EMONTSTERS

The Little Things

2012-01-23T14:16:00.001-08:00

The other day I was helping Tyson with his homework. He had to color this "paper person" to look like him. He was supposed to draw him in his favorite clothes etc. He drew those big eyes with giant eyelashes, then drew the open mouth with the teeth. He then looked at his work and very proudly said "That is a great mouth!" He then showed me how the mouth in the picture was identical to his own. Love that kid!!

Project

2012-01-20T08:26:00.000-08:00

In the past couple days I have really been out of my comfort zone. I was in a fabric warehouse looking for upholstery fabric and in home depot looking for a staple gun...not what I'm usually doing.

But here's why:

My kitchen chairs were filthy and nothing would get them clean! I finally decided I would tackle the job of recovering them.

One down...5 to go.

Don't fail me now!!

2012-01-06T13:00:00.001-08:00

I have had my ins and outs with the world of beauty secrets. I have tried fancy and expensive make ups, shampoos, face washes and lotions. But really, nothing seemed to give the results that they claimed. My hair is still thin and flat, my skin is still lily white and blotchy and my make up looks far from Hollywood glam. But, the two "secrets" that I have always sworn by are 1) plenty of sleep and 2) washing off my make up before bed every night.

But lately, probably when I need these "beauty secrets" most, I have been slacking (not on the plenty of sleep...I'll never give that one up no matter how much my husband teases me).

In my 20+ years of wearing makeup, I have probably gone only about 10 days without washing it off before going to bed (I think I was told by a Mary Kay lady when I was a teenager that sleeping in makeup ages your skin 10 times faster or something). Well, this past year, right as I am hovering over my mid-thirties *gulp* I have gone to bed probably 1/4 of the nights WITH MY MAKEUP ON!! What is happening to me?! Does this mean that by this time next year I will look like I'm in my mid....forties?! Looks like I've gotta get back on track...

Thought I better post a picture that you can't see the wrinkles around my eyes:)

It's a New Year

2012-01-04T09:37:00.000-08:00

One thing I love about January is the overwhelming sense that we all have a fresh start. All the troubles from the past year are washed away and we start new...we can do anything, right? Well, we have been setting resolutions, decluttering and trying to find ways to make this year better than the last.

Here's us starting the celebrations to ring in the new year

Here's Tyson's room after some cleaning and decluttering (as sad as it is to get rid of some great toys that the kids have grown out of, it feels so good to clear things out!!)Jordan tried out her new crimper and set some resolutions
(1. read 8 books 2. learn one hymn with both hands 3. Do the splits all the way down in all three positions)Kya go a new do and set some resolutions
(1. Perfect a bridge kickover 2. Memorize all multiplication facts to 12)

Tyson signed up for ice skating classes and set some resolutions
(1. Ride a bike without training wheels 2. Learn how to ice skate)

But the saddest thing about this new year, is that we had to take down Christmas:(

Christmas is over?!

2011-12-29T14:36:00.000-08:00

How is Christmas over already?! Out of all the holidays, Christmas is the only one that is over before I'm ready to let it go!! I LOVE Christmas...and yes, my tree is still up:)

Christmas Eve Jammies
(I always try to do "Christmas-themed" pajamas because it makes for some awesome pictures!!)

Jordan finally got the Itouch she's been saving for...I don' t know that I've ever seen her so happy. She also got that chair she is sitting on, which Miley has "claimed" as hers.

One of Kya's gifts was a softball bat. I thought it was hilarious that she had absolutely no clue what it was until it was completely unwrapped:)Since Jordan got an Itouch, Mike changed the broken screen on his old Iphone and gave it to Kya and Tyson. Now they can all play. I'm not sure I like it!

A Christmas Eve Tradition

2011-12-24T14:52:00.001-08:00

We love to bundle up and take the kids ice skating on Christmas Eve. It reminds me that some places in the world, people actually do need to wear jackets this time of year (seriously, it was 87 degrees in the car when we came out of the skating rink). This year Mike and I could actually skate without holding onto the kids. They were so brave!! Tyson has also informed me that he wants to take skating lessons and become a hockey player....we'll see.

Baking Day

2011-12-23T22:10:00.000-08:00

Today we did nothing but bake...well, and watch a movie:) I am feeling so Christmassy!!

First we made Pulla (Tyson is OBSESSED with Pulla!!)

Then we made Candy Cane Cookies

Then it was time for Naniamo Bars

And finally Butter Tarts

Good think Mike got home in time to BBQ for dinner, because I was wiped out!

12 Years

2011-12-17T07:22:00.000-08:00

Today is our 12th Anniversary!!

From our first date....

....to now!! We've come a LONG way!!

I had no idea when I got married, that I would be so blessed!
I love you Mike, and the sweet little family you have given me.

Some jobs {unfortunately} you can't do yourself!

2011-12-13T12:46:00.000-08:00

I asked Mike to take a picture of me and the kids (Tyson wouldn't cooperate) in front of the Christmas tree.

First, he took this one...

Of course, I wasn't impressed.

Then, he took this one...

Seriously?!

Finally her took this one...

The star is still cut off a little, but I guess I'll take it.

All she wants for Christmas...

2011-12-12T16:06:00.000-08:00

...is her two front teeth!!

I love that Kya lost her two front teeth so close to Christmas. We have a classic home video when Jordan lost her two front teeth (also just before Christmas), and she was so upset that she could still say "Merry Christmas!"

I'm the only one left!!

2011-12-10T08:03:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago I watched Mike (along with 3499 other people) become an American Citizen. As I stood there (Jordan and I stood for probably 2 hours straight!!!) and watched everyone recite the pledge of allegiance and heard the song "I'm proud to be an American", I said to Jordan "I really feel just as patriotic to America as I do to Canada." As we talked more, she asked me "If you had to choose to live the rest of your life in just one country and you couldn't ever go back, where would you live?" I admit, I had to say Canada...I just had to. We love living in California though. I am grateful for all the opportunities we have had here in the USA. Even though I am not officially an American (like my hubby and children), I really am proud to be an "American" (or at least a permanent resident of America).

Here's my hubby with his proof that he is now a citizen. Doesn't he look like a foreigner holding his American flag?:)

We know it's December because...

2011-12-06T13:28:00.000-08:00

...Kya is wearing sparkly things in her hair

...We are lighting a candle and reading Christmas stories every night

...Tyson is dressing up like Santa (and Kya is Mrs. Clause)

...Stanley, the elf, is visiting again

And I am wearing my slippers every day--and trying to pass them off as shoes:)

My Temple Art

2011-11-10T14:16:00.000-08:00

I have been searching for years for a picture of the SLC temple that I LOVED.
(because that is where we got married)

Finally found it!!

I just put it in the frame and it is waiting to be hung.

Here is where I found it
(I just followed the shutterfly link and ordered it that way, but I kinda wish I had forked out the cash to get our names printed on it).

Isn't it beautiful?!

We don't get out much

2011-11-07T12:19:00.000-08:00

Saturday night Mike and I went on an exciting date (something more than dinner and a movie). We went downtown to Club Nokia and saw Jim Gaffigan--our favorite comedian. I don't know that we have ever laughed so much!! It was HILARIOUS!! Click here to get a little taste of his humor:)

Take Two

2011-11-06T15:58:00.001-08:00

The kids won fish at the Fall Family Festival again this year. Tyson and I picked them up on Friday. Hopefully they'll last longer than a month this time.

~Crystal and Emboar~Tyson admiring the fish:)

Miley "admiring" the fish. Just like last time

It's a Miracle!!

2011-11-02T22:20:00.000-07:00

Kya FINALLY lost her front tooth!!
We were beginning to think this day would never come.
I have never seen a kid so excited:)
Welcome to the awkward looking teeth years Kya!

Before...

After...

Novermber {Sigh}

2011-11-02T16:15:00.000-07:00

As we start this month of gratitude, I can't help but feel thankful that October is over:) I am excited to slow things down after all the crazy fun that was had the past few weeks. I LOVE this time of year, when we step back and remember all the blessings we have....oh and start preparing for Christmas!! Seriously, bring on the festivities!!

This was us LAST November...
(I guess that means it's just about time for some new family pictures!)

Halloween Spooktacular

2011-10-30T16:16:00.000-07:00

It's not even Halloween yet and we've already dressed up twice. We had a BUSY but FUN weekend. We had our ward Halloween party (which Primary was in charge of--thank goodness I have awesome counselors and teachers to HELP) and then our school Fall Family Festival was Saturday (I got to work in the popcorn booth--good thing I had all that movie theater experience). It was a crazy busy, stressful weekend...but we managed to have a lot of fun:) Now we have one more day to celebrate Halloween and then on to Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Kya was a black cat

Jordan was a Hobo Zombie
(she made me take off the big gash I made on her forehead--I thought it looked awesome)

Tyson was a Ninja
(It took all of 3 min. for all the ties on his arms and legs to come undone)

Mike was our Canadian Hockey Player

And I was a pregnant lady...again:)

Here's the gym after decorating!! It turned out very cool!

Tyson is SIX

2011-10-21T16:22:00.000-07:00

I can't believe he was ever this little!

But he is still "Mommy's Little Pumpkin".
Love this kid!!!

Now that my headache is gone....

2011-10-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

Last week I went with Kya's school class on an overnight field trip to San Diego. We spent the night at the Wild Animal Park and then spent the next day at Legoland. I am just now recovering (a week later). I swear I got dehydrated from walking for 8 hours in 100 degree weather...imagine that. So, I have been dizzy and sporting a week long headache--not cool. Anyways, besides the aftermath, it really was a great trip.

Here's the whole class (48 kids) when we first got there!

We looked at some animals (it was amazing how close we were)
I finally gave in and let Kya spend $5 on an Icee...did I mention it was 100 degrees out?!
That Icee may have saved her life!!
Kya with some of her friends wearing their new shirts

Roasting Marshmallows when it finally started to cool down--look how happy she is:)

Heading in the tent...time for bed--yeah, right
Inside the tent
(Vivian, Kya & Kaela)
Gorgeous view of the park in the morning

It was worth the wait

2011-10-19T08:25:00.000-07:00

Tyson hasn't had a birthday party with his friends since he was 3. It's not because I didn't want him to, he just never really asked for one, so I didn't suggest it:) This year though, he was really excited to celebrate with his buddies. Mike and I picked them up from school and took them to Adventureplex where they played hard for TWO HOURS!! We then took them back to our house for cake, presents and some backyard craziness. With all the energy that boys have, it was the perfect party.

All excited to go inside!!

Cake Time!!

I had to add a closer picture of the cake.
It turned our really yummy!!Some of the boys eating CakeOpening PresentsTyson's dream come true....MORE Pokeman cards!!

I'm a Country Girl

2011-10-09T21:50:00.000-07:00

I know I live in Los Angeles, but inside I will always be a country girl. It's nice to find places to go to forget that we live in one of the biggest cities in the USA. We spent our Saturday at Riley's Farm in Oak Glen, CA.

Kya learned how to shoot an arrow

We went on a hayrideUmm...not sure what happened to Tyson:)We found marigoldsAnd cute little pumpkins

And BIG pumpkinsAnd Jordan even found a dog:)

Something Smells Good

2011-10-06T13:17:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things to do with my kids is bake. I don't do it that often though...want to know why? I'll tell you:

1) I have a small kitchen

2) It usually turns into a fight between the kids (one can't see, one didn't get enough turns, one wants to sit on the counter...you know where I'm going with this)

3) I don't want a lot of fattening stuff around the house (because when it's there, let's face it, I can't resist it!)

Now that I seem to have more times when some of the kids are gone and I am left with only one, and we have nothing to do, we bake. I love it...especially when it turns out yummy!!

And BTW, we have found some YUMMY treats on Pinterest!!

Back in Time

2011-09-28T15:33:00.001-07:00

I have had a nasty head cold (ie. sinus headache) this past week and it has kept me away from the gym. So I have decided to use my time finishing off Tyson's baby book...since he is going to be SIX next month!! Anyways, it just felt like I jumped back 10 years sitting on the floor watching Friends and scrapbooking. Tyson's book is almost done, just about 6 or so pages to go, then I will have all 3 baby books finished. I looked through them all thinking about how different each one of my kids is, and how different I was when I made their books.

Jordan's book is the smallest. Most of the pages are filled with blurry (non digital) pictures and my own less-than-perfect hand writing. My scrapbooking skills were not great, and I didn't have much money to buy cute embellishments. I remember spending weeks searching for the perfect book to put the pages in. My sister (Lisa) even reminded me that I had sent her a package using the box from Jordan's baby book and I asked her to save it for me (and about 8 years later she still has it...saved for me). And Jordan's book was completely finished before her sister was born.

Kya's book was done at the height of my scrapbooking frenzy. This is probably one of the reasons Kya's book is the longest and most intricate. Another reason Kya's book is so big is that I got my first digital camera shortly after she was born, and who could resist making pages of multiple pictures in the same outfit:)! Another great thing about Kya's book is it has pictures of her with her big sister. When I bought the book to put Kya's pages in, I didn't anticipate it's enormous size! After trying to shove all the pages it, her book busted at the seam!! I scrambled to finish Kya's book before her little brother was born:)

Tyson's book is in between Kya and Jordan's in length. The pages are embellished with a lot of stickers and cutouts that are quick and easy. A lot of the spaces left for writing are empty because I can't quite remember what Tyson was like at 4 months or 6 months (I dropped the ball there, but some I wrote long ago). I think it is a little more fancy than Jordan's, but not as "busy" as Kya's (a perfect balance, in my opinion). Tyson's book was bought for about $5 and has been weathered by the sun (as I finish up his book, I'm a little worried it's not all going to fit).

Regardless of the differences between each book (hopefully the kids won't compare), they war each priceless. I am glad I made them...even though Tyson's has took me until his 6th birthday. I LOVE pictures. They are one of my favorite things, but mostly I just love my babies and the amazing people they are becoming!!!

(I typed the names on the books and saved it before I enlarged the font, so if you can't read it: Jordan's is top left, Kya's is top right, and Tyson's is on the bottom)

I didn't sign up for this

2011-09-23T10:40:00.000-07:00

As a mom, I have a WIDE range of responsibilities, some I expected and others I've just had to accept. But there are still some things that I refuse to do.

Expected:

Regular house hold chores (dishes, vacuuming, sweeping, laundry etc.)

Making meals

Helping with homework, packing lunches, helping out at school.

Taking care of the kids

Accepted:

Paying the bills

Taking out the trash

Fixing clothes

Driving everyone everywhere

Resolving conflict

Refuse:

Ironing Mike's shirts (I do it sometimes, but it is HIS job)

Taking the car through emissions tests or to get fixed (I do take it to get the oil changed)

Cleaning the garage

Cleaning out poopy underwear (that's right, it goes in the garbage!!)

Cleaning out moldy Tupperware (I just can't do it)

Going anywhere near canned re fried beans!!! (Mike buys them and uses them to make burritos. I can't even be in the kitchen when he opens them or I will gag)

Just to let you know, there is a Tupperware sitting on my counter with moldy re fried beans in it. It is one of my nice Tupperware containers. I wonder how long it will sit there...

Me and the kiddos at SeaWorld
(love the way Tys is posing with the spray cheese)

So, here it is...

2011-09-21T10:54:00.000-07:00

I try not to post things that are TOO personal on here, but what the heck.

Anyone who has had multiple conversations with me probably has heard me talk about wanting another baby. I have gone back and forth about having #4 for about 3+ years now (not my hubby though, he has been content with 3 since Tyson was born). There are times when I am 100% convinced that I HAVE to have another, and other times when I think I would be crazy to even entertain the idea (but, let it be known, if the decision was entirely up to me--not my hubby AND me--we would have 4 already). The bottom line is, I am really having a hard time leaving my "baby days" behind me. How do you move on? How do I know that when I'm 50, I won't completely regret not having more kids--and then it won't be an option? This is a hard one for me. I see all the reasons why not to have another, but yet it's still so hard to accept and move on!!

Anyways, there is a glimpse into what has been going on in my heart these past few months/years.

Me and baby Jordan 2001
(why the heck was I wearing overalls?!)

Me and baby Kya

February 2004Me and Toddler Tyson 2007

(excuse my striped hair!!)

He's Back!!

2011-09-11T20:26:00.000-07:00

Guess who scored the first goal of the season?! That's right, Tyson is back on the soccer field and better than ever. I absolutely love watching that kid in his element...what a little athlete.

And so it goes...

2011-09-07T09:12:00.000-07:00

Another school year has begun. Jordan is in 5th grade (her last year of elementary school!!), Kya is in 3rd and Tyson is in 1st. I honestly can't believe this is my life. How did those little chubby babies grow up so quickly?! Well, here they are...the first day of school:

Happy Birthday Grandma (Kurki)

2011-09-02T18:07:00.000-07:00

Photo Shoot

2011-08-30T19:09:00.000-07:00

I took my kids to the park Sunday with the hopes of getting some good pictures. It's funny how much their unique personalities shine through the lens:

Jordan
I could not stop laughing at this one!!
Always modelling!
And, of course the beautiful girl pose:)Kya
My little gymnast...any chance to show off her splits:)
This is the crazy Kya we know and love.
Sweet girl!Tyson
Making a face...as usual
This is what he does when you say make a "nice" face.
This is probably the best one I got.The 3 of them together
Cute, but Tyson still looks a little goofy;)My Favorite!!

I {heart} my family

2011-08-15T18:06:00.000-07:00

I am having a hard time putting together a post about my Canada trip. I'm not sure if it's because I can't pick which pictures to use, or because I'm not ready for it to be over yet. We had such a great trip (minus Tyson's GIANT mosquito bites and my sliced up foot...oh and the "rash"). I seriously couldn't ask for a better family. My sisters, brothers in law, parents, nieces and nephews...they are just the BEST. I miss them all so much and really wished we lived closer. Luckily soon after I got home, I got to go to a baby shower with a lot of my California friends, which reminded me that I really do love living here too:) So here's why my family is so awesome and why we always have such a great time in Canada:

1. They live in the raspberry capital of Canada (hence the giant raspberry statue on Clearbrook Road).

2. My mom is always willing to bake for us (blueberry pies, banana bread, muffins, trifle and of course, raspberry jam).

3. There's always someone willing to play chess (especially grandpa).

4. Grandma and Grandpa have tons of blueberry bushes (hence the blueberry pie--yum).

5. My sisters are always willing to see the sites (Othello tunnels, Stanley Park, Hayward Lake, White Rock....).

6. My parents have a sauna...in their house!!! (usually it's too hot outside in the summer, but this time their were some rainy days and we heated it up--I forgot how much I LOVE it).

7. Everyone came to celebrate Kya's birthday (even though she turned 8 two weeks before we got there)!

8. A trip to the dairy is enough to make everyone happy (especially when ice cream is involved).

9. We are all crazy enough to take 11 kids to the movies (Zookeeper (lame) and Smurfs).

10. We can have fun in spite of mosquitoes, rainy weather, heat waves, no money, cranky kids, bad sunburns, head aches, and a sliced up foot!!

Remind me again why we don't live closer...sniff, sniff.

Canada here we come!!

2011-07-14T08:10:00.000-07:00

We are leaving for our long awaited trip to Canada in a couple hours!! Kya said to me yesterday "when I see grandpa, I am literally going to jump on him and give him a hug." Then Tyson said "I am going to hug grandma and grandpa and tell them that I missed them so much!" It is hard only seeing my family once a year...I think we may have to take a second trip this winter. So, goodbye Cali...I hope your sunshine follows me to Canada again this year!

Inspired by Pinterest

2011-07-08T09:33:00.000-07:00

We have been spending too much time on Pinterest lately, but one good thing has come out of it...my kids have created their very own reading "nooks". We saw some really cute reading tents and I said "I wish we had room in your bedrooms to set up one of those"...well before I knew it, my kids had found room and made their own little reading spots. They aren't as cute as the ones on Pinterest (click here to see one of my favorites), but they have motivated my kids to spend more time reading...which is always a good thing. Tyson has even been working on his reading skills:)

Jordan's Nook

Kya's Nook
(I had a better picture, then realized she was only wearing underwear,
so I had to crop it...that's my Kya)

Tyson made it all the way through this book, counting all the words he didn't know on each page. He was disappointed that there wasn't one page that he could get through without any mistakes:( He's getting there though!! I'm proud of my little boy.

Baptism Day!!

2011-07-02T18:21:00.000-07:00

I was stressed about all the details of Kya's baptism. Yesterday when I called my parents all upset about it, my dad reminded me what was important--Kya was getting baptized. It wasn't important how many people couldn't make it. What mattered is that Kya cared enough about the gospel and her Heavenly Father that she wanted to get baptized. We are so proud of our little girl. Congratulations Kya. We love you so much!!

Before...

I just love this picture so much. My 3 little angels!!

After!!
(Grandma Kurki made the beautiful dress and sweater)

The whole family
(I tried to pick a picture where my sunburn didn't look nasty--it's REALLY bad!!)

Happy Birthday Kya

2011-07-02T17:49:00.000-07:00

Friday was Kya's 8th Birthday!! She spent the day at the beach, movies (we saw Judy Moody--very cute), opening presents, dinner at TGIFridays and cake with the family. It was the perfect day for the sweetest 8-year-old on the planet!!

(My Little Miss Sunshine Cake was a disaster, so she got this one instead)

We love school...but we're glad it's over

2011-06-28T12:15:00.000-07:00

This year has been full of ups and downs when it comes to school.

Jordan started her 4th grade year with an overnight field trip to the Wild Animal Park and Legoland. Needless to say, her year was filled with fun and excitement...and a little bit of drama. She absolutely LOVED her teachers (well one more than the other) and had a blast building a dream city with her classmates. We couldn't be happier with all the things she has learned.

Here's Jordan with her portion of the "city" they built. She build an elementary school, an apartment building and an animal hospital.

Kya unfortunately was stuck in the community public school again this year. Luckily next year she will join her brother and sister at the charter school. Regardless of the poor quality of school she was attending, Kya has excelled in her school work this year. She was at the top of her class and tested at a gifted level. She has become so confident in her abilities as a student. We are most proud of Kya's effort level and her excitement and curiosity to learn anything and everything.

Here's Kya with a couple of the awards she got this year!

Tyson started Kindergarten with a few months of crying:( With such a rough start to the school year, I am amazed at how much he has grown to LOVE school. He has made so many friends and learned so much. He has a passion for math! I can't believe the level of math he has achieved while still in Kindergarten. I swear my girls were not doing double digit adding and subtracting while they were FIVE!! I still can't believe he will be in 1st grade next year. Man, it is hard to watch your baby grow up!!

I couldn't resist sharing a couple pages of Tyson's work from this year. His letters still need a little work:)

"I have a dream. My dream is to be a hockey player"

"We play Playstation. I play bow and arrow with my dad.

Sometimes I win my dad"

Anyways, with all the fun, excitement and achievement that comes with school, it is so nice to have a break. The kids are going to spend a couple weeks relaxing and taking swimming lessons, then we are off to Canada. I can't wait!! I really think this is the most wonderful time of the year:)

Canceled

2011-06-24T15:49:00.000-07:00

Summer birthdays are always difficult. I usually try to have Kya's party in June before school gets out, but this year my surgery made that impossible. So, we tried to plan her party for this weekend. Well, it turns out that only 2 of her friends could make it (one of which has a sprained ankle). So after much stress, I decided just to cancel it. Kya was surprisingly okay with it...I think I was more upset than she was:) Anyways, with her birthday a week away and no party planned, I am excited to come up with some really fun surprises for the big day. I can't believe she is going to be EIGHT!!!

Here are the invitations! I thought they turned out cute.

Here is the cake I am going to attempt to make (I hesitate putting this on here, because I know mine will not look this good, but here it is):

http://www.flickr.com/photos/59658603@N03/5587288478/in/photostream/

College, then what?!

2011-06-22T12:39:00.000-07:00

I was watching a show this morning (one that I don't care to admit I was watching) and one of the characters said "I'm two years out of college, it's about time I figure out what I want to do with my life" (I know, must have been a riveting show, right?). Well, while I was in college, I never quite knew what I wanted to be. I had the hardest time picking a major. I finally declared "Health" as my major because those were the classes I seemed to like the most, but when I got deep into my major classes, I realized I didn't really want a career that my major was leading me to. Well, 2 months before I graduated from BYU I had my beautiful baby Jordan. I did graduate, but I have never had any type of career. I have spent the past 10 years being a mom. This past year that all my kids have been in school, I have thought a lot about who I am and what kind of career I could possibly have--after all I should still be in my 40s when they are all grown up. I still have NO IDEA. I know I was meant to be a mom....but, beyond that, I really don't have a clue and it's really starting to scare me. I just want to be passionate about something. I'm passionate about my kids and maybe that's all I can handle right now. I don't know, I guess all I can do is keep searching...

Me and the kiddos SLC 2009

Just use paper towel...and don't complain about it!!!

2011-06-17T08:20:00.000-07:00

I have been in a grouchy mood since Wednesday. Why? Because I am trapped in the house and unable to do the things I normally do. I don't know when the last time I actually wished I could scrub the bathroom floor was, but oh my gosh I wish I could scrub the bathroom floor!! It's true, even with crutches I probably could do more work around the house, it's just 10 times harder! So I watch as my hubby tries to work, take care of the kids, and take care of our home. It's not working out so well.

This morning Mike wanted to get ready for work while I helped the kids get ready for school. There is nothing in the house for breakfast, no clean clothes for Tyson (he ended up wearing his tball pants), the shirt Jordan was supposed to wear for her presentation was very wrinkled, and we didn't have $5 to give to Kya for her class party!! When everyone finally got out the door (10 minutes late), I hobbled to the bathroom...only to find no toilet paper!! This is the 3rd time since I've been on crutches that I have gone to use the bathroom only to find no toilet paper. I know I shouldn't complain. Mike has way too much to do. I guess all I can do is use paper towel and try not to complain about it. Can't wait until Tuesday...my last day of crutches--hopefully!!!

Dynamite

2011-06-12T19:50:00.000-07:00

I am so glad I was feeling well enough to go to the girls' dance recital. They did a fabulous job!! Oh, and my rehab is coming along pretty well. My head is finally feeling back to normal and I have been using the stationary bike for a couple days. Now if we could just fast forward 2 weeks, so I don't have to use crutches anymore...

Worst. Day. Ever.

2011-06-09T09:23:00.000-07:00

Tuesday was pretty rough. I managed to get up and to the hospital by 5:45am without too much getting in my way. Everything seemed to go well until I woke up from surgery!! I don't remember much...only I couldn't open my eyes and the room was spinning and I was throwing up over and over and over. Ugh, it was rough. My surgery was at 7:30am and I was supposed to be released at around noon, but at 6pm I was still so sick that they decided I needed to be admitted overnight. I remember thinking "I am NEVER having surgery EVER again!!" After a night full of vomiting, bed pans, and dizziness, I was finally starting to feel a little better. The anesthesiologist told me that he didn't think he had ever seen someone react so badly to medication before. Mike said I was white as a sheet!! The good news is that everything went well with my hip. The doctor said the surgery was a success and it doesn't hurt as bad as I thought it would...yet anyways. But I am still pretty light headed and I haven't been able to eat much. I can't believe I have to be on crutches for two weeks!! My arms and hands are getting sore already!! Anyways, waking up from general anesthetic was worse than delivering any babies!!! Never again....I hope.

Hallelujah!!

2011-06-06T10:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was closing day for Softball and Tball. I really have LOVED to watch my kids play (Tyson is ready for coach pitch and Kya has learned to pitch!!), but here are a few things I WON'T miss:

1) Taking the kids to practice every Wednesday and Thursday.
2) Endless emails from the league.
3) Being asked for money constantly!!!
4) Searching frantically for uniforms (usually found at the bottom of the laundry basket).
5) Snack Stand Duty.
6) Being Team Mom.
7) Collecting money.
8) Schedule conflicts.
9) Team Drama.
10) Trying to keep my kids from buying candy at the snack stand every game.

Yeah, there is a lot of stuff I hated about softball. I am really happy it's over. But, I have to admit, if the kids really want to play again next year...I think I'll have to let them.

Kya's coach hasn't handed out their trophies yet, and Mike disconnected our external hard drive, so this is the best "softball" picture of Kya I have on my camera. At least she's wearing her uniform:)

Dancing Queens only 17...well 17 combined, thank goodness.

2011-06-05T20:02:00.000-07:00

We got the girls all dolled up for their dance pictures. They look so grown up in make-up!! I'm so excited that they get to dance together in their recital next weekend:)

(The back of Jordan's hair was curled up nicely, but you can't see it in the picture, but don't worry, I forked out the $60 for them each to have individual professional pictures too. For that price, her curls better be in the picture!!)

I love shoe shopping...even when it's not for me:)

2011-05-26T12:59:00.000-07:00

When in comes to kids clothes, I'm cheap! They are either going to grow out of it or stain it within a couple months, so why spend a lot of money on it?! Anyways, I am trying a different approach when it comes to shoes...we'll see how it turns out.

Since Tyson started Kindergarten in September, he has been through about 5 pairs of sneakers. This last pair I bought from Target and they lasted about 1 month. I finally decided to spend a little more money and get him something that hopefully won't fall apart before he outgrows them.

Here are his new digs:) He specifically asked for Nikes!

We also picked up these cute church sandals for Kya to wear after she gets baptized. Aren't they the cutest ever?!

34

2011-05-22T09:05:00.000-07:00

I really thought by this age I would have everything figured out. I was wrong. The longer I live, the more I think I will never have it all figured out. Life keeps moving forward and I keep getting older...whether I like it or not. Hopefully I will just keep learning and growing closer to the person I want to be.

This year I got a little spoiled. Mike and the kids got me a kindle...although I have been stewing over what book to download first.

My new Kichenaid mixer is ordered and on its way (courtesy of my mom and dad)!

And I got to spend my day with my favorite people in the whole wide world.

Now if time could just slow down a little and let me enjoy my 30s...I'm in no hurry to get to my 40s!!

Summer of '96

2011-05-12T11:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was driving home from Walmart and turned my radio to the country station (something I don't do very often anymore). Alan Jackson's song Chattahoochee was on and it just about brought me to tears.

There was a summer...I think it was 1996. Tina and I were home from college and we had zero luck finding jobs. What a fabulous time we had listening to country music (Alan Jackson, John Michael Montgomery, Brooks and Dunn, Tim McGraw), suntanning (just about every day), painting the house, memorizing scriptures, taking pictures, doing aerobics in the living room...and the list goes on. I can barely remember those days of being so carefree! Even though we didn't make much money that summer, those memories are some of my best.

Love you and miss you Tina:)

At the murky Aldergrove lake last summer

Overscheduled

2011-05-09T09:07:00.000-07:00

When my kids were little I watched this TV program about "over scheduled" kids and thought "that will NEVER be my kids!!" Well, little by little I (not sure about my kids) have become OVER SCHEDULED!! I have decided, when everything is over in the next month or two, we are going to have to cut down the amount of extra curricular activities the kids do AND the amount of volunteering I do. Here' what is making me so crazy:

Jordan has...piano, volleyball and jazz.

Kya has...gymnastics, softball and jazz.

Tyson has...tee ball and coach (after school sports class).

I have...Primary, Softball (team mom), 3 classrooms, not to mention driving around, taking care of the kids, and cleaning my house!!

When I break it down, it doesn't look so bad...but it is. Time management is tricky as well as keeping our bank account out of the red! So, come summer we have NOTHING!! I can't wait. AND come fall, I think we'll take it down to 2 things per kid. The hard part is giving something up. I want my kids to get a taste of everything, so they can find what they enjoy and what they are good at. I guess we'll just have to experience things 2 at a time:)

Sorry no pictures...our computer is having issues!!

Piano Girl

2011-05-02T10:50:00.000-07:00

Jordan had her piano recital this past weekend. She did wonderfully (I tried 3 times to upload the video without success, so you just get to see a picture). She has been playing for almost 2 years now and still LOVES it...although it is getting harder to get her to practice every day:)

I guess I'll just have to wait until Mother's Day

2011-04-26T14:48:00.000-07:00

When I imagined being the mother of two little girls, I always envisioned frilly pink dresses, ribbons and hair bows, and...matching Easter dresses, right?! Well, once I actually became a mother, I soon learned kids have a mind of their own!! My girls have always had their own opinions about what they wear AND how I do their hair.

Jordan

Clothes:

When Jordan was little she LOVED dressing up. Anything pink, princess or sparkly, she was wearing it. That all changed when she hit about 2nd grade and decided she was a "tom boy". Now that she's 10, she definitely has a style of her own (which is usually quite cute). She has told me on more than one occasion not to buy her clothes without her being there--seriously?! Anyways, this past Easter Sunday, she didn't want to wear her Easter dress from last year...and I couldn't force her. It's the end of an era!!

Jordan in one of her many princess dresses

Hair:

Anyone who hasn't seen Jordan's gorgeous hair is really missing out! This girl has long, thick, perfectly blond hair. My hair dresser once told her that if she wanted to, she could sell it for $10, 000!! Anyways, with such pretty hair, you'd think she'd want to do cute, fun things with it all the time right? Not so much!! I had to set a rule that I brush her hair everyday, because she would go DAYS without even brushing it. The only thing she ever wants me to do with her hair is one low pony. Seriously?! That girl doesn't know how lucky she is!

See how cute she is when she lets me curl her hair?!

Kya

Clothes:

Kya is all about comfort. She never liked dressing up much and she was never a princess (unless her big sister forced her). She inherited dozens of CUTE CUTE CUTE pairs of jeans from Jordan which she refuses to wear because they are not comfortable! She also thinks just about every church dress is itchy. She even had to tuck paper towel under her straps from her tap costume last year because it was so uncomfortable. Her pants drawer is now filled with nothing but yoga pants, leggings and sweats!!

Here's a pile of jeans that are Kya's size, but she refuses to wear!

Hair:

Kya has always wanted short hair, which I think is adorable. This past year though, she has decided she wants to grow it long (just to see how it looks). Now that her hair is actually long enough to do stuff with, I am just begging her to let me, but NOPE. Every clip or pony tail is uncomfortable. She has started letting me put ponytails in for Softball and Gymnastics. Maybe there is hope.

French Braids are so cute!

So what is our compromise? Mother's Day. We have a deal that on Mother's Day I, yes I, get to pick what they wear AND how we do their hair. I can't wait.

Both girls in french braids and matching dresses (made by Grandma).
Perfection!!

I am part Finnish...it's about time I acted like it:)

2011-04-13T15:13:00.000-07:00

It was Multicultural Day yesterday at Jordan and Tyson's school. What a fantastic day to learn about so many different cultures!! Each class had 7 or 8 parents come in and run a 24 min. station teaching about a different country. I taught about Finland and how to braid Finnish Pulla using four strands of dough (something that my grandparents had taught me when I was young--although I had forgotten and had to watch a YouTube video to relearn it). It was a great opportunity for me to research and learn more about my Finnish heritage, as well as master my Pulla making skills:) I have a new appreciation for woman who used to have to make bread on a daily basis--holy cow, it's a lot of work! Anyways, it was a lot of work, but all the kids seemed to have good time and they all loved eating the yummy Pulla.

This was actually my first loaf that I "forgot" to let rise

My braiding got pretty good by the end of it!

I was going to teach them how to make these, but quickly realized that rye flour and rice might not be the yummiest thing to introduce to a bunch of 10 year- olds.

Priceless

2011-04-06T17:36:00.000-07:00

I was going through some pictures of Kya for a slide show I am making for her baptism (even though it's not until July). I found so many pictures that were PRICELESS., so I had to share:

I thought Kya was quite the trouble maker (until I had Tyson)

She never fell asleep in her bed!
Ah...LazytownMy little make up artist:)

I have been blessed

2011-04-05T11:11:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I get tired of the monotony in my life, but I would take monotony any day over the tragedy and horror that so many others are living through. Here's a quick glimpse into our simple life the past week or so.

We checked out a new park...
We have had a few really nice warm day, so we had to set up the sprinkler...

We checked out the ice cream truck at "First Fridays" with some friends...
We worked on Kya's science project (what type of bean soaks up the most water)...
We picked a lot of oranges and made some (kinda sour) juice...

Classic

2011-03-24T10:43:00.000-07:00

I just finished "To Kill a Mockingbird." What a great book! Now I am headed back to the library...I think I might just go back to "The Classics" shelf again.

It's that time of year again

2011-03-15T20:16:00.000-07:00

Mike and I met in March...during March Madness. Every year since, we have filled out brackets together. Now that our kids are older, they really look forward to filling out their own brackets. Jordan and Kya actually look at the rankings of the teams now, so they don't pick BYU to win the entire tournament anymore:) Tyson, on the other hand was a riot. Any guesses why he picked Butler, Bucknell or Morehead? I'll give you a clue: "BUTTler", "BUTT NOW "(Buknell) and MORE HEAD!! He was laughing hysterically. Too cute. Now we wait and see who wins...I actually do beat Mike most years:)

PG 13? Not Quite!!

2011-03-14T11:46:00.001-07:00

I don't watch R rated movies. Don't get me wrong, I have watched a few, but each time I do I am either disgusted by the intense gore, embarrassed by the amount of nudity or sex, or I cringe at how vulgar the language is. With books it's a little trickier.

I just finished reading The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. It's a bestseller and I heard so many glowing reviews about this book, but after reading it, I would never recommend it!! It's true that the book is riveting (except for the first 50 pages which are absolute torture to get through), but boy does it have some AWFUL stuff in it!! I don't know who would want to read detailed descriptions of sex crimes and brutal murders? Gosh, they didn't even tie up the one love story that was somewhat sweet.

So I have decided that I need to find some sort of "rating" system for books. When they are published they should be rated just like movies. I don't want to read half a book before realizing it's full of garbage. By then I am too invested in the story and I need to find out what happens!!

Maybe I'll stick to young adult fiction...or do a little more research before starting a new book!

Opening Day

2011-03-05T15:28:00.000-08:00

Today was Opening Day for both softball (Kya) and tee ball (Tyson)!! As much as I complain about softball taking over our lives, it really was a great day. Tyson also had his first official "game" today too!! We were at the field ALL day--good thing it is just a quick 2 min. walk from our house:) It's so sad that Mike had to miss it!

Opening Ceremonies
(8:45am-10am)
It was SO hot, which was actually quite unexpected since it's been pretty chilly lately. The kids got free doughnuts and we baked in the hot sun for over an hour.

Bat-a-Thon
(12pm-12:30pm)
Kya had a great time hitting balls and racking up points. Her team actually had the high score!!!

Tyson's Game
(1:30pm-2:30pm)
Tyson did amazingly well in his very first Tee Ball game. He hit hard and caught just about ever ball that the other team hit. I was very impressed with how well he threw it to first base each time. He did get one "talking to" from his coach because he was fighting over the ball:)

Tyson hitting

Tyson catching

Throw-a-Thon
(2:30-3pm)
The Tee Ball kids got to see how far they could throw the ball. Tyson had a great time throwing as hard as he could, and watching his coach try to beat his team's scores! It was very cute.

Overall a great day...I might even have a little sunburn:)

These are the moments

2011-03-04T14:16:00.001-08:00

Last night the girls went to bed and Tyson got to stay up (because he had fallen asleep for 2 hrs earlier in the day). I let him pick a show to watch before going to bed. He picked Curious George. As I sat there watching my little boy, I realized how big he is. It won't be long before Curious George is a thing of the past just like Little Bear, Franklin and Max & Ruby. I can't say it's easy to watch my babies grow up, but I truly have learned to cherish these moments.

Here it goes...

2011-02-25T14:04:00.001-08:00

So I have been completely unmotivated and lazy in just about every aspect of my life for the past little while. I'm not sure why, but I'm blaming this crappy weather and my bum hip! Anyways, it's time to make some goals and have some accountability. So prepare yourselves...here's what I'm going to be working on:

1. Get rid of this extra weight I've gained over the last year (discouraging how it just creeps back on).

2. Create a daily schedule (I really have been wasting a lot of time lately).

3. Finish Tyson's baby book (I know, sad huh?! He's five for goodness sake!!)

Okay, I think that is MORE than enough for me to work on for now! Hopefully posting it on here will give me some motivation to actually get it done. Wish me luck!

This picture has nothing to do with the post, it just cracks me up!!

Gymnastics

2011-02-23T11:17:00.001-08:00

Kya has been begging to do gymnastics from the time she was about 4 years old. We didn't let her, not because we were bad parents, but because it is SO expensive. Well, now that Kya is 7 and still dreams of being a gymnast, we thought we better let her give it a try. She started back in December and went straight into the intermediate class. I am so proud of how hard she works!!

I am a bit Irrational

2011-02-22T10:21:00.000-08:00

I am the first to admit that my thoughts and fears are often irrational (not consistent with or using reason)--actually Mike would be the first to tell you:). For example, I am totally scared to fly in an airplane (I do it, but inside I am a total basket case about it). Mike tells me over and over how much safer a plane is than a car, but somehow it still totally freaks me out.

Well, just over a year ago we were at Disneyland waiting in line for the Nemo Submarine ride. As I climbed down into that metal tube they call a submarine and the lid was closed, I realized that I was starting to feel a little unsure. I couldn't wait to get off that thing. When I told Mike about it, he said it sounded like I was claustrophobic.

Okay, fast forward to a few weeks ago when I called to schedule my MRI for my hip. The receptionist says "Are you claustrophobic?". Hmm...I really didn't know what to say, but to avoid sounding weird, I answered "No." As the date for my MRI got closer, I started to worry. What if I was claustrophobic and I started freaking out during the whole thing. Mike assured me that it was "no big deal."

Today I had my MRI. As they strapped me to that table, I thought "this is no big deal, it's just like laying in bed." Well, my irrational side started to come out as the doctor left the room, closed the door, and my bed started moving into a very narrow tube!!! I felt myself start to panic just a little bit, but as I lay there I just tried to calm myself and tell myself that it was safe. A few times my mind started wondering to irrational thoughts like "what if someone came in and pushed me all the way in that tube and closed and locked a door..."--I know, crazy right?! Seriously, it's a bit creepy.

Anyways, everything went well. I spend the time planning out my crazy schedule for the week. I find out the results March 9th...hopefully it's good news. Just so you know, another one of my irrational fears is surgery...specifically general anesthetic. So we may have to conquer that one too!!

2 Weeks + 8 kids + 4 grown ups + a few nasty headcolds =

2011-02-17T15:04:00.000-08:00

A lot of fun, believe it or not:)

We went to Randy's Donuts
(I know the picture is very unflattering, but I thought a "double chin" picture is appropriate after all the junk food we ate!!)

We went to Santa Monica Pier
(we found star fish, pretty shells, and a guy making a giant heart sand castle for Valentine's Day)

We went to the Los Angeles Temple
(Luke was less than impressed with the visitor's center, Tyson tried to climb the Jesus statue, and we lost a pair of flip flops somewhere on the grounds)

We had a birthday party for Jordan
(her theme was "candy" and we ate WAY too much of it!!)

We went to Hollywood and saw the walk of fame, kodak theater, and Chinese Theater
(we were all a little creeped out by the people dressed in costume)

(All the kids got SO wet in the fountain...especially Luke)

We had a bonfire at Dockweiler beach.
We all had very yummy smores!!!

The beautiful beach at night:)

We went to Diddy Riese!
Cookie and ice cream sandwiches...Yum.

Another day at the beach...this time it felt like summer.

It's great to have visitors and go to all the touristy places!!
We are going to miss having the Leavitts around:(

TEN

2011-02-09T18:41:00.000-08:00

10 years ago today I held my sweet, tiny little Jordan for the first time!! I can't even explain how much I love her and how much she has changed my life.

I can't help it

2011-02-03T11:38:00.000-08:00

I should probably blog about the fact that the doctor told me I am going to have to have surgery to fix my hip problem, or about my new obsession with kiwi, or my big girl who is turning 10 next week or about the great book I just finished (The Help--highly recommend it!)....but instead I all I can think about is that my sister and her family are coming to visit this Sunday!!!!!

I am so excited. The last time Tina, Ted and the kids visited was back when we lived in Sunnyvale...before Kya was even born! We, of course, see them every summer when we take our trip to Canada, but boy is it exciting to have them come to California.

Here we are at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 2002 (I think). Jordan is the one in the diaper and the pink hat!! My sister Tina now has 5 kids!! Wow, we are going to have some fun. If only the rest of my family could come too:( (Sorry about the shirtless picture Ted)

The Lunch Lady is NOT Happy!!

2011-01-25T09:59:00.000-08:00

There are things I love about school, and things I really hate about school. One of the things I hate most about school is making lunches!! I'm not exactly sure what I hate most about it, but I know I hate it. So here goes my rant:

I hate....

...the smell of reusable lunch bags.
...opening up the lunch box after school only to see that the majority of it wasn't eaten!!! (this one might be the worst one).
...trying to come up with ideas of things that my kids actually will eat.
...the fact that their lunches sit in that bag for half the day before they eat them.
...when I wake up to make lunches and realize I haven't been to the store and therefore have nothing to put in them!
...when something leaks--yuck.
...when I take a tiny bite of a cracker or something that wasn't eaten and it tastes like the oranges or bananas that had been packed in with it.
...when the kids eat half their gogurt or pudding and then leave the rest open in the lunch box.
...trying to find foods that are healthy, can sit in a lunch box all day, and that the kids like.

Okay, so that is my rant. My kids hate cafeteria lunches (and I am not too keen on what they pass off as healthy food), so I have no choice but to make 3 lunches everyday. Gosh, when is summer break again?!

Kya eating her lunch on her field trip November 2010

Timeless Classic

2011-01-24T08:27:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking about this post for a while, but with the amount of SICK that has been going around our house, I haven't been in blogging spirits. All the kids are back at school today though, so hopefully we are headed to healthier times:)

Growing up in a family of four girls, we each had our own "style". We defined my oldest sisters' style as "timeless classic". As some of us followed the trends (you know, stir-up pants, tail tops, and peter pan boots), Lisa seemed to buy those items that could be worn regardless of the year. You know the style I'm talking about...the timeless khakis, the brown shoes that go with everything, the simple white blouse. Well as I look through my closet these days, I see clothes that have lasted one season and clothes that I have had for years--not because they are "timeless classics" but because they haven't worn out or they've fit me through 3 babies, or they are just so darn awesome that I can't get rid of them:)

Let me introduce you to a couple:

My Adidas pants

My mom actually bought me these past when I was at BYU...before I was even married!! I remember thinking they were a little pricey, but boy was that money well spent (12 years of wear is pretty good). They fit me through 3 pregnancies...almost through the full 9 months each time!! I did notice a tiny whole the other day when I was wearing them, but until that is noticeable to everyone else, they are not going in the garbage:)

Wearing the Adidas pants (with Tys)

My Fleece Jacket

Now this is a jacket that I have worn just about every day for at least 8 years. It's not the cutest jacket, but it is the perfect amount of warmth for a girl living in California:) I have bought other jackets for style and for really cold winter days, but if I am being honest with myself, my Gap fleece jacket is almost always the best choice. And, after 8+ years there are no signs of wear on this jacket...at all! So, here's to seeing how long this one lasts:)

Wearing the jacket (I have a million pics that I am wearing this jacket, here's one of the older ones)

My Ugly Denim Skirt

After I had Jordan (almost 10 years ago), I really needed clothes that were for that "in between" stage that a mom goes through while trying to get back to her normal pre-baby size. So, I bought this long denim skirt. I swear that skirt was the only thing I had to wear to church for months! Then when I got pregnant with Kya, I wore that skirt until I was about 5 months pregnant. Well, I never did get too small for that skirt. It is still in my closet and has been my "skirt that goes with everything" for years. Although, the past couple of months it has looked less and less acceptable as a "fashionable" choice:)

Sorry, there is only one picture of me in this skirt and it is really awful!!

So maybe "timeless classic" is the way to go after all....although, I just bought a $10 pair of "lounge around" pants at target that probably won't last until summer....when will I learn?

Here's my new "lounge around" pants

I've been waiting a long time for this:

2011-01-11T14:32:00.000-08:00

We finally got new couches. I was so embarrassed about how run down we let our couches get (3 kids and a cat are my excuses) before replacing them, but forking over the cash to buy new ones is not easy!! Hopefully these ones will look a little nicer after 8 years:)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oh and on a side note, my little guy cracks me up!!

Parkidy Park Park

2011-01-08T20:05:00.000-08:00

There were days when my kids were little that I felt like the park saved my life!!

When we moved to California, Jordan was just 6 months old. We didn't know anyone, we only had one car (which Mike would take to work), and I was home with all day every day with just Jordan. Luckily we had a park just down the street. We walked there probably 4 days a week.

After Kya came along, I think we spent even more time at the park. I could take care of Kya and Jordan could run around and play. I can't even count the number of times I had to discretely nurse Kya at the park.

When Tyson was born, we slowed down on the whole park thing. I think that was because it was too tricky to watch both girls and take care of mister grumpy pants. After he got a little older though, it was all about playgroup at the park. I was usually the first one there and the last one to leave:)

Now that all the kids are in school, the trips to the park have dwindled. This last week of Winter Break we decided it was time to head out to the park and have some fun.

The park is still one of our favorite places!!

My Negative January Post

2011-01-05T15:21:00.000-08:00

I know I have no right to complain, with the awful horribleness that some people are living through, but bare with me as I get this negative January post out of the way!!

Every year I really do get excited for a fresh start. I get excited to get organized, clean out the Christmas clutter and spend time with the kids. However, a couple days into January and the excitement wears off.

The diet I've been working hard on turns into 2 pounds of weight gain.

The crazy amount of running I've been doing turns into an aching hip.

The deep cleaning I've been doing results bored and whining children.

My attempts at a meal plan turns into 3 failed attempts at dinner.

My quality time with the children turns into constant refereeing.

And having the kids home every day turns into never ending MESS!!

There you have it...my "I hate January" post. Bring on February!

One of the MESSY rooms!!

They've Been in LA TOO Long!!

2010-12-31T07:21:00.000-08:00

We went to 3 stores searching for boots and gloves.
We spent way too long in the garage digging up our hats and scarves.
We stopped at Pep Boys to buy chains.
We made everyone very hot with layers of clothes and socks.
We stocked up on snacks and drinks.
We drove 2 1/2 hours.
We spent way too much money on a sled and gloves.
We finally got to the snow.
We sledded down the hill for about 45 min.
Jordan cried because she was too cold.
Kya cried because she was too cold.
Tyson cried because he was too cold.
Mike and I could have stayed there all day.
But after 1 hour, the kids were ready to go home!!
I wonder how they would do living in Canada?!

We Had Ourselves a Merry Little Christmas

2010-12-27T20:19:00.000-08:00

We really had a great Christmas this year. It's so fun having our own little family traditions. While it's hard to be so far away from the rest of our family, the kids make the whole season magical.

Tyson wanted to leave a note for Santa explaining that the apple was meant for Rudolph

The kids sorted the presents up so we could take turns opening
(wonder who they got that from?!)

Gotta love the Christmas mess:)

Jordan's Loot
(I hope she wasn't too disappointed that Santa didn't bring the itouch she asked for)

Kya's Loot
(she finally got the "swim to me puppy" that has been on her Christmas list for 3 years)

Tyson's Loot

Stanley

2010-12-26T20:11:00.000-08:00

I absolutely LOVE "The Elf on the Shelf"!!! I saw it last year on a friend's blog and I just had to have one. I think EVERYONE who has small kids should get one...

We named ours Stanley:)

Christmas Sunday

2010-12-20T18:18:00.000-08:00

Our ward Christmas program this year was probably the best one I've ever heard. The primary kids sang two beautiful songs and Kya also participated in a musical number with a couple other primary children. They all did a great job...so great that I was holding back the tears.

Here's our traditional Christmas Sunday photo. The kids actually cooperated, but the weather was so rainy and miserable that we had to do it inside.

He's Still The One

2010-12-17T15:19:00.000-08:00

I can honestly say, after 11 years of marriage, Mike and I can still talk for hours and laugh until we cry!! What could be better?!

December 17, 1999 Salt Lake City, UT

Tell Me Why....

2010-12-15T14:23:00.000-08:00

...Tyson goes to school with a tiny hole in the knee of his pants AND comes home with giant rips all the way across both pant legs? This has happened about 4 times in the past month!!

(Notice Tyson's right pant leg? This was after school!)So, now he has quite a few "cut offs" for this coming summer.

Our New Year's Pumpkin

2010-12-14T16:33:00.001-08:00

A few months ago, while Tyson and I were shopping, we passed by a big display of seeds. Tyson really wanted to buy some, and since they are only a few cents, I had no problem letting him pick out a package. Well, he picked out some pumpkin seeds. By the time we got home from the store, Tyson had forgotten all about the seeds....and so did I.

A few weeks ago, Tyson found the seeds and without asking me, he and Kya planted them in the backyard. The other day I noticed a strange week growing in our backyard...it reminded me of a pumpkin plant....then I remembered!!! So now it's almost Christmas, and we have a beautiful flower growing on our pumpkin plant. I guess we will celebrate the new year with a nice orange pumpkin:)

O Tannenbaum

2010-12-07T14:08:00.000-08:00

I don't think I'll every get a "FAKE" tree!! I absolutely love the tradition of picking out a tree together as a family. It always reminds me of picking out a tree when I was a kid. My Dad didn't quite agree with my opinion that a tree should be as big and tall as could possibly fit in the house. One or two years he even cut down trees from our yard to use as our Christmas tree (those of you who know my dad, would not be surprised by this:)). This year, I think we got the perfect tree (I no longer have the same criteria to judge a tree as I did when I was a teenager).

Here we are picking out our tree
(Tyson, of course, not cooperating)

Jordan

(with the "side ponytail" she requested--I never thought that would come back in style)

Kya

It was Jordan's turn to put the star on!
(she didn't even need Daddy's help this year)

The finished product!

Sneak Peak

2010-11-29T13:28:00.000-08:00

Here's a glimpse into what I had to work with for our Christmas pictures:

The one we are using isn't much better...actually it might even be worse:(

Tyson's 1st Season of Soccer

2010-11-24T08:09:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was Tyson's last soccer game of the season. He got his very first ever trophy!! It was a great experience and we can't wait for next year:)

Bye Bye Bunk Beds

2010-11-15T16:04:00.000-08:00

About a month ago, Kya and Tyson decided they didn't want bunk beds anymore. I never thought that would happen!! Anyways, we put the beds down and I have been waiting to take some pictures until we got the dressers and until it was clean:) Well here it is....now I need to work on the walls! It's always something.

November 11th

2010-11-11T10:22:00.001-08:00

Today makes me think of my grandparents. I miss them.

Here's a link to a song for anyone who has ever lost someone. It was written and sung by my former bishop's son. I LOVE it, but can't listen to it without crying. It is definitely worth a listen!!

No More Craigslist...for now

2010-11-08T08:49:00.000-08:00

For the past 2 years, I have been searching on craigslist for new dressers for my kids. Kya's dresser had completely broken and Tyson's clothes were still stored in plastic tubs in the closet. FINALLY I found some new dressers! After 2 years, what are the odds that I would find two PERFECT dressers for great prices in the same week. Well I did! This morning when I got up, I automatically went to craigslist...until I realized I didn't need to:)

Kya's new dresser

Tyson's new dresser

FREEDOM

2010-11-05T09:53:00.000-07:00

We finally replaced the Jeep with this Crysler Pacifica. No more sharing one car!!!

Santa and Jesus

2010-11-02T10:06:00.000-07:00

Tyson and I had quite the conversation this morning!

Tyson: "Mom, how does Santa get so much money?"
Mom: "I don't know, maybe he's magic"
Tyson: "He uses all the magic to make SO much money?"
Mom: "Yup"
Tyson: (very astonished) "So Santa is Jesus?!"

Not quite sure how he came to that conclusion.

COSTUMES 2010

2010-10-31T21:50:00.000-07:00

In all the craziness that was this weekend, we managed to squeeze in a little trick-or-treating! This year we went with some friends and I must say, their neighborhood was a lot more happenin' than ours.

Jordan the ROCKER
I had a lot of fun doing her hair and make up:)
Kya the COWGIRL
(and her friend Bruce was a secret agent)
Tyson the TRANSFORMER
I convinced Tyson to let me spray him a black mohawk, but once he saw it he cried until I washed it out:(

Looks Like Fun:)

2010-10-26T13:03:00.000-07:00

Don't they look like they're having a great time?! Let me tell you, it's a good thing you are looking at pictures and not video because...I have never heard so much complaining and fighting in all my life!!! But we can look back on the pictures and think we all had the time of our lives:)

Say It Ain't So

2010-10-22T15:27:00.000-07:00

My baby boy is FIVE!! I just can't get over how fast they grow up. We have loved every minute this little guy has been part of our family. We couldn't live without him:)

A few minutes old

1 year old
2 years old
3 years old
4 years old
5 years old!!

Sweetness

2010-10-20T12:57:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist posting Tyson's Christmas List. He insisted on writing it himself. I don't think there could be a sweeter little boy (who BTW turns FIVE tomorrow!!!).

In case you can't read it:

Batman Castle (which he is getting for his Birthday)
Dart Gun (he already has 3)
Book
Guitar
Mouse (yes, he means a "real" mouse)
Punching Bag (to hit when he gets really angry)
Bubblegum Toothpaste

From Tyson

In case there was ever a question...

2010-10-19T12:57:00.000-07:00

I am officially an old lady!! Here's proof: I have "hip" problems!! That's right people--HIP problems!!!

This Sunday, I sang with the primary kids for two hours (as usual), and then as I'm walking to the chapel for Sacrament Meeting, I get this awful pain in my HIP. I sit down and it just gets worse and worse. Pretty soon it gets so bad that I can't even sit and concentrate. As I get up to leave, I have to limp!! After that, I could barely get into the car (I had to use my hands to literally pick up my leg and lift it into the car)!! We got home and I was sure I could stretch my hip and "pop" it back into place. Well, the harder I tried the more it hurt. A couple times I found myself stuck on the floor crying unable to get up. I was sure my hip was dislocated (and from what?? I had don't NOTHING to it).

Well after A LOT of Internet research by my nerdy (yet very helpful) husband, we decided it wasn't dislocated and I would have to wait until Monday to see a doctor (why is it that things like this always happen at night or on the weekend?).

Well today is Tuesday and my hip is doing a lot better. I went to the Doctor yesterday and he took some x-rays but is pretty convinced that it is just inflammation of some pretty deep muscles in my hip. So I am on some anti-inflammatory medicine and 7-10 days of rest. If it doesn't get better by then he will send me to a specialist.

So there you have it. I am 33 and already have hip issues.

My New Job

2010-10-15T21:05:00.000-07:00

Job Title: Parent Volunteer

Pay: ZERO
Hours: As many as you need in order to not feel guilty
Location: School (3 different classrooms)

I feel a little overwhelmed now that I am helping out in all 3 classes at school. I seriously haven't had time to get things done around the house let alone relax!! But, the kids just love having me there and who knows how long that will last, so I better take advantage:)

Ah, the Memories

2010-10-09T22:15:00.000-07:00

When Mike and I were dating, we spent a lot of time at his apartment...which meant he would cook. He introduced me to "Hamburger Helper." This was our favorite and I haven't seen it in YEARS, so when I spotted it at Target I HAD to buy it. I cooked it for dinner tonight and the kids loved it:)

We Thought Wrong

2010-10-05T16:24:00.001-07:00

This weekend we thought we could take a spontaneous trip without too much trouble...we thought WRONG.

It started off great.

We went to Rancho Oso, which is a quiet little ranch just north of Santa Barbara. We rented a little cabin (with a/c because it was so darn hot). We all had fun playing mini gold, tennis, hiking, swimming, feeding chickens, and the kids even got to ride horses. The perfect little family getaway.
We headed home Sunday afternoon.

About 15 minutes after we started driving, the Jeep started losing power and before we knew it, we were pulled off the side of the road waiting for a tow truck!! We had our car towed to Santa Barbara where the driver was nice enough to drive us to the closest hotel.

So we missed school and work on Monday. Mike talked to the mechanic and found out we blew a gasket which would cost over $2000 to fix. We rented a car and drove home, leaving our poor Jeep behind. We are still trying to decide if it's worth fixing.

(our bizarre rental car)

I am very grateful to have an even tempered husband who takes things in stride. If I had been dealing with this on my own, I would have been crying and moaning about how horrible the whole thing was. Instead, Mike let me enjoy swimming at the hotel with the kids while he dealt with all the drama (and even helped me laugh about the whole thing).

Even after all the ordeal of the car trouble. I can say it was a great little vacation. We will definitely do it again...hopefully without the extra day and broken car though:)

A Lesson Learned

2010-09-21T20:52:00.000-07:00

As all of you know, Tyson has been having a hard time with Kindergarten. He has spent the past couple days crying off and on the entire day at school. This morning about half an hour before it was time to leave, Tyson started crying and saying he didn't want to go to Kindergarten. My heart was breaking. I tried reasoning with him any way that I could, but nothing worked. Finally I said, lets kneel down and have a prayer for Tyson. The kids and I knelt in our living room and I plead with Heavenly Father to help Tyson. We drove to school and Tyson was crying the entire time. We got to school and Tyson wanted me to hold him. When the bell rang Tyson cried harder. His wonderful teacher took his little hand and led him to their classroom. I walked back to the car, came home and cried my eyes out.

At around noon I got a phone call from Tyson's teacher. She said "I just wanted to let you know that Tyson hasn't shed a tear the entire day. He's doing great and he is so proud of himself and the progress he has made." When I picked that little boy up after school he was so excited to tell me about the great day he had. I was just thrilled. We got in the car and as we were talking about his day, Tyson said "It was the prayer, Mom, Jesus has all the power and he made it so I wouldn't cry at school." I couldn't believe that Tyson had remembered the prayer. What an important lesson we all learned today: Prayers are answered.

Okay, this is why I worried...

2010-09-18T20:51:00.000-07:00

Tyson "seemed" to be enjoying school...but on Thursday when I picked him up he was in tears! His teacher told me he had a really hard day, but as soon as he was home everything was fine. He told me he just wanted me. Well, the next morning came. We got ready for school, but when it was time to go, Tyson wouldn't even get in the car! Anyways, I ended up letting him stay home on Friday because he was so sad. But now what?! Every time anyone mentions school, he says he doesn't want to go. I am dreading Monday:(

Tyson with one of his friends on the first day of school

What was I so worried about?!

2010-09-14T20:25:00.001-07:00

The first couple days of school have come and gone and everyone is HAPPY!

Kya is in a class with a whole new bunch of kids and a new teacher, but she has no complaints. She loves her teacher and is making lots of new friends.

Jordan's class this year just seems like an extension of last year. She knows just about everyone in her class and her teachers are amazing!

That's right, Tyson started Kindergarten!! He knew about 4 kids in his class before school started, so I think that helped him feel more comfortable. So far, he has had a great time. He says his favorite part is "lunch time".
I am at home with NO KIDS now!! I can't believe how fast time flies. For right now I am just enjoying the extra hours to get things done that have been "un" done for a while. Eventually I will try to find something to do to make money, but for right now my days consist of: working out, running errands, cleaning the house and oh, blogging:)

Daddy's Dream Come True

2010-09-13T13:55:00.001-07:00

Saturday was Tyson's first soccer game. Not to brag or anything, but he scored 4 of the 5 goals:) After the game one of the dads from the other team came up to Mike and I and said "Is your son #5? He's really good". I'm sure Mike was living out a dream!! We are so proud of our little boy (and we would have been just as proud if he hadn't scored any goals...well, maybe not quite).

A Mother Divided

2010-09-10T10:49:00.000-07:00

As a mom of three kids, I often feel pulled in multiple directions. But, I have to admit, I feel like I do a pretty good job giving each child enough attention...until this coming Monday (it hasn't even happened and I am already feeling awful about it).

Monday is the first day of school. Jordan and Tyson are attending the same charter school and Kya is at their old public school. Last year Tyson and Kya were both at the same school and Jordan was at the charter school. It wasn't too hard juggling for drop off and pick up. One school starts at 8:15am the other 8:20am. The pick up for one is 2:35pm and the other 2:45pm. So normally it's not a big deal. But on the first day of school things are a little different. Normally I can stay and chat with the teacher and the other parents. This year I either have to have Mike take Kya or drop her off so quickly that I may not have time to even meet her teacher. Either way, I will feel like garbage. I just want to be there...for all my kids. It just kills me:(

Something's got into me!

2010-09-08T19:20:00.000-07:00

I don't know if it's because I know I am soon to have more time on my hands or what but...I am seriously feeling the need to make some changes around here. I have plans to rearrange furniture, take down some pictures, do some painting, finally attack my eye-sore-of -a-buffet, you get the idea. So, wish me luck. Hopefully we'll have some "before" and "after" pictures going on in the near future. This "all three kids in school" thing might not be too terrible after all...well, until I have to start thinking about getting a job that actually pays in money and not love:)

A birthday fit for a CAT

2010-09-03T10:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Miley's 2nd birthday. Yes, I celebrate my cat's birthday and treat her like my 4th child! Anyways, we planned the usual festivities of cake and presents.

She got her first taste of canned food

We sang Happy Birthday...but we had to help blow out the candles

We got her a new collar with her name and phone number on it (since she "lost" her old one). I think she still hates me for making her wear it...but at least I took the bell off!

A few things happened that we didn't plan...that made her birthday a true "cat" birthday:) First, I went out to the garage and found our neighbors cat just hanging out in there and second (and much more exciting)....we got to watch an animal rescue team climb a telephone pole to rescue a kitty that had been stuck up there for 2 days!!

Can you see the poor little cat up there? It was meowing so loud:(

My heart just melted when the rescue guy got close enough to pet the kitty.

Then he put it in a mesh bag and lowered it down. Yay!!

Getting Ready

2010-09-01T19:33:00.001-07:00

We still have one more week before schools starts, but we are getting ready. I've signed the kids up for most of their fall activities and we've been "back to school" shopping. Now hopefully I will be cool enough to come up with one last hurrah before we start school.

Here's the new backpacks and lunch boxes.
Three kids...three very different styles--love it!!

Little Brother

2010-08-23T18:15:00.000-07:00

I have to say, Tyson makes being a little brother look so fun:) His sisters just adore him...and most of the time, he plays along with their silly games!

Yesterday, they decided that they would each take turns "marrying" him.
I love this one, with the hand in the pocket and the bare belly--quite the catch:)
Love the chocolate beard and the untied dress...such cuties.
Here's Tyson trying to keep up with Kya.

I think anyone would love a cute little brother like this!!!