expect more than is reasonably possible of myself. Today was one of those RARE days.

I got the kids off to school, hair done, dressed in the 'cute' clothes, well fed, brushed teeth, coats zipped, backpacks checked and double checked about 3 times to make sure Kaysn had absolutely everything he could need for his school ski trip..... and I packed Kaysn and Kenzie extra special lunches.

After I got them off to school I attacked the basement, I hung sheet-rock and wainescoating (with Blakes help,) yes finally, my Wainescoating is up....LOVE IT!.....hanging it freed up much needed space in the garage, so I picked it up a bit while I was out there. I also paid a few bills, switched laundry (I did 5 loads today!) and picked up my house .

When Bryn and Breck came home and I made us all a yummy lunch, then jumped in the shower....it was a little late in the day, but I'm okay with that : ) Then....I put together a lesson plan for Sunday and dropped off all the supplies for my sub. I made a double batch of Chocolate Chip cookies. A friend came over to visit and we hung out and talked for about an hour while the cookies baked and I picked up the kitchen (including a random box of cleaning products I pulled out from under the sink when I cleaned it out...ummm......last week,) then I sent her home with a plate of cookies. I also put together a plate of cookies for a neighbor who gave us some new kitchen chairs, wrote a card and dropped it off.

Kenzie came home and was soo excited to eat cookies while we talked about her day, then it was time to pick up Kaysn from school....and guess what I wasn't late! In fact I was 15 minuted early...that never happens. We talked about the trip, which he LOVED! we put away all of his ski gear, the kids each did a chore and then we started in on homework. I did all 4 kiddos homework with them and didn't get frustrated with anyone! I know...seriously? I promise I pinched myself, not dreaming.

For dinner...and this may not seem like a Super Mom dinner but my kids were thrilled....I actually took their orders and made what they asked for. Blake was at work and I wasn't hungry....too many Chocolate Chip Cookies? They loved it, I put on my Apron and wrote down their orders and everything. After dinner, we rocked out for a bit, then did baths and PJ's, I remembered their Vitamins, read to the girls, helped them brush their teeth, and tucked all four of them into bed. When they fell asleep and after I picked up the house again, I sat down to work for the next 5 hours.....feeling pretty good about my day!

But of course it was just one day and wont last, most days I feel like I drop the ball on just about everything........The Super Mom 'CAPE' came off when I realized I have to squeeze in a couple more hours of work every day next week during the day....How the H???? Ya I wish I was Super Mom but seriously....I CAN'T do it all, and I'm not even sure I want to.

I DO wish I was better about staying on top of my house work and was more consistant with homework and both morning and evening routines with my family. Here hoping I have at least one Super Mom day a week, that's not asking much is it? Just one day a week that I feel like I CAN....I vote at every Thursday.

Go Titans!!!

2011-02-28T01:07:00.000-08:00

Go Titans! This was the first home game of the season. We love getting together with the Smiths for the games. It was frustrating because SHS seems to have raised the prices ......so it makes it less of a family event everyone can afford....so we will have to see how many we can make it to. We absolutly love the games...the cool evenings crowds and excitement in the air! The Titans beat Viewmont 28-10. Way to Go Titans!

Wiggle Worms

2011-02-27T00:47:00.000-08:00

I made a set of Wiggle Worms for Primary to help the kids choose Wiggle Songs. My girls just loved them and begged that I make them one. I only had the little fuzz balls left but they couldn't have loved them more. Even Kaysn got one.....he wasn't quite as excited though. Sunday after church, (while I took a nap) they made a 'home' for their Wiggle Worms. Kaysn and Kenzie led the way and constructed most of the 'home' letting Brynlie and Brecken help with the decorating. Some of the special features of this 'amazing worm home', are the bar and bar stools, swimming pool, bean bag chairs, bed and crib. They had so much fun being creative and working together (and got along!) I was very impressed.....sometimes the best toys are not fancy, expensive, or electronic.....I just love watching their imaginations run wild.

Heart Day

2011-02-14T21:13:00.000-08:00

Our Valentines Table....I set the table and sat out the kids Valentines treats the night before. I love when they get up the next morning and I can hear their excitement as they first see it in the morning. Like they suddenly remember it's a holiday and can't believe mom put all this together with out them even knowing. It one of those little mommy pleasures.

My Centerpiece....I don't have many Valentines Decorations but I was able to pull a few things together for a cute Centerpiece. My favorite are the little frosted hearts I found at Tai Pan....luv them.

Each one had a place setting with a Valentine from Mom and Dad, Love Juice, a yummy Caramel Chocolate Pretzel, and a bag of Fun Stuff. These are Kaysns goods....

and here's what Kylie, Kenzie, Brecken and Brynlie's looked like.....ya, ya...the only difference is the 'doggy' bag.

I found this cute idea for Love Juice and copied it off another blog.....fun idea....bloggers are the best! I really need to start bookmarking things so I can give credit.

My heart candy dishes...cause I HEART candy!!! and not just at Valentines Day! ....it's a problem.

I put together these darling kits for my kids. They really needed new art supplies, so the totes have sketch pads, construction paper, markers, sissors, glue tape, colored pencils, crayons and a few other goodies inside. ...and thanks to the cricut they have super cute labels to. I picked up Kylie a darling necklace holder and heart with key necklace instead.....thought she was a little old for the art supplies....I was wrong, she wanted them. Who knew.

I thought it would be fun to let the kids make their own little heart pizzas. Kylie helped me stretch the dough out into heart shapes and we cut out the pepporoni with a little heart cookie cutter. Then they assembled thier own personal pizzas.

and ta-dah...they turned out sooo yummy.

We also had Pasta Salad, a huge favorite at our house and I threw in a few of the extra heart shaped pepperoni just to be festive...they LOVED IT!

and not just because they were drinking love juice!

My love bugs...looking a little exhausted, it's been an exciting day. I helped out in Kaysns Class and hosted his Valentines Party and Kenzie, Brecken and Brynlie each had Class Partys and exchanged Valentines in their classes as well. It was a BIG day.

Girls Valentines Boxes

2011-02-10T23:47:00.000-08:00

Brynlie, Kenzie and Brecken all needed special Valentines boxes for School. I wanted to do something really simple because the girls and Kaysn had been home from School sick all week. I cut thier names out of vinal on my cricut, found a few cute cut-outs in my scrapbooking stash and then had the 'brilliant' idea to let them glue conversation hearts all over....a great use for conversation hearts at our house since none of us actually like to eat them. They had fun choosing what hearts to glue where and it was quick and easy. Which is good since they didn't last long before heading back to lay in front of the TV. Here's hoping they feel good enough for School come Monday! We just bought Kaysn a fun sports mailbox...he was relieved not to have to take a box covered in hearts!

Super Bowl Party!

2011-02-06T15:33:00.000-08:00

Go Greenbay! Matt and Jenn had us over to party it up for the Super Bowl. Jenn went all out with the treats and decorations and did an amazing job. It was a great game and all of us Cheeseheads (especially Kaysn and Brennick) were super excited when Greenbay WON! GO PACKERS!

Sweet's Candy Factory

2011-01-17T23:16:00.000-08:00

We toured Sweets Candy Factory today. It was fun and very interesting to see how all the candy was made...I loved the sweet smells, one room smelled like the yummiest Chocolate, can't beat that! Their top seller is the yummy Salt Water Taffy and the second top seller are the Orange Stix.... I would have guessed Cinnimon Bears....cause thats my favorite. Did you know it taked 7 days to make a jelly bean? Who knew. The kids had a good time and at the end each got to choose candies from the gift shop.

Happy 2011

2011-01-01T20:30:00.000-08:00

We had a great time at the Edgertons for New Years Eve. There was tons of good company, yummy food and fun games. Adi made us all Sweet Pork Burritos for dinner...AMAZING!....and everyone brought treats, I think we grazed for 5 hours on all the goods. We played their XBOX Kinect..... and by WE, I mean the Adults and the kids watched. It was a blast.....and the kids did eventually get a turn, but only because we had to get back to the kitchen and eat some more. I brought party poppers, hats and blowers that I pulled out for the kids at the last minute. They loved them and Adi and Dusty were good sports about the mess. Brecken and Brynlie both fell asleep before the Ball Dropped and we learned NEVER to wake Brecken up to watch the ball drop. (It isn't pretty.)

Kylies 14th Birthday

2010-12-29T22:11:00.000-08:00

Kylie wanted a Petti-skirt for her birthday and got this darling bubblegumm pink one. I also found her a cute cupcake shirt and a few other fun things. She wanted to have a party with her friends. We rented the DJ room at Classic skate and she had a great time.

Christmas Day at our House

2010-12-25T22:58:00.000-08:00

A very happy room....Brynlie saw the empty plate of cookies Santa left and said 'I knew it! Santa is real!' It's always a little crazy cramming into our living room, but I love it! I took way too many pictures this year (and video)....soo glad I did, I only have a 14,10,8 and two 6 years olds once!

~ Brecken ~

~ Brynlie ~

~ Kenzie ~

~ Kaysn ~

~ Kylie ~

The 24th Day of Christmas

2010-12-24T18:03:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve is finally here! We had a wonderful night together. The evening started with Kaysn opening box 24....then the kids got to open and change into their new Christmas PJ's. (Blake and I got some too...sorry folks no pics of us, your not missing much.) The girls LOVE this style of PJ's, we got this brand and cut last year to...I think I'll be buying them every year! Kaysn got fleece football PJ pants and Kylie's pants were covered in cupcakes (her favorite).... Brecken was excited that hers had cupcakes too and she matched Ky! Next we headed to the kitchen for our traditional scones with honey butter, Navaho tacos and hot cocoa. We also tried cheese fondue for the first time...big hit!!! and had lots of other yummy treats. We then spent the evening dancing around the kitchen to Christmas Carols....Kaysn and Kylie swing danced...hilarious! We also played our new Uno flip game, and the girls had a blast with a box of packing peanuts...then we read the Christmas Story, hung stockings, put out the cookies the kids had made for Santa (with milk)...... and sprinkled Reindeer food for Santas Reindeer. Then the kids headed up to bed...(all in one room)....and Kylie read them 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.' It was a fun night, full of lots of memories....can't wait until morning!!!

The 23rd Day of Christmas

2010-12-23T23:29:00.000-08:00

Gotta have Cookies for Santa tomorrow night! We made sugar and gingerbread cookies and then frosted and decorated them. The kids did almost all of it on their own (thanks to Kylie's expertize.) It was a nice afternoon.....they made specific ones for Santa and are so excited to see if he eats them all. Last year he ate all but one and left it on the plate with a bite out of it....this year they want him to eat them ALL.

The 22nd Day of Christmas

2010-12-22T22:44:00.000-08:00

Christmas Spiders! We heard The Legend of the Christmas Spider a few years back from the Surgeoners. We have made them a few times now...even did them for neighbor gifts once. They are a lot of fun and always turn out unique and beautiful. Tonight we read the Legend and each of the kids made a Spider...Bryn and Breck didn't quite finish on their own but with mom and dads help we got them all put together.

The 21st Day of Christmas

2010-12-21T22:13:00.000-08:00

Today we had a FHE and read about the birth of Christ in the Scriptures. Then the kids got to open the gift they have chosen for eachother. I thought it was a good idea to let them open the gifts before Christmas morning so they could really enjoy them and show thier appreciation.

The 20th Day of Christmas

2010-12-20T21:27:00.000-08:00

We donated toys to Primary Childrens Hospital today. Pillow pets are something all of my kids really wanted for Christmas this year so I thought they would be the perfect thing for them to donate. We tied bows around each of their necks and then went with friends down to the Hospital...we stopped for lunch on the way. When we got there we put all the gifts we had gathered together in a special wagon the Jen Call dontated in memory of their daughter Meghan. The kids loved talking to the hospital worker who took our donations and explained some of the things the hospital does with the toys to them. Brynlie was especially excited to talk to her and tell her all about when she was there for heart surgery and RSV. Bryn said she had needles coming out of her head....I don't really remember it that way....LOL. I think she is referring to the oxygen tubes.....it was cute though. This was a really neat experience and I would like to make it a new tradition.

The 19th Day of Christmas

2010-12-19T20:53:00.000-08:00

We started having a special family dinner a few years ago and love it. This year wasn't as fancy as I have made it before but all it takes is Martinelli's, wine glasses and candles for the kids to know it's special. We usually do it earlier in the month but getting all of us together in one place at the same time hasn't been easy....we stilll missed Ky. My favorite part about the dinner is talking about the reason we celebrate Christmas and what gifts we can give back to Christ for all he has done for us. It was nice to focus on the birth of Christ and have a nice calm evening together. After dinner I gave each of the kids their special orniment for this year. Kaysn's is a football player, Kylie's a cupcake (Kenzie held in in the photo for me) and Kenzie, Brynlie and Brecken all got candy orniments.

The 18th Day of Christmas

2010-12-18T00:47:00.000-08:00

Of all the things we do to celebrate the Christmas Season, this is by far my favorite. We started coming to Temple Square when we were first married and Kylie was little and have continued to do so every year for the past 11 now. Some years have been very hard with little babies, toddlers, traffic, weather and back surgery but we haven't missed it. For all the craziness that happens trying to get there, park and keep the kids warm...the lights and spirit there are magical and a tradition we all look forward to.

The 17th Day of Christmas

2010-12-17T23:46:00.000-08:00

I bought a special snowman making kit and gave it to the kids today. I have been waiting all month for snow so I could give it to them. We got a tiny bit and I thought it would keep coming but it didn't, and they aren't predicting there will be any snow before Christmas. Because they can't run right out and use it, it wasn't the funnest box to open...but I'd already bought it and didn't have time to come up with something new. Now we wait for snow.

I also made a bunch of yummy candy and treats. Carmel, Divinity, Fundge, English Toffee and Peanut butter crunchy's. I was a lot of fun and something I almost never do...it'll be nice to have around for the week.

The 16th Day of Christmas

2010-12-16T22:52:00.000-08:00

We always take gifts to our friends and neighbors during the holidays so tonight we put them together and delivered them. The kids love dropping them off and telling everyone Merry Christmas and it is nice for them to have the opportunity to give something. We also got all of our Christmas cards addressed and ready to mail...I just need to grab more stamps in the morning and drop them off.

The 15th Day of Christmas

2010-12-15T22:08:00.000-08:00

I have never made succers before and it was really fun. We made some out of simple colored chocolate and some hard candy succers. The hard candy we flavored with cinnimon oil...... which wasn't the best idea cause they were too strong for the kids....I loved them though! I am excited to make them for the different holidays now....but I'll buy better flavors.

The kids got another special surprise tonight. Someone dropped off a special bag at our house that included a gift for each of the kids and a cute stuffed animal. We don't know who it from and the card said it was from 'someone who loves you.' But we are very greatful and feel blessed that someone would think of us. I let the kids keep the stuffed animals tonight but we are saving the wrapped gifts for Christmas day.

The 14th Day of Christmas

2010-12-14T16:19:00.000-08:00

I found a really cute Christmas Book at Seagull and wrapped it up with a treat for the kids tonight. We have a nice collection of Christmas Books and I try to add to it every year. The kids loved the book but the treats ended up being a joke. I bought Egg-Nog ice cream sandwiches...they sounded festive....but they were nasty and we ended up just throwing them away. Oh well, I tried.

The 13th Day of Christmas

2010-12-13T21:17:00.000-08:00

We rocked around the Christmas tree tonight. The kids got to open and new Christmas CD, it has lots of fun Christmas songs on it including the Chipmunk Song (classic) and lots of new and old favorites.

The 12th Day of Christmas

2010-12-12T08:48:00.000-08:00

Gingerbread Houses!!! The kids did a great job decorating Gingerbread
Houses today. Good thing we ate dinner first cause they also downed a ton of candy. It was a lot of fun and I love looking at them all out on my kitchen table.

The 11th Day of Christmas

2010-12-11T22:52:00.000-08:00

We went to see the third movie of the Chronicles of Narnia tonight with the Calls and Surgeoners. It was a really cute movie, but a little scary in places....I ended up holding Brynlie and Blake held Brecken for the second half of the movie. In the end they all really liked it. After the movie we out to dinner at Dragon Hill (a big favorite at our house.)

The 10th Day of Christmas

2010-12-10T20:06:00.000-08:00

Tonight was a rainy and I worried about how it would turn out. We drove to Willard, bundled the kids up and waited to ride on the Wagon and see the lights. It was worth the wait...not too long, about 1/2 hour.....they were beautiful! The sound of the Clydesdale horses really set the mood and the weather held out making for a memorable night. After our ride we took a few pictures and took the kids to visit Santa. Santa was really cute with the kids and even scolded Kaysn to stop teasing his sisters! I was so glad we didn't sit home, we ended the night by taking the kids to Denny's ...breakfast for dinner ....they each used free kids meal coupons they got trick or treating on Halloween. It was a great night.

The 9th Day of Christmas

2010-12-09T19:05:00.000-08:00

We went to see the light display in Layton Park....the kids were excited to pack their new Hot Chocolate mugs! It was cold but really nice... Kylie was not happy to be out in the cold though. After walking through and seeing the lights we drove through the big lit tunnel and were on our way to Krispie Kreme for Snowman shaped donuts.

The 8th Day of Christmas

2010-12-08T09:27:00.000-08:00

Today we decorated special Hot Cocoa travel mugs and then enjoyed some Hot Cocoa with Peppermint Tootsie Pops. The kids had fun decorating their mugs with crayons and stickers. Kaysn didn't want to decorate his cause he loved the 'Sports Snowmen' that his came decorated with. They will be really nice to take on our trips to see the lights, build snowmen, sledding and even around the house on cold days :)

The 7th Day of Christmas

2010-12-07T22:24:00.000-08:00

A Christmas Carol!!! We had a lazy night at home with lots of popcorn and treats and a good movie. The kids got a little scared in a few places but all really enjoyed the movie.....

this version is a little scarier than the classic one but the effects are awesome.

The 6th Day of Christmas

2010-12-06T15:56:00.000-08:00

We had a really easy and fun night tonight. We went out to eat at Arctic Circle and then got Holiday milk shakes (Eggnog and Peppermint.) Jen met us there and we visited while the kids all played. They really had fun and it made for nice evening, December can be so crazy and it was nice to just sit and watch them play.

The 5th Day of Christmas

2010-12-05T15:20:00.000-08:00

Every year the kids exchange names. They each draw a name and then make or purchase a gift for the person they draw. The kids love this tradition and have already been asking me when we are going to do it. This year Kylie got Brynlie, Kaysn-Kenzie, Kenzie-Kylie, Brynlie-Brecken, and Brecken-Kaysn. We made the gifts last year so this year I gave them a $10 limit and took them each shopping individually to buy their gifts. Now they have to keep the secret of what they bought until a few days before Christmas when we exchange them....which about kills Brynlie and Brecken.....I have to keep reminding them not to give hints because they give it away to easily.

The 4th Day of Christmas

2010-12-04T14:55:00.000-08:00

The kids got to decorate their tree today. We have a tree upstairs in the living room that I decorate, and the kids put all of their yearly orniments, orniments they've made and a few fun ones I have on the tree in the playroom. They love doing it and did a super job. They also have little trees for their rooms but since we are so cramped these days I opted not to put them up this year. They didn't seem to mind, but we will definitly make room for them next year.

The 3rd Day of Christmas

2010-12-03T17:53:00.000-08:00

The kids painted special orniments to hang on their tree tonight. Bryn chose the gingerbread man, Kenzie the gift with puppy popping out, Brecken the Christmas tree, Kaysn painted the Reindeer and Kylie the Gingerbread house. They had a lot of fun painted them and they turned out kind of like stained glass.

The 2nd Day of Christmas

2010-12-02T12:22:00.000-08:00

Today the kids each wrote letters to Santa Claus...they did such a good job and each wrote down a few things they wanted and something they needed. Brecken and Brynlie even helped write there own letter. Brynlie was hilarious, I had to talk her out of saying; Dear Santa, I hope I get 'ALL' of the presents I want. Instead I talked her into 'SOME' of the presents she wants. She isn't asking for much, but she wants it all. We then picked up Kylie and Cassy and headed to Macys where they mailed their letters in a special mailbox for Santa Claus at the North Pole.

The 1st Day of Christmas

2010-12-01T13:51:00.000-08:00

The kids were so excited to open the first box today. The month began with a cute poem and new Christmas Pillowcases. I made the pillowcases to match their fleece blankets from last year. They turned out super cute. Ky was at her friends house and wasn't home to open the box with us, Ky's pillowcase has Elivis Presley on it (it's the teal and black one,) she knew I was making them and didn't really want a Christmas one.

Counting the Days until Christmas

2010-11-30T13:12:00.000-08:00

We are using these cute boxes to count the Days until Christmas this year. Some have treats in them for the kids but everyday has a fun poem announcing the activity we will be doing for the day and a scripute and Question related to Christs birth. I loved putting them together and embellishing them....can't wait to get Started!

Beautiful Smithfield Snow

2010-11-28T22:48:00.000-08:00

I took the kids to my Mom and Bri's house in Smithfield this weekend. We took all the kids snow clothes cause I knew they would have a lot more snow than we get up in Syracuse and my kids could build a 'real' snow fort. We had a really nice visit, Carlie and Jared and their families came up to see us on Saturday afternoon and the kids all got in the Hot tub. Kenzie got to go spend the night at Jared and Ambers with Kayla, Aurie, Azalia, Destrie, Markell and Jade.....pretty awesome Aunt and Uncle huh!...they even took all the girls to see Tangled. Bryn, Breck and Kaysn loved sleeping in Grandmas living room with the Christmas tree. Sunday it snowed most the day and the kids loved playing in it. Grandpa took them all for rides in a small trailer pulled by the 4-wheeled and later took Kaysn out on the 4-wheeler to go around and scrape Grandpa Elder, Aunt Kim and some other friends driveways. It was a really nice visit and absolutly beautiful up there....driving home wasn't pretty...took me 3 1/2 hours to make it home.....but it was worth it.

Thanksgiving at Home

2010-11-24T23:30:00.000-08:00

I really wanted to stay Home for Thanksgiving this year. Sometimes I just need that. The Calls and Smiths joined us for an awesome dinner. It was nice to have tons of help with decorating and dinner. The tables turned out so stinkin' cute! We don't all fit around one table so we did a seperate kids and adults table.... we stuck the kiddos downstairs, but they didn't mind at all, they hada pretty nice set up. ...Tanya made some really fun rolls that had a paper that said something to be thankful for inside. It was really fun to see what everyone got. Everyone brought food and is was all soo yummy!! After dinner we all went to the movies (the Calls and us to Tangled, and the Smiths went to Megamind....can't imagine why all of those boys didn't want to see Tangled..LOL) Then we met back up at the house for lots and lots of yummy pies!!! Ahh, what a way to end a day.

I am so THANKFUL for my beautiful home, it isn't big... but has just enough room to squeeze in all the people I love....I am THANKFUL for my family, each one of them is a vital piece of who I am, I love them dearly! I am THANKFUL for Blake, that he puts up with me and all the silly little things that probably only matter to me, doesn't complain or shake his head and just goes with it....even when it means moving furniture! I am THANKFUL for the best friends a girl could have! Life would be so boring with out them and lets face it, I need my girls! ...they listen to my drama, put up with me being a spaz, laugh with me and don't judge the fact that I have no idea what I'm doing... you know who you are and I love you!! I am THANKFUL for my Savior, he knows me and gets it and has given me the ultimate gift. I am THANKFUL for the Sunshine, which I miss dearly right now. I am THANKFUL for MT. Dew and DR. Pepper....I'll take either one, depending on my mood....but somedays!!!! I am THANKFUL for my job, that it allows me to be home with my family and afford some of lifes little luxuries. I am THANKFUL that I can walk, that I have an amazing surgeon who has helped me not once but twice....that I can run and play with my kids again and truly live life. I am THANKFUL for so many things, I have a good life and am very BLESSED.

A sciff of snow

2010-11-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

My kids are hilarious...okay all the kids on my street. We got the tiny bit of snow to stick to the grass today and they act like they have never seen it before....hello, Ski Utah! We hosted the freaking Winter Olymics....but in all fairness there is something about Syracuse, we get very little snow and a whole lot of wind. The kids literally scraped the snow off the ground to make a snow fort...they did a great job and I was impressed that even Brecken was rolling around some pretty big snow balls....hopefully we'll get more.

Just Dance 2 Houseparty

2010-11-20T11:58:00.000-08:00

I won another great party on Houseparty.com. This time we got the Just Dance 2 and Just Dance Kids, Wii games. We had the Wells, Smiths, Calls, Montgomerys and Chenelle Houston over for a Pizza party and to try them out. The kids had a great time playing and played for hours. The Adults never really got the chance to try it, guess we'll have to play it again another night. It was great having everyone over, we don't do it often enough anymore.

Kindergarten Thanksgiving Feast

2010-11-18T10:54:00.000-08:00

The Kindergarteners all got to have a special Thanksgiving Dinner in the school cafeteria. It is the first time they have eaten school lunch. They loved serving themselves and getting to choose what they wanted. Blake and I went to help serve. The girls were so cute and proud of themselves.....the litte things are so exciting at 6 years old. When Brecken woke up today she told Kaysn she gets to have lunch in the cafeteria today....he replied; So, I eat there almost every day and it's not that cool. If only he remembered how excited he was back then.

Murder Mystery Dinner

2010-10-23T22:17:00.000-07:00

We got tickets to a Murder Mystery dinner show. We saw a Wacky Witches Dinner with the Houstons and the Smiths. The cast did a great job interacting with the audience and the show was hilarious. We didn't love the food and were very crampt but all in all we had a wonderful time laughing together. The girls and I had our picture taken with the 'Dreamy Vampire' that was supposed to be similar to Edward from the Twilight Series....he did a great job and the Twilight jokes made the show.

Couples Party

2010-10-16T21:12:00.000-07:00

Tanya and Micah always throw a great party. We had a blast at their 'Couples Party.' We enjoyed lots of yummy treats, great company and playing games.We have never played this before and really enjoyed 'Minute to Win it.' Who knew you could have so much fun and make such a fool of yourself in 60 seconds.

Tiffani put the challenges together. I don't know all the names, but for this one each couple blew the cherry (which was dangling from a string) back and forth until one of them could catch it in there mouth, it was totally hilarious to watch...and Blake and I were terrible at it!

This game is called Cookies on the Face. The cookie starts on your forhead and you have to work it down your face and into your mouth. Needless to say we looked hilarious scrunching up our faces and sticking out our tounges. Most of us couldn't do it but Matt, Micah and Jared all did...pretty impressive!

For this game we took a pair of Nylons that had a penny in the bottom of each leg. Then each of us had to get the penny out using only one hand. This game involved stacking 3 golf balls on top of one another and getting them to stay that way for 3 minutes. Very hard to do because you get so shaky concentrating. There were a few teams that did it though.

We also had an event where you blew plastic cups off the table by blowing up a balloon and deflating it using the air inside to blow the cups. After 'Minuite to Win it' we all sat down and played the 'Newly-Wed' game. Thanks for hosting Tanya, you did a great job and we had such a fun night. We have the most awesome friends!

Kenzie finally LOSES a tooth

2010-10-15T21:15:00.000-07:00

Kenzie finally LOST a tooth. She had the bottom front 4 pulled last year because her little mouth was so crowded and her baby teeth have been very prone to cavities. But she lost one on her own today and is so proud! Look at those amazing eyes...love your face Kenz!!!!

Castle Park

2010-10-14T10:47:00.000-07:00

I have heard a lot about Castle Park but we had never been before today. Michelle and I decided to take the kids today. It was really cute and the kids loved it....but a lot smaller than I imagined.

Kaysns Haunted Mansion

2010-10-08T23:03:00.000-07:00

The fourth grade classes all made haunted mansions at School this week. They folded the mansion from paper, attached it to a cardboard base, then it was painted and decorated. Kaysn did a great job on his!

The Back.

Happy Birthday Kaysn!

2010-10-03T23:35:00.000-07:00

Kaysn has officially hit two didget numbers......but I don't have to call him a teenager for a few more years. The big 10.....it's crazy how the time flies.....I love this kid! Kaysn decided to have a family party this year and then take Brennick to a movie with him rather than having a big friend party. I took them to see Alpha and Omega a few days after his birthday, the theatre was empty except for us which made it fun...but the movie wasn't the greatest.

We headed up to Sierra and Marcs place for a BBQ in the afternoon. It was fun to see everyone and he played for an hour or more in the sand with the cousins. (see, he's still a little boy!!) Kaysn didn't want to take cake and ice cream and opted for glazed donuts instead...(seriously this kid is awesome!!! Makes my life sooo easy!)

Yet another great Football Season!

2010-10-01T21:10:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to throw in a few of these football highlights from the 2010 season. Kaysn is number 41...I didn't get the best photos but here are a few of him and the team.

In this shot he has just taken down the man with the ball and is rolling over to get back up.

and another take down.....

Right in the middle of the action...........

.....no time for rest, he is headed back out onto the field for a little Defensive action.

Kaysn's own personal cheering section!

It's the last game of the season and Kaysn is about to run the ball for the first time, here he is taking the feild.....

and theres my boy running the ball!!!

and BOOM....he was so disappointed. Someone didn't block their man and he was taken down. Mabie he can try again next year.

Nasty battle scars! He took his shirt off after the game and ouch! His arm was already covered in fresh bruises. Good thing he's tough.

One last shot of the cheering section!

Smithfield Photo Shoot

2010-09-25T23:43:00.000-07:00

My sister Carlies good friend Amber took the most amazing photos of my children after a family photo shoot at Mac park. I love, love, love them! Photography is one talent I wish I had, lucky for me she did! Can't wait to get them all framed...these are just a few.

Family Photos

2010-09-25T09:26:00.000-07:00

I have the greatest family! We haven't had a group photo taken since Brynlie and Brecken were babies..(almost 6 years ago.) It was a fun day getting together at Mac park and we got great results....love them!!!

My Twins 6th Birthday and Lady Bug Tea Party

2010-09-20T21:50:00.000-07:00

My little Girlies turned 6! When did they grow up? We had a special party this year. I decided on a Lady Bug Tea Party and as usual went a little crazy putting it together.

I bought the Bryn and Breck these cute little birthday outfits and made the super cute flowers for their hair. Their teacher made a point to celebrate their special day and they both came home with the cute Birthday hats.

They invited 6 of their little friends from our neighborhood and since there are three of them (with Kenzie) it made for a cute little group of girls.

I spent most the morning throwing decorations up so that when they got home they would be surprised. I put together goodie bags and clipped Lady Bug hair clips that I made to each one and sat the bubbles and a Lady Bug party blower at each place setting. I tried to be cheap and draped the chairs with black garbage bags, and tulle instead of sewing slip covers....wont do that again. (The little girls didn't care but it was a little cheezy.) I found a new use for Blakes Shade Pop-up..... I took the canvas off the top and wrapped it tuelle, and added balloons, ribbons and tissue paper flowers. It turned out cute and made it very Girly and fun.

The girls loved pouring Lemon-aid out of the little tea pots and snacking on an assortment of mini cookies, green and red grapes, and toothpicks with a piece of cheese, pickles and an olive on each one. I also sprinkled the table with individually wrapped butter mints. (All Brynlie and Breckens favorite snacks.) I did have to refill a lot of little tea pots and cleaned up a few little spills....but the benefit of tiny tea cups is...the spills are tiny to!! The girls were very cute, they tried sticking their little pinkies out when the drank and kept calling each other madam, I loved it... and I think they did to??

We bi-passed cake and ice cream and had little mini cupcakes and Dibs (little mouth size chocolate covered ice cream treats.) Didn't make for a great 'blow out the candles' moment but it worked.

The girls got the most adorable gifts...way more than they (or I) ever expected. I actually feel bad for the parents of the girls they invited having to buy 2 gifts. I thought about having each girl invite 3 friends and specifying who they were bringing the present for but couldn't figure out how to do it without sounding Tacky......life with twins!!! Their friends each took turns delivering their gifts to them and then sat and watched as they were opened. Every time Brynlie and Brecken opened something they went and gave that friend a hug...it was so cute!!! (Still need to get those thank you cards out...oops....they don't do much good in my closet.)

The girls all played 'Birthday Girl Says' (Simon says) first Brynlie was it....then Brecken. They giggled and laughed their little hearts out.

Then they played Musical Chairs.....They were all really good sports. Blake ran the CD player and I'm pretty sure it wasn't a coincidence that the twins were the last two in the game. Brynlie Triumphed and Brecken walked off to pout and said 'Friends, Hug me!' and was quickly surrounded in a group hug by all of her 'girls.'

You may have noticed the skirt change in the middle of all their birthday photos. I ordered the girls Petty-skirts months ago and have been so excited to give them, to them...they of course LOVED them!!! They are the best ever to twirl in and make the cutest photos...I am getting their pictures taken in them and will be posting the photos soon.

Tanya, thank you! I love you girl, Tanya came and photographed the party for me so I could relax and just be the mom. She took amazing photos and helped me get everything put together, I couldn't have done it without her.

Michelle also helped me decorate....a long but fun process, and poor Michelle got stuck in the kitchen...again...I swear she is gonna quit helping me with parties because she always ends up cutting fruit, making drinks and putting the food out...thanks girl, your the best. I never could get these things together by myself....and poor Hunter, next year we will have a party a little boy will be proud to come to. (Since he is gonna marry one of the girls he ought to be able to come to their party.)

BMX Bike Show

2010-09-09T00:04:00.000-07:00

The kids School hosted a BMX Bike show/fundraiser this year. The rain threatened to spoil the show but stopped just in time for the bikers to dry off thier ramp and give the kids a great show. It was a little crazy but they loved it!!!

Back 2 School

2010-09-07T00:28:00.000-07:00

School has begun! I have mixed emotions this year.....no little kiddos home with me all morning. Good thing they ease us moms into this School thing by only sending the little ones to Kindergarten for a couple hours a day. I figured out I have had one of my little ones along home with me everyday for 3 months shy of 14 years. I am excited for the change but sad that the preschool stage is over for us.

Brecken has surprised us all by being very brave and leaving mom with out any problems (so far.) Bryn wants me to take her to school everyday and I have to convince her every morning that Kaysn and Kenzie will get her safely to class. (It also helps that Hunter Wells and Brecken are with her to.) I love how my twins switch off who is gonna be a mommies girl and when.

Kenzie is very excited to be back in school and to have a teacher who is brand new to the School this year. She isn't sure how she feels about having her classroom out in a portable (yes... the third year of a brand new school and they already have 5 portables.) I loved having a portable in third grade and have tried to convince her that she'll love it.

Kaysn doesn't know much about his teacher but isn't to worried.....he shouldn't be. He always does great in School. He also lucked out this year and got a few good friends in his class. He even sits right next to Caitlyn Surgeoner.

After sending Kylie off to Preschool for 2 years, Kindergarten and 1-7 grade, I didn't get to be there to send her off to 8th grade. I missed seeing her excitement in the morning and getting our yearly pictures on the porch before we headed off to School. I talked to her that afternoon and everything went well, but it is still not the same as handing her a snack and asking about every detail. Got to let her grow up I guess....but I missed her.

Grandpa's 80th Birthday

2010-09-04T14:10:00.000-07:00

We went up to Smithfield after Kaysns football game today for Grandpas 80th birthday party. It was so fun to see everyone. 8 of his 10 children were thier with tons of kids and grandkids. Grandpa looks great!!! (See where we get our Blue eyes.)

The party was at Uncle Allens 'Castle' Reception Center. Brynlie had so much fun running around that we couldn't even track her down for a photo. My mom decorated with family photos and memrobilia from grandpas life. She was really worried about how to put it all together but did a great job. My Uncles brought their guitars to sing some old family favorites with Grandpa and the Family. Something our family has done for years, I have many memories of sitting around the Piano and/or Guitar with the family and singing for hours. We also played some trivia on facts about grandpas life. It was great to mingle and see everyone.

I saw this photo of my Grandma Ilene Elder sitting out for decoration and recognized the necklace. I realized that it is one I was given from her jewelry box when she passed away. I have no memories of her wearing it so it hadn't held any sentimental value for me...other than that I knew it was hers. I am really excited now to frame a copy of this photo with the necklace. (It is actually a pin, pinned onto a chain that day.)

Kenzie's Sweet Shoppe Birthday Party

2010-09-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

It's great to be 8! Kenzie is such a beautiful and lively little girl. Kenz makes friends easily, she is fun to be around and is always kind and helpful. Kenzie is a sweet heart and we are so happy Heavenly Father sent her to our family. We love you Kenzie, Happy Birthday!! (Isn't the Pedi-skirt to die for?)

On to the Party....Kenzie chose to have a Sweet Shoppe Party this year and I went crazy pulling it together for her. It all started with the invitations, I found these cute and quite LARGE succers at Family Dollar and just printed and glued the invite to the front.

Her friends loved it!

I had lots of fun with the decorations....a few of my favorites were the succer topiary, paper lanterns turned into hard candies with a little cellophane and ribbon, and the candy orniments I found and filled with candies. I already had all the glass jars and simply added the labels to the front. The girls each got to make necklaces with beads and candy shaped charms I found...they loved this. Here's a look....

I wanted to make cookies on a stick instead of cake. I found this recipie that turned out great! I'm posting it in case any one wants to try them (I think I'll be making them for Halloween, Christmas, Valentines...might even try a cookie bouquet.)

Michelle Bommarito’s Sugar Cookies For Sticks

3 c. all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 sticks butter, unsalted, softened (8 oz)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 t. kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
dash of almond extract
Sift together the flour and baking powder. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the egg, salt and both extracts.
Slowly add flour mixture (1 cup at a time) and stir until incorporated
Form the dough into a disc and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Roll the dough onto a lightly floured surface to approximately 5/8″ thick. Cut the cookies into shapes and place the cut cookie shape on a parchment lined cookie; Poke a stick into cookies.

Bake the cookies for approximately 8-10 minutes or until the edges begin to turn golden brown in color. Remove cookies from the oven and allow tocool on a wire rack for 5 minutes.

The girls had a blast......here are some photos of them playing at the party.

Faith gave Kenzie a fun kids bop CD and the girls had a blast dancing around. As you can tell they did a conga line...silly girls.

Thanks to all her great friends for coming and making it a very special day. I just love all you girls and it is so fun having you in our home. Hope you had fun!!

Blake sent these to Kenzie at School today, she loved them!

Bus Stop

2010-08-30T07:50:00.000-07:00

Because I attended school with them on the first day, Brecken and Brynlie rode the bus for the first time today. We have quite the big bus stop with lots of good neighborhood kids. I snagged a few shots of them waiting and boarding the bus. They were so excited but a little nervous, I'm glad they have eachother.

Then like an overprotective mother I drove to the school to make sure they got in the right line and made it into class (HEY, Michelle and Veronica did it to.) It was a good thing I did cause Kenzie helped them to the wrong line....it is a little confusing out there. They were all there and waiting when I came to pick them up a couple hours later...(they only bus to school)...so all went well. Brynlie was pouting though cause she didn't get to play everything she wanted, I think it will be an adjustment from preschool and all the playtime.

Camping in South Fork

2010-08-28T22:31:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun camping with the Houstons in South Fork last year that we decided to do it again. It was a busy weekend and we headed up after Kaysns football practice on Friday in the rain and then had to go down to his last game of the season on Saturday morning (and it was super windy). But even with the craziness we had a good time. It warmed up enough fo the kids to play in the river and on Saturday night the Mannings and Smiths surprised us and came up for dinner, something we had talked about but didn't really expect. It was a nice weekend and a trip I hope we continue to make.

Ky Ky

2010-08-27T12:23:00.000-07:00

My Ky is always taking cute, funny and silly pictures of herself. She is really good at coming up with fun angles and poses. Everytime I leave my Camera unattended I find fun shots she has taken. The purple in her hair Carlie did and was super cute but had to go for School this fall, so did the lip ring which I wasn't a fan of in the first place so I won't miss it much...sorry babe, not my thing. Mom's just not cool enough for that.

She LOVES Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley and has been decorating her room with lots of their posters and stuff. Even got a Marilyn Blanket for Christmas last year.....wonder who's she'll be for Halloween Marilyn or Hello Kitty?

Thought these were pretty silly...what a goof ball!

Diva Houseparty

2010-08-26T17:51:00.000-07:00

The cute gloves and apron I made earlier in the month were all for this fun Houseparty I won. I went with a Diva theme which made it fun to decorate for. Everyone brought one of their favorite things to exchange by playing a game where we passed the gifts to the right and left based on the wording of a story I wrote...the story was pretty dorky but fun to write and read. Everyone went home with Diva Dishwashing gloves, a goodie bag I put together with the stuff they sent me in my party kit and at least one other Diva prize that they won. I gave out prizes for having the most points based on chores you did...or didn't do, we played the 'what is missing off the tray' game, along with giving out prizes for silly things like being the last to shower for the day or cleaning up the worst mess ever. We may have played too many games but I had lots of fun stuff I wanted to give away. We had fun discussing our favorite cleaning secrets sharing stories and enjoying some always needed Girl Time.

My Gardening Girlies

2010-08-25T15:35:00.000-07:00

I have inlisted the help of my girls this year in helping to keep up on the watering and gardening. They also helped do most the planting this spring and a little weeding and dead-heading here and there. They have been great (cute) little helpers but I must give Blake and Kaysn Kudos because I still think hands down they does most of the work! Here's hoping next year my back is stronger and I can get my hands dirty, I love and miss working in my flower beds.

Kaysn got his Bear!!

2010-08-25T13:13:00.000-07:00

At Pack Meeting tonight Kaysn earned his Bear! He also got a handful of various beads, arrow points and belt loops.....and his whittling chip card which means he can carry a pocket knive at scouting activities (which he thinks is pretty cool). The Bear ceremorny was really neat and included symbolic face painting, a pin for mom and the Bear patch for Kaysn. I am so proud of my boy and his accomplishment!

Chase and Parker Houston both recieved thier Bear Badges to. Chenelle and Doug deserve special kudos for being great scout leaders and helping the boys to reach thier goals.

A few boys are missing but this is the majority of our Cub Scout Troop....Goof Balls!!!

Bowling with Friends

2010-08-19T21:33:00.000-07:00

We went bowling with the Houstons and Calls at Sparetime in Roy. I wasn't able to Bowl because of my back, but the kids bowled two games and had a great time. Brynlie even graduated to rolling (well more like throwing) the ball instead of using the ramp to roll it down. We spent a few hours, had lunch and a great time visiting with friends.

Kaysn and Brennick

2010-08-19T14:32:00.000-07:00

Kaysn had his first Scrimmage today. He was really excited because it was against Brennicks team. When they were on the line Kaysn really wanted to get to hit Brennick so even though they weren't paired up Kaysn told me he snuck an arm over and hit Brennick once just for fun...LOL, BOYS! I told them to be mean when I took these pictures but they couldn't look at each other without smiling, I thought these shots were kinda fun. I'd like to blow up the first one for Kaysns room.

Stake Day Camp

2010-08-16T22:36:00.000-07:00

Kaysn got to attend camp Fife with the boys from our ward. He learned a lot of new skills and had a great time. I didn't get to be there with him but his awesome leaders took some great pictures for him.

DJ Hero Party

2010-08-14T22:02:00.000-07:00

Tanya invited us all over for a DJ Hero Party. It was a great time. Everyone took turns trying out their skills on the turntables. It was a fun evening with good friends and lots of laughs and even a little dancing. Thanks Tanya!! (and Micah :)

I made the goofy looking cupcakes...they were supposed to look like vinal records but fell a little short...oh well, still tasted good.

Gotta LOVE Football!!

2010-08-13T18:24:00.000-07:00

Football season is officially in swing. Last week was conditioning or 'Hell week'. Kaysn did amazing, he worked really hard and is one of the fastest kids. The Draft was last Thursday and his new Coach is Chris Walsh. Coach told Blake that Kaysn was the fastest X-man and he often teases the other players when they run that they shouldn't be letting this lineman beat them. It has been really great for Kaysns confidence, especially because he doesn't like that he has to be labeled and X-man in the first place. We started practicing in teams last friday and this week things are really coming together. Kaysn excited because he is getting to practice both offence and defence, he plays hard and loves it. Can't wait for his games!!

Diva Dishwashing Gloves and Apron

2010-08-07T18:56:00.000-07:00

Just finished making a bunch of these super cute Dishwashing gloves....all Diva'd out for my houseparty guests....I tried a bunch of variations I saw online, my favorite are the pleated ones.

The matching Apron turned out way cute, Ky's skinny butt is modeling it for me...but it's kinda blurry. I decided to give up the pocket for pleats and a cute v-angle to the skirt. I also did the tie extra long because I prefer to tie it in the front. LOVE IT!!

Cub Scout Photo Shoot

2010-08-03T21:11:00.000-07:00

I helped the scouts with a photography lesson today. More or less I stood there and felt really stupid while they took pictures or me. Above are a few Kaysn took, along with one I took of the stud himself.

Bryn

2010-08-03T10:13:00.000-07:00

2010-07-28T23:05:00.000-07:00

Taking a dip in Grandpa and Grandma's hot tub.

This is the family entrance....there is a front door, but if you use it you don't know my parents very well.

The breezeway between the house and garage is pretty new. I love the way it turned out and love the sign (it's hard to read in the photo) that says Country Living....that is so, my parents.

I love the feel of walking into their back yard....there is always soft country music playing (for the horses.) You can hear the water fall trickling (which has become Gus's water dish.) The horses are along the back edge of the property, the yard has lots of sitting areas and is very 'country.'

This tree house has always been a favorite with the kids. I remember being in High School and my brothers always being up there working on it. At one point it had tubing so you could send things down (inspired by peewees playhouse) My brother Jacob even had a lift set up to haul up all the materials. The kids love it, Destrie takes about anything she can find up there.

This wall in my moms kitchen is always constantly changing. She is always finding antiques and shifting stuff from one room to the other. But at one point or another most things take a turn here.

These three photos are of my moms room. It used to be downstairs but they decided to do some remodeling. It turned out beautifully. I love the bead board and built in storage area. It also has a huge walk in closet and Beautiful master bathroom. My mom has lived in the house for a long time and lived through some pretty yucky stages of remodel, but I think it has paid off beautifully.

Camping in Liberty

2010-07-28T21:51:00.000-07:00

My cute girlies all in Bandanas

Shooting Grandmas Beebee and Pellet Guns

There is plenty to do around camp, if exploring and pplaying in the dirt isn't enough there is always 4-wheeling, walkie talkies, a trampoline, swing set and teepie. Grandma always has crafts, games and fun activities to keep the kids busy.

Relaxing at the camp fire

Riding Curious George

Kylie made sure to get cute snapshots with each of us.

We went to the Rodeo!!

2010-07-27T23:02:00.000-07:00

I finally took my kids to the Rodeo!!! I haven't been to a Rodeo for 14 years. Sad that it is something my kids have missed out on because I always love it...I do after all have deep roots in Smithfield! I honestly haven't gone because the Cache Valley Rodeo was the last place I saw my Brother Jacob, he died the following morning. But that was 14 years ago.... and no reason not to enjoy something we all loved.... So I dusted off my cowboy hat and enjoyed the show. My kids loved it. Jenn and her kids went wth us...or we went with them? (Blake and Matt both had to work.) The announcer mentioned Charlie Daniels was in the audience and he just so happened to be a few rows behind us, Kaysn and Brennick were able to get his Autogragh....not that they knew who he was, but I googled him on my phone really quick and played 'Devil went Down to Georgia' so they knew he was famous.
Along with the usual Rodeo events they also had a special tribute to the troops, parachuters dropped in, and ended with a really cool Motocross show. It was a great day for all, so glad we went.

Swimming with the Edgertons

2010-07-21T14:53:00.000-07:00

We met the Edgertons at Roy Aquatic Center for a day of fun in the sun. It was a little windy but was otherwise a fun day. When we tried to go home all the kids wanted to stay....guess we'll have to go back.

Water Balloon Fight!!!

2010-07-18T23:42:00.000-07:00

Lazy Sunday + Good Friends + Water + Balloons = Water Fight!!!

Farmington Pond

2010-07-18T09:18:00.000-07:00

Matt and Jen invited us to go FISHING with them at FARMINGTON POND. We had never been there before and it was BEAUTIFUL. The kids had a blast playing in the WATER, exploring and learning to cast. Unfortunatly we didn't catch any FISH, just a few clumps of SEAWEED and a TREE. But the kids played for hours and we got to sit back, RELAX and watch......everyone had a great afternoon. Brynlie and Hudson were especially hilarious, they were SPLASHING around with sticks and saying I'm the KING or QUEEN of the water. Hudson said something about being made from a HORSE and Brynlie said she was a COWGIRL??? Guess the Rodeo was still fresh on their minds....oh to have their IMAGINATIONS. By the time we went home the ladies were wet and STINKY (got to love the pond smell) and had to strip down to ride home, but I'm pretty sure they'd say it was worth it.