From the Beach House

Summer Pictures

2011-08-05T10:20:00.004-06:00

A picture is worth a thousand words, right? So this is one long post:)
Lots of time spent making the house a mess with their silly games.
This is baby Evelyn. She is gorgeous! Look at all that hair. It hangs over her ears. She was born while I was away in Utah. Sh'e about two weeks old here, when I got to hold her.
We have spent uncountable hours in the pool. Thank heavens for our pool.
Hyrum and Noah have a best friend Ivan, pictured with them. They spend a lot of time at his house. Ivan has the most amazing collection of toys that I've ever seen, and no siblings.
This was taken at their grandma's house in Utah while we were back there for two weeks.
Yes, we hit Disneyland just before the summer busy time. But it was still very busy!
Fourth of July in Utah. Jason and Reagan, my nephews, are pictured with my boys.

This is at the Torrey Pines state beach. We went the day we got home from Utah. We really missed the ocean.

How's This for Exciting?

2011-07-24T21:56:00.011-06:00

Kristi and I are excited that we are under contract on a house in San Diego.

We found a great deal in the neighborhood that we love, and we are so grateful for this opportunity to buy a house in this market. We are getting a great loan through my bank, and it is so awesome to be able to do this.

I think all that anybody really cares about are pictures, so here are some pictures of the place. Sorry that I'm all over the place in these, but I have to inspect the important stuff like the outdoor barbecue and the theater equipment...

Trip to Utah

2011-07-11T10:10:00.003-06:00

I stopped babysitting! I'm so excited to have this summer to be babysitting free! I loved the two kids I babysat, but it was just too difficult to go to the beach or take them all to the pool. I was getting really stir crazy in my little house. It was just almost impossible for us all, (me, plus five kids) to go out. And when we would go do something, I would be so exhausted that I would tell myself not to do that again. Man I whine a lot. I'm just not build to handle five kids, seven and under.
Last month I took my three boys out to Utah to see their cousins and so I could play with all four of my sisters and see my parents. We were there for two and a half weeks. The time just flew by. We had a family reunion while I was back there too. I decided to do all my appointments (hair, teeth, and car) while I was back because it's a lot cheaper. Which was six different appointments!
I did a girls night with three of my best friends, Kamie, Angela, and Kathi. It was so much fun! We went to dinner then went to my sister Kathi's house to play games and visit. We were up till 2 am. It was a busy, but fun time back in Utah.
Kamie and Kathi. Both of them hate this picture, sorry I don't. Plus it's the only one I have of you guys from GNO.
Angela and me. These pix are from Pizza factory in Cedar City. I miss that place.

So now we're home safely (after some car issues) and glad to be back in San Diego! We left Jer behind and it was the longest we have ever been away from each other. He was struggling to have us all gone. I'm not sure I'll ever leave him for that long again.
I've decided to take my exercise and dieting up a level. Every morning I'm doing a workout. I'm also cutting back on my carb intake. I hope to lose 10lbs and lose two pants sizes. I've given up candy and soda for a year! I'm already two months into that goal. I actually surprised myself with the goal, and being able to do it. I'm a huge candy fan. I gave up those things more for the sake of my teeth, then for the calorie part. I have bad teeth and this is something that will help my teeth and is healthy for me too.
Well there's much more I wanted to write, but I feel this is all boring. So I'll try again when I can be exciting.
Hyrum and his twin cousin Austin. They're twin cousin because they were born the same day, and their moms are twins.
Noah, Adam, Porter, Brooklynn, Austin, Hyrum lounging on a swing eating sandwiches.
This is while we were camping. My nephew Jonny, my niece Meagan, and Hyrum, with war paint on.
My sweet little boys. I sure love them.

what's new?

2011-04-12T21:16:00.003-06:00

hey friends, it's me, kristi. i miss my desire to blog. i miss reading about what's new in your world. everyone who reads this has to leave a comment and tell me whats going on in your life (that is if anyone reads this anymore).

i'll tell you a bit of what i'm up to lately. i started babysitting last month. i watch two extra kids, one just turned two and his sister is six. i make good money, but i do sacrifice a lot. i miss napping with hyrum and quiet moment and home cooked meals. but all in all i'm grateful for the opportunity to be a stay at home mom and make money on the side.

i decided to make it to the temple at least twice a month. i realized that someday when the temple isn't as close to me, i'm going to be really upset with myself for not getting to the temple more often. so this morning i woke up at 5:00 am and did the 5:30 session. tuesday's the only day of the week they do early morning at the san diego temple.

i love living in san diego. i don't ever want to leave. i just wish i had more family and a few of my utah friends here as well. life is great. i love being a mom. i love being a ward missionary. i love the gospel of Jesus Christ. i love my Heavenly Father.

that last paragraph might have been a little uncharacteristic of me, but i read an article about women who stalk mormon blogs (a positive article). anyway i realized i need to use my blog to be an instrument for missionary work. i have a bit of work to do to be more lds bloggish. that article is what inspired me to blog today.

I Could be Amazing

2011-01-24T18:21:00.008-07:00

Porter had a play date today. His little friend is named Mihir. Mihir is two month younger then Porter and can speak perfectly. Maybe he can rub off on Porter. While Porter played with Mihir next door, I went and played ball with my other two boys. It was nice because I was able to spend quality time with Hyrum and Noah (Porter requires my full attention when we play outside).

I practiced up on my juggling skills. I had to learn juggling in 6th grade P.E. I've decided to get real good at juggling. Maybe someday I'll juggle a bowling pin with a sword and a lit torch. I would be amazing.

Here's to Good Health

2011-01-23T21:28:00.004-07:00

Today was a good day. My sickness is finally clearing up. I went to all my church meetings, first time this year. It was great to see my ward friends finally. I did go last week, but it was stake conference. Elder Perry (the apostle) came and spoke to us. It was an awesome experience. I had to leave stake conference early because of my coughing fits. I'll tell you that my sickness was a doozey! It was the longest cold I've ever had! I also developed a sinus infection. I did go to a doctor, because I was afraid I might have pneumonia. I just a BAD cold. I came down with my cold mid December, and still am having quite a cough. I've decided I'm good enough to return to society. I'm so grateful for the good health I do have. You sure do learn to appreciate your health more when it's gone.

I went to Utah Dec. 17th and didn't return until the first Sunday of Jan. My older sister, Shasta, blessed her baby that day, and we left right after the blessing to hurry home to San Diego before the bad traffic hit. We didn't beat it, we were right in the middle, and it ended up taking 14 hours to get home. My dad rode home with us so he could stay a couple of weeks in the beautiful weather. It was great having him here and I think he enjoyed it, even though we didn't have cable. He struggled at first not being able to watch the news. But he would call home and have one of my sisters put the phone next to the 5 o'clock news.

It was really nice going back to Cedar. It was the first time I'd been back since we moved. I was able to see all of my family (minus one brother-in-law in Montana). Also a lot of my cousins and aunts and uncles, many of whom I haven't seen in years. I got my braces off while I was in utah. I eat lots of apples now and chew gum again. Jer and I were able to go snowboarding with some of our best friends, the Christians.

I hate that I'm so far behind again. I don't like playing catch up. I'm just going to call that post good, even though it's not half of what I wanted to write. I think I'll go check on your blog now.

The Christians for Thanksgiving

2010-12-09T08:56:00.003-07:00

We had such a great Thanksgiving. One of my best friends came all the way from Cedar City with her family to spend Thanksgiving with us. It was such a wonderful treat. It was very wonderful to have someone to spend Thanksgiving with.
The man working in the kitchen. Rare picture hu? Well actually Jer helps out a lot in the kitchen. He's a great husband, and I'm thankful for him and all that he does.
Five boys, and one baby girl. The boys had a lot of fun having playmates around. Jer took the four big boys swimming while we prepared the turkey (pretty cool that we can go swimming on Thanksgiving day).
Porter just loved little Hannah. He called her Nanna. He wouldn't stop kissing or hugging her.
We had a wonderful meal. Next year I need another oven, or to cook a day or two in advance.
Here is Kamie and Nate. I love them to death. Kamie and I have so much fun together. We were best friends since the day we meet, even though we lived 40 minutes from each other. We were also roommates in college. I'm thankful for good friends. Love you guys, thanks for driving all the way over here to spend Thanksgiving with us!

Disneyand

2010-12-07T09:45:00.004-07:00

We got the kids season passes to Disneyland for Christmas. They have already been reaping the benefits though. We figured that many of our friends and family will be visiting us and would like to go to Disneyland. Therefore we needed to get season passes. We have already been with my mom, my friend Tari and her family, my brother Justin and his family, and my friend Kamie with her family. This week my brother Jeremy and his wife Heidi are in Disneyland. So in order to see them we have to head over to Anaheim.
(I cut all of the boys hair real short. No more golden curls for Porter).
I don't think that Hyrum was afraid on the Winnie the Pooh ride, but it sure looks like it.
Porter didn't act excited about the carousel, but when we get off he screams and cries.
My three beautiful boys. I sure do love them!
This is me and my friend Kamie. We've been friends since we were 15.
This is Nate, Kamie's husband, with Noah and their son Carvin.

Late Halloween Pictures

2010-12-06T10:15:00.002-07:00

Like I mentioned in the earlier post, I'm getting caught up, a post a day until I'm up to date! Noah's school makes a big deal of Halloween. We had an early morning parade, followed by a party in his classroom. Hyrum would not leave Noah's side. He pretended he was a 1st grader the whole time we were at school. Hyrum was even in the parade. Noah wasn't too keen with that, but I couldn't stop him, my arms were full with my other baby.

There were so many festivities for Halloween, that I finally decided I/we had partied hard enough (they were running my life). Anyway we had some good fun and plenty of candy. We actually didn't even do any trick or treating because if fell on Sunday, but we did do trunk or treating, and a carnival, and the party and parade at Noah's school, and a Halloween party.
This is the party at Noah's school, Hyrum by his side, of course.
Hyrum's preschool group picture.
My baby Porter. He's adorable, if I do say so myself.
Noah's a knight with his side kick Wolverine, walking along in the parade. The little 1st grade princesses were digging Noah being a knight. They thought he was their prince.
This is Hyrum taking roll with Noah's class.

Hyrum Goes to School

2010-12-05T21:54:00.006-07:00

Hyrum started preschool in October. I have all these cute pictures of him that I wanted to post. This was his first day of school. I think he loves it. He was real excited about it in the beginning, not so much anymore. He tries to come up with excuses for not going (hope he grows out of that real soon, or that might be a real problem) but when I go to pick him up, he doesn't want to leave. So who knows if he likes it or not.

Are you feeling what I'm stepping in?

2010-11-28T21:37:00.003-07:00

When I talk to the boys, I say things like, "You feel me? You pickin' up what I'm layin' down? You smellin' what I'm steppin' in?"

So, we were walking along the other day, when I said something to Noah, and he said, "I'm feeling what your stepping in."

I about died laughing.

Jer vs. Kristi

2010-09-19T22:55:00.002-06:00

Kristi says that she gets more comments than I do when I post. So, please prove her wrong... and make some comments.

Check out this video I took yesterday:

Perpetual Party

2010-09-19T22:13:00.007-06:00

When I was a teenager, my dad used to tell me that my life was a perpetual party. And so it continues...

My brother and his family came to visit us from Utah, and we went to the beach and to LegoLand with them. It was a great time, and we enjoyed having the company. Anyone who wants to come visit us, we are always up for a good time (and more parties). LegoLand is 15 minutes, SeaWorld is 15 minutes, San Diego Zoo is 15 minutes, the beach is 10 minutes, Petco Park is 20 minutes, and DisneyLand is an hour from here. So, you can see why we are in a perpetual party here at the beach house.

After the Lees left, we went back to LegoLand to visit the SeaLife aquarium. It was really great because the flow of visitors is actually monitored like a ride, so it never gets too crowded. They have really cool tanks that the kids can go under and stick their heads into a little bubble. I can't explain it - you'll just have to check out the blurry picture below...

Also, their shark tank is AMAZING, but we couldn't get any good photos of it. The sharks swim all around you. They have all kinds of saltwater fish in that tank, too, including rays, tangs, and all of Jer's other dream pets. Does anyone remember our stinky tank in the Cove?

Hooray for Labor Day

2010-09-15T11:23:00.008-06:00

San Diego's Wild Park is so much better then the zoo. Our season pass gets us into both of the two parks. I have to tell you that I had a bit of a hard time seeing all the animals locked up on display at the San Diego Zoo. We also went on a Saturday afternoon during the summer. So it was hot and crowded as well.

If you have to choose between the zoo and the wild park I highly suggest the wild park. I thought the experience to be a much better one at the San Diego Wild Park. It's kinda like a savanna and you get to see them in their element. The herbivores are out wandering their area looking for food. They actually seem "at home" there. The animals aren't in cages, and have a lot of area to roam around. We also went in the morning. I highly suggest a morning visit; 1) The animals are awake 2) You can find parking 3) Less people/shorter lines, and 4) Not as hot.

We also packed lunches and had a little picnic there. We really enjoyed the park and can't wait to do it again.

It's a long story, and I've told it too many times already so I'll spare you the details and just tell you we got great seats to the Padres game.

My mom was down and we only bought four tickets. So there were six of us in the four seats. It was still a great time, just limited room. The Padres won against the LA dodgers. There was a special fireworks show afterwords because of it being Labor Day. My boys thoroughly love the baseball games/Padres. They get wrapped up in the environment, as do I.

Noah's First Day

2010-09-10T16:26:00.003-06:00

It's been two weeks since Noah's first day of school. But I still want to put up the pictures, better late than never. He absolutely loves school, his teacher, and his classmates. He's getting along really nicely. I'm so glad that it went so smoothly. I was very worried/nervous. It's a big deal to me to go to a huge school here in California. Also it's a full day now moving into 1st grade. I was so relieved when I picked him up and he couldn't stop talking about how great school was.

One of the cultural shocks for me is that Noah is the only LDS kid in his class. There are only two other LDS kids in his grade of 80 first graders. I think that there's just under 1,000 students at his school, which is k-6. The school is really great. People move here just so their kids can be in this district. I think it offers a lot for Noah.

I forgot to mention Porters tired little face. He's been having a rough time with his nap schedule. Poor thing. But isn't he adorable?

Blogging Anyone?

2010-09-01T10:42:00.005-06:00

As I try to get back into blogging, I get overwhelmed, side tracked, and a bit discouraged as well. Not many people blog anymore. Good work to those of you who didn't fall short (unlike me). I want to get caught up on everyone's summer, and let you all know we're still alive. But then I use my free time up, and never get to bogging.

Now that I live far away I thought I'd start it up again. But so far we haven't had many responses. Probably because everyone figured we were done, and a lot of people (like half at least) stopped blogging. So I kinda feel that I'm talking to myself here. I'm trying to update the entire blog. I've lost people's blog addresses, or people have gone private, or whatever else. I'm going to try and collect your info so I can be up to date, and see what's going on in your lives.Those of you who have gone private, please invite me to be a part of your blog party.

The Philistines

2010-08-29T22:43:00.005-06:00

This post is by Jer, even though it says Kristi. I'm just getting that out of the way right now.

On Friday, we went to see our team (the Padres) get beat by the Phillies. Noah referred to the Phillies as the Philistines, which I felt was actually pretty fitting, since they were opposing the Padres (aka friars). Noah thought that Phillies was a shortening of the word Philistines, so that was funny.

I was at work a little after 6:00 when I got an e-mail from our CEO that said the first person to show up in front of his office got tickets for the Padres game at 7:05. So, I jogged over there (about 12 steps) and snagged the tickets. He said, "good luck explaining to everyone that you got the tickets." and shut his door. Then, I turned and saw that people were running at me from all directions. It was hilarious. I ran back to my desk and called Kristi. While I was on the phone, one guy actually walked over and kicked my chair!

Kristi was so stressed out because the game started in like 45 minutes and I was still at work, and we hadn't eaten yet. So, I came home, we got shoes and jackets and headed to Taco Bell for dinner (to go). Then, we realized that I forgot Porter's shoes. Luckily, our house was still close, and kind of on the way. So, we got to Petco Park right after the game started. We didn't have $20 cash for the parking, but they let us in for FREE!

We had no idea how good the tickets were, but once we were walking down to our seats, and we had to keep walking down, we knew they were good!

The boys were so excited to be so close to the action, and surrounded by people chanting and clapping and screaming at the players. Hyrum was screaming "Go Padres!!!" over and over again at the top of his lungs. Noah kept on dancing ridiculously to see if he could make it on to the jumbo tron screen. Porter kept on rubbing the leg of the man sitting next to him, which was funny, but really annoying to the guy. I think Kristi really enjoyed it until the 'guess the attendance' game. The screen said that there were 34, 500 people at the game that night, and she realized that was more than the population of Iron County, Utah! Then, she started to get nervous about the crowds when it was time to leave.

Surprisingly, it ended well, and the boys were fantastic. The traffic home was smooth like butta. We are definitely doing it again! Below are some pictures.

San Diego

2010-07-13T08:29:00.004-06:00

I took a new job in San Diego. A lot of you know that I have been frustrated at my job for nearly a year. I found a great job. My job entails a lot of analytics, data reporting, process re-engineering, project management, and financial analysis. I really love my job.

So, I started on June 15, but my family stayed in Utah until I found us a suitable place in California and rented out our place in Utah. So, on the 6th of July, we drove a budget rental truck down here to San Diego and moved in to our new place.

We are really excited for friends and family to come visit. We are about 10 minutes from Sea World and 20 Minutes from Lego Land. Kristi and I have been able to go running on the beach every morning, and we have been able to take the boys to the beaches and parks, and terrific restaurants. Our ward is great, and I really appreciate the friendship and help they have extended to our family. My computer is set up on a free computer desk given to us by one of the ward members. We got a free set of patio furniture, as well - 6 chairs and a couple of tables. Oh, and a free couch, too! These guys hooked us up!

Anyway - I have a few pictures to post.

Now that the computer is hooked up, Kristi will blog more - she promises.

We are happy, healthy, and we miss everyone. So... come visit!

Bye

frustrated

2010-03-15T10:09:00.006-06:00

I get so tired of looking for the tv remote. It's the biggest waste of time. Sure i get some exercise, moving the couch, tilting stands, lifting any piece of furniture lighter than 50 lbs. going up and down the stairs. Or from room to room, to room! But it gets old.
I wish that we could change the channel without remotes. Do you remember those days when we had to use our legs to change the channel. Sure we'd watch the commercials because we we're too lazy to get up, but that was our choice. There wasn't channel surfing, or watch two channels between the commercials. Before I make it sound like I am ancient, and that I was around before remote controls existed, I need to explain that we (anyone in my household other than my parents) weren't allowed to touch the remotes. I hated that as a child, but I obeyed. Now I understand why. Because if the kid touch the stupid things, they're lost. And they aren't in any reasonable place! One time I even called the kids parents that I babysat to see if it was in their diaper bag, by some chance, because it was NOWHERE in my house. But they were in my house, in the closest of the office in a bag. How is that possible!
The trash is Porter's favorite place to put them. Noah usually only loses the remote into the abyss of the couch. Hyrum- it could be anywhere, ANYWHERE in the house. From the basement to the toy box. And, yes, I always look in the regular places, which is anywhere in the living room or deep inside the couch. But just thoroughly checking the regular spots still takes me 15 minutes!
Oh what a pain. I guess I could use this in a positive way. Such as, to make money off of the devises I've invented in my head while searching for the controls. I don't mind sharing because if you invent them for me, then I love you. I've thought of everything from a beacon device, to a docking station, to a shocking sensation so it's never touched by those who shouldn't touch it.
So sad to say, but there's no shower for me today because of lack of a babysitter for Hyrum.

My apologies for this venting I've gone on and on, but it's just time that would be spent looking for that blasted remote!

Porter at 11 months

2010-01-25T08:53:00.003-07:00

Porter is nearing his first birthday so I thought I would give an update. Porter loves to suck on his fingers (the first two on his right hand). He loves his special little blanket, which he wont go to sleep without. He also loves french toast. Porter is very curious. He opens every cupboard in the kitchen and tries to pull everything out. He also randomly throws things in the trash. Porter has begun taking a step without help. He says ball, boo, daddy, and I think momma (it hasn't been confirmed by anyone else yet).

He is actually a mamma's boy and a daddy's boy. Porter chased Jer all over the house this morning to get some attention and cried at his feet until he got what he wanted. Porter also cried when daddy left the house this morning.

Porter has many nicknames. I'll list as many as I can remember; Popo (most popular), Po-dizzal, Rockwell, The Rock, Rocky, Rocky Raccoon. Most of which are derivatives of the other. Hopefully we'll drop Popo soon (it means pooh in Spanish).

In less than a month I'll be done nursing him (hallelujah!) I am grateful that I have been able to nurse a whole year- but I can't wait till daddy's just as capable as mommy is with Porter, and I can get out of the house for longer intervals. Popo is as smart as can be. He tries to type on the keyboard, change the channel to the TV, open mommy's phone, and he can't leave the gate to the downstairs alone after he sees someone access it. I think we might have another genius on our hands.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-22T11:10:00.004-07:00

The kid who stuck his tongue to the pole is our lil' bro RuSean Wood.

Porter

2009-11-22T19:28:00.003-07:00

People have given me crap for not posting pictures of Porter. I guess I could put some up. He is now nine months. He is so beautiful.

We finally have Porter sleeping through the night...again. From the time he was 2 weeks old he started sleeping all night. That lasted until our busy summer, when we went to my mom's family reunion at the beach, my dad's family reunion in northern Utah, the reunion with my family, and Jer's class reunion, and a trip to Moab. Porter was then about four months old when he started waking up every three to four hours to nurse. I know many people don't ever get a decent night's sleep while they are nursing, but for me, this was something new. I don't mean to complain but it has been hard on me. Jer finally helped me find the ability to let Porter sleep. So as of this week Porter is sleeping from 8:00pm to 7:00am. This has given me spring to my walk, I wake up with a smile on my face. Life is good!

Yeah, The Halloween Post

2009-11-04T10:46:00.002-07:00

Noah and Hyrum were such a mess after eating cotton candy, donuts, and candy. We asked them what they wanted to eat for dinner, they said "Nothing, I'm not hungry". Which isn't normal for my boys, they are always hungry.

Hyrum was an elephant, Noah was a Kangaroo, yes a bit unusual, but both were adorable. They have been animals for three years. I always had to be something scary for Halloween. That was my mom's rule, because Halloween is about being spooked. I guess times have changed.
Mindy, Jer's cousin (I think of her more like a sister, and the boys think of her like an aunt) came along with us. It was nice to have an adult for each kid! After the Halloween festivities we celebrated Mindy's birthday (it was on Monday) by going out to dinner. This is such a cute pix of Mindy and Porter. He's a purple dragon.
Jer and I had a Halloween party on Friday. This is the best we could do for costumes. One day we might actually plan more than the day of the party. Oh well, these costumes still worked out.

Don't count me out!

2009-10-27T12:20:00.005-06:00

I'm here and I'm actually blogging! The long delay of posting was mostly because once Porter was born, the office (computer room/scrapbook room/craft room) got changed into Porter's room. We have now finished a room in the basement for Noah and Hyrum, all but the flooring, and are waiting to put that in once the basement is a bit further along. But if you know of anyone (local) getting rid of their carpet let me know! I would love to cover up the cement and possibly save a head or two from getting cracked. Anyway what I'm trying to say is that Porter has moved into the Boy's old room, and I get my office back! The posting might become a regular thing again.

I guess I'll do a quick update. Noah started kindergarten this school year. He does love it, but he is getting in trouble often for talking too much. You all know that Noah's a talker (he takes after his father). Noah has lost two teeth, but they grew back in within a month.
Hyrum is currently sick with a high fever. He keeps telling me he feels well and that I'm sick. Even though he's sick he still has his humor. He has almost adjusted to Noah going to school. He tries almost every morning to go to school with Noah, then throws a horrible fit when Jer tells him he can't go with.

Porter is eight months now. Yeah I said eight! He is so stinking cute. He has been crawling since he was six months, and I mean full on crawling and he's fast too! Noah crawled at six months as well, but he did the army crawl for over a month. Porter practiced for maybe a week than he was a pro. Porter was eating a baby food or two for each meal, but I guess the growing spree has slowed down now.

Jer is doing a side business (maybe premature of me to say) which is web design. He got a new computer to do all the designing on. He is very excited to have a new computer. We have had the same one since we got married. Which is fine for me, but not for Jer, since he grew up in the computer business, and has had top of the line computers his whole life. Jer has also started P90X, which is an extreme workout video. He loves it and hasn't missed a work out since he started two of three weeks ago. We can see results and that keeps him going. Eventually I plan on doing it with him. I'm just waiting until Porter lets me have decent sleep again.

With the season getting cold we are now a one car family (we sold our truck and Jer's motorcycle wont cut it). It's a bit difficult, but we make it work. I would rather save our money and finish the basement, or save up to buy our next vehicle with cash (probably a mini van). So about the mini van thing. I know I've sworn never to buy a mini van but the more I think about it why wouldn't I? Mini vans get much better gas mileage than SUVs. They are easier to get in and out of, especially with baby car seats. They can hold a ton of luggage. There is plenty of leg room. You can access your kids easier when traveling. I always had in mind that I would be the Denali kind of mom. Which I guess is possible when moneys no longer an object. But for now money matters.

(Side note-those of you who voted on the best picture in an earlier post would care to know I am in the top ten. So the chances of me winning the wii are pretty good. Or I could win an Ipod nano, which I would be pretty excited about as well).

Noah was playing a little too rough, and too far from mom and dad. He learned a lesson, or so he says. This is Noah after losing his second tooth. He even let Jer pull it out.This is the 1st day of kindergarten. Isn't he handsome?We let Hyrum dress up in Noah's old soccer clothes to go to Noah's games. Hyrum is so ready for soccer he just has to wait another year!These are my boys taken on Sunday.

2009-08-28T15:06:00.003-06:00

I thought that I would tell the story about the snakes in the earlier post. My family (including my siblings and their families) were up at Little Creek Ranch for a family reunion. This was in May. The kids were out and about playing in the grass and in the play yard. Most of the adults were inside of the cabin. Noah comes running into the house, "I just saw a rattle snake." I believed that he saw a snake, maybe not a rattle snake, but knowing Noah as well as I do, I thought he was probably right. He knows snakes pretty good, he's quite observant, and he tells the truth. Most of the fam thought he was making up a story. Jer had Noah carefully show him where he saw the snake, and sure enough it was a rattler. My bother-in-law Tom came walking over in flip flops to check it out, and he almost stepped on a second rattle snake. So as the pictures tell, we killed them. Sad and cruel, I know, but we couldn't have them around our kids.
In one of the pictures you can tell that I am utterly disgusted was the grosses thing I have ever done. Ten times worst than you think it would be. The snakes, although their heads were gone, kept coiling up and climbing down the tree stump. They were cold and muscley, and would not hold still. Nasty!

Pick a Picture

2009-08-20T16:26:00.004-06:00

Hey I need your vote. I'm in a contest for the best summer fun photo...in the "got metal?" T-shirt. It's a little vague, but that's all the instructions I have. I can only submit one photo. Let me know which one of the bunch you like best ( yes, I know the photos are all similar). I don't have time to change the direction of the pix. If I win I'll let you come play on the wii and I'm going to win(positive thinking). Sorry for the lame blog. But it's why I was on the computer, to send my photo in.
P.S. the got metal has to do with the braces if you haven't figured that out.

Pictures

2009-06-24T10:38:00.002-06:00

I've seen this count as a post before. So we can pretend that I'm blogging again.
Look how cute they are. Jer's a good daddy. Happy (late) Father's Day!
They were "helping" daddy with the basement. Curt and Lisa got them these great work clothes.

Family picture

Memorial Day Ride (Jer got a bike). He drives it to work everyday. We also sold our truck.
Jer absolutely loves this picture. So I decided to post it.

Sorry For The Delay

2009-04-16T14:29:00.002-06:00

It's been more than a month, I guess it's time to post. Porter is an amazing baby. So today he is eight weeks, and he slept eight hours straight last night. Yes, I'm sure everyone is jealous! Not a peep in those eight hours. Now don't worry I know that he's still young, but he's getting chubby, and he's healthy. He's putting on weight really well. Porter is such a sweet heart. He is the easiest baby I've had. And both Noah and Hyrum were great babies. I do get a little credit for Porter sleeping thought the night. Because at first he had his day and nights mixed up, so I've had to work with him.

We blessed Porter on Sunday. Jer gave a wonderful blessing. We had much support from our friends and family. And we were glad so many could attend. The weather wasn't very nice for the luncheon, but we made due. We had to do it outside because there were about 50 of us, and church was still going on. It will be remembered because we were all freezing to death. Good times! I didn't really get pictures of the event, because so much was going on. I did get a picture of me holding Porter and that's it. So I'll post that. (I can't find it right now I'll post it later).

Today's the first day of the week that Jer's gone to work for the whole day. He's been sick with laryngitis all week. I'm so glad that his voice has returned. I was tired of feeling like Jer was mad at me. You know, with the silent treatment. I wasn't the only one to think Jer was upset with them either, I overheard Noah tell his cousin Adam that his dad was furious, after checking in on the two of them while they were playing in Noah's room. It was fun to have Jer here, but he threw our ajenda off. I also got tired of answering his phone calls and trying to interpert Jer's signing to the person on the phone.

Porter's Update

2009-03-13T10:23:00.009-06:00

I had Porter's baby pictures taken on Monday. My friend Jaelyn took them and she did a great job. Porter is such a beautiful newborn. At his two week appointment, on Monday, he was 8 lbs 11 oz, and 21 in long. He's eating well, and growing big. I'm excited to have a chubby baby. They are so cute. We have his days and nights in order now, so I'm getting much better sleep between his feedings.

His bothers love him. I'm surprised that they aren't jealous. They want to hold, and help as much as possible. Hyrum was sick with a cold right after we brought Porter back from the hospital. We had to keep Porter away from Hyrum. It was so sad. But now that his health has improved he's held Porter a few times, and he is just tickled pink. If you tell Hyrum "You're so cute", he replies, "No baby Porter cute". Noah's already praying for him Hyrum and Baby Porter to serve missions.

I feel so blessed to have a healthy baby, and to be back to my old self again. Everyday, a couple times a day, I say "I'm so happy not to be pregnant anymore"! Being pregnant helped me realize that I took my healthy body for granted. I can't wait to start running, when the weather improves, and my cold goes away. Thanks to everyone who has helped us out, or offered to help. We appreciate the meals that were brought over from friends and family. And thank you for the baby gifts. We are well taken care of.

Baby Porter - Loads of Pics

2009-02-22T16:45:00.009-07:00

Hey everybody. I'd like to introduce you to Porter. Porter was born on Feb 20, 2009 at 11:38 AM. He weighed 8 lbs 4 oz and was 20 inches long at birth. He isn't as big as that 17 lb baby that I posted earlier, but he is quite the big baby for our family. Noah and Hyrum were both 6 lbs 9 oz. This kid is a chunk compared to them. I figure he's 22% bigger than the other two were.

I have to tell you that I can already tell that this is a special kid that will bring balance to the force [in our house]. He seems to be a mix between Noah and Hyrum. Nobody can say who he looks like more. I think he has Hyrum's head, Noah's eyes, Hyrum's mouth, Noah's Nose, and Noah's chin. His ears are still too weird to compare.

His personality is very different from what we already have in our home. He's very quiet and pensive. When attacked, he responds with curious looks instead of squeels and screams. I went to all three circumcisions, and this one was the most unique. He cried a little at first when they strapped him down, but after they gave Porter his binkie, he quieted right down. Then, when they administered the shot of local anestetic, I was very surprised to see that he did not cry. The nurses were taken aback, as well. They both commented on what a good baby Porter is. He held still and quiet while they completed the circumcision. What a different experience. Hyrum was trying to punch and kick the Doctor (even at that tender young age, Hyrum was a fireball). Noah cried almost unconsolably afterwards for quite a long time. But not Porter; he just sat there and waited for them to finish. Then, all the other shots and pokes and tests were exactly the same - Porter just held still and winced a little, but didn't cry or fight it. For me, it was very weird. At home, it has been the same thing - he is just so different from the other two that it kind of weirds me out. It is so fun to have so many personalities in the home.

Kristi is doing fine. The delivery went great. We got to the hospital about 8:30 AM, and Kristi was able to get an epideral going before things were too intense. She was literally talking about American Idol and Survivor between pushes. Her contractions don't ever get very close. The doctor made the comment "one more good push, Kristi! Then, we'll have to wait fifteen minutes for your next contraction..." I laughed.

Anyway - 8lbs 4 oz... big kid. Kristi's recovering just great. I'm so proud of her. My boys are doing VERY well adapting to Porter in the house. They have been very good for me since I have usurped the daytime reign of the castle. Soon, I will turn things back over to their rightful heir... Sorry, Noah and I just finished watching Prince Caspian.

Now for the pics:

Kathi thought that this was the most important picture - the shot of the toenails that I painted the night before. No, I have never painted toenails before.

Apparently, it's very important to look pretty when you are about to deliver a baby. Kathi was very concerned abot Kristi's toenails and hair.

Me, on the other hand - calm as a summer's breeze [surrounded by purses and pink puffy coats]...

Me practicing catching the baby.

Kristi laughing at her idiot husband [and her stupid hair-do that Kathi did]. hahaha

Then, after conversations of who should be kicked off of Idol and Survivor, he was here! Boom!
Now, I didn't take these gross pictures - I was up by Kristi's head - you can thank Kathi for the in-your-face camera shots.

The monster! Look at the fat rolls and the feet!

After I did the unmentionable disconnect job, they plopped him on top of Kristi. And, for the first time of three, she was happy and able to hold the newborn.

He is so chill.

Look at that belly!

Proof.

Our latest family picture! Shasta could have told me that I didn't have to tilt my head in [I thought the shot was a little tighter]. Oh, and I gave the boys some haircuts today because those fros are gettin' CU-RAZY!

A Week To Go

2009-02-15T16:24:00.005-07:00

I guess I can give you an update on me and the pregnancy, that means no baby. I know some of you are wondering if we've had our baby yet. I still technically have two weeks from yesterday. But I think it will be this week, Friday to be precise.

It's really hard to keep my train of thought right now. Jer wont stop telling me how bored he is, and he keeps hitting the back of my chair. This is the first time I've been on the computer this entire week and he apparently he isn't happy about it.

Anyway- I am done babysitting as of last Friday. I thought I could use a week or two to clean the house and get things ready for our baby. I have to tell you I am very excited to have another boy! I know that he is a very special spirit and that he is meant to come into our home. I'm kind of getting impatient to met him; I actually would be okay waiting two or three more weeks if it wasn't for the horrible pain that he has been causing me for around a month now. I don't really know how to explain the pain, but it's very strong and has crippled me to the ground a couple of times. The pain is around my pelvic area, but I can also get it in my lower back and upper legs. It's also very quick to come and go, but it happens often. I tried to explain it to my doctor, but he didn't seem too concerned. I haven't had this pain in the past; that's the biggest reason I worry about it. Other than that, I'm in good health and so is the baby. At my last appointment, I was dialated to a 2 1/2, and 70% effaced.

Hyrum has been doing so good on potty training; we're all but done. He still wears a diaper to bed at night, but other than that he's trained. I'm so proud of him (and me) for sticking with it. It was my goal to have him trained before our baby came. I know that toddlers regress when there is change, so I expect that, but hope for the best.

Powder Day

2009-02-11T15:46:00.007-07:00

I just wanted to post some pics from my day at Brian Head.

Apparently this blogger video player sucks. I just uploaded it to YouTube... I'll update it in a few minutes.

And, I thought I'd post a picture of my best friends...

(Hyrum, 2 and Noah, 4)

I Love My Boys

2009-01-11T20:18:00.008-07:00

Noah and Hyrum are so adorable! They crack me up. They have such different personalities, that I wonder how I've raised opposites. Noah looks so much like my side of the family when Hyrum is all Jer.

Hyrum is naturally funny. He has this awesome Kung Fu Panda move, I'll record it and put it up with this post. He's also our little dare devil. I can't believe that he hasn't needed stitches yet. He is constantly jumping off of things, like Noah's bunk bed, and our stools. And most of the time, when he gets hurt, he doesn't cry he just takes it as part of the adventure. Hyrum has been potty training this week and has been doing incredibly well. Much better than expected. I think I was dreading it too much maybe. Noah cheers him on with every trip to the bathroom because that means skittles for both of them, hey it works. Then they are excited together, and Noah's constantly reminding Hyrum to go potty. It's our tradition to hug and kiss each other good night after family prayer. Hyrum also ask to hug or kiss his baby (the one in my belly) after family prayer. It makes me laugh, but he likes to kiss my "babybutton".

Noah is smart as can be. He loves to color and currently is planning on growing up to be and artist. But he has mentioned wanting to be a captain in the military (I think he learned that from Moroni). Every prayer that Noah says, whether it's family prayer, personal prayer, or at a friends house, he always prays that he and Hyrum can grow up to be missionaries. At my sisters house yesterday for the dinner prayer he also prayed that he and Hyrum (and his cousins, whose home we were at) could marry good girls in the temple. I am amazed at his level of understanding, and also his spirituality. He is such a good bother and tries so hard to be a good example to Hyrum. He's also an example to me.

They are both so unique and wonderful and I am truly blessed to have such wonderful boys in my home. They mean the world to me. I look forward to raising a third boy. I can't wait to meet him, and see what he has instore for us.

We had our baby!

2009-01-10T18:30:00.005-07:00

No, not really. Hahahahahaha

Kristi asked me to blog something. So, I thought I would renew some interest in our blog.

I'll tell a little story.

Last night, we went to a neighbor couple's house for dinner, along with about 6 other couples or so from our religious congregation. The food was delicious - shout out to Sundee! We played a game where you pick a Skittle and, depending on what color you picked, you have to answer a question. I picked orange because that's my favorite color and I wanted to eat it - so I had to pick a color that I was going to remember. I digress...

So, I told a story about our first kiss. **wow this song I'm listening to right now is awesome** My story went like this:
"Well, our first kiss was kind of unique... I didn't even know her name yet, but we just made out for HOURS!" Then Kristi hit me.

Is the story true? I guess you'll never ever know.

hahahaha

2009 Baby!

2008-12-31T14:30:00.003-07:00

I could be the first to wish you a Happy New Year! I thought I could just post it, rather than send a lame (sorry if that offends) text message to everyone I know. We don't have unlimited text messaging like the rest of the world, so every text we recieve, or send cost us a quarter each! What happen to two cent to recieve, and a dime to send? It comes out to be a lot at the end of the month (but less than the amount of unlimited text messaging).

We will be celebrating the New Year at my sister Shasta's house. We have attempted to do a tradition of all the sibling getting together for a New Year's Party Celebration. I have a blast with my family. We will miss Sami and Caleb, who left here yesterday for home in Montana, and Justin and Layna. Hope to see you next time.

Have a wonderful New Years Eve!

My Favorite Christmas Cartoon

2008-12-17T17:12:00.001-07:00

This is from The California Raisin's Claymation Christmas. It was very big in our family. If you have kids that sit on your lap while you blog too, they'll enjoy watching this.

Hormones?!

2008-12-17T12:04:00.003-07:00

Today I'm having a hard time. I blame it all on pregnancy hormones. Jer called to ask if it would be okay for him to work until 7:00pm on Christmas Eve and I started crying. I think that I'm just waiting for something else to go wrong so I can start up again. I feel terribly overwhelmed with Christmas, and I can't stop eating the treats from the neighbors. I'm suppose to meet my sisters at my dad's house to set up the Christmas Tree at 1:00, but I'm afraid I might have a come apart while I'm there, because I'm so sensitive today. You know how sisters are. If I give them warning, they'll probably just tease me more. I'm debating going at all. Sorry for the bad attitude. I'll try and be more positive.

I got an ultrasound yesterday. I'd love to show you the picture, but we don't have a scanner, so sorry. He has chubby cheeks (if that's possible for a three pound baby) and I think he looks like my side of the family. He had his face pressed up so close against my lower belly, that some of the pictures didn't work out. His nose is smooshed in one of the pictures. Oh, and his foot is right next to his ear. I've started the count down, just over two months/eight weeks left . I think I'll have him on the 22nd of February. But I could be totally off. If I go the full term and not smug the numbers, like I've done all along, I could end up having this baby in March. I feel the 22nd is the most accurate though. I just have to have a disclamer if I do happen to go into March.

I want to post about my Birthday Party last week, but I want to wait until I get the pictures from my mom's camera. I might make Jer do it for me.

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas

2008-12-03T10:49:00.009-07:00

This was fun, but a bit hard for me. I hope everyone I tagged does it, and anyone who wants to.

"On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me..."

1 embarrassing moment: I'll try and shorten it, but I think I have to give a background for you to understand (Feel free to skip). I was somewhat dating a friend that lived in Cedar City, while I was living in Logan. He came up to see me for a weekend. I was sure that he wanted to take our friendship to the next level, when I didn't want that. I asked my sisters to not leave me alone with this guy, because I didn't want the oppurtunity for him to kiss me (again). So the weekend went well. We had a good time, and we were never left to ourselves. The day came that he had to head home. I gave him a hug, which he held on for too long, and right there in the parking lot with my sisters, and my sister's boyfriend watching he planted a kiss on me. It was so awkward and forced. I was totally caught off guard, and I'm sure my face showed it. It was funny because it was embarressing to everyone present (I think to him as well). I have my brother-in-law's face burnt into my memory with the most surprised look acrossed his face.
2 best friends: My hubby; & my sisters.
3 things you buy regularly: Walgreens rebates; Lucky Charms; & clothes.
4 places you want to go (and might actually REALLY go): Canada; Hawaii; Argentina; & Nauvoo.
5 goals for the upcoming year (that you might actually do): Lose 30 lbs (the pregnany weight); make Hyrum a baby album; daliy Book of Mormon study w/the fam; be a better mom; grow out my hair.

6 things most people don't know about you: I currently HATE my hair; I love making a nice breakfast, and I could eat breakfast for every meal; friends mean the world to me, and I would do anything for them; I hate cleaning bathrooms, and usually leave them for Jer; I listen to country music when I drive; & I'm excited for my third son!
7 things you would never say: No, I don't want to get my hair done; Can we skip dessert?; I don't want a nap; No, we can't be friends, I have too many; I don't feel like going to a party; Who wants mac and cheese for dinner?; I don't need to work out, I already look great in my swimsuit.
8 things you love about the Christmas season: Jesus Christ; my family being around; Christmas music & movies; work off; snow; decorating; the Christmas spirit; the smell of cinnamon, pine, & peppermint.

9 things you say to your kids: I love you; Stop fighting; Be nice to your brother; go to your room; can you please share; Do you need a nap; eat your food; No crying; & Can I have a kiss?
10 things you do a lot: Wash dishes; scrapbook; talk on the phone; whine about pregnancy; stay at home; rub my hair; clean up spills; eat cereal; call Jer; & brush my teeth.
11 things you would rather not live without: The gospel; families; friends; cell phone; cars; dishwashers; mattresses; internet; plumbing; Stargate Atlantis (I had to mention one of my geeky quirks); eye site; & ice cream.
12 people to tag: Shasta; Kathi; Sami; Jeremy (guys can do it too) Jaelyn; Kaycee; Cindy; Cami; Aunt Shelly; Aunt Linda; Rachelle; & Jenni.

Noah's First Blog (Not for Weak Stomachs)

2008-12-02T11:17:00.003-07:00

Last night I woke up and ran in to my mom and dad's room. I was crying that I was afraid that I was going to throw up. My mom didn't understand me. She said, "Stop crying." Then, I threw up on my mom's arm and her sheet. My dad said, "Noah! Where do you throw up?!" Then, my dad grabbed me and ran me in his bathroom. And, then he put me by the toilet. Then, I threw up in the toilet. Then, I had to take a bath. Then, my dad let me out of the bath. Then, I got back in bed. My dad gave me a tupperware, and we called it my throw up bowl. Then, I snuggled up in bed. Then, I grabbed my throw up bowl and then I burped! Then, I grabbed my throw up bowl again. Then, I burped again! Then, I grabbed my throw up bowl again... and I burped again! Then, I grabbed my throw up bowl, and then I threw up in my throw up bowl. And then, I threw up again. Then again. Then, I cried, "Mom!" And then, my dad got me out of bed.

Then, I got a drink of water. Then, I drunk and then I swished it around. Then, I spit it out. Then, I brushed my teeth. Then, I got some mouthwash. Then, I swooshed it around. Then, I spit it out. Then, my dad had a talk with me about sometimes Heavenly Father just knows the best thing that is right. Then, Hyrum got up. Then, he listened, too. Then, my dad put oil on my head. Then, Hyrum said, "Oil on my head?" Then, my dad said, "No." Then, my dad said, "Hyrum, I am giving Noah a blessing." Then, my dad said, "Hyrum, fold your arms. I am going to give Noah a blessing." Then, I got back in bed after the blessing. Then, I said, "Dad - how is Heavenly Father so powerful?" Then, my dad said, "He is perfect." Then, after the prayer, my dad put on my blankets. Then, I slept. Then, I woke up and said, "I have good news - I am all better now!" Then, I got back in bed.

The End!

---
This is Noah's first blog. He dictated this to me as I typed. I didn't help him with anything else. When you read it, it might seem long and tedious, but that's how my night went. I had some special experiences with the boys, but now I'm home sick. It was still worth it, though. Noah said to me before going to bed the third or fourth time, "Dad - I'm sorry I threw up on your wife." I told him it was okay - since the first shot didn't get on me while I was sleeping. Just kidding - I didn't say that.

--Jer

Edward was not dreamy

2008-11-25T21:37:00.002-07:00

I am really glad some of you enjoyed Twilight (totally sincere), I, however, couldn't have been more disappointed. Sorry to be negative. I didn't have high expectations, because I was aware of the actors, and actresses they chose beforehand. And also the movie is never as good as the book. So my expectations were pretty low already. I could go on, but I wont because many of you liked it. But to let my opinion out I was sorely disappointed.

On a side note (which you may feel contradicts what I said earlier) I did enjoy it, and I'm glad I went. I had a good time hanging out with my sisters, friend, and mom. We made memories in the freezing cold, wearing blankets wrapped around us for an hour, standing outside in the line. I love the screaming and awwing as Edward first appeared in the film. The contest for the loudest Edward fan did get a bit on my nerves, but that's expected opening night.

11/21/2008 - No, I can't hang out with you

2008-11-19T20:48:00.003-07:00

So I want to blog. I just don't have anything worth saying. When I come up with the time to get on the computer, I spend it trying to get caught up by reading everyone else' blog (not complaining). I'm way excited because all my siblings are now blogging, minus Roni, (which will never happen) and Justin. I've also kept busy maintaining my sisters' blogs and I'm trying to help them learn how to do it themselves.

This weekend I got 100 photos developed, and I've already scrap booked them all! Now I'm sad because I don't have any other pictures to work with.

My baby-sitting is going really well. I only watch the two girls now (Kai 1 1/2 and JaeLeigh 2 months). This is so much easier for me with one less baby.

I kinda feel dumb saying this because so many people are into Twilight, but I'm excited to see it on Friday. I'm going with three of my sisters, my mom, and my friend Jordon. What woman isn't going to see it? I hope it doesn't suck. I guess I'll have to go with low expectations. At least I'll have a GNO.

***This wasn't written by Jer. He pointed out that his name was at the bottom, and he was pretty embarrassed. It was by Kristi.

Only A Week Late

2008-11-06T15:23:00.005-07:00

Jer and I were the Beckhams again, Noah's the red dragon, & Hyrum's a frog.

I guess I'll do a post on Halloween (all the cool blogs are doing it). Some years, don't you just feel that some Holidays are overrated? I think it was my fault this year. I was pretty excited for parties, candy, and taking my kids around all night. I was maybe living vicariously through my kids.

We first did a carnival thingy and moved on to trick or treat some of my families' houses, and a few in their neighborhood. It took us (Jer driving our car beside us, and me walking Noah and Hyrum to the doors) about two hours to do a dozen houses. We headed home a little after eight. I still wanted to hit more houses, and stop by our neighbors, so I had Jer drop me and the boys off at the top of the street. After we were dropped off, I noticed that about half the houses had their lights off, at 8:30 what de heck? Isn't that when the teenages start? Anyway, about that time I realized that my two boys were ready to be home, in bed. Not because they were asking for bed, but because they were out of control, not listening to a word I said, and running through every house that opened their doors to us. So I basically dragged the two of them home. I think we hit three houses down our street.

The evening was done at nine o'clock on a weekend. I sure was dissappionted. I think I felt I let the boys down, and myself as well. I know that the kids had fun. That's all that matters right? That's why I didn't really care to blog about it.

The Beckhams

2008-10-25T22:08:00.002-06:00

We went to a Halloween party tonight at our neighbors' house. It was pretty fun. There were all kinds of funny couple costumes there. We had Bill and Hillary Clinton, the Palins, a pregnant nun with her hip hop priest, cereal killers (spelled correctly - it's a pun), and tons more. But, the best costumes in my opinion were the Beckhams. Here is a picture:

Pay It Forward

2008-10-23T15:55:00.003-06:00

I almost forgot to do this. I signed up from my friend Tennille's blog to do a "Pay It Forward" thing. I think it's a cute idea. I hope I can explain it right. I will for the first three people to respond to this, send them a cute gift (I'm not letting you in on what it will be). Um I'm having a hard time with my words... here's Tennille's post:

"I'm participating in a Pay It Forward Exchange. Who wants to play? I will send a handmade gift to the first three people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this Pay It Forward Exchange. You will receive your gift within a month from leaving your comment. The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog. I can't guarantee it will be anything amazing, but who cares if it is FREE!

Remember, you have to have a blog to participate and must Pay it Forward on your site as well. Who's ready to play?"

So, yeah, "who's ready to play?"

Fresh Garden Salsa

2008-10-22T16:40:00.004-06:00

Isn't that a pretty picture. Those were grown in our garden and used later to make salsa. We didn't grow the limes, cilantro, or garlic, but everything else we did. Actually, we don't have our own garden, but the neighbors let us plant in theirs. We were too worried the prairie dogs would eat a garden up. Next year we'll come up with some kind of fence, but for now we're grateful to the Andersens for letting us share with them. (And yes, this was taken before the frost. I've been meaning to blog it for awhile but haven't got around to it until now. At least it was me who blogged this time. I do feel guilty that this is my first blog in a month.)

Hi - I'm in Delaware...

2008-10-15T22:44:00.013-06:00

cI put way too many pics on here, but we haven't had pics forever..

San Juan Capistrano [Sunday]

Best Buddies, Kelly and Rachelle - Thanks for the bed!

Where I come from, we HATE trees that just won't die!

Joep and me at the pier - He looks more American than me in this one...

I love that Kappa jacket.

Mmmm... just getting started. We ate dessert FIRST! Boo yah!

Scoring 'husband points' for the wanna-be surprise vacation [read prior post]

She totally didn't know I took this picture...

Double-Decker bus downtown - free

Captain's Reception - Free Fruit Punches!

Awesome

Catalina Island

Delaware

The guy that took this photo had the WEIRDEST accent and had no idea how to run a camera

Ahh, La Bufadora - one of the 7 great wonders of the world

Aguante San Lorenzo!

And we came home to this:
AND THESE!

Kristi's Surprise Vacation

2008-10-12T11:00:00.003-06:00

A few months ago, I decided that Kristi and I needed a vacation before we had this third child. I figured that we would have a tough time finding babysitters for our two boys, let alone finding sitters for three kids. So, from here on out, we're consigned to family vacations (which I'm actually looking forward to, but will probably change my tune after the very first day of the very first one).

Another reason why I wanted to do this is that I have seen that our life here in this tabernacle of clay can be a very fickle thing. I could literally pass away any day. Our day-to-day existence really is a blessing from God. I'm sure that a bunch of you reading this know that we had a tragedy in Southern Utah a couple of months ago. I knew several of the people that died in the plane crash, and I knew a few of those that were left behind. My mind wandered a lot the first few days after the accident. I kept thinking of the pilot's 7 year-old son who celebrated his birthday the day after his father died in the plane crash. If you want to read more about what happened, click here. After my soul searching, I decided to take some of our savings and go on a fun vacation before stealthy ninja #3 arrives in Feb. I digress, but I'm really stoked on another boy...

So, I began planning by asking around to see if anyone would want to go on a 5-day vacation with us. Since we would be using our savings, and I'm so cheap, my options were limited. Everyone I asked said that they couldn't go - so I asked if they would babysit my boys while I took Kristi on a very short week-long vacation. One person I asked said yes, but sounded a little worried. I asked him why he sounded so unsure, and his delicate answer was, "Well, they umm... move around quite a bit." My reply, "You mean they're rowdy?" He concurred.

I was planning this even before our trip to Logan for Labor Day, and Kristi was completely oblivious to all of this. I was able to arrange free lodging in So Cal the nights before the cruise, as well as free and secure parking. I informed all of the parents of the kids that Kristi babysits with plenty of time to find other sitters. I had everything all set. Then, about 5 days before the vacation, Kristi and I were talking before bed and she said something about hanging out with Ron and Elaine. I said, "we have our 'special date' on Saturday... maybe they can come too." By 'special date,' I meant cleaning the house for Ron & Elaine (who would be watching our kids here at the house for a few days). I wouldn't let her plan anything for Saturday because I knew she would freak if we left the house dirty. BUT, to my dismay, she got really gitty and said, "Ooh! Are they really coming with us?!" I chuckled and said, "Oh, if you only knew..." To which she replied, "I already know, Jer - Are they coming with us, really?"

At that point, I was like, "HOLD UP! WHAT do you know and WHO told you?"

Then, I found out that when we left our phone chargers in Logan, after her phone died, I lent her my phone 'for emergencies' since we don't have a home phone. She turned it off and went about her day. She turned on the phone and saw 4 voicemails. She just knew they were from me trying to get a hold of her. Well, they weren't - she must have forgotten that we were chatting on google talk like every 20 minutes that day...

One message was from her brother saying that he would watch our kids, one was from my buddy in SoCal saying that we could crash at his place, one was from ROYAL CARIBBEAN, and the other was from Ron and Elaine saying that they could watch our kids at our house while we were on vacation. So, it was ruined a full month before we even left!

Did Kristi say anything to me? NO! She just kept to herself - all mums! I felt like I had been played like never before.

Needless to say, the vacation was awesome and well-worth all my troubles. Pictures in the next post.

PS - sorry to be so verbose here, but I really had to get this off my chest and vent to the blogging universe. Now, I believe I am at peace...

One More Man in the Family

2008-10-12T10:41:00.002-06:00

Yes, we are having another boy. I am pretty excited. When we saw the ultrasound, Noah and I said "woo hoo!" Kristi, however, said "boo hoo." She was pretty sad for a few days. But, she is okay with it now. We have a couple names that we are thinking about, but we aren't going to tell anyone. So there! I'll give you a hint, though - he won't be named after a city.

Ooh, I take that back. I just checked google maps, and my favorite name choice appears as a city in MN, NY, IN, and NM. Hmm... oh well - it's still my favorite.

I love my boys so much, and I have a really good time playing with them. I am very excited to have another boy. Kristi wasn't excited until last Thursday. We were on vacation in Mexico, and were talking with a couple from Idaho with 3 boys (oldest is on a mission in Paraguay right now). The mom said that she cried for three weeks when she found out that the third was going to be a boy. But, she told us that she wouldn't have it any other way. She has really enjoyed doing all of the boy things like snowboarding, wakeboarding, hiking, not going to dance recitals, etc. She said that it was really nice because she was always the princess in the house, and didn't have any competition. I laughed at that, but it was what made Kristi the most optimistic about having three boys. The reason being that she could actually raise gentlemen without a daughter. She really wanted a sister to soften up the boys so that they would treat women and girls appropriately and mind how they behaved around females. But, after talking with this lady in Mexico, Kristi realized that the boys can grow up being chivalrous and well-behaved - even if they didn't have a sister. So, she's excited now to raise three good boys that will treat her like a princess (and treat their future wives like princesses).

I've Found Patience

2008-09-24T15:19:00.002-06:00

I started my own little daycare. I watch three kids and my two boys everyday. I wouldn't say it's easy, because sometimes I am running to get everyone taken care of, but usually it's calm. I can say that I have been blessed with more patience. Here's why I say that. Yesterday I went visiting teaching, and I took Hyrum and Noah with me. Noah got a little crazy (lack of nap). So I had him sit with my while the other kids played. He didn't like that much and he started one of those world class fits. I had to leave because of it. Usually when Noah throws those big fits I, you might say, throw a fit as well. This time, however, I didn't get upset. I actually thought it was pretty funny. Not in that way "do it again", more like "he's crazy, stay away", but I was glad that I could laugh it off rather than be angry. I did tell Noah that he was going psyco which probably I shouldn't have. I am improving.

Wood Happenings

2008-09-09T18:38:00.003-06:00

I don't get on the computer much lately. I've been baby-sitting two kids. So during the day I'm busy, and my evening I try not to get on the computer because I always stay way too long. It's the only time I get to see my husband so I usually hangout with him. Tonight he's at scouts, so I don't feel guilty getting on.

My days are going pretty well (I mentioned I care for two kids). The kids keep me busy. Tate is a baby that I watch, around six months old. He lives right next door. I also watch Kai (the Curtis' little girl). She's adorable. It's taken her a week to get use to my boys. She, like Hyrum sleeps a lot. So considering I have four kids at my house durning the day, my house is pretty quite, and under control. Butthat's not always. I figure I'm preparing myself for my next baby this way.

We're Back

2008-09-04T08:38:00.005-06:00

We got home late Monday night from our little trip up north. I have pictures so I'll just let them tell the story and I'll narrate.

The first thing we did once we got to Logan was stop over at Willow Park Zoo. It is an amazing like park! It has all kinds of foreign animals. The boys were so excited to see them (it's the closest they've been to a zoo). I didn't get pictures of everything, but there were monkeys, birds or every sort, kangaroos, snakes, bobcats, just to name a few. I love this Willow Park. I remember going when I was about Noah's age. The zoo is free, they now ask for a donation, but I only had my checkbook, or a credit card on me, so that didn't happen.

Here is Jer and Noah looking at a turtle and some ducks swimming around the turtles.
Yes, I look like a dork. I was posing, but I used this picture because we were all looking at the camera. You can see the pretty ducks in the back ground if you look this picture enlarged.
The ducks would get really close to the fence looking for food that people usually throw out.
Is it dead? No, the kangaroos don't do much here, except lay in the shade.
I can't remember the exact name of this pheasant, but it is now my favorite bird. It is "gorgeous" (say that with a British accent). Jer asked "How does this survive in the wild, it's impossible for it to blend in". I don't know, but I'm glad I got to see it. The picture actually doesn't do it justice.

That's enough for now. I got bored, so I imagine you did too. I'll put up the other pix I have later.

Headed To Logan

2008-08-28T14:25:00.002-06:00

We're going to go to Logan for the whole weekend. I'm so excited! We are going to my brother's in Alpine (I think) and sleeping over. We decided to break up the trip so the boys will handle it better. And so we could see my brothers too. I thought I would update, so you all don't think I've abandoned my blog. I don't have much time to write, I need to clean up the kitchen and make cookies before 3:30. We'll see if it is even possible. So Elder family, we'll see you up there (It's Grandpa Elder's birthday). -Oh and I still have to make him a birthday card. Gotta go.

My Blogging Family

2008-08-22T16:15:00.002-06:00

Keeping a blog is amazing! I can't believe all the people I can stay in contact with through blogging. I love being able to check up on your families, hear about the good news, as well the bad, read about your day, humorous stories or rantings, or find people that need my prayers (sometime complete strangers).

One thing that I wouldn't have expected, is that I've developed relationships with friends and family. I love having a friendship with my husband's cousins because of blogging. I think you're my biggest fans. I appreciate everyones comments and the inspirations they are to me. I hope to someday have a blogging relationship with the other side of my family. They aren't as "into it" as the Elder family is ( don't think anyone is). I'm the only one in my immediate family that blogs, which isn't a big deal, because we're all really close, but, I would love it if they would blog (hint, hint). Especially those who don't live close. I'm thankful for Steph in pushing me to start blogging. I am, and have been for awhile now, completely addicted.

Journaling

2008-08-21T21:31:00.003-06:00

Today I had my hands full. I watched three boys, not including my own two. It all went pretty smoothly though. I just had a lot I wanted to do around the house at the same time. I still was able, after babysitting for eight hours, to have fixed a nice dinner at 6:00 and my card-making group over at 7:00. The house was quite clean too. Some days I am impressed with myself. When I can get focused, I can accomplish a lot.
We had Jer's cousin, (which I also call my cousin) Mindy, over for dinner. She just moved back to Cedar to start the school year at SUU. I really missed her. We get along very well. The boys missed her a ton too. All through dinner Hyrum was saying Mindy's name over and over again, just to get her attention. Sometimes he would mumble "I missed you". Noah kept trying to out talk everyone. They were both fighting for her attention. It was cute. While I did clean-up -scrambling to get things ready for card-making- Jer helped move Mindy's stuff out of the basement. And then in to town to her house.
So here I am in a quiet, clean house, not knowing what to do with myself. That's why I blogged, I actually had time. Nothing of importance to say though.

So, You Think You Can Dance?

2008-08-20T15:09:00.005-06:00

I don't really have anything new going on. So I'll blog about something from the past.

Here are the boys watching "So You Think You Can Dance". The boys weren't as into the dance as they were before I got out the camera (that's how it goes though). They both love to dance. Noah was trying to copy some of the moves he saw, and Hyrum usually copies Noah. They make me laugh. Hyrum has loved to dance since day one. I can't remember how old he was when he started to sway to the music, but he couldn't have been more than nine months.

My Belief

2008-08-13T11:09:00.005-06:00

I hope I'm not over stepping my bounds, but I was so appalled when I heard this song that I felt I needed to say something. The song is called "I Kissed a Girl and I Liked it". If you haven't heard this song it doesn't sound horrid from the title, until you find out a girl sings it. The song is very popular right now, especially to our youth. I don't care to mention what the song goes on about, but just that I hate that our youth is being pressured to kiss the same sex, just to see if they like it. I can't imagine all the young girls that decided to try kissing a girl because of the song. It's like if they didn't try, then how do they know which sex they prefer. I feel I might offend someone with this post, I hope not. I can stand up for what I believe in, right? This world is so corrupt this scripture comes to my mind "Wo unto them that ^acall ^bevil good, and good evil, that put ^cdarkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! ". I feel that the world is calling evil good, and good evil. I remember reading that scripture as a young child, and I remember being confused. That was partly because I was young and innocent, but also because it wasn't as obvious, or abundant as the meaning is today. I hope an pray that in this evil world we live in we can still raise virtuous, faithful children.

Soccer!

2008-08-11T20:26:00.003-06:00

Soccer for the four year olds is a bit different. First off, they only scrimmage their own team and we only have two games a month. They don't have a goalie yet either. When the ball goes out of bounds they don't throw it in, they kick it instead. The kids really don't have a clue, but it's so darn cute to watch. The game on Saturday was better then any of the practices have went so far. It seems like they are picking up on some things. Here's a picture of the team cheer. What a cute coach they have (it's Jer).Here is my nephew Reagan and Hyrum playing on the field during half time. They're excited for a chance to play.
Noah is enjoying the treats that the moms brought. He needed the half time brake so he could collect his energy to play harder.
Not a lot going on here. But it's the only picture that turned out of Noah on the field.

Haircut and Braces

2008-08-10T21:40:00.007-06:00

Here are two pictures of my new haircut. It was two weeks ago, but most of you haven't seen it yet, so it's still new. I think I am the most unphotogenic person I know. Yeah, the lighting's horrible, but honestly it was the best I could do. Just imagine a stacked bob in the back. I think it's pretty cute.

You can see my braces in one of the pictures. My teeth have moved so much. Here is my reference point.

Not too crooked, but I have a 100+ overbite. Sadly, Noah has the same teeth as I do. I will, however, put him in brace as soon as the dentist suggest. I got in them a bit late. Better late then never though.

Baby Movement!

2008-08-09T16:43:00.003-06:00

Jer told me to get ready for our date and get off the computer. But the baby just pushed or kicked or something, so I thought I would share. You may think that I can't feel it yet, since I'm not even to the third month yet, but with the third baby you can recognize when they move.
My doctor's appt. was on Monday. Jer kept teasing me while the nurse was in the room that I was going to have twins (he knows I'm scared to death of that). He's also a bit suspicious because I have been eating like mad, so much worse than I did with the other two pregnancies. I have gained six pounds already! So Jer was teasing me that it might be twins so my doctor said we could do an ultrasound. It isn't twins, but it is measuring six days ahead of my due date. My doctor said that they don't move the due date up unless it measures seven days or more ahead. But I have alway delivered before my due date so I went ahead and moved my own due date. Instead of the 27th it is now the 22nd of February. In the ultrasound you can see quite a bit; feet (which looked quite large), ribs, shoulders, ears pretty amazing!

Almost a Post

2008-08-08T10:52:00.005-06:00

I haven't felt like blogging lately. I am getting out of my rut, although I still don't do much. I really need to change up my blog and that includes a lot of work. I think that's why I've avoided posting. I am so sick of the pink polka dots that I don't even want to look at them. Jer says that's a pregnant thing to say.... maybe, I don't know. I also have been very tied up reading The New Dawn. I don't want to go into it because some of you might be reading it, or will someday.
Here are a couple topics I was going to blog about if I could have made time in the last week or two.
1. I got my hair chopped. I will get up to posting pictures.
2. We got a puppy. Jer's first dog!
3. My doctors visit. I even got an ultrasound!
4. Noah's soccer game.
Maybe I could go into detail later. I need a nap right now. I will be out of the first trimester on Monday. Hopefully this tired thing, and the nausea will wear (I don't know how to spell that kind of "wear") off.

Movie Trivia XIII

2008-07-30T15:42:00.004-06:00

"Do I really look like a guy with a plan? You know what I am? I'm a dog chasing cars. I wouldn't know what to do if I caught it."

*******************
Scott was the winner.

Movie Trivia XII

2008-07-29T22:20:00.001-06:00

Oh, Fay, this is so scrumptious. Is this hand-shucked?

*******************
Ron beat you all to it.

Not Much To Tell

2008-07-29T21:57:00.002-06:00

So I'm working on my rut. I am doing better- thanks to all the encouragement and advice from you all. I got a schedule going, sometimes it works, but mostly I've eased up on myself. I'm at a time in my life when life really isn't exciting, but I still need to do stuff. Whatever I'm pregnant, yes it was planned, but I've been having a hard time dealing with the sickness, nausea, mood swings- mostly orneriness- and hunger pangs. That explains my rut. I wanted to do a cute blog a the little baby count down to inform everyone, but I haven't yet so there it is. We're excited and I am saving up the extra pennies- in case it's a girl- to go shopping. I don't find out for nine more weeks what we're having, but keep your fingers crossed that it's a girl. Friday is my first doctors appointment. I will be 10 weeks along then. So I guess there was much to tell, but I'm not changing the title.

Movie Trivia XI

2008-07-23T10:53:00.002-06:00

Hey, psycho - we're not gonna discuss this, OK, it's over. Please get out of my Van Halen t-shirt before you jinx the band and they break up.

****************
Jen won this one.

Tagged

2008-07-22T18:21:00.005-06:00

Tagged:
Four random things I like about my husband:
1. He helps out in the kitchen.
2. He gives me back rubs.
3. He gets the boys ready for bed every night.
4. He's always the first one to say I'm sorry (He's an example to me).

Four jobs I've had:
1. Brian Head Ski Resort (lifty).
2. Subway Sandwiches, sandwich artist (that's what I would put on my resumes).
3. Movie Theater.
4. Motel 6, house keeper, later promoted to desk clerk!

Four movies I've watched more than once (actually at least 20 times each):
1. Happy Gilmore
2. Billy Madison
3. One Crazy Summer
4. Better Off Dead

Four T.V. shows I watch:
1. Stargate Atlantis (kind of nerdy of me, I know)
2. The Office
3. House
4. So You Think You Can Dance

Four places I've been:
1. Tijuana
2. Portland
3. Moab
4. Cancun

Four places I want to go:
1. Ireland
2. Hawaii
3. Argentina
4. London

Four people who email me regularly:
1. Jer
2. Menus 4 Moms
3. Fiona
4. My mom

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Homemade cookies
2. Chicken Scampy (Olive Garden)
3. Pork Burritos (Cafe Rio)
4. Chicken Parmesan

Four things I'm looking forward to in the coming year:
1. Noah's first soccer game (Aug. 3rd)! (Jer corrected me, Sat. is the 2nd, not on Sun.)
2. An awesome GNO to Twilight.
3. Finishing a room or two in our basement.
4. Reading Brisingr, and Breaking Dawn.
(My life's full of adventure).

Four people I tag.
1. Jen N Jordan
2. Charity
3. Steph
4. Elaine

Movie Trivia X

2008-07-20T10:45:00.005-06:00

Character #1 "You must be Igor."
Igor "No, it's pronounced 'eye-gor.' "
Character #1 "But they told me it was 'ee-gor.' "
Igor "Well, they were wrong then, weren't they?"

*****************************
Ron got it right! Young Frankenstein, go rent this classic if you've never seen it.

I'm In A Rut

2008-07-17T08:46:00.003-06:00

I have a hard time getting out of my bed in the morning. I'm kind of in this slump. My boys get up between 6:00 to 6:30, and I can't see why I need to get up that early. I let them what a cartoon or two before I finally talk myself into getting up. Yes, I do feel guilty for letting them watch so much T.V. However, this week I justified it because we turn off the dish T.V. on Saturday, so we have to take advantage of it while we still can.
I usually love the summer. I love to go to the park, work on the yard, go on walks, and take play-dates. But due to the cost of gas, I get out maybe 1/3 as much as I would usually. The heat is also a factor. It takes a lot out of ya. Mostly I blame my laziness. I could still get out without wasting gas, but I don't really. I need some motivation. I'm kind of in a rut I guess. I feel I haven't a whole lot to look forward to. Blogging is sometimes the highlight of my day, that and when Jer comes home. I did get to go grocery shopping yesterday. I took Jer and the boys with because I wasn't feeling up to the task on my own. I haven't the desire to plan out my weekly menu, so I went to menu4moms and just printed it out. It's a bit expensive, but your five meals are planned out along with a completed grocery list. I always have tons of leftovers too. It make life easier.
I'm not sure why I wrote this blog. It's a bit depressing. I would be grateful to anyone who could help me out here. Let me know how, or what you do if you ever get like this. Now you know why I've skipped out on blogging, and mostly done the movie trivia lately.

Movie Trivia IX

2008-07-15T13:25:00.005-06:00

"My dear, sweet brother Numpsy!"

I'll be amazed with anyone who gets this!

*******************
We didn't really have a winner here. On to the next one.
(see comments)

Movie Trivia IIX

2008-07-14T10:09:00.002-06:00

Character #1 "There are 72,519 stones in my walls. I've counted them many times."
Character #2 "But have you named them yet?"

*********************
That's two in a row Jen.

Listening To Your Child's Prayer

2008-07-11T08:33:00.002-06:00

Noah is so good at remembering to pray. He even started adding a prayer before his nap! We started him saying personal prays quite young and he taken to them obsessively, which is good.
Sometimes Noah ask me to stay while he is saying his prayers. Sometimes I tell Noah I have a lot to do (when the boys go down at the end of the day, it's my time to finally get somethings accomplished).
The other day in church someone made a comment that you should take the time to listen to your children's prayers while they are young, because there comes a time when they don't want mommy and daddy listening anymore. You no longer know what they are asking Heavenly Father for, or their relationship with Him.
I realized that Sunday that I always have time to listen to Noah pray. Not only that, but it's a privilege to be able to listen in. I also realized that now is the time to develop the close relationships that will last through out their lives. It is so much easier to start young with your children.

Movie Trivia VII

2008-07-08T19:32:00.001-06:00

"This is my ninth sick day this semester. It's pretty tough coming up with new illnesses. If I go for ten, I'm probably going to have to barf up a lung, so I better make this one count."

******************
Jen, you got it.
We're moving up the ladder to the harder ones.

Movie Trivia VI

2008-07-08T17:55:00.001-06:00

"I feel like such a heifer. I had two bowls of Special K, 3 pieces of turkey bacon, a handful of popcorn, 5 peanut butter M&M's and like 3 pieces of licorice."

*************************
Way to go Mandy

Our 4th of July

2008-07-06T12:50:00.011-06:00

We'll start off at the beginning of the day. At 6:10 am Jer kissed me good-bye and he was off to wait for the 5K race. Hyrum came in at the same time and so I got up. The boys usually get up round that time, but I still dread it, and do my best to sleep in. I decided to walk down to where Jer would be racing. We woke up Noah, got dressed, and I gave the boys a banana to eat in the stroller, on the way down.

We got down to the park in time to see daddy getting ready for the race. This is at the starting line. And they're off (Jer's in the orange).

After that I just chased Hyrum around, and around, and around. He did the cutest thing, he would say go, ready, go, and take off running. I was tired of fighting him, so I stayed close by.This is Hyrum running through the finish line. I had to be careful because he didn't care who was coming through, he was racing!

Jer did well, he came in 2nd in his age range. I'm not sure if he'll be upset that I'm posting his time. It was 22:09. He and the guys he ran with decided that it was 200 yards further then a 5K. So all of their times were a bit longer.

Then we headed over to Parowan, where my twin lives, for the parade. In this picture the boys are dancing to the drill team's music.

Noah's showing his candy. The 2nd one is Jer with the boys plus my nephew Adam. Hyrum and my sister Shasta (in the last picture) . Hyrum is working his magic, begging for candy.

In Parowan, after the parade everyone heads over to the park to have races. (It's a small town) Everyone that races gets a twin-pop! Hyrum wouldn't even budge after the starting sound. The fire engine sounded it's siren to start the race, and scared Hyrum half to death. Noah did good. Here he's racing his cousin Adam (On the right). They're very competitive. I did the mother and son three-legged race, but of course there are no pictures of me.

The boys are being entertained with sparklers. The second picture is my nephew Jason, in the background is Noah and another nephew, Reagan. After the races in Parowan we went back to our house in Enoch. Luckily the boys did get a nap before we head down in the strollers to the park again. (The park is probably a mile from my house and I walked it three times that day) We finished off the evening with the fireworks. We got to the park around 8:30, but the fireworks didn't start until 10:00. So we had a great time chasing our boys around, trying to find them, and keeping them out of other people's stuff. Just talking about the day makes me tired again. Enjoy this clip of how the majority of my day went.

The first laugh is Jer's and the second one is my mom's. Maybe they could have given me a heads up?! I was picking up the candy for Hyrum, and bam, he gone. Did you notice they had to stop the horses? I was so embarrassed. And my bother-in-law says that Hyrum almost died. Whatever, it wasn't that close.

Twilight The Movie

2008-07-05T09:46:00.004-06:00

Who's excited for this? It comes out two days after my Birthday!

Movie Trivia V

2008-07-05T09:32:00.002-06:00

"Just when I thought you couldn't get any dumber, you go and do something like this... and totally redeem yourself!"

********************
Good work Whit. You knew memorizing the whole movie would come in handy one day.

More Alike Than You Know

2008-07-02T19:47:00.005-06:00

I've always said that Hyrum reminds me of my brother Ben. He has the same hairline, same cheeks, same ears, he jumps off of/falls off of everything, he has no fear, he is very creative and silly, he is very coordinated, he is very cuddly and kind, and he just has the same demeanor that Ben had at his age.

But, now we see that they are even more alike than any of us know... they both have their own artwork on their forearms...

Am I really ready for this kid?

The End Of the Shoe Story

2008-07-02T14:56:00.003-06:00

Here's how I handle the shoe incident, this is right where I left off. I told the little boy to take off Noah's shoes. Then I told them that Noah could not play. I quickly got my shoes on and explained to Jer that I was going to talk to the mother. Jer asked me exactly what I was going to say, told me to calm down and not make accusations. I went over and was prepared to speak to the mom calmy, but at the same time let her know I was upset. The last thing I expected was to have to explain things to the dad, because the mom wasn't home.
I went up to him and told him the shoe his son had on were my son's. He told me "The brown leather ones, no those are my son's."
(I was atually expecting an apology for his response) I replied "The brown Osh Kosh, they're Noah's."
He said "Oh I didn't know they were Osh Kosh, yeah those aren't his." But he said this like what's the big deal?.
So I told him I wasn't upset, I just wanted him to know his son was out playing without any shoes on. The dad could careless.
And that's the end. I was unreasonably upset. But I feel I should have had at least an apology. I wasn't upset to the parent's face or anything. I think a big part of my being mad at the situation was that I felt, and feel, I can no longer trust the neighbors. And the other thing that upset me was that on my way over my other neighbors, (one that also have kids that Noah plays with) were blasting music from his truck with the F word every other word. I kind of felt violated in my little trusted LDS neighborhood. Like a rude awakening. I didn't handle everything the best way, but I defiantly could have done worst. Thanks for the feedback earlier.

P.S. If your totally lost on this story read the prequel "the Shoe Story" in my archive.

Movie Trivia IV

2008-06-30T20:23:00.003-06:00

I have to come up with a harder question so I don't have to change it so often.

Character #1: Green sky at morning, neighbor take warning.
Character #2: Green sky at night?
Character #1: Neighbor take flight?

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Yes Charity, it is the Burbs. I highly recommend this movie to any who haven't seen it.

Movie Trivia III

2008-06-29T21:04:00.003-06:00

Character #1 "No more rhyming now, I mean it."
Character #2 "Anybody want a peanut?"

Jer came up with the bonus question.

In what sport did character #2 compete professionally for the world championship?

Bonus Bonus: Against whom was he competing?

******************
And this winner was Charity. Mandy got the bonus, impressive job.

Scapbooking Mania

2008-06-29T20:40:00.002-06:00

I got home today from my scrap-booking retreat. We went up to my friend Rochelle's family cabin at Fish Lake. Her cabin is beautiful! It has eight bedrooms and four baths, granite counter tops and a over-sized porch (my dream getaway cabin). We had 13 girls (I guess we are women) and four babies up there. We went up Thursday evening and I did a Pampered Chef show for dinner. We didn't start scrap-booking until Friday morning. But that is all we did other then sleep (very little) and eat. Some of the ladies didn't go to bed until four! I was alway the first one to bed, and that was usually 12am, late enough for me. We planned on staying until after church on Sunday, but me, Kathi, and Shasta decided to leave before church so we could make it back in time for church with our families. I have to thank my husband and my father for watching my kids so I could have an awesome four day getaway!

Movie Trivia II

2008-06-26T09:23:00.004-06:00

"But the worst thing I ever done - I mixed a pot of fake puke at home and then I went to this movie theater, hid the puke in my jacket, climbed up to the balcony and then, t-t-then, I made a noise like this: hua-hua-hua-huaaaaaaa - and then I dumped it over the side, all over the people in the audience. And then, this was horrible, all the people started getting sick and throwing up all over each other. I never felt so bad in my entire life."

(I had a little help with remembering this quote).
**************************
Megan was the 1st one with the correct answer. Goonies never say die!

Movie Trivia I

2008-06-24T20:00:00.009-06:00

"A gun rack... a gun rack. I don't even own a gun, let alone many guns that would necessitate an entire rack. What am I gonna do... with a gun rack?"

What movie is that line from? Bonus if you can give the name of the character.

***********************
And the winner is Nate! He got the bonus question too.

Haircuts

2008-06-23T14:25:00.004-06:00

This morning before it got hot, I cut the boys' hair out on the deck. They look so hansom with their summer cuts. I decided to blog it, so I could show the pictures. I use to take the boys to the local beauty college to get their haircut. But with the very planned out budget we now have, we cutout paying for haircuts. I think I'm getting better. I'm sure I do better than the beauty school.

Shoe Story

2008-06-22T18:19:00.004-06:00

I feel I need to share a story with you. It actually really upsets me for some reason, (maybe because I'm sleep deprived, or that I'm premenstrual) and would like to hear your take on it.
Yesterday, everyone in my house was awoken from their naps by four neighbor kids banging on the door. We had been camping at a family reunion and it was the first nap that the boys had in days. I jumped out of bed and tried to get to the door before my boys did. When I opened the door the kids asked if Noah could play. At that moment I noticed that one of the kids was wearing Noah's shoes that Noah had accidentally left at their house a week earlier. I had sent Noah over twice during the week to see if they had his shoes. They had told him "no, they didn't have them". I looked throughout the house over and over in hopes that Noah had misplaced them at our house, instead of leaving them at the neighbors like he told me he had. I decided to try myself and talk to the mom just before we left to the reunion, but no one was home. Anyways, I asked the the kid if they were Noah's shoes. He told me "no" then I took a closer look and was positive that they were Noah's. I said " those are Noah's" his older sister (that was there with him) said "no those are his". Then the boy says "no mine are darker" and he told her where his shoes were.
I'm going to leave the story there for now. I don't know if I am wrong or not. I know that I was really upset about it, and I want to know if I made a big deal over nothing - or if I should be upset. Would you please tell me what you would do in that situation, and calm me down?

Jer

2008-06-17T10:08:00.004-06:00

I need to let my husband know how great a father he is. Jer does so good with the boys. They love spending time with him, especially camping. It's a very bonding time for guys (not so much for women). Jer's #1 goal in life is to be a good father and husband. I can see him getting better at it everyday. He takes time to talk to the boys when they make the wrong choices, or when they need praising. Like yesterday, Jer took Noah aside to have a talk. They were in our office room for 10 minutes. Later I asked Jer what the talk was about, He said that Noah needed a talk about respecting his mother and also learning the importance of hard work. I was touched. I hadn't said anything to Jer about that. He just saw a need and took care of it. Jer is at work from 8 'till 5:30, and when he comes home he asks what he can help with. I have to admit that he hasn't always been this way, but with his goal to be the best father and husband I just have to point something out (in a loving way) and then he works on it. And little by little he grows. I love that he has the desire to change and to become better. He is an example to me. Happy Father's Day Jer! We love you.

Catching Up June

2008-06-16T10:29:00.007-06:00

It's been awhile since I've posted. Plenty's been going on, but I didn't want to get on the computer because I'm on for hours once I turn it on. So I'm just going to list what I've been up to this month:
1. I just finished "The Host". I guess I liked it, but it was really weird to me, and it dragged on forever (sorry to those of you who loved it). Reading took up the majority of my free time.
2. I had a family reunion with my dad and siblings (and their families) on the 5,6,&7th. There was snow on the ground when we go up to the camping area, so Jer and I decided not to sleep up there with everyone else.
3. I, along with my sisters, threw Sami's baby shower. We played some really fun, original games, and had a good meal, with a wonderful dessert.
4. I had a relief society picnic, and a ward BBQ, both in the same week.
5. I did a special Father's Day breakfast, with my dad and Jer both. Then we went to my sister Shasta's for a Father's Day BBQ.
6. I already mentioned the GNO with my sisters.
7. Sami staying with us for a couple days.
8. I threw a going away party for my friends Nate and Steph. It was a great turnout. I was expecting eight people at most, we had 20. It was a lot of fun.
9. I also had a GNO going away dinner for Steph.

And the month's only halfway through. I still have a family reunion (my dad's family) this coming weekend. My scrapbook retreat. I'll explain. I have a scrapbook club that that gets together, and goes out for dinner, once a month, and we exchange pre-made pages. Each person in the group makes a double page layout for 10 people. It's the same layout but we each do it 10 times. (I'm trying to explain throughly so that if you wanted you could start up your own group). Anyway, we're going up to a girl's cabin to spend Thursday through Sunday (we'll have church up there). We do this retreat once a year.
Back to what I have going this month, I also find out if I win the trip to NYC to get my hair done (refer to exciting news). I don't think I should but if I win. I'm pretty sure I will win.
So that's the gist (did I make up that word) of this month. A very busy, very fun June.
Here are two pix of camping, then two of the baby shower.

Adam, Hyrum, Noah, Austin, & Avani making faces.That's my dad throwing Johnathon in the air.Me and my best friend Kamie doing a dare at the shower.Jordon, Sherie, and Shasta's dare.

Sisters

2008-06-08T15:32:00.004-06:00

I had a girls night in last night with my sisters and my mom. My sister Roni couldn't make it, but my baby sister Sami was there. She lives in Montana. So it was a real treat to do a girls night with her. I gave everyone a pair of pjs and we watched a movie and vegged out. It wasn't a huge deal, just a simple get together, but it was great.
I love having sisters. Even though we have our ups and down, constantly, I love all four of them. Shasta, Kathi, and Roni all live within 15 miles of me. It is real nice to be so close. We get together weekly to do a play date and lunch with our kids. I think that our kids are closer to siblings with one another than cousins. I hangout with one of my sisters like every other day. I know I complain occasionally about them, but they're my best friends and it is a blessing being so close to them. Sometimes things turn into a bit of a headache being so close, but I wouldn't change it for anything.

Josiah

2008-06-08T14:33:00.005-06:00

I wanted to bring up Josiah Leming. I'm not sure if you know, or remember who he is, so I'll explain. Josiah was on American Idol and didn't make it through the second round of auditions in Hollywood. The judges decided he was too arrogant and sent him home because he dismissed the band. In my mind when I heard him tryout I thought he would be the next American Idol, and then he didn't even make it to the top 20. He really was great. I loved his audition when he sang Grace Kelly, even more so then Mika (the original artist). I have Mika's Grace Kelly on my playlist because Josiah's wasn't available. So here is Josiah Leming with Grace Kelly:

Exciting News II

2008-06-03T08:31:00.004-06:00

Nope, not a baby. Nope, not that I'm going to win a contest. But, when Kristi wins that New York trip, I'm going to buy a motorcycle!

A V Star 1100 Classic. Oh yeah!

Good luck, Kristi!!

Patience to lend?

2008-06-02T13:19:00.005-06:00

I think that I have ran completely out of patience for my boys today. I feel bad that It's only 1:00 pm and I am struggling with them already. I can usually hold off until Jer makes it home from work. I just now put the boys down for naps, so I can get away. Usually I only do one boy at a time, but I needed time to myself.

Part of the reason I ran out of patience is because we went to card-making at the church today. My boys are good boys, and they obey fairly well. When we're in public it's a bit of a different story. It's so difficult to discipline in public. I'm always worried that people will think I'm too hard or too easily on them. Or that my methods are not approved of. Does anyone else feel that way?

I hate yelling at my boys. I'm at the point today, that yelling is all I can do when they're tearing apart the house, spilling milk intentionally, beating on each other, pulling all the toilet paper off of the roll, and the wet wipes out, and so on. I am up for suggestions. When I get so feed up I know feel that I'm being a bad mom and I hate it. This venting is helping a bit, that, and the nap they're having. So like I said please give me some suggestions. This is a constant battle in my home.

Birthday Horses

2008-05-30T11:08:00.004-06:00

This video doesn't show how much the boys loved their horses. They went around for like an hour making horse sounds and galloping back and forth.

Hyrum's Birthday

2008-05-28T08:46:00.003-06:00

Hyrum turned two on the 23rd! Along with his "twin" cousin Austin. It was just a little get together dinner with our close family. I really wanted to do a big party, but with memorial weekend it just didn't work out. I'm going to have to plan a huge three years old party to make up for the first two laking. He did get a bike which he is obsessed with. I got the smallest bike I could find, but he can't reach the petals or the ground. He does love it. Hyrum mostly got clothes, which he was in need of. Some how I can't find all the clothes we had with Noah. I guess things just kind of disappear.
I think that he did hit the terrible twos. Noah never really did the terrible twos, it was three that was hard on us. It's good I had Noah grow out of his terribles before Hyrum grew in. Noah's really helping out lately. Almost everyday he asks about his baby sister (no, I am not pregnant). He even has a couple names pick out for her. Auroa, Lilly, and Sleeping Beauty. I actually like the first two names, but Sleeping Beauty is a mouthful. Noah really will be a big help when we have a baby. I hope that we get a girl for Noah's sake. He keeps telling me he wants a little sister, and I'm not sure how excepting he'll be of a brother.

Bells and whistles

2008-05-15T09:25:00.004-06:00

So, I am overwhelmed with how many things there are to put on your blog. Makes me feel a bit inadequate. I want my favorite music playing with some family video and a few birthday calendars counting down. Maybe a photo album with the pictures turning themselves. You all know what I'm talking about, basically everything you all have. With my new commitment to blogging I checked out every (the few I do have) blog. I found that some people's invitation to their blogs have expired. Such as Emily and Deven's and Tami and Rick's (so we need a new invite to view yours). Anyway I going to get the blogging down and soon, with Jer's help, this is going to be an awesome blog!

Exciting news

2008-05-07T14:22:00.003-06:00

Nope, not a baby to announce, but I am going to win a trip to New York City to get my hair done! This is very exciting news. I stumbled across this contest in the Walgreen's rebate pamphlet. I really think that I'm going to win it too. The grand prize is round trip tickets to NYC with three friends two nights, and three days, with a $2,000 visa card. I have already entered the contest 21 times (each entry has to be individually post marked, or else I would have entered more) . I think that I want to take girlfriends, but Jer wants to go. I told him that there isn't a whole lot that the stylist would be able to do with his hair, especially since he just buzzed it Saturday. So hopefully he will see that it is just a waste if he were to come and that his spot would be better spent with one of my friends. I also decided since I am going to win a hair do and whatever else they want to do with my hair, that I could cancel my hair appointment for later this month.

Finding time to blog

2008-05-07T14:01:00.004-06:00

I think that I might , might try and blog while the boys take their naps. I have a hard time trying to find time to blog. One, I am a very slow typer, two, I think that I am basically computer illiterate, and three, I can't spell. So what would take most people say, 20 minutes to blog, will take me more like an hour. But I think I'm willing to give up my afternoon nap occasionally to blog once a week. Is that how often I should, do others blog about that much? I haven't wanted to commit in the past because I didn't want to come off as a slacker, but now that that is obvious I might as well try.

Family Photos

2008-04-27T22:34:00.005-06:00

Recently, our good friend Jaelyn Lovell took our pictures and posted them on her blog. Below are some images that we just copied off her blog. We don't have the CD's yet with the images on them, but I am getting threatening e-mails, phone calls, and comments on my blog from those of you that think we should be blogging more often...

Here you go!

Speed Test

2008-03-16T21:24:00.000-06:00

I wasn't warmed up yet...
68 words

Speed test

New Template

2008-03-06T21:03:00.005-07:00

So, this new Transformers template is really awesome. I hope Kristi doesn't see it...

I was doing this other thing that Kristi makes fun of - making hyperlinks in my blog post - and I ran into this article on wikipedia that started out talking about combiner transformers. Was I the only one who noticed that Devastator in the 2007 film was NOT a combiner transformer, made up of the constructicons? C'mon! What's up with that? Not only that, but he called himself Devastator, but was referred to throughout the movie as Brawl. You guys all know that I own the movie... no surprises there, right?

I have to admit I was totally expecting constructicons in the film, though. That just makes me that more excited for Transformers II.

And, when googling Transformers II, I found this awesome freakin' video:
You've seen the Evolution of Dance, right?

Kristi and Jer go Snowboarding

2008-03-06T20:34:00.001-07:00

A month or so ago, Kristi and I went snowboarding at Brian Head. It was pretty fun. There was only a tiny bit of fresh, but we were doing what we love. Brian Head put in two new lifts this year. One of the new lifts was put in where there wasn't any prior lift access, and the other just made it a little easier to get to the only trees on the resort. But this new lift, called lift 1, has some really cool terrain. We spent most of that day popping in and out of the trees and gullies. We had smiles plastered on our faces all day long. It was truly excellent. I love watching Kristi snowboard. She and I have a lot of fun up on the slopes. She's really a blast to spend the day with. She packed us peanut butter, jelly, and some bread - and we were totally happy with that. It was just too good of a day to mess around too long with lunch.

Fun Saturday in Zion

2008-03-02T21:32:00.013-07:00

On Saturday, March 1, 2008, we took a fun trip to Zion Natl Park. This picture is at the top of the weeping rock hike. It is a pretty good warm-up hike. I recommend it because it is way short (0.5 miles round-trip) and it gets you excited to see more. It's steep, so it stretches your calves and burns your gluteus maximus (aka butt muscles). The wind kicked up and blew the water all over us, but it was still super awesome just to get out and hike in the canyon.

Here's a shot of Hyrum and Jer under the waterfall at Weeping Rock.

This is Noah and Kristi under the waterfall at the top of the Weeping Rock hike.

After Weeping Rock, we hit up the Riverside Walk. Riverside Walk is a cool hike. Right at the bottom, we saw these deer. Kids were like throwing rocks at them and stuff, but they just sat there staring around. I swear these were just released from the zoo or something.

Riverside Walk is awesome because it's paved, it's cool, and you're right alongside of the river (imagine that). If you go far enough, you start into the narrows, but it isn't paved up that far.

Anyway - they were parked under a waterfall, so we took our picture in front of them. Look closely and you can see the deer behind Kristi's right shoulder (her right - your left).

Hyrum and Noah are looking for rocks to throw. You know how boys are - when you see water, you've gotta throw rocks. And when you see deer on the other side... well you know.

Here's a picture of Norman looking at Hyrum get in trouble for not getting in the stroller.

We call Noah Norman a lot. It goes way back to when his papa (grandpa Lee) used to sing Nowhere Man to him all the time.

So, we used to always call him Nowhere Man. Then, it turned into Noah-er Man. Now, it's just Norman. Oh, and he also answers to Julio when you talk to him in Spanish. I tell him that his Spanish name is Julio Gonzalez. I don't know why, but it is just hilarious to me.