Flaming Gorge 2009

This year we invited Tammie and Ted (who is Terry's sister and bro. in-law) with us to the Gorge. They were so excited they use to frequent this area when they lived in Utah and had their boat. So it was like coming home for them. The trip was a beautiful trip with good people and we created some good memories. On Friday we were just too excited so instead of waiting for Saturday to come we packed up and headed out to Rock Springs to stay in the Days Inn. See last year when we had that really BAD hotel we passed this really nice brand new Days Inn on the way home and thought to ourselves we are going to stay there next year. So we called the Days Inn in Rock Springs looked at the photos and it sure looked like the new one, so we booked the hotel and headed off.
Well we got there late at night and I am telling you it was not the same hotel. It was just barely a step up from last year, I am not sure the photos were taken from that location. However, I didn't feel bad letting Dash sleep with us in the room because it was so gross anyway and they didn't seem to care that we had 9 people squished in that one room.

We woke up the next day had breakfast and realized we had to kill some time for the campground check-in. So we took the kids swimming. The pool was freezing and full of gunk. So the adults sat on the sidelines and watched the kids freeze their little bahookies off. It is amazing how the kids don't seem to mind that kind of stuff. Well we left and finally made it to the camp and then the setting up starts and doesn't stop for 3 more hours.
It is amazing all the stuff we bring. Then Tammie and Ted make it from Strawberry and we all hit the lake for a quick session.
The boat was full of the biggest smiles ever! As dinner was cooking we headed down to the beach for a little shoreline fishing. We didn't catch anything but we did set our crawdad trap.



On Sunday we went out snorkeling in this cute little cove. It was so amazing the lake was so full that we saw lots of stuff on the lake floor like a fire pit and full grown forest under the water. It was really fun to see the fish exploring this same stuff we are use to seeing and enjoying. Although I think I dove to deep because my Timex died on me, sad moments. The wind was a little crazy off and on again. But we made the best of it and had a great time.

On Monday the 21st which happened to be Tammies 41st birthday we woke up to a great morning that quickly went sour. Tammie came out from her tent and on her arm was a huge burn. But it wasn't a regular burn it was a chemical burn, her lantern that was hanging on the top of their tent had leaked battery acid on her arm all night and it ate through her skin and flesh. So her and Ted headed off to Vernal's Insta-Care to see what they needed to do.
Well she needs a skin graft ASAP but the soonest she could get in was on Monday so got a room and finished the trip with strict orders not to get her arm wet at all. While they were gone we found another cove and the boys did some spear fishing while I read a book and watched the kids play around the dock. It was another windy day, we did get a little tubing in but not much boarding.

Wednesday we floated the river. Which is always one of my favorite things to do. I am so amazed every year how beautiful that canyon is. I have always wanted to be a river rat, and this reminds me why I love it so much. As we were floating down the river we had a couple of run-ins with some oddly placed rocks and Dash was the only one to go overboard.
Then right at the last stretch of the river a CRAZY gust of wind came blowing with some crazy rain. It was all we had in us to paddle off the river and head for safty. But at the same time it had created memories to last a lifetime.

Thursday the boys took the chance for an early morning session while I slept in with the kids. Then I walked through the whole campground looking for another campground we could snag for the next weekend. There was nothing so we ended up tearing down camp and going cliff diving until 4:00.
It was fun Bowdee went off a 18 ft. cliff and Treg, Tia, and I went off a 12 ft. Cliff and of course the boys had to show us up on a 40 ft. cliff. We are not much cliff jumpers because of the danger factor it holds but it was fun to give the kids that experience in life. We headed home through Manilla and Troys explorer broke down. So we ended up towing him from Manilla all the way to the top of Parleys behind our boat with his explorer and trailer. It was insane. I hated every minute of it. But the boys kept saying it was okay. We finally made it home at 1:00am what a trip. Great people, great memories and good times.

Do we have what it takes?

So last night me and my girls went out to watch "The Proposal" which by the way was a GREAT movie! Anyway when we got there I was sitting on the end next to a cute old couple, really old like 80ish. We are talking the gray hair, wrinkles and everything. They were holding hands and squeezed really close to one another. Just like there was no possible way they could get any closer. Well I thought to myself "how cute, these 2 have something really special, I wonder if Terry and I have what it takes to still feel like that toward each other after so many years." The movie went on and on and the holding hands didn't stop infact they only showed more and more affection toward each other through-out the WHOLE movie. Yes, I should have moved when the kissing started, because obviously they wanted a little privacy back there on the back row. But I had no clue how to do that without embarrasing them or offending them. Yes I am a wimp! Oh my goodness after 2 hours of the most lovie dovie scene I have ever witnessed I had had enough! I couldn't get out of that theater fast enough! I ran outside the closest exit to get some fresh air, filled with disbelief. Soon after we were outside they followed and they spent another hour hugging and kissing there on the balcony of the exit. By the end of the night I decided they had something strange going on and the answer to my question at the first of the night was... No Terry and I do not have what it takes to be that in love with one another after that many years. Don't get me wrong I do love Terry ALOT but that was just weird, wrong, crazy, maybe a little freaky. The must have had some crazy situation going on. But I would like to think Terry and I will grow old together and that after each year our love will just grow stronger and stronger. I believe it will only if we can over look and learn to love each others little quirks. Sorry I have been so moody lately honey, I hope you will keep putting up with me it will get better.

Horses & Me, what is it?

This weekend my dad took some time to saddle his horses and invite his grandkids to come and have a horse moment at the equestrian park. So of course we went over there and had a great time riding the horses around. Getting to know them and getting comfortable on them. They did wonderful as long as they were together. I was on cloud nine just loving everything the dust, smell, sights, my family, sun, everything. We had such a great time that dad invited us back the next day for a 7:00 am session. So the kids set their alarm clocks and off we went. This day didn't go so well. Dad was trying to teach the horses they didn't need each other all the time and they didn't like that at all. Tia got stepped on by Robbie, and Bowdee got bucked off Trigger. Neither of the kids got majorly hurt, but it shook us all up a little, to have the power a horse thrown in our face. So I ask myself what is it that I just love so much about those horses that I would be willing to risk danger to enjoy being around them? I am not sure what it is but I am just so drawn to them I some how feel complete and satisfied when I am around them. It does scare me to have my kids around them when it can be such a risk but isn't everything a risk? I guess we just have to be more carful around them and work those horses more. Thanks Dad for giving my kids that experience, and thanks Terry for supporting us. It teaches them and us alot in life.

Picnic with the Callaways

So it was about 6 years ago that we moved to our house and I got my first calling in the ward. It was to be a visiting teacher. I remembered that when my grandma passed away they mentioned that she didn't miss a month of visit teaching in over 30 years. So learning she had such a strong belief in it I thought to myself... "Self you are going to give this your all, you are going to be the best visit teacher you can." Even though before this I never really understood the whole purpose behind it... Anyway to make a long story shorter, I met with my companion and we really hit it off. Although we were both pregnant and miserable and didn't do the best I should have... I created a friend who I believe will be one to the end. Unbelievably we are an awful lot alike and our kids love each other so that always makes get togethers just a little bit better. We don't do it as much as we should but we have so much fun when we do.

So we went to the old "Adventurland Park" and fished, roasted hot dogs, and played on the park. Daisy and Matia together caught the only live fish.
Bowdee and Annie caught a dead cat fish off the bottom of the pond, or should I say snagged a dead fish.

Bode and Treg casted and casted and came up with nothing. But they sure had a wonderful time trying! It was wonderful until the mosquitoes came out and forced us to go home. Thanks Callaways it was so great to hang with you guys we should do it more often!

The mouths of Babes!

So my friend did a post like this and it just brought to mind a simply silly conversation between my kids, listen to this!

We were out boating Sunday and Treg says "Mom when I am as old as you and I am a milliondollarair, I am going to buy me a party boat." mom says "Oh really that is so cool when you get it can you take me for a ride in it?" Treg says "Nope you will be dead by then." Mom says " Ouuchhh" Bowdee says "No she won't she will just be a grandma! Mom don't worry you can go for a ride on my yacht then we will spend a week on my houseboat and then I will take you for a ride on my wakeboarding boat." Gotta love it!

Fourth of July

So I must say I am so very thankful for this country we live in. I am thankful for the people willing to risk their lives so we can enjoy the things we love. I love being free to enjoy my family and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Last Wednesday Terrys work released a big product and to celebrate they gave them Thursday off and he had Friday off for the 4th. So we packed up the kids and headed to Wendover to enjoy a free hotel room and one nice peaceful drive. We enjoyed the pool and went out to dinner. Then in the morning we headed out to blue lakes. Terry and I have been there before but never with the kids. They had so much fun snorkeling and looking for the fish.

When we got home we just pluncked around doing a little of this and a little of that until it was time to go watch the fireworks at Thanksgiving point. But Terry and I are getting so old we can't stand the crowds so we headed to the hills above Cabela's. Then we put out a movie and enjoyed hanging out watching a valley full of random fireworks until the main show started. There is just something about the fireworks that fills my heart full of gratitude for this wonderful country! Gotta love the life baby.

Swim Meet

So I just have to post a yah-who for my kiddos at their swim meet. This last meet Matia took 2nd in backstroke, 2nd in breaststroke and 7th in Freestyle. In all of her swims she broke her own personal best time. Good going little Missy, I am so proud of you. Then Bowdee took 2nd Freestyle, 3rd in Backstroke and would have taken 1st in Breast stroke but was miss informed with his flip turn.

But they will both tell you the best part of it was having Grandma and Grandpa Covington there to cheer them on. Kami and her kids even came to support them and they just thought that was SO Cool! Thanks for the support guys, and good swimming my little fishies!

Karaoke Night

Okay so my sister has been BEGGING me for the last 5 years or so to go sing Karaoke with her. So finally I caved and we went to a little joint not faraway and thankfully it was so empty that we had the whole place to ourselves... we had an amazing time. We went with some of my favorite people on earth Kami, Emilee, Amy, Terry, Troy, Rusty and Kyle and Jolynn even showed up a little later. We had so much fun going up and making fools of ourselves it was great! I do have to say I sure enjoyed our moment together. My little brother even took me on the dance floor to Swing a little... Wow I haven't done that in about 13 years, I wasn't great at it but wow how it was fun. Terry danced, Rusty sang, Kye did a little of everything and Troy just watched all us fools. This will have to go down as one of my favorite times. I sang Bryan Adams Summer of 69 ya I slaughtered the song but I was having a great time and that is all that mattered... Now I can say I have done Karaokee outside of my home! Thank you all for going it was fun to be part of the Terry and his Amigo's Band! My only regret was that I left my camera at home. Otherwise I am sure I would have had some amazingly funny videos and photos to show you... Maybe next time! Thanks Kami for inviting us and being persistant enough to get through 5 or more years of begging!

Terry's Day

So Sunday was Father's Day and Terry's Birthday. I just have to say I am one lucky girl to have snagged such a wonderful person to spend the rest of my life with. Most people don't know it... But he is amazing. He is one of the best dad's I know always active in raising the kids by teaching them, caring about them and playing with them. I just can't tell you how much of a BIG part in their lives he plays. He is a great example in so many ways. I love the way he always cares enough to ask them questions about their days. To me that shows he would rather be with them then anywhere else if he had the choice. Happy Fathers day Babe!

He is also a great husband. There have been times when he just makes me want to scream... But who doesn't have those times and it is what we do with those times that count. We both express ourselves so that we can understand each other a little bit more and take another step up the ladder of life together to make life a little bit better. I love the fact that he cares about me enough to work through these issues so that it only strengthens our relationship. I know I can ask this boy anything and he will ALWAYS give me a honest answer. I love that we have come to understand each other and open our eyes to each others point of views. Your an amazing person Terry and I am so privileged to share this life with you. Thank you for sticking with me even when I can be so difficult. Happy Birthday Sugar!

First Summer Swim Meet

First Swim meet of the summer so the results are mostly in and our kids did really good in the summer swim team meet that was held today. Of course the weather was really good all day long until just one hour before the meet. The clouds started rolling in and the wind started to blow around us lightly. The weather held out good enough for most of the meet… Half way through it started to rain and it was really chilly. I just can’t believe this summer it is driving me almost crazy I miss my boat. Anyway, Bowdee took 3rd in freestyle 50, 3rd in backstroke 50, and 5th in breaststroke 50. I was so happy for him in doing so wonderful.
Then Matia this being her first year on the team took 6th in backstroke 25, and she got disqualified on the breast (because I forgot to tell her what stroke it was, and she swam the freestyle), then she finished off with the freestyle and got 7th. I am so proud of both of them for the hard work they have put into this sport. I know it can be exhausting to swim 45 minutes every day but wow you two are amazing and I appreciate all your hard work. Keep it up cuties!

Baseball Playoffs!

Bowdee has been playing baseball for the Padres Little League this year. He has learned so much about baseball it is amazing. He even got to pitch a few games and did suprisingly great. Even though he still favors soccer it was a good learning experience for all of us. Bowdee’s team played in the playoffs on the same day that Matia had her dance. It was scheduled at 1:30 and Matia’s dance was at 5:00 so we thought it will be tight but doable. Well he played half the game and they were tied when the lightning and thunder lite up the sky. And only in this June would we have to worry about this crazy weather. Anyway they cancelled the game and rescheduled to start again at 4:00. And only in Utah can you predict the weather to be completely changed within 2 hours. So we went to finish his game and they were playing really well. I didn’t get to see the end of the game because I had to take Tia to get dressed for her dance. But he hit a great hit way out in the outfield and played his best. They ended up not moving on in the playoffs but I was proud of him for giving it his all. Good playin’ Boyfriend.

Matia's Dance Performance

I just have to say I love to watch my daughter dance. Well I love to watch her dance, swim and do gymnastics. Well really I just love to watch her do anything. She is so cute and full of personality! She was in two of the dances the "Unbirthday in Alice in Wonderland" and the "Mamba" and oh how she filled the Mamba with spunk she really got into her grove on that one.

At the end of the performance they even handed out trophies! This was her first trophy ever and oh how excited she was. It was a big moment in her little life. One I was glad to share with her. I love you Tia and I love watching you excel in all that you do. Good job Dancing!

Lovin' my Job

So I just have to do a little shout out loud about how much I love my job. Treg just ran outside to play football with the boys and it was not even a full minute he runs back in screaming pretty loud. I was thinking a bee was chasing him or something and he comes to me and announces he just got a sunburn. Huh I didn't even know that was possible to get a sunburn in 30 seconds. He was even pointing to the exact spot. So I figured he just didn't want to be outside and laughed it off. Then he wanted to go back out but insisted I put sunscreen on him first. Man I love being a mom. So cute!

Then Bowdee comes in to me and asks me to fix his dragon slayer necklace he was wearing. Of course I said no big deal just put it on my desk. He said "Mom I feel like Orvill Wright because he thought his mom could do anything and I know my mom can."

Then as Matia was out picking strawberries with me she said "Mom your the best, I love being with you." Just out of the blue, I love being with my kids I love being the one they turn to for help, I love being here for them! Thanks Terry for making this possible.

Summertime

This summer Bowdee and Matia have made the swim team. So we go to the pool everyday for at least 2 hours. It has been fun to watch them go and do their workouts and watch Treg go on the "Big Red Slide". This is the first year he has been able to do it alone and he just loves it. He is barely big enough so some of the lifegaurds won't let him go. Then he is just heart broken, but he puts on his life jacket and loves the lazy river. Since this week has been so cold it has been nice because nobody is at the pool.

My kids are also in a Summer Scrappin Camp that they go to once a week. Of course I am hosting it but they are having fun getting with friends and creating their own memory book.

Then on every Friday we go to the "Sticky Shoe" for their discounted summertime matine's. It has been so fun for the kids to look forward to getting out of the house and away from the pool for a little. I am just loving being off work and catching up on a few things around the house.

Nights are spent watching Bowdee's baseball games or Treg's Tee-ball games. If we don't have a game then Terry and I are in the basement working finishing Bowdee's bedroom and spare bedroom. It is coming along and with the bad weather we don't feel like we are missing much. We do miss spending time on the boat but we can wait for nice weather... I think... Anyway that is what we have been upto.

13 Great Years

I can't believe it was 13 years ago that I took the drive up the canyon to be married to my best friend. The last 13 years have been well... Life. We have had our ups and downs we have had our moments to treasure and moments we would like to forget. Yes I would like to take some of those moments back and change them. But I would never never change the man that shares those memories with me. I have learned alot from being married to Terry I have learned to take honesty and appreciate it. I have learned to do everything my best otherwise it probably isn't worth doing. I have learned that no matter how much you love someone you can always love them more. I have learned to love unconditionally no matter how things change and no matter what happens, I will always love you Terry.
I will always appreciate our life together. I feel like we are more like one person. My heart will always beat for you. Thanks again for standing by me and being my best friend. I love the dad that you are to our children. I love the ability you have to do anything! I love how you are such a hard worker. I love that you know when you need to play. I just love you and I pray you can handle me for 50 more years. Happy Anniversary sweetie.

Bee's Game

So Troy called Saturday and invited "2 of us" to go to the Bee's game with him. Well with Bowdee being in Baseball it wasn't a hard choice. We sent Terry and Bowdee with him and his 3 cute girls. They had a wonderful time watching the game but to be honest with you I am sure Terry enjoyed being with his bro more then he enjoyed the game. Of course he loves taking Bowdee to those venues just to expose him to a good game. But it is not so much Terry's thing. He would rather be playin then watching just about anything. Thanks boys for showing my boy a good time. I played video games with Treg and then took them out for icecream. Came home and fell asleep and I finished #5 of the series I just read. Love those little moments.

Baseball Season

So a few weeks ago Bowdee started on his first Minor League Baseball Team he is on the Padres. He has done really good for his first year. I must say it is not as exciting to watch as his soccer games, but I guess it gets better as the team develops. I know it sounds like alot to have him in both but we really want to give him the chance to be a well rounded boy. And he is proving to be a boy of many sports. On his first game his coach started him out as pitcher. I think his coach can tell how much Bowdee is trying to do his best. He has pitched in about 1/2 of the games and he does pretty good. Way better then I could do that is for sure! Good job Bowdee I am so proud of you for giving it your all, all the time! Treg just started on his first T-ball team. He has a very devoted coach and most of the team members are is buddies. He is so cute when he hits the ball he is supose to run to the first base and stop. But he just keeps running and gets to second before anyone can get him to stop. Good job Treg keep it up and you will forsure be as good as Bowdee one day. Your just toooo cute. Matia said she didn't want to do Coach Pitch but now she is going to all the boys games and wishes she would have done it. We held her out because at the time she was in dance, soccer and swimming lessons. Maybe next year girlfriend.

Soccer Days

So just in case you have been wondering what we have been up to... I just have to say we survived another soccer season. This was the first time we have done spring soccer and it had it's moment where I wasn't to sure if it was worth it or not. In the end I am glad we did it. The kids love it and it keeps them moving. Bowdee was on the "Flying Monkeys Team" with Izak. Bowdee's skills have really taken off he made the most goals on his team. Matia was on the "Gators" team. Matia love having Daisy and Emma on her team and she will forever love her coach Conor! Treg was on the "Panthers of Thunder Mountain" or "Thunder" team for short. Treg is still in that bumble bee swarm stage where they all just chase the ball as fast as they can. Treg was the smallest on his team but he used his head alot to stay focused and image where the ball is going to be. They all did wonderful. Bowdee tried out for a competition team so we will see where that will take us. Nice work Kiddos!

Super Stars

So the year is finished for my Super Stars as well. They have been such a great group of kids and the moms were amazing at putting up with all my small mistakes through the year. Thank you mothers for the help with the Super Star backpack and treats and fieldtrips. You were all amazing. Thank you Super Stars for making class so fun. For being so excited to learn and come to class. I enjoyed everyone of you and I appreciated all of your unique characteristics and I will miss them all! Good luck in Kindergarten I hope you all enjoy your new teacher and class. Have a great summer and remember to enjoy all the moments! I have to thank Deena and Curtis for this wonderful photo! I didn't have any photos of this graduation and I thought this one turned out so well. You guys are wonderful!

Missing my Superkids

I am already missing my SuperKids, each one of them made me smile so much. I will forever treasure the cute pictures they drew for me and the silly things they would say. So today was our big day, the day we say goodbye and goodluck to all. I will sure miss all my SuperKids. I can't believe most of you will be going to Kindergarten. I just want to say everyone did wonderful in our program I am proud to call you my students. I hope to hear from each one of you in the future. Just remember you are special and I will miss being your teacher. Congratulations to all of you. Thanks for a wonderful year full of memories! Love always and forever Miss Kristi.

Treg was among those that graduated today. I can't believe all of my kids are now elementary school age. There are no more preschoolers that live at my house. Treg has been such a good student I will surely miss having him in class. Treg good luck in Kindergarten I just hope you are as good there as you were for me. I will always love you and miss these moments we shared together... Yes the good and the bad will be missed. Love mom