PRESTWICH FAMILY

Strictly for Posterity

2012-01-25T22:58:00.000-08:00

Just so ya know, this is not in anyway posted to embarrass my daughter. This is strictly done to prove to her when she is a parent of a teenager that what goes around comes around. I have to admit I was a slob like her. My slobbiness didn't really happen till I left home for college. And to this day I don't know how Travis ever liked me considering he was in my room on more than one occasion!

Just ignore the purple dresser. We know it doesn't match. Just haven't gotten around to finding a black one yet since changing the colors in her room!

And the really crazy thing is, she know exactly where every thing is. It's kind of spooky!

January 13-19th 2012

2012-01-25T22:50:00.000-08:00

COUSINS

Travis's brother and wife came into town this week and it happened to be on Lydia's birthday the day they came so we kept it a surprise from the younger two. They showed up literally 5 minutes before they got home from school.

Lydia turned 10! We took all the girls and to get pedicures the next day!

Some Dance Dance

While they were here we got the first snow of the year. Luckily it only lasted a day and a half, but it was something for them to do. And since we have no sleds they dug out the boogie boards from the garage and they soon found out theysuck in the snow!

January 6-12th 2012

2012-01-12T20:41:00.000-08:00

Haven't quite figured out how to title these weekly posts yet so for now they will just be the date. Lydia had her first orchestra concert tonight and I think I have heard "I'm so nervous" over 50 times the last two days. She did great of course. Well, I thought she did great until she came up to me afterwards and said she messed up so bad!

When I figure how to get the videos off my camera I will include the songs she played. Or should I say plucked! They don't use their bows till 5th grade. Lydia is going to go to chior tomorrow to try it out. She has really been wanting to join, but I have been hesitant about adding one more thing. It doesn't take any time outside of school other that two days a week a 1/2 hour before school.

Most of you know I have been training for a 10K. This is my running buddy Jen and one of my best friends! I had never ran with a partner before because I thought I would always hate it. But of course I was wrong and realized it really is doable to run and talk at the same time. Especially if you don't run real fast and you walk for a minute every three minutes. We ran 5 miles yesterday so I think we are almost there. We are running another one in June with others from our bookclub. And why, I ask, does it look like I'm not even looking at the camera when I am the one taking it!

"I'm sorry, what did you say?" Yes, that is our blue-tooth carrot we found in our carrot bag the other day! And if it wasn't for Amy and her 3/Thurs. I would not have thought to get my camera!

Waking Up

2012-01-05T21:48:00.000-08:00

Here is the start of my Three on Thursday! My friend Amy has challenged a bunch of us to blog more and the best way she could think of was to include three pictures from your week. Well we just decided yesterday to do that so I took some pictures this morning. The older two had already left for school when I just decided to catch the younger ones waking up. Lydia used to be the biggest grouch getting up in the mornings, but this year she has matured a lot and has a pretty easy time waking up.

One of the reasons I decided to take pictures of them waking up is because this may have been on of a couple days that Cal has not beaten me up. He is late to bed early to rise. He has a super hard time falling asleep at night and we are trying to remedy that.

Yeah, those are pink striped sheets with flowers! What of it?!!

This is actually pretty tame hair for Cal. It is usually just sticking straight up all over!

Travis happened to be home so helped get them out of bed this morning.

First day of School 2011

2011-09-08T15:09:00.000-07:00

Woke up this morning to get the older kids out of bed in case they had slept through their alarms (which was 6:0 am) and I hear them laughing in the kitchen completely ready, finishing making their lunches. Umm, can we repeat this scenerio for the next 100+ days please? Of course it was just first day jitters and exitement I'm sure.

Yep, Harry has now passed his sister in heighth. And they are still the best of buds...... with an arm punch thrown in there every once in a while when Harry gets annoying.

These ones fight and make up, fight and make up. Constantly! The new rule is no more than one hour of electronics (TV, computer, WII/x-box) on school nights. Travis and I went to the temple (who schedules stake temple night on the first day of school I ask you?) and when we got home they were all in bed and tons of board games out. Made me happy to know that they played together instead of watching TV together. Let's hope that rule can stick cause we all know that sometimes the TV makes the little ones quiet sometimes!

Yes, those are wet eyelashes. He was oh, so scared this morning. Cal has a hard time with new things. He gets very anxious. But he came home saying it went well and had a good time.

Lydia and her best friend Gretchen. These girls are literally inseperable! They are great friends!

Lydia turned 9

2011-03-29T18:18:00.000-07:00

Lydia turned 9 and she had a little spa party!

They painted their fingernails and gave themselves a little cucumber mask.

Cal wanting to be a part of it so badly.

The peeling!

My first attempt at fondant. It was really a lot easier than I thought it would be just very time consuming. And to tell you the truth just not very appetizing. I think I will just stick with my simple homemade frosting!

The dreaded goodie bags. I may have said this before, but I really don't like this tradition that everyone has to go home with something. I wish I was brave enough to just not do it. But hard when the kids love it so much.

Happy Birthday Lydia!

Performance Awards 2011

2011-03-12T17:48:00.000-08:00

Lydia had her annual Performance Awards were they perform in front of a judge from New York. Here are her exercises and her dance. We are very proud of her!

Lydia is one of the youngest in her class if not the youngest. Some of the girls are three years older than her. So given that I think she keeps up pretty well!

Warming up.

This is what my weirdo teenagers do while waiting for the awards to be handed out. Use the flip camera like it's a switch blade.

She received a Silver medal this year. Way to go Lydia!!

Trip to the Coast

2011-03-11T17:50:00.000-08:00

It's been years since we went to the coast. Sad, but true. We aren't very good about just picking up and going somewhere. We are getting better though. The wonderful Chase's in our ward let us borrow their cabin at the coast for two nights. We had a good relaxing time. Should have brought a few more things for the little ones to do, but all in all a fun time together. The weather was wonderful, but of course very windy. It was nice and sunny most days, but you can tell by what we are wearing (and yes Ryann and I happened to be wearing the exact same thing) it was chilly. Especially when the sun went down.

This kids whole goal at the beach was to collect some rocks and agates. Cal's class does a big section for science on rocks. So he had to get some for himself.

Lydia had to get some of her own as well.

Treasures found among the rocks.

My love

Skipped rocks. Dad rocked (no pun intended) at this one!

My other loves!

Random End of Year Stuff

2010-12-23T21:51:00.000-08:00

Ryann played basketball for South and was on the Freshman team. She loves the team atmosphere and loves playing, but did not like her coach. Her are a few shots. She's number 14.

Dad and Lydia playing some Dance Dance!

Lydia was a boy in the party scene for the Nutcracker as well as a soldier. This was her second Nutcracker and LOVED every minute of it.

Grandma Emmett was able to come down and see it!

Before Christmas we headed up to Portland for a night at a hotel. We stayed downtown and took the MAX to the mall for some ice skating.

This was the first time any of the kids ice skated. I really didn't want to so just took pictures from the sidelines.

Lydia was the first to take off.

Ryann was the biggest wuss of the night! Most everything comes easy for Ryann and this did not so she was very chicken to try on her own.

Harry was the first to venture out on his own. He's usually like that.

Ryann finally made it around with the help of Dad, but as you can see by her backwardsness she still had a hard time. And in fact almost biffed it right after that!

Lydia got a little more daring. This is her concentrating face!

Travis could skate circles around all of them and finally got a second to go by himself.

Cal took forever to finally venture out. He would just go out one of the openings hold onto the wall till the next opening about 20 feet around and did that half the night till he was confident enough to go with Travis. By the end of the night Travis said his ankles were killing him. Hmm, wonder why!

Whoo! Good thing Dad was still holding his hand!

Freak!

2010-10-05T21:57:00.000-07:00

Do we see a reoccurring theme here?

First Day of School 2010

2010-09-08T00:09:00.000-07:00

Does this title clue you in on just how far behind I am on my blog? As you will see we did not get any pictures of Ryann. We just spaced that one. She has to leave so early I don't think any of us were really awake then.

Growing Up

2010-08-30T14:16:00.000-07:00

Ryann graduated from middle school (not sure why they do this) and will be entering High School in the fall. (Which really is about 8 days from now.) I'm a little late again. She is super excited and not really that nervous. We'll wait and see what she says the day before though. Luckily the ninth graders get the school to themselves for the first day.

That dreaded walk in front of the whole school!

Turning 5

2010-08-30T14:01:00.000-07:00

I just a little late on this! Cal turned 5 in May, but the poor kid did not get his birthday party till the middle of June. Stupid baseball!

His birthday pals: Logan, cousin Elizabeth, Collin and Jimmy

Three Finger Jack-Our First Hike

2010-08-21T20:58:00.000-07:00

We hiked up to Three Finger Jack in the Mount Jefferson wilderness area in August as our last little hoo-rah before school started. It was about 2 mile hike each way. We carried in all of our food, tents, provisions, etc. We had a great time! The weather was wonderful and it was absolutely beautiful.

Hiking in

Getting campfire going

We hiked straight up the side of that mountain above the snow there to the top of the crater. It was pretty high, but that was as far as I was going. Travis took the two older ones up further which freaked me out!

The top of their excursion

Ryann enjoying the breeze!

We took in dehydrated food for our meals and they weren't half bad.

Harry enjoying his hot chocolate the next morning

Ryann enjoying her nicely re-hydrated eggs.

Hiking out.

We took a different way down which was just as pretty, but in a different way. Going up it was lush and green and the way down was kind of bare and dusty. Probably due to a fire there in the last little while. Ryann led us down and boy was she anxious to get it there. Didn't see her practically the whole way. She sure kept us moving at a nice brisk pace, the jerk!

And.....

This one's for me!

Scout Camp..................Yum

2010-07-25T21:22:00.000-07:00

The Fun You Can Have........

2010-07-11T23:27:00.001-07:00

with a quarter and a gum ball machine!

And no, we don't allow him to wear his seatbelt like that!

Our Chaotic Life

2010-05-30T22:11:00.000-07:00

Life has been it's usually craziness lately. Three weeks after basketball ended for Ryann and Harry baseball and T-ball started for Harry and Cal and Ryann track a week after that. So the chaos began again. Cal's season was a short one and I can't say that he really liked it. He fought every time we had to go, but really enjoyed it when out on the field. They just practiced fundamentals and had a few scrimmages by splitting up the teams. His last game and BBQ was on the same day as the father/son campout. Guess which won he chose?

Cal warming up

Running the bases

Ryann ran the 100 meter dash in track. She did pretty well. I was surprised to find out she was running the hundred meter dash cause I just never think of Ryann as fast. But sure enough she is. I think she surprised herself! She started up basketball two weeks ago and will be playing with some incoming freshman and some past freshman through her soon to be High School.

Harry has been doing a lot more pitching this year and is really liking it. He loves his team this year and he ended up with some great coaches. Ones that actually compliment the boys instead of always telling them what they did wrong. A huge change from last year which allows the boys to actually have some fun out there.

Cal turned five and graduated from preschool this month. Someday we will have his birthday party. Haven't had a free weekend to have it yet.

Wore these puppies for about a week straight!

Homemade graduation hats

A random happening in my house so had to sneak a shot.

And Justin Bieber!

Or as Travis calls him Dustin Beaver. And yes I did cut his hair tonight! Harry found this vest laying around which actually used to be his in kindergarten that I had recently gotten out for Cal. This is how he walked into the family room the other day and then did this little pose. I can't believe this kid is turning 12 in two days. What I love most about him is that he is still such a kid. Still plays house type things with Lydia and Cal when he is bored and loves to be outside playing guns and stuff with his friends. HeIt's going to be weird seeing him passing the sacrament to me next week in church!

My 3rd Son

2010-05-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

Adjudication 2010- For the Grandparents

2010-04-26T00:15:00.000-07:00

Lydia had her second Adjudication this last month. She performed three exercises and one dance. This is done in front of a judge that flies in from New York. Excuse the camera quality and sound. It was shot from my phone and at times she leaves the frame cause I was watching her!

She received a "Silver with Distinction" which is just shy of the gold. We are very proud of her and her hard work!

Travis's B-ball Injury

2010-04-21T21:48:00.000-07:00

Travis broke his right hand playing basketball as you all know, but just wanted to get it documented with the lovely photos from my phone.

Prepped for surgery.

Here you can see where his forth knuckle isn't really showing and all his bruising. The bone in his hand below that knuckle broke and and kind of jacked knifed into each other.

Here is is after surgery gargling and trying to wake up. He really didn't want to take his pain meds cause he didn't want to get too sleepy, but we talked him into taking them at least the first day. He's glad he did. He ended up with a titanium plate with 6 screws.

2010-04-13T23:35:00.000-07:00

This makes me gut laugh ..........

And takes me back to this!

Spring Break 2010

2010-04-04T21:31:00.000-07:00

(Long Post)

This year we traveled down to California again. We headed down on a Thursday and got in about 7 hours. We arrived in Newport Beach around 5:00 on Friday. We did some boogie boarding again and just hanging out at the beach all day Saturday. We were lucky enough to have some good friends from AZ be there that weekend as well. We were able to meet up with Bond's on the beach for a few hours. It was great!!

Any water up to Cal's calves require goggles.

Lydia's version of boogie boarding!

Ryann, Harry and Travis were the serious ones again this year, hence the wet suits. The weather wasn't too bad. Warm, but not hot and windy. Later that night Harry says, "I'm sunburned on my hands, feet and my face. Wait! Everywhere I put sunscreen, I'm sunburned!" Looks like we still need some help in the reapplying department.

We then headed to church on Sunday and then hopped in the car again for a couple of days in Mesa, Az. Let's just say we were a gluten for punishment. Although AZ was the best part of the trip for me it was waaaaaayyyy too much in the car.

In Arizona the kids were able to hang out with their cousins, do some swimming in the cold pool and just hang out. It rained one of the days we were there. Go figure! So we headed to the movies.

Harry being paid to attempt a flip! Have I ever told you that I kind of have wusses for kids? They are soooo not the daredevils. Have to be bribed to do anything!

Lydia's, "Mom! Take a picture of this!"

Playing by the pool. Did I mention it was cold and that I kind of have wusses for kids?

Hangin' with the cuzins

This is evident of how cold it was. Gavin (my nephew) getting paid by his mom for jumping in the pool.

Harry attempting some High School Musical moves. At least that's what he told me.

For a long time every time Cal sees my lemons at home he always asks to make lemonade. So his wish finally came true when he spotted the lemon trees in the back yard and was able to make some fresh lemonade with Grandma. Yes, Grandmas was there, but she hates her picture taken! Don't worry, I did get her in some, just not going to post them cause she will punish me for it. Just kidding!!

It was delicious!!

On Wednesday we headed back over to California and Hermosa Beach. We spent Thursday riding bikes for a couple hours on the board walk and some more time playing on the beach.

Best I could do riding a bike!

Okay, so Cal did not want to ride this tag-a-long bike. (That wuss thing again) He doesn't know how to ride a bike yet so it was kind of intimidating and it does jerk a bit. So Travis gets him on and he is freaking out screaming that he doesn't want to ride and wants to get off. So Travis takes him on a quick trip around the building to see if he will calm down. When I see them come around the corner Cal has stopped crying, but is still a little unsure. I asked Travis how he got him to calm down and he said that when they were rounding the corner some older guy pops out of no where and yell's "Why don't you just shut up!" Travis concerned that he was going to hit the guy and that he may have had a screw loose didn't stop or say anything but just kept riding and Cal shut up!! He ended up LOVING it and wanted to go the next day.

That's Harry's head under the green towel.

The kids opted for some shopping at the outlets instead of anther day at the beach. So Friday we did just that and made it up to Sacramento that night. And the rest of the way Saturday. It was a great trip and so nice spend time together and with family, but let's just say six days in a car is not fun. And guess how many hours my youngest slept in that car? Zero!!!!!! Yes, Zero! What the crap! My 14 year old slept 3/4 the trip and I couldn't get some Z's out of him once! Definitely not my child! Already making reservations for next year!

2010-02-11T00:20:00.000-08:00

We have had a lot of things going this last month. I think of updating my blog daily, but sometimes it just seems like a chore. Here is some of the things that we have done:

In December Lydia performed in her first Nutcracker. She was an angel as well as one of the boys in the party scene. None of us had ever seen the Nutcracker before so it was fun for her to learn the story as she learned her dance.

She informed me the other day that she wants to be and actress. Which just amazes me cause she can be soooo shy sometimes. I asked her how she planned to be an actress when she can't even go up and have her books at the library checked out by herself or go and ask the lady at the restaurant for a napkin without me coming with her. And she was like, "Mom, it's not like I'm talking to the people in the audience." Um, sorry sweety, but ya sort of are!

Lydia turned 8 last month and was baptized. She was very nervous and after she came out of the water and we were getting her dressed, she just kept saying over and over again, "Oh, my gosh! Oh, my gosh!"

She enjoyed a pajama party with some friends and her little brother of course.

Ryann had a birthday as well this month. I can't believe she is 14 and will be going to her first dance next week. She claims she's not going cause she can't dance. Whatever! I guess I will just have pull out my sweet moves and show her a few!

She has been sooo busy these days with basketball, orchestra, piano (which she says she dreads every week) and school work. She has loved almost every minute of basketball this year. Might has something to do with them having only lost 5 games out of about 33 games so far.

It is so much fun to watch my quiet, peaceful child become someone else on the court. Is it twisted to say how much fun it is also to see her fight, get knocked around, bruised and slammed to the ground also? Maybe not so much since I too played all through school and know just how much fun it is!! I have to say though basketball is a whole different "ballgame" then it was 20 years ago. The level of playing these girls do at age 13-14 is really something else! And did I mention how fun it is to watch!!

Ryann and her team this past Saturday. They were all a little sweaty having just played three games and winning the tournament!!

PS-- Harry just started his season so pictures are soon to follow......

Seriously, You Gotta Try This!

2010-01-11T21:51:00.000-08:00

Check out the way this kid holds his pencils! I honestly don't know how he gets anything on that paper. Try it! And make sure you notice the top finger wrapped around the pencil as well as where his pinky finger is. Let me know what you come up with. Cause I cannot even grasp my pencil to even try!

Hoodoo Autobahn

2010-01-02T21:57:00.001-08:00

We headed up to Hoodoo for some tubing New Year's Day and had a blast!! As you can see by the weather, I was too chicken to take my camera on the hill to get pictures cause half the day was like a blizzard! And since our faces hurt from getting pelted I figured my camera probably shouldn't be out in that craziness. If you haven't been it is so worth it. Half the day we had to jump on our tubes, close our eyes and hope for the best. I asked a worker if this was normal conditions and he was like, "Um, NO!!" I am just so proud of Cal for going down every time. He was scared of course but made it through which meant Mom was able to go down all day too! Happy New Year every one!!

Snow, Snow, Go Away........

2009-12-29T23:43:00.000-08:00

NEVER come another day! Am I seriously the only one who does not enjoy this stuff? It's pretty and that's about it. Well for the first day anyway.

Lydia and one of her best friends Gretchen

Cal thinking he is actually moving. Always too scared to be pushed, pulled or anything for that matter.

Cal and Harry's best friend David (Cal's other brother) in a snowball fight.

Reason I love this photo? He literally didn't moved an inch after he jumped on, but tried to appear as so. Just typical Harry!

And what was Ryann doing today? Swimming in a heated pool at the Kroc Center. That's my girl!

What The .......?

2009-12-25T01:09:00.000-08:00

Could someone please help me understand how I came to find Giselle with a babydoll pacifier stuck in her neck, hanging from my tree last night?

What kind of freaks am I raising here?

2009-12-17T23:20:00.000-08:00

Today I was at Lowes cause I need some new earplugs and I was hoping that maybe they had a huge bag of them. No luck. As I was crouched down looking at the ones they had Cal was next to me, but out of my peripheral vision. So he's talking and I'm not paying too much attention cause he's always talking and I finally clue in and he is saying, "Mom, what is this for? Mom, what is this? Mom, is this how you use it?" I finally look over and see this:

right in my face, placed over his nether region!

Umm, not quite, bud!!

Pleasure and Pain

2009-11-21T12:21:00.000-08:00

These two pictures represent the last 5 weeks of my life! A whole lot of chaos and little bit of peace and quiet. Three weeks before we left on our trip all 4 kids were hit by the flu and hit hard! I literally had one child on the couch or on a makeshift bed on the floor by the couch for two-three weeks straight! And man was I sweating it cause we were suppose to leave for Mexico. Luckily they all were better before we left except for Cal who still had his stuffy nose and cough that he had for about 4 weeks. We flew Travis's parents up to watch the kids and they all had a great time. It is so nice to know when you leave for a long vacation they are in good hands.

We were able to go to Cabo for about 5 days and it was so nice and relaxing. Weather was about 80 the whole time.

This is where we stayed in Cabo. Pueblo Bonito at Sunset Beach. A little slice of Heaven! We stayed in the top left grey building in the picture. We love staying at the top cause the views are incredible!

This is the view from our room. The sunsets there are fabulous!! Hence the name "Sunset Beach".

Because the resort is still on the Pacific Ocean and not the Sea of Cortez you can't get in the water. The current is too strong and there are sharks in the ocean. They even have guards on the beach to make sure no one breaks that rule.

We don't do much while we are there. Just read, eat and lay by the pool. A little rejuvenation for the chaos I was to return to! And I mean that literally. The day after we got back I was at the doctor with Cal with a sinus infection and conjunctivitis and two more times that week with Strep with Harry and Lydia. One day my life will get back to normal! One sad part of all this sickness and trip is that I have fallen way behind on my photography class. Kids just aren't willing subjects when they feel like crap plus not being able to get out of the house to take pictures doesn't help. Luckily it's something I can still do on my own even though I did not get all my assignments turned in to be critiqued.

Oh Come ON!!

2009-10-25T12:45:00.000-07:00

As much as I enjoy doing laundry this gets a bit ridiculous every four days!!

Bad Habits

2009-10-22T22:24:00.000-07:00

Cal has had a horrible habit of biting his fingernails. So bad that literally half his fingernails are gone from his nail bed. Nasty I tell you! So I told him if he can stop biting his fingernails enough that I can see the whites of his fingernails I would buy him two Star Wars figures. It took him a couple of weeks of having to remind him and then a couple of times finding his toenails in his mouth biting those and then finally success! He was able to go to the store today and get his prize. Instead of a two Star Wars figures he opted for a Star Wars gun. Like we don't already have a million guns around! We do not have a Star Wars one though!

He played around with it for a while and then started to just get bored cause Lydia and Harry are down with fevers and coughs and he just didn't have anyone to bug or do something with. So I said, "Cal, go upstairs get your Star Wars people, line them up on the stairs and shoot 'em!"

And that's just what he did. I had no plans of taking pictures of him until he came over to me and said,"Mom can you take pictures of me shooting my guys for your class?" So of course I obliged. I have been taking a photography class online for the past 3-4 weeks and am really liking it and really frustrated with it. I was getting most of it until this last week on exposure. That pretty much went straight over my head. Maybe if I finished reading that lesson it would make more sense.

So we went to Bauman Farms the other day on a Monday thinking we would miss most of the weekend crowd, but not realizing that most of the cool stuff was not open on the weekdays. Needless to say we were a little bummed. The kids still had fun and I tried to get a few pictures and then just got too frustrated with myself. Here are a few of the decent ones.

And the Hubby

School 2009

2009-10-12T20:20:00.000-07:00

School started a month ago and as you can see I am right on the ball. So on the ball that we did not even get first day of school pictures of Ryann and the ones of Harry were just not very good. Reason being that he was so nervous for his first day of middle school that he was ready with backpack on about 45 min. before he had to catch the bus and was so bad he couldn't even sit still for me to take pictures. He was just mad at me for having to do it. Kept saying he was going to be late! Whatever!

The kids all started on different days this year which kind of threw us off. Harry started a day before the others and Ryann left an hour before the rest of us even get out of bed the next day. Travis takes care of the older two and I handle the other two. Bless him cause I get an extra hour of sleep!

Cal has school three days a week this year and of course loves it! The other day I was getting him out of the car and before I lifted him out I said, "Look at me." He looks at me and then says, "Mom, you're not going to do that lick thing are you?" I laughed so hard cause that was exactly what I was going to do if he needed it!

Cal had his first field trip the other day. The pumpkin patch. I'm trying to figure out how many pumpkin patch field trips I have been on. A lot and at least two more after this one!

Some of the reasons I love this boy is cause he will hold my hand wherever we go. And hold it hard. In fact he reaches for my hand more oft than I do. When we are places like these field trips he doesn't really care about his friends. Just wants to be right with me. That's why he is the only one running down the corn maze. Just wants to hold my hand so we can go our own way and not be with the others and take as long as we like. Takes after his mom a bit in the social department!

The State Fair

2009-09-13T20:20:00.000-07:00

So we ventured out to the State Fair for Labor Day this year. I think the last time we were there was about 7 years ago. Let's just say it is not one of our favorite spots. Well, particularly not mine. And for a couple of good reasons. One being I had to work and the freakin' thing the last two weeks of summer before my senior year of high school. So what if it was the only job I had to that whole summer! Yeah, I know I had it good. I happen to get to work in probably the biggest food booths they had back then. We sold everything!! Luckily my brother worked the same booth with me so it wasn't too scary. Man, can I just tell you there are some of the biggest jerks out there. I remember one lady had me in tears one day yelling at me cause I supposedly helped someone before her sorry butt! Hey, it's not my job to tell you adults to form a single STRAIGHT line. I helped whoever came up to the counter. After I served her she ripped her change so fast out of my hand it went flying. I just was so shocked that someone could treat someone that way that I just didn't take it too well. I was a little wet behind the ears I guess. Luckily the people behind her saw how it had affected me and were so nice by telling me to just forget about her. Well lets just say that ordering food from one of the foods booths today really made me remember how bad it sucked and I couldn't say thank you enough to those girls for getting my food for me.

After one of those great nights at the fair my sister, brother, my best friend and I headed out to ride some rides. Well lets just say rides and me DO NOT go together. Well, let's say FAIR rides and me. We were having a good time until I rode the dreaded swing ride. What could be so bad about a swing, right? Wrong! When the ride ended we got off and started walking. As soon as we got just a little ways I knew something was wrong. Before I knew it I was throwing up! Yep, there I was throwing up on myself in the middle of the fair! Remember when I said "we" started walking. Well as soon as I was done retching on myself I looked up and my little butt-hole siblings and friend were no where to be seen! Jerks! I would have stayed and helped them wipe down the vomit that was all over them! So you see, the fair does not have too many pleasant memories for me.

And tonight's adventure adds just one more. Three of my poor kids suffer from motion sickness like me. I was only able to ride the ferris wheel tonight and that had me slightly wishing that thing would soon end. The two girls have it the worst and Harry suffers more on things like..........wait for it.......wait for it............. fair rides. We were winding down the day and for one of Lydia's last ride she wanted to ride the swing ride again. Yep, the swing ride. Lydia, Harry and Ryann decided to join her and I could tell thirty seconds into it that we were going to have a problem. When you see one of your children with there eyes closed and there nostrils open as wide as they can possible stretch you just know there will be some sort of disaster. "Please Harry! Please! Just make it till you can get off the ride!!" I am silently praying to myself. Luckily my prayers were answered and the little bugger let it all hang out next to one of those fun houses! And that little stink even had a Dramamine in him!

I believe whole hardily that it will be at least 7 more years till we visit that establishment again!!!

Summer '09

2009-09-08T00:02:00.000-07:00

As those of you who bother to read my blog have noticed that I have done horrible at keeping this thing up to date lately. So I decided to just lump our summer into one LONG post. We didn't do a ton of stuff but life was busy nonetheless. The day after school let out Lydia had her summer performance in ballet. They performed Mary Poppins and she was dressed as a duck as her part in the show. I was fortunate to be able to help back stage in this and let me tell you there is a ton that goes into these things! We were there from 12:30 till 9:30 that night. We were pooped but they all did a great job.

Lydia back left

I think her favorite part though was putting on all the make-up!

For the rest of June we had girls camp, finished up Harry's last baseball tournaments, Ryann had Saxon basketball camps, and the three oldest started piano lessons.

July 4th was kind of lonely cause that was the day Ryann and Harry flew to Utah for the sports camps that I mentioned earlier. So the fireworks were fun but not as fun!

This is the first year Cal would even hold a sparkler. He was even brave enough to light a few and take off running.

We had some loud ones!

And this one of Lydia cracks me up! It's like she was totally thinking of something else, but mom told her to look and smile so she was doing what she was asked but like:

"Huh, smile? Uhh, okay."

Look at the pure joy on Cal's face. Cracks me up!

The rest of July was pretty low key. My sister Court came into town and that was great but didn't capture that very well! We then headed to Utah the first of August for Travis's little brother's wedding and to visit lots of relatives.

So there was the wedding

The happy couple: Josh and Brooke

And a chance for some family pictures

Lydia, Harry Calahan and Ryann

Travis's parents Bev and Tom with all the grandkids

And our attempt at a family photo. Sure wish someone would have told us to move Ryann to the other side so we weren't so lopsided! I swear! One of these days we will get a decent family photo!

Cousins

Devin and Ryann at Thanksgiving Point

Aiden, Hadley, Lydia

Cal and Gavin

Jordan, Brody, Ryann, Devin, Lydia, Aiden and Harry after riding the Tram up while in Snowbird, UT

Gavin, Braden, Corbin, Cal, Harry, Ryann, Lydia, Taylor and Ashlynn at Josh and Brooke's reception

Family Reunions

All of Travis's siblings (except Josh) and his Grandpa Prestwich. (left of his mom in the white shirt) His brother John is in the grey and his sister Jen is is in the purple.

And just having fun

Zip lines

Bungy Trampoline

Alpine slides

Trampoline wars in the backyard

Hiking to the Timpanogas Caves

Getting there!! It was a 1 1/2 mile hike and it was pretty steep. We climbed a little over a 1000 feet. The little ones were pooped!

And getting to see what's inside.

I had the opportunity to run a 5K with my 15 year old niece Devin. It was a blast! Just ignore the look of disgust on my face. This was her first race and she was pretty nervous. I didn't really run the race with her just started it with her. Meaning she came in 7 minutes before me!! She got first place for her age group! I was so proud of her! She kicked butt! Years ago when I was running Hood to Coast I told her that maybe one day we would run that together. We might just have to do that! You get all the uphill, long legs though Devin!

We always have the best time in Utah and we are already looking forward to next time!

Harry is 11

2009-09-06T21:28:00.000-07:00

Harry turned 11 in June! Of course we did not have his birthday party till July cause of baseball. The poor guy always gets shafted on his birthday. He invited some good friends from school for swimming and a volcanoes game. They had a blast!

They were able to make it on a night where they were passing our free t-shirts and balls and the players were out signing them that night. So the boys were pretty stoked!

I can't believe he is entering 6th grade this year. This child has never given me one iota of stress all of his life. He is as easy tempered as his dad and is just so fun to have around. He always wants to help me in the kitchen, but then once he does it only lasts for a max ten minutes!! Although he did cut up a whole butt load of potatoes the other day for some mashed potatoes and claimed "this is fun."

He and his sister Ryann were able to go to BYU for some sports camp this summer and they had a ball! They were able to stay in the dorms all by themselves and eat whatever they wanted. I think that was the most exciting for him. Not having mom and dad there to monitor the eating and sweets! When we met them off the plane he was of course excited to see everyone but when he saw Cal he was just so excited and later told me that he missed him the most.

2009-08-19T00:03:00.000-07:00

This is what I found in the rear-view mirror when stopped at a red light the other day. I knew he was watching a movie, but still trying to figure out where the goggles came from since they are always in the pool bag! He was obviously enjoying the movie.....

Excuse the quality of this picture. It was taken with my phone.

Scrap Wood

2009-07-26T21:39:00.000-07:00

Lydia found some scrap wood on the back desk and got busy painting......

and the others soon joined in!

Baseball '09

2009-07-19T22:35:00.000-07:00

Harry joined a new baseball league this year call JBO (Junior Baseball of Oregon) and had a blast! He was our only one playing this year since Ryann opted out of softball this year and Lydia chose dance instead. And let me tell you it was heaven not having to be in two million places at one time! Harry enjoyed every minute of baseball this year. And learned a ton. It was a much more competitive league with more practices and more games. This was the first year that he was able to play baseball like it is supposed to be played! Things like the boys pitching the whole game and being allowed to steal bases.

His hitting started slow in the season, but he was able to do quite well there in the end. He was quite nervous about being hit by the ball. He had never hit against pitchers this fast. Once he saw the other boys being nailed by the ball and he himself getting hit a few times I think he realized it wasn't so bad after all!

He played mostly right field which is where he prefers to and is looking like he may end up with an arm like his dad.

He had great teammates who were just a great group of boys. He had such a great time this year that two days after his last game he flew to Utah for a week at BYU for a baseball camp and had a great time! And what kid wouldn't being away from his parents who aren't watching his every move and telling him what he should and shouldn't eat!

Freddy

2009-07-15T18:39:00.001-07:00

Lydia was picked to have a piece of artwork published in the Statesman Journal a couple of months ago. They were looking for children who had written a little story about Aliens and she had one! She was super excited.

This is Freddy

And this is his story.

Unfortunately they did not realize that Freddy was upside down.

4 Years Old

2009-07-14T22:32:00.001-07:00

This little stinker turned 4 years old in May and I can't believe it. He is a joy to have around and this picture is the epitome of him. A total nut ball! He can be oh so stubborn, but in a good way. Wanting to do things himself. He loves to sing, play star wars, swim and loves to read.

And he LOVES his older brother to wrestle with him and would do anything for him.

The other day he was with my dad and he had this "telephone" which really was this toy from burger king that says "beam me up!" (as in Scotty). My dad says why do you have that and he replies, "Duh........what if someone needs to get a hold of me?"

We had a birthday party with 3 of his closest friends. I kept asking if he wanted to invite more, but he wouldn't have it. Just wanted his good friends around. From top to bottom: Jimmy, Collin, Cal and Libby. The two beside him are his friends from school and he has grown up with Jimmy. Jimmy and Cal can play Star Wars for hours together!

He was so excited to receive some star wars for his birthday. I love when my kids find toys they actually will play with.

Children really do grow up too fast! Happy Birthday, Choncho!

Salem Kids Relay

2009-07-12T17:50:00.000-07:00

Lydia had the opportunity in April to try out for the Salem Kids Relays. It used to be called the JC Relay. Not really sure why the changed it. This is a relay with all the elementary kids in Salem and has been an event now for I believe 25-30 years. They had three teams from her school: girls, boys and a co-ed team. She made the co-ed team. Lydia is an exceptionally fast runner. For our family that is. She has always been fast. She was so very nervous as we had to just drop her off in a fenced area with the rest of her team and she had to wait till her turn with all the rest of the first graders from Salem. They did great! They came in second in her heat and not really sure how they did over all. I think they just gave out ribbons for the heat you run in. She had fun and will most likely do it again!

Waiting for their turn

The Race

Lydia ran the second leg.

The Ribbons!

Man........

2009-07-10T00:54:00.001-07:00

I need to update my blog, don't I? I'll try and force myself to do something tomorrow! Oh, wait it is tomorrow! Okay, hopefully sometime today..........

A song......by Lydia Prestwich

2009-07-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

Where Are You Going Baby

Whispering summer wind blowing thru my face

What will I try

What will I do

What will it be if I did it alone

What will I do all alone without you

You are gone

Where are you going without me

Aaaaaaaaaaaagh!

I can't stand it alone

When will you get back

It's hurting me so bad!

Where are you now

Your going around the world yeah

What can I do!

I'm spining spining spining stop!

Where have you been

I'm screaming at you screaming screaming yeah!

I've been doing nothing here

Oh no where am I going now yeah!

(Exactly how she wrote it in her journal except I made it into poem form. All punctuation and spelling are her own.)

Stinkin' Allergies

2009-05-14T19:35:00.000-07:00

This is what baseball season does to my kids!

I have to have drops with me at all times! I try to tell them: "Just don't touch the eyes!!!"

Mother's Day-I'm a Little Slow

2009-05-12T12:06:00.001-07:00

My Mother's Day started with a Tea Party at Calahan's school on Thursday. It was wonderful. We made pinwheels together, ate strawberry shortcake, played in the gym and received a wonderful present from Cal that he ate all by himself.

He would not put it anywhere else, but here.

His sweet little card that he made by putting paint on the ends of his fists. And the present Cal ate.

I love that he says I look prettiest in my pony tail cause unbeknownst to him that usually means I have not showered or am stinky and sweaty from the gym!

I just love Mother's Day because it is the one day I literally don't have to do anything. I can just say go ask you dad or your dad will do it. And the best part is he always makes me dinner. This is a rare occasion in my house which makes it all the sweeter for me. And the great thing is that he really does know how to cook, he just hates it.

Eating our dinner. And yes I am in my pajamas. My normal after church outfit.

The perfect meal! Oh boy, do I love steak and potatoes! Always have, always will!

And the yummy desert Travis and the kids made. We scarfed this down in about two seconds!

This is the present I opened from Lydia. She made it at school. Thank you Lydia!

It was a great Mother's Day!

Ode to Natalie

2009-04-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

I was searching through some old pictures today and I found one that made me laugh and think of my friend Natalie's blog. Her posts always makes me gut laugh while reading it. The picture made me think of this post of hers and her husband's suits and his "fat guy in a little coat" status.

More like "fat baby in a little shirt"

Stuff

2009-04-23T11:18:00.001-07:00

I turned 38 earlier this month and found my first gray hair a few weeks later. Yikes!!!

Travis pulled in from Utah about 4:30 that day so we headed out for a family dinner. We don't do this too often. When we have kids that babysit, we tend to just go out occasionally by ourselves and leave the gang at home to fend for themselves. Just kidding! I at least set a box of mac-n-cheese out for them to fix.

And this is what happens when you dink around at the restaurant and shove your face up against the fire grate while peering into it. No the fire was not on. Maybe this is why we usually just go by ourselves.

We then headed over to my dad's for some cake and ice cream where Travis had me blow out the candles that were non-existent. We tend to forget the little things. Ryann helped and Lydia was like: "Um.....Mom?" The above cake was so big that we all ate a piece, wrapped it up and put it in the freezer for Travis's birthday 10 days later. That's just how cheap we are!

We were lucky enough to have my 93 year old grandmother staying with my dad. So we were able to get a few pictures with her. It was great seeing her! The one phrase I remember my Grandma saying the most is, "Come here, Kiddo!" My grandma has somewhere around 42 grandchildren (I am sure I am off), so I would probably call them all Kiddo too!

Me and the kids

Harry's first model car. Not too shabby considering he did it all by himself.

We went to the Dairy with Cal's preschool class the other day. We were fortunate to have the best weather. The one sunny day amidst all the rain we had.

Cal being a dork. We were the first ones there so you can believe me when I say there would have been no way he would have done this if the rest of the kids or adults were around!

We got to feed the baby calfs. He looks like this cause he was scared to feed it by himself when I stepped away to hurry and take the picture.

This was the calf born just a few hours before we got there that morning.

His class climbing the cotton seed pile. They had a blast doing this. And in fact I mysteriously found his stuff in my bed the next morning. Go figure! Cause I certainly didn't play in the cotton seed!

And from this you can pretty much guess how it smelled most of the time.

Buds....................on a good day!

Boys

2009-04-07T13:41:00.000-07:00

This is what the sun brought out the other day.............

And this is Harry's homemade version of a face lift!

This was a small rubber ball that had a glow up ball inside it. Well, Cal decided he wanted the little ball out and Harry decided he wanted to try all day to get it on his head. Guess they both got what they wanted! Guess I know what I'm doing when that skin starts sagging!

Ballet

2009-04-05T16:34:00.001-07:00

Lydia started ballet in February and has really taken to it. Just a few weeks after she started we were told that Performance Awards were coming up. This is where you perform for a judge who has flown in from New York. So she decided that she would like to do it. So two months later she performed. Something I probably would have never down at that age. You have to perform two of your exercises with a partner and your dance alone. She did great! Here are some pictures before and after.

I didn't take any of her during the actual performance cause I was video taping it. Travis is out of town so I didn't have two extra hands! (If I figure out how to get that video on her I will put it on.)

Before we got called up for our turn we had to wait in the downstairs dance room. While Lydia was fluttering around she couldn't help notice this one girl and would continue to gravitate towards her. Can you figure out which girl that was?

You were awarded a Bronze, Silver or Gold medal. Here is Lydia receiving her Silver. She is a funny child. Most kids when they received there medal would turn around with a huge, excited smile trying to find there parents so they could see it. Lydia just went quietly back to her seat. It is exactly what I knew she would do.

Spring Break 2009

2009-04-02T22:15:00.001-07:00

We headed down to Southern California for Spring Break this year and had a blast! We rented a condo in Dana Point. Some of Travis's family was able to make it from Utah and Arizona for the first 4 days. It was so great to see them since we are unable to get down there as much as we would like.
We played on the beach for about 5 of the nine days. We could not have asked for better weather. It did rain on Sunday, but we didn't do much that day anyway. So no big deal. The older two boogie-boarded (is that a word) almost the whole time. Travis toughed it out with them all four days and I tried my hand at it for a little while. It was such a blast! They rented wet suits the last day, which made it even better.

We went to Disneyland one of the days. That was fun, but Travis and I could take it or leave it. My kids had fun, but given the choice to go back to the beach and boogie-board and play? They would definitely head to the beach!

We stayed over in San Francisco on our way back. You would not have believed the weather! It was about 80 degrees with no wind. Fabulous!! I cannot decide on what pictures to put on her so I am just going to put a slide show on and you can decide to look or not!! It's a little hard to do when you took around 400 pictures!

Click HERE for pictures.

MOM!!!!!

2009-03-12T13:39:00.001-07:00

As some of you know, Cal spends a lot of his days, if not most of it, like this. This kid is infatuated with Batman! And Spiderman, and anything else that ends in "man". So the other day Harry rented the Legos Batman Wii game. He graciously lets his little brother play with him, but unbeknownst to Cal, most of the time his controls are usually not synced and he just assumes he is playing. Mean I know, but what he doesn't know won't hurt him. Let's just say though that after about 30 minutes or so he does finally say, "Harry, how come my guys doesn't move when I push the "marotes". (remote)

So, today Cal is eating his lunch while Ryann happens to be playing the Batman game. As she's playing she says, "Batman is mean!" Cal immediately says, "What did you say?! Ryann, what did you say?!" Ryann says, "I said, Batman is mean." He then turns to me and yells, (I am two feet away) "Mom! Ryann just called me mean!."

A Teenager?

2009-02-21T20:29:00.001-08:00

Well, we officially have a teenager now. Weird and fun at the same time. Ryann turned 13 this month. She is a joy to have around (almost all the time), a big help around the house, works hard at school, sports and is a good friend and a great big sister to her siblings. She's quiet, dependable, as tall as I am, a great baker and very determined. And if I am keeping it real, stubborn as a mule and messy most of the time.

Impatient!

2009-02-11T13:43:00.000-08:00

Apparently I took too long to get his cereal!

Lydia Turns 7

2009-01-30T15:26:00.000-08:00

Lydia turned 7 on January 13th. She had a nice little party with some friends. Maybe I should say a really nice, LOUD party with friends. These little girls were louder than any of Harry's party. Especially when they all came downstairs dressed like this:

Her little friends enjoying a little lunch.

The spread

The chatting and Lydia hoarding the chocolate covered strawberries. That would be two in her hand and one on her plate. I would do the same!

The presents

The cake

This Makes Me Happy

2009-01-25T19:56:00.003-08:00

This is a picture that Lydia drew while at church today. She kept telling Travis to not look it and then surprised us by folding it up and passing it down the bench to us. It just made me really happy when I saw it. (And yes,those are belts on our bodies!)

If there is anything I've wanted to do for my kids is to give them a sense of security in the knowledge that there parents love each other very much. I unfortunately grew up in a home where this was not always evident and questioned at times. And if I am being completely honest it was never a calming feeling as a child. I knew my parents loved me without a doubt, I just wasn't sure they loved each other at times. And that can give a child feelings of unease and insecurity.

I am just thankful that I have a husband who loves me, respects me, makes me laugh, makes me crazy and who I love VERY much!!

A New Day

2009-01-20T10:11:00.000-08:00

"We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."

I Heart.........

2009-01-12T16:06:00.000-08:00

A couple of months ago Ryann read The Outsiders in class and fell in love with it. Then they watched the movie and she fell in love with it even more. Well, today I open up her calculator to use it and I find this written inside:

Ralph Macchio

Okay, how many of us loved Ralph Macchio at one point or another? Well, those who happen to be closer to my age maybe. Man, having an almost teenager brings back so many memories.

Like writing on these things all the time, while bored in school.

Remember when life was simpler and you had one of these for each class with class papers on one side and notebook paper on the other. And the class name written up in the right hand corner so you knew which one to grab. Oh, and you could easily open it up and on the inside have some useful information like the times table or metric system conversions in it, or whatever was on the inside. I have to admit though I was always jealous of the kids who carried one of these around.

Man, what I would have done for a Trapper Keeper!

And do you remember when you maybe only had to carry a few pee-chee's home with a book or two in your hands and you didn't have to take luggage to school like they do these days? You know what I mean! Who needs this for school?

Okay, I will admit though when I have occasionally put on my 12 year old's backpack and almost fallen over backwards, I have actually thought about these things. Of course that would be the worst thing I could ever do to my daughter though! Then again there are worse things I could do to my daughter. Like this:

Ahhh.......memories!

Vacations

2009-01-03T22:45:00.000-08:00

Tonight I asked the kids if they could go anywhere for Spring Break where would it be. They immediately said Utah or Arizona. (where family is) I'm thinking that is nice, but I'm like, "No, anywhere in the United States where would it be." I'm thinking someone is going to say Disneyland. All kids think of that right? Lydia mentions California, but no Disneyland. She doesn't know that is where it is anyway. Then Harry yells out, "Hey, I know! Let's go to New York and catch the Cash Cab!" I laughed so hard. If no one know what that is, you'll have to google that!

So I finally am like, "Disneyland?" Not that we are going for sure, just want my kids to really think of where they want to go. Of course they were ecstatic about that. Then I see Harry on the computer googling "top family vacations". By the end of the night he had decided that he wanted to go on a cruise! Um, sure........

So, anyone have any ideas of a fun family trip with four kids? Within reasonable driving distance. Seriously, do you know how hard it is to take 4 kids on a vacation and squeeze us all into one hotel room. Impossible! Also, anytime I try and search for family vacations and how much it would be for certain things the only option they ever give is for 3 kids. Frustrating!

Never a Dull Moment......

2008-12-30T01:00:00.000-08:00

with this kid around. I told him he needed to go get dressed so we can go, which always leads to some sort of whining about not wanting to get his clothes on. I knew it would take him a while cause he always gets side tracked doing one thing or another. Like going from bedroom to bedroom shooting the breeze one sibling then on to the next. So, about 15 minutes later, I am on the computer (no big surprise) and I hear behind me, "Mom, is it okay if I wear this?"

I turn around to see this talking to me:

Do you think he got a little sidetracked?

Christmas Break 2008

2008-12-28T19:50:00.000-08:00

Well the snow and ice is pretty much gone and I am enjoying that. It was pretty while it lasted though. We do still have ice just outside our house on the street because we don't get the any sun till about 3:30 and if it's cloudy then really none at all. So that will take a little longer.

But I am finally able to park in my garage. This post is mostly for journaling and therefore nothing real exciting!

We had a great Christmas. It was very relaxing. We had Christmas Eve dinner by ourselves. The kids requested lasagna, jello and french bread by candlelight .

After we then headed over to my dad's to visit and play a few games with the kid's second cousins. We came home, opened Christmas pajamas and read our final story for the 24 days of Christmas.

Travis read to us the Christmas story out of the scriptures.

Man, is it hard to listen with a 3 year old that doesn't!! But we are very blessed and so grateful for our Savior and his willingness to come to come to earth to live and to die for us.

We opened presents the next moring, with a few tears mixed in. Yes, Ryann and Harry both got tears in their eyes when the Wii was revealed!

Traditionally someone is always receiving something with the Red Sox on it!

Cal and his Screamin' Banshee

Ryann got some boots!

I think Travis liked what he got!!

Each of the kids picked out a kitchen utensil or gadget for me, which I just love! Cal got me chopsticks, Lydia and spatula for cake decorating and Ryann and Harry a kitchen scale.

We hope you all had a great Christmas like we did!

Shout Out to My Kids!

2008-12-18T23:50:00.000-08:00

So I have been lucky enough to have all of my kids home this week. (read with a hint of sarcasm) Actually it has been good in one regard and that is that I don't have to get them up for school. You see I covet (read COVET) my sleep! And bless my children, on the days we don't have school they are so good at letting me sleep. Now that's not to say they are not in and out of my rooms on occasion asking/telling me things like, "Mom, can I have a piece of gum?" Tap-tap "Mom, you know that big thing down stars that is in that big thing and you take it out and you can play music on it? Me: You mean the guitar? "Yeah, the 'cuttar', can I play it?" And of course the "Mom, Cal just hit me and he won't stop yelling at me." Do I hear you saying to yourself, "Why doesn't she hear her kids yelling?" Well, I sleep with earplugs and they are heavenly! Safe? Maybe not, but like I said I covet my sleep.

So make a long blog short the other day I woke up to this beside my bed.....

Yep, ski pants, no shirt and this thing that has been in my family for about 25 years.

Val and Court, you know the one!

And even better, as he was standing beside my bed and I tell him, "Sweet hair, dude." He lets me know, "Yeah, it looks just like yours does sometimes." Ouch! And no I didn't take this picture so I could blog about it later. I found it on my camera later that day after I downloaded some pictures on my camera. Thanks Ryann!!

Thanks kids, for letting me sleep!

First Snow

2008-12-14T17:38:00.000-08:00

Kids had to hurry out after dinner tonight to play in the snow, not realizing how cold it was going to be. I just let them go and figure it out on there own.

Hence the weather appropriate clothing! Lydia is wearing socks with ballet flats that are a size too small. Cal has no shirt under that coat and no socks under those sweet boots! Which happen to be Ryann's old boots. Harry's outfit needs no explanation. We all know that vans with black church socks rock!

This is what we do after we wear boots with no socks that are too big.

I have a love/hate relationship with snow. I grew up snow skiing and loved it! Didn't mind being cold and wet half the time. Living in Utah is where I started hating it. Hated scraping off the car every morning, sitting in a freezing car, driving in it and then I started to hate being cold and wet all the time.

But, I love that my kids love seeing it come down, after they have wished and wished for it for the past two months and then once it's starts, loudly exclaiming every 30 seconds while looking out the window, "Oh, Wow! Look at it now Mom, it's really coming down." (Me thinking: yep, same as it was 30 seconds ago.) Man, could I have a longer run-on sentence.

Then I go back to hating it after we have rounded up whatever odds and ends we have around, cause you see, we are not a skiing family, which means buying boots, winter gloves and huge parkas seems like a huge waste of money for that two days a year when there actually is snow on the ground. So anyway, hating (hate may be a strong word for this scenario) it comes after the 3rd or 4th time I have pulled off their wet socks, coats, gloves and hats and putting them all back on 30 minutes later after they have finally warmed up and are ready for the next excursion out. And the reason I hate it the most? My driveway!! When I need the garage the most is when it is snowing. You know, so your car stays nice and warm in the garage without snow piling up on it? But, with my freakin' driveway we cannot pull up or down without having to scrape it off all day long. So, we are lucky enough to park the car down on the street. I then get to scrape the car, freeze in the car and drive in the cold, wet snow!

And then I go back to loving it when I look outside and the world is covered in a blanket of white snow and everything looks so peaceful. And seeing my children's bright red faces of pure joy after having spent time outside with their friends sledding down the hill by our house, throwing snowballs or attempting to make a snowman in that inch of snow on the ground.

So, since you didn't ask, I thought I would tell you anyway!

Excited!

2008-12-12T23:44:00.000-08:00

Not so excited!

Huh?

2008-12-04T12:15:00.000-08:00

You know when you bring home groceries from the store and you're putting them in the fridge and you tell yourself you really should wipe down the fridge before you put the new stuff in. Well today I decided to go even further and take out that dreaded bottom drawer to clean underneath it.

Scary, huh?

But, just one thing, could someone please tell me how this got in there?

And if you don't know what that is. It belongs to the 6 or 7 of these I have floating around the house! Want one?

A Busy Weekend

2008-11-30T22:53:00.000-08:00

We had a great Thanksgiving at my Dad's house and of course I took my camera, but forgot to take pictures of all us and the yummy food we ate. Kath and her family came too, but I miss the rest of my family and being able to be with them too. Someday we will all be together again.

Travis and I decided it was time that we finally got some food storage after never having it during the 16 years we have been married. So last weekend we started our shopping and this weekend we shopped some more. We think we are almost there. We started Friday off by going out to lunch at our wonderful local Burger King and headed to Costco. It wasn't too busy considering it was supposed to be the busiest shopping day of the year. We piddled around there for a while as the kids happily looked for each food station they could find to sample any and all.

We then headed to our yearly Christmas tree house. The one where we can buy a tree for $20 bucks! We have never left disappointed. The kids had a great time as usual picking out the one they think they want.

Standing in front of the tree we picked.

This is supposedly the Christmas tree dance.

Actually, Travis and I usually have the final say cause they never have a clue as to what can fit in our house. Decorating the tree is there thing. They can do what ever they want with it. Most of the decorations are homemade from school and they love remembering making them.

And this is what we do when Dad is working hard at finishing cutting the tree!

So after we got the tree tied to the car we headed to Lowe's where we were needed to purchase some shelving for our food storage along with some industrial carpet squares to put down in our storage room. We found the shelves, but had to head to Home Depot to find the carpet. Oh, and then back to Lowe's where Travis left his tape measure on the shelf by the shelving. Actually I put it on the shelf while I was helping him hold something. Whoops! He just forgot to pick it back up right?

When we got home we unloaded the car, cleared out the storage room and got down to painting the walls and trim. Wish I would have taken a before picture to see the difference between the before and after. It was just a bare room with cement floor and white walls with some carpet remnants on the floor. We started in on the floor after the kids were in bed and finished most of it about 1:00 in the morning.

The next morning we had to be up early for Lydia's basketball game.

This is my first year helping coach and I am liking it a lot. It has made me realize that I never want to be head coach, just the assistant. Lydia has had a great time and has really improved! Must have something to do with my coaching abilities! Her best friend is on the team and her dad is who I coach with. I knew him from High School. Small world, huh? It is a nice program at the Y and great that you can actually be on the court with them during the game to give them instructions. I sit on the bench and cheer them on!

After the game the kids played while I went grocery shopping and Travis finished the floor and put up the shelves. We then put all the food away and finished putting everything back in the storage room.

The food storage

The carpet

The rest of the junk!

We then headed upstairs for some tree trimming and finished off the night eating pizza with at the house of some friends of ours. I'd say it was a pretty productive two days.

Daddy working hard while eating chips and candy.

Cal loving putting on the most important part of the Christmas tree!

Um.......

2008-11-27T00:01:00.000-08:00

Remember when I mentioned a few weeks ago how life was good when my kids played together? Well, unfortunately Ryann was able to capture the real playing that goes on in our house a lot of the time.

Memories

2008-11-25T13:23:00.001-08:00

Every once in a while my kids love to play kitchen. My mom used to let us do this as kids whenever we wanted. It was one of my favorite things to do. We didn't do it all the time, but when we did it was a blast. Maybe because my mom was brave enough to let us actually yield a knife and use the stove. We would made concoctions like sautéed lettuce with food coloring with some lunch meat thrown in. Scrumptious!

I am not that brave yet. So I just let them get what ever they can in the cupboard (within reason). I'm not going to let them have at any expensive spices! I just calmly try and shove down the feelings of what a mess it is going to make and keep track of what I need to restock in the baking pantry and let them make the kind of memories I remember with my siblings. Oh, and the kind of memories that will help them remember how cool their mom really was!

Double Meanings

2008-11-17T17:52:00.000-08:00

We were at my sister's house over the weekend and they have part of their carpet ripped up cause they are replacing it and some of the tac-strips were exposed. As the kids were running around upstairs Ryann told me that Cal stepped on one and this is what he said:

Ryann! I just stepped on an asthma "tac"!

2008-11-09T17:53:00.000-08:00

Cal, Harry and Lydia have been playing Star Wars a lot and today Cal and Lydia are in their make-shift spaceship (made with all the kitchen stools) and I hear him say, "Hurry! I got to put this thing on hyperdrive!" What? Obviously he listens to his big brother quite a bit.

Then I hear Lydia tell him that he can be Obi-Wan Kenobi. He goes, "Okay! I'll be Obi Kadobi Wan!" Later he's running around with his nerf gun saying he has GOT to take over the Command Post.

Life is good when my kids play nicely together.

I had the kids write their Christmas Lists the other day. I always get a kick out of them. Most of the things are totally unreasonable and some of the others I can maybe handle. Here are their lists, word for word:

Harry

1. I-pod with screen

2. Mountain bike

3. Wii

4. Spy video tank-see spygear.net

5. Walkie-talkies like the grown up ones that REALLY WORK

6. Star wars legos

7. Wave wiz light activity kit

8. Fly-tech blade star (remote control)

9. Lazer typwire

10. String thing????? found on internet

Ryann

1. I-dog

2. I-pod with screen

3. Kitten

4. Vanaty

5. ITunes gift certificate

6. Walmart gift certificate

7. Outsiders book and movie

8. Ipod sound system

9. Nintendo DS

10. Trip to mall w/ friend or movies w/ friend

Lydia

1. High School Musical 3 Barbies and boots

2. a tv

3. I-pod

4. girl spa

5. go to a Red Sox game

6. meet the president Barack Obama

Cal of course didn't make one. He just goes through any adds I have that come in the mail and points to all of the toys saying, "I want that one, and that one, and that one, Mom! You're not looking! and that one......."

Beautiful

2008-11-05T00:06:00.000-08:00

I am not one who has a favorite season. Guess that goes along the same lines as me not being a very sentimental person, like I've mentioned before. But there is something to say about the street I live on and what I get to see every time I come home. And that gorgeous tree above is the one I get to see out my window all day long.

Pumpkin Carving and Trick or Treating

2008-10-31T22:37:00.000-07:00

We carved our pumpkins a little late this year and finally got them done the day before Halloween. Time just kept getting away from us. Ryann started basketball and has practice twice a week for two hours and with mutual and Lydia's basketball practice time just kept slipping away. Anyway, here are some pics of us carving. Well they carved, I fixed dinner.

Somehow I missed a close-up picture of Lydia and her pumpkin.

This was Ryann's first year that she did the whole thing by herself and didn't ask for any help scraping it out which always seems to be the hardest.

And Harry made up his own design this year. Usually we use the ones from the store. Cal lasted about 10 minutes cause that was all he could stand having goop on his hands.

After that he just walked around watching everyone else. And apparently this is what you do when you go about watching everyone else.

On Halloween Harry took off early to join his friends so we didn't get a picture of all of them together this year. I'm not sure I like that.

Ryann took off with her friend Megan and we met up with them later.

Our friends Bub and Arin and their kids came over to trick or treat with us. It was a blast! The boys got tired after a while so we all headed home and Ryann and Megan took Lydia for a while until they all pooped out. We then headed over to my Dad's so he could see all the costumes.

Arin at one point said she didn't really get Ryann's costume which made me laugh cause I didn't really either. Ryann could NOT come up with something she wanted to be for Halloween so she just borrowed one of her friend's dance costume. We then decided to make her look a little goth/punk rock. Hence the dark eye make-up and red hair. So what is she? We really don't know. But don't you remember being little and just making things up for Halloween. You don't always have to have a theme right? Just dressing up is part of the fun. And earlier in the evening when I was doing Ryann's make-up she says, "I never thought you would let me dress like this." I said, of course I would it's Halloween! You get that one night a year to be what-ever you want. As long as you're not skanky! (I didn't say that to her though)
The weather was perfect! It had rained most of the day, but by 5 o'clock it had stopped and was actually warm. It was a good time!

Field Trips to the Pumpkin Patches

2008-10-28T15:29:00.000-07:00

Not a lot to say! They each had fun on their field trips to the pumpkin patches. Here are some pictures. We lucked out with beautiful weather both days.

Lydia and one of her best friends Gretchen.

Thinking she can carry it all the way back to the car.

The Slide

The each got to pick an apple from the orchard and Cal had to start right in on his.

Look at all those pumpkins!

And all these!

No pictures!

Just kidding!

School Photos

2008-10-24T14:16:00.000-07:00

Cal Preschool (brown polo shirt)

Lydia 1st grade

Harry 5th grade

Ryann 7th grade

Okay, I am someone who unfortunately could pick these pictures apart about all that could have been better about them, things like what was I thinking letting them wear that, to could the photographer just have helped them out a little bit more, to No, I do not cut Harry's hair straight across, it just happens to look like that. But, I won't (oh wait, I just did) because I love these little buggers and am so proud of each of them. And I can't believe they just keep getting bigger and bigger.

What They Said

2008-10-21T00:50:00.000-07:00

I saw this on my sister-in-laws blog and thought it would be so interesting to ask my kids the same questions and see what they came up with. They were all individually so they could not hear each other's answers.

1. What is something your mom always says to you?

Ryann--I love you

Harry--You can't stay up

Lydia--I love you

Cal--Go to bed

2. What makes your mom happy?

R-When we do stuff without asking

H-Giving her a hug

L-If I do stuff without asking

C-cleaning our rooms

3. What makes your mom sad?

R-All my posters up in my room

H-Saying that her pictures our bad (he means the ones of me)

L-Does anything make you sad?

C-not doing things right

4. How does your mom make you laugh?

R-Reading your blog

H-There's so many ways

L-She couldn't come up with one :(

C-Don't remember

5. What was your mom like as a child?

R-Allergic to everything

H-I don't know

L-How do I answer that?

C-I don't remember

6. What is your mom's favorite thing to do?

R-Cooking and reading

H-(couldn't come up with one)

L-Go out to dinner with people

C-Cleaning her bed

7. What does your mom do when your not around?

R-Sleep

H-Watch TV?

L-First she said-I don't know cause I'm not around. Then she said-do stuff on the computer or sleep

C-clean things

8. What is your mom really good at?

R-Making you feel good when you do something bad

H-Making meals

L-Driving

C-Cleaning her bed

9. What is your mom not good at?

R-Waking up

H-Nothing

L-Not remembering our names right

C-I don't know

10. What is your mom's job?

R-Being a mom

H-Take care of us

L-You don't have a job do you? To stay home

C-Making her bed, cooking dinner, doing dishes, cleaning things up and that's all

11. What is your mom's favorite food?

R-I don't know

H-Spaghetti

L-I don't know

C-I don't know

12. How are you and your mom different?

R-I like animals and you don't

H-Your a girl, I'm not

L-Cause I'm younger

C-(couldn't give me anything)

13. How do you know your mom loves you?

R-Cause your actually doing stuff for us

H-Cause she does everything for us

L-That's a hard one....... cause you actually say it

C-You give me hugs and kisses

14. What is your mom's favorite place to go?

R-Bookclub

H-To the store

L-To the store

C-To the store (What is so sad about this is that my stores consist of Winco, Walmart and Fred Meyer)

What Did You Just Ask Me?!

2008-10-17T16:12:00.000-07:00

Can I just tell you how much I hate it when someone asks a stay at home mom, "So what do you do all day?" I think it is extremely rude. Because I wanted to say, "What the Hell do you think I do all day?" (Excuse my language) And you know when she asked me that, and yes it was a she, first I was taken aback and second I actually was feeling kind of guilty. And then I got mad that I was feeling guilty. Why was I feeling guilty? Well, right now my life is pretty easy at times. Kids are at school all day except for Cal, so life during those school hours are pretty much my own. But anyone who has kids knows that once 3:30 hits it's kind of chaos till they go to bed. But gosh dang it, it took a lot to get to this point where my kids are older and life is sometimes not so hectic! And for those of us who have kids, I really don't need to go into what it takes to raise them now do I?

So if anyone feels themselves starts to ask that question, well, just don't!! Cause if I am asked that again, my head just might explode!

Tagged

2008-10-16T23:56:00.000-07:00

Here are the rules: I have to answer the following questions with one word answers and one word only! Then I must pass it on to seven others.The questions are as follows:

1.Where is your cell phone? purse
2.Where is your significant other? bed
3.Your hair color? blond

4.Your mother? Portland
5.Your father? Salem
6.Your favorite thing? Dessert
7.Your dream last night? Nada
8.Your dream/goal? faithful-children (that's one word right?)

9.The room you're in? kitchen
10.Your hobby? cooking

11.Your fear? dentist
12.Where do you want to be in 6 years? debt-free
13.Where were you last night? Here
14.What you're not? quiet
15.One of your wish list items? Camera
16.Where you grew up? Salem
17.The last thing you did? ate
18.What are you wearing? pj's
19.Your t.v.? off
20.Your pet? calico
21.Your computer? busy
22.Your mood? good
23.Missing someone? always
24.Your car? perfect
25.Something you're not wearing? bra
26.Favorite store? none
27.Your summer? over
28.Love someone? heck-yah
29.Favorite color? red
30.Last time you laughed? tonight
31.Last time you cried? conference

I tag anyone who needs something to put on their blog!

Harry's Note

2008-10-13T21:53:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we were all cleaning together, helping each other do our bedrooms, when Harry said he wanted a room to himself and that he doesn't want to share a room with Cal anymore. Telling us that Cal never lets him fall asleep at night and is always keeping him up, etc, etc. So we told him we would think about it.

Here is the note dropped onto my keypad tonight as I was on the computer. Click on it to blow up.

For those of you who can not blow it up for some reason, here are the words to said note:

Dear Mom and Dad,

I would really like (crossed out and put love) it if I had my own room. It won't take away Lydia's girliness if we did. I shared a roome with Ryann when I was Lydia's age, and dad shared a room until the age 16! We could paint Lydia's the color of the hallway when we paint that. I'm a growing man. I need more space.

From a man (crossed out and written child) who needs his own room,

Harry

Let's see. First of all, you shared a room with Ryann till the age of 5, Lydia is almost 7. Second, if your Dad shared a room till the age of sixteen, why can't you?

And do I really want to have to change this into a "man's room....

and make my daughter have to live in this?

Guess we have some serious thinking to do........

PS-And no, our rooms are not always kept this clean. Just happen to have some pictures of when we were selling the house.

A "1st" For Me

2008-10-11T20:25:00.000-07:00

So I just had to document the first time that I actually got a pie crust into the pie pan by myself. You see, I do not have any patience whatsoever, so by the time I have attempted to roll the dough out and get it into the pan for the umpteenth time, I've had it. At that point my always patient husband steps in and gets it done every time! Sucker!

And with that said I actually won this for this pie!

We had a ward chili and pie contest last night. We had a great time and had some great food.

Look, Dad! I CAN do it!

And here is my Umpa-Loompa! Are ya diggin' the church socks?

PS-the pie and crust recipe are on my other blog.

Will He Ever Have a Six Pack?

2008-10-01T21:05:00.000-07:00

This morning I was was laying on the ground doing some stretches for my feet and Cal decided to join in. After laying on his back he tried to get up and was struggling to do so. His struggling brought me back to when he was an infant and he could finally sit up. I say finally cause I think it took him a little past six months to do that. Anyway, he could never lift himself up from laying on his back. It was always pretty comical and today I realized that he still has a problem getting up. So later tonight I was thinking that aren't all kids able to do this cause they are so strong in the abs. So I made all my kids do it and sure enough they could. So while we were done with family prayer I was telling Travis about it and we decided to make a little video to show what we are talking about. Notice the use of the elbow on the last one!

Ryann's Meet

2008-10-01T14:17:00.000-07:00

Ryann ran her second meet yesterday. Here are a few pictures and a couple quick videos of her starting and finishing. She is by no means fast. In fact Ryann rarely does anything fast. She is slow and methodical about almost everything she does. When she wants to she can be lightening fast, but only when SHE wants to be. How do I explain? Have you ever watched those lame shoot'em up movies (actually I really like those movies) where everything is exploding and bullets are flying by the hero or villian, whoever you want it to be, and he/she is just calmly walking in slow motion through the chaos around them unharmed? That's Ryann. Not much phases her. Except when her brothers and sister get on her nerves. Ryann is the runner on the end from Leslie.

And this is how I found Lydia this morning when I went to wake her up. I had to quietly go get the camera. You know when you have those little moments in life that just really give you a warm feeling? This was one of those for me.

Yoga

2008-09-29T17:25:00.000-07:00

So I went to my first "gentle" yoga class today and this is pretty much what it looked like!
I think I beat everyone by about 20 years! I actually really liked it though. I am the least limber person I have ever met and I hurt my shoulder at Seven Peaks back in August when we went to Utah. How did I hurt my shoulder you ask? By carrying the stupid double inner-tube over my head for forever waiting in lines. Didn't hurt when I was carrying it, but has hurt ever since. Hurts when I even pull my shirt over my head. Can you say getting old!! Anyway...it was super relaxing and just what I need to de-stress I think. Plus help me be able to touch my toes when I bend over!!

In a few months, who knows, this could be me.

I might need to pick the class that doesn't have the word "gentle" in front of it!

My Recipe Box

2008-09-25T20:22:00.001-07:00

I have started my new blog. So if you want some recipes I have started to enter the old ones I have made many times, new ones that I have just tried and ones that have been in my collection that looked good but have not tried. There is a link on the right side of this blog. On the new blog I have labeled my posts so you can just look for what you are interested in cooking and click on those on the right. If you happen to cook something let me know what you think. Now remember, these are in no way my recipes. I may have tweaked some, but I usually don't make up my own.

My new idea

2008-09-22T23:35:00.000-07:00

Most of you know that I love to cook. So I have been trying to think of a way to get myself organized. Because the way I cook is I find most of my recipes online, print them out, use them, throw them away if they are not good and if they are keepers I throw them in the cupboard under my desk in the kitchen. Which means I usually forget about them or spend an hour trying to find the one I know is in there.

So......I have decided to start another blog dedicated to me and my cooking. This is going to take a huge amount of time, but I need a new project. So now I can go paperless!! I can just go to my blog and look up recipes that I know will be there and easy to find. I know, it's not like this is some crazy new idea out there that's never been done before, but it excites me! So if anyone needs new ideas for dinner you can go to the blog and get some recipes that you know have been tested and taste good. (Well at least I think so.) Great for me and maybe great for you too!

So the first ones entered will be what I am cooking this week: ( If they all turn out!)

Pork Milanese with creamy orzo

Farfalle with roasted vegetables and some french bread (store bought!)

Tacos Carne Asada with homemade pico de gallo

And the best part is that if you decide to try them you can let me know what you think of them! Not that it is my own creation, but maybe some of them will be!

Do ya think?

2008-09-15T21:26:00.000-07:00

So.........when do you think a child is too old to use these things?Do ya think maybe when he can get them out of the drawer, unscrew the lid, fill them up with water from the fridge and screw the lid back on all by himself? The next thing I know he's going to be getting a frozen can of juice out of the freezer, mixing it up himself and pouring into one of these puppies! Sheesh!

I tell ya though, they are still great for church so I don't have to be nagged by a constant "I'm thirsty" whine. Then again, maybe if I quit bringing the snacks he won't get thirsty? Hmmm....

Cross Country

2008-09-10T15:11:00.000-07:00

I was going to blog and tell you that Ryann has started cross country at school, but I will let her tell it to you in her own words that I read last night on her blog:

Okay, so, I joined the Leslie Cross Country team thinking it would just be like, well, "run everyday, get better"! I came to practice only to find out that I was wrong. I had NO idea there where meets and that the 7th and 8th graders have to do the 3000 meter run and the 6th graders only have to do the 2000 meter run.

Yesterday was my first day and we went down to the track to do a warm up lap, then had to do a mile which is a little over three laps (our track is larger then normal) the had to go up and do stairs for one minute so we ran up the stairs, then down the hill and back up the stars and so on. The 6th graders did it first, the the 7th and 8th graders. After the stairs we went to get a drink. We came out to find the teacher telling the 6th graders to watch how the 7th and 8th graders do it, so we ended up running the stairs for about 4 more minutes.

Today was my second day and We had to do the warm up lap then had to practice the 2000 m. run course. i will have to try to find a map so I can show you. Then went up to do "duck duck goose" to learn everybody's names.

So, I will keep you posted and tell you about the first meet, and I will try to find a map of the school and highlight the 2000 m. run course.

Oh, no, I think tomorrow we have to do the 3000 course.

The good thing is, at the end of the season, if we ran in all the games and don;t miss a practice, we get to run to Jamba Juice!!

This people, is one of the reasons I do not buy my children every little thing they want. Even if it is cheap! If you could have been here in my house last night you would have heard Ryann mention that Jamba Juice about 5-6 times. What 12 year old would be happy to run two miles just to get a Jamba Juice and then run all the way back?! Isn't life excting?!!

Preschool

2008-09-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

Cal had his first day of preschool today. He was super excited and was up early because of it I think. I am not really a sentimental person, maybe that is why I fail in the scrap booking department. I love my kids and they know I love them so it is okay if they don't get their baby books until they have kids of their own, right? It is hard to believe though that my last one has entered schooling for the first time and that I have no more children to follow. I actually had a few butterflies myself this morning in anticipation for him.

I am anxious to see how much he learns this year. He is pretty smart, at least I think so, but we have not really worked on anything at home. He does not know any letters at all. Not even the ones in his name. When I dropped them off they had little laminated banners that had their name on it and they were supposed to try and pick theirs out. Of course he had no idea. These are the things that I am wondering how well he picks up on and what he is able to retain.

Well I am off to pick him and to see how it went!

First Day of School

2008-09-03T09:49:00.000-07:00

Poor Ryann was up at 5:50 this morning to get ready for school. She is getting used to new contacts that take her a little while to get in sometimes and she said she had to shave her legs which takes her "a long time".
Harry is in a fourth/fifth grade split class this year. I was a little concerned about that. I have never had any of my kids in one of these before. I hear they are actually kind of nice. His class is super small compared to the other 5 grade classes. He has the same teacher from last year that we and he loved. When we told him he had Mr. Quigg again he thought he had been held back. Poor thing! But we have been told that they were hand picked by Mr. Quigg as to who had the best leadership qualities and were some of the brighter students. So that made me feel better. Don't know if they were just blowin' smoke to make me feel better!
Poor Lydia didn't have any shoes for this year. Just kidding! They were all very nervous this year. I think Lydia asked me about 50 times last night if I would wake her up for school in the morning. I think they are used to me being up after them and they were afraid I would not be up to get them ready in time. I may be lazy, but I can get myself and them out the door when I am required to and on time!
And of course Cal just had to get in on the picture taking too. He starts preschool a couple days a week next week. He seems real excited to go, but I am nervous that he is going to poop out! He is such a mama's boy that I am concerned he will freak out when time to leave him. He goes to nursery fine at church and school is only a half hour longer that that. So we'll see...

P.S.--Anyone have any hints for getting the chlorine out of my girl's hair? Lydia's is actually green and both have such dry brittle hair. Lydia's will hardly curl anymore and Ryann's has absolutely no sheen left! Help!

EyeClops

2008-08-31T19:50:00.000-07:00

We have this toy called EyeClopse the Bionic Eye which we were sitting around using tonight. The concept is pretty cool, but can be pretty gross. We were looking at toenails, teeth, earring holes, etc. So I have this mole on my face that unfortunately grows a black hair that I have to pluck periodically. (I know, not something you really wanted to know or picture!) But I thought that would be cool to look at. So we get it up on the TV and Harry and Ryann are like, "What is that!" "Oh, that's gross!" And then quietly behind us we hear Lydia say, "I'm not going to finish my cookie anymore." Obviously someone has a very weak stomach!

Our Olympic Hopeful

2008-08-24T23:08:00.001-07:00

Good to Know

2008-07-30T23:06:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, Harry is a terrible eater. He is forced to eat almost everything unless it is pasta, chicken nuggets, cheese crisp, pizza, etc. You know the stuff that's really good for you! So tonight at dinner I discovered how Harry judges a good dinner by this comment he made to me across the table.

"Hey, Mom, I haven't even gagged once tonight!"

Better stock up!

2008-07-25T12:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Cal, Lydia and I were on the back porch in our swimsuits when we decided to make some snow cones. So when I was inside finishing mine I hear Harry talking and then I hear this adult man talking. I was like crap! Who is here? So I am like Harry who is here? I peek my head around the corner and their is this six foot teenager walking in the door. He's like oh, Hi I am so and so (can't remember his first name). I realized I had just met his mom at the pool the day before and she is the sister of Harry's good friend Luke's mom. As he tells me who he is, in walks Luke with his three older brothers and Harry's friend David. Super nice boys, but not sure I want Harry hanging out with 15 and 16 year old boys. Don't know how you avoid it though when he goes over to play at his friend's houses and they are there. And you know boys. They are ALWAYS running around playing some sort of game no matter what age.

So they all made snow cones, asked if they could have a cookie, then two, then a glass of milk. They were very thankful which made me think my kids better be like this when they are at other people's house. And then I thought, my boys are going to cost me a fortune in groceries when they grow up and have groups of boys over. Teenage boys are bottomless pits! They then dinked around for a little while and then got Harry's swimsuit and went to the neighbor's to swim.

So you may be asking yourself what is the moral of this little tale. It is this:

6 boys+85 degree weather+indoors=a whole can of this being sprayed after they left!

The Little Things They Say

2008-07-13T00:29:00.000-07:00

Just had to get this one down before I forget it. We were out on the deck for a while tonight enjoying the weather while the kids were playing restaurant and feeding me things from the yard. Travis later told me that while I was inside Cal was riding his little bike and ran into the wall and hurt himself. He bent over holding his you-know-what, moaning and saying owee. Travis asked him if he hurt his penis. Cal, in a pain filled voice, still bent over says, "No, I hurt my crock!"

Thought This Looked Fun

2008-07-09T01:04:00.000-07:00

I Saw this on two different sister-in law's blogs today and it looked like fun!

Here are the directions:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember! (Okay, I guess it could be about Travis instead, but that wouldn't be as fun now would it?!)

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments. Or if you don't feel like commenting you can email me if you have my email address.

July 4th 2008

2008-07-04T22:41:00.000-07:00

Travis and I woke up to an unusually quite house this morning. For this first time ever all the kids spent the night at my dad's. We have always had some baby at home with us. Let's just say it was heaven! So we decided to share the dreams we had the night before, which for me are almost non existent. Mine consisted of us as students at BYU, married and living in a small apartment. It then proceeded to get worse by Travis letting me know that he didn't love me anymore and that he was asking some other woman to marry him. Nice huh? Don't know where that came from! His dream was about being in the church parking lot and having all four kids with him. He proceeded to put the kids in the car which was our old Honda Accord. But instead of putting them in their seats he put them in the trunk. But, he didn't shut them in! He sat on the bumper while holding it open. They were then heading down the road and he looked over and saw a cat waving at him and then says, "Ryann! Did you see that?!" Then he looked down at the license plate and realized it was not our car so he looked in the back window and noticed it was a little old lady driving! He kept trying to get her attention to pull over and then his dream ended. I laughed my head off at that one! But the best part was that we got to tell each other in our own house, in the morning, without being interrupted.

The kids had a great time at Grandpa's and they took them to Tom Marley's house where he showed them all of his exotic birds he has in his back yard. He has always been a bird man. They used to have the coolest indoor atrium in their house. I remember being a little kid and just watching them forever. Thanks Tom!

When the kids got home we went and got the fireworks, had a picnic on the back porch, went swimming (had the pool to ourselves) and lit the fireworks. It was a very quiet and low key 4th for us. Here are some pics from our little fireworks show.

Cal trying so hard to get those darn pop rocks to pop!

Cal was a bit of a wuss. Had to help him hold his sparkler.

For the Grandparents

Ryann discovered a setting on our camera for fireworks. This is what we did with it!

Lydia's triangle

Ryann's square

Travis's heart

And for the Pièce de résistance!

Travis just being his gross self! And yes that is me being disgusted because I knew what he was doing without even having to look over. I just didn't know Ryann was actually going to take the picture! Happy 4th of July! Hope you all had a good one!

The Trek

2008-07-02T21:31:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Travis and I had the opportunity to go on a pioneer trek with the youth in our Stake. Before we left the church some of the women were told that they were to start the trek pregnant. They gave us this pouch that we had to tie around our bellies and then had to blow up the balloon inside. I actually had one of the youth ask me if I was really pregnant! How funny is that? Who would actually volunteer to do this thing pregnant?

We had such a good time. We headed up past Redmond to start our trek. It was pretty hot, but sooo pretty. When we reached the starting point we were to pack all our gear onto our handcart. That would be eleven peoples gear for three days. Sleeping bags, clothes, water, and some cookin supplies. Once it was packed and wrapped in tarp were were thinking we actually have to haul all this stuff up the mountain? It was way more that I thought it would be.

We had such a great bunch of kids in our family. Just the hardest workers ever! They never, ever complained the whole time. The first day we walked was basically up hill the whole time. It would level off at times, with a lot of steep climbs, but mostly a gradual uphill climb.

We had to do a couple of tasks along the way. Ours included one of our men getting bit by a snake and having to hold onto someone as they walked for the next 10 minutes and the other one consisted of me giving birth to my son Peter Kirkman. Unbeknownst to us we had baby doll in wrapped in a blanket in a paper sack that was in our bag of tasks to do along the trail. We then had to carry him the rest of the way. Oh yeah, we all wore little name tags that said, "In Memory of............". So we all received a name of someone who actually crossed the plains. I walked in memory of Mary Lawson Kirkman and Travis was Robert Kirkman. It was a great way to continually keep our minds on those pioneers that had crossed the plains and all the hardships they had to endure and their unwavering faith.

We made it to camp about 3.5 hours after we had started. When we started we were put in one of three companies. There was Co. A, B, and C. We were company C and the last to start. When we came into camp we knew we had passed all of our Company and all but one or two of Company B. Like I said they kids were awesome! We made camp which consisted of laying our tarps down and laying our sleeping bags on that! And let me tell you that was challenging. This is a place where cattle roam free and there were cow pies everywhere!! We had dinner, a fireside and headed off to sleep. It was pretty cold that first night and hard for me to go to sleep and stay asleep. I slept with my bonnet on the whole night which helped.

The next morning were were given some oatmeal to eat and we took our banana and orange for later on the walk. The second day was much easier, but we were all pretty tired. They made all of the groups stay pretty close together. The second day we had a task which entailed us burying our little baby Peter. We were told to make a grave of stones along the trail to represent his grave. During this same time we learned that Travis who was walking in memory for Peter's dad Robert also died. He was given a black band to tie around his arm. We learned of these tragedies in letters they wrote that we read along the way. In real life Mary lost both Robert and Peter while crossing the plains on the same night. They buried them by lighting fires to thaw the ground in order to dig a grave. Makes you think doesn't it?

Later along the trail they made us all stop and then we were told that all who had "died" along the trail were to go on up ahead. Those who stayed had know idea where they were headed and either did the ones who had died. After about 2 hours on the trail we rounded a corner and up on this big hill were all those who had died dressed in white. They then joined their handcart and proceeded to help us push, but they were unable to communicate with us. This whole scenario represented the spirits of those who had passed away, but who were always there to help them along the way. It was such a great experience!

We then finally got to base camp after a HUGE hill that we had to climb that lasted forever. We made camp and were able to relax for a while, were served lunch and then the kids went off to play "pioneer" games. (Horseshoes, arm wrestling, jump roping, hatchet throwing, black powder rifle shooting, etc.) Travis and I were on water duty during that time which meant we were filling coolers by syphoning water out of 50 gallon jugs and getting them were they needed to be with the Quad. Not too shabby of a job! We then all got together with all the families and played some more games like arm wrestling and tug-o-war and gunny sack racing. I will have to say that our family kicked butt on the gunny sack and beat everyone!

After the games we cooked our own dinner in dutch ovens. It was stew and it was really good. The kids then had a dance. Yes a dance after two days of no showers! Yummy! We just listened to the music and watched the kids dance. We then went to bed which was better then the night before. It was almost warm. We woke up, ate, had a devotional/testimony meeting, cleaned up and headed home. I learned on this trip that if my feet were clean (with about a hundred wipes and a clean pair of wipes) I actually felt quite refreshed. Like I just took a shower. Weird!

But, really I am so glad that I went on this trek. We were both dreading it. We had such a good time and it made me realize how blessed I really am and how I really don't have anything to complain about. I am grateful for my ancestors who crossed the plains due to their faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am thankful for all of their sacrifices and hardships that they had to endure and am grateful that I got to experience it on a very, very small scale.