Last Hunting Attempt

So this years hunting expiditions did not go as planned. We were hoping it would be a lot more sucessful then it was. However, I must say it was fun even though Terry didn't get anything. Personally I don't think it was Terrys abilities that kept him from getting a kill. I think it was more like Matia's prayers were answered. Matia hates the thought that her dad was out there to kill an innocent animal. So we kept trying to tell her that we are just maintaining the big game. And if hunters didn't do their job then they will just kill themselves off anyway because of the lack of food and overwhelming animals. As you know I just love to get out in nature and enjoy the peace and beauty of it. Four wheeling is one of my favorite things to do. So it is just perfect. However, this year I somehow really hurt my wrist and can barely use it.So I was just thankful to have a son who is such a wonderful driver. He took me all the way up and back without complaining. I think we drove about 20 miles so it was really nice of him to be there for me. Thanks for the ride, and thanks Terry for getting us up and out there.

Bowdee's Football

So in Septemeber Bowdee joined his first football team. We felt bad because he wanted to play football at recess but couldn't because he didn't know the rules. If you know Terry and I you will know we just don't do much football in our family. But Kami on the other hand well their family does football so she talked us into putting the boys in together. I am so glad we did. We signed him up in Lehi because we didn't think AF did it. And his coach ended up being Kodie Francom, who is a kid I went to high school with and his wife Michelle was also another school mate. That was fun to see them and get to know them better. They did an awesome job coaching these boys.
Then Kevin stepped in to coach defense and I have to say he really knows his stuff. And he really cared for the boys you could tell he was on cloud nine at every game. He took Bowdee under his wing and taught him a few hints and practiced extra with him and Izak. I want to say thanks Kevin for being so cool to my kids. It was sad to see it end but it was fun while it lasted. Bowdee was named the best defender of the team.

3rd Grade Program

So Bowdee's music teacher Mrs. Miller put on a music program for the parents to come and see what she has done. Now me being a preschool teacher of just 20 children can't even imagine conquering such a task. The kids all did an amazing job. I was so impressed that they all knew exactly where they were supose to be and actions to the songs. Bowdee danced with Adi, Annie, Madison, and . He did a great job and I appreciate you really doing your best. My favorite part was the last dance where they learned about 9 different dance moves then they let the kids just do their thing with their dance partner. Bowdee was up on stage so we could see him really well and he could really groove. They danced to the 1 o'clock,2 o'clock,3 o'clock rock song.Terry was able to take a few hours off work to watch it and my dad even surprised us with his presence. Matia was heartbroken that she had to go to school and not be there to watch her brother. It was so stinking cute. Here are some of his best 3rd grader friends.

The best Haunted House!

Those of you that live here in AF know Dale and Rochelle Price and how they go ALL out each Halloween. Well this year they have entered into a contest. They sent me this email and as their friend I will help spread the word. This is the email that was sent:

Good Morning America and Fearnet.com are sponsoring a “Haunt Your Home” contest, and Dale and I have entered our house. The winner of this contest is chosen in two rounds. Round 1 is a PUBLIC VOTE and Round 2 is a panel of judges, based on the top five finishers from Round 1. WE NEED YOUR VOTE TO MAKE IT TO ROUND 2!!

You can view the entries here: http://www.fearnet.com/HH2008/index.html

I love these guys even though I don't know them on a first name basis. I love how they entertain everyone for the whole month of October. I love that they go all out on trick or treats for the kids. I love that it is the major hang out on Halloween, if you can help them out, they are amazing!!!!

Wendover for UEA???

Well ya we took our kids to Wendover for UEA break. We decided since they did so great on their grades that we would like to show them how much we appreciate their work. So we had a free room to Wendover and took them there. It was great the kids all slept on the way out there until we got to the "TREE" if you haven't seen the tree it is amazing. We stopped and checked out the salt flats and we all tasted the salt. I think the kids just wanted to make sure it wasn't a field full of sugar. Then we went to the hotel, we stayed at the Rainbow. When we entered the room all of the kids jaws dropped to the floor. They were amazed at how nice the room was. They thought it looked like a Kings Palace. Then we hit McDonalds for happy meals and then the pool for a great time. The pool was really cold but after staying in the hot tub for a while the pool felt great. Then we all fell into a deep wonderful sleep. The next day they were invited to G-ma and G-pa's for a night with the cousins for a sleep over. They all had a great time together while Terry, Troy, and I headed out to Wendover for another night of fun. It was great not to have to think about homework and getting ready for school. We just love taking it easy on our own time frame. Thanks guys for the wonderful weekend.

Bowdee's Party

So Bowdee decided to have a party at our house this year. But he wanted it to be a late party so they could play night time games. It was the first year we didn't make the invitations. But it okay, I didn't panic to much. He had 7 really good friends come over from 6:30-9:00 and we did alittle of everything. Except I had planned to make carmel apples, hot chocolate, and popcorn balls. But they decided that just wasn't what they were there for. So instead we had pizza and pop. Then we opened presents which I must say thank you to all you wonderful parents. Bowdee felt like he hit the jack pot. Then we split up and some played laser tag while the others played rockband. Then we would switch so we all could do everything. Then we ended the night with a great time at playing Night Games. Well the kids all played their games differently so it wasn't working. UNTIL- good old mom comes out and tells them how she use to play it. Then we all played together and had a wonderful time. I must say Adi really has a knack at not being found. Thank you to all of Bowdee's wonderful friends. It is so nice to know he picks great friends and you all enjoy playing together.

Happy Birthday Bowdee!

I can't hardly believe it was 9 years ago today. Terry was at school taking a test and I was having lunch with Kami and my mom when all the fun began. I started having some crazy backpains that just wouldn't let up. So my mom and Kami talked me into going to the hospital to just have things checked out. They drove me to American Fork hospital and I was straped to the machines and nothing was showing up. However, the nurse reassured me just because they couldn't see it on the machine didn't mean the pain or contractions where not there. Most of the time the contractions in the back would not show on the moniter. My doctor came to check things out and sure enough I was progressing and he wanted to "get this party started." I held out for Terry to be there as I got the epidural. Because just between us I was really afraid of that needle. I could just imagine so many horrible things that I wanted him there if any of them happened. At 8:45pm Bowdee decided he had enough and didn't want us having any more fun without him. He was only 5lbs 11oz but holy cow he had the spirit of an angel. If you know Bowdee you know how sweet and loving his spirit is. I felt this spirit so strong the moment he was delivered. Bowdee was everything I ever drempt for in a baby. He was the one to make me a mother, he truely changed my world.Bowdee has always been a true delight to me. The things he says... I remember when he was not even 2 I had a miscarriage. I was heart broken and on the floor against a wall crying when Bowdee came up to me and hugged me and said "mommy okay" and gave me the warmest hug in the world. I remember that hug to this day, that hug gave me the strength I needed to pick myself up off the floor and know that yes mommy was okay. Because I always would have my Bowdee and that was enough for me. Thank you Bowdee for being the sweetest child I have ever known, with the strongest desire in the world to always do what is right. Keep it up Bowdee and you will surely do amazing things in this life. I love you up to heaven and back for infinity. You are a true light in my life. Thank you for joining our family 9 short years ago. Our family would not be the same without my Sunshine Boy.

Happy Birthday Kami

Today is my sister Kami's birthday. She is now 36, it is so hard for me to believe because when I am with Kami I feel like I am just a kid again. We are 22 months apart and we have always been together. Roomates from the beginning because we didn't have a choice then roomates when we were young adults because we just couldn't live without each other. We worked at so many of the same places like Bryce Canyon, Solitude, Marriot, FlyTy, 20/21 interactive, and of course Coveys Cove where it all started. Kami is the person I can tell anything and I know she will not judge me. Kami is always ready to kick back and have a good time. She loves being happy and she loves to excersise. Sometimes she likes to excersise to much. And since I am her workout partner I feel the pain. We do so many things the same. We swim the same, snowboard the same, I think we even run the same. Anyway Kami thank you for being by my side whenever I need you. Thank you for trusting me with your children through the years you needed me. I love you so much I hope you know how important you are in my life. Thanks for being such a wonderful friend and person!

Nancy and Earl Norman

October 11th 2008 Nancy took Earl to be her own. Nancy is such an amazing person I know I have posted most of this about her. But it is just so nice to see her giddy and happy again. She is so in love it takes me back to a time when we were just youngans and we were downtown walking around talking about the boys. She has always loved the boys and the flirting life. But I tell you it was an amazing day. I was there just as her back up in case she needed this or that. I was there to just make sure it was all okay. So I got to see her just moments before her vows were spoken and I must say I have never seen anyone so confident in the decision she made to marry Earl. It was a perfect ceremony and a perfect celebration. I am so happy for you Nan and yes even you Earl you two will have a wonderful life together. Thank you for letting me be there for you like you have been my whole life through basically. You have a beautiful family, congratuations. Enjoy all the little things.

Parent Teachers Conferences

I just don't know if there is something more rewarding to a stay at home mother, trying to teach her children the best she can, than a successful trip to visit your childrens teachers. Matia's teacher Mr. Engels said "Matia is a wonderful student and he really enjoys her in his class". She listens and answers when asked. She always does her best and she has only missed 1 spelling word this year and 0 math questions. I am so proud of her disipline. I know she would rather be talking and goofing off. But she controls her desires and makes the best of her school days. Bowdee's teacher Mrs. Barton said "Bowdee is the perfect example of what every 3rd grader should be". Bowdee is a great listener. Whenever she feels like she needs someone to answer the question correct she knows she can always call on Bowdee. She says she doesn't have anything Bowdee can improve on other than his desire to write more. Then Terry went to visit Miss Kristi, Treg's teacher and got nothing but good reports. I hate to say this but I think he has a crush on her. He is always googley when he comes back from visiting Treg's teacher and then he just doesn't say much about her. That tells me something must be going on. But Treg is learning alot from his teacher and he really likes her (sometimes). Treg is learning to sit and listen without fidgeting. And I can tell on his school work how he is spending alittle more time on them.

So we booked a room at a hotel in Wendover to celebrate our kids success in school so far. I just couldn't be happier to see them this excited about learning. It has made our school year just great so far. Thanks kids for all your hard work.

Did I ever mention?

So I am wondering if I ever mentioned how much I love being married to a "I can do it myself" kind of a guy. This weekend we started working on our boat shed again. I know it has been on hold for a while, but can you blame us when the weather was so nice this summer? So when I married Terry I knew he could do a lot of things but I never dreamt he would do the things that he does. It still baffles me to this day how on earth he built this barn with only the help of my dad and me occasionally. He is simply amazing. So here is the way our project has gone. We started last fall the first photo was taken on Oct. 13th 2007. As you can tell we were just getting started on a year long project.Then by November 30th he was finished building the walls to go on the ends. This is when the snow began to fall. We completed just enough to make sure the boat was well protected for the wintertime. It has been nice to store the boat inside, however it just wasn't much to look at. I am sure the neighbors were thinking we would never finish it.After a nice enjoyable summer the time came around to complete the shed. So this weekend we went and picked up some vinyl siding that looks like shingles. And away we went. We spent the weekend and early part of the week to complete the shed. Well it isn't all the way done but wow look how good it is looking. Thanks Terry for being so good at everything. I do love you!

Lagoon!

So this year Terry's contract company took us to Lagoon for a company party. It was nice because we were talking about taking the kids this year because they are getting to be at a fun age for that. Well I am glad we waited because then we got to go for free. I have to say this was my best adventure to Lagoon ever. Seriously, yes it rained and stormed on us part of the time. But, even the storms seemed to make it more of an adventure. I have always wanted a photo from Pioneer Village with Terry but he never gave in until this year. I love this photo.Bowdee was old enough where Terry and I realized one of us would have to go off and show him the big rides. Yes we are getting to old for this and it would have been better to bring him a friend along. We learned our lesson, our bodies are still recovering. We took turns running around hopping from all the scariest rides to see if there was anything he wouldn't do. He did Wicked with dad and Blast off with mom. In other words he would do them all. But Wicked was his favorite. Matia loved the Tidal Wave and the big Swings. Although I have to say she seemed to really enjoy those bumper cars. I loved going with her and Treg because I really didn't get sick on anything they took me on. Like the new Lady Bug Drop, now that one rocks. I don't care how old you are it was fun to get that little tummy tickler. It reminded me of the first time Terry kissed me. Treg well he was just 39 inches this year. So not big enough for the Wicked and Colossas which are the 2 he really really wanted to go on. He is still eating everything we put infront of him just so he can grow to go on them next year. Really that kid has no fear. We took him on the Bat (yes we made him stand really tall) and he loved every minute of it. All the kids begged Terry to win mommy that big Polar Bear at all the games. He never tried but he did throw the kids a couple bucks to teach them that you really can't win alot from those games. Well then they told us about the Ducky Pond where everyone is a winner. Yes all you have to do is pick up a duck and you win. Ya Treg even noticed "that wasn't really winning mom it was more like buying me that lizard." He told me the day after Lagoon. It was the best day ever. I loved the fact I could simply play with my kids and not parent them. I loved the fact they loved being with me. That Treg kissed me on the skyride and held my hand. I love the fact that we are the ones they wanted to bum with. It was so much fun we played from 12:00pm right to 10:00pm when the park was closing. Ya we wore the kids right out. I don't think one of those 6 beautiful eyes lasted till the freeway on ramp. Oh what a glorious day. I just love being a mom and a wife of one patient loving husband.

Soccer Days

So the first of August we started our Soccer Season. This was the first season we had all three of our kids playing in the same year. I knew it would be busy but the sacrifices one makes for their children is great. So we signed them up got their soccer balls, cleats, shorts, and shirts we were ready for a good season of watching games. Well Treg and Matia's teams didn't have coaches. So I voluntered for Tregs team (they are younger and wouldn't be able to tell I haven't a clue of what I am doing) and Terry voluntered to coach Matia's with me being his assistant. So that just made our crazy year of soccer twice as crazy. I have to tell you though there is nothing more fulfilling that watching your kids play in a sport and you can tell they are really enjoying it. Bowdee has become quite the aggressive soccer player. In fact at their last game their coach deamed him the most "football like player" he really gets in there and backs down to nothing. Matia loved her dad being her coach and listened to his every word. She had days were she could have tried harder. But for the most part she was quick and getting better at handling the ball. At the games her favorite position is forward so that she could run the most and chase that ball everywhere. Treg well it was his first year of playing ball. I think that is about all I should have to say about that. Ya, the treats were his favorite part of the game. He did love playing goalie and the last game of the year he really did try to get the ball more. He usually just follows the crowd and would rather be throwing grass at the girls on the side lines.

It got so busy and consumed so much of our lives for the last 2 months that I just couldn't wait for it to be over at times. And now that it is over I wish we were back at it. I am really going to try to play more with the kids in our backyards to keep their skills up but, we all know how that goes. Well good season kids I look forward to next year already. It is so fun to see you getting better and better each year.

Ryan and Kristi get hitched

So when Terry asked me if I was sick because of my lack in blogging lately, I realized I have been slipping. So I do apologize here we go let me catch you up. Last weekend on Sept. 13th we took a long drive to Logan to celebrate Ryan and Kristi's marriage. It was only long because we have not been to Logan since Tonia's death and I was not sure if I was going to handle it very well. Sometimes things hit me when I do not expect the emotional roller coaster ride. So we bravely went to the celebration. It was very nice in Ryan's parents back yard. It was shady and quiet and felt peaceful. When we arrived we were greated by Ryan's kids. When you come across a smile like Kayonia had it was impossible to think of heartach. Kaya has a way to make you feel great all the way around. The lunch was perfect although it seemed the sweet bride was more stressed then a bride should be. She took everything on her shoulders and made sure everything was going well. She did great I just wish she could have relaxed a little. The cake was simply perfect. I caught Matia over dreaming of the cake more then once. After they cut it and shared it, Kristi was sure to let Matia and all the little girls have a flower from the top. I don't think Kristi knew how she had just made a good day great for those little girls.I was glad to see these two take off and enjoy each other for once. At about 4:30 they rushed home to pack and meet the 5:00 airport shuttle picking them up. They are headed on a Mexican Cruise for the next 7 days. I hope they really relax and take the time they both deserve. Kristi I hope you feel accepted and loved from our family. It is nice for me to know you are up there taking care of my sweet neice and nephew and brother. Thank you for all you do and welcome to the fam, girl!After the nice celebration it just didn't feel right to head home without visiting our good friends the Turnbows. So we hit Gossners Cheese and then the little town of Wellsvile. It is such a wonderful place nestled up to the mountains with a view of the valley on the other side. If I ever got the chance I would love to live in a little place like this. They really have it made a little land with farm animals a nice big garden and big shady trees. They even have the coolest chicken coop I know. We always leave their place asking ourselves if we are really happy where we are. Oh well I guess we will figure it out one of these days. Love you Turnbows, we missed Matt but it was nice to chat with Kim and let the kiddos play!

Friends

So Mindy, JaNae and I have been really good friends since the 7th grade. We all have birthday within 2 weeks of mine so we always try to go out around that time to celebrate each others birthdays. Not like we have to have a reason but it always makes it easier to explain to the men of our lives. So Mindy is one of the most giving caring people I know. She would honestly give me the shirt off her back if she felt I really needed it. She always puts everyone else before herself (which explains why we really only hang out about twice a year.) Love you to death Min I am so glad we are still friends. I loved the days I watched your kids so I could see you all the time. Not to mention the little Mindy things that would come out of them. JaNae is always so upbeat. I have never seen her depressed or down about anything. She has been handed some really rough events for one person to handle. Yet she handles her life with positive outlooks. Love you girls, thanks for the get together we really should do it more often.

My Preschool Classes

This year is going to be so much fun. I think I have the cutest preschool kids out there. I couldn't have hand picked them any better. I have 2 classes this year and I am so excited to get to know each of these cute individuals. These are my Super Kids, many of them are returning from last year. I am so excited to have them back and to meet the new little friends I have to gain.These are my Super Stars, Treg calls them the Rock Stars. All of them live very close to my house and I have taught many of them in Nursery which they don't even remember me in Nursery with them. It is fun to see what things they still do from way back then. I have really enjoyed all the mothers that I have meet and I just couldn't be more excited about the school year. Thanks to all of you for helping me make it as smooth as possible.

Summer Fieldtrips

Make a Smilebox photobook

I have always had a hard time when school started back up in the fall. However, this year it seems just a little harder to send them off. I know that the time I have with them as my own will fade so fast. I feel like I should hold on to every moment I can with them. We had so much fun with my kids this summer. Thank you kiddos for sharing those moments with me and being so much fun to be with. I will never forget this summer "The summer of our dreams". Hopefully the school year flies by so we can have another fun summer together.