MOMENTS

Hayden turns 13

2011-03-31T11:18:00.003-06:00

Trick candles at home last night. Logan thought it was the coolest thing ever! Too school for cool! ;-)

Celebrating at Grandpa and Grandma Millers. Hayden got a PS3 game from his grandparents and money from everyone else because this child is too picky to buy for. But $ is a great gift for a 13 year old for sure.

Yikes!!!! Another teenager in my house! In all honesty he has seemed like a teenager for around two years already so I don't anticipate much changing. Hayden had a great birthday. We celebrated on Sunday with my family and his dad James took him shopping yesterday and bought him some jeans at Nordstrom Rack which he loves! Me and the other kids got him some skateboard tools, a wallet and some clothes. He seemed to have a great day! Love you Hayden!! <3

Is this my Life???

2011-03-29T13:33:00.002-06:00

Seriously sometimes I just sit back and think..... "Really..... this is my life"? Grrrrr But then I think of other trials that I could have and feel grateful for the amazing things I do have in life! I have the absolute best parents in the world who love me unconditionally and they are the greatest grandparents ever! My dad tries to find whatever extra time he can spare to spend with my kids, especially my boys and does things for them that a dad should be doing with them. And my mom is always willing to help me with anything I may need. I also have the best kids ever!! My oldest son Dylan is the biggest example to me! I struggle with different aspects in my life at times and he will just tell me "mom, commit to it!". He tells me all about what he learns in seminary and is such a spiritual young man! He is so very talented as a trumpet player! And he makes the best decisions! I wonder where his strength comes from all of the time. I honestly cannot imagine going through the things he has in his short 14 years and being so solid! Hayden is my comedian who can get under my skin faster than any of my kids but he has the biggest heart and makes everything so much fun. He is a skateboarder at heart and I cannot believe the tricks he can do! My home has become the hangout for him and his friends and I love having them all around. I can always count on cooking for at least 2 extra boys a night. Hayden is just so matter of a fact about everything it cracks me up! He is very goal oriented and is such a good student. One week his grades slipped a bit in one of his classes and he told me that he just couldn't sleep at night he was so worried about it. He also told me that even if he got his grade up in the class he still may take the class again in the summer so that he fully understood the subject. He ended up getting a B which is great to me! Hayden is also a great trumpet player! He loves playing basketball and soccer too. The youth in my ward had a goal to make it to every temple in Utah last year. Hayden made it to more than Dylan did because of Dylans busy band schedule and he loved it! Jada is just my precious sweet girl! She is seriously almost too sweet and needs a back bone at times. hmmm, where in the world did she get that quality. lol She is such a big help around the house and is always surprising me with sweet letters and "surprises." Jada is in Spanish Immersion and is an amazing student too. She loves to read. In fact sometimes I have to make her stop to do something else. Jada is starting to excel in dance and I love watching her. Logan, is my "baby". I never understood how mommies spoiled their babies until recently. Wow, I need to stop. The 7 year old still sleeps with me. I didn't realize it was a big deal until his siblings have started to tease him about it lately. Logan tells me he loves me at least 20 times a day. No exaggeration!! I love it! He loves playing basketball and soccer like Hayden and is a great skateboarder too. He struggled with reading in Kindergarten and the beginning of this year but has improved soooo much this year. I'm very proud of him. He isn't a student at heart like Jada or Hayden but is trying his hardest which is what I care about. I just wanted to put it in writing how special my kids each are to me! I love them with all of my heart and feel like the luckiest mom to have each of them!

Updated pics

2011-01-18T13:52:00.002-07:00

So, apparently I decided not to blog...... but, I think I am going to start again. Beware, this may just be a venting site for me. ;-)
All of my pictures are almost 2 years old on here so I'm going to add a couple new ones.

To Blog or not to Blog......

2009-05-07T09:06:00.004-06:00

My cute brother Chade (In the middle) on his mission
My dad a long time ago. I love this picture!!

Easter 2009

Me and my newest nephew Conrad

Me and Angie at Wicked (So amazing.... and no we are not wicked... lol)

I obviously have not been blogging. Although I love the idea, since I don't scrapbook or keep my kids pictures organized what so ever, I just don't seem to have time. And I've moved on to Facebook. Does it ever stay the same?? My Space, Facebook, Twitter..... Who can keep up. But for now Facebook is feeling my need to keep in touch with my new and old friends! Maybe one day I'll get back to this and play catch up. For now I'll post a few random last pics.

Finally a New Post

2009-03-18T15:40:00.003-06:00

Logan's turned 5 on March 11th. I am so sad that he is getting older. Now that I realize I most likely am not going to have any more babies :( I don't want him to get older so fast. He is so much fun. I absolutely love his voice. One of my favorite sounds in the world for sure. Look how excited he gets when he is opening his presents. Classic!!

Photo Shoot

2009-01-19T08:55:00.003-07:00

Jada has been begging me to let her do my hair and makeup. Being the busy, crazy mom I am, I haven't let her do this in a while until yesterday. So we took turns giving each other a makeover. She plastered silver eye shadow all over my face. Then Jada wanted to do a "photo shoot". She really called it this. Here are some of the cute pictures of her being a model and one awful one of me. We had a lot of fun though! I love having a girl!

Snowbird

2009-01-19T08:38:00.005-07:00

Goofy Boys

Silly Girls

Jada, Jkelbi, Maddisson

All of the goofy kids

Dylan, Hayden, Colten, Maddi, Logan, Jada and Jkelbi

In the lodge

Anjanette is one of my oldest best friend in the world. We have been friends since we were 16. We have been through a lot together and she has helped me through a lot of tough times in the past. We hardly see each other anymore but every year for at least the past 7 years I go spend an evening with her and her family at Snowbird. They have a time share there. My kids look forward to it every year. We went up there last week and went swimming, hung out in the sauna (which is why our faces are so red) and let the kids play in the game room. Sometimes I only see Anjanette this one time during the year but we manage to stay close through phone calls and texts. I love her kids too, they are all so cute and my kids have a lot of fun with them.

Ice Skating

2009-01-11T17:21:00.002-07:00

Angie, Mindy (Angies sister) and me

Allie and Jada

The kids and I went up to the Gallivan Center with Angie and her family to ice skate last week. The kids had never been before and the last time I had gone was when I was 16. Dylan and Hayden were naturals and after a while Jada and Logan got the hang of it too.

Sledding

2009-01-11T17:03:00.002-07:00

Hayden
Jada

Dylan and Easton (Easton is Dylan and Hayden's brother and Jessica's son. Yes Jessica and I are friends now and I am so grateful for her friendship. Plus Dylan and Hayden adore Easton and they need to be able to see each other.

Me, Brittney and Jessica

Does anyone blog anymore? I think everyone is dwindling away into the facebook world. My dad and I even set up and account the other day because my brothers girlfriend keeps a facebook account for Chade with any updates about him. Anyway, here are some pics of us sledding. We all had so much fun!

Oh Christmas Tree

2008-12-28T15:47:00.002-07:00

We went over to my parents house on Christmas for the traditional ham dinner with all of the trimmings which was soooo yummy as always. My mom is the best cook, seriously!! We were also able to talk to Chade from his mission. I'm sure the phone call was over two hours long. It was really fun to hear him and to hear about some of his experiences so far. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

Christmas

2008-12-28T14:26:00.004-07:00

Jada received tons of fun toys for Christmas. The one she played with the most, the 99 cent coloring book. Go figure..... She also got a cupcake maker, a hair extension kit and a DS game. She really wanted an American Doll. K, there was no way I could have afforded a $100 + doll so I went to Walmart and bought a $20 Next Generation doll. I didn't tell Jada that the doll was an American Doll but she assumed it was. I feel bad if I am deceiving her now. I'll most likely end up telling her later. Maybe she won't even care that it isn't genuine.
Hayden received a DS game, a new skateboard deck, and a new cell phone. (Thank goodness we were due for a contract renewal).
Dylan also received a new cell phone. One of his favorite gifts was 5 pomegranates. This was seriously on his list. He loves them!

Yeah, Logan got his bike and his Ben 10 watch. He was so excited. This year was hard for him because he just did not get it that he couldn't open any presents until Christmas. But his face on Christmas morning was priceless!

The traditional picture on Christmas morning right before the kids are able to go see all of their gifts from Santa. We all had a really good Christmas and were blessed with some generous people who helped make a Christmas possible. I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends and family members.

Christmas Eve

2008-12-28T14:18:00.004-07:00

My sister Kari, my dad and most of his Grand kids
Me and my kids. (Can you say cone head, how hard would it have been for me to pull the beanie down. lol)

Hayden and Dylan

Jada and Logan

During the Christmas break my dad usually takes as many grand kids as possible out to the west desert to sled. Meaning he pulls them on sleds behind his durango. Most likely the safest activity ever I'm sure. This year every grand kid came except for Ryker who is only one and Myles who was already one day old. I'm sure he could have made it. :) Anyway the kids all had a lot of fun and of the 3 sleds my dad brought only one was destroyed this year. Last year all 3 ended up with huge holes. My dad is an awesome Grandpa and the kids absolutely love him and the time they spend with him.

New Nephew

2008-12-24T08:04:00.004-07:00

Tiffany the happy mom, look how pretty she looks!

Dusty, the proud dad

Me and my new nephew

Last night my brother Dusty's wife Tiffany had their 3rd child. Here are some
pictures of him when he was only a few minutes old. They haven't decided on a name yet other than his middle name will be John which is my dads name and Dusty's middle name. Congratulations Dusty, Tiffany, Jack and Bree!
If you haven't seen me recently, yes I died my hair dark a few weeks ago. My own dad didn't even recognize me. I'm getting used to it but I'm sure I'll go back blond again in a few months. I can't keep my same hair color for very long. Maybe its the impatient thing I was mentioning. lol

Sad Little Gingerbread House

2008-12-24T07:40:00.008-07:00

Dylan made this one with his cousin. It looks perfect to me! This is how me and the kids princess castle, Gingerbread house turned out. I gave up at this point and let them eat what they wanted of it. I could not get it all to stay together. How hard is it, It came in a kit? O-well maybe next year. So funny!!

This is what it should have looked like.
I feel so bad for my kids especially Jada because I am so uncreative and impatient when it comes to crafts and certain things. For instance, if it comes to doing my hair it seriously can't take me more than 5 minutes to style or I'm done. (Or maybe I just don't have the time) I never scrapbook and poor Jada is always asking me if she can, and I never do crafts. Weirdly though, I enjoy knitting scarfs and I just finished my first beanie or cooking a full course meal. Who knows what my deal it but this Gingerbread incident is a common example of when I try things like this.

Here Comes Santa....

2008-12-21T21:11:00.005-07:00

Every year I take my kids to see Santa Clause at my dads HS band Christmas Concert. This has been a tradition since Dylan was born and I have always attended this concert since I can remember. I actually even played the clarinet in these concerts for three years during my HS years. The band did great as usual and during the last song Santa comes in and takes the baton from my dad who is conducting and directs the rest of the song. Logan was so excited that his Grandpa knew Santa so well. Anyway it is kind of sad to think that only two of my kids still believe in this part of Christmas. Dylan and Hayden haven't wanted to go see Santa for a quite a few years now. I heard Jada ask Santa for some DS games and Logan asked for a Ben 10 watch and a yellow bike. (Yellow bike still MIA but Logan says that Santa can make a bike any color he wants to). Also Logan sincerely believes that a Ben 10 watch will turn him into an alien. I love this age!! Also Logan told me the other day when he was mad at me for something that Santa is watching me right now and that he wont bring me anything if I don't give him everything he wants. I may have used the Santa card too many times this year.

Check out this site for some really funny pictures of kids who are scared 2 death of Santa. I wish I had one of these pics with my kids but none of them have ever freaked out while sitting on Santa's lap. They have been shy but not afraid as far as I remember. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/entertainment/holiday/sfl-scaredofsanta-ugc,0,7181908.ugcphotogallery

Great Christmas CD

2008-12-17T10:30:00.004-07:00

Great Christmas CD out this year - The Hotel Cafe Presents Winter Songs.
I bought this CD on Amazon used (I really don't think it was even used the cover was just barely ripped) for only $8.00. I love it!

Winter Song by Sara Bareilles
The Heartache Can Wait by Brandi Carlile
All My Bells Are Ringing by Lenka
Sleigh Ride by KT Tunstall
Silver Bells by Alice Smith
Blue Christmas by Nicole Atkins
Frosty The Snowman by Fiona Apple
I'll Be Home For Christmas by Holly Conlan
Maybe Next Year by Meiko
White Christmas by Katy Perry
Mistletoe by Colbie Caillat
Silent Night by Priscilla Ahn
Winter Wonderland by Kate Havnevik
The Christmas Song by Catherine Feeny
Auld Lang Syne by Various

Twilight

2008-12-10T14:38:00.003-07:00

My work took us to Twilight the Thursday before it opened up. I could not believe the security, it was crazy! They made me take my cell phone and any electronics back to my car and then they searched my purse and scanned everyone with a metal detector.
I was a little obsessed with all of these books this summer, to say the least and I absolutely love them as most everyone else. I also LOVED the movie! I know some people haven't liked it at all. The "I need to show you my skin in the sun" line was a little... weird but that was the only part that I was not a fan of. Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson did an excellent job and they had great on screen chemistry! I actually thought all of the casting was great. I really liked Alice. I can't wait to see more of her in the next one. And of course Edward is to die for! My absolute favorite scenes are the tree top one shown in the first pic and the piano scene. I can't wait to see the movie again. I hear it is even better the second time.

Farwell

2008-12-10T02:26:00.004-07:00

I love these two pictures with my dad and Chade and then my mom and Chade. Chade has practically had them all to himself for the past 5 years since Lucas left on his mission. He was kind of like an only child which he claimed was boring and that it sucked but he was spoiled 2-death so I know he liked it a little. Not that there is anything wrong with that. I'm sure I'll spoil my last child too. But because of him being with my parents alone a lot I think they seem to all have a really close and special relationship.

Me and my Grandma Stockham. I know my grandma hates to travel ever since my Grandpa passed away last year but she was still sure to make it to Chades farewell. My grandma is the most non judgmental lady I know and can always find the positive in everyone. I love her so much!

All of Chades nephews look up to him so much. He is always so great to let them play with his stuff and to play with them. They will all miss him like crazy!

Kari, Chade and I

Chades mission farewell was on Nov 9th so I'm a little behind with my postings. Chade did such an amazing job on his talk. Weird that I can look up to my youngest sibling who is 14 years younger than me.

New Pics

2008-11-26T13:06:00.005-07:00

A couple of cute pictures my sister-in-law Mallory took the other day at my parents home of me and my kids that I thought I'd share. I'll play catch up soon on the last few weeks. We have spent a lot of time with my family because Chade was leaving on his mission. It has been really fun getting together so much. I'll post some pictures later.

Halloween

2008-11-15T11:34:00.003-07:00

Dylan - Ogor
Hayden - Phat Gangster
Jada- Tainted Fairy
Logan - Power Ranger
Mom - Wizard

We all had a lot of fun on Halloween this year. We visited Grandma Miller first and had pumpkin stew, a family tradition and it is so good. Then we came home and the kids all went trick-or-treating. I tried really hard to talk Logan out of being a Power Ranger. I don't know why I even cared but it just seemed too cheesy to me. He insisted on it so I gave in. Dylan and Hayden put their costumes together. I have no idea why they decided to be what they were. Jada looks a little goth to me but I guess thats the point in a tainted fairy.

Picture Tag

2008-11-09T10:02:00.003-07:00

I keep forgetting that I was picture tagged. This is what I found in my 4th file,
and the 4th picture. A picture of Dylan and Logan asleep together on the couch. This is how I find a couple of my kids sleeping atleast once a week. I think it is soooo cute, although Dylan may not feel the same.

School Pictures

2008-10-29T22:03:00.005-06:00

We received Hayden and Jada's school pictures back. Dylan's may never come because he was very sick on picture day and then when make-up day came around he forgot to tell me and so he didn't have money with him. They took his picture and I'm trying to figure out if I Can still get them. I feel bad for Logan because we haven't had a "real" picture taken of him since he was two. I'm working on it though. I have a dear friend who is a photographer who may be taking them soon. Anyway I think Jada's picture was really cute. She sure doesn't have many teeth though. I think Hayden's are one of the best ones he has had so far. Usually all of my kids smiles are very fake but this year was a lot better. We practiced and practiced and practiced. lol Don't worry family, I haven't even begun to give these out yet. I will definitely be getting you pictures soon.

Last California Pictures

2008-10-22T18:41:00.001-06:00

We just got back from California and it was so much fun! We went with my Dad and Mom, my sister Kari and her kids Brooklynn and Kamdenn, Chade and his girlfriend Kari. My parents had graciously invited us and we are so grateful to them. The last picture is at the end of the first day in Disneyland. Jada and Logan were sound asleep while we were watching the fireworks. I honestly didn't even see Dylan and Hayden very much in Disneyland because they were hanging around Chade and going on rides that Logan wasn't quite tall enough to go on. The only big attraction Logan was tall enough for was the Matterhorn. It was so sad because he really was only about an inch too short for everything. My absolute favorite ride was Soarin Over California. I love the smells of the oranges.

More Cali Pics

2008-10-22T18:33:00.001-06:00

Beach Fun

2008-10-22T18:05:00.004-06:00

I am an awful camera lady. Beware, you may get really dizzy watching this. We had so much fun at the beach. We went to the Corona Del Mar Beach and it was beautiful. Dylan would go way out in the waves to body surf them. Hayden was a little scared of sharks and didn't go quite as far. Jada was a little braver this year and went in the ocean a little deeper than last year and Logan mainly had a blast in the sand. I just enjoyed laying out. It was perfect!

California 2008

2008-10-22T18:01:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Mom

2008-10-14T16:25:00.003-06:00

I forgot my camera and so I took these from my phone. Not the best quality in the world. Anyway, my whole family got together last week for my mom's birthday. Her birthday is always right in the middle of my dad's busiest time of year, Marching Band Season, so she often gets her birthday put off a little. I always feel bad because she does so much for my dad, for all of us kids and for all of her grand kids. I hope she had a fun get-together though. One funny thing about my moms birthdays is that she usually buys 99% of her own presents and then my dad wraps them up and she opens them and acts surprised. Usually my dad will really surprise her with one or two presents. I guess this works for them.

Also on the night of her birthday party my parents invited my kids and I to go to California with them. So I guess we are off to Disneyland. The kids are ecstatic. It will be really good to get away and it was so nice of my parents to invite and offer to help out with the expense. This will kind of be a last vacation for them with Chade before he leaves on his mission. Happy Birthday Mom, I love you so much and am grateful for everything you have done and for everything you continue to do for me and my kids.

Tag!

2008-10-10T13:57:00.005-06:00

I was Tagged by Jessica

Eight favorite TV shows

The Office
30 Rock
American Idol
King of Queens
That 70's Show
Saturday Night Live
Friends
Heroes

Eight favorite Restaurants

Olive Garden
Cafe Rio
The Outback
China Isle
Zupas
Mi Ranchitos
??
??

Eight things I did yesterday

Got my kids off to school
Worked 8 hours
Went to the Mall during lunch
Girls Night Out
Cleaned my kitchen
Paid Bills
Called my mom to say Happy Birthday
Helped my kids with homework

Eight things I love about fall

Halloween parties with my kids
Dressing up
Pumpkin Seeds
Going to Idaho for Thanksgiving
Driving up the canyon to see the beautiful colors
Going to my Dad's Band Competitions
Less yard work but no snow shoveling
No Birthdays in my family. (Not that I don't love celebrating my kids birthdays but it gets a little pricey).

Eight things I look forward to

Weekends
Laying out in the Sun
Logan going to 1st Grade (I really don't want him to grow up but I will feel so much less guilt about working).
Vacations
Reading a good book
Spending time with family & friends
Holiday's
Finishing my basement and finishing my fence

Eight things on my wish list

I could stay home with my kids
To be able to stay living in my house
Go on an all exclusive vacation
Have all of my kids healthy and happy always
I could improve my self confidence
I could sleep out all night snuggled up in a blanket on an ocean beach
To give my kids fun, loving memories of their childhood
On the same note, I wish I could go back and live just one day again as a care free child (I was really lucky to have a wonderful, stress-free, normal childhood without drama).

I am not going to Tag anyone but it would be really fun if others posted their 8 things Lists!! :)

Random

2008-10-09T06:46:00.002-06:00

I was just pretty much sick of seeing my last post so I pulled up some random pictures that I had saved on my computer. The picture of Jada and my dad is priceless! Logan getting a drink is so typical of any child standing on their tip toes to get a drink. So cute! I wonder if he will ever get taller?? Dylan and Hayden are both taking guitar lessons and are getting pretty good. So the picture of them is at their guitar concert last spring.

Thank you is not enough!

2008-09-30T16:46:00.006-06:00

A few Quotes that are fitting in my life right now:

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.-- Albert Schweitzer

Beauty, truth, friendship, love, creation – these are the great values of life. We can't prove them, or explain them, yet they are the most stable things in our lives.-- Jesse Herman Holmes

Friendship doubles our joy and divides our grief.-- Swedish proverb

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same.-- Anonymous

To understand your parents' love, you must raise children yourself.--Chinese proverb

I really can't even begin to tell everyone how thankful I am for everything they have done to help me and my kids out these last few weeks. My own parents have been amazing as always, my brothers and sisters and sister-in-laws are always willing to help me, to watch my kids and to just listen to me. My dear friends Angie, Mindy and Anjanette are always willing to do anything for me. Angie is seriously like my kids 2nd mom. In fact they most likely like her more than me. :) I also have the most amazing neighbors and ward members. My poor bishop has been at my home many times. My sweet and fun Relief Society President dropped me off some groceries and helped me clean my house with Mindy. She even brought me some lip gloss. (Everyone knows I'm addicted to it). My long time friends and neighbors, Trent, Shelley, Kim, and Kelly came over to my house last night and spent at least three hours doing yard work for me. I actually laid outside on my tramp for a couple of hours last night just enjoying my yard. I have never enjoyed my yard. But it looked so good and felt so good after they finished. My wonderful friend Julie has brought me dinner, helped me weed, picked up my kids and just talked to me a lot. My sweet friend Tenelle left me some lasagna in my house after church on Sunday and is going to watch Logan for me for the next couple of Fridays. My neighbors Wendy and Cory came over late one night, like at 2am, and Cory gave me a powerful priesthood blessing. Wendy was so sweet the other day and was worried about me for not being able to eat so she brought me some delicious homemade bread because it is one of the only things I have been able to eat. I have also received some delicious meals that my kids have enjoyed from Joy, Casey, and Heather. I work with some of the neatest gals ever and they all got together and brought me tons and tons of groceries last week. Liz is one of these gals and she has been such a support in a lot of ways. Many of others have just let me cry and talk. Angie also took me away for the first few days when I didn't want my kids to see me so upset so that I could just cry for two straight days. Now that I have gotten that out of my system I can move on. Angie's husband and my friend Ryan has came over to fix things in my house like my disposal, my toilet, my AC and more. What a handy man. I am also sure that James' sweet parents and siblings are helping him and I am grateful for them for that too. I know I am forgetting some people and some kind acts and I'm sure no one really cares about this all but I just wanted to write it down that my heart is full of love and gratitude to so many wonderful people in my life. I am so lucky to have so many loving family members, friends and neighbors. I promise I won't be the needy person for long. But for now, thank you for being here for me and my kids. Words can't express how much I appreciate everything little and big that you have all done for me.

My Brothers Mission Call

2008-09-26T03:53:00.008-06:00

His initial reaction

Chade and my kids. I know my kids look like scrounges and a little weird. :)

This is a short video of Chade opening his call. His girlfriend is on the left along with one of his best friends who will be in the MTC with him at the same time. My mom is right their too along with some nieces, nephews, Dusty, Tiffany, Mallory, my Dad and you can't really see the rest of us. If you watch this short video you may want to turn off my sometimes annoying music.
My little brother Chade received his mission call today. He is the youngest of the kids in my family. I am the oldest and was 13 when he was born. I remember how excited I was when he was born and I loved taking care of him. My kids absolutely love him and look up to him so much. I am so proud of him and excited for him. We all got together tonight to be with him as we watched him open his mission call. My other two brothers also went on missions too. Dusty went to Mexico and Lucas went to Brazil. Dusty mentioned as Chade was opening his call that it is the first of the calls received in our family with President Monson as the Prophet. President Hinkley was the prophet when Dusty and Lucas received their calls. Everyone in the family and some of Chades friends wrote down their guesses as far as where he will go. No one was close. He is going to Des Moines, Iowa and leaves on November 19th. He was very excited about it. I kept thinking that the next one in our family to go on a mission will be Dylan. I can't even imagine that time coming. Dylan is so strong and spiritual especially for a 12 year old. My little family is really having some major trials as some of you may know right now and last night when me and all four of my kids were all crying Dylan came and told us all that he was going to be in his room praying for a while. After he came out of his room our home was almost immediately peaceful and within five minutes one of my best friends Mindy and also my amazing relief society president Diane was at our home bringing us some groceries, service and comfort. Dylan is such an amazing son. Tonight as Chade opened his mission call it really made me think about how much sacrifice and strength a missionary and his family goes through. I know I will be so excited and proud if any of my kids choose to go on a mission but at this point I can't even imagine not seeing one of them for two years.

Happy Birthday Dad

2008-09-26T03:38:00.004-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!

My dads birthday was on September 13th. I won' t mention his age as he is one of those that absolutely hates getting older. When I turned 25 he asked me if I was having a hard time because when he turned 25 he freaked out because it meant he was a quarter of a century old. I would have never even thought of that. My dad is the most amazing man ever. He is so successful in everything that he does. I could never have asked for a better dad as a child and as an adult. He is such a hard worker and is so loving, caring and sensitive. I really feel bad that he always has to worry about me still. Hopefully one day my life will be calmer and it wont be that way. One funny thing about birthdays with my dad is that it takes triple the time than any other birthday in our family for the gift giving process. He always shakes and pokes at each present to guess what it is before he opens each one. I am sure that he guesses correctly 90% of the time. The grand kids all love it. Anyway, I love you dad! Happy Birthday!!

Logan's First day of Preschool

2008-09-13T14:14:00.002-06:00

This is actually Logan's 2nd year of preschool. He loved it last year and was very excited to start school again this year. I think the last few weeks have been hard for him with his older brothers and sister at school all day.

Labor Day

2008-09-09T23:32:00.006-06:00

We went with our dear friends the Wendels to Mesquite over the Labor Day vacation. We had tons of fun just laying out at the pool all day at the beautiful Casa Blanca Hotel. One night there was a huge storm and the lights in the whole town went out including the hotel room. That was not very fun with six kids. The kids were all starving and there wasn't anything to eat in the casino because there wasn't any power so Angie and I went outside to get in our car. Outside there was this elderly lady who was struggling to stand up in the rain and wind. I have never seen it rain so hard. We helped her back into the casino and Angie went to get her car. She was the cutest lady and was so scared. I hope she made it home OK. I can't believe she trusted Angie with her car. You never know what one would do when given the keys to a strangers car. (he he) So we then somehow made it to our car only to find out that every restaurant in the town was closed. I should have taken a picture of the streets because they were completely flooded. In the end we were able to get the kids some cold sandwiches and the lights finally went back on.

On this night we went and rode the go-carts. The kids all had so much fun although Dylan was a little sick.
Logan with his new sunglasses. He barely took them off.

I absolutely love this picture of Lexi. She is so adorable. Between her and Logan's voices, I'm not sure which one is cuter.

Swimming in the pool all day every day we were there. I am so sad that winter is coming. I really love the sun.

Jada, Logan and Allie casually feeding the ducks outside the hotel.

Summer Parties

2008-08-24T23:51:00.006-06:00

So every summer Tahition Noni where James works has a fantastic summer party in their beautiful gardens. James took the kids to it last weekend and they had a blast.

There are tons of bouncing things for the kids to play on.

Jada and Logan (Hidden in the back) riding on the horses

Dylan, Hayden and Jada loved to rock climb.

They ended the night with face painting. Logan was a lion. Dylan and
Hayden were Jokers, and Jada had pretty fairies and butterflies on her face.

My department (Finance) at 1800CONTACTS where I work has a fun summer family party too. I took the kids up to this party in Park City on Thursday. We had unlimited passes to all of the attractions like the Alpine Slide, the Alpine Coaster, the zip line and lots of other fun things. Dylan and Hayden went down the mountain on the zip line three times and loved it. I wish I could have gotten a picture of it.

Ridding up the tram. I was holding Logan as I took the picture because I was so paranoid that he would fall over. (Yes, I have some anxiety issues).

Logan on the Alpine Coaster. This was the funnest ride! The roller coaster goes down the mountain. You can control how fast it goes and so I would ask Logan if he wanted me to go slower and he just kept saying "no go faster".

Jada got pretty good at rock climbing. She loved it!

By the end of the night the kids were all tired and ready for bed. Jada met some new friends who she can't stop talking about. We all had a lot of fun. I am so lucky to work with some amazingly sweet and fun people at my work that we were able to hang out with too.

First Day of School

2008-08-18T22:59:00.003-06:00

Jada's first day of 1st Grade

Hayden's 1st day of 5th Grade

Look at Hayden's "skinny" jeans. This style took me a bit to adjust to but I actually think they look really cool on my boys. I cannot believe how chaotic school shopping was this year as Dylan and mainly Hayden are so picky about what brands they will wear. What high maintenance kids I have. :)

Yeah, the kids are back in school. Jada and Hayden both seemed to get really good teachers so I am hoping that it will be a good school year. Jada was so excited for the first day. The night before in her prayer she said "Thank you that school feels so good to me". So I am guessing she loves school just a little. She really is my child who absolutely loves to learn. She will finish one of those learning handbooks in a day. It is kind of weird that Dylan won't be going to school with them this year though.

Junior High

2008-08-15T17:36:00.003-06:00

So Dylan's 1st day of Junior High was today. I truly can't believe it. Here are his first day of school pictures in front of our house which is a tradition of course. His hair really doesn't look yellow, I'm not sure what happened with the picture, O-well. He came home from school and seemed really excited about 7th grade. I just started thinking today that he only has six more years until he will be out of High School. So weird........ Wow, time flies! I am beginning to talk like my Dad. My dad is always saying how it just seems like yesterday when I was going to Kindergarten for the first day. I'm starting to understand what he means. I Love you Dylan!!!

Bear Lake

2008-08-11T19:56:00.007-06:00

The fake cosmetologist (me) and the real one (Angie). It was fun pretending to know what I was doing as I was putting in extensions.

Me, Mindy and Angie at Mindy's booth.

Is that Cancun behind us? No really though it was so pretty!

Breath taking view of the lake

Wow, what a trip! I feel like a "changed woman" because I actually had a weekend with just me and my friends. (No husband or kids). I have not had a vacation like this in years and years and years. I went to Bear Lake for Raspberry Days. One of my best friends Mindy and her husband Shane invited me and my best friend Angie along. Mindy and Shane own the cutest children's store ever called Curdz N Whey and they had a booth at Raspberry Days. Angie and I decided to do colored hair extensions to make a little bit of money. We had so much fun! Mindy and Shane were the best and invited us up to their property to eat dinner with them and enjoy the beautiful view of the lake. Angie and I slept in the back of her Tahoe and stayed up laughing and talking almost all night like 13 year old girls, seriously. But I have not had such a fun night in a long time. We were also able to spend some time with Angie's sweet sister Mindy and her family. They were so much fun too. Then on Saturday morning Angie knocked herself out with the Tahoe back door. It was kind of scary and a little funny (sorry Anj) She had blood all over her hair and face and all she was worried about was the fact that the blood may get on my shirt she had borrowed of mine to wear. K, that was the least of my worries but she was so cute to think of it. So she had quite the cut on the top of her hair and was a little loopy and was hearing frogs and stuff, hehe. So she went off to the Instacare and did end up having a slight concussion. Even though the extensions were a hit we still didn't make very much money but we had a lot of fun just hanging out at the booth with our friends. Saturday night we first went with Mindy and Shane to get shakes. And then having a yummy dinner of fries, bacon burgers and a shake (Super Healthy) was the beginning of another fantastic night watching the fire works by the lake while listening to some amazing music until a tsunami picked up (OK, it was just a really bad wind storm but it seemed bad). I'll never forget the memories of Mindy's secret, The Red JumpsuiteApparatus, Ed Hardy, and Eagle Eye. It was just a nice break to spend being myself and not just being a mom. And I truly think that this is not such a bad idea every now and then. Also I was so excited to see my family when I returned home. My kids are my life but I still like to be just me every now and then.

On the Farm

2008-08-04T10:21:00.003-06:00

Here are a few more Idaho pictures. This was right before we left and my kids had been outside playing all morning and they were all filthy, as you can see.

Hayden Knee Boarding

2008-08-04T10:04:00.004-06:00

So my kids look at my blog all of the time sense it is the only kind of scapbooking they have of themselves because I am a slacker mom and never find the time to put anything together for them. (I really envy all of you scapbookers, yours kids will love you forever for preserving their childhood). And my point is, Hayden really wanted me to post a video of him knee boarding too. So here it is. (He is on the left) This was his first time so it took him a little bit to get up but by the end of the day he was doing great!!

Boating down the Snake River

2008-08-04T09:51:00.003-06:00

Here is a little video clip of Dylan on the right and my cousin Holdin on the left knee boarding. Also in the boat is Hayden , Logan, Jada, my cousin Chris (driving) and his two little girls. Of course my kids are begging for a boat now because they had so much fun. They will have to keep dreaming!

Origin of the name

2008-08-01T17:44:00.006-06:00

"And you ate the whole... wheel of cheese? How'd you do that? Heck, I'm not even mad; that's amazing. How 'bout we get you in your p.j.'s and we hit the hay."

A quote from Ron Burgundy talking to his dog Baxter.

Baxter

2008-08-01T17:15:00.004-06:00

Dylan and Baxter (Dylan doesn't seem to know what season it is with his beanie on).

Logan and Baxter

Jada and Bax, Allie and Max

Baxter's first night home

So if you know me at all you will be extremely surprised that James and I gave in and decided to get a dog for the kids. Dylan has only been asking for one for at least ten years now. James fell in love with Yorkshire Terriers so this is the dog we settled on. We surprised the kids on Tuesday night with Baxter. I don't think I have seen them so excited since Lindsey Lohan went to rehab. (In James words.) Also two days later Angie and Ryan decided to buy his brother. And they play together really cute. Now I am one of those people who talk to dogs, take pictures of dogs and blog about dogs.

Idaho

2008-07-31T07:58:00.005-06:00

The kids and I went to Idaho this last weekend for a visit. I think this was my first time there since my Grandpa past away and it was really sad when I would think of that and how he wasn't around anymore. My Grandpa was one of the best men I have ever know. I will have to post more of him later.

My Grandma Stockham and me at the family picnic. Not the best picture in the world as it is one of those that I held my arms out and took myself but I still think my Grandmas is beautiful! Grandma just turned 80 years old this summer and was still up wanting to make everyone breakfast in the mornings and out trying to take care of her chickens, garden and flowers. You just have to forget any kind of diet you are on at her house. Her yummy breakfast include, fresh from the farm, thick cut fried bacon, fresh eggs (some that my kids picked from the chicken coop) and her homemade bread and jam. To die for delicious. My dad always says that he knew he wanted to marry my mom after spending a weekend at her parents home and experiencing my Grandma's cooking. It may be true! My Grandma seriously is the most caring person ever. She always finds the best in everyone. I love her so much! My kids adore her too.

Ava, Chanel, Brooklynn, Jada

Isn't Ava beautiful? I love how she is looking up at the older girls. Ava is my cousin Michell's daughter. We have always been really close. Similar to how Brooklyyn and Jada are now. Michelle has always been one of my best friends! Chanel is my cousin Chis and Bernadette's daughter. Jada and her were inseparable during this trip. And of course Brooklynn is Kari's daughter and Jada just loves her and looks up to her.

Chloe, me, Logan and Jada

Chris and Bernadette were so good to us during our trip. We found out the first night at my Grandma's house that Logan is allergic to cats. His eyes swelled up so big. Bernadette is so fun and sweet. She invited us to her home. We stayed their the first night and then at their river home the second night. Chloe is Chris and Bernadette's second daughter and she became my best little friend. She was sooooo cute. She kept asking to come to my house and was crying when I left. I really would have taken her home except for the fact that her parents would miss her like crazy. Logan loved playing with her. This is a picture of us on the dock next to the snake river.

Chloe, me and Logan on Chris and Bern's boat

I love this picture of Hayden checking out Logan's foot. I guess he stepped on something in the boat. We all had so much fun! I'll post a few more pictures later. I know you are excited...

It was so much fun spending time with my Grandma, Aunts and cousins. My kids love playing with their second cousins and three of them were crying when it was time to go home because they just wanted to stay a little longer. I honestly remember doing the same thing when I would go visit my Grandparents home as a child with my parents. The farm life was like Disneyland and now is the same for my kids.

10k

2008-07-23T08:14:00.007-06:00

It's a miracle! My friend Liz talked me into running a 10k. Are you kidding me..... I have only been "training" for about two weeks. Liz is also the one who motivated me into running in the first place. Maybe she should be a motivational speaker. I haven't ran in any kind of race since maybe Junior High gym. I really don't even care how fast I run at this point. Plus my knees have been killing me so, lets be honest, I am just hoping to finish. The 10k is on Thursday July 24th as part of the Pioneer Day Celebration. Angie is running with Liz and I and we are way excited to try. Soon enough we will be running marathon's! he he

More Fun in the Sun

2008-07-18T00:05:00.003-06:00

So my life is pretty boring lately. (Which isn't always a bad thing in my life). This is the first summer in quite a few years that we have not taken some type of big vacation like to California. I have been working more but have been trying to go in early like around 6am so that I am able to come home early to be with my kids. Dylan has been gone to scout camp all week and we all miss him tons especially Hayden. This is his first week long camp. My dad went up with him for a night and reported back to me that Dylan is having a great time. I have the best Dad to go with my son to camp! Here are a few pictures of the kids this week playing in the sprinklers and just hanging out.

This is Angie's little girl Lexi. She is adorable! One possible bad thing about having two older brothers who talk about girls and girlfriends a lot is that now Logan thinks it is what everyone does including 4 year olds I guess. One day he came up to me and said "Mom, Lexi dumped me". And he really does know what that means. Another really cute thing was when a couple of months ago Logan was riding his bike and he rode up near Lexi and said "Lexi do you want to ride on my pegs?" They are really cute friends!

I love this picture of Logan with his head in the sprinklers! This is very typical of him.

Hayden has been hanging out with me more because he is going crazy with Dylan gone. He has been a wonderful help with Jada and Logan while I work. Every day I come home from work and the kids are at least dressed, alive and the house is in one piece, kind of. What more can I ask? Hayden's favorite thing to do is to skateboard. He is actually getting very good at it. He is an awesome kid!

Running

2008-07-16T07:55:00.004-06:00

I have been slacking for the past six months as far as working out as much and it shows. My goal is to loose about 15-20 pounds so that I can fit back into my cute size 28 jeans. So my wonderful friend Angie and I have started to run every morning. This morning we were out by 5am and we are running again at night for a total of about 5 miles a day. I HATE running and have never been a runner. My cardio has always been aerobics, or the elliptical. I love weights and yoga so I am going to keep those up too. Hopefully I will start to enjoy it soon. Why does weight have to be such an issue, I really hate it and feel very shallow worrying about it all the time. I'll keep you posted on our progress. Wish us luck!

Lovin the Summer Time

2008-07-11T16:23:00.005-06:00

Reasons I LOVE Summer:

*No Homework

*Laying out in the sun

*Popsicles

*Vacations

*Hot Days

*I can wear flip flops without everyone looking at me weird

*Getting a Tan

*Camping

*No Spelling Words

*Less running my kids around

*Barbe Q's

*Flowers

*Spending more time with my kids

*Longer Days

*Summer food like watermelon and salads

*Vegetables from my garden

*Snow cones

*Did I mention No Homework

I just realized that we are about half way through the summer days before school starts again. (Give or take a few days). I got a really sick feeling realizing this because I am dreading the homework fights. It causes our household major anxiety. Also I can't believe that my 12 year old will be going to Junior High. I remember Junior High all to well. Also my six year old will be in the First grade leaving my four year old very lonely I'm sure. I am just going to forget about the upcoming school year for the next half of the summer and enjoy the time off!

Celebrating the 4th of July

2008-07-07T22:20:00.003-06:00

Dylan

Angie and I

Hayden

Me and the kids. Jada doesn't look very happy but it is just impossible to take a picture of us all without someone mad or fake cheesing it. This pic has both. :)

The day after the 4th of July we were able to go across the street to our
friends home to light some fire works of our own. (Courtesy of The Wendells). It doesn't look like it but we really do try to instill safety issues into our kids, but as you can see Dylan and Hayden still had a "blast". The stadium of fire was fun but apparently there is just something about lighting that flame yourself. P.S Angie is amazing and fixed Logan and Hayden's hair today so thank goodness the pink is gone and their hair looks great again!

Stadium of Fire

2008-07-07T07:55:00.005-06:00

My Dad was wonderful to get us into the Stadium of Fire again this year. Jada was ecstatic to be able to see Miley Cyrus. The kids all colored their hair Blue and Red to get in the 4th of July spirit. I had to include a picture of Logan'shair. He loved it! The only problem is I have washed his hair five times since that night and can't seem to get the red out. It actually looks pink now. Just in case anyone missed seeing any fire works this year I included a small video of some of the display at the stadium. :) It was a really fun night although we had to park so far away that I'm sure we walked at least five miles. I may be exaggerating a little but it was truly a few miles. Happy Birthday America!!!

A few more pictures:

2008-07-05T16:28:00.003-06:00

At the Beach, July 2007

Me and my parents and brothers and sisters, Summer 2007

Park City, April 2007

Pics of us

2008-07-05T15:28:00.005-06:00

Here are a few pictures of us during the last year:

Me and the kids at Temple Square 2007

Dylan, me and Hayden December 2007

Logan, James and Jaden (our nephew) June 2007

Jada and Logan September 2007

December 2007

New Cousin

2008-07-02T20:17:00.002-06:00

Benet Covin Nordgren was born on June 18th to Jason and Cindy Nordgren. Cindy is James sister and she is such a wonderful sister-in-law. Benet is adorable. Here is a picture of Hayden holding Benet.

Jada's First Sleepover

2008-07-02T20:10:00.003-06:00

Jada has had several "late overs" in the last year but we finally gave in and let her have a sleepover a few weeks ago. She was just across the street at her best friend Allie's but it was still a big mile stone. She had so much fun!

I have a 12 year old

2008-07-02T19:59:00.002-06:00

Dylan's birthday was on June 7Th. I know everyone says this at one time or another but I seriously cannot believe that I have a 12 year old. And he is such a good "young man", I guess I can't really call him a kid anymore at least not to him. He is always worried about other's feelings and is a wonderful big brother. He has so many friends and is very talented and funny. Dylan started playing the trumpet and guitar this last year and seems to be learning fast and doing well. He played Basketball and Soccer this year again and had a lot of fun and did great! He also was in his school chorus and has become a great singer too. Dylan loves to skateboard, draw, and to play video games. He loves camping and has been able to do even more of this lately in scouts. I love him so much!!

Palisade Lake

2008-07-02T19:42:00.003-06:00

For the last six or more years I have been able to go with my Dad and Mom along with as many of my brothers and sisters who are available to Palisade Lake. My kids absolutely love it and look forward to it every year the week after school gets out. Last year was an adventure as our tent blew over in the middle of the night. It was actually really scary. Luckily this year was calm. Dylan and Hayden were able to go golfing this year for the first time and loved it. (The picture of them on their way to go golfing is with my dad, my nephew Kamdenn and my beautiful sister Kari.) The kids also love the paddle boats, swimming, fishing and just hanging out with their Grandparents and cousins. I love laying out at the beach and hanging out with my family. My Dad and Mom are the best Grandparents ever. I am so lucky to have them be such a big part of my kids life.

Logan's Preschool Graduation

2008-07-02T19:28:00.003-06:00

4 year old Preschool here he goes....
Logan has been my only child who didn't want to go to school every day. He loved his teacher and his friends at school but occasionally he would cry and want to stay home with me. Maybe it is the youngest child syndrome (whatever that is). Overall he seemed to enjoy school, especially his field trip to the Dinosaur museum. Here are some pictures of the field trip and of his graduation in May. I know, I know, he has a really fake smile. :)

First Post

2008-07-02T16:20:00.002-06:00

Can everyone believe that I finally created a blog...(Thanks mostly to my amazing sister-in-law and friend Tiffany). I am not creative and I really don't have very much time but I will try to make the most of it as I love looking at other blogs.