April 28th REALLY?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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.