New Hair Do...

For quite some time I have really wanted to have short, short hair. I have been so terrified to do it, until I came across some really cute cuts. With the approval of my awesome stylist, I decided to take the plunge. I didn't go as short as I originally thought, but I am actually liking it. It's taken some time to figure out how to do it (I'm still open for suggestions) But,  It's quite easy to do and doesn't bother my neck anymore. Mike really likes it and wants me to keep it short for a long time. Brayden said I shouldn't have cut it so short. Kaylee is mesmerized that I have "bangs." And after about a week she said I should grow it back out. And Kade has yet to acknowledge that I even cut it.

Bridal Veil Falls...

We went up Provo canyon one afternoon to take in the awesome fall colors. We played at a park and had lunch.

After lunch we went up to see Bridal Veil Falls. Mike's aunt is here from Brazil. We love hanging with her and showing her the "sights." It's so funny listening to my kids when she's around, they talk to her and tell her stories. I'm still wondering if they know she doesn't speak English. She just nods and says, "yep."

Selma and Sonia 

Mike and I enjoying some sunshine. I SO love him and every moment I get to be with him.  

Mike and I took the kids on a little hike. We were able to walk up closer to the falls. Too bad it wasn't warmer, it would be so fun to get into the water. The kids loved the short hike, and the breathtaking view. They said they want to go here every year. 

What I have realized...

1. I have realized that having 3 children was the smartest decision we have yet to make. I sometimes question if I should have had more. But I definitely know that 3 is all I can handle.

2. I have realized that I crumble and fall apart when the hubby goes out of town. I know I rely on him too heavily, but he is honestly my rock. When he's gone I have no hands to crumble into.

3. I have realized that my house is no longer baby proof. I have no idea what to do with little babies anymore. There was once a time where these little creatures consumed my life and time. Although they consume much of my time still, they don't rely on me so heavily. We are now busy with homework, play dates, and carpooling to their various activities.

4. I have realized that although I am content with the 3 children I have, it's a delight to have this little boy in our home. He brings such an innocence and happy smile. My kids are so great with him and love playing with him. I don't know if we will continue watching him, but for now we will enjoy his happy smile.

5. I have realized that I love the "me" time I have each day. I know I haven't utilized my time very well, but it's still very enjoyable. I am the type of person that thrives on peace and silence. My kids and husband however do not have that same personality so it's always LOUD around here. During "me" time, it's usually silent with the occasional instrumental music in the background. Although I love the time I have to myself, I feel like its time for me to make some changes. Whether it's continuing to watch this little baby, or start working out of the house...we'll see.

6. I have realized that 2 tiny pills taken each day has changed our lives.

Brayden was "officially" diagnosed with ADHD this past summer. We have struggled with this for years but it has recently come to a point where he needed some help. He was having a really hard time in school, soccer, and at home. We spent the summer trying to find something that worked for him. I think we have finally found "magic." He is doing so well!!!

And after years and years of being sick, countless medical tests, and thousands of dollars, I think I have finally found something that is working for me. It's one little pill I take in the morning before I have breakfast. Who knew? Although I'm not 100%, I am feeling much better. I continue to have the occasional headache and extreme fatigue but the stomach issues have come to halt for now.  It's only been 2 weeks, but I remain hopeful.

7. I realize that taking medication is not always the answer. Bad, bad things happen to people when they become reliant on medications. Unfortunately we have had to deal with this in our family, and it's very fresh on our minds. I get that. I get that it's not always good.  I know many people are against medicating yourself and your children. But we have honestly tried everything and have finally found relief from these 2 little pills.

8. I have realized that when we think we can go no further, when we have nothing left in us, there is always something more for us to cling to. When we think we've reached bottom, something pulls us up. Whether its a spouse or a good friend, a good laugh, strength from above, a night on the dance floor, or inspiring messages...something always pulls us up. And we keep going. 

9.I have realized that although life is hard, life is good.  I am grateful for those things that keep us going and the constant reminder that someone is watching out for us.

Another year = new adventures....

Brayden 5th grade

This boy will only humor me so long when it comes to pictures. One shot, that's all I usually get. Luckily I got two this time :) 

Kaylee 3rd grade

However, Kaylee would take pictures all day. She even wants them of her backpack.

Again this year, Brayden DID NOT want me walking him to class. Although his backpack was about 50 lbs, and he had more then he could carry, he was doing it on his own!

 Kaylee of course was more then happy for me to follow her. She couldn't wait to get to class to SOCIALIZE!!!! She was instantly connecting with long lost friends.

 After the bell rang, I snuck up to Brayden's class to peak at him. When I saw what he was sitting on I about died! I made him take a picture! Our school lets you request a "type" of teacher that your child will do well with. He really struggled last year, and over the summer so I was very ademate about his teacher. When I filled out the paper I wrote, "He needs a teacher that will allow him to not use a chair. He can not sit still in a chair." This teacher took me very literally! Not only does he not have a chair, but nobody in the class does (well they have the option, chair or exercises ball.) Throughout the day they periodically will do exercises on the ball to work out their energy. I knew right away that this year was going to be great for him.

Kade Kindergarten 

It broke my heart that this little boy started school. I cried and cried for a couple days. I could not tear myself away from him and leave him. Finally after snapping about 100 pictures, I walked away with tears rolling down my cheek. I am grateful that Mike surprised me by taking the morning off to spend with me. It made the whole process a lot easier. Once I stopped my blubbering, I realized it was almost time to go pick him up. Kade is loving all his new friends. The bottom left picture is Kade with Boston Hansen. Boston's Dad is one of Mike's friends from way back. Maybe Kade and Boston will become good buddies like their Dad's.

Although it's sad having my kids gone to school, it has become the new normal. I only have a few hours each day by myself and that time fills up really quickly. I am just trying to enjoy it.

Filmore...

Yes, more camping. This time it was REAL camping. Can you tell?

That is not a bad make up job. That's dirt! And my kids loved every second of it!

Kade was like this a majority of the trip. He LOVES riding, and wanted to be on the bike the whole time. He takes after his big brother

Surprisingly, Kaylee was excited to go out as well. She even rode by herself a little bit. 

 My crazy kids

Kade was so fearless this time. He was going up the same hill Brayden is going up in this pic and he rolled the bike...and that wasn't the last time either. We finally told him he had to stick to flat ground. Brayden did amazing as always. He was a good sport even though his bike stopped working. That just meant he got to ride the big one this time.

I usually get to ride behind Mike on all the long drives, but he wasn't there with us. This time I had to ride for real. Kaylee was my buddy on the way up and Kade rode with me on the way down.

Taking a break at the top

When I say I had to ride for real, I mean FOR REAL. I had to ride through about 5 water crossings (2 of them pictured below.) That's scary for your REAL first ride. I survived though!

Even if this was the end result. Luckily there were showers available and I didn't have to stay very dirty very long.

We also enjoyed:

Sitting by the fire

Making pudgie pies

Visits with Grandma and Grandpa

Throwing rocks in the lake

Looking for deer

Taking naps

and enjoying each other one more time before school was back in session.

Before we left the kids got to make rockets at the camp ground. We shot them off just before we came home.



Girls Camp 2011

I have had so many looong post recently. But this is the only way I document my pictures and stories, so bear with me!

Our camp theme

Never Forget the Lord

"...for in His strength I can do all things" Alma 26:12

Gathering for camp..don't they look so clean?

Kick off to camp! 

Hiking up Ensign Peak 

My girls

All the teams

The Benevolent Bears

The True Titans

The Virtuous Vikings 

We were a little spoiled this year with the location of camp. Needless to say, I loved it! I even got to sneak away a couple times to shave my legs and take a nap! Although the house is gorgeous, we didn't get to sleep in it. We camped in the backyard and utilized the house only for cooking food, and storing our stuff. Luckily the outside was just as beautiful as the inside.

 Yes, that's Mitzi and I hard at work

Some even chose to sleep under the starry sky

Lunch time! We didn't have to worry about bugs in our food

We played water games.

I think I stayed dry until this very moment...when we were getting ready to go home.

We sang songs, danced, and did skits. I will never be able to think of "The eye of the Tiger" the same way again. And I will FOREVER be teased for "Go Heather!"

 I admit, I have been in a cheerleading outfit way too many times this past summer and done a few too many cheers. But hey, we were the cheerLEADERS. Fun times!

We goofed off, ate well, and laughed and laughed. I wish I had a picture of us leaders giggling in our tent. You would have thought we were some of the young women!

We went on a super long hike up to Bell Falls. It was really hard, but totally worth it. We learned a lot of life lessons along this hike.

We did it! Every single one of us made it. We truly thought that wouldn't happen. It was very rewarding at the end. Almost emotional knowing we all did it. Again, IT WAS HARD! But, in His strength I can do all things. This experience really bonded the girls together. They had to lean on one another (very literally at times) to get through this.

Thank goodness for the refreshing waterfall back at camp for our feet. After the hard hike we were treated with pedicures, smoothies, and craft time!

We had an awesome speaker before testimony meeting, Brock Richardson (former BYU football player. He was so cute with the girls and they could relate to him so easily.

We finished off camp with a pool party, awards, and delivering food for the Utah Food Bank.

Hats off to our amazing "coach" for an amazing girls camp!