Happy Birthday, Maggie

Maggie has turned 8! It seems like just yesterday I was bringing home another Christmas baby. It was so fun to have a girl again after those four boys. She is fun and energetic. She loves to sing and dance and may be my last shot at having a child who loves the theater like I do. She loves to play dolls and loves to keep up with her brothers. She's always up for a little football game. We have so much fun watching movies together and shopping together. Maggie began sleeping with me when Jay left when she was ten days old and more nights than not she is still in bed with us. She brings so much joy to me and so much frustration to her brothers. She delights her father, most of the time. I'm afraid that she may be a bit spoiled and not as easy to continue raising as her sister was but whose fault is that. She has a kind heart and loves animals. I love you, Mags.

Keep up the good work and congratulations on deciding to be baptized.

Happy Birthday, Nick

While we were in California, Nick had his tenth birthday. He got to celebrate with Pooh, Tiger, Eyeore, Minnie, and Captain Hook. Unfortunately, my camera broke on the trip so I have to wait to get my disposable developed.

Nick had a rough start in life but has made up for it ever since. He is perhaps the most fun loving, adventuresome, loving child we have. He can play all day with friends or by himself. He talks too much and too fast but he's always just Nick. He has to put up with three older brothers, which most of the time isn't fun but he makes the best of it. He loves all sports. He is full of compassion for everyone and is always ready with a hug. He loves to put his arms around me and squeeze and I love it, too. Happy Birthday, Nick. Your mom loves you.

And now we are home..

We are home after a fun, exhausting, packed week of California. The kids and I left on Saturday and Jay followed on Sunday. We got off the plane at 8 am and were on the road by 9 am. I let them talk me into Knotts Berry Farm and away we went. It was Toys for Tots day so we got in for $60.00 worth of toys, a pretty good deal.

The boys got through the gate and Maggie and I didn't see them until 3. We went on the rides we like and they hit all the huge roller coasters. They have a new coaster called The Pony Express, where you actually sit on a horse, like a carousel horse to ride the ride. It was fun and really different. After getting soaked on the rapid ride we headed to our condo. Maggie and I went to the grocery store  and the boys began their week long pool tournament.

On Sunday without Jay there I was finally able to introduce the kids to the fine art of swap meet shopping. They had a blast. They begged to leave so they wouldn't spend all their money. We then hit the beach. The kids make it look like it was warm but it wasn't. 

I stood in the sand with my sweater wrapped tightly around me. Jay got in about 8 and we headed to the world famous Crab Cooker that everyone has been telling me about. It was great.

Monday hit fast and early and we were off for the marathon adventure of Disneyland.

On Tuesdays our friends, the Zengers, met us there and stayed until Thursday. We have never traveled with friends and we had a really great time. They could even put up with the boys. I think we could do it again.

All in all it was a great vacation but now its time to think Christmas. Every year I think to myself why do we do this so close to Christmas.

California, here we come!

We are off to California and the wonderful, magical Disneyland tomorrow. It is a much needed break for all of us, besides it being the annual trek. We'll ride Pirates first, of course. Eat a little Bengal BBQ. Get lots of popcorn to remind us of my dad. Buy fun treats and just overdose(if possible) on the happiest place on earth. See you in a week.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I don't often convey my feelings for others but this Thanksgiving I feel compelled to do so. I am so thankful for my family.  Katie for being a great example to me and her brothers and sister and for Andy for loving and taking care of Katie.  Jake for being obedient and loving to learn.  Ben for always doing the right thing and being the best worker. Sam for being fun loving and for loving me. Nick for his endless affection and his willingness to do his best. Maggie for being  a girl after all those boys and loving to try new things. Jay for loving me regardless of the person that I am and for loving our kids and always trying to have fun with them. My Mom for her little quirky ways but who thinks all her kids and grandkids are the greatest. And for a Father in heaven who trusted me to raise this bunch of hoodlums and for always having my back. I feel very lucky and exceptionally blessed for the life I have. Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Halloween Is Over

Maggie as a flapper(thanks Carol)

Nick as a nerd (lame costume choice)

Sam as a Powder Puff Girl (very brave)

Ben as a disco something

Happy Birthday, Ben

Today Ben is 14! I tried really hard to not have him on Halloween but he had ideas of his own. He was ready to start living life and he has so far, done it to the fullest. Ben likes to try everything. He isn't afraid of anything and is almost always good at what he tries. He loves all sports and plays one for every season. He is a good brother(especially to Sam) who has always been his best friend. He is a good friend to everyone and no one could ask for a more loyal friend. He is very smart and gets good grades in school. He has always been our easiest kid, even through this teenage rage stage. I'm glad he came on Halloween and I'm sorry if sometimes it is a sucky day for a birthday! I love you , Ben. Keep turning into the fine young man you are becoming! 

Another tag...

I was tagged by Mary today to list 6 random things about myself.

1. I hate to wear lipstick.

2. I only wanted one child but which one?

3. I am not easily intimidated by anyone or anything.

4. I haven't talked to two of my sisters in over a year.(Which is a sad thing)

5. Animals love me and I am not a huge animal lover.

6. I hate showers- baby showers, bridal showers but not hot showers.

Now I have to tag six other people. Hmmmm..Maggie, Sydney, Nikki, Olivia, Dixie, and Robbin.

Dixie will never do it(that's a challenge Dix) 

I was tagged for the first time.....

10 Things That Make Me Smile

1. My kids when they are dancing and singing in the family room (especially when it's a little naughty).

2. Jay driving the bull truck.

3. Lily when she wants kisses.

4. San Francisco's Macy's shoe department.

5. Disneyland.

6. Handbags.

7. Finishing the end of a good book.

8. Vacation (Hawaii at sunset or Disneyland when it snows) Yes I know I live in Utah where we actually have the real thing but it's just magical there.

9. Going to the movies.

10. Bedtime

Now I tag, Katie, Mary , Faverett's, Kimmie, and Travis!

Just One Kiss Before I Die!

This man just keeps getting better and better. Last night my aunt and I went to see Nights In Rodanthe with Richard Gere. He just takes my breath away and I get goose bumps every time he kisses a woman. I don't think anyone alive makes it look more romantic and sexy as he does. I'm not the only one who thinks that either. I heard my aunt sigh several times last night during the movie. About the movie...it was really good up until the end. I think Nicholas Sparks must be jealous of all the men he writes about because none of them seem to survive. With that said the end sucked. In this day and age when the world sucks would it really kill Hollywood to have a happy ending? I'd be okay with everyone (not just in Disney movies) living happily ever after. After all maybe it would help the world population a little bit with their attitudes.

maggie and sydney

maggie and sydney had dance today. they have three dance classes. their classes are tap jazz and ballet. so it was just me and lilly at home.when maggie and sydney got home we went to the party at the park.but the bad thing was that they got in a water fight and got soaking wet.

And the winner is:

This is going to be the first Jane Austen novel I read for anyone that would like to read along with me. I'm going to go to Barnes and Noble and buy it tomorrow so I can start it tomorrow night. I need to get going on it and finish it before my fall tv shows start because as anyone who knows me understands that I suffer from an addiction...I love tv! I hope this is worth it. Let me know if you are reading with me.

I Thought This Was Fun But......

Take the Quiz here!

I must confess that with as much reading as I do I have never read a Jane Austen book. I tried once but couldn't get through it so I gave up. On the redeeming side of this total lack of education, I did tell Mary that I was going to try and read them all this winter. Or at least get a few under my belt. This is quite an embarrassing admission considering how well read I consider myself. Wish me Luck! (Besides I need to find out who Emma Woodhouse is?)

An update to the update on the summer list

Since the kids start school on Monday, I must give up the remaining items on the list but before I do I finished a few more. Nick actually got his birthday party at Boondocks, we spent the night in Park City on Sunday, I've helped Mary with Lily(the new baby), I'm counting DeeDee's party last night, as the summer BBQ and I finished the second book in the Necroscope series(only one to go). All in all it was a very productive summer although a little boring. Football starts tomorrow as well as soccer. Ben and Nick are playing football and as always Jake is playing soccer. Sam is playing lacrosse but it doesn't start until next week, along with dance and gymnastics for Maggie. Here we go... After the kids start school next week (before the fall shows start and my DVR begins working overtime) I'll post the summer picture list and the fun activities.

I can start to feel fall in the air, the nights are getting a little crispier and the leaves are starting to change in the mountains. Katie and Andy will have been married a year on the 25th with a baby boy due in December. The year has flown by.

Update on the List

I've only gotten about four things done on my summer list. Sam had a great birthday party, first a movie with 10 friends and then swimming at he pool. The flowers and grass are still alive. The tan is pretty good because we have done a little boating. The next most important thing is I need to get Nick's birthday party arranged only now football has started and I need to do it in between practices! I have cleaned out one closet and I did go through all the boys drawers and closets to get rid of the too little clothes, so I think I may count that one. Only 23 days left of summer, I'd better get moving!

There Is Nothing Better Than.......

First Kiss

The Before

The Reward

A new baby! Congratulations to Mary! At 5:45 baby girl Pei was born. She weighs 8lbs 13oz and is 22 inches long. Her face is chubby and her eyes are so pudgy she can barely open them. She has the cutest fat thighs, wrinkles in her wrists, and very broad shoulders. I was lucky enough to be in the delivery room and watch the whole thing. It is truly a miracle. She nursed right away and had it figured out with no problems. She even took a binki and never spit it out! There just isn't anything better than the smell of a new baby! I can't wait to be a grandma now. Mary and baby are doing great. Mary was so great during the whole operation, I'm so proud of her, she made it look easy. Good job, Mare. Now the fun begins!

New Gums

after

before

Today Sam had to have oral surgery. He doesn't have enough gum on his lower jaw, in front of his bottom teeth. It took less than an hour, including a magic cocktail that helped him to relax, and so far so good. I've kept him doped up on tylenol with codeine and he isn't in much pain. He said it felt cool when they were getting the gum from the roof of his mouth, that must have been some cocktail. The doctor actually puts a "bandage" on both the site where they took the graft and the site where the graft went. It looks like pink bubblegum. He can only eat soft foods for the next week until he gets the stitches out and he thinks that means ice cream for a solid week.


He's doing great! And now he won't lose his bottom teeth!

You'll Never Guess Who was in the ER this time!

Jay has been suffering all week with what we thought was gout in his big toe. Yesterday on the way up to the lake, he told me that he'd had the chills the night before and thought that he was feverish. When we got the boat launched I finally took a look at his foot. It was huge and amazingly bright red up to almost the ankle. We boated for awhile, he wasn't going to give in to the pain, the boys wakeboarded and skied but finally I had enough of the butterflies in my stomach. I suspected that he had cellulitis. We got home around 3 and by 4 (and only 1 agrument, "Yes, I am taking you to the ER") we were off. After a not horribly long wait we made it back to the room and yes you guessed it cellulitis. They hooked him up to an IV, took an x-ray, and decided to not try to aspirate it because that can make the joint go septic. He was told to keep it up and to come back tomorrow for more antibiotic. He went, they think it looked a little better and told him see you again tomorrow. He is also on 2000mg of another antibiotic. His foot is still up and doesn't seem to hurt as badly. He told them I can't come in tomorrow I work, they told him be here before 6. His new mantra is "It's bad enough to be short and ugly, but crippled too?"
On a lighter note, he set Sam apart as a Deacon today. Another 12 year old boy.

Summer Reading!

The very best thing about summer is reading! Believe it or not I haven't watched any t.v. in two weeks, mostly because it is horrible. So I go to bed each night with a good book to start and usually get so caught up in it that I finish it the next day. Next to t.v., going to the movies, reading has to be my favorite hobby. I love to take the kids to the pool and sit in my chair reading my latest novel ( that way I also accomplish my getting a tan goal). If anyone has any good reads let me know, I'll add them to my list.

Ironman

Let me begin by stating,"I have been a huge Robert Downey, Jr. fan for as long as I can remember!" I loved him when he was in the brat pack movies, when he was in Aly McBeal (especially when I found out that he played the piano and sang) and in everything in between. I stuck by him during his wild and often "oops I got arrested again" times, even though my family made fun of me. I knew that he could turn it around and get back to doing what he was meant to do. And Ironman has proven that once again my expectations have been exceeded. I was doubtful that he could play a comic book super hero but he did it with gusto. I loved this show and I will buy it. Look up his past works and see what I mean.

Summer List

1. Go camping
2. Have a birthday party for Sam and Nick
3. Finish reading the Necroscope series
4. Helping Mary with the new baby
5. Stay in Park City overnight
6. Get a great tan
7. Go boating
8. Keep the flowers and grass alive
9. Clean out two closets
10. Have a big BBQ with friends

A list of ten things doesn't seem like much but I'll be happy to get at least half of it done. It's already the end of June and then July just always sails by. The most important one is the birthday parties, these two kids always get overlooked because their birthdays are by holidays. I know Nick's is in December but I've promised Boondocks for two years and I'd better do it this year.

Guess where I was last night?

If you guessed ER you are wrong. But close.. I was at instacare with Ben, who has a something Harris fracture of his growth plate in his right wrist. He fell on it last night in his lacrosse game. I guess it isn't as serious as it sounds altogether he has to be in a splint for the next 3-5 weeks. I'm wondering, do you think health insurance can cancel you for too many claims? this is number 5 so I suppose I'm in for one more!

This is interesting

What's Your True Color?

My Result: Black

Your color is black. The color of night. Serene and mysterious, black conjures up images of elegant evening gowns, dashing tuxedos, and gleaming limousines. Traditionally a symbol of success, black also represents power and an uncompromising demand for perfection. Not surprisingly, you tend to set challenging goals for yourself and do whatever it takes to achieve them — your strength of character is second to none. This unfaltering determination, along with your natural elegance, impresses people. But keep in mind that your personality might be intimidating to some. Try to temper your demanding side with a little softness — trust us, it won't kill you. Overall, though, black is the color of professionalism and achievement, which means it's clearly the color for you.

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=colorogt&c=50652

Not another emergency room trip.....

I thought we were home safe, we'd passed up our weekly Thursday er visit. No one was hurt or bleeding all day. Jump ahead to Saturday...Jay calls me at work at 5:15 and Nick had gotten himself hung up in a fence and needed stitches. He gashed his left upper arm-shoulder area. So off to the ER we went. Three hours later and five stitches finished we headed to hot dog on a stick for dinner. Nick said, "Hey, just think we get to spend some time alone together." This is not the kind of bonding I enjoy. I told him we could try lunch, a movie, the park anything else. The nurse said to me "It's just boys and the beginning of summer." I don't think she knew that this was our fourth trip in just over a month. I think it may be a long summer and a longer ten years until I can send the last boy on his mission!

Jay is going to be a GRANDPA

We found out about two weeks ago that we are going to be grandparents. While we are both excited that Katie and Andy are expecting, we think that we are too young to be GRANDPARENTS. I know it makes us sound OLD. I can't believe that at 39 I can be a grandma. The future aunt and uncles are very excited and can't wait to tend. Jay thinks that instead of being called grandpa he is going to go with major but where does that leave me? He has a lot more gray hair than I do. Anyway it is good news and she is due in December. (I had thought that maybe she would have learned a lesson or two from me but apparently not) Christmas babies are good but Christmas birthdays are not! I guess they will just have to learn on their own.

Almost the Happiest Place on Earth

I can't believe that Jay and I have already been home a week from Florida but we have. it almost feels like we never went but I'll give you the highlights. We actually got a four day park hopper pass and went to all four parks. The first day we went to Animal Kingdom and had the best time. It is like being in the coolest zoo with great rides and good food. The safari through Africa was really neat and almost made me want to go on a real one. (I'm not sure if I can do the bugs in Africa, the wild animals no problem but the bugs..) There are a couple different attractions where you walk through forests or highlands to see the animals. The best was Africa where you walk and see the gorillas. I'll bet there was 10 silver backs all wandering around. Day two we went to Epcot. It is huge. We had heard how good the food was in France at the patisserie and we weren't disappointed. The test track ride from GMC was also really fun and I finally found a popcorn cart.(If any of you ever went to Disneyland with my dad, you'll understand the need for popcorn). At about five we left and went over to the Magic Kingdom first by monorail and then by ferry. We had to leave at about 7:30 to pick up my mom at the airport. Yes. you read it right. Jay had meetings the next two days so I had invited my mom. Day three we went to Disney Hollywood Studios (my mom and I) and she almost started a war with France but instead just gnawed on her shoes. We went to get Jay at five and went back to the Magic Kingdom and had dinner at Tony's and rode a few rides. I beat Jay in Buzz Lightyear much to his shame. The fourth day I took my mom to Epcot and again ate in France warning her to not speak. We made it through without a scratch and met a nice kid from London working in the sport shop in the United Kingdom and we shopped...alot. We went and got Jay again and played again in the Magic Kingdom. It was really fun. The next morning Jay got up at five and took Shirls to the airport, I slept until 10:30 and then spent the whole day by the pool reading until Jay was finished. We went to find a cool spot to eat for the last night but couldn't pass up the Tony Roma's. It was a good time, warm, and mostly relaxing.

Warning: Capri Sun Drinks Can Be Dangerous When Frozen

I think I may have to sue the Capri Sun drink manufacturers for the omission of a warning label on their drinks. I was at work yesterday when at 4:10 my cell phone began ringing. I was busy and ignored it, knowing that the kids had just gotten home from school five minutes ago and were wanting to know if they could play. I was walking up the sidewalk when Karla came bolting out the door and said you need to call home, Nick is bleeding. I called home, Jake answered and said, "Nick's head is bleeding, you may want to come home, he's going to need staples" in a carefree manner. I grabbed my purse and was home three minutes later. Indeed he did need staples, so we took off for the hospital. Sam and Nick were having a fight (which Nick started), Nick got up to run away (calling Sam an SOB) when Sam hurled a frozen Capri Sun at his head. It hit its mark and the blood started to flow. An hour and half later with three staples in his head, we were on our way home. If people can sue for the coffee being hot at McDonald's and not being warned, I think I may really have a case. The good news? At least it wasn't a Saturday!

Jonathan Rhys Meyers

I watched August Rush last night and thought it was really good. What I'm not sure about is, did I like it because of the movie or because my new favorite actor is in it. Not just my new favorite but my new obsession. He leaves me speechless. And anyone who knows me understands what a miracle that is. I didn't realize how many movies he has been in but I think it is time for a movie marathon.

Decisions That Can Change Your Life

Yesterday a client that I have worked with for over 12 years came in to visit me at work. I have to tell you I love this lady, she's smart, independent,and runs a very successful insurance agency. She offered me a job. She needs someone to run her office, as the manager and her assistant. She offered really good money, good bonuses, paid vacations, retirement options (that she matches), and total autonomy of the office. The only thing I would have to do is take my insurance test (not to be an agent but you have to have it for the position) and say yes. I don't have to have an answer until sometime in May. I have only had three jobs my whole life, I tend to be loyal and like what I do. I wonder if it is time for a change and the atmosphere at my work is a little charged right now. The other thing is I haven't taken a test in a million years, can I pass it? Did I mention that it is five days a week, full time, but you get weekends and holidays off? I have worked Saturdays for 20 years! It's a lot to think about.

Saturdays and Staples

As anyone who works Saturdays knows when you get to finally have one off, it is a big celebration and there are usually a million things to do. Last Saturday I had one of those rare days until Maggie came screaming up the stairs that her head was really bleeding and yes it really was. Once we got the matted hair away from the most bloody area we (Jay and I) both shook are heads and said yes it needed stitches. This resulted in another blood curdling scream and we were off to Primary's. On the way up while I was trying to console her, I said " Hey it's ok we haven't had to make a trip up here in almost two years(no wildly infected cat scratches or hatchett cuts or anything)". Her response was, "I was trying to make it three." After a record setting hour and a half she had three staples in the back of her head and we were on our way home. Not bad for a Saturday. I still had time to feel guilty about not doing anything on my Saturday off. I took some pictures but my printer is on strike so I can't load them. I'll try to update later.

Addiction or Fascination?

I am finally able to admit it. I love t.v.! I think that it may be a genetic trait that I inherited from my dad. It is easy to understand why he was fascinated by it and loved it. After all it was invented in his lifetime and as a smaller child, he didn't even have one in his home. Imagine the horror. I know that one of the first things my parents, bought when they were first married was a Zenith console color television. We had it for at least 25 years. Then afterward every time he got a bonus we got a newer and bigger version. Keep in mind that in those days bigger meant 27 inches. Eventually every room in the house had its own t.v. I really do think I come by the love (or some may say addiction) honestly. I love to crawl into my own bed, after the kids are in their rooms, and watch my "stories". I think the greatest invention of the 20th century was the DVR or Tivo. I think that by using my DVR my love is really a fascination because I don't let the t.v. interrupt my life. It can't be an addiction then, right? It could be that I am in denial. Jay hates to watch t.v. with me because I watch the weirdest shows. (His words, of course) I don't mind because he likes to watch everything, all at once. So if you ever need me after 9pm chances are I'm curled up in bed with a good show!

What? No sports for four days?

I have to say that it was really nice to have four days off from any sporting events. Yesterday it all started again only this time it is spring sports. Nick started soccer practice yesterday, Jake had already started soccer and today Ben and Sam start lacrosse. So everyday of the week is a practice of one kind or another with two games during the week and three on Saturdays! When does it become too much? I thought that by limiting the boys to one sport per season, we'd be in good shape. The only problem was I forgot to multiply that by four. If sports were the only activities they had it would be one thing but add into that school, church, music lessons, and scouts and it keeps the mom very busy. I love that they are active and social but I know that I didn't want to be this active. The other real problem is I don't really care about sports and I don't have any real desire to learn about them. I just go and yell good job and watch the ball- no matter what the sport is. I think I may embarass the boys. Better get moving so I can help Sam with his homework before his practice.

A quiet morning at home

After doing three carpools, making four lunches, doing two french braids, making two beds, calling 10 more people for SEP conferences and getting five kids off to school; the morning has been mine. I love Wednesday mornings when everyone has left and the house is quiet. It's a nice to reflect on the beginning of the week and think about the rest of it. Jay was supposed to have a meeting in Hawaii the first of April and I didn't think he should go alone, the tickets were almost bought when a certain Lt. Col. screwed it up for him but mostly me in my mind. Now we aren't going. Hawaii is probably my all time favorite place to go. Getting off the plane, smelling the air, feeling the warm breeze, the salt in the air, it really is heaven on earth. Oh well, maybe next time. I guess reflecting on things may be a stretch, feeling sorry for myself is more like it! I'm fine now, maybe I'll go to Florida at the end of April with him, not Hawaii but still warm. Have a good day everyone.

Does anyone else hate math?

I am so excited I actually got three comments. I used to think that life was so hard when my kids were all toddlers but now that they all have math homework, I wish it was just poopy diapers again. I just finished 7th grade algebra, 6th grade math mates and 3rd grade story problems. Ironically, I never liked math nor did well in it in school. It has taken me 25 years to finally figure out what I call retail math. It has given me enough of a headache that I'm not sure I can even concentrate on my tv shows. And that is just wrong.

The influence of Mary

I had Mary over for brunch today after church, although she got here before me and had most of it done before the rest of us got home and she made me look at blogs. While we were looking at blogs she influenced me (actually forced me) to start my own. So here it is. We have let the kids run wild and sat at the computer all afternoon. I really needed another distraction. I'm going to think of this as a journal and try to keep up on it.