Saturday, August 29, 2009

○GiRLs NiGhT○

My aunt Allyson won tickets to Todd & Erin's B98.7 slumber party. It's just a girls night out. We drove to Salt Lake to the Hilton where they had the whole upstairs level full of girls stuff. Massages, pedicures, manicures, shopping, food, and CHOCOLATE!!! It was a lot of fun, I think the best part was the fact that I got to get out of the house! This is me and my Aunt Steph.
Aunt Allyson, Mom, and Kaitlon. She got to come to girls night too! She would have no way to be fed if I left her.
We went and had dinner at the Olive Garden!
That's an attractive picture,Mother!
We had our toe nails, and finger nails done!
We also decided to get airbrush tattoos...for kicks and giggles. Allyson got a butterfly. It was quite hilarious, luckily they wash off quickly.


It was a fun night. We have never gone out like that before. So it was a great bonding time. You would all be so proud of me too, I only got in one argument with my mother, and it was on the way home. :)

Thursday, August 27, 2009

A tRiP tO tHe MiDdLe Of No wHeRe!!

Well, Clint had this brilliant idea last week. He decided he wanted to take us to Nevada to see where he would be working! On Tuesday, we loaded the 4 children, the pack-and-play, 3 luggage bags, 5 pillows, 4 blankets, some food, water, 3 bags full of little toys, the portable DVD player, 6 movies, Clint, and myself in the van. Then we headed to the middle of no where, Nevada! When I say the middle of no where, I mean it! We had a 2 hour drive to Wendover--then from Wendover it was another 2 hour drive to the Ranch! We got to look at lots of sage brush! The kids did fairly well, considering they were stuck in the car. Preston did get a fever, and threw up 1/2 of the trip! I had a horrible allergy attack!! So that was an adventure in itself!!! We did get to see the Ranch, it was really neat. Although, the town, and the area wasn't that exciting :P! I am glad we had some family time though! We've been working, and doing so much the past couple weeks it was nice to just be together! Here are some pictures we took!
Us in Wendover--taking a photo opp!
the kids!!

Okay it was so hot, that the heat reflected some how- I assume. It made the mountains look like they were floating. Look at the back of the picture, it was really weird!
Clint driving (I was bored)
Some Utah mountain views, and the salt mine thingy!


More salt! (On the water)

2 months old, and growing!!

Our Katie Bug is 2 months old!! I can't believe the way time flies! She is more alert, she can focus on objects more, and every morning after her bath I get the BIGGEST smiles!! She eats about every 4 hours, sometimes sooner! Occasionally, she enjoys spitting everything back up! I love watching her smile, and stare at nothing. It makes me think she can still see Heaven!! :) She is a great addition to our family! She has been such a blessing in our lives.


Monday, August 24, 2009

First Day of School

Preston was really excited to go to first grade today! He picked out this shirt a couple of weeks ago, and was looking forward to wearing it today! Oh gone are the days when I get to tell Preston what's cool and what's not! LOL!!! My little boy is growing up before my eyes! He said he had a good day at school, he like eating there, and he loved having 2 recesses!!! He did get a bit nervous when it was time to go home, because we are picking him up. He isn't used to that!!

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Tyson's Silly Faces!



I just had to create this cute little page, and post it! Tyson's silly smiles are the best!! They keep me laughing all the time!!

Splish, Splash, We're Having A Blast!

This evening was free swim night, at the pool! So my Aunt so graciously came and helped me, so I could take the kids. I really have to say thank you to her. I don't think I could have survived this summer without her help! The kids had so much fun, as usual! Addy is fearless!! She loves the water, she always has! Tyson was a little leery about the big slides, but he was swimming in the shallow areas, and putting his head under. Preston is getting so independent--he put on his life jacket and had a blast! He swam around the lazy river for 30 minutes or more by himself. While my aunt or I walked behind him. Good exercise for us! I took Kaitlon, but she didn't get in, but she sure got splashed! Here are some of my favorite pictures!
I am loving these smiles!!! She smiles so much these days!
The frog slide is an all-time favorite!

Chilaxin' pool side!
My fearless fish!
Swimming, swimming!!
Addy's eyes are beautiful! The melt me!!
Tyson shooting the water gun!



Go Preston!!

Friday, August 21, 2009

1st grade: Here He Comes!!

First Day Back to School Pictures, Images and Photos
Yesterday, I took Preston to his Back to School Night! I can't believe he is in first grade! Where did the time go?? He is starting a new school, because of a boundary change. So yesterday was a little nerve wracking for him! We found his new class, his new desk, and his new coat hook! We got to meet, and talk with his new teacher. He also got to make himself while we were there! (It was a little paper doll Preston) There are lot's of kids in our ward, neighborhood, and stake in his class! So that was really exciting to me!! Then lot's of his other friends are in the other classes, so he will be able to play with them at recess! This will be the first year he will be eating at school. I don't know why that is so emotional to me! (I am crazy-I know) So I made sure he knew where the cafeteria was, and we talked to the lunch ladies! They were really nice, and made me feel comfortable about it all! I am planning on signing up for the PTA again this year. The PTA Presidents are in my ward, and I think it will be a blast! I also signed up to be a room mom, and help with parties!! I love helping in his classroom, and since we have so many kids, it's nice to be able to go spend time on Preston for a couple hours. It helps us bond! :) I am so excited for him to start. He is learning so much, and getting so smart everyday! He was reading all of the posters in the classroom. I just couldn't believe it!!! Good Luck this year Preston!!

Happy Birthday, dear Clint, Happy Birthday to you!

Yesterday was Clint's 32nd birthday! I thought it would be fun for us to have a little family birthday party for him. The kids worked so hard to get everything ready for him. They made him cards!

Addy decorated herself!
They turned out really cute!
They even helped pick out and wrap all of his birthday presents! We got him a new pair of shoes, a shirt, and new shorts!!
It's not a party without cake, and ice cream! I worked really hard *wink wink* on this birthday cake! Didn't it turn out amazing?!?
Here is Clint blowing out his candles!!
Then we all enjoyed our cake and ice cream together!
Especially Addy! After, the party we all went to bed! It was 10:00 pm, when Daddy got home for his party! So mommy was a little bit tired, and overwhelmed!! He has just been working so much!! This was his last week at his maintenance job, and he left early this morning for his new job! So, it was nice to have a sweet, short, little party for him! Clint and I were able to sneak away Wednesday night for a date! We went to dinner, and a movie to celebrate his birthday! It was nice to sneak that in! Hope you had a great birthday honey!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

§My Thoughts for the Day§


I was doing some cleaning, and came across this story. It's one I am sure everyone has heard. I still wanted to post it though. It's a good one to think about. It helped me put into perspective some different situations in my life. This story just reminded me to be patient, and to have faith that one day things would be made right. Also, that the Lord gives everyone different trials, and tribulations, and we can not judge others. That isn't our job in this life, and I wouldn't want that job.

Scars Of Life
"Some years ago, on a hot summer day in South Florida, a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and a shirt as he went. He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward the shore.
His father, working in the yard, saw the two as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, he ran toward the water, yelling to his son as loudly as he could. Hearing his voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a u-turn to swim to his father. It was too late. Just as he reached his father, the alligator reached him.
From the dock, the father grabbed his little boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. That begun an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was much stronger than the father, but the father was much too passionate to let go.
A farmer happened to drive by, heard the screams, raced from his truck, took aim, and shot the alligator. Remarkably, after weeks, and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal. And, on his arms, were deep scratches where his fathers fingernails dug into his flesh in effort to hang on to the son he loved.
The newspaper reporter, who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pants legs. And then, with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, "But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms , too. I have them because my dad wouldn't let go."
You and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too. Not from an alligator, but the scars of a painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret. But, some wounds, my friend, are because God has refused to let go. In the midst of your struggle, He's been there holding on to you...The scriptures teach that God loves you. You are a child of God. He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way. But sometimes we foolishly wade into dangerous situations, not knowing what lies ahead. The swimming hole of life is filled with peril-and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack. That's when the tug-of-war begins, and you have the scars of his love on your arms, be very, very grateful. He did not and will not ever let you go.
You never know where a person is in his/her life, and what they are going through. Never judge another person's scars, because you don't know how they got them."

Sunday, August 16, 2009

One of Those Weekends

I have been sitting around, complaining, and being grumpy all weekend. Clint and I have been faced with a new challenge in our lives while he works out of the state. It is very hard to have him gone, and it's hard to be stuck home with all of the kids by myself. (See I don't enjoy taking all 4 of them places--it gets stressful!) This is the first weekend he has been gone, and I have been short, and impatient all weekend. The lack of sleep from the baby, and the stress of this new change, and other decisions have only added to my mood. After, telling Tyson "No" 18 million times yesterday,for 18 million different things, and between the screaming, and the tantrum throwing that occurred all day, he looked at me and said, "Mom your mean!". I went into my bedroom, and pondered what he said to me. It really bothered me that I had lost all control over my attitude, to the point where my own son thought I was mean. I know all children say that when they get angry, but it was just something about it. We went about our days, still impatient with each other, but his little voice kept saying those words to me in my head. When I woke up this morning, I was searching online for some references to some things. I came across a message from Gordon B. Hinckley, about the women in the world. About our purpose here. No, it doesn't fix the fact that Tyson thinks I'm mean, or that I was in the wrong in my parenting skills yesterday. It was just so nice to hear the Prophets words, and to ponder and really remember my purpose in this life. I just thought it was a sweet message, and it really helped to change my attitude. I wanted to share it with everyone.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Leave it to Clint...(WARNING: These Pictures contain bloody flesh!)

This evening, while mowing the lawn, I received a call from my husband. I answered rather excited in hopes that he would be home soon! He starts the call out like this: "Hey honey, I had a little boo boo at work." In the back of mind I am thinking oh he is calling to tell me that he broke something while trying to fix it, and he will be late coming home! Then he continues, "I was trying to fix my lawn mower. I was trying to put the belt back on, and my finger got stuck, and I cut it, it's bad." NOW let me just interrupt this story to give you a little bit of "Clint History". He likes to joke around. He finds it hilarious to call people, and tell them he has been hurt. He has done it to his poor mother who knows how many times. He has also done it to me. There have been a few instances where he wasn't joking though--but sometimes I am not sure. SO...back to the story. I said to Clint. I don't believe you, and it's not funny to lie about this stuff. Then I made him swear, and promise. After that I started to ask more questions. I swear when he was talking to me he said I cut it 3/4 of the way off. He said he told me 1/3-1/2. (Which is how far it cut.) After, talking with him a while more. He told me he was being sent to the Hospital for Workman's Comp. So I decided to meet him up there, #1: For moral support, and #2: So I could take pictures and blog about it. (Aren't I just the best wife ever? LOL) Well when I got to the hospital Clint was already admitted, and into a room. We waited, and waited, and waited, then the Doctor came in and decided it would be best for Clint to have x-rays. The x-ray came back clean, but there is a little piece of metal next to the bone. They couldn't remove it, but did remove some of the lawn mower belt. Then the funny part! When Clint is in severe pain, he laughs. He doesn't like to cry! So while they were numbing Clint, he was laughing, and shaking. It almost seemed as if he were in labor. But oddly enough, it reminded me of a damaged "Tickle Me Elmo" (sorry I am a mother). Anyway, they finally got his finger completely numb after 2 tries. Then they stitched it...he got 4 stitches on his actual finger. He would have had probably another 4, but they don't stitch on your finger nail. He also asked the doctor to teach him how to stitch. Which the doctor did, so that kind of has me worried. He is on IB profen, and an antibiotic. He will be fine, he just has to sleep with it elevated. I just had to share this little story! It's been 3 years since we have had to go to the Emergency Room with Clint. Last time it was much worse so I am grateful he is okay! The funniest thing out of all of this is that he has already given his 2 weeks. In his last 2 weeks of this job then he gets injured, and has to go have Workman's comp. take care of it. Leave it to Clint!! :) I love you honey! I hope your finger feels better soon!


I know this picture is awful, and I shouldn't have posted it. Please don't take offense, we were just trying to get a cute picture of it all wrapped and bandaged. He does look cute with his little boo boo! :) Poor guy! (Of course it would be that finger too!)

Monday, August 10, 2009

Weber County Fair

I spent most of last week working at the fair, it was fun, hot, and busy! I couldn't resist a fun family night activity. So one evening Clint brought the kids over after I was done. We had a great time! Who can resist playing the fun games?!? We won lot's of prizes!

The kids all got their faces painted, well Tyson did his arm.



The petting zoo at the fair was a blast! The boys loved milking the cow! Addy didn't want anything to do with it!


We had to stop and see the Cream o' Weber Cow!
The boys even competed in a baby bottle drinking contest!
We even got 2 new pet frogs! Isn't that exciting?!?? I believe they named them Hopper & Bopper. We had a great time!