Sledding After Fresh Snow storm

We really got quite a bit of new snow the last couple days. It's the really heavy wet snow that gives me a heart attack when I shovel it. I was starting to think that maybe it was just going to be cold for awhile and that we had shoveled the last of this years snow a couple weeks ago. That must have just been wishful thinking. I had my car detailed inside and out last week and so I may be the one to blame for all the new snow. I new my car couldn't stay clean for long. After shoveling the driveway we decided we needed to make the most of the new snow. Ryan & I took the kids sledding.

Conor was loving being outside

Ry pulled Jacob and Conor for a little bit...until they both fell off

Here's Ry going down the hill with all three kids!

I wish I had audio of Conor's laugh. He seriously had a grin from ear to ear the entire time. He was belly laughing all the way down the hill. This is the very first time he's been sledding. He L*O*V*E*D it!!!
Marli was having the time of her life. She went down more than all of us combined. I love this picture of her. She's so happy!



Look at that face....he's such a little stinker! Looking at that picture you would never know that Jacob was ready to go home after about five minutes of being out in the cold. Ryan and I couldn't believe we had to practically force him to enjoy himself.

This picture pretty much sums up the fun time we had. Marli was so excited to be out in the cold, with the fresh snow. She was eating snow and really loving every second of it! I'm completely exhausted from carrying Conor up the hill at least ten times. Looking at these pictures makes it totally worth the effort. I think we'll all sleep good tonight!

Jakey had his friend Andrew from school come over tonight. Andrew brought his older sister Ariel with him. Marli was excited to have a girl to play with. The kids had a blast dressing up as super hero's and playing the wii. I was going to take pictures of the kids, but Jake asked me not to. I'll have to be sneaky next time to get some pic's.

Dog Gone

A friend sent this to me today. Funny thing is this looks exactly like the back seat of my armada, and if we had a dog it would be a beagle. Check out the scratch marks on the seat. The email said " I got pulled over by a cop for speeding. I almost talked my way out of the ticket until the cop looked in the back seat and saw my dog"! I thought this was so cute.

Ever Feel like this?

Some of my new faves

This week a few of my new faves are:

Facebook
Imac
Clean Armada detailed inside and out
Clean Carpets and tile
Making jewlery with Devon

Pocket Full Of Sunshine

Looking out the window today this is not the picture I see. It is however what I pretend to see when I close my eyes. For some reason I always get really down in January. The cold doesn't help any. I've been wishing the weather would warm up a little so we could at least thaw out. Marli told me we were driving in the clouds today on our way to my office, it was so foggy. If I had my way I would go somewhere warm Jan. 1st and come back in April. When I look at this picture of myself I realize how much a smile can alter my attitude.

These faces always make me smile.

I have always sung this song to all four of my kids ........
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.You make me happy when skies are grey.You'll never know dear, how much I love you.Please don't take my sunshine away.The other night dear, as I lay sleeping,I dreamt I held you in my arms.When I awoke dear, I was mistaken,So I hung my head down and cried.You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.You make me happy when skies are grey.You'll never know dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away.

I may not have a pocket full of cash...but at least I have my family which always makes me have a pocketful of sunshine.Lately it seems everything our family needs/wants has at least a $100 price tag. After playing Kyle & Lesley's snowboarding game on the wii fit over Christmas break we've really wanted one. They are sold out everywhere. Also after playing the wii on my parents super nice flat screen plasma t.v. we're feeling sad playing it on our t.v, it seems so small now. We needed a new printer to go with our new computer, I was able to find one at Sam's club for a way better price than anywhere else. I really wanted photo shop for my i mac. Thankfully I was able to trade my unopened PC software for mac thanks to my sister-in-law Melissa. We need an external hardrive/backup. I guess this is why wish lists were invented. We'll keep adding to our wish list until maybe someday we win the lottery. A girl can dream right?

*Yesterday my group of kids in Jacob's class got to do a really fun art project. When I got home I was inspired to clean out my scrap/craproom. I went through everything and purged all I thought I couldn't live without. Everything else I put in bags to donate to Jacob's teacher, Mrs. Gale. She was elated when Jake gave her everything this morning. It made me feel great to be able to get rid of a lot of stuff and know it will be used and appreciated.

Day Dreaming

Today I'm missing a lot of my loved ones that don't live close. I was day dreaming about what if I could create a village where my favorite people were my neighbors. How wonderful it would be to be surrounded by those who matter most to me. I could go out my front or back door and know I could help those who really need my help. Most days I feel so overwhelmed with life, what a blessing it would be to know I could yell out the window or knock on the door next door and have a loved one come over and help. Don't get me wrong my neighbors are all wonderful and do help me a lot. I just wish I could have my own little corner of the world where everyday I could spend as much time as I want with those who I really want to be with.
This is my dream house. All of my kids cousins would live on my road. They could play all day. They could have sleepovers all the time.

I think this would be Ryan's dream job owning a little shop that had different cheese and treats. It would be in our village. Just some food for thought. Maybe someday.

Happy New Year

2009 The New Year always brings a new start, new slate ,and the possibilities of new adventures. Our family is excited for this New Year. I have a lot to Blog about and get caught up. I have wanted to get some nice pictures of the kids and it unfortunately never worked out. We missed getting our Christmas cards out this year because we didn't have a recent picture of all of us. My brother and his wife Lesley were here for a week visiting.Lesley has recently taken up photography and while she was here we threw together a little photo shoot.I needed three specific pictures. One for our New Year Cards, One for my mother-in-law of my three kids for her desk at work and one of Ella (Kyle's little girl) with my three kids for my parents.Lesley found this pretty cool place to take pictures outside. Exactly what I had in mind.It was a nice day until we started taking pictures. Then the wind really picked up. The kids said they were freezing. It was interesting to watch people look at us as they drove or walked by. All of a sudden this guy and his dog go walking by, when the dog crosses the street and heads right for Conor.He tried to lick Conor to death. Poor little guy! There were some hysterical moments in the quick fifteen minutes. I'm grateful she was able to get some really great pictures. Thanks Les!

I'm in love....
Our home computer died a few months ago. We have debated back and forth on what to do about getting a new one. We bought our dell right after Jaxon passed away. It was supposed to be great to copy all our video of him to dvd. Monday I made the decision to order a new computer. After much research I learned a imac would be ideal for our family. So we have crossed over to the apple way of life. Yippee! As Marli would say "My one true love... I love you" It was delivered today and I'm happy to welcome this baby into our family.Hopefully it will become my new best friend and I'll get caught up on blogging.

The Angels T-ball Team Season Started Monday June 9th

Conor Clap,Clap,Clap

Marli Line 'Em Up

The other day I came upstairs to something that may seem pretty common to most people. To me it is anything, but common it's actually very special. Marli found Jaxon's matchbox cars, and was playing with them. There are two blue cases that each hold 50 cars. Jax used to line them up in rows. He was very precise how he lined each car up. Marli was doing something pretty similar. It made me smile. I explained to her how Jaxon would play for hours with these cars and how special it was to me. She gave me a big hug and told me thanks for letting her play with his cars. She tells me all the time "Mom, I wish Jaxon didn't die. I love him." Me too!


I had to grab the camera and take some pictures of this so I'll never forget how neat this was.

America The Beautiful

Ryan Urges everyone in the strongest possible terms to go to:

http://www.thetitleofliberty.org/

The flags and monument to our 39 fallen soldiers from Idaho. To learn about one man's mission.
Also please check out The flags and monument to our 39 fallen soldiers from Idaho at the field of Flags on west Broadway. This man is trying to educate and keep alive all that we as U.S. citizens should hold dear and never forget.

Ryan got home tonight and told us a very special story. He was driving home and was prompted to stop at the field of flags. Every year for the past three years we always say we need to buy two flags from this field. They're $25 each. He listened to the prompting and went there. He asked the guy who is in charge if he had time to answer a few questions. The guy was really nice and went and got a chair and sat with Ryan and answered his questions. Ryan told the man he wanted two flags one of each. He looked in his wallet to see if he had any money. He saw a $50 bill that he has had tucked away for something special. He didn't remember putting it in his wallet. He's hung on to it for quite some time. He told us that he felt Jaxon close. He thinks Jax wanted his family to have these flags. Our family has always loved the fourth of July. It's probably our favorite holiday.


Ry took Jacob and had him help him put the flags in our yard. I was inside and was so touched by what he was doing. I was listening to him talk to Jake about why we celebrate the 4th of July. I was crying as I listened and watched.


When Jaxon was two Ryan drove truck for Doug Andrus and also worked at Three B detention. He was asked to pull a float that was for Bonneville County. Ry drove and Jax and I rode with him. Jax had a squirt gun and would squirt the people watching the parade. Everyone would wave to him and he thought it was so neat. Jax always loved the American flag. I'm so grateful that Ryan had this experience today. Jaxon has been so close the past couple days. I'm thankful that as the fourth of July is approaching our family can have Jax near.

Tagged By My Brother

My Brother Kyle tagged me, so here goes:


Favorite Person (outside of family)?
My neighbor and best friend Nikki Foust. It's so nice having her practically next door.(Two doors down) Her family is always there for me to lend a hand or an ear. She helps me not spend money. She works hard. She plays hard. She's a blast to be around.

Favorite Food?
Prime rib outback style.

Quirks about you?
I'm a neat freak. I can't stand clutter. I'm sure I have quirks that I'm unaware of.


How would the person who loves you most describe you in ten words or less?
Ryan: "Beautiful,Loving,Benevolent,Strong,Thoughtful,Devoted to family,Gentle,Amazing or Incredible, Selfless or unselfish, Protector or Guardian"
Jaxon: "Hot Mama"
Jacob: "Pretty,Good Cook,Nice"
Marli: "Beautiful,Fun,Nice"
Conor: "Dadadda!?!"

Any regrets in life?
Oh yeah....their is too many to mention. I will just say they started at the age of 13 and go through the age of 18. I will not say what, for fear my kids will have it to hold against me when they are teenagers! Yikes!

Favorite Charity/Cause?
Primary children's hospital telethon and childhood cancer research

Favorite Blog recently?
Melissa Francis She just completed treatment for breast cancer. She is so talented and brave.
http://www.melissafrances.typepad.com/

Something you can't get enough of?
Hugs and kisses from my kids and handsome husband. Also chocolate!

Worst Job you've ever had?
Housekeeper at The west bank hotel

What job would you pay not to have?
IRS agent

If you could be a fly on the wall, where would it be?
I was talking to my sister-in-law Kim about this the other day. Putting her baby Hailey 14 mo. old and Conor 8 mo. old in a crib together. I would giggle so hard. They love to look at each other and poke each other. It would be fun to watch.

Also I would love to see the Savior visit the children at Primary Children's Hospital. I read a book that was a true story about the Savior visiting sick children in the SLC PMCH. You can feel him close by when your there, but to actually see him with the children would be so amazing.

Favorite Bible verse right now?
James 1:12
Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Guilty Pleasure?
Scrap booking drinking Coca Cola

Got any confessions?
How much time do you have? One thing I'll admit to is anti-depressants work for me.
I ran out right before payday and thought I would be OK for a few days until I got my prescription refilled. I could tell immediately that I needed to get it refilled ASAP.

If you had $1000 dollars to spend on yourself how would you spend it?
Hmmm. That's hard. I would like to say I'd take a vacation, but I think I would need more than $1,000. I would buy the family a Wii and lots of games. I'd like a new computer and printer. I would need a lot more $.

Favorite thing about your house?
The people who live in it

Least favorite thing about your house?
It never stays clean and it's in West Arco (haha)

One thing you are bad at?
Saving money

One thing you are good at?
Making a dufous out of myself

If you could change one thing about your circumstances, what would it be?
My son Jaxon would be here with us

Who would you like to meet someday?
The Savior

What makes you feel sexy?
Not sure (I have four kids)

Who is your real life hero?
My beautiful son Jaxon


What is the hardest part of your job?
Being away from my kids

When are you most relaxed?
Laying in bed with my kids eating ice cream and watching a movie

What can you not live without?
My Family

Ryan said "Things/stuff, more things more stuff. Filling every possible space available. The love of her kids."

What stresses you out?
Living payday to payday

Do you agree or disagree with the recent article that reported that blogs are authored by narcissists?
I had to look this up....
(Narcissism describes the trait of excessive self-love, based on self-image or ego.)
If talking about your kids and being proud to be their Mama makes me a narcissist then I'd say I agree.


Why do you blog?
It's my journal...and I don't have time to scrapbook lately so I use it to document life's events.

Who are you tagging?
Melody Ross, Kimberly Sorenson, Melissa Smith

We Love This Kid

I've been thinking a lot about my nephew Koby today. He's going to have his tonsils out tomorrow. He has such a special place in my heart. He is such a sweet boy. I love talking to him and spending time with him. He always makes me laugh. He is the only boy in his family.I know he has a special mission on this earth. Whenever I'm near him I feel so close to the spirit. He is such an amazing person. Jaxon loves his cousin "Poby". Jacob adores Koby.

We tried calling him a couple different times today. Jacob really wanted to talk to him. Once Jacob got Uncle Rod on the phone and talked to him for a minute. Rod said he'd tell Koby, Jacob called when he got home. Then as we were driving home tonight, Koby called my cell phone. I had a sweet conversation with him. I told him how much we loved him and were thinking of him. Jake talked to him and told him we would pray for him and he loved him. Marli talked to him too. She told him we would bring him ice cream. She asked him what Kamri was doing. They talked for a minute, and then she said he hung up.

I know Koby will feel so much better after a week or so. We really love him and are mindful of him. We pray all will go well. I know Jaxon will be by Koby's side watching over him. I'm grateful Uncle Rod can give him a Priesthood blessing. Koby we love you and hope you feel better really soon!

The Journey Of A Fat Boy

Ryan worked Thursday night, he got home at 8:30 a.m. Friday morning. He mowed the grass. Laid down to sleep for a couple of hours. He got up, got ready for his journey to Kansas City Mo. He left town around 2:30 p.m. he stopped at 4:00 a.m. and slept for two hours. He made it to Kansas City sat afternoon. He rode the bike to make sure he loved it. He loaded everything up. He stayed the night in Lincoln Nebraska. He got home at 2:30 a.m. Monday.

He came in the house saying loudly it's me. We all woke up and hugged him. We were surprised to see him. I didn't expect him until Monday afternoon. He brought us all presents. He went to Cabella's in Nebraska. When he used to drive truck for Doug Andrus he went to the same Cabella's and brought Jaxon a shirt. Jacob was really missing his dad Saturday night before bed. He was bawling. We couldn't get a hold of Ry, so we left him a message. The kids took turns sleeping with me.

I'll get some pictures of Ry on his bike and post them later. I can't believe he made it there and back in 60 hours. It's 3000 miles. Wow! I'm so proud of him. He set a goal and worked hard to make it happen. The guy he bought the bike from sent him home with $1200 worth of extras like leathers for him and me, extra seat, extra tire and a bunch of other stuff. Way to go Idaho!

Yard Sale

Saturday I had a yard sale it was supposed to be 8-12. Call me dumb. I agreed to do a neighborhood yard sale back in May. There were twelve houses that were part of the madness. We each paid $2.00 for the ad in the post register and for the signs.

When I agreed to do it,I looked at Ryan's schedule and he was off.I've been cleaning out room by room over the last couple months and had quite a bit of stuff. Well Ryan left Friday afternoon for Kansas City. I was left to do the yard sale alone with three little ones. Not my idea of fun. My friend Nikki brought her stuff over Friday night. People in the neighborhood were out and I made $20 Friday night. My neighbor Sydney said people should have yard sales at night. People are out and it's cooler. I was up until 12:30 getting things set up. Saturday 6:30 came way too fast. At 7:30 I made my first sale. There were a few nice people. The weirdest part of the day was when this big female ( I would say lady,but she was no lady)loaded up a ton of scrap booking stuff. She offered me $5 I looked at her and said No that's over $40 worth of stuff. I said how about $15? She threw the stuff at me and started swearing. I laughed. Her and her mother got in their car and swore at me as they drove off. I had a couple people talking to me like Jakey's T-ball coach from last year (Kristy Bialas's sister). They couldn't believe how crazy some people are. Another lady paid me for a chalkboard/dry erase art board and never came back to pick it up. I left it outside for her. I'm thinking she forgot where my house is. Crazy!

Some friends stopped by and asked if they could bring their stuff over. They did and then left. I did a good job of keeping track on a notepad of what I sold for different people. I think it was way too much work to make $157.00. Nikki and her girls came over at 11:30 after the girls swim meet. At 11:50 we left the girls in charge and Nikki and I rode bikes through the neighborhood seeing who was involved with the sale and what they had left. We bought a few treasures from a couple friends. We went back to my house cleaned up. Anything left over went in bags. Jaimie came and picked everything up loaded up his truck and donated it to the D.I.

After everything was put away the kids and I ran a few errands. We picked up pizza from Papa Murphy's and called it a day. We had a fun time at home. The kids were so good for me. I was really impressed with them. Conor loved being outside. I was grateful it was Saturday morning, because the kids watched cartoons for most of the morning. I hope I never have another yard sale for as long as I live.

Happy Fathers Day

I know Fathers Day was June 15th, but I figure better late than never. That seems to be my motto lately.





The kids and I got Ry a money clip that we had engraved. One side has his initials and the other side has #1 DAD. He asked for a money clip awhile ago after he lost$20.
He told us that with his insulin pump in his pocket he looses money when he pulls it out. I wanted to put a bunch of $ in the clip, but funds were low so I made him a IOU instead. I picked out a nice shirt for him too. I was pleasantly surprised when he liked the shirt. We celebrated Fathers Day on Saturday because he had to work on Sunday. My parents were over for dinner and my brother Kyle his wife Lesley and their five month old daughter Ella were here from Provo. It was a pretty special time because this is my brothers first Fathers Day. Sunday while Ryan was at work we went to my parents for a BBQ.