Monday, January 30, 2012
Thank you sir! May I have another?
After I got my new phone, the kids wanted to play on it constantly. I couldn't get a turn on it, because my kids were so busy playing games on it. We decided that we wanted to buy an iPod touch for them to play with, so that in case they broke it, they didn't ruin my expensive phone. Once we had that, they all decided that they each wanted one of their own. Sharing wasn't as much fun as we told them it would be. Jess told them that if they saved up half, he would pay for the other half. This ignited a frenzy. Each of them looking for ways to earn money. I told them that each quarter of a mile that they ran, I would pay them $.10 and if they ran one whole mile they could earn $.50 per mile. Jess, again, took it one step further and told them for every 100 miles cumulatively they ran, he would give them $20. He also told them that for every 3 miles they ran cumulatively, he would do 5 miles, either running or on his bike. Guess who was up at 5:45 this morning, using the Nike gps app on the iPod, touch, running laps around the house? TJ and Summer each ran about 3 miles around our house this morning! Jess wasn't even out of bed yet, and he was down 5 miles! I think this is the beginning of a beautiful thing!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Back in the swing
It's been a good month since I've dusted off the mouse and navigated my way here! It's been busy, too. We've had our annual cookie decorating party, all of the Christmas festivities, a week and a half in Montana, and the disastrous aftermath as a result. Believe me when I say, it ain't pretty. I have managed to get the outdoor decor down, but we are still full up Feliz Navidad inside! With a little luck, all will return to it's natural order this week. (somewhat order, if I'm being honest!)
I got a new camera for Christmas, so I am taking up photography! I love it. I took over 3000 photos on our trip to Montana, but don't worry, Jess got it down to about 800! Hopefully throughout the next week, I can share a few of my favorites with you as I catch up (oh, the laundry!) in my life. For now, here is my favorite:
I got a new camera for Christmas, so I am taking up photography! I love it. I took over 3000 photos on our trip to Montana, but don't worry, Jess got it down to about 800! Hopefully throughout the next week, I can share a few of my favorites with you as I catch up (oh, the laundry!) in my life. For now, here is my favorite:
Jess, enjoying the view from our ranch.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
3 Months
On November 26th, Simon turned 3 months old! (Thanks for the stickers, Tiff!) Isn't he a little cutie pie! Seriously, I just want to eat him. It's frowned upon, I know. It doesn't change anything!
I guess by now he is 3 and half months. Here's what he is up to. He started laughing about two weeks ago. He's ticklish under his neck and under his arms. I love it when he laughs. Tonight he rolled over from his front to his back twice! Twice! Why won't he stay little? I just don't know. He has moved up to 6-12 month clothing, so he is cruising through the sizes (did I forget to mention that he's only 3 months?! Sheesh!). He is sleeping from about 9:30 or 10 until 6:30. He is also starting to move to a morning and afternoon nap, with fewer cat naps in between. He loves his siblings and spent most of today wanting to be held by someone. Lucky for him, there are 6 of us to choose from. Usually someone will comply! I thought I'd share some of his deliciousness with all of you. :)
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Milestones
Today is my 35th birthday! A milestone, for sure! In honor, here is a list of 10 of my favorite things for this past year:
2. Food: Crunchy tacos
3. Color: Blue
4. Exercise: Running
5. Accessory: It's a tie between my red necklace set and my new necklace with my babies names on it. (thanks again Brenda!)
6. Favorite shoes: My Brown boots. Oh how I love shoes!
7. Activity: Riding my bike.
8. Pastime: Visiting with my friends.
9. Favorite dessert: Brownies and chocolate chip cookies. A tie, how could I pick just one!
10. Favorite date: going to see the BYU ballroom dance performance. Unbelievable!
Top 10 memories as a 34 year old:
1.We purchased our first home!
2. We finished my dining room table, finally!!
3. San Fransisco with Jess
4. Throwing Summer's Tea party Birthday.
5. Going to Harry Potter world at Island's of Adventure.
6. Taylor Swift concert with my baby girl.
7. Moving to California!
8. Adding Simon to our family!
9. Our trip to Cannon Beach, OR
10. Thanksgiving with all 4 of my brothers, their families and my Mom!
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Thankful List for 2011
I was going to do a photo list for this, but I lack the desire to do it it while on the road, so words it is! I didn't get this out yesterday, because I was busy enjoying my family time. So, a day late, here is a list of the things that I am thankful for this Thanksgiving. This isn't going to be a complete list as I (and you) don't want to be here all day! In no particular order.
1. Heavenly Father. He has made everything in my life possible. The blessings that make my life pleasant and the trials that help me learn, grow and appreciate the good things that I have. I hope that I can always focus on those blessings and appreciate the trials for what they are.
2. Jess. He is a great companion. He is always trying to make me happy and he works so hard for our family. He is nostalgic, and even though I tease him, I love it.
3. T Jay. He is so sweet. When I am upset, he always tries to cheer me up. He is a great big brother. He is also a great helper. I am so glad God sent him to me.
4. Summer. She is the most giving person I know. If someone is sad because they lost something or they don't have it, Summer will give up her own. She is an example to me. I am also enjoying our Mother daughter time together. She is fun to talk to. I look forward to so many more mother/daughter dates with her. I am also grateful that she wants to learn things that I know and be with me.
5. Matthew. He has the greatest zest for life. He is a great reminder to me to enjoy all there is in life. To take time to balance on the curbs, admire any unique thing in my path and enjoy what others have to offer. He is a champion snuggler and I am his favorite snuggling partner. A true gift in my life.
6. Alexis. Alexis is such a sweet little girl. Her voice makes me happy every time she opens her mouth. I just want to record everything she does and says! She is so happy, and it rubs off on us all.
7. Simon. Sweet little Simon. I am in love with this little baby. He was an unexpected blessing that I have enjoyed every moment of so far. He is a great sleeper, which I give thanks for almost every night. I love to hold him and watch him melt off to sleep in my arms. He has wooed us all.
8. Jess' job. I am so grateful that Jess has a good job and that we have what we need to take care of our family.
9. Our home. While it is not our dream house, I am so grateful to have a place to hang our hats, to keep us safe and warm.
10. A car. I am so thankful to have a car that is comfortable and runs well. It takes me any where I want to go. This week it was to CO to be with my brothers, Mom and their families.
11. Friends. They make the journey through life fun and enjoyable. I have met so many wonderful friends. I appreciate everything that I have learned and enjoyed from each one.
12. Church. I am so thankful for my church. I love the meetings, the things I learn from the classes and the support I get when attending each week.
13. Food. I love food. I like how I feel when I eat good, healthy food. My tongue loves how it feels when I eat yummy food!
14. Running. I am so glad I am able to run. I love a good adrenaline rush that comes when I run.
15. Jogging stroller. Thanks Tiffiny! I am so grateful to have an easy rolling way to move my brood around. I pack the younger 3 in it and head out to enjoy a jog. Every time I do, I think of the pioneers who had to use wooden carts with hard wheels. If I had to pick one baby item to have, that would be my choice.
16. Vacuum cleaner. I know, it's kind of odd. I love to vacuum! I love how my floors look when they are freshly vacuumed!
17. Reading. I love a good story. I love to escape into a different world for a little bit, and then return to my own.
18. History. I am thankful for the things we can learn from it.
19. Freedom. I am so glad that I have the freedom to make choices for my own life.
20. TV. I know it's kid of shallow, but I love to watch TV.
21. School and the ability to learn. I am so glad that my kids have access to education and that we can learn anything we want.
22. Warm clothes on a cold day
23. Grandparents. I am grateful for their stories, experiences and love.
24. Parents. A big part of who I am is because of them.
25. In laws. I have the best in-laws, and I know it!
There are a million other things that I am thankful for, but for this year, this is what comes to mind. My favorite quote this Thanksgiving season is, "Gratitude makes what you have enough."
1. Heavenly Father. He has made everything in my life possible. The blessings that make my life pleasant and the trials that help me learn, grow and appreciate the good things that I have. I hope that I can always focus on those blessings and appreciate the trials for what they are.
2. Jess. He is a great companion. He is always trying to make me happy and he works so hard for our family. He is nostalgic, and even though I tease him, I love it.
3. T Jay. He is so sweet. When I am upset, he always tries to cheer me up. He is a great big brother. He is also a great helper. I am so glad God sent him to me.
4. Summer. She is the most giving person I know. If someone is sad because they lost something or they don't have it, Summer will give up her own. She is an example to me. I am also enjoying our Mother daughter time together. She is fun to talk to. I look forward to so many more mother/daughter dates with her. I am also grateful that she wants to learn things that I know and be with me.
5. Matthew. He has the greatest zest for life. He is a great reminder to me to enjoy all there is in life. To take time to balance on the curbs, admire any unique thing in my path and enjoy what others have to offer. He is a champion snuggler and I am his favorite snuggling partner. A true gift in my life.
6. Alexis. Alexis is such a sweet little girl. Her voice makes me happy every time she opens her mouth. I just want to record everything she does and says! She is so happy, and it rubs off on us all.
7. Simon. Sweet little Simon. I am in love with this little baby. He was an unexpected blessing that I have enjoyed every moment of so far. He is a great sleeper, which I give thanks for almost every night. I love to hold him and watch him melt off to sleep in my arms. He has wooed us all.
8. Jess' job. I am so grateful that Jess has a good job and that we have what we need to take care of our family.
9. Our home. While it is not our dream house, I am so grateful to have a place to hang our hats, to keep us safe and warm.
10. A car. I am so thankful to have a car that is comfortable and runs well. It takes me any where I want to go. This week it was to CO to be with my brothers, Mom and their families.
11. Friends. They make the journey through life fun and enjoyable. I have met so many wonderful friends. I appreciate everything that I have learned and enjoyed from each one.
12. Church. I am so thankful for my church. I love the meetings, the things I learn from the classes and the support I get when attending each week.
13. Food. I love food. I like how I feel when I eat good, healthy food. My tongue loves how it feels when I eat yummy food!
14. Running. I am so glad I am able to run. I love a good adrenaline rush that comes when I run.
15. Jogging stroller. Thanks Tiffiny! I am so grateful to have an easy rolling way to move my brood around. I pack the younger 3 in it and head out to enjoy a jog. Every time I do, I think of the pioneers who had to use wooden carts with hard wheels. If I had to pick one baby item to have, that would be my choice.
16. Vacuum cleaner. I know, it's kind of odd. I love to vacuum! I love how my floors look when they are freshly vacuumed!
17. Reading. I love a good story. I love to escape into a different world for a little bit, and then return to my own.
18. History. I am thankful for the things we can learn from it.
19. Freedom. I am so glad that I have the freedom to make choices for my own life.
20. TV. I know it's kid of shallow, but I love to watch TV.
21. School and the ability to learn. I am so glad that my kids have access to education and that we can learn anything we want.
22. Warm clothes on a cold day
23. Grandparents. I am grateful for their stories, experiences and love.
24. Parents. A big part of who I am is because of them.
25. In laws. I have the best in-laws, and I know it!
There are a million other things that I am thankful for, but for this year, this is what comes to mind. My favorite quote this Thanksgiving season is, "Gratitude makes what you have enough."
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Road Trip!
We're off! We're on our way! To the best of all Thanksgiving Days!!
We are at it again. Hitting the road. Ready for adventure. Here's our itinerary for our Turkey trot across the desert. First stop, well, the first stop was a bathroom break in the middle of no where, but you know what I mean! The first stop was to Edwards AFB, my birthplace. I have only been there once before, but moved away as a baby, so I know nothing about it. My Mom was right, it is in the middle of nowhere! I can now say that I know where I was born, well at least which exit to take to get there and what the welcome sign looks like! We are staying in Vegas our first night. Now, Vegas isn't that interesting to me as I am not a gambler, drinker, clubber etc. but i think the lights of the strip and the unique hotels will make it a memorable stop for the kiddos, not to mention there aren't a lot of choices for hotels in the desert. Stop number 2 is Kanab, UT to visit my Dad and Grandma Great. It will be a short drive allowing us a nice little visit with Dad. Then it's a very long day to Colorado Springs with a stop at four corners monument for pictures. We will get into Colorado Springs Saturday night, along with two of my brothers. Yes, all five siblings and my Mom are getting together to give thanks! Sunday, Simon is being blessed in my Mom's ward. It will really be something to have Jess and all of my brothers participate in this special event. Other things on the agenda for the week: a lot of visiting, parks, touch football games, a 5k, temple visit, food, fun and family. I am so excited about all of this. Oh yeah, and did I mention that my mother will be hosting 5 of her kids, 13 of her grand kids for this visit. It will be cozy and memorable for sure!
We will head home on Black Friday, something that we avoid like the plague. Speaking of, isn't there a black plague? If so, it makes sense to name the busiest shopping day of the year after it! (yes, I know the real reason for the name!) Anyway, we are staying in Salt Lake the first night, so we can see the lights at temple square. I am REALLY excited to show the kids this sight. It is unbelievable. Reno is our other stop. Who knows what other gems we will stumble upon in our travels. I guess I'll let you know when I check back in. Until then, Safe travels and Happy Thanksgiving!!
We are at it again. Hitting the road. Ready for adventure. Here's our itinerary for our Turkey trot across the desert. First stop, well, the first stop was a bathroom break in the middle of no where, but you know what I mean! The first stop was to Edwards AFB, my birthplace. I have only been there once before, but moved away as a baby, so I know nothing about it. My Mom was right, it is in the middle of nowhere! I can now say that I know where I was born, well at least which exit to take to get there and what the welcome sign looks like! We are staying in Vegas our first night. Now, Vegas isn't that interesting to me as I am not a gambler, drinker, clubber etc. but i think the lights of the strip and the unique hotels will make it a memorable stop for the kiddos, not to mention there aren't a lot of choices for hotels in the desert. Stop number 2 is Kanab, UT to visit my Dad and Grandma Great. It will be a short drive allowing us a nice little visit with Dad. Then it's a very long day to Colorado Springs with a stop at four corners monument for pictures. We will get into Colorado Springs Saturday night, along with two of my brothers. Yes, all five siblings and my Mom are getting together to give thanks! Sunday, Simon is being blessed in my Mom's ward. It will really be something to have Jess and all of my brothers participate in this special event. Other things on the agenda for the week: a lot of visiting, parks, touch football games, a 5k, temple visit, food, fun and family. I am so excited about all of this. Oh yeah, and did I mention that my mother will be hosting 5 of her kids, 13 of her grand kids for this visit. It will be cozy and memorable for sure!
We will head home on Black Friday, something that we avoid like the plague. Speaking of, isn't there a black plague? If so, it makes sense to name the busiest shopping day of the year after it! (yes, I know the real reason for the name!) Anyway, we are staying in Salt Lake the first night, so we can see the lights at temple square. I am REALLY excited to show the kids this sight. It is unbelievable. Reno is our other stop. Who knows what other gems we will stumble upon in our travels. I guess I'll let you know when I check back in. Until then, Safe travels and Happy Thanksgiving!!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
These are a few of my favorite things...
So, remember how I had big plans of posting thankful bits daily for the family all month? Well, clearly I have failed at that one. Not the Thankful part, just the publicizing my thankfulness part. But don't worry, I have something up my sleeve, that I think will be fun. For now, here are some fun photos of the last week or so. Enjoy!
It has turned Fall in our neck o' the woods. I. Love. Fall. I love the crispness, the foods associated with it, the cozy clothes, colors, smells...my list could go on and on. Fires are at the very top of that list, but add S'mores to the fire and you've nearly won my heart forever! Passing that love on to my kiddos is hugely satisfying!
Cute baby in sunglasses, check!
Cutie Patootie staying up late, eating a snack and watching cartoons, all while feeling very big girlish! I wish I could video tape everything this little lollipop kid does and says. She's unbelievably adorable! If LA wasn't such a drive, I'm sure we could make serious money off her voice!
My sweet sleepy baby boy, sweating out a rather treacherous bout of gasiness.
It has turned Fall in our neck o' the woods. I. Love. Fall. I love the crispness, the foods associated with it, the cozy clothes, colors, smells...my list could go on and on. Fires are at the very top of that list, but add S'mores to the fire and you've nearly won my heart forever! Passing that love on to my kiddos is hugely satisfying!
Cute baby in sunglasses, check!
Cutie Patootie staying up late, eating a snack and watching cartoons, all while feeling very big girlish! I wish I could video tape everything this little lollipop kid does and says. She's unbelievably adorable! If LA wasn't such a drive, I'm sure we could make serious money off her voice!
My sweet sleepy baby boy, sweating out a rather treacherous bout of gasiness.
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