Daddy's Night

Last night while Jeff was watching the Jazz game I was trying to fold laundry in my room so I asked him to keep the girls occupied so I could get it done. He told CC and Baylee to get the spray bottle and his brush and they could play with his hair. Well I don't think he will ask them to do that again because before he knew it they had put every hair clip they could find all over his head. Doesn't he look pretty. The girls called me upstairs to see how pretty daddy looked. So for paybacks to him for always forgetting my birthday I decided to embarrass him and post his picture on my blog. Sorry honey (lol) Love you tons. Thank you for keeping the girls out of my way so I could get some stuff done!!!

Hanging Out

Last night was so much fun!!! My brother invited us over after church for dinner and games. We got to there house at about 3:30 and we played Guitar Hero World Tour with them. It was so much fun. I actually got pretty good at the drums by the time we were done. Then us adults had to give it up for the kids so my brother and his wife pulled out this game called Carcasonne When me and Jeff saw it we were like no way are we going to play this stupid game.!!!! We started to play at 7 :15 and after one game we were hooked!! We played game after game until 11:45 last night. Jon thought he would be funny and teach Jeff how to screw me out of my land and my castle's well paybacks are a B big brother we are going to buy this game and practice until I am as sneaky and coniving as you are!!! Rematch is coming soon so BEWARE!!!!

Christmas

Christmas was a blast!!!! We spent Christmas Eve with Jeff's family.. We had soup bowl night and just hung out and opened presents. The kids all had a lot of fun playing with their cousin's.. On Christmas day we got up at 8:00 when the kids finally woke up and we spent the morning playing with their presents.. Then at 11:45 we started our drive to my mom's house in Riverton. All was well till we hit 9800 south and had to kick it in 4 wheel drive. We almost got ourselves stuck trying to help an elderly man and his wife who was stuck in the deep snow. By the time we made it in to my parents neighborhood on 11925 south the snow was up to our knees when we got there. It took forever for all of my brother's and sister's to get there!! We finally were able to eat and at 3:00 when we started to open presents the power went out. So we had to pull out the lanterns and flashlights and do everything in the dark.. We left to go to my grandmas at 6:00 and it was so funny me and my dad were asked to cook a pizza dip and spinach artichoke dip for my grandma's and her house is older and when we went to use her gas oven, in order to keep the door shut we had to use a mop and wedge it up with the table to hold the door shut, We had a good laugh about that. Not only was it interesting cooking but we seemed to be bad luck and brought the storm to her house with us. It was snowing so bad when we had to head home. Thank goodness I drove with my dad in his truck we were able to get home without sliding all over the place. Thanks dad.... I really didn't want to drive in that by myself with my 3 oldest. I feel safer with you driving in that bad weather than trusting myself.

We still had a fun Christmas and because of the storm we were able to pull out the wheelers and sled around the neighborhod for 2 days with friends and neighbors. The kids had a ball and so did all of us!!!

Ginger Bread Night

Last night was soo much fun!!! My mom decided to do a family soup night and after dinner we as families had to each decorate a Gingerbread House. All of us and our kids had to help even the little ones. All of the kids had so much fun!!! I even think the adults had more fun then the kids. We never as kids got to do this around Christmas time so all of my brothers and sisters really enjoyed doing it.

Here is a picture of our family in the process of decorating our house. We decided to make ours into a log cabin so the boys would put pretzels on the sides while Jeff glued the house together. The girls were decorating trees with candy while they did that part. I think Baylee and Ciarra ate more candy then they actually decorated. Every time you looked at them they were popping candy in their mouths.

This is our finished project. We used Marshmellow popcorn for the grass and the trees. Gumdrops for the flower beds beneath the trees and gummi worms for our curbing. In the back of the house is a pond with fish swimming in it, and to the side of ou r house is a couple of buck's and doe's grazing in the grass. And of course mounted on the front of the house is our Buck head. And all the red hots on the house is Jeff's Christmas lighting. I think he had more fun then the kids did for sure. He is the one that got all creative making deer bodies.

Here is a few of the other houses that were made. Two of my siblings left before we could get a picture of theirs so here are the ones that we got so far.

This is my brother Ryan and Ami's and their daughter Kenlee's House.

This is my sister Stacy's kids she had to work so she couldn't make it but Trina, Rick, Skyler and Walker decorated it on their own. Great Job guys!!!

This is my brother Jon and Jami's and their 3 kids Jordan, Jessika, and Jakob did this one. As you can see he had to have a huge pond and stream just like his backyard at home. Jeff made them deer also to go along with their house.

And last but not least this is my mom and dad's house they only had themselves to decorate and when we left at 9:30 last night dad was still decorating it so when I go on Christmas I will get a picture of their masterpiece. My brother Jason, and Sister Jill left before I could get a picture of theirs but theirs turned out really cute also. We decided that we need this to be a tradition for now on!!!

Weekend Happening's

This Saturday was sooo busy!!! Andrew got the opportunity for scouts to go to the Salvation Army and help them box up Christmas presents for those in need. He didn't want to go all week he kept complaining but he went any way. He left at 8:30 and didn't get home until 1:30. He had so much fun. He said he got to shop for the kid's and pack up their stuff in the wharehouse. He said it was a really good experience to do service for others. I am so proud of him and the changes he is making each day. As he is getting older we butt heads alot my little baby boy who always loved to cuddle and hang out with me is growing up and he is fine with it but I think deep down I'm not! We have always been really close and he tells me everything and now that he is in Jr High I feel like he will slip away from me and not like me any more. To me he will always be my little blue eyed boy. We also this weekend got to go to the VA Hospital and have Christmas lunch with my Grandpa Crawford who has had Ahlsteimers for years and even though he doesn't talk to us anymore or recognize us you still feel those little glimpses he gives you like he knows you from somewhere but can't place it. He was so cute with Ciarra we took him back to his room and she leaned in to kiss his cheek and told him Merry Christmas and he put his lips in the air and started making kissing noises. So she kissed him on the lips. It was soo cute. I haven't seen him do that in a long time. He also would not let go of my hand he wanted my watch and was not going to give me my hand back until he got it. I even got a smile and a kiss out of him also. It was the funnest experience I have had with him up there in the last 5 years. I wish Andrew would have came with us though he was so tired from the Salvation Army that he wanted to stay home by himself. We were able to get a family picture with Grandpa and Grandma cause who knows how much longer he will be here. I guess I will have to just photo shop him in. With Jeff's grandma dying it's the little things that I miss. I wish I would have gotten one last picture of my kids with her.

Reflections Contest

The school had a Reflections contest for the Arts and everyone in the school could enter. There was 167 entries out of the whole school. Caldwell Banker came and judged all of the entries. There was 8 different categories. Baylee entered the visual arts category and she painted a picture of what makes her say "WOW" was the theme. She painted a pictures of a snow man on canvas with snowflakes falling around it cause that's what makes her say WOW is the snow. She is only 5 and in Kindergarten and she was one of the 3 that one for the visual arts category. We were so suprised. And so was she. I thought if any of my 3 kids won that it would have been Lexi's painting cause of the detail and hard work she put into hers. Baylee's only took her an hour to paint, where Lexi took 3 hours. But we are so proud of all 3 of our kid's who entered . There is always next year Brayden and Lexi.

This is a picture of Baylee

and Grandma Donio. She came to see Baylee get her award.

Sorry mom I guess you have to travel 3 times to the school this week in between your working hours. See ya tomorrow for Brayden's concert and I just found out for Walker's program. That's what you get for having sooo many grandkids.!!!! Ha Ha. Thanks mom love you Baylee loved having you there.

Ciarra had to get her picture with Baylee also with her medal. She just likes the attention also. The assembly was so much fun I am the PTA secretary and we got to throw balls and do drawings for prizes during the assembly. It was a ton of fun. Those kids who entered got their name in a drawing and got to come up and pick out of over 50 prizes were drawn and we threw out over 60 balls during the assembly. Also all the kids who entered the contest got a free entrance ticket to Jumping Jacks (which is a place with a ton of bounce houses inside to play on) and a Clark Planatarium free entrance into a light show. We are so excited cause now we have 2 things we can do during their long 2 week Christmas vacation. I am going to go crazy having them home for that long.

Festival of Trees

Yesterday we got the opportunity to help deliver 6 of the trees that were sold at the Festival of Trees. Jeff and I, my brother Jon and his wife Jami, Charri and Evan Jensen and Jessica and Stafford Combs went yesterday and delivered the trees that Charri had on her list. It was so much fun. 1 of the trees that we delivered was very sad! The family that we took it to had lost their baby in a tragic accident. We all had tears in our eyes as we set up the tree cause everything in that room reminded you of that baby. They had pictures of him all over the place and a beautiful saying on a piece of tile that said " Because someone we love is in heaven, we feel heaven is in our home." It was so touching. Our last delivery was one that made the day all worth it to us! The tree that we delivered had 17 boxes including the tree to deliver. The family knew that they were chosen from a company to receive a tree but they had no idea what it looked like and what came with it. When we got to their house they had a small tree in the corner which was leaning up against the wall cause the stand was broke. When we started walking in with the all the boxes and stuff that came with the tree she cried the whole time. Then her husband came in the room and even he was in tears. This tree was amazing it was atleast 9 ft tall and had a huge beautiful clock on a stand, a bunch of cute christmasey wood decorations. A couple of huge plaques with different sayings and pictures on them. A beautiful trunk that could be used for a coffee table, and then another piece of furniture with a door and 2 drawers. Then it had a porcelin set with a street lamp and people standing around it caroling (each piece was at least 2 ft tall) You could feel such a spirit in their apartment. As we were trying to unload everything and put it somewhere there was so much stuff and not a lot of room so Jessica and I started to decorate in their kitchen on top of their cabinents. It looked beautiful when we were done. We were even able to sneak some of the stuff out of the boxes so the kids didn't see it so they could use the games and puzzles for christmas gifts for their children. The company that bought the tree sure picked the right one for this family and had to of know their interest well cause when we were unloading everything there was at least 8 or 9 boxes of puzzles in decorative tins. When we walked in their house they had 2 tables set up with puzzles that they were working on. Jami even put helped them with a few pieces on one of their puzzles while we were waiting for the men to cut the bottom of the tree down so it would fit in their house. When we left the mom and dad hugged each of us and told us thank you and their was tears flowing from everyone. It was such an awesome experience. I can't wait until next year so we can do it again. Thank you to everyone who donated to the Festival this year. We love Primary Children's Hospital they took such good care of our little Ciarra for 2 weeks and we will always support them.

Tribute To Grandma Great

Yesterday we spent the day honoring one of the most loving and caring ladies I have been privelaged to know. Jeff's grandma passed away the day after Thanksgiving and her funeral was held yesterday. At 91 she was in a lot of pain for the past couple of years and even though it was hard to have her leave us I know she is now free from all the pain and loving life being reunited with her hubby. The funeral was beautiful and everyone did a wonderful job with their talks. All of us grandkids and the great grandkids sang 3 songs at her funeral. It was so hard to get through all 3 songs. You could definately feel her spirit through the whole thing. We love you tons grandma and are so greatful to have you in our lives. It was so fun to have the whole family together. Jeff's sister Jill and her family came from California and we spent the whole day with them. The kids loved playing with their cousins and can't wait to see them again. We love you Jill and Kelby and kids and miss you all the time. Ciarra cried on the way home cause she can't see her friend any more so we might have to purchase a web camera so they can still see each other until we can make it out there next year.

Jeff's Christmas Hobby!!!

My husband is worse than a little kid at Christmas time. So here is Jeff's hobby for the holidays.

My Neighbor told me I should post pictures of Jeff's hobby at Christmas Time on my blog so

here is some pictures of Jeff's favorite holiday and

how crazy he gets doing it. We have decorated our house with lights for the past 10 years that we lived here and each year he adds something new. Even when we lived in our duplex apartment he still had our whole side decked out in lights. I guess it keeps the kid in all of us alive. Our kids get so excited every year when November comes and he starts putting up his lights. It takes a long time on to put all of them up but it is totally worth it to see the excitement all of our kids get when this time of year comes. The pictures aren't that great cause my Camera sucks so hopefully we can get some better pics and post them. Better yet drive by and see for yourself. Jeff is in charge of decorating the outside and I am the inside with the exception of his Christmas

Village. I am not allowed to do that only he is. Around Christmas time we take the padding off of our window seats and display our village there.

We buy a new piece every year since we have been married to add to this also. The kids love it. It gives the house such a peaceful feel with the fiber optic lights and the waterfalls that play to the music on one of the houses. I couldn't get the whole thing in one picture so here is two shots of that. I still missed some of it with only the two shots.

As for the rest of the house I get free reign. I will

post pictures the rest of the house to the side of my bolg post. We wait all year just for this time of year. The thing that excites our family the most about Christmas is the decorating, seeing the lights, and listening to Christmas Music. This year our family has done 4 service projects to help those in need. The kids all loved participating in the food drive for Colby's Eagle project they were trying to take everything out of my pantry to help with that. Then we painted kids wood blocks for the Shriner's Hospital. My sister in law had to paint 400 blocks. So we as a family craft night at my moms painted abc's and dice and all different things on the blocks so that the children up there could enjoy them for Christmas. Lexi loved helping do that. Andrew, Jeff and I also were able to help tie quilts for Primary Children's Hospital for Chase's Eagle project. Our ward for relief society enrichment combined with the ym and yw were able to tie 36 quilts in 2 1/2 hours that night. And this Sunday Me and Jeff are so excited cause we get to go with Charri and Evan Jensen and my brother and his wife to deliver the Tree's that people bought from the festival of Tree's this year. Jeff went last year and he said it was the coolest experience he has had. So I am so excited to get to go this year since I got a sub for my primary class. This time of year even though we don't have a lot of money this year to buy the kids what they want. I still feel so blessed already. As long as we have love, family and friends what more do you need. And I am so glad my kids are understanding that early in their lives. I am so blessed to have such great kids they have already told us they don't care what they get this year even if it is a little rinky dink toy.

Thanksgiving

Our Thanksgiving was fun and enjoyable this year. I cheated and instead of making rolls all morning I did Rhodes. It was soo relaxing. Jeff and Andrew went to the Annual Ward Turkey Bowl and their team won!! Andrew had so much fun he can't wait until next year to play again. I sat in my pajama's all morning, stayed in bed till 9:00 and made breakfast for the kids. We then went to Jeff's mom and Dad's house for dinner at 2:00. Everything was so delicious. I even challenged my nephew Derek to guitar hero where he totally kicked my but. What was I thinking. but I came back and beat Andrew so it was worth it. We then went to my mom and dad's for Dessert. The pies were so yummy. I made a Banana Cream Cheesecake it was so good. Anything besides pumpkin pie is mine and Jeff's motto. We went to a movie Friday with the adults in my family and saw Four Christmas's It was Hilarious!!! It got me even more excited for the season. We spent the rest of the day Yesterday putting up more Christmas decorations in our yard. I will have to take a pic when we are done and post it for all of you to see. Well gotta go finish decorating the house.

A Day of Thanks

Yesterday we had to speak in church as a family and sing. I am so grateful that it is OVER!!! We sang I Am a Child of God as a family and Ciarra kept pulling the microphone down and practically screaming the song into the microphone it was so funny. Everybody told us how cute it was but my family is not musically enclined so I don't know if they were just being nice or if they really meant it. Either way thanks everybody for the comments on our talks and song. The kids were so excited after church when we got home and they could not believe how many people came up to them to tell them what a good job they did. That made their day so thank you!!!

As Thanksgiving is getting closer I just wanted to express our gratitude for everything I am thankful for.
1). I am thankful for my wonderful Husband Jeff. He is such a hard worker and provider and he is such a great father and lover.

2). I am thankful for my Children. My life would be one boring, depressing, and lonely life without them in it. I love their hugs and kisses and the way their smiles and laughter light up the rooms in my house.

3) I am thankful for my extended family they are always there for us whenever we need encouraging.

4). I am thankful for all of our friendships that we have made over the years. Without supporting friends and someone to vent to I would probably be in the nut house.

5). I am thankful for my home without a warm loving environment my kids would probably turn into big time rebels.

6). Last but not least I am thankful for my Freedom. To be able to choose and come and go as I please is the greatest feeling in the world.

Twilight Girls Night Out

Last night was one crazy night. I had frozen dinner exchange at 6:00 pm. Ran straight from there to a YW's Meeting until 8:40 came home and changed then went to play Volleyball cause we are in region at 9:00 got home at 10:00 hurried up and changed again and then left to go out with the girls to the Cheesecake Factory for dessert which was delicious by the way. I had a banana and cream cheesecake it was to die for. Then to Gateway to see the new Twilight Movie. It was so much fun. We didn't get home until 3:15 am but it was totally worth it even though I only got 3 hours of sleep. Even though Edward was not HOT enough for me, he finally grew on me. It was humorous and for the most part not better than the book but still good. I can't wait to see how they make New Moon. The most annoying part of the night was trying to get out of the gateway parking lot. Some people are so inpatient and annoying they kept honking their horn until the line would move. One crazy lady jumped out of her car and went to the front of the line and yelled at the car 2 cars in front of her and pushed them along the way. Man have some patience people. We had a good laugh over that one. Thanks Xela, Sheryl, and Rebecca for a fun night away from the kids. We will have to do that more often.

Congratulations Andrew

Andrew had a Court of Honor for Scouts last night where he received his Tenderfoot, 2nd and 1st class awards. We are so proud of him. He is now working on his Star. His goal is to try and earn his Eagle because it's something his dad didn't do that he regrets not finishing. So Andrew has set the goal of getting his to make his dad proud. We are so proud of you Andrew and will support you in anything you do.
Love you tons

Winter Wonderland

It snowed all day yesterday. So when the kids got home from school before we had to go to Parent Teacher Conference's we all put our snow gear on and went outside. We built a couple of snow bears for our front yard. The kids had soo much fun. Lexi had to make sure she put as much detail as possible into them. She worked on them more then the rest of the kids did. But of course our mean little Brayden loves to make his sister Lexi mad so within half an hour of building them he knocked them down. Lexi was so mad she chased him down the street and beat him up. Maybe some day Brayden will learn to be nice to his sister. It's been almost 8 years since Lexi joined our family and I've yet to see that happen. Maybe when it snows again we can rebuild them for you Lex.

Update about Halloween

Brayden is on the left, Andrew is on the right and his friend Victor is in the back

Halloween was so much fun!!! We had a spooky dinner at my mom's house on the night before Halloween and it was soo yummy we always come up with some cool spooky dishes and the kids love the variety of foods they get to eat. This year my family made Halloween Massacre!! It had 7 Layers of massacred Halloween items... as follows.... It had a layer of Pirates Poop, followed by chopped up werewolves, a layer of ghost's and pumpkins, Frankenstein Puree, more ghosts and pumpkins, bats balls, and topped with Creme of Mummy. Served with Fried Skeleton bones. We also had Witches fingers, Goblin Stew, Ghost's enchiladas, Pumpkin's brains, Graveyard brownies, Pumpkin brew, and owl cookies. The kids loved it. Last year was the first year we started this tradition and we had a lot of awesome food ideas last year also. On Halloween we enjoyed the whole day at school helping with their parties and Halloween parades. I love this time of year!! Then we got to stay home this year and trick or treat in our own neighborhood cause my parents decided not to do their Haunted House this year. So Andrew got to have a friend spend the night. We made Chicken Taco soup and Mummies toes for dinner the kids loved it.

UEA WEEKEND

The kids got out of school early on Wednesday Oct. 15, and they didn't have to be back to school until Tuesday Oct 21, so we decided to go camping and hunting with daddy. The hunt didn't start until Saturday morning so we just hung out rode the 4 wheelers and the boys went bird hunting since we couldn't hunt deer till Saturday. This is the girls waiting for breakfast to be cooked while standing by the fire. It was freezing in the morning and and night but during the day it was light hoodie weather it was so nice.

Brayden is not in any pictures with the rest of the kids because every time the camera was out he was nowhere to be found. But I finally got him. He decided he was going to get up early Saturday morning and go hunting with dad. He got hiked pretty good. He was so tired when they got back. But he enjoyed his one on one time with dad.

This is Jakob, Jordan, and Andrew shooting the pellet guns at cans while they wait for their breakfast to be cooked. They had fun walking the trails looking for grouse and shooting the 20 gauge shotgun. Their favorite thing that they would not stop bugging us about was riding the 4 wheelers. They think since they know how to drive them and control them that they are allowed to do it at anytime. Their plans were squashed quickly though because they could only drive by themselves if they have taken a 4 wheeling course and gotten a license for youth. So needless to say in February Andrew, Brayden, and Lexi will all be taking the course together.

Ciarra is a big time dog lover and she would not leave my brother's dog JR alone all week. She kept making our dog Shooter cry and whine cause she would pay more attention to JR then Shooter. It was this way last hunt also. She kept hugging and babying JR like she did this year. She kept telling us he was her horse.

This is a picture of Ciarra and her Horse. Aren't they cute together. Poor JR couldn't get away from her at all no matter where he went.

Baylee and Lexi finally have gotten over their fear of being by a big dog. This is a big thing for them since we got our dog they have still been skeptical, but this is the first time since they have gone up to Jon's dog and touched and played with him. Hopefully all their fears will be gone. We had a lot of fun this week. We came back Sunday night cause daddy had to work Monday morning for a couple of hours. Then we took Brayden out for his Birthday. After we got back from the movie daddy left with Uncle Jon and went back up hunting for the rest of the week. So hopefully he won't come back empty handed this year.

Happy Birthday Brayden

Brayden turned 10 years old today. Man I am aging quick. I can't believe how fast time goes by. Why can't they just stay 3 all of the time those are the funnest years. Brayden was a very cranky baby and that hasn't changed much in the last 10 years. But he is also the most loving and caring of all of them. He makes sure he always tells me he loves me every 2 hours when he is home or he will come up and hug me out of the blue to let me know he still loves me. Isn't that sweet. For his Birthday he has asked that we go see Beverly Hills Chauhau before dad leaves town again so we are going to go around 1:00 to fulfill his wish. He is so excited and so are the rest of the kids. He especially loves the fact that he got a PSP for his birthday. Hopefully now that he is 10 he will be more responsible like Andrew is. Since Brayden hates cake, pie, or anything to do with cake I will have to come up with something else to put candles in. What a weird child who doesn't like cake or pie for their birthday? We love you Brayden and hope you have a great day!!!!

Family Craft Night

Last night at family craft night at my moms house we made the cutest magnetic boards for the girl's room's. I took Lexi and Baylee shopping on Saturday so they could pick out their scrapbook paper that they wanted on their boards. Lexi picked out the blue and brown paper and her board was 16x20. It turned out soo cute we can't wait to paint her bedroom so she can hang it in her new room. She has finally decided she wants her own room cause she is sick of Ciarra and Baylee always messing it up after she has cleaned it so bye bye mommies craft room and Hello Lexi's new bedroom. She said I can still keep a small table up in her room so we can do crafts together though. Isn't she thoughful? Baylee's and Ciarra's boards are 8x10 and Baylee picked out the pink and black paper and of course the Supergirl stickers. And Ciarra's is the green and pink board. Of course for their magnents they had to pick out sayings like Whatever, Shut Up, LOL, on the DL, etc. We put the stickers on the same paper we used and glued a clear flat marble rock on top and glued a magnent to the back. They turned out so cute. Me, my mom, grandma, sisters and sister in laws and niece's had a lot of fun making them. It will be fun to see what craft we come up with for next month. We have been doing family craft night every month for over a year now and it is so much fun. My dad even started to do crafts with the other grandkids while we are doing ours to keep them entertained. My boys had a lot of fun gluing model planes and cars together and painting them. The girls also made door knob foam signs also with grandpa. They turned out soo cute.

Ciarra turns 3

Yesterday was Ciarra's 3rd birthday. I can't believe that it has been 3 years since she came into our lives. As you all know we only wanted 4 kids and Jeff didn't get fixed so along came Ciarra. I was so in denial because I was sure I was only going to have 4 and that's all that was coming to us. But when I finally accepted being pregnant with her and when I saw her for the first time my heart just melted. I am so greatful she is part of our family!! She has a one track mind and know's what she wants and how to get it. Last year when we had that big scare with her and she was in Primary Children's Hospital for almost 2 weeks I felt so guilty for ever feeling the way I did when I got pregnant with her, and I felt it was god's way of punishing me for my thoughts. But after everything that happened last summer with her I found the real reason was to be taught a lesson in Service and accepting help from others. It is because of all of our family and friend's blessings and prayers that Ciarra is celebrating with us today. Up above Ciarra wanted a Dora Cake and while I was decorating it she kept licking the frosting off of the sides "cause it was her's and she could do whatever she wanted cause it was her Birthday" is what she kept telling us all day long. Jeff's mom and dad and Joyce and Larry came by and she was so excited to get her bear and books. She slept with all of them. And today when she took her nap she took her bear and sticker book with her. Ciarra is so excited because today when daddy gets home he is going to take her shopping for her brand new bike that she gets to pick out all by herself. Happy Birthday Sweetie we love you.

They are finally Home

Jeff and Ciarra are finally home after being gone for 10 days in California at his sisters house. She had so much fun!!! She is still talking about as she calls her, her friend Jaquelyn. She keeps telling me she wants to go back to Jaquelyn's house.

They took Ciarra to Newport Beach while they were there and Jeff said she had so much fun digging in the sand and collecting sea shells. He said she was in the water and got scared once the waves started to get higher and higher on her. Then she found some crabs in the sand and started to freak out when they started to move by her. To the left is Jeff and CC collecting sea shells on the beach.

Here is Ciarra digging in the sand and filling up her bucket. Aunt Jill is on her phone in the background and grandpa Jensen in the back on the left. While daddy was hard at work the whole time he was there Ciarra was playing with her cousins and getting spoiled with all the attention she so greatly is in need of. (ha ha) I have to now spend this week trying to get her back on her normal schedule and try to deBRATitize her. They were only gone 10 days but she has changed soo much in that time. I can't believe in 4 more days she is going to be 3 years old. I am very greatful however to finally have my husband home to share in the nightly responsibilities of putting the kids to bed. They listen to him 10X's better than they do me.

Brayden Advances in Scouts

Brayden at Pack Meeting last night got his Bear. He finished it 1 month before his Birthday which is an accomplishment for him because he usually waits until the last minute. Congratulations Brayden we are sooo proud of you. In 20 more days you are going to be 10 and on your road to being a Webelos Scout. Keep up the good work little buddy. WE LOVE YOU and are PROUD to be your parents.

Very Lonely!!!

Jeff left town Sunday for a week and I am bored already. I thought getting a break away from him would make me bounce off the walls but I am so bored and lonely. He took Ciarra with him so I am by myself for 2 1/2 hours while all the kids are at school and I hate to say this but I can't stand it. I have always had a kid around since Andrew was born and it makes me feel a little useless as a wife and mother not to have to look after someone at all times of the day. My goal while he is gone and after I get Baylee off to Kindergarten is to get one room a day deep cleaned. So far one room down and 4 more to go. And surprise surprise the kids didn't mess it up after they got home yesterday. I can't believe how many toys Ciarra brings down a day. It is kind of nice not to be tripping on anything. I do however miss her constant talking and laughing and I think even the dog Shooter is missing her greatly. She is the only one that really pays attention to him even though she forces him to constantly sit and lay with her I think he misses it. He has been mopeing since she left. I am getting the hang of being a single mother but I wouldn't want to do it on a regular basis that's for sure. Even though the kids are older and can do things for themselves they still are very demanding and I honestly don't know what they would do without me which gives me purpose when I am feeling depressed. This week has just made me realize how much I love and appreciate Jeff especially when it comes to putting the kids to bed!!!!

Family Update

It has been 3 whole weeks since the kids have started school and they are still loving it thank goodness!!! Andrew keeps getting told how cute and little he is by all the girls at school. Brayden is doing great with his school work wich is an improvement for him because he has been keeping up in class and has not had hardly any homework yet this year. Lexi loves her teacher and thinks she is the coolest teacher ever!!! Baylee is loving kindergarten and bugs me all morning until it is time for her to go to school. She sings us her songs that she has learned at school at night while we are tucking her in. Last but not least Ciarra is having a hard time adjusting to all of the kids being in school. We have a melt down every day after we drive Baylee to school. She cries all the way home because she doesn't understand why she can't stay there with her. Hopefully that will soon subside. Jeff is finally starting to get a little busier with work wich is a great thing for us meaning I might be able to hold off a little bit longer on finding a full time job.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

It never fails, my husband yet again forgot my Birthday Surprise, Surprise!!! I think in the 13 years we have been married he has only remembered 2 of those years and that is when we first got married. It's pretty sad my Sister Jill and my Mom beat him and my kids to the punch yet again. Good Job Jeff!!! I thought you would redeem yourself this year. Oh well there is always next year to try again.

Labor Day Weekend

WE HAVE PUT A NEW MEANING TO LABOR DAY!!! WE GUTTED OUT ALL OF OUR KID'S BEDROOMS ON OUR HOLIDAY DAY OFF. WHAT THE HECK WERE WE THINKING. BUT THE GOOD NEWS IS THEY CAN WALK IN THEIR ROOMS AGAIN, NOTHING UNDER THE BEDS OR THROWN IN THE CLOSET AS THEIR WAY OF CLEANING USUALLY HAPPENS THAT WAY. BELIEVE ME THEY WERE NOT VERY HAPPY WITH US IT TOOK US 3 HOURS BUT IT WAS TOTALLY WORTH IT. IT SURE BEAT LOADING A CAR, PUTTING UP AND DOWN A TENT AND KEEPING CIARRA OUT THE DIRT. (OR MUD SHOULD I SAY SINCE IT RAINED LIKE CRAZY THIS WEEKEND)

Back to School

Yeah the kids are back in school as of yesterday. It is so quiet in my house during the day now I don't know what to do with myself!!! Starting next week it will just be me and CC at home cause Baylee will be starting Kindergarten. She is so excited (except for the fact she has to get shots again) Andrew loves Junior High and is already getting hit on by all the girls. Brayden already has had 3 pages of homework and he is not happy about that and neither am I. It is a fighting match to get him to do homework!!! Lexi loves the 2nd grade so far and is excited about making some new friends! Now what to do with all the time on my hands now???

Wheeler Farm

For play group in our neighborhood we went to Wheeler Farm. I haven't been here since I was a kid. The kids had so much fun!!! They were all feeding the geese when we first got there until the geese started to chase the kids down and steal the bread out of their hands. Ciarra did not think that was very funny!! Especially when they were the same height as her and grabbed it right out of her hands it freaked her out!!! I could not believe how aggressive they were they even bit Carly a little neighbor girl in our ward. They got to see cows, sheep, chickens, pigs, rabbits, and they got to feed the horses. It was kind of scary to let them do that especially when there was a sign that said "Please do not feed your fingers to the horses." They thought it was cool to go on the wagon ride also, even though you only saw two animals and a bunch of tires. That wasn't worth what you pay to see that. Ciarra kept saying "Oh my gosh that is cool" every time we stopped at a different cage to see a different animal. They even had a chicken that looked like it was being plucked, the whole top of its body was missing it's feathers. Maybe some of it's chicken friends got a little hungry haha!! The kids also loved that they could climb on all the big tractors they had outside one of the buildings. They would have one person driving while one was shifting all of the knobs. Andrew stood by one tire and could not believe how much taller it was then him. I told him he should be used to it by now because it seems like everything is taller than him including his little sister Lexi. It was fun to go for the last little summer fling before the kids all start school up.

HUNTING TRIP

We decided to go up with the Family for the day to go Bow Hunting on Saturday. Andrew was gone for the weekend camping at Christmas Meadows with some friends in the ward and wouldn't of been back until late Saturday Night so we decided to go up to Smithenmorehouse for the day and go 4 wheeling while Dad, Jon, Ryan and Jason hunted. Jeff wanted to go hike with them even though he is doing the rifle hunt instead of the Bow. We had a blast!! It was freezing cold when we first got there but as the day wore on it started to warm up as long as you were in the sun. Ciarra loved the 4 wheeler she kept wanting to go for rides as did Lexi and Baylee kept fighting over who's turn it was to be on it and drive. I had a lot of fun hanging out with my two sister in-laws Luinda and Amiee we just hung out, talked and while the kids were napping played card games it was fun to get to know them a little bit better and to have some one on one time with them when I don't see them very often. I even got to bond with little Maddie Sue as Kaitlyn calls her. She is such a calm and cute baby. ( well I guess not a baby since she will be ! yrs old soon) We decided to stay and have dinner so we didn't get home until 11:15 pm that night and then Drew didn't end up getting home until midnight so it worked out perfect timing when we got home. We were so tired and beat because we had left so early Saturday morning so we dragged all day Sunday before and after church. But the kids had fun and that's all that matters!!

Ward Camp Out

We just got back from our Ward Camp Out it was so much FUN!!!! We had a blast getting to know some new people in our ward than just the ones that we usually hang out with. The kids all had a blast but I think we had more fun than them. We even came home with some pretty funky gangsta names given to us by our 2 extra children for the weekend. Colby and Jake are so much fun and just add an extra laugh to our fun. We had a delicious dutch oven cook off and the food was fantastic! We took a hike to these beautiful waterfalls where we started a huge water fight and Jeff, Harland, and Holly bum slided down the freezing cold river. Saturday we went to the lower falls and let the kids play in the water, where Jeff had to part with one of his shoes because we thought it would be fun to throw shoes down the falls and see where they ended up at. I threw Jeffs behind me thinking Drew would grab it but he didn't get it in time. After me, Andrew, Whitney, and Kelsey G hiked clear down the river we still came back empty handed sorry babe we tried. It was still a fun and relaxing weekend with our second family. We love our ward family and there isn't anything we would rather be doing then spending time with them!!! Can't wait until next years!!

Scout Camp

I got a chance to go up to scout camp with Brayden on Tuesday and it was soo much fun. We did the Superhero's Camp the boys had so much fun and they were so excited that they were all a little crazy all day long. We had 19 boys and only 3 of us to control all of them. Needless to say I was totally worn out by 1:00. But it was worth it to see the boys interact with one another. They got to ride Bat Mobile's while we were there and if you ask them that would probably be the funnest thing they did yesterday. I know Brayden's was that choice. The staff up there did a really good job as usual. I can't wait until next year. The boy's thought it would be really funny to get me as dirty as they could or to buzz me with their buzzer's from the Trading Post. Paybacks are coming if I see them this weekend at the Ward Camp out so beware boys!!!

Mommy and Me Day

The girls wanted their nails done like mom's so when they got up this morning they each took turns sitting in the spa chair. We got a bucket of water for their feet to soak in and I washed and soaked their feet, While their feet were soaking I clipped and filed their nails and gave them a pedicure. After their toes were done being painted while they sat for them to dry we did a manicure. They had so much fun and it took up 2 and half hours of our boring day. They were so cute sitting their. Ciarra of course ruined one of her toes 5 minutes after I did hers but Baylee and Lexi's still look beautiful. Baylee's are off to the right and Lexi's are on the left.

I've Been Tagged

I have been tagged by Jami, so here it goes
Name 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 goals, 3 current obsessions / collections, 3 random / surprising facts about yourself - then tag 3 people.

3 Joys

1. My Husband Jeff
2. Andrew, Brayden, Lexi, Baylee, and Ciarra
3. My Friends and Extended Family

3 Fears

1. Losing my husband or one of my children
2. Being a Failure as a Mother and Wife
3. Dying before I see my kids reach their goals and start lives of their own


3 Goals

1. Help my kids to become the best that they can be and to help them accomplish their dreams.
2. I would love to go back to school when my kids are grown up and don't need me as much any more.
3. I want to eventually start my own Catering Company or a Resturaunt

3 Current Obsessions/Collections

1. I love to read and I read all of the time.
2.Chocolate covered Strawberries
3.Potato chips and Ranch Dip

3 Random/Suprising facts about me

1. Something I am not proud of I use to be a big time Party Girl till I got my crap together after my senior year in high school
2. None of my kids were conceived in our home. Love to spice up the marriage and try new places and locations whether we get caught or not.
3.I cry every time I think about my children and how old they are getting. I even cried at my sons D.A.R.E. graduation because I can't believe he is going into 7th grade.



I don't know who to tag that hasn't already been tagged so I'm not tagging anyone.

Andrew Turns 12

Andrew Turns 12 years old this Sunday. He is going to be a Deacon and pass the sacrament in church. I can't believe he is that old. It seems like yesterday he was just born. Time sure flies by fast when they are growing up. I wish I could just freeze him and he could be my baby forever.