Townsends Days

Jan 9-15 Bball, Dash, Ice fishing, Basement

2012-01-30T15:41:00.001-08:00

Jan 9-So Dash had his 5th birthday today the kids were so cute. Hiding tennis balls around the house and helping him find them. Giving him treats in his birthday number and giving him lots of extra attention. I gave him a nice bath and teeth brushing and he was a happy dog! We love our Dash and we are so thankful he is part of our family. Thanks for being such a great boy!

Jan 10-13 was a busy week with basketball practice, mudding the basement walls, friends playing, Bowdee snowboarding with Izak, scouts, and piano but we sure enjoy all that we have and all that we do. I need to tell you about these roses though. Treg was at school and his teacher got roses a while ago that started to die. So he was watching her as she was picking out the REALLY dead ones and throwing them in the trash... Treg got really excited and asked his teacher ever so gently if he could keep those roses to give to his mom. Of course his teacher agreed and he rushed home to give me the first 2 roses he has ever gave me... What a sweet boy!

Jan 14 - Terry and I left at 6:00 am and drove up to Strawberry to go ice fishing by the dam. Which it was really nice because the road obviously was clear enough to drive on. I say obviously because we have really missed the snow this year. Anywho... We had a good time we met up with some of Terry's Russian friends from work. They were really nice and I loved listening to them talk with their fun accents. I caught a couple and I think Terry caught one but it was amazing because one of the fish I caught it was just wrapped around its gills. Crazy but fun.

Jan. 15th So today was Sunday and Stake Conference at that. So we decided to just stay home as a family. Which is fine every once in a while but obviously today was just not a good day to do just that. Some days when I am not being productive and accomplishing something I just go crazy and this was one of those days. So I feel like I need to apologize to my family for being so grumpy. You are the best family in the world and I am sorry that I have days where I just don't feel happy inside. I don't understand it and that frustrates me even more. So I am sorry, I am trying to work on it so that when those few and far in between days do come along I can work through them better. I do love you all for putting up with me and understanding "tomorrow she will be happy again". Love me, no picture for a day like today, just a day I want to forget, but feel like I need to apologize. Love you guys!

Jan 2-8 Boys Hunting Trip

2012-01-30T15:41:00.000-08:00

I do have to tell you since Christmas I have been making all sorts of smoothies with my Vitamixer and my family loves it. It has become part of our morning ritual the kids ask what kind of smoothie do we get today? And then I come up with something of course I always throw in a handful of spinach just to make myself feel better about it.

They have gotten to where the color doesn't bother them and if there is no green to it they call it a "Special Smoothie". Their favorite so far is with 1 cup raspberries or strawberries, 1 banana, 1 cup vanilla yogurt, 1/3 c apple juice, 1-2 Tb Agave, a handful of spinach, and ice. I think I have become slightly obsessed with it and its fun my family just rolls with it.

So this week I cleaned out the basement to get prepared for more basement work next week. This is a before picture of where we started this year. I know little by little and someday it will be complete. Then it will be time to start fixing the upstairs. I still can't believe we have lived here for 8 years and then some... CRAZY!

Then on Friday Terry left to go Cow Elk hunting with Kyle, Troy and a bunch of boys. They had a good time but this was the only COW Terry saw on the hunt... I was hoping he would come back with a Cow Elk so we could fill our freezer... But oh well he gave it a good try. As for me and the kids we had a fabulous time going to the movie, watching Bowdee's and Tia's first basketball game this season and just being together. Then Sunday we headed to church.

Dec 26- Jan 1 Ending one and beginning a new

2012-01-26T14:23:00.000-08:00

Monday/Dec 26 - Terry was off work so we headed up to Strawberry to go ice skating and fishing. We had so much fun. I am always amazed at how well the kids can skate around. Terry and I caught so many fish we just couldn't stop. Of course they were usually 21 inch cutthroat trout and we couldn't keep them unless they were 22 inch's. But it was fun anyway!

Tuesday/Dec 27 - Terry stayed home sick! He really never does this but he was so sick the poor boy. So I took the day to recover my house. Never a fun project but always a necessary one after Christmas. Wed was also another day dedicated to the house. I did take a break and go watch Warhorse with mom and dad and the kids. It was good just nice to get away sometimes.

Thurs/Dec 29 - Today Bowdee went snowboarding with Izak to Sundance while I went with mom and dad and the other 2 kids to visit a dear friend of ours. Lovie is my moms long time friend who has no kids or family around so Christmas is kinda a lonely time. So we took her some gifts and just went and visited for the day.

Fri/Dec 30 - We started the day going horse back riding with my dad and the kids. Then I took them to Trafalga to play laser tag down in Provo at Laser Assault. That was fun, I think I would have won but my jacket wasn't working...... ;) Then we came home and I got all dressed and ready for my hot date. We had some friends invite us to dinner at Magleby's Fresh in Orem. The Harris's are some amazing people so fun to be with and always making us laugh.

Sat/Dec 31 - The last day of the year. I hate to see such a great year end. We had so much fun this year with so many good memories. But we are looking forward to a new year with new experiences. We spent the night together as a family we had a nice Steak dinner, played board games (which happens rarely in this family because Terry hates them), we danced to the x-box, watched a movie, banged some pans and lite firecrackers and sparklers, toasted in a new year and off to bed. It was nice to just be together, but we all missed our friends as well. So thank you 2011 for being so kind to us all!

Dec 19-25 Christmas Week

2012-01-26T13:52:00.000-08:00

Monday today my dad offered to take all the grandkids to see Happy Feet 2. My kids love going to the movie because we really don't go that often so they went and had a fabulous time while I finished Christmasing. I dont think my dad realized how much that helped me. But it also helped my brother since he was home sicker then a dog with Strep and the flu!

Later that night me and the kids went to the Beehive home here in AF to do family home evening for the elderly that live there. We planned to do the True Christmas Story (nativity scene) with our neighbor and her 3 amazingly talented boys. I think everyone enjoyed a perfect night full of happy times and memories to be remembered.

After that we quickly delivered our friend gifts and called it a night. We have been blessed with so many great friends. Most of them are BYU fans though, I guess everyone has their downfalls. So this year we thought it would be fun to give them something yummy to enjoy while they watch their BYU games. :)

Tuesday we had a friend of Bowdee's and ours call and invited us to Jump on It in PG. So we went with them and had a ball all of our kids played really well together. She doesn't have a girl but her neice was with her and Matia really liked playing with her. Then the kids got together with the Callaways and had a short playdate before our Thanksgiving Point Christmas dinner at JCW's family date.

Dinner was fun, we just love getting together with this family. They are so down to earth and fun to talk to and all of our kids get along with each other. After dinner we went to see the lights and the line was at least 1&1/2 hours long.

So we drove by really really slowly and then we split up the kids and went home for late night play time. The kids didn't mind missing the lights as long as that meant they got to play longer. Have I mentioned how much I just love having good friends... For us and the kids!

Thursday we were going to make gingerbread houses with Troy... That fell through so instead I quickly made reservations to Wendover and as soon as Terry got home we headed out. We were able to get 2 free rooms with a joining door so we each had our own beds which the kids thought was fabulous. Then Terry, Bowdee and I watched a football game while Tia and Treg watched Disney in the other room. It was too cold for swimming but a nice night away from it all was just what I needed.

Friday we got up had our McDonalds breakfast then headed out. We hit a few stores doing some just fun shopping that we never go to because they are to far north and west like the NPS and Army surplus store then we headed home. All in all it was a great little trip that we all enjoyed then we slept under the Christmas tree together which Bowdee claims as his favorite Christmas tradition.

Christmas Eve we were able to have my family that was too sick to go to our Covington Christmas party come to my house to recieve our gifts from mom and dad. We ate a simple meal, played a few games, did our music recital, performed the nativity, and opened gifts. It was a nice party we just missed the rest of our family.

I was so excited to get the Vitamixer that my parents gave each of us kids. Just lately my mom has really taken her and my dads health seriously. She has changed her and my dads eating habits completely and have seen such a great change that they wanted all of us to see the benefits of eating better. So they helped us by sharing the wonderful world of Vitamix with us. WE LOVE IT!

After the family was gone and the house was clean and quiet again we decided to go see the Temple Square lights. We put it off so long hoping to go on a magical night where it was snowing... Sadly to say we will not be having a white Christmas infact this is the least amount of snow (0.1") measured in December in Salt Lake has ever seen in recorded history.

But the trax ride was fun like always. Temple Square was filled with people oohing and aughing. The light sound of horse hoofs clinking on the road in the distance is always a favorite. And the lights were amazing and suprisingly stunning everytime we see them. What a perfect way to enjoy Christmas Eve.

Christmas Morning! Wow I survived a night of tossing and turning in my bed with butterflys dancing in my tummy all night with excitement. As Matia did the same thing in Tregs room. She and I both didn't sleep a wink all night. Terry threatened me that next year he is making me sleep with the kids. Matia and I both heard Santa stirring about and probably made him sweat with hussle so he could get finished without being peeked upon. We noticed things were not quite the way they have always been. Like the letters were left behind, cookies barely touched, the reindeer food WAS untouched, and our stockings were still under the blankets not on top like usual... I told Terry next year I will try to be better about not tossing around.

At 4:45 Matia just couldn't take it any longer so she awoke her brothers and they all bounded through our door. We called mom and dad Covington to make sure they were going to make our 5:00am plan and they were up and at it coming as fast as they could (still surprised the kids woke up that early). As soon as they came we took our picture and started with the youngest... Treg always gets to go first.

Treg got the "Red Camera that does video too" from Santa and an electric guitar from Terry and I. Matia got the "animal jam membership" she had asked Santa for, and a wheelchair for her american girl doll from us. Bowdee did get his Sundance Year Ski Pass from Santa, and a Snowboard from us. Grandpa got a stationary bike w/ shoes. And Grandma got her vitamixer and a nice jacket.

Terry & I both got new Sorel Snowboots. I guess Santa thought we needed a new pair... Terry's were 20 years old and mine were 15, so I guess he was right. But I love love love the fat boy cowboy boots Terry bought me and he loved the new hiking boots I gave him. So I guess it was the year of the boots for us.

Terry and I bought the kids an X-Box 360 which they absolutely LOVE. I told them I didn't want to get one until the basement was finished. But I gave in because I didn't want Santa to beat me to the punch. It was the best Christmas of my life. My childhood Christmas's were always magical but this was incredible to see that special light in each of my childrens eyes. I am so thankful for all 3 of my amazing children. They mean the world to me.

Dec 12-18 Matia Dance Treg Gingerbread

2011-12-19T15:52:00.000-08:00

Monday night I always look forward to Monday nights. I love that there are no games to go to, no practices of any kind and we get to just chill as a family. So tonight we watched the Christmas Story. I don't think it is the kids favorite but its a classic so we just have to do it every year. And I can tell the older they get the more they like it. We also had popcorn and ice cream to top it off.

Tuesday Bowdee had piano practice with Grandma. He is getting really excited because we are going to a family party where the kids will all be doing their first recital. So he is really loving the piano right now. Then after he went with his friend Annie to go deliver a secret Santa gift to his teacher. She went in for surgery for a preventative against cancer but found out she already has it. So they are really struggling this Christmas. I am so thankful for opportunities that help our kids be generous and thoughtful this time of year.

Wednesday this was our day to go drop off Sub for Santa so we went down to Orem dropped it off then went to Toys R Us to just get some ideas. We are having a hard time figuring out what we can get Matia and Treg this year. They want the same things that they have a hundred of already so we are looking for something unique that they might like. Then of course we just had to stop at Crispy Cremes since we were so close for some yummy fresh donuts.

Thursday Matia had her last dance practice before her dance recital on Saturday. So Terry and the boys dropped her off while I recovered from this morning. You see I came back from working out with Kami and went downstairs to collect all the trash for trash day. When splish splash I was walking through a swamp. I looked in Bowdee's room and it was flooded and out into the hall and my preschool room. Water was filling up his window well and leaking through. I ran outside and the water hose was on and going right into his window.

So Bowdee and Tia worked as a team to bail water out of the window well and I started sucking out water from the basement. Treg was helping me get stuff off the floor and anything else I asked him to do. It was nice to see each of my kids be so willing to help in a time like that. It took me 2 hours of sucking water to get it out.

I stopped because I had my preschool Christmas party that started at 9:30... AUGH!!!! What a mess! All 3 of my preschool parties were perfect the kids all had so much fun and I got some pretty amazing gifts. But right after the party I was right back at cleaning up the swamp in the basement.

What a day, can I just say I am exhausted!

Friday today Treg had his 2nd grade Gingerbread Christmas performance at school. So I went to watch him and that is always so much fun. He did such a great job at his talking parts and he sang so great. It was sad though because he is one of the smallest in his class and he was in the back row so I had a really hard time seeing him. I was that crazy mom moving around trying to see her son. Then Matia came home from school and just wasn't feeling well so she was taking it easy and at 10:00 she woke us up because she was vomiting... Oh boy it was quite the night I don't think she or I slept one blink the rest of the night. It was pretty sad.

Saturday morning Matia still wasn't feeling good. It was so sad to see her so sick she couldn't even hold down a popsicle. So I gave her a little phenergan and by lunch time she was feeling just good enough to go and do her dance. So we tried it and she did great one of those highlight moments that I love (watching my daughter dance on stage).

After we took her to Olive Garden because they had free kids meals and we wanted to show her how much we appreciate her dancing even though it is not her favorite thing to do.

Sunday morning we were suppose to be going to A.J. (my nephews) homecoming and the Covington Christmas party but there was just no way we were going to make it. Treg and Bowdee were starting to feel sick and Matia still wasn't up to par. So we just chilled the rest of the day trying to bounce back from this week full of fun! We were all disappointed to miss my cute nephews homecoming and our family Christmas party... Maybe next year we will make it.

Dec 5-11 Scout Campout = Girls Party Time

2011-12-11T15:05:00.000-08:00

Monday for family home evening we made Christmas Candy. We thought this would be a good idea however, it left way to much "to die for fudge" and "delicious divinity" in our fridge. And when you are waking up at 5:30 am to go work out this is not really the type of food you want laying around. But we sure had fun as a family making it. We just wish we had more hours in a day so we could have watched a fun Christmas movie with it.

So the rest of the week was spent preparing for this weekend it started on Thurs as Terry went to play poker with the boys and I took Tia to dance. Then Friday he got off at 3:30 and went on a scout campout in the cold december night down toward Delta. They had a good time trilobyte hunting and chillin at the hot pots down there.

But I just don't think anyone realizes how hard it is for Terry and I to be away from each other for that long. We just miss each other and long to be together again. Treg and Tia had a hard time knowing Terry and Bowdee were going trilobyte hunting without them. But didn't really feel like sleeping in a cold tent either so they were fine staying with me.

When he left I went to dinner with my friends to celebrate Christmas. So it was nice to see everyone and pass out gifts. I have to say I have some of the best friends in the world. Friends who are so stinking creative and they can make me laugh out loud wether I am with them or not. Just thinking about them makes me laugh. I love ya girls!

Saturday was filled with shopping with my mom and sister. We had a good time and it always seems to be easier for Terry to be away when I am spending lots of money. So it was fun and we always have a good time. Terry and Bowdee finally made it home around 9:15 just in time for bed. It was so nice to have him and Bowdee back!

Sunday Kyle invited the kids over to watch the Eagles game and play with the girls which was perfect because I had some friends ask me to take their photos. Which I didn't mind because these 3 friends I KNOW will not go get their family photos done unless I do it... It just doesn't happen, and it was fun to be with them.

They all have darling kids and I love every one of these cute faces. I know I am no professional but if it will get their family photos taken then that is all that really matters! Besides it is one more hour I got to spend with them. Now a days it is so hard to get together so if we have to bring the whole family along so be it.

Yes it was fun but so glad it is done! Love you girls otherwise I wouldn't have done it. Hugs and kisses...

Dec 1-4 Christmas Work Party

2011-12-06T13:40:00.000-08:00

Friday Terry and I got to go out on a real date! I know I was so excited I just couldn't wait. I do have to say I have not done classy in a very long time. And I have never met most of the people Terry works with so I was slightly intimidated. But I was so excited to go on an official date with Terry I really didn't care.

We went to the Grand America Hotel in Downtown Salt Lake. It was great they served the most delicious dinner I have had in a very long time. It was so fancy Terry just had to take a photo of it with his phone. With a salad wrapped in cucumber, steak, salmon, and layered potatoes to die for ending the meal with a amazing pumpkin cheesecake.

Then they had a comedian come on stage that was hilarious! Of course I haven't seen a comedian for a long time so to me it was very entertaining! I truly felt like I was back into the dating world where Terry was trying to impress me... It worked... It was so fun to reconnect with him and we couldn't have done it if our kids were such good kids to watch each other and have fun at home without us. Thanks for the date Terry!

Saturday the kids had such great report cards that I promised them a trip to Mr. E's Sport Card shop and Build a Bear so we went and did a little shopping while we were at it. Then we stopped by Firehouse Sub for Terry to share his new found favorite sub with us. They were amazing by the way if you haven't been you definitely should try it.

We came home and did some chores then at 4:30 we offered to do babysitting for the Military Christmas Party. My kids decided to do the babysitting and I would give them all the money to buy their Christmas gifts. Well only 2 kids showed up Jack and Camdyn. It's probably a good thing because they were a hand full. But it taught my kids a lot about babysitting. This little Jack loved going into Maggies kennel and shutting the door. My kids were fine with it to as long as he was happy and not breaking anything.

Sunday we went to Cabela's to do a little Christmas shopping. Even though Christmas is still 22 days away my kids are so anxious to get all their Christmas presents bought and wrapped. I guess I have to say I am thankful they are not procrastinators. So we went and bought some daddy/brother gifts then we headed back up to Strawberry hoping for the same luck we had last week.

So the fishing was not as hot as last week the fish are biting less aggressively. I had 8 good bites and 2 caught fish. Bowdee caught 2, Treg 1 and Terry 3 but they were all cuts and just under the slot at 20 & 21" fish. So they were fun to catch but so hard for us to let them go.

It was also colder, we knew a storm was coming in and we got about 3" of fresh snow while we were there. So the kids spent alot of time in the truck staying warm but did come out and fish for a while.

Bowdee was our most dedicated fisher child of the night. It was fun just to be out in the peace and quite still of the night fishing with snow blowing in our faces.

November 21-27 Thanksgiving Weekend

2011-12-03T17:13:00.000-08:00

Tuesday I had my preschool Thanksgiving Feast's. I have all the kids bring something to share for our dinner and then we say what we are thankful for and eat a big feast, play games, read books and just enjoy each others company. I am always so amazed at these kids and how much love they have for life.

Wednesday the kids were out of school "YIPEE" so I got up early did a few errands then came back to get the kids and take them to Trafalga to hang out with their friends. We ate lunch a Chick-f-let which I think everyother family in the valley had the same idea.. took the kids to piano then I headed off with the girls to go watch "Breaking Dawn". It is always so much better to watch with people that want to watch it and not a husband I am forcing to watch. Then the kids had a late night with friends while Terry and I put up the basketball standard. What a job that was!

Thursday woke up early again cleaned like crazy with the help of my sweet husband it wasn't bad at all. Then before we knew it the house was busting at the seams with family everywhere. This was the first year we held a Townsend Thanksgiving not at mom and dads. I think it was nice for them not to stress about kids into everything. And here it wasn't too bad especially with the beautiful weather so nice for the kids to go outside and play. We ended up with 34 people and I think everyone enjoyed it.

After dinner dad pulled out the old 8mm home videos to show the kids what movies were like back when we were kids and to show them a little of what the Townsends were like when they were small. We had some good memories, laughs and light chit chat, we went through the ads. And before you knew it the house was silent once again. I am so thankful this year for my beautiful 3 children and their wonderful healthy bodies and especially sweet spirits. I just don't know what life would be like without them. They make me so happy and then their dad he is another blessing in my life. Even though at times we have a hard time seeing things the same way, sometimes thats good because it opens my eyes to other opinions.

Man I just love my family! "You are the poem I dreamed of writing, the masterpiece I longed to paint. You are the shining star I reached for in my ever hopeful quest of life fulfilled. You are my child. Now with all things I am blessed." I noticed this poem on pintrest and I loved it. Just how I feel about my children.

Friday I woke up early... even though there wasn't anything really exciting in the ads for black friday I just didn't want to be left out. So I hit Smiths at 5:30 and got some towels, fingernail polish, and socks for half price. Then went to Walmart and got a Christmas movie for the kids and candy canes thinking we would start setting up Christmas when I got home... Got home at 6:30 and wow Black friday was over for me.

Saturday we put up Christmas lights outside. This year we took out every other white light and put in red ones. I LOVE IT! The kids were such big helps and Terry was amazingly patient. Not that he isn't always but he was extra-sweetly-patient. That took it out of us and we were done so we went to Smiths to grab a few more lights and called it quits for the night.

Sunday we decided the fish were calling to us so we got our crap together and headed up to Deer Creek... Got there and OOPS we forgot no dogs allowed at that reserviour so we kept on going up to Strawberry. Which I am glad we did. The fishing was good better then usual but not the best. Then about 4:00 this little car pulls up and they were knocking them dead...

The guy calls us over and sets us up with his trick! Bowdee caught 3 fish which he never catches fish so other then being cold from playing in the snow with Treg and Dash he was loving it. At about 6:00 we called it quits and had to head back to the real world again. It is just so nice to take a break every once in a while! We caught 16 fish and only one of them was under 17". I caught the biggest one at 21"! Man I love fishing!

We had a few crazy catches. Crazy number one: I lost my complete setup after getting a bite. I tied on another swivel, sinker, leader, hook and casted back out. Five minutes later, I got another bite and reeled in my line. To my amazement, I had hooked the swivel of my old broken setup and reeled in the fish on the old setup. Talk about lucky, those trebble hooks and sinkers and swivels are expensive now a days )

Crazy number two: I caught the setup of someone else. I thought I had hooked someones old boot, but it was a big chunk of sea weed and a dead 20" cut.

Crazy number three: I got a bite and went to reel in and I was all tangled up around my reel, so I had to break my line and pull in my line by hand. My work paid off, I landed a whoppin 4" crayfish.

Crazy number four: One of our cuts had a crooked body by the tail. I thought it might be whirling disease? It wasn't above the cut, so I let it go. I was a little nervous because I didn't have a proclamation and I didn't know the rules if you caught a fish with whirling disease.

November 14-20 Mesquite Football Tournament

2011-11-22T08:12:00.000-08:00

This week was a fun week on Monday for family night we mounted and hung the kids sports posters. We all thought they turned out pretty great. Then we also started working on our Christmas card together. Which if we are being honest isn't the funnest FHE night but it was all good.

Tuesday was Tregs last basketball game which he did great. They played a really hard team but Treg hung in there and played his best. They only had one sub so he was playing pretty much the whole game. Then Terry and Bowdee had scouts which I always thought went for 1 hour but I guess most of the kids don't leave until 9:00 so I can tell that is going to be hard for me to get used to.

Wednesday Bowdee had his last football practice of the season. Pretty hard to believe it is almost over for another year. He loves playing football and says he has found his game! Then I was invited to play Bunco with a great group of ladies. I was so excited to play because I have alot of fun playing that game and socializing. I won the most rounds so I got the main gift which I still really feel guilty about since I am not a regular!

Thursday right after preschool I was a tornado in action going this way and that trying to get everything as packed as possible before Terry got home. Because then we were jumping in the truck and driving to Mesquite which is a 4&1/2 hour drive. The kids are excited to take a road trip and they did great on the ride. I think we could have kept going all the way to the coast and they wouldn't have minded.

Friday so we stayed at the Falcon Ridge Hotel which was great they had a nice swimming pool for the kids to play in and a HUGE breakfast buffet. Weigh-ins were at 10:30 so we just relaxed and killed some time before we went over to the sports complex. That place is amazing, with a fun atmosphere, red rocks, artificial turf fields, beautiful sunsets, fun music playing. Just really fun!

Their first game was at 3:00 against a Stansberry team named Alpha. We played hard and they played hard but they ended up winning 12-6. It was such a close game we just had a few bad plays and we could have had it. Bowdee had one of his best games ever getting in on some QB sacks and hitting like a mad man. Later that night Terry went back to watch a friends son's game and I took Treg swimming and Tia played with her friend Emery.

Saturday we had our second game at 1:00 so we just took it easy and read books watched some football and played us some bunco. Well I taught the kids how to play since Terry's not into games. The second game went really well we won 7-0 against some VERY big Dixie boys. I am not sure these boys were really 6th graders (#99 was at least 230lbs) but we won so I guess it doesn't matter.

We went back for dinner and the last of the Utes game. Then back to the complex to watch the other AF game and Lehi's game. It was fun just hanging around meeting all sorts of nice people. There was a really cool couple from Stansberry that I will never forget. Terry and I didn't feel good at all so we dropped Bowdee off at his team party and went back to bed.

The next day Bowdee's coach was telling us how Bowdee would jump into the pool with his swim trunks on then come out of the pool with just his speedo on and say "ta-dunt-ta-dun". Everyone CRACKED up laughing and coach says Bowdee you just like to do that for the shock factor huh... And Bowdee says "No the chicks dig it"! Way to go Bowdee that's the spirit we love!

Sunday it was clean up pack eat and drive, drive, drive! We got home around 2:00 and Terry and Bowdee jumped outside to try and put up the Basketball standard so it would be up for Turkey Day. But it was missing a piece so we basically hit a brick wall. Then at 6:30 we were invited to a Cabela's dinner/sale. Where you go and they feed you food and drinks and give you employee discounts on everything. So Terry and I made a date night of it and did some shopping. Have I told you lately "I LOVE CABELAS"?

Nov 7-13 Bowdee's 1st Utes Game

2011-11-14T11:20:00.000-08:00

Friday Matia was invited to go to Disney on Ice with her friend Lance. She was so excited to be invited. It was so nice of Lances mom to let her tag along with her 4 kids like she didn't have enough kids to shuffle around. But she sure enjoyed ever minute of it, I just wish I could have been there, it sounds like so much fun.

Bowdee and I spent about 2 hours cleaning and rearranging his room. He has a love hate relationship with his room. He knows that is his whole responsibilities to keep it clean so he hates that but he LOVES it when it is clean and organized. Now he just needs to slow down and clean as he goes!

Wow, Treg really tore it up at his game on Saturday morning. He made 3 baskets and just played amazingly. It was kinda like I was watching a little Stockton. He was quick and fast and accurate. They even had him stacked up against the biggest kid on their team and he just took it to them. So much fun to see his talents developing. Way to go John... I mean Treg.

Thanks to my brother Kyle, Terry was able to take Bowdee to his first Utes game. As you probably know Bowdee has always been a die hard Utes fan since he found out I went to school there. But he has never attended a game. Well Kyle had 2 extra tickets and just knew he would make his nephew the happiest boy ever if he passed them on to us. So after Bowdee's practice scrimmage game they dressed warm and headed to the game.

I took Tia and Treg out to Troys house and watch the game with him. Which I have to admit he is a cool cat to hang out with. We had pizza, listened to the kids destroying his house, ate pizza and Troy even got a pedicure!

When the game started and we heard it was the first snow game at Utah since 2008 and the whole stadium was covered in snow I really wasn't that sad to be missing it.

Bowdee and Terry had a great time! The Utes won the game 31-6 against UCLA, they ran into Kyle, and enjoyed a JCW's burger after the game I was just happy for Bowdee to be able to share his first football game with his dad. How fun for them.

Sunday Terry and Bowdee spent the day mixing and pouring concrete for the basketball standard. It doesn't look like it would have taken long but they were out there for a good 4 hours working. I was in the house making these cool posters for Tia and Treg.

When we went to Bowdee's end of football party and they handed out these posters Terry had a great idea to do one for all the kids. It took longer then I thought but was fun to do.

This is what the poster that Bowdee got at his party looked like. The one we fell in love with and just had to have some for the other kids. Thanks again to the wonderful football moms that made it all possible.

Nov 1-6 Girls Night Out & Bowdee Ordination

2011-11-08T07:21:00.000-08:00

Friday I was invited to join my friends on a spur of the moment Girls Over Nighter. Terry being the sweet understanding man that he is was instantly excited for me. Sometimes I just wonder if he gets excited to get a break from me. So I went and enjoyed a sweet Village Baker lunch date with him before I headed out with my friends.

Then I met up with my friends for a nice relaxing night in Draper. We stayed at Holly's Aunts house that she rents out. We really didn't have any plans other then to just chill, relax, and just enjoy a night off. We had dinner at Red Robin on of our favorites then picked up a couple red box movies and headed back to the house.

Saturday morning we slept in and stayed in our jammies until 12:00. Which is really unheard of for a bunch of moms. But it sure felt nice not to be on a dead run. Treg had a basketball game, Bowdee had a scouts event, and Terry sent me a text saying 3 loads of laundry, 2 loads of dishes, a batch of apples, cutting deer roasts, made the kids "real breakfast", dug out basketball standard hole, took Bowdee to football championships (which was changed) all before 2:00.

I started feeling guilty but man it sure felt good to not be responsible for all that "stuff". We girls had lunch at Panda Express then made some clipboards for Christmas gifts. Watched Sunday at Tiffanys and then I just had to head back home to watch the Utes game with my boys. I have to say that is something I really enjoy, to watch a good Utes game with Bowdee and Terry. Jolynn and Troy even joined us which ended up with Jaysha, Baylee and Tayla sleeping over.

I do love my nieces sleeping over, we have so much fun. Sunday morning we woke up and got ready for church. It was fun to have all the girls want to be twiners. As I was blow drying their hair and doing it all fancy, with lipstick, and perfume Matia says "this is so fun I feel like we are getting ready for a dance". I just thought in my head heaven help us all it will be here before we know it....

We made it to church and today was special because Treg got to give his first talk in primary. He did so good, he was so brave and Baylee even got up there and helped him in front of all these strangers. His talk was about how reverence shows Jesus we love him. Which is a perfect talk for Treg because he is one of the most reverent kids in his primary.

Right after our classes we meet at the bishops office for Bowdee's Aaronic Priestood Ordination. What a special day for Bowdee to make such an important decision. He had all 4 of his Grandparents there, and his 3 cousins (Jaysh, Bay, and Tay) and of course his immediate family and Bishop Rich. Bowdee I am so proud of your decision, you are such an amazing boy and I just pray you will continue to make good decisions.

Oct 19-31 Halloween

2011-11-01T14:19:00.000-07:00

Thursday was my preschool halloween parties. I just love this day because I get to see all my preschoolers dressed up in their favorite costumes.

Then when they come we walk to the Price's Haunted House to see all the scarey props. Then back to preschool for trick or treating to each other, cookie decorating, halloween games and just a day of fun!

I hope all the kids had a good time because I know I sure have fun every time I see their smiling faces!

Friday Terry and Troy took off for some more deer hunting up Strawberry area. So me and the kids ate a easy quick dinner and carved our pumpkins! Bowdee and Matia carved theirs all by themselves and Treg did it all but the mouth. I never thought I would be this close to having all my kids carve their own pumpkins.

They even did 2 pumpkins each! Our pumpkins didn't get planted in time (moms fault) so they were all mostly green so that is why we had to paint them this year. It was a fun new experience for us. Terry had a good time with Troy but no luck on the buck.

Saturday we woke up bright and early for Tregs 8:30 basketball game. This was his first game of the year so he was getting back into the swing of things. His team lost their game but Treg made one of the 2 baskets made by their team and he was even fouled on his shot BIG time! Then Kye came over to pump Bowdee up for his semi-final game in the championships against Lehi-Coopers team. He spent 2 hours going over moves and football talk then cranked some crazy hard music and had him hitting the dashboard on the way to warm up trying to light his fire.

What a good uncle to make time for his nephew and to care so much.... WOW... Our team could have won but they just have a hard time getting their heads in the game to start. They just never seem to play until the 2nd half this year. Which is exactly what they did. Lehi was up 12-0 before we even opened our eyes. Then we came back in the second half and nearly tied them but just couldn't quite land that last touchdown.

Lehi won and we ended our season today. It was sad to see it go we really enjoy watching Bowdee and his team play. They have an AMAZING coaching staff that really know what they are doing. I just can't tell you how impressed I am with each one of his 7 coaches they are some wonderful people. Men I feel privelaged to have Bowdee be influenced by. Thank you to everyone for all you did this year.

After the game I invited my nieces and nephew to sleep over. This is always fun to do because they all get along so well (most of the time anyway). They made crafts, watched Rio, played games, dressed up and ate pizza then when it was time for bed they all went down just like that...

Kami and I had Lakota babysit for about an hour while we went to our friend Claytons costume party. Kye and Emilee were there all dressed up. I think that is the main reason we went was so we could see what they were going to be they kill me especially with those fake cigarettes. Then Clayton walked in and was looking me straight in the face and with his mustache and new hair do I had no idea who he was.... All in all it was a fun short night.

Sunday we had a nice relaxing day filled with church, movies, wii games, and last minute costume preparations. I can't say I remember the last day we had where we just took the day off in figure of speech. Terry saw one little 5" spike and passed him up twice afraid he wasn't legal and then made it home empty handed around 8:30, but he and his brother had a great time just being away from it all.

Oh how I love Halloween! I love waking up and seeing all the costumes come together. I love to see Terry's art work on my kids faces. I love to see the excitement in their eyes. This year Bowdee had a really hard time figuring out what he wanted to be. Then he saw our clown wig that has been at the bottom of the wig box for years just waiting to be worn and cabamo it hit him his really good friend Annie is afraid of clowns so that is what he wanted to be just to freak her out.... So last Wed I made this costume for him.

Matia saw this costume and fell in love with "the pink lepard". I couldn't find the same fabric so we just went and bought it for her. I think this is the first costume I have ever purchased for any of my children. It was nice to have it in the bag with everything it needed since the first of Oct. Just waiting for Halloween night.

Treg thought about recycling Bowdee's Neo costume but then he saw these awesome chaps and vest I made for Bowdee years ago and he knew what he wanted to be. So yes I made his as well just not this year. I also stressed about getting him spurs when in reality he didn't need them but Kye helped me out with them by welding some chain to these cheap ones I bought!

So as soon as I dropped them off to school I ran and got Bowdee the "Right Scarey Teeth" and then back to school for their 1st Halloween Parade. I loved it! It was so organized and fun to see all the creative costumes. Then I came home cleaned got dressed up and hussled back to school to help with Matia's classroom party. I love being involved and going to meet all the kids in her class and see the ones she talks about and put a face to their stories. What a fun party we had with a minute to win it theme.

Back home for a second a little more cleaning and getting ready for the night time Halloween Fun. Then back to school to pick up the kids and head for Doug Smith Auto for Trunk or Treating. We love to go and get the Free kids meals from Olive Garden!

Picked up our traditional Jack-o-lantern pizza. Had dinner visited with mom and dad which was nice to see them again after their long trip to Washington. I was starting to worry that they would forget to come home. But they made it. :) Then we let the party begin.

Bowdee, Izak, Annie, and Adi wanted to go trick or treating alone this year so we sent them on their way with a phone and lots of rules to obey. We didn't see them again for hours! But man they sure had lots of fun!

The rest of the night was pure K-oss with me here to man the trick or treating so I wouldn't miss any of my darling students who came to see me. I didn't get a photo of Troy with his girls before they ran off on a dead run trick or treating so here are his girls with the other girls.

The Garricks cute family with the Peaceful Darth Vador, Corpse Bride, Vampire, In Mate, and Batman. They are all so fun Fisher just kept saying I have enough candy I just want to go play at Kristi's now.

Kyles Darling family all dressed up as Creapy Dolls, Beetle Juice Guy, and a Nice Witch. Emilee sure knows how to throw together a darling costume. She should be a Halloween costume counselor. Thanks for coming you guys are so fun.

Kami just had to get back to the 80's for one night, Izak couldn't go without being a Ute's Fan, and Lakota was the cutest green skittle I have ever seen. Kami is always great for a party she brings the music and tons and tons of energy! We love you Kami thanks for sharing Halloween with us.

Kami, Troy, Kyle, Emilee, Amy, Chad and Terry came and left running kids here and there, snacking on chips and veggies and just having a good time. I loved every minute of it and I am so thankful to have such wonderful friends to me and my family. In this photo you have Troy, Kyle, Terry, and Chad. The boys were so sick of all the photos I just had to take they might not come back next year. :( But I hope they all do!

Then at 9:00 the house became quiet as our friends took their sugar rushing kids home and our passed out from pure exhaustion. It was less then 5 minutes after their heads hit the pillows that we heard the quiet hum of sleeping children. Man I love Halloween Night!

Oct 11-18th Sick Bowdee and Deer Hunt

2011-10-29T18:43:00.000-07:00

Monday we had finally had enough with Bowdee's random fevers, sore throat, and weakness. So I made him an appointment and took him to see the Dr. I realized he had not been to a Dr. since he had his kindergarten check-up so he had no idea what to expect. The Dr. says he has a bronchial infection so wrote a rx and sent us on our way. Tuesday Bowdee woke up with a rash all over I am figuring he is allergic to the Z-pak med so we kept him home from school and got a new RX. He hated staying home and said that was his worstest of the day he missed his friends and was SO bored.

Thursday was the beginning of fall break so we had no school. The kids thought it was great to sleep in and take it easy. Then we packed to go camping for the deer hunt tomorrow and mom and dad took us to see Dolphin Tale. That was a fabulous movie. I don't know what it is but man I cry at everything now a days. It was nice to have a minute to just sit down and relax. Sometimes I feel like I am burning the candle at both ends.

Friday we left at like 5:00 out to Box Elder Canyon out North of Hickman by Grantsville for our deer hunt. Terry and Troy put in for the archery but ended up with the riffle. So that means Terry, Bowdee and I all are hunting this weekend. We got up there just in time to see a 2 point cross the road in front of us and we got a great camp spot. Man I love my trailer.

Saturday - Morning of the opening hunt. Our eyes fly open at 4:30 as we heard some four wheelers head up the canyon. We jump out of bed wake up the kids get them all dressed in fleece, hats, gloves, hiking boots and grab our guns and out the door by 5:00am we drive all the way to the left as far as we can then we parked the wheelers and headed off by foot.

The kids did great hiking in the dark, cold morning all the way for a little over an hour we find a spot that looked good to Terry and we parked our tired legs and look up to the sky to see shooting stars every where we looked. Magical, I tell you nothing but amazing. All 3 of the kids soon fell asleep. Just as the sky started to lighten I hear Terry whisper "Kristi look right behind us there are 2 doe on the skyline" I look back and sure enough 2 doe. As it got lighter we could see them moving around in front of us all over the place but still no buck.

The kids woke up cold so we lite a fire to warm our bones, ate a little breakfast snack and headed off our hill and up toward Mudd Springs. Over that ridge and on the other side we sat once again surrounded by 5 sets of hunters. We took another short nap and Terry woke up and saw a buck and doe just on the other side of some hunters. Dang couldn't take a shot so we glassed the area real close waiting for them to come back out into the clearing.

Then we started heading back to the trailer we knew we had a long hike ahead of us so away we went slow and steady. Terry was leading then Bowdee then Treg, Tia and myself. I looked ahead of Treg and instantly grabbed Tia holding her back and yelled "STOP, DON'T MOVE ITS A... ITS A SN... ITS A SNA... Tia is jumping up and down around in circles trying to shake whatever it was off of her. The boys all turned around to see all the commotion and I point to a HUGE 3&1/2 foot long snake right next to the trail. Terry calmly comes back and picks it up. Matia and I are so high on adrenaline it took us the rest of the trip to calm down. I have to thank my dad for this wonderful fear of snakes. My mom doesn't help the matter any they way she hates them as well!

So we make it back to the trailer and Terry and I take a nap while the kids go out to play. We figure our legs couldn't take us on another hike like that so we took a nice little 4 wheeler ride up to White Pine and saw 3 different sets of doe. We figured this might be a nice place to come in the morning. Then headed back down for a nice yummy Beef Stew with Rolls Dinner. Turned on the heater and enjoyed some yummy microwave popcorn... Did I mention I LOVE MY TRAILER?

Sunday morning our heads didn't come off the pillows until 6:30. Terry was complaining about the kids all talking in their sleep all night long. I took some benadryl so I didn't have a problem with their talking. So we took a little drive up the Harry Potter Road. This was a fun drive but the hunting was quite disappointing. Also we were perched on a cliff side with tons of rock. The kids didn't find this as comfortable for their naps but somehow they all managed.

After we drove through the tunnel of beautiful fall colored leaves we decided to go for a drive up Hickman to see what was going on there. We quickly saw most of the weekend hunters had already cleared out and some great camping spots were opened so we headed back to camp trying to decide if we move camp tonight or give it one more day. On the way back to camp Terry quickly stops and backs up asking if we all saw that.

He had saw a tarantula and pulled over so we could all see. Creepy yes! But pretty fun to see. We all touched it so we could say we have touched one then jumped back in the truck back to our trailer then up the canyon again for a night time hunt.

We went to White Pine again with not much luck then we headed back kinda early for a yummy Brisket & Potatoe dinner with some of our friends. Jason and Amelia Wells are some good people. Jason grew up just across the street from Terry and they know each other like brothers. We roasted smores and chatted around a pixie fire talking like good friends do.

Monday morning we headed back to White Pine deciding our legs were still not ready for another 8 mile hike. As we were coming through the trees I could tell Dash was on a trail. Then we came out of the trees and he hit a Labrador point toward 6 doe down along the trees. Wow I thought we have a deer hunting dog... then we found our resting ground and he did it again with a low growl he warned us 7 doe were sneaking by us...

we soon after left down the hill and came across some doe pretty close to us and Dash got Buck fever and went after them. I guess he figured he gave us 2 chances and we didn't do anything about it so he was going to have some fun. Bowdee and I were hot on his trail with our guns in hand ready for a buck. We chased those deer around the mountain as fast as we could but not another peek at them.

After that morning hunt we decided to move camp to Hickman Canyon so Bowdee and I drove the 4 wheelers and 1 hour later we had camp set up in a great camp spot just where we wanted to be at 3:00 we drove the 4-wheelers up the canyon and saw about 10 doe. Then we drove to the end of the right fork and started hiking up the mountain we sat there scoping the hillside for a while not seeing anything.

We headed back to the 4-wheelers and Terry and I both noticed 3 deer about 200 yards up the mountain. We both pulled up our glasses and at the same time turned to each other and said with more excitement then we had the whole trip "that one on the bottom is a buck."

Terry's whispering with urgency Bowdee get your gun, get in prone position, cock one in the chamber, Kristi set up right here, who is going to shoot first, get the scope on it, shoot it someone shoot it." Bowdee is whispering back with just as much excitement I can't see it... where is it... I can't see it... So before it went over the hillside I took a shot and down it went.

We followed Dash right over to it and Terry had it gutted and drug down the mountain within 1/2 hour. He wanted to be able to hunt on the way down for Bowdee and himself before it got to dark. He did pause to take some photos and show the kids the heart, lungs, intestines all the good stuff. But really it was quick and we couldn't ask for an easier drag.

We saw quite a few more doe on the way back to camp but no bucks. Bowdee really got the hunters fever after I got my deer and I felt really bad that I didn't give him another second to try and find it in his scope. We got back to camp and Terry and the kids skinned it while I cooked dinner. Treg could only take that "Grossness" so long before he joined me in the trailer... Matia on the other hand found it fascinating! Bowdee was cool with it but not as intrigued as Tia was. I was just fine not being involved with what was going on.

Tuesday we headed up for the morning hunt and just didn't see hardly anything except... this little old couple that stopped me and the kids to ask us how things were going. They were so cute talking about what they had seen and didn't see. The lady was exceptionally excited and really interested in hunting you could just see it. As we drove off Treg asked if she was the oldest lady alive... :) Later we saw her walking up where I shot my deer because her husband didn't want to scratch his truck so she took off on foot... This photo reminded me of the lady but see looked alot happier, I just wish I could have gotten a photo... Cutest thing I have seen in a long time. This little old lady dressed in orange from head to toe.

After lunch I sent Terry and Bowdee off to hunt some more while me and the kids took a nap and chilled. They saw 80 doe but no bucks. They came back around 4:00 and we tore down camp and headed home. It was a fun first hunt for Bowdee and over all we enjoyed every minute of it. Thanks to Terry my personal guide I got my first buck a spike by 2 point if you can't see in the photo...
This is Terry's 2 point antlers and mine together to fake out my brother.

Halloween JibJab

2011-10-27T20:08:00.000-07:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Oct 10-16 Bowdee turns 12 - Kristi's Elk Hunt Soapstone

2011-10-17T08:56:00.000-07:00

Monday Terry started a new job. I think this is the first career change he has made on his own decision in a very long time. He just got hired by LanDesk which is the company he was working for when he got laid off last time but this is the mother company so some same people but new projects. So Monday night for Family night we talked about making decisions and how you really need to look at the big picture. Then I made a super nice meal Alice Spring Chicken (One of his favorites) and we thanked Terry for being such a hard worker.

Tuesday was filled with Tia and Tregs soccer practices, piano, football practice and I started my new calling in the church. I was called to scouts it's sad to be out of activity days because I did that for so long. I think it was about 4-5 years and lots of fun. But I am really excited about this calling to interview the boys as they are making new accomplishments and moving up in Scouts. I have never had the chance to really get to know these boys so it will be fun. I also love the people I am working with!

Wednesday was a fun day, I had the opportunity to go with Tregs class to the Equestrian park for a field trip about farming. I had 5 boys in my group and man were they fun. It was funny though because there were tons of other schools there and right before we loaded on the bus to leave I ran into one of my best friends who was there with her daughter Peyton's field trip. After school Treg had his football game which was so fun to watch. I will be sad when the season is over. Matia was sad to go to activity days without me but it will be good for her I am sure of it!

Thursday Treg had his last football game of the season. It was a great game but very sad to see it over. Treg has a GREAT sense of the game he really gets it. He pays attention to everything that is going on out on the field. Matia had dance she carpools with Daisy, Ellie, Lexi and Mia which are all darling girls and she just started to take tap after her jazz class. She is loving tap and has never taken that one before it is a class of 4 girls and 2 teachers so its super fun for them.

Friday I was busy all day running around and cleaning for Bowdee's birthday party.. Which really I don't know why I feel like I need to have the house clean before the party it is always after the party that it really needs to be clean. He had just a few friends come over and play night games. Bowdee has learned that the smaller the parties the more fun he has.

So he just invites a few and they have a great time. When we had ice cream I had bought some of those cherries and told them about the stems... Bowdee and Jonah were the only 2 that were able to tie the knot. Other then Matia she did it like 3 times! Terry says she is grounded for life. I am so thankful that Bowdee has such great friends!

Saturday was Bowdee's teams first playoff game and they won. He was so excited. Bowdee has been sick so he hasn't been playing his best and this is the first game he didn't start center. They had him play right tackle and ____________ on offense. But he sure LOVES to hit hard! Treg had his last soccer game of the season today and he played great. He was a little frustrated that he didn't make a goal this season but really he didn't play forward very much so I reminded him its not always about scoring.

After his game he left just as quick as we could to Soapstone Basin for my last weekend on the elk hunt. We got there just in time to park the trailer and head off on our 4 wheelers for a beautiful ride. We didn't see any animals other then 4 horses being ridden down the road but it was a pretty sight! Matia mentioned how she would just LOVE to try fishing while riding a horse! When we got back it was dark and 8:30 so we ate a late dinner then we just headed to bed knowing we would be waking up early for the hunt.

Sunday up at 6:30 on the road by 7:00 with a bag of snacks to hold us over till breakfast. We did a little road hunting and finally saw some doe but still no elk. We went back and moved the trailer to a trail head just off the road and Bowdee and I went for a 4 wheeler ride while Terry made b-fast. When we came back they told us about a guy that died on that trail last weekend. He rolled his Trek's off the road and got his head caught under the roll bar.

It just reminded me of how fragile life is and how fast things can change. We went back up with the whole family all the way to the top. It is amazing how well of a driver Bowdee is. He drove the whole way because I had my gun and he did FABULOUS! I can't believe my kids are growing up.

Oct 3-9th Elk Hunting Strawberry

2011-10-10T09:11:00.000-07:00

Monday - I am a true believer in teaching your family to work together, play together and succeed together. So for FHE this week we went out and sealed the cement on our garage. Of course the kids would rather be playing together but I honestly think playing together is not something we lack. After our work was done we came in for a nice treat and went to bed early. :) I do like it when we get to bed on time. Which right now on time would be 9:00.

Wednesday - What a fabulous day today I had the opportunity to meet my sister, bro-in-law, and nephew for lunch before he went into the MTC. Todd is such an amazing person. I guess I can't call him a kid anymore even though he seems to have grown up way to fast. I love this kid so much. He is always in a great mood. He would give the shirt off his back for you and man is he smart. He is going on the Oklahoma City mission. I was told it is the mission next to the only true mission which is the OTC (Oklahoma Tulsa Mission). I have always known Todd would do great things in his life and I honestly believe this is just the beginning. Thank you Kate and Mike for letting me intrude on such a special time in your life with Todd. I love you Todd forever and ever.

If you don't understand this, you will in a few years...

When asked by a young patrol officer "Do you know you were speeding? This 83-year-old woman talked herself out of a ticket by stating..."Yes, but I had to get there before I forgot where the heck I was going."

Pretty sad but I COMPLETELY understand this lady.

Thursday - I know I have told you this before but I truly believe I have the best job in the world. I just love being a preschool teacher. I love all the different kids I have, I love their cute personalities and their fun demeanor's. Today we went on a field trip to the fire station and I learned so much. That was such a fun field trip Fireman Josh did a great job informing the kids of what a fireman does. And the parents are all so wonderful to come along and help out and drive kids there and take photos. I just am so lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful people big and small!

Saturday - We spent the day on 4 different game fields. First was Bowdee's last regular season game against the other team tied for 1st place. We went through the whole game with no points either way. So then each team had a chance from the 10 yard line to punch it in. And Lone Peak came out on top. :( So it was a close game and now we are off to the championships in 2nd place.

Then it was Tregs Soccer game so we headed to that game and man he is fun to watch play. He really has a great focus on the game. He has lots of hustle and loves to play. This is his cute team and man are they GREAT! My mom and dad came to watch him play and they were so impressed with the whole team already knowing positions and everything...

Matia's soccer game was next and this is her or should I say our team. I helped coach again this year which is always a fun experience. Matia is a tough player as well she is not afraid to get in there and fight for the ball. Her team has gone undefeated this year. They did tie one game but won all the others. What a GREAT bunch of girls!

Bowdee's soccer game was last so at least he had a break in between games. He also played with a sore throat which is never fun. So grandma and grandpa made it from the 10:30 football game until the very end at 3:30 what great supportive parents they are. My niece Karrilyn even made it through 2 of the games which is impressive.

Right after Bowdee's soccer game Terry and I took off to go on the elk hunt. We went up Strawberry over to White river where we camped with Clayton Cook, his sister Amber and Lund. What a great group of kids. I know they are not kids anymore but its hard to admit because then I have to admit I am not a kid since I am older then them all... We got there just in time for the night hunt so Terry and I went off the hillside of camp and talked to the elk back and forth but never saw anything.

We slept in the back of the truck it was COLD but we were warm all night long. I had a hard time falling asleep but once I did it was 5:30 before I knew what happened. I just laid there trying not to move and wake anyone up. We all got out of bed around 6 and hit the trail. Terry and I hiked 1&1/2 hours in to Center Canyon Willow Creek area sat for a while and then headed back we didn't see anything but sheep, coyote, badger, and a big bird. After hiking 8 miles and 3&1/2 hours we were disappointed enough to ditch hunting and try fishing.

The fishing was slow so I took a nap in the bed of the truck after a nice warm stew lunch.

Terry woke me up after about 2 hours with a fish in is hands and a smile on his face. So I jumped out of bed and had to catch me a fish as well. We both came home with nice 15" trouts, sore bodies, and revived spirits. I just can't tell you how much I love Terry without him I wouldn't be the person I am. He keeps me going that is for sure!

Sept 26-Oct 2 Family Photos

2011-10-05T08:57:00.000-07:00

Wednesday I took Matia to a girls night out. It was so fun we have this amazing leader that plans a mother daughter activity every year and she has done some AMAZING things. Of course she blames it all on the talented ladies in our ward... which there are PLENTY of. But I know she has it all together to put together a night like she did. It was themed "Don't get Tangled in the World" and we braided each others hair with flowers in them then ate dinner and decorated paper lanterns while we had an amazing talk about not getting Tangled and Mother Knows Best. While they were talking about Mother knows Best they asked us for some of our mothers famous sayings... I rose my hand and said my mother always told me "not to scowl or I will grow wrinkles there forever".

Then a few others said some fun sayings and then Tia rose her hand so proudly and I whispered what are you going to say she whispered back "stop fidgeting or I will pull your hair out" I said oh no you don't and pulled her hand down. My sweet friend teaching the lesson saw what was going on and called on Matia... I quickly mention to the group she had nothing to say... Yet my sweet friend with an enduring smile insisted on Matia to participate. So Matia tells the whole group my secret to get her to sit still while I do her hair... Everyone rolled laughing and I turned red and insisted I NEVER SAY THAT! I just love being with my sweet Matia she makes everything we do fun. Love ya girlie!

Thursday Treg had another Flag football game I was not going to miss this one because the one I missed for Matia's date he made an killer interception and almost a touchdown.. This game was fun to watch and I loved every minute of it. After the game I went for ice cream with my sweet friend Denise and Christina. I haven't seen Denise for quite some time and it was so nice to catch back up with her. BTW I love frozen yogurt and the ORANGE LEAF in highland was amazing.

Friday Terry took the day off and we pulled the kids out of school half day and we hit the lake. It felt good to be some what irresponsible... It reminded me of the days I would skip school to go skiing with my dad. Anyway it was an amazing day on the lake.

By far the best this season on Utah lake. Then we hustled off the lake showered and went to our friends house for some yummy food and a good BYU-Utah State football game. This was our first time meeting Rusty's girlfriend and she was really cool.

Saturday we had Bowdee's football game and 3 soccer games but the soccer games didn't get over until 5:00 we really wanted to go to Strawberry to see the leaves and hear the elk but we had a flat tire on the truck and had to replace all those and just didn't have time to get out of her so we stayed home and watched the Utes football game yes it was a sad game.

Sunday we went up AF canyon and took our family photos... Why we choose General Conference to go up there I will never know it was so crowded. But we took our photos and I think they turned out pretty good for a timer button. After the photos we went out west to sight in our guns again. And visit Troy for his birthday. It was a pretty ok weekend!

Sept 19-25 Girls Cedar City - Boys Strawberry

2011-09-28T10:08:00.000-07:00

Last week I bought the kids the Pass of all Passes and explained to them that if every week they are good and do their homework and don't complain about chores that I would take them to Trafalga to reward them for their hard work. Well here they are they have all been magnificent I think I only had to give them each 1 mark the whole week. They have been getting up to an alarm and doing 15 minute rotations. Piano, reading, and getting dressed all by themselves then we run or ride bikes to school. So here they are starting the week off with a couple hours of together play time at trafalga and loving it.

Tuesday was filled with piano, soccer practice and football practice. But Wednesday now that was a special day. You see Matia's love in life is horses and we have this friend that owns a small pony named Strawberry. She let us go see her last Friday and said Wed we can come back and walk her around the farm. Matia was so excited as you can imagine. She LOVED every minute of it. Thanks Michelle and Dawson for letting Matia enjoy Strawberry!

Treg also had his first Flag Football game on Wed then another on Thurs. They were both fun and Treg loved playing but he said the game on Wed was funner because the boys they played that day were more his level. Treg could really be a great player if he put his mind to it. He is fast and really smart... He watches where the play is going to be and follows so well.

Friday I decided I wanted to take Terry on a date since we wouldn't see each other much this weekend so. Bowdee went to a birthday party, Matia played at Daisy's house and Treg hung out with Grandma. We well we watched the BYU football game, ate out at chickfilet and just talked mostly. I can't tell you how much I just love being with Terry.

Saturday well it started with Bowdee's football game at 10:30, then Tregs soccer game at 11:30, then Bowdee's soccer game at 12:30 then back to Alpine for Matia's soccer game at 1:30! Busy crazy but we love it. They all played really good and then Matia and I hurried home to head out with my mom, Kami and Lakota on a road trip to Cedar City for my nephew Todd's mission farwell.

Todd is an amazing boy. He is funny, sweet, smart and has a way to make you feel like he really cares about you. I don't even know what to call that. But I just LOVE this boy and I know he will learn so much and teach even more out on his mission. I love you sincerly Todd and will be praying for you every night.

The best thing about this weekend (besides todd and angelas amazing talks) was being with my family. It was nice because we were just together nothing much that we felt like we needed to do just chillin sitting around in Kathy and Mikes nice house and talking. I love my family more then they will ever know and I miss them when they are not around! Thanks guys for an amazing weekend.

This weekend I learned a very valuable lesson... As I went with Matia on a girls weekend away... Terry took the boys to Strawberry on a boys weekend away... The only thing Matia brought back was a smile. But the boys talked their dad into getting them a water snake.

I can't tell you how bad I hate snakes and I wonder if just maybe Terry let them get a snake because I wasn't there to tell them no and it was my fault for letting them go alone. So I guess if I want a say in what happens I have to keep those boys in check and follow them everywhere.

The fall colors are changing and beautiful! The elk were calling during the night. The fish were biting. And they had an amazing time. They slept under the stars in the bed of the truck and listened to the cracking branches all night long. They were in heaven and a little part of me wishes I was there. But I am glad they had their bonding time and I got to see my family.

Sue is a darling snake if a snake could be darling. He is really docile and lets the kids pick him up with ease. He never strikes at them and is just curious about everything. So we will see how long this will last but I never thought I would say I live in the same house as a snake but as of now I do. I did tell the kids if the Sue gets out by chance then I will move out of the house until he is found and released outside far from my house. I don't know why but snakes just give me the creeps!

Sept 12-18 Workin out Lagoon

2011-09-20T14:14:00.000-07:00

Okay so to be completely honest with you I don't remember much of what happened during the week... The reason is because on Monday I joined a gym "Anytime Fitness" and started to workout with my sister Kami. Kami and I work out so well together we are both competitive enough that we push each other and by darn will I ever call her and say I am not going. So we become VERY regular once we start working out together. So I am now waking up at 6:00 and hitting the gym for 1 hour of intense muscle building. Then I come home and get the kids ready for school and run with them to school and run home. Then the rest of the day is mine.

I just have to say I love the way I feel when I am working out regularly. I know my body won't change much from where it is now.. But that is okay with me. I am working out because I know it is what is good for me and will keep me healthy, happy and stronger for longer! I notice when I don't workout that I am more moody, self concious, and pretty much grumpier, I think that is because I know I am not giving my body all it needs to make it the healthiest it can be. I do love my body for being strong, healthy and sexy so I will continue to work out to treat it right...

Sorry about that but it explains why I don't remember much of last week. I was in so much pain (muscle soreness) and so tired that I really couldn't focus on much of anything else. I do remember it being a busy week and by 8:00 I was begging the kids to let me put them to bed so I could just sleep. They didn't fall for the 1 hour earlier bedtime.. :( Oh well, I had to try.

But Saturday came and Bowdee's football team lost their first football game in over a year. It was sad but Bowdee felt the best he ever felt about how he played and that is all that matters. Maybe it will remind the boys to always give it their all and winning is not everything. Tia played a mean soccer game and won 6-0 and Treg played a tough team but they won 2-1 so it was a good game day.

Then we headed to Lagoon just as fast as we could. We parked the trailer at their campground and met up with my mom and dad, Kyle and his family, and Kami and her cute kids. We had so much fun just playing, talking and bonding. Kye had to leave early but Kami kept Tay and Lil so they could play longer.

Sunday my family bounced back and man did we have fun! The park was empty and we could jump on any ride and only wait one time then it was our turn again. The kids went on Wicked 4 times in a row. I went once and Terry went the rest... He ended up in the bathroom for about 1/2 hour after that (hahaha).

Man I just can't think of anything better then to be with my family. They make this life worth living. I feel so blessed to have the love we have between each other. Thanks family for one FUN weekend!

You Tube - Everyone is doing it...

2011-09-19T07:53:00.000-07:00

So when my brother came into town he made the cutest video of the girls runway tea party. So then he showed me how he makes them which is so much faster and easier then I had been doing them. So I made a few and then figured I could post them to You Tube for family that lives away from us that can't enjoy their sports in person. So here is my channel you can subscribe and it will e-mail you every time I post a new video or you can just check back whenever you want but the link is

http://www.youtube.com/user/kristitownsend

I hope you like them let me know what ya think. It has been alot of fun. But it does take alot of time so I haven't been scrapbooking lately... Not to sure how I feel about that. Someday right?

Sept 6-11 Soap Stone Basin

2011-09-14T19:01:00.000-07:00

Tuesday was my first day of preschool. I am teaching 3 classes this year and I have an assistant for 2 of them. Christina is so much like me that it is crazy we can almost read each others minds.

Yet we compliment each other like crazy and when I forget something she usually is there to help me out. So having the best assistant in the world and 27 amazing children I consider myself to have the best job around.

I just can't tell you how excited I am to get to know each of these kids. They all seem so cute and I know we will have one fantastic time. And better yet the parents all seem to be on top of it and excited for the year.

Since the elk hunt is not officially over we decided to go to Soap Stone to see if we have any better luck up there. Of course we had to wait for games to get over so we didn't get to leave until later. But we got up there and it was a beautiful drive. Then we had time to throw off the 4-wheelers and take a quick spin. We found this pond that had baby frogs hoppin around so the kids loved catching them and letting them go. I consider these to be priceless memories I hope they will remember FOREVER!

Terry went again in the morning and was suprised to come back to breakfast ready for him at 9:00. Usually I sleep in or go hunting with him but today I got up and going. So then we took a longer spin on the 4-wheelers and went back to the pond to look for fossils and stuff. After the ride we went back and Terry made me brownies while I took a nap.

During my nap Treg comes running in the trailer with a blood curling "Dad come quick" so Terry runs out to find a dead tweety bird. Treg had shot it with his bbgun. Then he wasn't sure what to think of it he felt kinda bad... So that is Tregs first killing experience. I don't think he will be shooting at any living thing for a LONG time...

Aug 29- Sept 5th Skyline Elk Hunt

2011-09-07T17:13:00.000-07:00

This week we added Treg's Flag Football practice to our schedule and his crazy coach wants to practice twice a week (crazy coach = his crazy dad). So that has just added to the fun, Bowdee is co-coaching Tregs team the Extreme Cobras. We have a fun bunch of boys it will be interesting to see how the games go.

Then this weekend we decided to go to Skyline up Spanish Fork Canyon for the first weekend of the elk hunt. It was crazy up there I didn't think we had a chance to get a good spot because we left late after Bowdee's football game. But we learned if you just keep driving and if you drive far enough you will find a spot that is nice and pretty remote.

Terry went hunting Sunday morning and saw an elk but he was alone and it was gone before he could get off the 4-wheeler. But then he found us a really good camp spot so he came back to camp we ate then packed up camp and moved to a new spot. Which we would have never done if we were tenting it.

We spent the rest of the day hunting w/ bb guns and bows and arrows and just playing around did the night hunt and our dutch oven got smoothered so we had to wait a little longer to eat.

Monday morning Terry took Bowdee hunting with him and he LOVED every minute of it. They talked to a guy that has pictures of bear at his game camera right in this area and a cougar. Then they had a buck and an elk call back to them. Then after they got back we packed up and headed home. We really didn't want to get stuck in traffic and sometimes it is nice to get stuff cleaned up before the new week.

Aug 22-28 School Bells a ringing!

2011-08-29T16:18:00.000-07:00

Monday was my birthday, I had a lunch with my mom and dad and Terry at Marleys Sliders it was yummy but I just loved being w/ my favorite people and visiting. Then my dad invited me to go horseback riding... Well I thought it was me he was inviting but I guess it was my kids. Even though it wasn't my yearly birthday horseback ride it was fun to watch my kids love the things I love.

I remember when we moved into this house thinking how can I really send Bowdee to school? He is such a sweet boy will kindergarten ruin him and change him? Then I thought... man when Bowdee is in 6th grade, and Matia my sweet toddler will be in 4th and then my sweet unborn child will be in 2nd... Now that will be one crazy day! But of course that was years and years away. Well those years and years have gone by in a flash and here we are ready to begin Bowdee's final year of Elementary.

Bowdee got Mrs. McGee for 6th grade. I am really excited about her, you see she was a first grade teacher last year and I noticed how fun she seemed to make everything for the kids. She really seemed to have it all together. But he is sad his friends are not in his class.

Matia has Mrs. Durrant for 4th grade. I have heard FANTASTIC things about her and her teaching. So I am very excited. Yet she is sad that her friends are not in her class as well. She was really hoping for a teacher named Miss Udy but oh well I think this will be good for her.

Treg has Mrs. LeBaron who seems super nice he is also sad he has none of his friends in his class. But I keep reminding them this is a great opportunity to meet new friends. So far at the end of the week all of the kids are happy as can be.

Saturday was our first football and soccer games. The kids all played there best and won all their games. I just love being out and about and watching my children participate on a team. I feel like they are getting so much from it.

Aug 15-21st Granite Flats Townsend Reunion

2011-08-24T15:27:00.000-07:00

With soccer practices and football practices we really didn't do to much during the week. Such a fun week I also go a little crazy with the house to try and get it ready for back to school. Which makes no sense but its just the way I am. Then on Friday as soon as Terry got out of work we headed up to Granite Flats up AF Canyon to enjoy a weekend with the Townsend family.

It would have been nice to have mom and dad Townsend there a little longer but when duty calls I guess you better listen. But Troys, Taleshas, Taras and our family had fun playin in the reservoir and eating lots of birthday cake.

Man it really makes me realize how little we see our family and wish we did it more often. My nieces and nephews are getting SO big! But it seems like everytime we get together Terry's family has to remember just how crazy and silly he can get. We sure missed Cindy, Tammie and Tonia's families! Maybe next year, just maybe!

We decided to camp at Granite Flats so that if anyone had to work we were close enough for them to jump down while everyone kept camping. Well turns out I HAD to take Bowdee for football weigh's on Saturday morning so it was nice to be so close. And man that campground is beautiful up there. I think next year we will start planning for the group site up there that is a way cool one!

The morning that we woke up to leave we noticed we were attacked by a real bear... Well my friends (Ton & Holls) crazy as they are broke into the campground found our campsite, then decorated it with bear footprints, and suprises for my birthday. Talk about crazy!

Aug 9-14 Gooseberry for my Birthday

2011-08-18T15:44:00.000-07:00

This week football practice was in full swing 5 days a week until school starts. Then all the kids are signed up for soccer again and their practices started. I am Matia's coach again along with a friend of ours, and we got most of the same players back which will be fun. Bowdee thinks this is his last year for soccer which makes me sad. I LOVE watching him play. But I guess Football is more his focus these days. We also had a father/daughter activity days date. It was so fun to see all my girls with their daddys! I will be sad when I am released from this position. I have done it for about 4&1/2 years so I can't imagine I will be in it for much longer. I remember wishing Matia was old enough to be in my group and now she is almost outgrown my 2 years with her... It has been fun to meet all these cute girls in our ward!

Then the 12-14th we headed to Gooseberry for my birthday. This is one of my favorite places of all time! We camped just on the South end of Salina reservoir in the trailer I just love so much. It was perfect it felt like we had the place to ourselves. We even took our little blow up rafts out to see if the fishing got any better back in the thick of the woods.

Terry made me a "Skookie" for my birthday cake and of course I loved it. Then there was spoiling of the gifts. Which there shouldn't have been any because my real gift was the trailer and a 270 rifle to go deer hunting with this year.

The next day we four wheeled down a dirt road and just enjoyed the beauty of our surroundings. Also looking for some elk for Terrys elk hunt that is coming up. But I mostly enjoyed the ride, Tia and Treg are old enough where they want to drive us every where. Which will be nice once they are seasoned 4-wheelers but for now it is kinda exhausting.

This is livin the good life! Chillin around a campfire (close enough to my trailer to escape the bears). Listening to the frogs and crickets making their little night time sounds. Watching the stars fall from the sky. Then waking up early to sneak out for a little morning time fishing.

Aug 1-8 Boating / Strawberry Fishing

2011-08-11T15:02:00.000-07:00

August sure went fast! Crazy how the older I get the faster time goes. Ya this month I had my 37th birthday. Not sure how I feel about that. Through one eye I see how mature I have become and love watching my family grow. Yet the other eye refuses to see the good and focuses on the lines on my face and its like it can see the pain my joints I am now gaining when I do simple things I use to do so simply.

We did make it out once this week to Utah lake with a neighbor and Kamis kids... That was fun. Then Bowdee had football tryouts which he made the team he wanted...

He made Barron's A-team, of course he would have played his best and just been excited to play football but now he is extra excited to get the football year started.

We also had our last swim meet of the year. Then the following day the kids got their awards. Bowdee took 2nd, Matia took 12th, Treg took 6th and that was with missing a meet for Flaming Gorge. I am so proud of the great swimmers they have become.

We spent Friday night and Saturday doing chores (cleaning out the barn, yard work, you know not out fun playing but working work). But when Sunday rolled around we just coudn't take it any more so we pulled the boat up to Strawberry to catch us some lunkers for dinner... Well Kristi caught 6 lil' 13" fish,

Matia caught a butterfly,

Treg a crawfish,

Terry a guppy,

and Bowdee well he caught a water snake! So it was a fun eventful day yet it didn't quite fill our dinner plates like we had hoped.

July 17-24 Flaming Gorge

2011-08-02T12:47:00.000-07:00

I am just going to throw up alot of our favorite photos from this trip. It was amazing! Yes is rained alot the first few days but we had some fun inbetween the storms. We also created a memory none of us will forget during a major lightning thunderstorm. I guess you just had to be there but we ended up all huddled in our truck with all 6 kids crying because they thought we were going to get struck by lightning. If you get the chance have Matia tell it to you! She is hilarious! So here it goes the photos will give you an idea of how things went.

July 5-10 Brothers Visit

2011-07-25T16:09:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up I never imagined a life where my family didn't live close by. We grew up on a farm in the middle of the sticks where all we had was family. We were each others best friends... Of course we are still best friends but it just makes it so hard when we are all so far apart. Kathy in Cedar City, Clint in Seattle and Colt in Minnesota that is not how I imagined it to be when we were little but that is what it is and man it sure makes one fun week when everyone comes into town.

Tuesday Clint, Colt and Kathy all came into town with their families. Clint and Colt staying until Sat and Sun Kathy just for one night. We started it off with a birthday party for little Lucy at my house. It was fun to see my house fill up with friendly family faces but I soon had to leave for the American Fork First Soap Box Derby.

The kids were so excited to race their soap box that they worked so hard to make. It was so much fun seeing all the kids excited to race their creations and the spectators sitting by, and mothers biting their nails hoping their kids wouldn't get hurt.

Bowdee did great, he is a very serious racer who steps up to the ramp with all sorts of butterflies hidden deep within him. He crossed the line at 20.22 with a over all of 6th place. He told me that was the only sport he has played that he really didn't mind losing at all because the thrill of the race was worth every minute of it.

Matia flies down the hill and got all sorts of excited to see her cousins and uncles waving at her cheering her on. So she gives them a cute wave and almost loses control as she crossed the finish line. Then she ends with the first crash into the tires and cardboard boxes with a final time of 20.44.

Wednesday was filled with taking cute Lucy to Build a Bear for her birthday. Which is always a fun activity with a 5 year old. Then to Cafe Rio for lunch with the girls. Of course Cafe Rio is always fabulous especially when you have such great company. Then chilling at the house with all the cousins and family.

Then hustling to the kids 2nd swim meet of the summer. They all had a great swim Bowdee had 2 first place and 1 second place. Matia took 6th, 8th, and 3rd. Treg took 3rd, 2nd and a disqualified Butterfly (which really wasn't very fair). But the best part was all being there together to cheer each other on. All the other family went up the canyons for a nice hot dog roast.

Thursday this was the day of the famous Runway Tea Party. I didn't have the time I would have liked to have this all prepared so I took most of the morning preparing the house for a great Tea Party when you have 8 girls you must have a tea party. So tea party we did with a dress up photo shoot after a nice pampering.

Clint and Colt took some fabulous photos of the girls as they came out strutting their stuff! Then we had dinner here and sent all the kids to mom and dads for the famous cousin sleepover that they all look forward too.

Friday was filled with an innocent game of laser tag. Then off the Timpanogus to hike the cave. The cave was sold out so we opted for Cascade Springs. I have not been there in years so it was so much fun to hike around with my bros and their kids. Not to mention I love to drive American Fork Canyon it soothes my soul!

Saturday Terry, Bowdee and I woke up early to run the AF Steels day 5K. I was so proud of Bowdee for passing me in the last 30 seconds and for me running the whole thing without stopping. Then we rushed home to get Tia and Treg for their half mile race. They both did great Treg took 8th Matia took 6th Bowdee took 5th for their ages.
Then we stayed and watched our friends in the parade, then headed home for a shower then down to the carnival. Bowdee loved the Spinny one that about made me throw up just by watching it. Matia loved he spaceship but loves the classic merry-go-round as well. Treg loved the spaceship as well, but wished he could go on the round the world.

June 30-July 4th (Gooseberry w/ Covingtons)

2011-07-10T10:19:00.000-07:00

Last year when we went on this Gooseberry camp out with my parents we had so much fun we decided to make it a yearly tradition. We also had so much fun we decided to invite my whole family to join in on the fun. Well Kyle, Kami and mom and dad were the only ones that were able to make it. Sad that everyone couldn't join in on the fun but we were thrilled to have them come along.

My best part of the whole trip was sitting back watching the cousins just play together. I don't remember then once fighting or disagreeing. They always included everyone that wanted to be included. I loved watching the boys widdle wood, the girls explore the stream and all of them love each other. Its amazing the bond these cousins have with one another. So the plan was to go Fri after work.

However, we were all so excited to get this party started that we left on Thurs. Friday and Saturday were filled with driving the four wheelers around exploring the area. This year it was unique because since it has been such a wet cold year there were many trees fallen over.

In fact Troy had gone camping in the same area just the earlier part of the week and he parked his 4 wheeler on the path to a lake and just as he and his 3 kids got down the path toward the lake a huge 14" round aspen tree fell and landed right on his 4 wheeler!!! Not good he ended up having to hike back to his camp and drive to Salina to borrow a chain saw then head back up cut the tree off his 4 wheeler... By the end of all this drama he decided to just pack it up and head home 2 days early.

We also spent the mid mornings fishing Salina Res. Everyone that had a license caught a fish (many fish in most cases). We experienced the best fishing we have seen in along time. Grandma was thrilled because yes she loves those fish. She even started offering the kids $1.00 for each fish they would catch and clean for her.

So life was good fishing in the morning, four wheeling in the afternoon, and campfire visiting in the evening! Grandma also loves the pixie fires we provide for her. She thinks of them as the Utah Northern Lights. We would talk around the campfire many nights until 1 or 2. Just nice to catchup on our busy lives.

Sunday however, was a complete different adventurous day. You see we wanted to show Kami and Kyle more of the beautiful area and drive over to Fish Lake. We had heard that the road wasn't completely open due to the snow. But we thought we would go check it out in our 3 Diesel trucks and see how far we could go. We came to the first snow bank and Kye checked it out for us. Dad had to pull him out...

So we decided to throw out the sleds and let the kids go sledding in July for a bit, while we made and ate our lunch. Of course Terry had thought to pack the sleds... While we were sledding another group came along and decided they were going to shovel their way through it. So our boys grabbed the shovels we had and within an hour they made their way through to glacier.

We thought since we made it through the worse part that it was free sailing from there on out. It was beautiful and we were glad we pressed forward until we came to a traffic jam of like 6 trucks and a jeep rolled over down the hill. Nobody was hurt even though Terry tried to make our heart stops with a little tease. But in front of the trucks was a mud hole stopping everyone.

We had a little disagreement on whether to keep going or turn around. And the majority decided if we made it this far we need to keep going. So the men threw rocks and branches into the mud hole and we pressed forward. Grandpas truck was the last to go through and it was looking pretty ugly by the time he crossed it. But we made it through and on to Fish Lake it was.

We were thrilled to get out of the Trucks and stretch our legs in the Fish Lake Lodge. Where grandpa treated us all to an ice cream then we sat on the deck and enjoyed each others company. The tension from the drive was released and friendships rekindled.

Then we drove a short way along the lake to find a nice fishing spot. We all unloaded our children, dogs, tackle boxes and poles and headed down to the edge of the lake. Grandpa was the only one to catch a fish but we all gave it our best. And of course just being together is what it is all about anyway.

We all drove down through Salina and back to camp rather then driving the way we came. When we got back to camp we ate simple meals and rested or tired bodies around a nice campfire as the kids played in Kyles condo on wheels. After everything was said and done I think we will look back and remember this day to be filled with memorable moments. Stories that will be told to our families families through out time.

Monday we packed up camp and headed to Salina for a small town 4th of July Celebration. We signed up for the kids Grease pole, bought lots of raffle tickets and played all their booths donating to different groups within the city. Bowdee, Matia, Treg and Tayla did the grease pole... They were the 3rd group but the smallest so all the dollars stuck to the bottom half of the pole were gone. The kids gave it their best and climbed as high as they could. The fire dept gave them each a dollar for trying.

Then at 1:00 began the swimming races. Kami's family decided to head home. And Dad fixed his trailer brakes just in time to watch his grandkids race. They all did great and were thrilled with the quarter they got at the end of their races. The water heater was broken so it was fun to watch because so many kids had their breath taken away when they first got in the water.

But they all loved it when they threw in tons of coins and then blew the whistle for all the kids to jump in and collect as much money as they could. This is always a love/hate event because so many kids get tons of coins and some get none at all. When my kids heard how sad Tayla was about not getting many coins they rushed to split half their money with her. Ya that's a moment where a mother feels like she is teaching her children something right.

So our camping trip was over with a short 2&1/2 hour drive home. It is so nice now that the kids are old enough to help clean out the truck and trailer. I think in less then 1 hour we had everything pretty much cleaned up and back to normal... Besides the leaning tower of dirty clothes in my laundry room :(

Running low on energy we decided a short climb up the ladder to the top of the roof to watch fireworks all around the valley was just the ticket to a memorable 4th of July! I believe this was the first time I have been on our roof. It was steep and unnerving to have all my children up there where I didn't feel like I could help them if I needed to... But it was beautiful and amazing when I focused on the fireworks and not the fear. Thank you to all my family that came to Gooseberry with us. It was a great time, one I will cherish for all my remaining years to come.

June 19-25 Terry's Week

2011-07-05T12:16:00.000-07:00

Sunday- was Fathers day so we had planned to go boating however, it was windy and the AF boat harbor road was closed due to the road being washed out by the flooding... So we bagged boating and we headed to Grantsville to wish Terrys grandpa Hager, and dad a happy fathers day. We stopped at the Beehive home first to visit Grandpa. He is doing great still wanting to go back home. He did fall yesterday and hit his poor eye on the dresser and hurt his back. So he wasn't as "Happy" as he usually is.

Then we headed to Terry's dads house to visit him. He is doing so great after his surgery. You see last week on Tuesday he had his prostate removed due to cancer. We went to visit him that day and then the next morning he was headed home. He is doing AMAZING! I have to say I am so thankful for all the technology we have these days to catch cancer in its early stages. The visit we had with them was great!

Of course we couldn't just go home so we went to the Grantsville reservoir to try some fishing. Troys family was out there with us so the kids were playing more then fishing but as long as they were having a good time is all we cared about. We didn't catch anything and headed home. Terry thank you for being such a wonderful father to our kids. They are so lucky to have you in their lives! THANK YOU!

Monday- Since we were not able to wish my dad a happy fathers day yesterday, I invited him over for dinner tonight. I made one of Terry's favorite which is Alice Spring Chicken. I have to say my dad is amazing! He is so full of love, energy and spirit. He truely cares for and enjoyes every minute he spends with my children which shows how he loves me. Thanks Dad for always being so amazing!

Tuesday- HAPPY BIRTHDAY TERRY!!! What an amazing husband I have! Everyday he continues to shock me at the many talents he has. I feel bad for him almost because he can do so many things himself it puts more pressure on the boy. He never feels like he can justify paying someone to fix his car... Since he can do it. Repairs on the house, sprinklers, basement upgrades, building, everything... I just never have to worry because I have so much faith in him. Thank you Terry for being the man you are and being in my life... I love you so much! Just think one more year and you will be an old man. So you better really enjoy this year.

Wednesday- First swim meet of the season! So the kids did a fabulous job on their first swim meet of the season. Bowdee did the 200 IM and the 100 Butterfly which he set new summer records for both. Then he took first in the 100 Breast. Amazing swimmer he is. Matia did great on her 50 free, 50 Breast and 50 Fly. She really really didn't want to do the 50 Fly but she did it for me... Good job Tia. Treg did the 50 free, 25 Breast and 25 Fly. He took 1st on 2 of them and 3rd on the other. We love the competition and time to spend with each other.

Saturday- I was looking on the Steel Days website for information about the 5K. When I read "Soap Box Race" what is that" Terry about flipped out "What are you serious? Where, When tell me all about it." So needless to say I printed all the information out and after playing the Bill Cosby Go Cart clip for us he headed for the garage followed by his 3 little ones... They spent the rest of the weekend (which was supose to be a 3 hour project) building this soap box. Tuesday is the inspections so we had to get it all completed by then. What do we do with these men once they get an idea in their heads??? I will tell ya... the only way to get it out of their head is by letting them do it. And being as supportive as you can along the way. I may complain but in reality I couldn't think of a better way to spend the windy weekend with him in the garage teaching the kids all about building a soap box!

Best Friends of all time.

2011-06-20T12:00:00.001-07:00

Growing up on a farm we always had a pet dog as part of the family. They were good dogs some of our best friends. Honey (German Shepard, Husky Mix) and Nicky (Collie) were the 2 I remember as I was a small child. I remember them both being very loyal, loving and fabulous friends for us kids.

We also had a black lab named Penny who was a fabulous and very athletic dog. She was a great mink catcher, when the mink would get out she would catch them and pin them to the ground without hurting them. Then my brothers or dad would take the mink from her and return them to their pen. I don't have the original photo of Penny but this is what I remember her looking like. I remember the day my neighbor shot him while we were at church and only fatally wounded her. That was a hard day!

Then as I turned 8 my dad bought me a dog named Jenny she was a great dane and man did she get BIG. But I loved her so much and she loved me just the same. I don't have an original photo of her but this is what I remember her to look like. Jenny had a heart attack is what the vets said because she grew so fast her heart couldn't keep up with her. She was 2 years old.

Then I got a little older like kids always do... And we got a new family dog named Buffy. This was our first "little dog" she was a little poodle that was fun for us girls to tote around with us every where we went. But Buffy got old and grumpy and had to go live with an older lady more her style.

Then we moved into the "City" and Kami and I became teenagers. I don'tknow if this was just coincidence or very well thought through from a father with 2 daughters going throught the teenage years. But dad brought home a red doberman pincer named Missy. She was a great dog. I was amazed at how loving these dobermans were. We loved her so much we got another doberman named Jake.

Missy got hit by a UPS truck, the truck didn't even dare get out of the truck he just left her in the road. That was a hard hard day for me. So it was Jake who was left to protect us girls. That lasted for a while until all our boyfriends found out how loving he was then the didn't get to afraid of him anymore. Well shortly after I met Terry, we believe Jake had a heart attack. We found him resting peacefully in the back yard.

Then I got married and moved away. I didn't feel an urge to even get a dog because Terry and I were very busy... Well I thought that was the reason but looking back I really believe I was afraid of the day my new friend would leave me. You see I have never dealt well with death wether it was a person, farm animal or my dear pets. But shortly after I was married Kyle brought home the cutest chocolate lab puppy I have ever seen, and he named him "Timber". I can still remember Timbers puppy love. It's not hard to forget because he never lost that puppy bounce of course as he aged his bounce was not as strong or big but whenever we would come home he would bounce right up to us like he did the day Kyle adopted him. Another thing that is so special about Timber is he was the strong and silent type so full of love. When he was a puppy Kyle was teaching him to fetch and he was SO good at it.Kyle through a stick and he caught it but it jabbed into the ground and down his throat ruining his voice box. Never to bark again he would grumble or groan but no barks. I truely feel that we were Timbers true family, he was not our pet but we were his family. June 19 Timber passed away he was 99 years old in dog years. He was nearly blind and his hips hurt him so bad he could barely climb the steps to get into the house. He was loosing control of his bowel and we believe he had cancer... Yet even the last time I visited him he bounced right up to me to give me loves. Yes his bounce was slow and painful but so full of love. Kyle thank you for sharing Timber with all of us. And Timber your the most loving dog I have ever met... until next time my big buddy... I love you.

I guess if I am mentioning all our family dogs I must mention our "Crazy Maggie". Maggie is a head case who is often confused. When we all grew up and had families of our own my mom felt like she needed a "lap dog" so Kami and I found Maggie and took her home to our mom. Maggie had a hard life before my mom and now my mom is her comfort. Maggie has been great for my kids before we got Dash. I know the Grandkids all enjoy babysitting her.

June 5-11 Summertime

2011-06-13T13:22:00.000-07:00

The first week of summer is always a trick for me. It takes me about one week to adjust to the new schedules. I plan a whole new chore chart for the kids during the summer and this usually takes some time. Then I like to go through all the kids rooms and closets to remove fall clothes that don't fit and school items we won't be needing anymore. I also use this time to plan our summertime fun. So this is how the first week of our summer went.Monday 6, we spent all morning long figuring chores and doing them. The kids always think it is torcher that I make them do homework everyday. But Bowdee this year said he was so glad I make them do it so that he is still smart when he goes back to school. That felt nice that someday they just might appreciate the torcher I am putting them through now. Then at 1:30 they had their first swim practice of the year. Then after swimming, it was time for Bowdee to start packing for his spacecamp adventure. In P.G. they have a spacecamp in a school where kids can go and do a mock space adventure in these cool ships. Then they get to sleepover with their friends. He was so excited and he loved every minute of it. Although it was really weird for us to have him gone all night. He went on this wonderful adventure with Izak, Jonah, Annie and Adi all which are his best friends for a very long time.

Tuesday 7, What a wonderful day. Today is my brother-in-law Mikes birthday. I just have to give Mike a shout out. Mike has always been such a wonderful brother to me. He has loved me like I was his own sister since I was like 10. He has always been to the major events in my life and honestly I don't think one birthday has gone by that he has not called, wrote or somehow expressed how much he loves me. Mike you are an amazing person. Thank you for everything you have done for me and my sister in this life. She could not have married a better man. I love ya!

When Bowdee came home it was obvious he did not sleep well. But he was so excited it didn't really matter. I love seeing how happy he was to be with his friends. Bowdee I hope you continue to always choose good friends. Then Matia had a baseball game which she did pretty well she got on base both hits which was GREAT because the other team was really good. Then we shuffled Tia off to her dance and headed to Bowdee's Baseball game as fast as possible. Right as we were pulling up Bowdee's assistant coach called us and said we just missed Bowdee's home run. There were 2 boys on base and he hit the fence and ran them all home. And of course we barely missed it. His team still hasn't had a win, but they sure try hard.

Wednesday 8, This is the day we take off of swim team and we go play as a family. I woke up early and ran 4 miles with my sister to get my workout out of the way. Then we hussled with our chores then we hit the Shelley library for new books, down to Fat Cats for free bowling, over to Nickle City for some fun, to Arbys for some lunch, to Poco Loco for some swimming supplies then skipped the movie because it didn't start soon enough and back to AF. Drop Bowdee off at his friends to take him to another Baseball game, then to the church for Activity Days, as soon as that was over back to Bowdee's baseball game then home for dinner. I know it sounds like alot but we all loved it and we slept really good that night.

Thursday 9, I woke up and realized something was very wrong. My throat was on fire, I took a drink of water to put it out and that just made it worse. So I went to look at it and found it was BRIGHT RED with some white patches down it. It wasn't just that though I hurt all over like I got hit with the worse flu ever. I was in denial and fought it for most of the morning. Then I finally gave in and went to the Dr. Yep it was Strep alright. He gave me the option of a shot or pills. I took the shot of what seemed like peanut butter, shot all the way down to the bone the needle was so long which hurt but I felt so sick it didn't even matter. Got some popsicles and headed back to my bed. That was all I remember of that day. Matia did knock out Tregs other front tooth last night playing football, then he did have a baseball game tonight that Terry took him to.

Friday 10, Matia had her dance dress rehersal so since I still didn't feel the best rolled out of bed and got her ready then my friend Stacy took her for me so I wouldn't have to go sit through that. Then my friend Amy took the kids to swim team for me so I could rest some more and by 5:00 I was feeling pretty good. So we went on a double date with the Callaways. And we let the kids all play while we were gone. When we came back we headed outside and enjoyed a little campfire. I am s thankful for all these wonderful friends in my life.

Saturday 11, Treg had baseball practice in the morning and then at 2:00 was Matia's Dance Recital. She has worked for about 6 months on this dance and she did such a great job. Terry and I just love watching her dance! My mom and dad also came to watch which is fun to have them there. They danced to "Friends by Toy Story" and a song from Tangled. She did fabulous and loved the trophy she got at the end of it. We also got her flowers and took her to Olive Garden to eat. I guess we are trying to bribe her to keep dancing. Which is fine we will do what we need to do to keep her loving it. Because right now she does it because Terry makes her. Then spending abot 4 more hours dewinterizing the boat and burning up the impeller we threw in the towel and went to our friends Claytons house for BBQ and visiting with friends. We stayed until about 10:30 but we loved every minute of it.

May 31- June 4th - 15 Year Anniversary

2011-06-05T16:58:00.000-07:00

"You Make My Heart Skip!"
May 31st, 15 years ago today I married my best friend. Through the last 15 years we have built 2 houses, earned Terry's Bachelors Degree, had 3 beautiful children, suffered a painful miscarriage, started a successful preschool, endured 4 different lay offs, and even though the last 15 years has been alot harder then I could have ever imagined it could be it has been more rewarding then any other time in my life.

"I have"
I am so thankful to have Terry in my life and to know that he has my back and he loves me through all my weaknesses! Terry I am so thankful that we enjoy the same things in life. That we don't just love each other that we "Get" each other. You understand me better then anybody else. And I have a pretty good understanding of you and who you are. And because we believe in and enjoy the same things we make a great couple. Thanks again babe for everything you are to me. Happy Anniversary! I also believe I have loved you forever and I am so glad we found each other just in time.

Once again Tues, Wed, Thurs, and Friday all blurred together with baseball games every night. We did find out that all 3 kids will be doing swim team again this summer. And I spent my days preparing for my summer days to be filled with adventures with my children. I love summertime. I love these precious long days with my kiddos.

So Friday was the last day of school. Every night I ask the kids their bestest and worstest and all of the kids said the same thing. Their bestest was it being the last day of school. But their worstest was it being the last day of school. I am so glad I have kids that love school as much as they hate it. After school we celebrated with friends, freetime to do anything they wanted, and of course snow cones!

Saturday, my really good friend Amy insisted on taking the kids for the weekend so Terry and I could go celebrate our anniversary. So where else can you go that will give you free rooms, $60.00 free gambling money, and a perfect 1&1/2 hour drive not too expensive in gas but long enough to enjoy our long getting to know you better talks. No where that we have found offers this but Wendover. So yes we left for the night to go dancing, penny slotting, and relaxing in the company of just each other. Thanks Amy, your the BOMB!

May 22-28th Yellowstone FINALLY!

2011-06-05T15:48:00.000-07:00

May 22nd is a special day in my life. This is my mom's birthday. My mom is an amazing person. She has so much strength and courage. We share alot of the same loves in life. She never judges anyone for the things they do. I love the comfort I feel just by being near her. I feel like I can tell her anything and she will somehow understand. I love you mom! I sure missed you when you were in Hawaii.
Then Monday, Tues, and Wed where such a blur. Filled with all 3 kids baseball games, practices, scouts, dance, activity days, and packing for Yellowstone. To me baseball isn't as fun to watch as soccer is. But I still love watching my kids do their best and learn the sport.

Thursday we finished packing and headed out right directly into the storm. We almost didn't go because of the weather but I am so glad we did. We left Dash with Troy and his girls and squished all 7 of us into our Sierra. This is the trip we like to do yearly but missed it the last 2 years. So we spent the first night in West Yellowstone at the Days Inn.
The pool was so full of teenagers we skipped swimming that night and figured we would hit it early in the morning. We did eat at Gushers Pizza and then sat around listening to Grandma's Hawaii experiences as the snow gently covered the ground through the night.
Friday the kids (Dad, Terry, Bowd, Tia, and Treg) all went swimming while mom and I went to check out the roads in Yellowstone and Movie times. We found out they closed Yellowstone until about 12:00 because of all the ice. So we checked out of the hotel and went to enjoy the IMax movie of Yellowstone.
After we picked out rocks and souvenirs and headed to Mammoth. We spotted 2 bears and some amazing wildlife sites. Of course it was snowing on and off all day. So we just enjoyed the amazing sites Yellowstone has to offer from the comfort of our truck.
Saturday we went to go into Lamar Valley to check out the wolves and Grizzly w/ Cubs feeding on a carcass when the road was closed due to a rock slide. DANG! So we about faced and headed back to Mammoth. The boys went to the museum watching movies and browsing trying to kill time for the road to open (which it never did). While the girls went shopping.
Then when we decided it wasn't going to open we went for a drive down to Hayden Valley. We saw more Grizzlies up close and by the road. They were amazing and so fun to watch. I was also thrilled to find a Grizzly bear since this was the one thing Treg really wanted to see on this trip.
Sunday we took our time driving through the park down to Jackson. We also stopped at the mud pots and geysers for Bowdee. The Grand Canyon waterfall was hidden by a thick layer of cold frost in the air. When we stopped at West Thumb we saw an amazing Coyote in the parking lot.
Since we didn't see Bowdee's Wolf we were excited to see one of his cousins. Tia was still on the lookout for her moose and we were all relieved when we found a lone moose at Grant Village. Then we saw another moose along the Snake just outside of the Grand Tetons.
We made it to Jackson in time to do a little shopping for Bowdee and Tregs last souvenir and then to Bubba's for dinner. After dinner which took a little longer then we liked we hit the pool. It was nice and warm in the pool but oh how the rain was cold outside. This was the first year since we started this tradition that my mom felt well enough to get in and play with us. I can't tell you how valuable this memory is to me. I loved every minute of it.
Monday morning I took the kids to play in the game room while Terry cooked us an awesome tailgate breakfast of english egg and sausage mcmuffins. Then we cleaned up and headed home. Nobody was excited to have our exciting vacation over but we will cherish our memories created forever! Thank you mom and dad for the wonderful experiences you shared with us. It was an amazing vacation even if it snowed everyday and never got over 45 degrees!

May 15-21 Goodbye to Soccer Season

2011-06-05T15:23:00.000-07:00

This week was a busy one which we always love. That is when the memories are created and relationships are strengthened. So Thursday a bunch of us friends went and did Karaokee. It was so much fun to just dance our hearts out and sing off tune and nobody cares. I love it.

Friday I went on a walking fieldtrip with Treg and his first grade class. We walked downtown and followed maps around town. Which it started out as the perfect fieldtrip. Nice and cool no rain and not to hot. However, as we headed back the rain really began to come down. We threw on garbage bags over all the kids and did our best to keep them dry. I loved it.

Saturday was our last soccer game. It will be sad to see it go. I love seeing how good he kids get by the end of the season. I just love going to their games and cheering on all the kids. So it was a bit of a sad moment. But I have learned that the fall season will be here before we know it.

Saturday night me, Kami, Emilee, and Tonja headed out to Wendover we have a fun band that we just love to dance to. Emilee really wanted to go so we headed West and went dancing. It's just fun to get all dressed up with the girls and have some fun.

May 8-14th

2011-05-20T15:50:00.000-07:00

Sunday - Mothers day was wonderful! We got to go visit both of the wonderful mothers in our lives and spend some good one on one time with them. I am so appreciative to have them around us to learn from and love. They both have such amazing strengths and they are so full of love. Thank you moms for being part of our lives.

Then I have to thank Terry for being the person he is. He is such an amazing father the way he is teaching his children to respect and love me by the example he is setting for them. He made me my favorite dinner, cleaned the house, then they took me horse back riding, and gave me a pedicure and an hour long massage.

It just doesn't get better then that. And to have the kids right there participating and learning is the best part of it all. Thank you Terry for being so great to me and the kids.

Thursday - Graduation day. This is the day I love and hate all in the same breath. I love seeing how the students have progressed through the year and watching them so excited to give their moms their flowers and sign yearbooks. But I hate it all the same because most of these kids will be going to kindergarten and I will truly miss seeing them each week. So it was a fabulous yet busy and exhausting day.

Friday - Matia's Science Project. So Matia has been so disappointed that I have not been able to help with fieldtrips this year. So when her science teacher asked if I could help there was just no way to pass that opportunity. Thanks Tia for letting me be a big part in your life.

Saturday - We had another day full of soccer games and baseball practices. I do have to say I sure love watching the kids participate in team sports. I feel like they are learning so much by playing on these teams. And it keeps us busy which is a happy feeling for our family.

Busy Saturdays

2011-05-10T08:04:00.000-07:00

Our heads popped off the pillows at 6:30 in a rush to get dressed for soccer, eat and rush to church no its not Sunday but we volunteered to clean the church. So we rushed over and helped a few other families in the ward clean.

Matia loved mopping the bathrooms. Treg really wanted to vacuum but he got to clean the mirrors dust. Bowdee checked all the toilet papers and paper towels and refilled where needed. It was a good experience one to teach them volunteering. They all loved it and want to do it again next week.

After cleaning we went straight to Tregs soccer game. He played tough but the other team was tougher. Treg is very competitive and he hates to loose. So it was a hard one to take but right after his soccer game I had to shoot over to drop Bowdee off at baseball practice then to coach Matia's soccer game.
She had some fire in her I tell ya. The parents on the side lines for the other team were talking about how tough that number 8 is and how she isn't afraid of anything. She thought the other team said her friend was stupid so she was vicious with them. They were excited to win a game.While I was coaching Tia's game Terry took Treg to his baseball practice, picked up Bowdee from his and rushed him over to his soccer game. Bowdee is also fun to watch. He is getting to the point where he is doing some fancy foot work with the ball. He made a few goals, his team has played together for a long time so its fun to watch them all progress.After his game we came home and had intentions of going camping in our new trailer... Oh wait did I say new trailer I mean new to us... but yes we finally broke down and bought us a toy hauler. It is just perfect for our family. But the weather said it was suppose to start raining and keep raining all through the next day so we bagged the camping trip and worked in the yard.

Toothfairy on his way

2011-05-04T07:59:00.000-07:00

So the toothfairy better be on his way tonight. Both the boys pulled out their loose tooth at school. Bowdee pulled his out on Tues then Treg on Wed. But Bowdee forgot to put his under his pillow so the Tooth fairy is getting a bonus by hitting our house twice in the same night. Bowdee got bored in Math so he pulled his out. Treg was listening to oral reports and pulled his out. Crazy boys! But look how cute they look without their teeth. Although Treg is thinking of keeping his tooth because the tooth fairy only pays him one dollar for a whole tooth and that just doesn't seem fair to him.

April 28th REALLY?

2011-04-28T13:53:00.000-07:00

Wow where oh where does the time go? I just really don't know. I am so confused one minute it is just April and the next it is the beginning of May and I have preschool graduation in 2 weeks. Then the kids are out of school just 3 weeks after that! I am so looking forward to summer. I love having the kids all to myself. I can have them do homework when we want or skip it a day if we are having too much fun. Anyway let me focus on the past and what we have done this month before I change the subject and focus on what we are going to be doing this summer.

So Spring break was from April 11-15 and I just loved that week of my life. We did so many fun things together I think that is why I am so excited for summer. The first day we went horseback riding w/ grandpa C. Matia was in heaven and just couldn't stop. Of course that is fun for me to watch because it reminds me of when I was little and had that same thrill. Who am I trying to kid I still get that giddy about horses. Bowdee went sledding with Adi which they always have a good time together. When Terry got home we worked on putting up more sheet rock.

Tuesday we took a trip up to the Childrens Museum at Gateway. We have not been up there in a few years so that and the free tickets got us up there. The Garricks were going as well so we hitched a ride with them and we had a fabulous day together. Of course on the way home the kids planned a late night after soccer practices. Terry and I spent the night basement... ya you got it we did more sheet rocking.

Wednesday I went walking with my friends, the kids worked on their reports and posters. Then we went to Yogi Bear at Movies 8 and Build-a-bear to use up our free coupons. Matia got to choose this years bear and it ended up being a sheep. Then Bowdee got to go to a Real Game with his soccer team. Terry and I ended up back in the basement worried that Bowdee was going to freeze his guts out!

Thursday Terry got off work a little early and we had free rooms at Wendover so we took the nice drive through the salt flats for a little family time. We spent 2 nights there this time. We went four wheeling and exploring. Then the last day before we left for more four wheeling we stopped at the park and Treg hit his head really hard on the T-swing. He got the biggest goose egg I ever saw.

The kids thought it was super cool to go visit Uncle Teds brother that owns a parts store there in Wendover. Well okay they absolutely LOVED his big parrot Big Red. And Bowdee LOVED the corvettes he had outside getting ready to wash. Ya they were pretty cool. I do have to admit, he also gave us some good tips on where to go ride our 4-wheelers and shoot our guns! Thanks Mike.

I think it was more like an ostrich egg. I hate head injuries they scare me like crazy but of course his dad is all cool and reminded me he will be ok. But it did ruin what 4 wheeling we had in mind since there was no way his helmet was going to fit over that thing. So Saturday we headed home picked up Dash from mom and dad C. and you got it we finished sheet rocking the basement! :)

The week that followed we played lots of soccer, practiced oral reports, finished reports, Bowdee had his first baseball game which he played catcher the entire game and loved it. He also got the first home run of the season. He was so excited and I was upset because I missed recording him. But it was fun to watch how excited he got about that. He has some great coaches this year and Jonah one of his best friends is on his team. So I think he is going to like it better this time.

Saturday of Easter weekend we had 3 soccer games, a birthday party and a yard to clean. We also made a fence to keep the chickens in half of our garden. I just got so tired of them pooping on my sidewalk. What a project that was, oh then we finally got to color those Easter eggs.

Easter finally came the kids have been so excited they could hardly wait another day. It's always so fun to see what the Bunny is going to bring them and where he will hide their eggs. It was a beautiful day so outside it was. After the hunt we got to chill for a little before church then away we went. Terry stayed home to finish working in the yard some more. After church I took a record of 3 hour nap...
I don't remember the last time I did that but WOWSER that felt Great! I think I will do it again sometime soon! After all the lesson was on simplifying our lives so I felt like I was following the Lords commands when I did it. Then Terry fed us an amazing dutch oven dinner, man he rocks.

Monday was Matia's Time Machine Oral Report. She choose to do it on Florence Nightingale. I learned so much about Florence but I also learned that Matia is a great student who always tries her best in her schooling. I am so proud of all she does. She wanted to look just like Florence so I did her hair like the pictures and I made her a dress just like she thought it should be. I know, I know.... am I spoiling her? or am I encouraging her to always do her best? I don't know but I hope I am doing it right. She did fantastic just like I knew she would!

Tuesday she got to go on a field trip up to the Clark planetarium at Gateway. I wanted to go so bad but I was teaching preschool that day so :( But she did take some photos for me and it looked like it was a lot of fun. Matia said her favorite part was the bus ride...

Wednesday was Bowdee's Oral report on the state of Oregon. He did a power point in class and then the poster board and a 15 page report. It was amazing. I can't believe they are doing this in 5th grade this was much like my high school state report. Once again I was amazed at how much of it he did all by himself. The way he held himself during his oral report with just a few notes to go off of was great. Then right after school he had his 2nd baseball game. Played catcher again and he hit a great hit out in left field and made it to 2nd base.

Tonia's 3rd Campfire

2011-04-04T12:58:00.000-07:00

So ever since Tonia's passing we have tried to get as many of her siblings as we can to go out to Israel Canyon and build a campfire. Then we just build our relationships and talk of the good ol' times. Tonia is often the conversation piece. So this year Troy, Talesha, Tara and our families made it Friday night.

It's amazing how fast time goes by. It seems every year this time of year early spring I start thinking about Tonia and wishing I could just call her on the phone and see how she is doing. I miss her long talks, talks that would hit just about every topic. I loved calling Tonia because I never feared I wouldn't know what to say. She was always so concerned and interested in my kid and family. I don't know if my thoughts turn to her because her birthday is on the 2nd of April or if it is the time she returned home.. Whatever the reason I sure miss that girl. She taught me alot about how to love people unconditionally no matter what trial they were struggling with. She taught me to always make sure you are giving more then you are receiving. Love you sis!

It was a wonderful night. Perfect to be exact. The view of the lake and the city lights. The clear sky full of stars. The warm weather was nice. The kids all played and got along and nobody got hurt. It was a great celebration. Thanks Troy, Tara and Talesha for coming and making it possible.

Zoo Fieldtrip w/ Treg

2011-04-04T12:47:00.000-07:00

I love going on fieldtrips with my kids. In 1st grade they always take them to the Hogle Zoo. I have gone with all my kids on this fun fieldtrip and loved everytime I have gone. So it was finally Tregs turn we had 4 other boys in our group and we had alot of fun. I think their favorite part was having their own maps.

They also loved the playground which totally stressed me out because I think all the other kids in the whole zoo were there and it was impossible to keep my eyes on 5 different boys who were constantly headed in different directions.

But all in all we had a fabulous time. All the boys said they loved the bus ride up there although one of the boys mentioned he wished they had seat belts. It just felt wrong to him not to be wearing one.... Love it! Thanks Treg for letting me come on your adventure!

Busier Nights

2011-03-29T14:04:00.000-07:00

So our nights went from busy to busier. Soccer season is starting this Saturday so that means practices during the weekdays. Also Bowdee tried out for baseball and made the Reds team. I thought it would be okay because last time we did this they only over lapped 2 weeks but this time they are starting baseball this week with 3 practices. I am glad he will be getting so much practice but I hope we can both juggle this schedule for the next 8 weeks. Matia and Treg will also be starting baseball but it won't be for a while (I am hoping). We did drop gymnastics and swimming for right now to help ease the pain. But we love this staying busy and happy.

Bowdee just also had his school music performance. He of course did great but Terry and I had to laugh. He has the same demeanor as he did in Kindergarten when he is performing. He doesn't like to smile and only watches us and his teacher. But it was fabulous and it made me cry to think he is growing up so stinking fast.

We are still working in the basement when we can. The ceiling and most of the walls now have sheet rock on them. It is so amazing how much different the sheet rock makes it look. I am just glad to be done with the 12 foot sheet rock ceiling pieces. At times I was trying to think of a way to get someone to help Terry but in the end Bowdee and I helped him and we "got 'er done".

St. Patricks Day 2011

2011-03-18T14:42:00.000-07:00

So yes the Leprechauns came to our house again. But this year the kids made sure the doors were shut to all the other rooms and nothing much was left out for them to mess up. Although they did sneak some of Tregs cake and left frosting footprints across the counter.

Treg had fun following the string to his hidden treasure under the armouir. They left him a green zuh zuh pet, green gum, green drink, green mike n ikes.

Matia had fun inspecting the house with miniature furniture she set up for them under a rainbow. They even left her a mini note saying they loved her.

Bowdee had fun checking out the trap he set for them. Although he didn't catch them once again they did mess up the trap without setting off the main component. However, they did that he will never understand.

Dinner was of course green once again. Green Jello, Green Salad, Green Chips, Green Rolls, Green Eggs and Green chilli verde. It was fabulous but once again I feel so lucky to have the family I have. Happy St. Patricks Day!

Treg's 7 years old

2011-03-15T14:48:00.000-07:00

It's crazy to think my baby is now 7 years old. The time has flown by so fast and has been so fun. I love watching Treg because I feel like I am watching Terry grow up. They are so much alike yet they can be so different. When I am upset Treg does whatever he can to make me happy.

But Terry on the other hand usually thinks it is fun to push my buttons and watch me explode. Terry still wakes Treg up every night at midnight so he can take him potty. Terry doesn't want Treg to go through what he did. So he wakes him up and takes him every night. Treg sucked his thumb, just like his dad. He is great at numbers, just like his dad.

He looks just like him! And even shares this cute funny faces when they get confused or deep in thought. I just love my boys! Treg was the bonus in our family that makes it complete. He didn't demand breakfast in bed he just wanted to have his birthday 4 days early, with rice crispy breakfast but if I couldn't do it then pancakes were fine.

He got the rice krispy breakfast but not the 4 day early birthday. He didn't want expensive gifts, he just wanted to play laser tag with his 4 best friends. So we went to Jack and Jills and let them take care of the balloons, cake, gift bags, and mess. It was fabulous this was my first bday party away from home and we LOVED it!

And best of all he wants Top Ramen and fortune cookies for his Birthday dinner. Ya, he is pretty simple just like Terry can be. But just when you think you have them figured out. He declares the next day it is not fair Tia got breakfast in bed and he didn't. Even though on his birthday he didn't want that.... So I guess boys will be boys and who are we kidding are they ever simple? Treg I love you to pieces and I feel so lucky to be your mom! I hope you enjoyed your birthday party and your life so far in this family.

Snowboarding One Last Time

2011-03-14T14:30:00.000-07:00

So we just couldn't throw in the towel and be done with snowboarding for the season so we hit the slopes one last time. As we were going up the lift the second time Treg says "Dad this is so much fun, at first I didn't want to come but thank you for bringing me. I LOVE THIS, can we do this for my birthday!"

It was a perfect day! The sun was shining, the skies were blue, and we all had fun. We even got brave and hit the miniture board park with the rails and stuff. Which then took us to Snake Creek for a beautiful look out. It was a shorter day because we forgot about day light savings until we were headed up there but it was still a wonderful day! I just can't tell you how it takes my breath away when I am boarding down the slope following my 3 darling kids and cute little husband bouncing down the hill.
It's life's simple miracles I enjoy the most!

Matia's 9th Birthday

2011-03-12T14:04:00.000-08:00

So today my baby girl turned 9 years old. It is just crazy to me, but I have loved every minute of it. Watching her grow from a totally dependant infant to an independent loveable sweet young girl. She has been waiting for her birthday so she could be served breakfast in bed... So here you go breakfast in bed.

At lunch time my mom and I checked her, Daisy, and Treg out of school and we took them to build a bear. My mom gave them some money to build whatever animal they wanted. It was perfect they loved getting out of school then spending time with grandma and to make a new stuffed friend on top of it was amazing!

Matia is such a social girl at school. She always finds a way to befriend everyone she meets. So when we were planning her party we had a VERY hard time limiting it to just 10 girls. Last year we found this amazing deal on these kits where you sew these little build a bears together. She loves sewing so we bought enough to make it a party. Thanks to my amazing friends who helped make it possible.

We sewed our bears together, weighed them, filled our their birth certificates, played a few games, ate cake and ice cream and opened presents. Matia loves all her friends but she has a hard time with all the excitement and attention on her so even though it was amazing we decided this is her last year for a BIG party.

After her party we had her favorite french dip sandwiches then we opened our gifts to her. Of course she loved her American Girl Doll Julie, she was amazed at the bunkbeds and was excited to stay up all night sewing the matress, blankets and pillows for the girls.

Matia I love you to pieces I hope you know that. You light up my life and make me smile whenever I think of all the kind things you do for other people every day of your life. Thank you for your examples of friendship and kindness! You are truely amazing! Happy Birthday my best girlfriend!

Busy Nights

2011-03-09T13:53:00.000-08:00

So during the week we have started working on the basement. We just ran the electrical and rough plumbing for the kitchen. It was a nasty job with all the insulation but it has to be done. So here is a before photo.

Then Bowdee and I decided to start working on a small project for Matia's Birthday see she is getting a doll that she has wanted for over 3 years. Terry finally caved in and bought it for her. Of course it is for her birthday but Bowdee wanted to do something for her to go along with it. So we started making her some bunk beds for her dolls. Bowdee and I have enjoyed working together and learning at the same time.

Then we have her build a bear birthday coming up so I have been decorating the house, making cakes, and getting the party ready. Bowdee is still in scouts, piano, and doing fabulous in school.
Matia is in gymnastics, dance, and swimming lessons. Treg is in gymnastics as well and swimming lessons. Its busy but it keeps us all going and happy.

Treg also just performed in his class play at school the "King Bidgood's in the Bathtub" Play he was a narrator and he did a fabulous job. He is so animated it made it fun to watch all his actions. Good job Treg we loved watching your performance!

Wendover w/ My Girls

2011-03-07T13:22:00.000-08:00

So my girls and I were talking and we figured the only time we would get away until June, for a short weekend away would be the first weekend in March. So Friday we sent the kids off to school packed our bags and headed to Wendover. Well okay we first stopped at Red Robin for lunch then to Ross for some Dancin Clothes.

Then it was our nice drive out to Wendover for a free room and to just sit around and breath. Terry always asks what do we do in Wendover that we enjoy so much. So this is what we do... We got our room then drove to Smiths for some snacks, got a Red Box movie.

Ate at Arby's and talked there until 11:00 then we went back to the room. Watched our movies while I worked on my clipboard projects and Holly slept, Tonja enjoyed Eat, Love, Pray. Fell asleep around 3:00. Slept in, showered, Tonja gave free pedicures and hair cuts. Then they both straightened my hair for me. We went for lunch at Pizza Hut and shopped the family dollar. Then Kami and Emilee showed up for the Jagertown Concert. So we found them just 1 door down from ours and went to the Peppermill for the show. Emilee and I played $20.00 on 21, I came out $70 ahead. Then we danced our selves silly until 2:30 in the morning.

We drug ourselves to our rooms and crashed until 10:00 the next morning. I didn't fall asleep until 5:00... I swear I just don't sleep well without Terry. Anyhow we got up and showered, cleaned up, headed to the car, but had to gamble our free money away first. Made about 20$ more on the slot machines then ate at Subway and headed home. On the way home we decided we all wanna get skinny so we devised a plan to help each other be healthier and then we went home. That was our fun, nice relaxing weekend. And now it is over but I just can't tell you how lucky I feel to be apart of such great girls! So as you can see it is not so much as what we do as who we are with and how we feel!

Brighton - OUCH!

2011-02-28T09:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday started out perfect! We woke up at 7:00 to go snowboarding as a family to Brighton. We left the house around 8:45 which we thought the resorted opened at 9:30 so we were right where we wanted to be. The kids were all filled with stoke and excitement to hit the mountain again. We listened to the Hunger Games on our trip up and all was good. We got our tickets and hooked up with Troy, Terrys brother. I told Terry, Troy and Bowdee to go have fun and that we would meet them for lunch around 12. So I took Matia and Treg up Magestic for a few really fun rides. We had a few moments where I was questioning my abilities and was wishing Terry was there to help me out. Like the time Tia went ahead of me and Treg through the trees. But Treg was unable to make that path and started heading down a different path. I had to unstrap and carry him back up the hill to the path so that Tia wouldn't be lost and waiting for us. After that I got smart and told her to follow us. Getting off the lift went alot smoother then I expected. They both held my hand and I was in the middle and we just coasted right off. So all and all we had a great time. Treg took a really big wipeout, he was just going all out trying to get down cuz his face was cold. He hit a big bump and it threw him pretty good. He was covered in snow and spread eagle facing up. But he didn't move I got up to him and he was ok he said his arm hurt which scared me but it was just the snow. We were right under the lift and I heard alot of people gasping and pointing at him. But we got him up and started heading down the mountain and shortly after we got going a snowmobile ski patrol came barreling up the mountain headed right for where we were. I seriously think someone called the patrol for this little lifeless boy that just took a big hit. Because if I didn't know him better I would have thought the same thing the way he just laid there motionless not even crying out loud even though he probably wanted to. So after about 3 good runs with the kids we took a quick potty break and there were the boys ready for lunch. We went back to the truck and enjoyed the best pulled pork sandwich ever. Then headed back to the mountain for some fun. Terry decided it was my turn to go with Troy and Bowdee. I was a little nervous because for the last 3 years I have been bound to the bunny hills with the kids while they were learning. So you could say I am pretty rusty when it comes to snowboarding with the Big Boys. But I was excited too so we headed up Crest then headed over to Snake. Thats about the last thing I remember... I guess I caught my back edge and flung back and hit my head on the ice. Troy and Bowdee says I kept asking the same questions over and over. If Terry had the little kids and if we were on Snake. I could follow Troy down the mountain but if I couldn't see him I would stop because I was lost and had no clue where I was. So since Bowdee was following me he would show me Troy and I would start to follow him again. Then I do remember fighting with Troy telling him to leave me at the lodge and to go have fun while I take it easy. (which was about 1 hour after I fell because I insisted on him taking me on one more run, which I remember nothing about.)

I was sitting at the lodge for about 45 min while Troy and Bowdee were off looking for Terry and the kids. There was a really nice guy named Chris who came to talk to me. He sat down and showed me his good luck golden necklace that was from back in the 1600's. Thats why he didn't need a helmet like I evidently did. He also balled up some snow for me to hold to my head. And he was just a cool cute guy who took my mind off my hurting head and made me feel like I was going to be okay. Ya know he could tell I was hurting and what a nice thing for him to do. To spend that long sitting and talking to some old lady to make sure she was okay. When he could have just walked right past me and been snowboarding. I know most people would look at him with his long curly hair that was begining to dreadlock and think what a punk. But wow what a heart of gold that kid had. Chris whoever you are thanks for making a difference in my day. I hope someday I can be more like that, so outgoing and helpful instead of shy and passive.Troy found Terry and the kids going up Crest yelled to them and they hurried down as fast as they could. Then we left, that was it 30 minutes before the lifts closed. Bowdee was so cute, I was feeling guilty making everyone leave early. So he says its a good thing mom because now we can beat the traffic. I have to say I am one pretty lucky girl to have a family that loves me as much as they do. Troy was so sweet and fabulous to take care of me. Bowdee was so worried, I think I really scared him and Troy both. Terry made sure I had everything I needed and I wasn't falling asleep. Matia kept rubbing my head and asking me questions. Treg well that was the funniest part of the whole thing, listen to this. Terry was teasing me about if I died this and that which was all funny and good hearted. Then Treg says "Yah if mom dies then we won't have to go to school tomorrow."

So when I woke up today I seriously felt like I was hit by a freight train that was going super fast. My hip hurts, my neck kills, my head throbs and I feel older then I have ever felt... But I am happy to be alive. I am thankful for my sweet family and all my dear friends. I hope I am living a life that I show people how I feel about them and that they will never have to wonder if I loved them. Because I do love my friends and family so much! I just hope they know that. Thanks guys

Nosey Neighbors

2011-02-25T20:27:00.000-08:00

Check out our nosey neighbors. Our chickens are so funny. The other day Matia and I were in the office when we hear a thump on the back door. Matia checks it out and our silly Sweetie Pie was trying to fly through our glass door. I guess I cleaned it better then I thought :) But they often times peek through our door and tease Dash our dog... By the way aren't hens suppose to be quiet? We have some that I swear are as loud as the roosters. I hope it doesn't keep the neighbors up.

Boys Boarding Sundance

2011-02-23T17:27:00.000-08:00

So Wednesday was the perfect day to skip school and go boarding. That is just what I did for Bowdee. Okay so I did't go boarding with them... But I did take them up to Sundance to enjoy the day. Right when we got up there we met up with Jonah Beck and his parents which Jonah is a really good friend of Bowdee's. It is funny because I remember Bowdee pointing to Jonah when we were in the same ward and said mom that kid is so funny I want to be his friend! Ever since then their friendship has grown stronger and stronger. So when we met up with them his parents offered to bring the boys home.It wasn't a hard decision when I had preschool to prepare and activity days girls coming to my house at 4, to do a scrapbooking layout. I took their generous offer gave Bowdee some money for lunch and went home. The boys had a great time and I got so much done!

Fish Dinner w/ Mom & Dad

2011-02-23T17:20:00.000-08:00

So after my mom and dad babysat Dash (our Labradoodle) while we went to Wendover. We invited them over for a YUMMY fish dinner. Terry makes the best fish dinner and any time he is willing to cook it for me he is welcome to go fishing. My mom is also a big fan of Terrys fish dinner. Okay so she will eat just about any fish put in front of her. In fact that is why her dad would take her fishing is so she could eat the fish and he could catch more! Nobody can eat fish like my mom. She will lick the bones to get the last little bit and she is so fun to watch. I think that is why we invite her over its kinda entertaining just watching her. Anyway I have to say I am pretty thankful for my parents and all they have taught me. I wish Terrys parents lived closer so we could share little unexpected moments like this. Moments that might go unnoticed to some but will forever be etched inside my brain. I love you mom and dad!

Cousin Sleepover

2011-02-22T16:45:00.000-08:00

So as the boys were fishing or should I say searching for their tents. I was home nice and warm with my 3 cuties and 3 cousins for a sleepover. I love watching my kids play with their cousins. I never lived close enough to my cousins to become really good friends so to me it is like a bonus in life to have cousins that are close. So we played Just Dance, Kami and I got an ice-cream, we ate Mac-n-cheese (because we love it and Terry hates it). Then we went to church in the morning. Well we were going to church and I started with a migrane so I headed home for some medicine hoping to stop it before it got out of control and ended up nursing it for the next 3 hours. Talk about feeling guilty. I seriously thought I would be able to head back to church right after I took some medicine but it put me down and I had to remind myself to go get the kids from church. Then Terry came home and we headed out to Wendover for the night. We like Wendover for a few reasons. It is a long enough drive away from home that the kids feel like we are going away. #2 We love the long family talks we have on our way out to the middle of no-where. #3 The kids love being allowed into the hot tub (which was not working this time). #4 The kids love choosing where we eat which includes subway, mcdonalds, and smith. But they think it is wonderful and we think the FREE price is wonderful. I remember my dad and mom taking us to the hotel by the Airport.
Dad got some kind of discount from where he worked so thats why we would go there. And to this day I remember eating at Pizza Hut, swimming with my dad and watching a movie. It was the best day ever and we loved it. So we go to Wendover and we love it as a family.

Boys Ice Fishing Trip

2011-02-20T16:38:00.000-08:00

We headed up to Strawberry on Satuday night for a quick overnighter. It looked like we got there just as the tail end of the storm passed. As we were setting up our QuickFish 6 tents, the full moon was shining through the light snow that was gently falling from the sky. All and all it had the makings of a great night. Little did we know that Mother Nature does this to lure us out into the wild. We settled into the fishing tent and began fishing. While we were sitting there talking about the good-ol-times, it happened. There was a loud "POP" and before we could say holy smokes, we were sitting in a blizzard. Our sleeping tent flew into our fishing tent and with a "POP" the fishing tent lifted off like a rocket and the two tents began racing across the snow covered ice. We took off after the tents and about 200 yards later we caught up to our tents and we were wondering what the crap just happened. We drug the tents back and over an hour later we were finished getting camp back together. The only thing we lost was the snowmobile, but my buddy said he thinks that he saw a green lady with a big nose and a tall black hat flying around in the sky on it.
Anyway, my brother had a 21 inch cut on his line for who knows how long and reeled it in. I think he caught it off of a green 3 inch tube and chub. Our other buddy made it through the storm and joined us for a good clean game of Hold-em. We only got three hours of sleep that night at began fishing at 8:00 a.m. The action was hot on the chub bait, but it is a new way of fishing for us and it was extremely difficult to set the hook.
I had one fish take my lure at the hole while I was trying to land it. Later I caught a 22 inch cut and when I looked in his belly to see what he had for breakfast, I found my lure from earlier. Talk about lucky, I wish I had that same luck during our game of Hold-em. Anyway, 15 feet of water and hot action on the tube jig with chub bait. It was good time. Only landed 2 cuts and 1 crawfish. We saw some nice bull elk near Heber on that North side of the canyon on the way home. P.S. this was written by Terry for a fishing forum and I stole it for my journal. I love the way he tells this story

What do I do?

2011-02-17T13:18:00.001-08:00

So I get alot of people asking me what I do with all my spare time since my kids are all in school now. So I teach preschool on Tues and Thurs which takes all but about 5 minutes before the kids come home... Then on Mondays I recover my home from the weekend of madness and playtime. I also do most of my errands on Monday, at least I try. Wednesdays I try to spend a couple hours scrap booking or organizing family videos then I usually have a list waiting for me like I did today... This was the list I wanted accomplished before the kids came home.
Do my moms hair
Exercise
Pick up med at Target
Return pants at Old Navy
Make Flaming Gorge Reservations
Make Yellowstone Reservations
5 Loads of Laundry
Dishes
Clean Carpets
Clean Terrys Car
Fill up Car Gas
Costco for groceries
Make covers for ice fishing sleds
Spring Clean bedroom and bathrooms
Put in for deer hunts
Update Blogs
Prepare new month preschool
Sweep and mop kitchen floor
(I had all but about 2 of those items done before the kids came home.)
Fridays are the days I do what I want weather I go out to eat with friends. Go walk around some store. Or end up finishing that to do list I was working on. So I guess I am just trying to say life has a way of keeping me busy. Very rarely I have a moment where I wonder what can I be doing. But I wouldn't have it any other way I enjoy being busy and I go crazy when I feel like I have accomplished nothing. This is not something I admire about myself. I truly wish I could sit still and just enjoy watching what is happening around me. And sometimes I do... Those times are when we are ice fishing, camping, snowboarding, boating... You get my drift but when I am at home I am busy... There are moments where I will take a time out and play WebKinz.. Yes this is my latest craze which is fading but I love the pizza game and Atlantiles they just help me to slow down. Crazy how life just happens.

Valentine's Day 2011

2011-02-15T14:12:00.000-08:00

I love Valentine's day every year, it is the same every year but the whole day is just special to me. It goes like this I wake up to new flowers from Terry with some kind of sweet surprise. Then I decorate the table and make pink heart shaped pancakes, wake up the kids with a sweet kiss and hug and happy Valentines day.

Then send them off to school dressed in red or pink with their Valentines in hand. Tia usually has some kind of a heart shaped into her hair one way or another. Then I stay home and bake cookies and package them up for later door bell ditching which the kids just LOVE.
Then I go and help out at one of the kids classroom parties. This year it just happened to be Bowdee's year. He wanted me to have them play the heart stacking game, but since they are getting older I made them do it using straws. It was just fun to be there watching them interact with each other.

After school was homework, piano lessons for Bowdee, Gymnastics for Treg and Tia, then swimming with friends for Bowdee and lessons for Treg and Tia. Door bell ditching on our way home to our heart shaped pizza from $5 Buck Pizza (although I can't recommend because this year it was GROSS).

Then we opened some small gifts and Valentines from each other. Then headed in to stay up late (which mom doesn't allow very often on school nights 9:30 that was pushing it) to watch Guardian of Ga'hoole. Which the kids just loved. So it was the perfect Valentines day one filled with love all the way around. Happy Valentines Day to all of you!

Brighton Snowboarding

2011-02-14T13:28:00.000-08:00

After spending all day Saturday at Basketball games and in the basement running wire through some itchy insulation. We decided it was time to get outside. So Sunday morning we woke up early and headed to Big Cottonwood Canyon. Everytime I even get near the mouth of the canyon I feel an overwhelming sense of calm and peace. It takes me back to the year Kami and I worked at Solitude (as you know a great time in my life). So needless to say we were all happy as can be. We got up there before 10 and had so much fun the rest of the day. Except at lunch time as we were sitting there drinking hot chocolate and eating whatever we had (since we forgot our lunches at home) we notice how pink we were all getting... OOPS mom forgot the sunscreen. So we went up for just a couple more runs then cut out 1/2 hour early because I didn't want to get into to much trouble for neglecting my children. I promise you one thing next time I will be more prepared. I think I was just so excited to get up there that I forgot all about reality. It was a great day and the kids did wonderful for their first time boarding this year. Matia is officially all on her own. We need to work on her toe edge a little more. Treg is doing fabulous all though all he wanted to do was go off the jumps and do tricks like he does on his X-box game SSX-Tricky. It didn't helpe that the lift went right over the half pipe and skate park. We just told him he has to keep practicing so he can get good enough to do those tricks without hurting himself. What is scarey is I see him having the guts to do those tricks and it won't be long! I will be closing my eyes and saying lots of prayers when the tricks start. If ya look really close this is Bowdee going off a jump getting some serious air. Ya like I said not to far away. It was so fun though to be enjoying one of my favorite things to do with ALL of my family! And seeing that they really enjoy it as well. Life is good today!

Boat Show 2011

2011-02-12T13:57:00.000-08:00

Every year we look forward to going to the boat show... Not because we are interested in getting a new boat. I think it is more about dreaming together as a family and seeing the nice things we can get if we keep working hard. We really enjoy boating together and so it is fun to dream about it as well. We also like going and meeting Pro Wake boarders and yes my boys want to be just like them. But whenever we have met a pro boarder they have always been some of the nicest people I have ever met. They show interest in my kids and they talk to us like we are their friends. I have been so impressed with their personalities. I feel like a stocker when we go there asking the Marine Product workers who are the pro boarders that are there that day. Then going and asking them for their signatures, but it does something for Bowdee especially. I think it shows him that they are real people and that they went for their dreams and made it reality. This year we had the opportunity to meet Shaun Watson, Chad Sharpe, and Parks Bonifay. They are all GREAT guys that I am glad my kids got to meet them. We also saw Danny Harf but he skipped out before we shook his hand. So call me a stocker if you want but I think its a great privilege to meet these great guys! We also love watching them do all their tricks and it helps my kids to see even these guys sometimes biff it. Okay maybe that helps me feel better about my wipe outs then it helps them. Never the less we had a great night looking through boats, dreaming about the good times on the lake, meeting new friends, and watching the fish swim in the tank. We especially LOVED the UTES boat this year.

Ice Fishing w/ Kyes Fam

2011-01-24T16:10:00.000-08:00

Sunday Kami called and asked if she could take Bowdee boarding to the Canyons with Izak. You just can't say no to an offer like that so we sent Bowdee on his way to have a great day with his bud. Thanks Kami for giving Bowdee such a great experience.
Then we headed up to Deer Creek to go ice fishing with Kyles family. Emilee had never done this before so she was nervous to get on the ice. But she was a real trooper and I think she really enjoyed it.
She caught one fish and I caught 3 I guess there was a little girl power going on because the boys didn't catch anything. Not that I am bragging or anything but we even baited our own hooks.
The kids had fun pulling each other around on the sleds and playing their little games. The girls would take turns fishing but as much as they wished it the fish just wouldn't bite their bait. :(
It was a good time! After fishing we went to see the ice castles in Midway again. However, we got there and they were gone. So we found them in the city center to find they were closed on Sunday and this year they are charging $5.00 an adult and $3.00 for children. Which was a bummer.

5th Grade Boarders

2011-01-24T10:03:00.000-08:00

So when your child goes into 5th grade they are offered a skiing/boarding passport for just $25.00. With the passport they get 3 passes to each ski resort in utah and some others in different states as well. So on Friday I checked Izak and Bowdee out of school early and took them to Solitude. All it costed us was the gas to get there. I choose to save my money to board with the family so I sent these 2 boys up on the lift all by themselves.
I seriously got a tear in my eye just like when I sent them to Kindergarten. I could feel the thrill they got from the independance and it made me sick. Ya I am happy for them and I trust them but at the same time it made me realize in just a few years they will be going without me at all. They had a wonderful time they got on the first lift at about 12:00 and didn't stop until 4:30 when they closed the lifts.
Well they did stop to take a quick hot chocolate break with me. But I think that was more for me then them. I think they felt bad for me just sitting at the bottom of the hill reading my book and watching for them to come down and wave to them after each run. I tell you what the whole ride home they were as quiet as can be and yes they sleep so good that night.

I remember coming home from ski days with my family and all of us just crashing to watch a movie with my mom. All 6 of us were spralled all over her room where ever we landed. Ah the feeling of complete exhaustion after a great day on the slopes... There is nothing like it! I must say going back to Solitude made me homesick for the days Kami and I worked there. I have never had a job I liked better then being a Mountain Host... Ya I would ski around all day getting paid to look for people who were lost, hurt or lonely. It was a job of a lifetime.

2011-01-18T13:50:00.000-08:00

Why is it that when we have a weekend and we don't do anything adventurous we feel exhausted and weak? When the adventurous stuff we do should be exhausting, but it just makes us feel alive and rejuvenated. This weekend we had a few items of business we had to take care of which kept us from going boarding, or ice fishing or even sledding. So by the end of the weekend Terry and I were both going crazy because we didn't do anything to get our wiggles out.... I guess we both have a case of ADHD because we are always looking for a thrill and to keep us home on a weekend could kill us. Saturday we had Basketball games for Tia and Bowdee. Which was great don't get us wrong. But there was no sun involved or activity for us.

Then Sunday we went out to visit Terry's parents and wish them happy birthday. This was so nice to have dinner with them and just talk to them. We do love that, after we visited Terry's good friend from Grantsville and his family. Which we need to do more often. Then he took us over to his friends house that needed to get rid of some chickens. They were getting 2 dozen eggs a day and just couldn't go through that many. So we took home 4 new chickens to up our coop to 6. The kids were all thrilled to have 2 chickens each. Our chickens just started laying eggs this last week and they have LOVED going to check for eggs!

Then Monday Bowdee had a birthday party which he just had to go to. So we let the kids play with their friends while Terry and I got sad we didn't go out adventuring the whole weekend. It is crazy that we are both this way and I don't think it is a good thing. We definitely need to learn to stay home sometimes and just get stuff done around the house when we must. But we just have so much fun when we go play it is hard. Discipline is what we need to enforce upon ourselves.

Ice Fishin' Strawberry w/ Troys

2011-01-10T08:33:00.000-08:00

So we headed up to Strawberry this morning to see if we could catch anything. So we set up the shack at about 21ft deep so we would be close to the hill to watch the kids sled yet deep enough to hopefully catch some fish. We set up at about 11:00 and tore down around 5:30 it was 1 degree when we started driving home.
It was cold but with the shack and heaters we kept pretty warm. The kids sled most of the day.

Of course Matia put in the most fishing hours. She watched that fish finder and was sure to tell us when and where the fish were.
Between Troys 6 poles and our 5 poles we only caught 1 fish the whole day. It was surely a keeper though a nice Cutthrout at 23" and about 3 lbs.
Terry and Troy had so much fun fighting this fish and getting it out of the hole. Then they just played with it like little boys until they gutted it.
These are some quality cousin moments I hope it helps build friendships that last FOREVER!
Treg and Terry getting ready to head back to the truck. We love the snowmobile. Check out Tregs red cheekies, yes it was cold.
Of course we all hit Wendy's for a nice cheap dinner. Man I love these moments, we had a great time. Thanks again Terry for getting us all up and out of here to have some fun.

Basketball here we come!

2011-01-08T20:29:00.000-08:00

Matia and Bowdee are back at it in basketball again. Terry is Bowdee's coach again and they both seem to love it. They have a great team and all the boys seem to be excited about playing. This is the first year they will have an extra hour a week to practice together and then 1 hour game a week. They had their first practice game on today and it was amazing to see Bowdee go for a layup and actually make it! Wow it looked so GREAT! Good luck Bowdee & Terry.Matia has the same coach she had last year which she really enjoyed. She is a little defender, I love to watch her intensity. She also has most of the same players on the team so they are all excited about that as well. Matia I know you will only improve your skills the more you practice. Keep up the good work we are so proud of you. So here we go every Saturday we will have games for the next 8 weeks.

New Years Celebration 2011

2011-01-01T14:23:00.000-08:00

This year to welcome in the new year we invited Troy and his girls and the Garricks to come and celebrate. Of course we invited Kye and Kamis families but unfortuantly they had other plans.
So we started the evening just chillin letting the kids play. Then we got out some games, we played poker, Mad Gab, and the shocker game. Then we set off some fireworks and gave away our first kisses of the year. Then at 2:30 we hit the sack hoping to be able to sleep in!
After sleeping in till about 11:00 we cleaned the house then headed to Tangled with the Covingtons for our traditional movie on the 1st. This year Grandpa paid for everyone and made reservations for seats at Thanksgiving Point. Man he is always going the extra mile to make things so nice for everyone. Thanks mom and dad we love you tons and tons. Happy New Year everyone we wish you the best this next year.

Ice Fishing Fighting the Blues

2010-12-28T21:52:00.000-08:00

Here's the skinny we are getting ready to send Terry back to work. Yes he got a job only 9 miles away from home which is good news, however, it has crappy insurance is the bad news, its fun work good news, but less pay bad news. So since he has to go back with very few days off we headed to Strawberry to get out of the house and enjoy some outdoor fresh air.
Strawberry Bay Marina at 2 p.m. 25 degrees on Monday the 28th. Heavy snow at few spots on snowpacked road to the marina. More snow now than I saw most of the year last year. Looked like the whole lake was froze over.
Drove back to Mud Creek for the thicker one inch top ice with 8 inch slush and 4 inch bottom layer ice. Six other groups on the ice. Two poles with white tube jig and night crawler at 1' off bottom at 14'.
Two fish, one 14" rainbow at 2:45 p.m. and a 10 inch rainbow at 4:15 p.m. We were the last group off the ice at 5 p.m. and 10 degrees. Kids had fun sledding.

Christmas Season 2010

2010-12-24T22:04:00.000-08:00

This year has come and gone so stinking fast we didn't even have time to put lights up on our house. It was everything we could do to get the letter written and out in the mail, then to make rice krispies and plates for our dear friends who mean so much to us. We didn't even put up snowbabies, see the temple lights, or do much of anything else.
oh well we did make it to Ryan and Kristi's temple sealing in Logan.
We made gingerbread houses with Troys family. We saw the reindeer and lights at Thanksgiving point with the Callaways.
We visited Santa at Gma and Gpa Townsends which we always enjoy.
We enjoyed a Hager family Christmas Party.
Then we had a spontanious Christmas party at our house which we did the nativity with the Covington cousins and listened to Kyles entertaining stories.
Then ended Christmas Eve with some good old fashion Famiy Rockband! So all in all it was a fun Christmas season but a little to quick for our style! We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!

Matia's Dance Grinch

2010-12-18T21:58:00.000-08:00

Oh how we just love going to Matia's dance performances and it is so much funner when she has her friends in her dance with her.
Matia is dancing with Daisy, Lexie, Mia, Ellie, and Meghan.
Grandma and Grandpa Covington came to see her dance which she did fabulous. Thanks Matia for giving it your all and letting us enjoy your talent!

Carnival Cruise

2010-12-15T22:22:00.000-08:00

So as most of you know our Spendor ship caught on fire 2 weeks before our departure date on our 7 day Mexico cruise. So we were forced to reschedule on the Paradise Carnival boat going to Ensenada Mexico and Catalina.
Our kids were just too excited to go on the boat so we couldn't disappoint them and we went anyway. It was fun and we had a great time and here are a few photos from our adventure. I will post more about it later if I ever get the chance... I feel like I am still drowning in laundry and Christmas adventures.

What a bunch of darling kids. This was the only night we ate at the "NICE" restraunt due to our time being scheduled at 8:30 due to our rebooking last minute. But the kids had fun dressing up and acting all sophisticated. Treg stuck with Chicken Nuggets and Fries, Matia had salmon, Bowdee & I had steak and Terry tried the lobster. But the best part was the dancing.

This was our night life! And we loved every minute of it.

We never got tired of the all you can eat ice cream.

Man I sure love this guy!!! Thanks for everything Terry.

So sad to be leaving the ship. All in all I think the kids had a great time.

Our first stop was Catalina island. We had spent alot of time and money planning on taking the kids snorkeling there. When we got there it was really cold which we expected.

However, we didn't expect the visibility to be so poor and the sea life to be so scarse. So this was a major disappointment.
We also didn't enjoy the beach in jackets and binnies as we would have in swimming suits and sunscreen. But oh well it was an experience we will never forget.

Encinada was our second and last stop before going back to California. I can now see why Terry called in Tijiuana. There wasn't much more to do then walk down the main street shopping the same stuff over and over.

However, when we got off the ship there was a booth set up for some Save the Animals program and they had these cute baby lions the kids could hold and get a photo with for a fee. It was worth the fee I don't think the kids will ever forget this moment in their lives.