Our Family Vacation

***PICTURE OVERLOAD***

On Tuesday Nov. 11th we woke the kids up early and gave them some new t-shirts Mike had bought them at the Disney store ($ saver tip #1.) We told them we had a fun day planned for them. They all thought we were going to Boondocks for the day. Little did they know we had packed their suitcases and we were headed to Disneyland. It was fun to see the anticipation on their face as we passed different places along the way to the airport. They never guessed where we were going. Once we pulled up to the airport, I made them put the clues together.

1) we are at the airport

2) we have suitcases in the back of the car

3) you all have Disney shirts on.

They all said at the same time....We're going to Disneyland!!!!!

Things were going as planned until we arrived at the airport and we tried to check in. In all the excitement I failed to check my ID. I guess I didn't realize that my driver's license expired back on my birthday so they wouldn't let me on the plane. Luckily Mike's mom was off for the day and she was so nice to go over to our house get my passport and drive it all the way to the airport and we were able to catch the next flight. Kaylee was a little freaked out that we would never make it to Disney. The kids loved going on a airplane and seeing all the little things below.

Once we arrived in California we headed over to California Adventure. We were already so tired from a long day at the airport and it was SO busy (I think everybody in the state of California celebrates Veteran's day) so we only spent a few hours there and then we were done for the day! They had a fun High School Musical show that Kaylee loved and a fun Pixar parade. After that we went over to Costco to stock up on some food for the rest of our trip ($ saver tip #2.)

The next day we spent the day at Disney with Becca and Gerry. The kids had so much fun. I love the look on Kaylee's face in the picture below when she saw the princess castle for the first time. She was so excited! We just had the best time. The park wasn't crowed and we were able to get in on all the rides.

The kids loved walking around the park finding all the characters and having them sign their books. Kade was especially happy to see Mickey. He told him like 5 times that he had Mickey ears. Every time we would try to take a picture Kade was just staring at the character.

Thursday morning Mike's mom and aunt flew into town to spend the rest of our trip with us. After we picked them up from the airport we headed down to Santa Monica Pier for a day. It was so beautiful! We thought it was going to be cold so we didn't take swim suits or anything. The kids were so excited to be at the beach that they just jumped right in without bathing suits. I think they quickly figured out if they ruined the outfit they were in it meant they got a new one (non-money saving tip #1.) Becca and Gerry also met us here and we all had lunch at Bubba Gumps. Unfortunately due to the high traffic in California we couldn't spend more time with them, but we would have LOVED to spend more time here.

One of the things on the girls TO DO list while we were in Cali was to find the American Girl store. This place is so fun, and I think one of the highlights of Kaylee's trip. We probably could have spent a lot more time here if her 2 brother's weren't with us. I don't think this was a highlight for them.

Friday we spent another day at Disney. We got the traditional Disney pictures.

For lunch we went and had lunch with all the Disney princesses. Kaylee was in HEAVEN!

Kade's favorite part of the day was going to Toontown and seeing Mickey's house. He waited the whole trip for this! He was so good waiting in the stroller while everybody went on all the rides. He just wanted to ride everything, he kept saying, "I bigger" and he would raise his hands above his head. So finally this was his time to be able to get out and play around. He loved it.

And finally our last day we drove down to San Diego to go to Sea World. The weather was perfect (90 degrees!!!!) and we had so much fun! We got in to see the shows (Kade got to see "shampoo.) And the kids got to feed the dolphins. This was one of my favorite days. When we got back to our hotel it was still early enough so we decided to go out to eat at the Cheesecake Factory. YUMMY! After that we came back and got ready to head back home bright and early the next morning.

The kids learned to chum up to the pilots and let them know that their Grandpa might be directing our flight. The pilots always treated them so nicely and they evenly let them get in and sit in the pilots seat. This made the kids feel pretty cool!

We had an awesome time but I think we were all ready to come home. I think this is how we all felt by the end of the trip. Just plain tired!! I think next time we will cut the trip short by a day or two. Now here's to recovering!

Birthday's, Anniversaries and more...

This past 2 weeks have been so crazy I haven't had any time to sit down and document anything. So here is what has been happening in our life over the last couple of weeks. The weekend of the 8th is a big weekend for us. Mike's birthday is the 8th so we were actually able to go out to dinner the night before to Tepanyaki. It was yummy! He is now the big 28! He thinks he is so old now, on the road to 30...feel free to tease him. Even though he acts just as fun and young as the day I met him.

On his actual birthday his whole family, even his brother and his family was in town from St. George got together for lunch at The Grille from Impanena. This was a time for us all to get together and celebrate the life of his dad, who passed away one year ago, on Nov. 9th. It's hard to believe it's already been a year. This year has really flown by. It really makes you sit back and reflect on what you're doing with your life. We miss you Bill.

On Nov. 9th we got together for lunch at Sonia's then went to the Cementary to visit.

On Nov. 10 Mike and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversay! We were so busy all day getting ready for our trip that we really didn't get a chance to do anything super special. I didn't think we were doing anything for each other because we were going on a trip but Mike came home with flowers and a couple shirts for me. I sure felt stupid! He is always so sweet to me. Obviously he could care less if he got anything.

Kade topped the day off by falling off the kitchen chairs and requiring 6 staples in his head. He was so tough, they didn't even numb him! If you don't recall, he did this to his head almost a year ago....here's to anniversaries!

Fall Cleanup

Today I decided to do some yard clean up, and give the bushes in our yard some much needed trimming. The kids had fun playing around in the leaves while I was busy. I decided to pull out my camera and snap some pictures of the pretty colors I have right here in my yard. We went on a little canyon drive a couple weeks ago, and I was going to attempt to get some pictures of the colors up there but things didn't go as planned. I am so scared of heights and I was being such a baby, I didn't end up getting any pictures. Mike had to turn the car around at the top and I seriously thought we were going to fall off the top of the mountain and I was crying and screaming and it got the kids all upset. Isn't it the adult that's supposed to remain calm? Ya, not so much in this situation. But isn't this tree in my front yard really pretty? I've always hated it really bad, until about a week ago I realized that it has fall potential. I guess I won't dig it up.

Happy Fall Clean Up To Everyone!

Finally Some Fall Fun

It seems like the last few weeks we have seen nothing but the inside of doctor's offices'. We have seriously had one illness after another. Hopefully this isn't an insight as to what winter will look like for us. We have had strep at our house 3 different times (Brayden twice and Kade once.) We have had the stomach flu 3 different times (Kade twice and Kaylee once.) We have all had a run with the cold. We have had pink eye, Kaylee had a staff infection in her finger, she also had croup at one point. And this is all on top of the different doctor's appt. and tests that I have been going to to figure out why I am having these horrible stomach aches. I think our doctor's love us, because we alone pay their mortgage for them every month. We are now feeling better and have been ready to get out of the house and enjoy this beautiful weather we've been having. Seriously, when has it ever been this beautiful this time of year?

We took the kids to the Pumpkin patch the other night and let them pick their pumpkins. They weren't too picky this year so we were in and out of there in no time. Kade kept saying he wanted his favorite one. Problem was, each one was his favorite. He finally found the perfect little one. Brayden wanted one that he could put a big 'ole U on for the Utes. Kaylee said she wanted one that was big and fat....like her butt. Afterward she compared it and said they were just the same. I'm not really sure where she got that from, but it was kind of funny.

Afterward we went over to Gardner Village to check out the witches. It's always fun to see their fun decorations. Last year I got Brayden to sit next to the witch on the bench, with her arm around him. I sat and told him it was his girlfriend and he was so embarrassed. Well this year I told him to go sit next to her and he said, "Sorry mom, we broke up." So I just got a picture of his back to her. The best part of the evening was a big piece of carmel fudge that Mike bought me. I had been on a dairy free diet for the week prior and right before we left, the doctor gave me clearance to come off of it. It's so hard finding things to eat, let alone not eating chocolate! It was so yummy! We had a great night as a family and some much needed fresh fall air.

Happy Haunting...

Last night I invited a few of my girlfriends and their families over for a little Halloween fun. We used to have a friends dress up party every year, but for some reason we have stopped doing that. So this was my sad attempt for a Halloween party, and a reason to wear my costume that Kaylee talked me into wearing this year.

I would have to say that Gentry is quite the trooper. All the kids were dressed up, but the only adults dressed up were me, Betsy and Gentry. We had a fun night getting together eating soup, bread sticks, and treats. Then we went to a little haunted house that is over by Mike's mom's house. It is such a fun little spook house and I think they do such a great job. I think it's perfect for little kids. They are still doing it for 2 more days if anybody is interested in going they are only charging a can of food per person.

I wish I would have had a few prizes to give a way last night.

Prize #1 would go to Gentry for the awesome costume! He made all the other guys look bad.

Prize #2 would go to Tyson for being so brave in the haunted house. The poor kid did not want to go in and was so worried about what he was getting himself in to.

Prize #3 would go to Diana for being such a trooper and coming even though she only had a baby 1 week ago. I was so bummed I didn't get a picture of her 2 cute kids. Baby Ambree was even dressed up!

Prize #4 would go to Mike for being the scariest. He kept trying to jump out and scare his aunt at the spook house. At one point he tried to jump back behind this fence. Little did he know they had dug a hole in the ground and camouflaged it with leaves and stuff and their was a guy hiding down in the hole. Well Mike jumped right on top of the hole and fell down into it right on top of the guys head. We got a good laugh out of it, and luckily he didn't hurt the poor guy. Mike did scrape up his leg a little though.

Here's a pic of the kids in their costume's, just in case I don't get around to getting them done on Halloween.

Brayden: Denver Bronco's Football Player. Kade: Golfer. Kaylee and Me: Pretty Witches (she would not be a witch until I called it a pretty witch.)

Program Time!!!

The long awaited day finally has finally arrived, we had our Primary Program on Sunday. The kids have been sooo excited for this day (I have been too, but for different reasons:)) They have been carrying their parts around with them for weeks and practicing in the mirror. They woke up nice and early and couldn't wait to get dressed and get to the church. I had butterflies in my stomach, just hoping that all the planning and preparing would pay off. When it was time for us all to go up on the stage Brayden just squealed and said, "This is my moment!" The kids were amazing! They sang so loud and knew their parts so well! One of Brayden's parts was to sing with his class the 2nd verse of "When Jesus Christ was Baptized." This was so emotional for me to listen to him sing about his upcoming baptism. It's just crazy to think about how big he is and how fast he has grown up. It was an awesome day. When you ask Kaylee what her favorite part of the program is she says, "Me, talking in the microphone." It figures:)

After Primary we gave all the kids a "You Did A Great Job!" coupon. With this coupon they were able to come and trade it in later that night for a cupcake. They had to wait until 7:00 pm and I think a lot of kids had a hard time waiting. While we were setting up we had kids sneaking up as close as they could and then hiding, then they would run away again. They had a hard time waiting. But once it was time we just had swarms of kids come. It's a fun way to reward them for a job well done!

Here's a pic of all the great ladies I get to work with in the Primary. These ladies are seriously amazing! I learn so much from them everyday!!! I think we are all relieved to have the program behind us now:)

I AM

I was tagged by my friend Brandi, so here it goes. I kind of like these thought provoking questions.

I am: happy and content at this time in my life. Hopefully things stay this way for a while.

I want: to go on a trip with Mike this spring.

I have: blonde hair and brown eyes

I dislike: beans, spiders, and going to sleep with anything on my feet. (Some random facts about me)

I miss: Mike’s dad. This is a hard time of year, too many memories of last year.

I fear: something bad happening to someone in my family.

I feel: sick right now. My stomach just never seems to be settled lately

I hear: nothing…it’s fabulous. The kids are all asleep and Mike is off to a soccer game.

I smell: Carmel popcorn. I thought I was craving something yummy so I made myself some. I should have known better because that’s why I have a stomach ache.

I crave: peace and quiet. That’s why it’s almost midnight and I can’t get myself to go to bed. I know that the morning routine is coming all too soon.

I cry: when I am tired, when I’m not feeling good, and when I feel the spirit. Kaylee always asks me, “Mom is this a happy cry or a sad cry?”

I usually: procrastinate things

I search: for everything! I’m always trying to find something. I try to get organized but it just doesn’t work. I feel so scatter brained sometimes.

I wonder: what’s next for me in life.

I regret: some decisions I’ve made in the past because I know one day I’m going to have to explain them to my kids.

I love: finding a good deal.
I also love my neighborhood and the people in it. I learn so much from the people around me all the time. Also everybody would be will to do just about anything for you at any given time. I'm not sure I could ever move from my neighborhood.

I care: way too much about things I have no control over. I take on too many problems of other people.

I always: over analyze things

I worry: WAAAAAY TOOO MUCH!!!

I am not: a yellow personality….at all!!!

I remember: life when I was little. It was so care free and fun. If only I can remember that everyday and remember not to take that away from my kids, and remember to live a little.

I believe: That I am a Child of God. I know he loves me individually and listens and cares for me as an individual.

I dance: all the time. We turn on the music and I make a fool of myself. I like to believe that the hands of time have not diminished my ability to dance. As long as there isn’t a mirror around, I can believe that. The laughter from my kids tell’s me otherwise though.

I sing: horrible. But it doesn’t stop me. I love singing in the car, at home, and at church. This is one talent I wish I had.

I don't always: make my bed.

I argue: with my sewing machine. I am trying to make tutu’s and every time I sit down to sew, the thread get’s all tangled up and then my needle get’s all jammed! I get so frustrated! I sometimes make such simple projects so complicated!

I write: on my blog. I have never really journaled before so this is a beginning for me.

I win: when I play Settler’s of Catan. Whenever we have people over to play, I usually can end up winning. Ok, maybe it’s just when I am playing with Mike and his friends.

I lose: at just about any sports game I play.

I wish: I kept in better contact with my friends.

I listen: to Kade yell “Mama” as long as I possibly can before I drag my butt out of bed to get him out of bed.

I don't understand: Why some people face so many hard, hard challenges in their life. Sometimes life just doesn’t seem fair.

I can usually be found: Running errands with Kade in the morning while the kids are at school we are either driving my little brother around to his various appts. on Mondays. Or shopping the “Good Deals” on Wednesdays at the grocery stores.

I need: a nap almost every single day! (That doesn’t mean I necessarily get one but I am most definitely having quiet time at some point in the afternoon.)

I forget: so many things lately. Whether it’s to return a phone call, some place I’m supposed to be, something I’m supposed to do. I think it all goes back to the whole organized thing.

I am happy: when someone calls me and volunteers to babysit. It means a free night out for me and Mike and I don’t have to find a sitter.

My kids keep me going...

When I woke up this morning, I had every intention on getting back into bed after the kids were off to school. It was a long night. The kids were on rotation, each one taking a turn getting up during the night. But after some conversations with my kids this morning I feel better and ready to start the day.

Brayden said that he would do some service for me and miss school on Friday so he could take care of the kids and I could stay in bed all day. He was trying so hard to convince me that this was actually something to my benefit and not his. Ya right, like I'm gonna let that one happen! Then he kept asking me over and over if he was making things hard for me. I'm not sure why he was worried about it. Maybe the bags under my eyes and my ratty hair gave away the fact that I was tired.

Kaylee has this sore on her middle finger that we went and had looked at yesterday. He bandaged it up pretty good so she is walking around flipping the bird to everybody. She of course wants everybody to see it, so don't be offended if she flips one at you. Also this morning during morning prayer she prayed that I would be able to clean the house today. I guess if my 5 year old notices that it's time to get it done, I better not go back to bed.

Kade "the tank" just makes me giggle all the time. He was on his 4th round of breakfast this morning by 8:30. He had a bowl of oatmeal, a bowl of fruit, a piece of toast, and then a waffle. I know this isn't the end either. But he was sitting there eating and he flashed me this HUGE mischievous smile and said "Hi, Mommy!" Here is how our little conversation went after that.

Me: "Kade what are you up to?" (when he smiles like that I know he's up to something!)
Kade: "I'm peeing." (luckily he had a diaper on.)
Me: "Kade we don't pee in our pants where should we go pee?"
Kade: "the toilet."
Me: "That's gross when you pee in your diaper it makes you all wet. Next time let's pee on the toilet."
Kade: "No! I YIKE IT!! I pee diaper"
I don't think we are going anywhere with this potty training thing for a while. He Yike's it too much! BTW do you like his hat and his jersey? He loves wearing Brayden's clothes and Brayden is trying to get him all psyched up about the upcoming Jazz season.

Why I love to blog...

One year ago in October I started my blog. I started it so I would start documenting the things that were happening in our life. Life was becoming too crazy for me to scrapbook (even though I love it and one day would love to get back into it.) Their were so many things that my kids would say or do and I would say "I need to write that down." And then I never would. I was horrible at journalling! Life was passing by and I was not documenting it, so this was my intention of my blog. Well, it still is. But to my surprise, it's become much more then that to me.

I have created a network of friends that I have either lost touch with, live out of town, or I just don't talk to that often. I have been uplifted and edified over and over by these friends I have made through blogging. And I have realized and been reminded that we are all going through different phases of life. Their is a time and a season for different things. Some of us are going through hard times and are hurting inside, some of us have little ones at home and it seems like their is no time for anything, some of us work, some of us have grown children and have a little more time to live life, and some of us have experienced the loss of a loved one. My point is We can't all do the same things at the same time. This is one thing that is hard to remember when reading other's blogs, it's easy to compare ourselves to someone else and what they are doing. But this is impossible because we are all going through different phases in life. But looking back through the last year of my life, I have experience times of depressions, times of utter bliss, times of just getting by, and times of sorrow. I am grateful I have had other's blog's to read and uplift me and carry me through those times and. I am grateful for the friends I have been able to keep in contact with especially those that are far away, or who I normally wouldn't see or talk to that often.

So Happy 1 Year Blogging Birthday to me! I can't wait to print out my blog, I have been able to document so many memories that I will cherish forever.

Peace and Hope

In this ever changing, unpredictable, scary world you just never know what life is gonna bring you. You watch the news and it makes my heart sick to hear of the presidential candidates, the plunging economy, the things that are becoming acceptable to society, etc. It seems like their is no good out there. It really has been weighing on my mind lately, wondering what I need to do to safeguard my family against these worldly troubles.

Watching conference this weekend brought me hope. It made me happy that even though the world around us is so unpredictable we can always count on the gospel to be consistent in it's teachings. We have always been taught the same things, but how great were the reminders this weekend! Hearing the apostle's and prophet's speak somehow make you want to do so much better. Even my kids thought that hearing it from an apostle was somehow different. I've told my kid's over and over, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." They heard it in one of the talks and Kaylee said, "Mom, you tell us that. We shouldn't do that should we?" Elder Holland spoke about a boy that disobeyed his father and later lost his way. Both my kids were mesmerized by the story and then later said, "That's probably why you want us to listen to you, huh mom?" It was so great that my kids loved Conference so much this year. Kaylee spoke to her Grandma and said "I love Conference it's so much fun!"

Their were so many high points for me this year, so many great talks. I usually feel like their is 1 or 2 talks that kind of speak to me. But this year their were so many. The high point for me this year was the children's choir. Every time they sang I cried and cried. Right before the session started I told Mike the only thing that would make the session better would be if they sang Primary songs the whole time. I was so excited when I saw the kids sitting there up on the stands. It made me so excited for our upcoming Primary Program. My kids sang along with them during all the songs. And then told me they would have loved to be there singing "We Thank Thee O God For A Prophet" to President Monson. I told them I would love to be there too! I can't wait for conference to come out in text so I can read all the talks and catch up on the things that I missed.