Snowboarding

Snow stuff during the Christmas break was loads of white fun :) We had a big crew with us so I always had at least one person willing to slow it down and help me get down the little hill safely! I am not a snowboarder AT ALL but it sure is fun pretending to be! Braeden is quite the little dare devil going down big runs, riding the rails, and going in and out of the trees, but even though he had his busy little schedule he always made sure to ride the small lift over and check on his mom. I had a nice break going with my family and just spending some quality time with Braeden. He has been a little down this past few weeks after trying out and not making the basketball team, so it was a fun break for him also. I plan on pretending to be a snowboarder for a while longer !

December was so Freakin' Busy. . . .

This past month was beyond busy around here. When we did manage to slow things down around here we had soo much fun too! We had our 2nd annual pajama party Christmas Eve here at my house - Ginger bread house night - Family pictures - movie nights with cousins. .. . Savana Lou Whoo! We tried to duplicate the hair do from the movie the Grinch on Savana's hair, just for fun :)Braeden 12 - Brennan 11Savana 8 - Caitlyn 8Brynlee 3 - Adelyn 2Our family pictures. Aahhh family pictures they make you laugh , cry and down right angry!! Gingerbread houses. . . who doesn't love this night?!

We can Decorate . .

The Annual Festival of Trees comes to town. One year our group of friends (the Extraordinary Housewives) decorated and donated a tree to the festival, this year they asked us if we would decorate the entry way into the gym. Well we will gladly accepted this task, we are generally ready and willing to take on a good project, especially a Christmas one! Marilyn of course, went straight into planning and organizing mode. She planned the colors and decorations we would need and decided what day we would meet and get er' done . It is always fun to meet and hang out with all my peeps and doing a holiday project just made it that much more exciting! I think we did a fantastic job and had a great week doing it.
We are deep in thought - not Teed off :)

New Moon Dinner

A couple of my friends and I hosted a themed dinner party - the theme for the night was the famous book New Moon, by stephanie Meyer. We had a blast making and sending out invitations, having lunches to plan the party - we decided planning is just as fun as the actual party! We invited every one of our E.H.'s and had the perfect showing, all 10 of us ladies were here to party - New Moon style!
Dinner party set for 10
Steph designed the centerpiece, she had a vision in her head from the start of how she wanted it to look, so that one was hers!

Marilyn was so creative with her scrapbooking skills, she made all the place cards and designed the menu. As an early gift from us to them - we handed out copies of the New Moon soundtrack, now everyone can get rehearsed in the music before the Premier of the movie next week :)

Bday Party for Jamie

My sister in law, Jamie came from out of town and her birthday is right around the corner so it was perfect to throw her a surprise party because she wouldn't have even guessed we were thinking about it! My sister planned it, decorated, cooked lots of yummy food, and even planned the classic yelling Surprise, when Jamie walked in! We had lots of food, lots of family, and lots of laughes. It was such a relaxing night spent with family - but especially my brother and sister! I have one Bro. and one Sis. and I love them both soooo much, even as we have all married and have kids that keep us busy, we have all three remained very close and are all super involved in each others lifes, and all of our kids lifes, they too are blessed with amazing aunts and awesome uncle. We have a blast together, and we actually get together alot. Thanks Charisse for throwing an awesome party !
Thanks Bo, for giving us 1 more awesome sister

13 years. . .

Yup it is true, the Grocer and I have been married for 13 years. Well, almost 13 - in a few weeks it will be 13, but then it would not have been a surprise weekend away, if it had been right on my anniversary date! The Grocer surprised me, by taking me out of town for the weekend sans kids for a little R & R . He was very sneaky in his little quest to make it very surprising for me, I guess he had planned with my sis in law and she had the room all decorated and lit up - it was amazing. It has been really hard in the past for the Grocer to actually surprise me, I hate surprises, I want to be in on the planning you know - but I have to say, I loved this one, and he pulled it off, thanks to Jamie! We had such a good time relaxing, eating out, going to the show, and my favorite, shopping! We had a blast hanging out with Bo and Jamie this weekend, thanks for the company guys :)

13 Things I absolutltey love about the Grocer . . .
1. He is a super hard worker, and because of his hard work, I have been able to stay home with my kiddos
2. He is so freaking patient...I mean patient!
3. He has been such a good dad, and such a good girl dad too, he knows how to play house, knows the importance of Barbie, and understands the Polly Pocket craze.
4. He is very giving, he will give you his time, which is very hard to come by in the world of a Grocer, he will give you his last bite of chocolate tuxedo cheese cake, and his last sip of anything!
5, When it is his idea - he can be a great shopping partner, his idea though! :)
6. He doesn't understand, but doesn't complain about my monthly one hour massages
7. He lets me have not one, but two dogs, and he resists the urge to complain about them even though he really hates them.
8. He has mastered the art of actually hitting the laundry basket, instead of right by it.
9. He can see when I need a break and does something about it.
10. He has come to grips with the fact that his wife can never have enough shoes, purses, or lipstick
11. He has learned to just listen and not try to fix the problem, sometimes you just need a sounding board
12. He understands my need for a long hot bubble bath
13. He is The Grocer - enough said

Randoms

You know when you have a few different things going on, kind of about the same times? That is how it has been at our casa since August. With school starting, gymnastics, sports, bedtimes, fall, we have been busy, so here are a couple things we did during our spare time. Janica and I are just so much fun :) we made carmel apples for the girls, they were yummy, but apparently we didn't do a very good job on them, because the second we left the room, the grocer re dipped them and added a knife for... I don't even know why. So our carmel apples turned into knived double dipped carmel apples - We also had a homemade pizza night with the kidz, Janica and her kidz and the Grocer, who got a little carried away with his sauteed veggies and 3 different pizzas and one dessert one, but everyone enjoyed the goods... A few weeks ago we took up the 4wheelers and the bikes and headed up to the south hill for a few days and just hung out and relaxed, and ate way to much, luckily we went because with the weather I think it was probably the last little camp out of the year. Fall is here and we are almost gonna get shut in, so we need lots more activites to entertain the troops (JB I mean you)!
Maddy found a packet of Kool aid - opened of course- and decided it was powdered lotion or something, she spread it around with her hands then would rub it on her face, no toys for her, give her some kool aid!
When you make carmel apples don't you also dress up like pirates?

My nephew Treg on the fast track to his next Motocross race

Um....ok, not really sure why the Grocer and 3 year old are thowing gang signs at me, but they did have lots of fun 4wheeling in the south hills a few weekends ago.

Mountain Biking...

Sunday afternoons are usually pretty slow around here, so it was a little surpirising when the Grocer said, pack the cooler we are going to the South hills to go mountain biking. So we decided to go with the divide and conquer method, he ran around, washing out the bike trailor filling up tubes, feeding and getting the dog ready, loading and gassing up the truck. I ran around preparing sandwiches, gathering helmets (which we would find out later, that they really do protect your skull) , finding socks and shoes for the kids, and packing a little special bag for Bryn to play with while sitting in the trailor. We stopped and picked up the Grocer's friend Eddie, who called and begged him to please come get him, he wanted to go too :) and we hit the road, what a fun relaxing drive and fresh mountain air. We rode around for a good 3 and a half hours, came back to the truck had a tailgate picnic, then I put Brynlee in the truck and loaded up my bike, I drove the truck and followed behind everyone, we were gonna leave and decided it would be fun to let every one take the easy down hill drive back out of the hills - Big freaking mistake, Savana lost control of her bike on the way down, and got some serious Road Rash, her face taking the brunt of it. I stayed back quite a bit in the truck, makes me nervous following them, so I stayed a ways back, I lost site of them around the corner, but as soon as I came around it, this is what I saw! Holy - panick mom moment, I slammed the brakes so hard, I skidded to a stop, threw the truck into park, and was out of the truck next to Savana in a heartbeat. Eddy had taken off his shirt and wrapped it around the hole on her head, we carried her to the truck and washed her off with half a water bottle that was all that was left. We drove back into town put her in the tub and cleaned her off so we could see the damage -she is one big road rash! The little hole on her head could probably use a stitch or two, but the Grocer took matters into his own hands. He washed out the cut with peroxide, used some neosporin, and super glued and taped it shut! Savana was so happy she wouldn't have to go the ER - as was I. Savana has a big headache and is pretty sore today, but she will be skipping and hopping by this afternoon, that I am almost positive about. I am thankful she was wearing a helmet, the top of the helmet right above her eyebrow is dented and cracked - Helmets Save the head people!

The Camp out...

Okay....So it doesn't take a genius to figure out that camping is probably my least favorite thing to do, in fact -least favorite is really putting it mildly, I freaking hate to camp! The dirt, the smoke, the dirty kidz, the wild dog who acts like he never gets out, the crazy amounts of food that you wouldn't even consider stuffing into your mouth were it not for camping, and all the stuff you have to bring. I am pretty shocked at the amount of stuff one must pack for a family of five to camp comfortably for the weekend -Yuk,.....and then upon returning one has to un-pack it all, only this time it is ALL dirty and must be washed and aired out before actually returning it to it's place. The Grocer of course had to work, it being a holiday weekend and all, so I took the kids to Sun Valley Friday afternoon, where we met my sister and her family, and my dad and step mom. The kids had a blast and we all ate way to much. We slept there, returned Saturday night, went to Church Sunday, and then took the Grocer back up to the camp site for the night, we ate, hiked, and sat around the camp fire playing games until the wee hours of the night, or about 10 or so. :) with school having just started a few weeks ago the kids were pretty tired early in the evening and it was a big stretch to keep them up until that late. Yes-I hate camping, will I go again? Yes :) Okay, so the best part of the whole blasted camping thing is....if Aunt Sarah tends to the baby then that makes her automatically exempt from any "girl duties" dishes, cooking, clean up, stuff like that which was just fine by me. Baby Hadyn was a great little camper, at just 3 weeks old she slept through the whole experience, and who could blame her?

Playing Charades was a ton of fun, just look at the Grocer's face !

Is summer really over?

Summer has come and gone....We spent the last few weekends hanging out with friends and family. We crammed alot into a small amount of time, The Grocer took me on an overnighter to Utah for some shopping, there were lots of bbq-ing and fire pitting, there was an overnight all girls shopping trip, swimming at the pond with the kiddos and cousins, the annual B-town parade and fair. Now back to school week is upon us, and we have rushed around getting last minute school supplies, haircuts, new clothes, backpacks packed for the kids, and apparently everyone elses' with those supplies they want you to buy - whole other story there. With back to school, there comes a whole set of Back to's....back to bed times, back to football practices, back to dance classes, back to scheduled dinner times, back to a gazillion hours of after school homework and reading,, back to super grouchy kiddos - at least until they adjust to new sleeping hours :) This is the time of year that I always hate. I absolutley hate to see my kids go off to another year of school, 6 1/2 hours away from me is just almost to much for me to take, yes I love the clean house and the know one in the kitchen all day long, the lack of fighting I don't hear, the loud music and movies,. Another year of school means another year older, and I just Hate it!

It's a Girl

Yay, my sister finally had her baby!! Woo hoo. She had a tiny little baby 5 pounds 7 ounces. I am so freaking happy for her. My sister did an amazing job. The baby is so stinkin' cute, she lives about 25 minutes away and I have been driving down to her house everyday, sometimes I come home feed the kids play with them for a minute ( that is all I can spare) and drive back, I can't stay away from little miss Hadyn Sky... I want to be holding her ALL the time.

International Dance Festiva

The world has once again come to Idaho in the form of the International Dance Festival. The festival comes to Burley for one week, once a year. They bring dance groups from all over the world, they travel all summer, dancing their way through America. This year some of the countries were, Mexico, Lithuania, Russia, Taiwan, South Korea, Germany, and Japan. They ask for host families to house some dancers, feed them, and get them to where they need to be all week long. We have been a host family now for the past 4 years, my kids absolutely love it, they love to be involved with all the groups and they love to get to know the dancers who stay with us. This year we were host family to four girls from Taiwan, Ella, Cindy, Peggy, and Claire. Of course that isn't really their names, that is pretty much how close I can get to their names!

My Birthday Week

It is true, my birthday week has come and gone...how sad. My birthday was Friday, and I woke up Monday and told The Grocer, "Yay, it is my birthday week!" He looked at me with that look- the Your Such an Idiot look- and he finally speaks and says, " day, you get a day, not a week!" Well after he'd gone to work and come to his senses he realized I do in fact deserve a week, and he happily gave in saying, "okay I'll give you a week!" Woo Hoo, and what a week it was...We had freinds over for bbq's and fires, we went to the lake and hung out all day with my sis and her fam. Steph and Mel took me to Twin for some girl time, lunch and shopping. My dad came over and gave me some cash and worked on my yard for me. Jarrod and his cute wife -Deli Girl came over for a bbq, I had a girls night out with my sister and friends in Jackpot and ate the seafood buffet. I came home around midnight Friday night to find 32 balloons lying on the floor, The Grocer told me a third of my life has been lived (I know -I wanted to cry) anyway, he told me there was a coupon inside each balloon and I could POP 11 of them, since that would be like a 3rd of the balloons..I popped 11 and got all the coupons out. They said things like Husband will pay off 1 of your stupid credit cards!, and Husband will take you shopping for an outfit at your favorite store, including shoes, Husband will pay your babysitter for 2 weeks, on and on with lots of awesome things, then he said I could chose to trade 1 coupon for another balloon, but he would pick which coupon it would be and not tell me until after the switch had been made. It was a little scary but very worth it, one sad one was I traded getting my car detailed, for Husband doing laundry for a day - that is good, but you should see my car! I had a blast! Saturday, I spent the day out with The Grocer, I redeemed some of my coupons in Twin, and we ended the night going to the show with some friends. I loved my birthday week and sadly it must come to an end, my house is asking for me to pay attention to it, along with some unfinished photo sessions, and some un-walked animals. The Kidz also had a blast, it was a party everyday around here, complete with a cake almost everynight, but now, back to real life...you all know the drill.... da da dummm..

Yes, it does say $2000.00 !! I had to check and re-check, before we started screaming and jumping (and causing a scene) So I was playing the slots , I know, big waste, but we were waiting in line for dinner. My friend Kelley comes along and says, "well I guess I will put in two bucks while we wait," she pulls the lever and BAM, she won $2000.00!

No more jackpot for Krista....who came home like $60 short :)

Jarrod was so nice to bring the fam. and come over even surprising me with a gift, we had a good time bbq'ing, drinking the gift :) and lighting off some fireworks.

My (very) pregnant sister was such a good sport this week trying to keep up with all the events of the week. She had to work 2 of the days, and still kept up, she even came over and helped me fill a watch order too, but said only because it was my birthday week she would help, so we could get back to the party stuff, we made 13 watches, then got back to the partying! She was so helpful. I say (very) not because she looks it, but because she is very pregnant and we hope we will get to see a baby girl in about 2 weeks !

Baseball is Done

The baseball season has finally ended for Braeden and Savana, yes, sadly it is done. I really don't mind it all, I know every year when we choose to sign up what I am getting myself into, and I don't mind the games and all the practices. I do mind, losing the non-playing child of mine, and watching her beg for money from people, and watching her throw dirt in her hair and food , that I do mind. The season ended great for both kiddos. It is really no secret that I HATE girl sport stuff, so I plaster a smile on my face and daze into the field and wait for however long it takes to finally see my daughter get to bat, hit, then run , and run all the way home - that is just how it is done in this league or maybe just the way girls do it, either way if you saw me you saw a lovely smile while watching our girl. Don't get me wrong I do enjoy watching her do what makes her happy, but come on, she only ever "played" for like 10 minutes a game, girls just are girls. Her team was good as far as girl sports stuff goes, and ended up getting 3rd place in tournament, which didn't really thrill my super competitive child who informed me 3rd place is actually 2nd loser and that it sucked to be out of the tournament. Braeden's team didn't do too shabby either. Coached by the famous Grocer again, and his friend Bill who courageously fought wind, rain, and heat for another season of baseball and brought their team out of the season in the 3rd place. I thought it was great, and Braeden (not to brag) ok I am gonna brag - did awesome! He really is a natural little ball player, he did excellent as the pitcher and really well as a 2nd baseman, I love to watch him play it seems to come so easily to him. The team of boys were really not as excited as I was when they got 3rd place, what is it with these kids? I think 3rd is really good, they fought hard to get there and wow did really well, but boys are funny and they wanted to play for the big win, what can I say....you can't win em' all :) -

Lazy days of summer...

This is The Grocer, His Right Hand Man, Drew, and you all recognize Jarrod, his real name is Darren but his fake name is Jarrod...The Grocer and Right Hand Man... Yes, The Grocer is a real Party Animal - just look at the animal-ish face!

I love the lazy evenings in the summer, when we actually have a night sans baseball, work- outs, and practices. This just happened to be one of those nights. We had some friends over for some food, snacks, and fireworks for the kiddos, and just what would the evening be without a fire in The Grocer's fire pit? Just plain boring, that's what it would be :) After we had barbecued pizza outside, we were forced in doors (of course) due to this damn Idaho wind, it did die down a little after dinner though, so we returned back out doors for some marshmallow roasting. It was no surprise that the men of the evening were outside long before the women of the evening were......why? Someone had to stay inside and clean up, and get everything ready to actually enjoy the fire pit.....matches, paper, fireworks, and the treats. Where would they be without us? Hungry and bored that's where, because when we arrived out there with the goods, they ate the snacks, so that takes care of the hunger, what took care of the boredom you might ask? Boys will be boys - this is where the (men) pretty much make fun of the women - or more or less me for the things that come flying out of my mouth when I least expect...:)

The Grocer...also a father....

Happy Father's Day to the Grocer! Did we serve him breakfast in bed today? - No. Did he sit and relax all day while we waited on him? -No. Did he take anytime for himself this day? -No. No, because that just wouldn't be the Grocer. He is an intense hard worker (24-7) Rarely does this man sit around the house, he is Always doing something projecty. Yesterday he cleaned both patios, painted all 3 exterior doors, cooked and ate lunch with the kiddos, went into town and gathered supplies for the day's projects, carpet cleaned 2 bedrooms downstairs, set up the dvd player for the kids upstairs, gassed up Braeden's 4 wheeler, pulled some weeds.....among lots of things he always does, he is amazing. The kids all gave him luvs and kisses, and told him they appreciate him very much, when I asked them why, they simply said "Cuz he is OUR dad, and there is no other Dad like the one we have" Plain and simply put , the truth :)

A little of this, a little of that...

The past 2 months have been jammed crazy with kid stuff, mainly baseball games almost everynight and more practices than there are days! We did however manage to get away for a few days (without kids) and go shopping, eat way to much, and go to the Collin Raye concert. The Grocer had a food convention at the Salt Palace in Utah, and he was kind enough to take me along too! My friend Kim -the Deli girl- had to work right along side of The Grocer all day, so she lent me her husband, he drove me anywhere I wanted to go, - almost without complaining like a real husband, almost that is until I kept getting us lost. He was such a good sport I went and sat my turn while he got a tattoo on his forearm, I don't know why someone would want to sit there and get poked like that, but to each his own I guess....We came back to B-town and went to the good ole' fairgrounds and watched the hick sport of Tractor Pulling which the borrowed husband pulled in. We had lots of greasy food, sat and got rained on and also lost some hearing from the loud motors, but had lots of fun too. My sister and her family came with us, so we had a good time hanging out and visiting. I can't believe someone can actually sit still, let alone smile while one is getting poked by needles....I think I was making the tattoo boy nervous with my camera, but I was getting really bored just sitting there, I had to try to entertain myself, you can only look at tattoo magazines for so long you know.
This is Jarrod- the borrwed husband for the day, actually his name is Darren , but one night last year. I called him Jarrod for an entire evening and he never once corrected it, finally at the end of the night someone asked, why do you keep calling him that, and I was like what - his name? They were like his name is Darren ! I blame it on the Captain Morgan that Jarrod brought with him that night and shared with me :)

Zoo Animals

Pocatello Zoo here we come....We planned to go to Pokey and visit the Zoo in the morning, have a picnic then visit the Ross park water thingy......well, we got rained out! We had the zoo and a picnic, but the weather sucked for swimming, luckily we have the rest of the summer to go back to the swimming pool. Even though we didn't get to swim it was almost perfect weather for the Zoo. We had fun just me and the kiddos taking our own sweet time - maybe not "sweet time" Braeden had to be back in Burley for a 5:00 game, and the Grocer (also his coach) informed me not to wear him out too much since he will be starting pitcher. Sheeze. It was probably a good thing we didn't spend the day out in the sun at the pool, they played a tough game, but ended up winning by one 1 point. But shhh, don't tell the Grocer I actually obeyed his request :) I said , way to go Braed but, wow you guys barley pulled it off - 1 point man." He then informed me, "Mom winning is winning, it doesn't matter if you win by 25 or 1, the point is we won." I think the Grocer should inform him - the point is to have fun! :)

A girl and a Dog...

Where is Brynlee, Where is Maverick, usually where you find one, you find the other! Maverick is drawn to her like a magnet, I have never seen such a thing. If she goes into a room and shuts the door you will very often find him laying on the floor in front of that door waiting for her. He loves her and tolerates almost anything from her -way more than he tolerates from the other two. I love to watch her play with him, it really does amaze me how much one 3 year old can put a dog through, and he actually puts up with it. I never worry about him with her, I know he would never bite her, I was concerned about that when we first got a puppy, but the worry is gone, he is a big teddy bear, never would he harm a fly....or a Brynlee :)



She kicked him off the tramp, but he won't go far, he is happy and content to wait under it until she is ready to move on.

It's that time of year again...

Baseball has begun...didn't it just end? Baseball this year is 4 times a week for me, and five times a week for Steve. Steve is once again the coach for Braeden and his friends. Braeden has been lucky to have his dad coach him his whole baseball life. These past two years his dad, and his 2 basketball coaches have coached with him - Braeden loves that part, maybe he doesn't always listen to his dad, but he for dang sure listens to his other two basketball coaches. Braeden is the Star Pitcher for the team (I am totally not just saying that) he has 3 years experience in fast pitch, and has really, really shown his stuff this year. He very often plays a 3 up 3 down inning, by striking out 3 players in a row! Savana is playing pitching machine again this year and loves it of course. Her team has so far played 4 for 4, no losses. She is a little competitor, and an aggressive one at that, I often remind her there is no need to tackle the runner, a little touch with the ball will get the same results :) Steve has two practices a week, and two games, Savana has 1 practice on Saturday, and two games - it seems crazy at the moment....late dinner -or dinner on the run, sticky tired kids, no freaking spare evening time, but it is only for about 8 weeks and both kids love it. Of course the mom and dad of the family enjoy watching the action too... and watching the kids learn, grow and understand the concepts of sports, and team effort.

New Moon

I just seen some stuff on the internet about this movie, it looks like it is gonna be great, can't wait for a girls night out to see this.

How Does He Do That?

No wonder it was 10:00 a.m. and they were both still sleeping. I got up the other day to go take a nice bath while everyone was still sleeping, and this is what I saw. I blinked because - who sleeps through this? Brynlee is not a light weight you know, Steve always tells me, Brynlee can not sleep with us, she pushes her way onto my side, and I am like whatever, she is just a baby girl, but it looks like the proof is in the picture :)

3 day weekend...

Was there a 3 day weekend? There was around here! Why.... - just because. Ever just decide to do nothing ALL weekend but hang out all day and have a party every night? Well that is exactly what we did this weekend. Barbeque's, Pizza, snacks, you name it. We watched a few movies too (which by the way, I don't get all the hype over Slumdog). What a nice, relaxing weekend just hangin' with friends and family. We even threw in a little Karaoke, with a dance off and all. The smores were a great idea and are always a favorite for the fire. Surprisingly the weather has been cooperating since Thursday night when we decided to go AWOL from life and just retreat to the back yard, we will have to remember to take a break and do this more often this summer, once in while I mean, we don't have to pull a 3 dayer everytime time - right?
2 Steves, now that is worth something, right?

Well, he is just being a nice guy, she needen a pillow!

Oh - the singing....

It was fun...now back to real life, with an actual bedtime, and alarm clock in the mornings. It was fun while it lasted, and I don't know how much longer I would have lasted - late nights are not for me :)

Girls Night Out

Oh what a much needed girls night out I had last night! Thanks so much Mare, you knew just what I needed. I do have a picture of our fantastic night, thanks to some random movie goer who offered to take it of all us but I have been threatened just short of my life -by Geanie - that it better not show up on any blogs :) The show was really good, easy thinker, funny, pretty much a teeny bopper show, but none the less good, sometimes us girls need a show like this. Also, I know this may be very wrong, since I am like double his age, but that little Zac is a real looker ! We lucked out with the noise level, or lack of having to keep it down, it was the late show and we pretty much had the whole theatre to ourselves! Mare kept my drink full, and was just the perfect gentle-lady, I'll be your date anytime darlin'... :)

Brynlee The Hairdresser

So the day has come in our home...one of my kids cut her own hair!! I never really make sure scissors are put away and out of reach in my house, I have never had a problem with the other two. Neither of them ever thought to grab scissors and just whack their own hair off! Savana did have an incident with having her hair cut, but it was cut off by a friend - she didn't do it, she was only 2 at the time so it was a nice game for her :) and even after that she still wasn't interested in hair cutting, so I have never hid them. Why would a child just think "I am gonna cut my hair today" I asked Brynlee this and she said " It was in my eyes mom" So I guess this is all MY fault, if I was a better mom, I would have had her hair perfectly combed, thus none of it would have been in her eyes, but that doesn't always happen around here, in fact I would say hair combing is probably not at the top of my to do lists, it is darn near the bottom and has been given the only if we need to status. Now here is the problem - now that there has been a new hair style created I HAVE to comb it everyday just for it to look half decent until it grows out. Brynlee is awesome but let me just state There Is Never A Dull Moment around here ...
This is what I found in my closet and immediately began searching for the child who was missing it...
....before the "trying to fix it"

The After hairdo - it will definitely have to Do for now!!

1st Fire of the season

I think it is no secret, I love this time of year. The weather is nice, not to cold, and definitely not too hot, there are very few flys and the biggest NO mosquitoes, yay. We live across from a huge horse corral, directly behind us is a pasture full of cows, sheep, and goats, and there is a ditch on the side of the yard that runs the length of the entire acre we live on, so you could imagine we have a ton of flys, mosquitoes, hornets, frogs and creepy crawlies, but not yet, so this night was awesome. Steve and my dad were busy building the gazeboo here around the fire pit, and so me and the kiddos went out there and built a fire 1-for light it was dark and they were still working, 2-for heat, the weather is great, but when the sun goes the temperature drops fast, and 3-we were bored, and what better way to get un bored is there than to take 3 kids and 1 dog out to a construction site and build a fire right in the center of it? The kids had fun, and I don't know if that is good or bad, they will for sure be asking to do it at least every night from here on out :)

Girls...

I have a picture of my girls in polka dot dresses in Brynlee's room, I love the picture but it needed updated, it was taken 2 years ago. I ran across these polka dot dresses on a clearance rack in Utah and bam - it hit me, photo moment, buy the 2 dresses and update the picture, if only it were that easy! Easter morning I got them dressed and ready, along with myself and both the guys . By the time we finally were ready, I thought lets hurry and do a few pictures fore the wall, it will only take a few minutes, and you both look adorable, how hard can that be -geez harder that you think! They were completely un cooperative, and time was moving quickly, I really hate to be late to church (story of my life) I don't even know why it bothers me anymore, but it does. When you are the mom and you are taking pictures of these 2 girls you really, really try to stay away from the word "smile", "look here", and "hurry"...I blew it, I said the word Hurry. Hurry up and just take the picture so we can go. They were done, I only got about 6 pictures and I don't think I love any of them enough to blow one up into a 20x24, I like them all, I just don't have an absolute favorite, can't live with out one. I do adore these pictures because the girls are gorgeous, and it will probably be a while before I can bribe them back into the dresses and get them to take a few more for me, so I guess the wall will have to wait for another few months :) div>

Hannah Montana

Every since the previews for Hannah Montana the Movie showed up on tv, it is all I have heard from little miss Savana. She just could not wait to go see the movie. So last weekend after school and chores were done, we decided to go, and last minute we decided to pick up her two good friends to go with us. I love having girls, and really enjoy the girl things we do together. I have really been trying to find a Hannah Montana concert in Idaho, Utah, or Vegas and can't seem to locate one, if anyone knows if she is coming to one of these 3 places, please let me know , that would just make Savana's whole year :)

Rhode Island Reds..My Boy...Where is Brynlee?

Where's that silly girl? After searching and calling for Brynlee the other day, I started to get that little panicky feeling urging me to find her. I sent the kids outside, and we called her for about 15 minutes. I didn't even look in the office (where the dog crate is) because you can barely even open the door, we are re-doing floors in the next room, so all its contents are in the office. I was getting that pit in my stomach thinking, "something is wrong", I should have found her by now", she would have answered me", ooh the list goes on and on...I ran into the office nearly breaking the door in half on whatever was behind it, and this is what I found. Brynlee had been nice and snug in the puppy crate. Normally I would not have been to happy, I mean part of the family and whatever, he is a dog, and gross. However this was during the puppy's stay at the vet so I took that time to sanitize and bleach every square inch of that crate, and watched all the bedding, so it was pretty clean as far as human girls go :) My baby boy is home!! Woo Hoo I am so excited to have him home, he is not quite up to 100% yet, after his 5 day stay at our local Veterinary hospital, but at least he is here. Apparently a puppy should Never swallow a my little pony toy - it can cause a near death experience . My poor, poor boy, I was sick to my stomach, the 1st few days the Vet called with nothing but bad news, then the dog had a turn around in the health dept, and started making progress to come home , he looks like a skinned cat with a few shaved areas where he had IV's during his stay, and along with the 17 stitches he has up the length of his abdomen from the surgery, but overall he looks great to me. I hate the fact that I am even writing about this, that I even took the time to take homecoming pictures, and that I can't even leave him alone in the other room, I am so gosh dang attached I may need IV's :) Rhode Island Reds chicks. I was told that these chicks will turn into some of the prettiest chickens, well I totally started laughing at the poor sap who shared that info with me, as if ANY chickens are pretty! Anyway, Braeden went over to Shirleys and saw their chicks and that was it for him, he was hooked, all he talked about all weekend were Cade's stupid chicks- aaahhh, he drove me nuts with all the chick talk. Monday came around, he got his wallet out and gathered up enough dough$ to buy 3 chicks, a carrier and all the the little chick things that go with it. So we are now the owners of 3 stupid chicks too. They are nestled safely under a heat lamp next to his bed. Hopefully they can survive in the Stokes Casa of Chaos, along with the crazy 3 year old girl, that freaking hyper puppy Maverick and 3 new 1 year old cats...

Narnia Re-invented

My kids love Narnia, they especially love the pop up Narnia book we have. Robert Sabuda is a master paper artist. There is so freaking much detail in this one book, it will knock your socks off :) Even little Brynlee loves to hear this book (over & over) she gets starry eyed watching the pages come to "life". If you have never seen his work, stop what you are doing and go buy one of his books! We just got America the Beautiful, and Joseph's coat - amazing...I am amazed each and every time I go through one. So worth the price :)

Easter Project

Blown out, confetti eggs. The kiddos have been begging me to make these little creations with them for a while. We finally got all the ingredients together and sat at the table and made about 2 1/2 dozen confetti eggs - which is plenty for me! We actually blew out 3 dozen, but after a few deaths we ended up with about 30 eggs. They decorated them, threw a few at each other, saved some, and gave some to the neighbors. It really was a fun little project that all 3 kids could enjoy, so if anyone is going to attemt this, here is the skinny
1 - confetti get staticky and refuses to be wiped up, or swept
2 - the inside of the egg needs to be rinsed out with water 1st , *very important do not skip this step!
3 - it still hurts to get hit by a confetti egg, even though there are no insides to it.
4 - broken eggs shells will stay on your floor even after you have swept four or five times
5 - after some trial and error of 3 types of tape used to try and cover the hole and still stick under water while being dyed, we have found painters tape to be the one and only to work :)

Corpus Christy Beach

I love Beach pictures! Unfortunately when you are the photographer at the beach, and watery and sandy it limits the amount of pictures you really wanted to take. I got a few then put away the camera and decided to have fun without looking for the perfect "opportunity" my kids hate when I do that! We loved the 85 degree weather and spent a day at the beach in Texas, complete with a Texas barbecue, sand castles and covering people up to their necks in the sand, we all left burned and tired...and not ready to come back to the wonderful snow here in Burley :

We're Back...

Honey I'm Home...

We are back from our vacation in San Antonio Vacation, I don't have pictures yet but thought I might share some funnies about our trip.
1. driving for 20 hours both ways each really can be enjoyable
2. driving for 20 hours can be exhausting and test your limits like nothing you ever ...
3. the sun bouncing off the ocean can really cause a bad sun burn
4. you can never get sick of watching Enchanted, even if you have seen it 100 times
5. you can get extremely sick of watching the video Oops I Did It Again -by Britney Spears
6. never forget to bring your Dramamine...
7. the average 3 year old can "hold it" for almost 5 1/2 hours at a time (without) drinking anything
8. the average 3 year old can not "hold it" for more than 3 hours if you give them something to drink
9. brothers NEVER get sick of hearing their sisters squeal
10. the driver Hates it when you go ahhuaahh, while they are driving!
11. Savana can talk for 20 hours straight about anything, and everything, with out needing a break

Savana, who seems to be really interested in all the wonderful things God has created, looks at me and says.."Mom, God made me this way to always talk huh?" Yes Savana he sure did, " He also made me sad like this too, huh?" God made you sad? " well he makes me feel sad for other people alot when they are lonely, or don't feel good" Oh, I see. " Don't you love the way God made me mom?"

Brynlee talking to the other 2, while they were playing some word game goes, "you spell my name B R Y E E , that spells beautiful Brynlee"
I say Brynlee, why did you just tell Braeden to shut up? "I have no clue, mom"

Braeden says he doesn't care where we go as long as we get to spend lots of time together...

Spring Break Vacation

It is 4:15 a.m. and we are scheduled to leave at 5:00, but Steve is still downstairs sleeping. Rather than go wake him up and tell him what time it is, I decide to surf the net, paint my toenails, flat iron my hair, and play with some apps. on my iTouch :) We are gonna be gone for 10 days, can't wait to finally hit San Antonio !! I better be a good wifey now and go wake up the sleeping Grocer....

Month of Birthdays

Nobody in the family can get enough of little Rhett, he is so dang cute! He is a miracle who was born just 9 months ago and weighed 2lbs 6 oz. OOOohhhhh I could just sit and hold him all day!February is a very Happy Birthday month for my poor mother in law. She has to remember 6 all within days of each other. Steve has been so busy at the store trying to get the big case-lot sale underway, and getting everything that needs to be done, done so we can go on vacation Friday, John has been super busy with the Aberdeen store remodel and just running a new store. We decided it would be worth the little break they deserved to just drop it all and head to Utah for an overnight visit. We all got there and had a big birthday party for all the February birthdayers. It was a very quick trip but I think it was just what Steve needed to clear his head and start out fresh for the new week, plus the kids LOVE to have a huge slumber party in Grandma's basement. Denice had a nice warm dinner waiting for us and lots of yummy snacks. We stayed up way to late visitng and having fun just relaxing, it was a nice break - Thanks for having us Denice:)

Science Project

Savana's Science lessons are coming to an end - Good and Bad. Good we are coming to an end in at least one subject. Bad, she now has some projects due, where she gets to apply all the things she has learned in Science. I really usually don't mind any of the projects I have lined up for her, but Science projects -yuck, they are so messy, and so technical. There is usually some give and take on most other projects, you know, some lee-way for a little error, but not Science (it has to be exact), that means follow each instruction very carefully, or else :) It really puts the stress on a mom, I am very careful about having her be the one doing the project, and reading and following the instructions, but one wrong move and the whole project is a wash. I try hard, (very hard) to bite my tongue, not telling her how I would do it, I have to see if she is understanding the instructions, and coming to the result on her own, and even though I would not have went about it that way, I don't want to suggest anything and make her second guess herself. She has been just a Peach this year, and I love it, but could really do with out Science !
So, can we really make Crystals? Crystals that are found in nature may have taken thousands of years to grow into their final shape. Savana is very skeptical about this, since she has just learned about the tidbit thousands of years, so I am crossing my fingers and hoping Science kicks in here with it's magic "Chemical Powder"Next week....we get to tackle experiments about electricity.....

Savana's Session

My little Princess turned 8 this year, I decided to take some pictures of her ( I bought some new frames) there is always a reason to take pictures isn't there? Besides the fact that I LOVE having Savana here for homeschool I thought I would write down '8' things I absolutely love about little Miss Savana....

1. She has a beautiful smile, one that can light up the room

2. She is very compassionate, and sensitive of everyone's feelings, it breaks her heart to know someone is feeling sick, left out, or sad

3. She loves to spend time with her family, and never complains if it takes the place of friend time

4, She is always willing to help out when asked

5. She is so good with Brynlee, and always tries to be a good example for her

6. She loves her church class and looks forward to going on Sundays

7. She reminds us everynight to say our prayers and pray for our family

8. She starts the day off every morning by saying good morning, how did you sleep?

Surprise! Murder Mystery Party

Surprise :) I had a surprise birthday party for my husband who turned 31! The party was a Murder Mystery Party at Wheels ....This picture is of Steve coming around the corner to everyone yelling SurpriseTrails End Ranch Murder Mystery Party...The Setting of this murder mystery party takes place in the 1800's on a Friday night at the Cactus Gulch Hotel and Saloon, where all the locals are gathering to pick up mail, have a drink, greet the stage coach , and catch up on all the local gossip in the small old western town of Cactus Gulch, Nevada. Rick O' Shea-Local Deputy of Cactus Gulch, Dusty Rhodes -stage coach driver, Watts E. Dunn- Trails End Ranch hand, and Miles O' Money who runs the local Bank. AkA. Steve, Bo, Terry, and Baby Bo. Sheriff Hugh Mon Gus, gathering information from the locals, as he is doing detective work to find out who Murdered Marv E. Ellis. The Local Men in Cactus Gulch...

Bill E. Goats-wealthy Bostonian Businessman, Doc. Turit, Philip DeGlas -Bartender, and Deputy Rick O' Shea :)

Doc Turit just heard Barb Dwyer screaming she spotted a body so the Doc came running to try to help and eventually declared the body dead by strangulation, but by who?I was lucky enough to get close to the Famous "Madam" at the Cactus Gulch Saloon, Brandi Snifter...After the Murder & Mystery were solved, we had a Roast, Steve was the roast! My family has know Steve for over 15 years now, and my brother, John, and cousin Alex all gave some speeches about the Birthday Boy. Some were sentimental, some were informational, and some were down right fall off the chair laughing :) I ended with a speech about why I love my man - totally out of character for me I am so not the emotional type, but I gave it a go and it was worth it -Steve was so proud to hear such good things about him coming from me, especially since I rarely use words to express how I feel...

My sister was Kris Anthemum-local school teacher. We had so much fun, Steve has always told me he would kill me if I ever threw him a surprise party, I have tried in the past, but never really had a big one like this. He loved it! He is still thanking me for it today, he had lots of fun after a very busy week of work. The party was a HUGE sucess, and a nice change of pace to be able to dress up in costumes and let it loose and have a western Ole' good time !!

Math for Homeschool...

I decided to go back to the "basics" here with Savana, and have a little hands on fun. She knows what 2 + 2 is, she learned that in Kindergarten. This was something a little different, even though she knows 2+2 is 4, it was really neat for her to watch it come to "life" in front of her.The more tools, the better!

She also knows yellow and blue make green, or does she? She has heard they do, but watching it actually turn green right there in front of her, she was amazed.Really freaking green, this project went alot smoother, after I explained to her that 6 squirts are not the same thing as 6 drops :)

To make sure the two separate measuring cups that she poured two cups into, were actually correct, she re-tested the green water, pouring it back into one measuring cup, guess what? Four cups of green water! So we then went on to "experiment" on more colors, with more measurements, adding in 1/2's and 1/4's it was lots of fun to watch her actually see why and how it is possible. I have had so much fun having Savana home with me, the work is endless, and the projects are messy, but it is all worth it to be able to spend so much one on one quality time with my 8 year old. Also, huge bonus - Brynlee has learned so much, since I have to take time to "teach" and we can't have distractions she sits down and does her own books :) So I make sure when it is time to start school, I call them both and say girls, time for school work, and Brynlee gets so excited, sometimes even acting put out, but still comes ready to do today's assignment. Savana will re join her public school next year to start off 3rd grade, then possibly come home at semester, it is what works for us, and the school somewhat complies with our arrangement, and as long as it is still possible to do half homeschool, and half public, I am willing to take advantage of it. Besides, the benefits I have seen in my children, it would be hard to convince me to do it any other way. I have to admit, I am becoming one of those freaky homeschool moms :) (and proud of it)...

Happy Birthday Brynlee

Well it is official, my baby is a little girl, she turned 3 today. I keep my babies, babies for as long as I can, but 3 to me seems to be the turning point where they are trying to be little people and anything left in them that was close to 'baby' slowly dissappears. Even though I have tried to keep her my baby, Brynlee has been so old for so long already, here are some of her older than her age things...

1. she held up her head for longer than 3 minutes when she was 7 weeks old
2. she crawled at 5 months,
3. sat on her own (no pillows) at 5 1/2 months
4. pulled to a standing position at 7 months, and walked at 9 months exactly on the day
5. She could talk any toddler under the table at 13 months old, very clearly
6. she rides a bike with training wheels, dresses herself,
7. picks out, and starts her own movies, and cd music
8. sommer saults,
9. recites the alphabet, her telephone number, my cell phone no., and most of the songs on the radio
10. she recognizes all colors, shapes, and numbers up to 10, she can count to 20 in English, and ten in Spanish.

11. she can tell you the Capitals of Idaho, Utah, and Texas, and is learning more...



Her 1st birthday party (with friends). Aunt Charisse, and Uncle Terry came, Grandma and Grandpa took time off work to come, Dad came for his lunch, Braeden, Savana, and Skylar came, and the two friends she chose were her cousin Addie, and her friend Averie.

These are some of my very favorite things she still lets me enjoy with her...

1. she loves to cuddle, and lets me hold her whenever I want

2. she sits in the sink and talks to me while I do my hair and makeup

3. she is so willing to let me "teach" her things

4. she tells me she loves me often and out of the blue

5. she lets me comb her hair and get her dressed in what ever I want her to wear, with out complaining

6. she will sit with me for an entire movie (at home)

7. she truly enjoys the one on one time we spend together

Here she is today, right before her birthday party. I am feeling so sad today, I remember with the other 2 that this is a huge year for growth, both physically and mentally. I am very happy to have spent these past 3 wonderful years with Brynlee, and can't wait for hundreds more!

Hitler the Cat...

I hate the fact that animals are so innocent and sweet, I hate that they are so loving and patient, and always willing to sit down and relax by you, I hate that they depend 100% on you, their Master, to feed them, and treat them good. Hitler was with us for 5 years, he was so good with Brynlee, he hated to be held but allowed it only by her, he was an awesome mouser to have around. Last night he was hit by a semi on 200w what a sick gut wrenching feeling it was. He has been known in the past to be a little Tom Cat and leave for 1-2 days, so I thought I would have some time to think on this, but last night, Braeden and Savana both went out in their PJ's to call him in for bed! I was still pretty upset only learning of the news from Steve about 10 minutes earlier, he could'nt handle watching them call for Hitler any longer, knowing he was not coming, so he told them both last night. Trauma all over again! I am not that big an animal lover, but once you get them, they have a way of sneaking in making themselves a part of the family, like it or not.

Our little Boy....

So when we decided to get a puppy someone told me, it is just like having another baby. Me in my mind I thought, it is not, it is just a dog! Well guess what, that was a very wise person who gave me that little tidbit. When we all sit down together to watch a movie (puppy included) he absolutley has a fit if any of the kids try to sit closer to me than him, he puts a paw on me, and before long he has one hind leg, then one of the kids will say, "mom, look at Maverick" he will have his whole rear end planted on my lap. It is crazy how emotionally aware puppies are.

Basketball...

He shoots...he scores....the team didn't win! Braeden had tournaments yesterday in Jerome. The team played two games, tied the 1st one in overtime 45-45, then lost 30-36 in the 2nd. I thought they played very good both games though - even though Braeden says they didn't. My mom watched my girls so it was just me by myself sitting and watching the entire game without any interruptions, it was awesome! Braeden plays on his traveling team from last year ,the Titans, and he also plays on the city league so he has practice 4 times a week, and games every Saturday. He doesn't mind at all he loves the game, and of course he has gotta love the fact he has a personal chauffeur :)

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Shout out to Grandma Denice

Lots of crazy things can happen when it is 10 p.m. and no one is asleep yet, 3 kids, 2 parents, and a camera. We were a little bored and wanted to make a birthday card for Grandma - Your pictures are on their way and we just wanted to tell you We hope you have a Rockin' Birthday!

Fatal Chocolate...

This little precious girl + Plus this delicious chocolate bar

...given to the happy,and innocent puppy -who by the way thought he was a king to receive such a fine treat...

=equals one trip to the animal hospital, a two night stay there, IV fluids for 48 hours, stomach pumped full of coal, and a very big bill$!

Apparently when I decide to go out for a night shopping with Steph, my dog gets poisoned! Yes poisoned, chocolate can be fatal to dogs - who knew? I didn't, Brynlee for sure didn't and the babysitter, A.K.A the dad probably had no idea (A) Brynlee even had chocolate , (B) she was treating the puppy to a big chocolate feast and (C) that it could be fatal. So after a night of being up about every half hour with a very sick pup, I decided to call the Vet. who freaked me out by saying, "bring him in immediately" I became a little emotional, -thinking to myself - it is just chocolate, so I packed the dog with his favorite blankie, and drove him to puppy E.R., Braeden was late for school because he wouldn't leave until he heard with his own ears what the vet had to say. We finally got there after what seemed like forever, and were told he needed to stay the night, and hopefully he would pull through, WHAT? It was just chocolate! Note to self: hide all chocolate from Brynlee, and put puppy in kennel while Steve is tending : )

End of 2008

2008 ended as the years usually do, not much happening, no big bang. I got to thinking about that and it made me realize there was a lot happening, there were actually quite a few big bangs, so I thought I would share, and write down some of our Big Bangs..

-Steve completely made over my kitchen, new counter tops, and he put up
a gorgeous new back splash, in addition he also painted my entire house for me!
-Both kids successfully finished up another year of school!
-Brynlee continues to complete all the little toddler milestones that only a mother
can truly enjoy and and relish in each accomplishment.
- Steve was able to coach Braeden in another year of baseball and take the team
to 1st place.
- Lots of changes came with owning a grocery store, lots of work, lots of time away
and also lots of rewards!
- We were able to join Steve last year at the week long "food show" and spend
time with him through out the day, and every night at the hotel.
- I have been so lucky to be able to spend the days home with my kids, I was
able to take them to Dirkies lake through out the summer to help cool them off,
get them outdoors, and spend some time just having fun!
- We were able to take the kids to DisneyLand
- we escaped the year with only some minor cuts, scrapes and bruises, no serious
health issues.
- the kids all seem to be very happy with very little complaints
- Savana had her 1st ever 1/2 yearly birthday party, and I hope it holds a very
special memory for her.
-We have become a chain, opening up another Stokes Fresh Food Market
-We are very lucky to have so much family around us, and to be able to have lots
get togethers with them....
-I am soooo thankful my kids have the opportunity to grow up with their grandparents so close
-I thought things were crazy around here, now looking back over the year I am so glad to have lots of wonderful moments and memories to hold on to.
Now I realize I have so many Big Bangs, I could write about them forever! My friend Emily published her blog, and I love it! So I am gonna pretty much bore everyone and turn my blog into a little journal about all the everyday stuff that no doubt one day I will miss so much. I am gonna publish the blog and have it as my own treasure...

Christmassy Happenings

After nearly a year of Braeden saving every dime he made to buy a 4 wheeler and still not any closer to buying one, His dad surprised him Christmas morning with a brand new one - just his size. He has never owned something like this so we thought it would be wise to buy one to fit him so he can learn how to handle something motorized like this. My stomach churns everytime I see him outside zooming past the windows, but his dad says he is a smart boy and has a good sense of fear to keep him safe . When he woke up that morning and looked through his stocking he found a user guide on this 4 wheeler, he looked at us for a sec. then bolted to the garage ehere he found it!

Well it came...and it went. Christmas for us started Christmas Eve with a pajama party with our family and a dinner by candle light, the movie Christmas Story, then we had a story, ate some more and put the kids to bed. Steve and my brother got busy putting together toys, while Jamie and I semi-cleaned the kitcken - we were told by Steve not to put any food away while he was home for the next few days, as he is planning on making up some lost meals ! Christmas morning started at 5 a.m. - yup 5! The kids woke up, woke Brynlee, us, Bo & Jamie, then Kirt. We opened up gifts, Steve made breakfast, then they all got snow clothes on and went 4-wheeling outside,( I say they all, this is went I tried to go back to bed for an hour). We all sat around taking turns (playing the loser) on the Xbox with some of Braeden's new games, then we went to my mom's for some yummy food and more present openings. We came home 4-wheeled some more, played more games, ate, then watched new movies we all got for presents. The next 2 days went almost exactly like this, which leads me to today while every one is going home I should probably be cleaning and sorting through the enourmous piles of STUFF, but I am not, I am in the computer room surfing the net, and looking at pictures - We had a wonderful holiday with all our family, and I am thankful to be able to spend time with my brother and sister, mother and fathers, and that we all live close enough to do this anytime we want. While it may take me another week or so to put my house back together, I can't wait to do this many, many more times....
This is just an example of how bad it looks, keep in mind this is only 1 room, pretty much the rest of the house looks just like this one - hitting harder on the kitchen and all 3 bathrooms!

Braeden pulling the girls on his new 4-wheeler I loved the pajama party!! I can't believe we are animal people, who would of thought, but the picture just would not be complete with out the 2 furry family members in them...minus Hitler the cat who is probably sleeping on my bed!


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December stuff

Lots of things happen in the month of December and I always get so busy I forget to stop and take some pictures of everyone just relaxing (rare moments) and hanging out. So here are a few I have actually caught. Steve came home from work at a semi-decent hour and sat at the table and helped the kids put together some Christmas houses. Brynlee wakes up EVERY morning and asks, what do you have for me now mom? She opens a present every day and she loves it! I wake up in the morning and wonder how the girls are even still sleeping, they are so wrapped around and cuddled together I hate to wake them, this is the most they get along some days:) The kids enjoyed their 1st snow day Friday morning, and they were up so they got to eat breakfast cuddled up together on the couch, what a treat it was for them, I swear they ate the same plate for like 1/2 hour they were so excited to be served food while watching cartoons.

Christmas Cards

Seriously - why do I bother trying to make my kids take pictures? They all hate it! There were a few (out of a gazillion) that actually turned out, I don't know how but they did. Poor Braeden has been sick for more than a week, I got him up, dressed him then proceeded to put some blush on his pale face, this did not go over well at all with him, hence the downfall went on from this point. Savana hated the dress I chose, she said it itched and was to short. Brynlee did not want to curl her hair - in fact it was curled at one point, that is until I turned my back and found her spraying it with a water bottle and brushing it out! Savana swore I was doing nothing but pulling her hair out while I was curling it! Wow, I could go on and on but they are all absolutely the darn cutest kids I have ever seen...

Blog Update

I love the tree this year, Steve not so much he says it is not very christmasy he likes the traditional green and red, mabey I will get some new ornaments the day after Christmas and do green and red next year - but only if I can get a good deal on the ornaments.

My sweet cousin and and her husband stayed the night with us - the "men" worked in the kitchen installing a new microwave, and we did the fun stuff, eat, and decorate!Lots of time has past, which means lots of activites have also passed. Nov/Dec are usually packed full of performances, recitals, practices, and decorating. Thanksgiving was great we spent it in Utah, came home that evening and stayed the night at my mom's. We got up at 3:30 and drove to Twin to get in on all the good sales, you can literally say we shopped till we dropped!
Steve's grandma came from Utah and went with us to watch Savana perform!


Savana performed 2 dances - ballet, and Jazz - I love to watch her she just shines :)

Twilight

Savana, Steve, and I finally went to the show...Savana thought she was a princess because we took her with us, sat her in between us and we spoiled her rotten with treats. She was sooo cute and occasionally she felt the need to sit on one of our laps, she said she wasn't scared but the music was scary. I don't want to ruin anyone's experience, so I won't tell my opinion on the show - I do think everyone should see it to get their own opinion. I am glad we took the time and took Savana with us she had a good night out with mom and dad. Oh, and when you have read the fight scene in the ballet studio somehow it doesn't seem as graphic as it is, until it comes to life on the big screen and your 7 year old is there! (just FYI)

Puppy Power

So I know it looks like I have nothing better to do...Long time no post - this is what I have been up to. Not so much puppy pics but children and family pictures. I have been working like crazy on pictures indoor, and lots of outdoors, when I am not downstairs or outside, I am at the computer editing sessions. In between all that I am taking care of kids, making dinners, and training a German Shepherd puppy - a verrrry stuborn German Shepherd. Even though it doesn't really appear that way, I have been sooo busy I think my head is going to explode, I can't wait until Sunday (the day of rest) hopefully anyway...I leave you all with our pride and Joy, Frosty the dog

I love this one, it looks like she is laughing, also the one below looks like a smile:)

Savana's Party

My two helpers of the day Braeden and Skylar...

So you know I am a sucker for a good par-tay! The other day Braeden got invited to a halloween party on Halloween night, Savana was so sad she didn't get in invite anywhere, so I said why don't you do the inviting and we'll have a pumpkin party afterschool? Well you know me, I went right into party planning mode ,got some balloons and helped her make some invitations, we made them and had them all delivered by the end of the evening. The party was a success, a couple of friends, some snacks, and pumpkin carving, it all turned out pretty good. My meaning of success - All the kids went home high on sugar:)

Yes, they actually sat at the table, and no there is no table cloth! I know - what in the world has come over me? I love that table, but Steve told me "its just a table" So I have now vowed to use it as just a table and not freak out all the time when real people sit at it. Secretly inside I am FREAKED, but Steve will never have to know.

What is the point of a party with out the blowing of candles , and 1 or two gifts to open?

Isn't this cake awesome? I got it from a blog of a blog...anywho it actually came from Martha Stewart.com it is called the Boo-tiful cake.

Green chunks of (who knows)...

Witches Brew... (always a hit)

Wizard Hats...

Pumpkin patch again /halloween decor'

My friend Kelly gave me this great idea, every holiday she gets her decorations out, and her photo album, she took pictures of where everything goes. So I thought I would try it since I will be putting away all Halloween items in just 3 short days.

We seriously go to the pumpkin patch like twice a week! Anyone who knows me, knows I love to carve pumkins, I start like October 1st, and just keep throwing them out and carving new ones, I like to have fresh carved ones at all times around here! Brynlee just had to wear this tutu to the pumpkin patch, actually she just had to wear it all day.

Note the ears! I was so happy this morning, my puppy's ears stood up like really overnight, they are supposed to stand up around 10 weeks - she is now 12 weeks so I was getting worried, but no more, she looks great!

Tagged

7 things in one word...

Where is your cell phone? - Purse
What is for dinner tonight? - Roast
Last movie watched? - Hulk
Time you woke up? - 6:30
Mood your in right now? - Great
Day Ahead of you? - Busy
House Mood? - Silent

I Tag
Amber, Kellie Perkes, and Sommers...

Searching...

Well I had know idea taking Brynlee to the pumpkin patch would turn out to be such a journey. She was in search of the perfect pumpkin. We walked, and walked, and walked!!! Through the field, back to the rows, back to the field, back to the rows. She couldn't make up her little mind. We went for a few small pumpkins to put on the porch - you know maybe 10 -15 minutes, this was not the case when taking a 2 year old along with you, we searched for 50 minutes, yes 50!! I could not talk sense to her, bribe her, harass her, she was on a mission! Luckily, the weather was beautiful, and I had all the time in the world for her... It was secretly fun to watch the wheels turning in her little head through out our escapade there. Searching...
Still Searching...

Haunted Mansion

My brother and his wife came for a visit this weekend, so we had dinner Saturday then sent the kids home with my mom, and we drove up to Albion College to the spook Alleys. I have never in my life seen soooo many people in Albion, (or Burley for that matter). We waited in line for about an hour and 20 minutes for the 1st house, then about 45 minutes in line for the next house. Although the lines were this long, it really wasn't bad - We laughed so much I think the people in front of us, and back of us really wanted to tell us to shut the He** up! It was like a mini Vakay, visiting with Bo and Jamie, and Steve with out the interruptions of the kids, it didn't seem like we waited long at all...

Now for the scary part - It was the scariest spook alley I have ever been to!!! I was very impressed.. I mean I was SCARED. There were monsters, hands, noises, and shadows jumping at you from every hidden place there was. WOW I think if anyone has the opportunity to go, they should :) , I mean if you like that kindof thing...

Snow - Fall

So technically this is the fall season for us. It is actually my favorite season too. Now I know there is still some snow on the ground but we decided yesterday was warm (warmer than the day before) enough to go have some outside exercise for both the puppy and the kids. I took them out and we stayed out for about an hour surprisingly. The puppy loved the attention and Brynlee loves the trampoline, Braeden just loved throwing what snow there was left at any one running, including the puppy, and including me-the one holding the expensive camera !! The kids had lots of fun, but unfortunately there was still dinner to be had, dishes to clear away, and homework to be done. They tried to prolong it, but in the end it all had to happen...hopefully there will be a few more days like this so we are not shut in already this early.

Running from the many snow balls that were being thrown their way.

Bowling Nite

Mondays are our night! Monday is one of the only nights we have where both kids are not out doing dance and sports and Steve takes a night off from the gym and we do something with just us. The kids love the time we have together with out any interruptions. This night it was SaVaNa's night to chose the activity and she went with bowling. We had lots of fun, and even Brynlee got in on the action. Braeden was the high scorer for the night followed closely by Steve. Since I think winter is in full swing now Bowling will probably come around again quicker than I had hoped for.


Oh don't worry the mom is here too she is just behind the camera...

Still under the weather...

So not only do I have a baby not feeling well, I have a puppy who is not feeling well. The poor puppy got Parvo I had no idea what that even is. I took him to he vet, and after 3days of meds every hour on the hour - yup even through the night, the puppy is going to make it!! Brynlee now has a napping buddy as they both recover.




Aaahhh I love this picture, they both slept for about 2 hours, the puppy lifting his head up every so often to check things out, but he remained in that spot until Brynlee woke up.

Fall Weather blues...

Aahhh I love Fall in the air. However, the weather drops in degrees and usually I end up with one or two sick kids. This time it hit Brynlee, she has beed sick for waayyy to long so we ended
up going back to the Dr. (and also got charged again) and this time he took a more aggresive aproach, starting her on steroids and 4 breathing treatments a day. Hopefully she will be back to her normal happy, cheerful self before I know it...

<

1 child at home...

So people often say, wow you only have your 2 year old at home this year, that must be waaayy easy. Well as nice as the one on one time is I get to have with her, easy is probably not the word I would chose here. All my kids are 4 - 5 years apart so I always get a few years with each of them by themselves but this year seems very different I haven't had a 2 year old all day for 5 years! I just have to re-focus and revert back to when I had my first one. Forget about the house, forget about a bath alone, forget about watching my own t.v., I have been Brynlee's main friend this year and I have been trying to be very creative at coming up with activities to do together to keep her time (and hands) busy throughout the day until the kids come home, then she forgets about me anyway!! So I remember a long time ago - like 10 years ago when I would take little Braeden to the public library for story time and an activity - he loved it, and so does Bryn. every Friday we go there and then usually go somewhere for lunch afterwards. I love the time with her alone, I am not complaining, I just need some more activities to keep her going....anyone?



She absolutely loves Story Time I am so glad our library offers it.

Breakfast of Champs

Last Sunday Steve went to work very early and of course managed to wake everyone up in the meen time. Well we were all up and the kids were grouchy from being woken up so I thought it was a good morning for some warm breakfast and hot coco from Perkins Restaurant. I told everyone to throw some jogging pants on and lets G-O. Off we went, no hair combing, no makeup, just us in all our Glory. I think that it did the trick, I was able to pull the kids out of their grouchy state! After breakfast the kids thought it should just be a fun day with more activities - are they crazy I was going back home to take a nap, and nap I did!:)

Outta Gas again...

So the question of the day is...Can a mom of 3 kids and 1 puppy really run out of gas down the road from her own house?? The answer is most definitely YES, she can. One would probably think how irresponsible of me and how could I have let this happen (I mean, I could have been stranded somewhere dangerous) Well this is how it happened. I knew I was low on fuel the night before, but told my husband "we'll get gas later, we are gonna be late to the show" then after the show I said, "the kids have already been alone for 2 hours lets just get gas in the morning" So then Sunday morning came, Steve went to work, so I wanted to do something with the kids so we decided to go out to a nice warm breakfast on the other side of town, I knew about the gas situation but I told my self we would have enough to get to breakfast - I hate getting gas. We drove out there and did fine, so then I told myself I need to get air in my bike tire so I can go for a ride later, we drove home loaded the bike and got the puppy (he had been left alone long enough) and proceeded to drive away. We got about 1/2 mile away before the car started to sputter and die!! Well I thought quick and remember there was a bike in the back a little low on air but not flat, but I did have a baby, an 11 year old, a 7 year old, and a puppy. I knew we had some gas in the tank at home not sure how much but some. Braeden assured me he can ride the bike home and grab the tank, so after ALOT of persuading me he went...


Now I was starting to get worried about my baby boy on this dangerous road - country road during beet harvest- semi truck after semi truck and my nerves were starting to get the best of me. I look and coming over the hill is my son - but wait, there has been an addition to the scenario, the bike trailer is behind him!!
So my Mcgyver of a son, had to hook up the trailer and pull the gas in it, because the tank was all the way full - I had no idea. I had to regather my nerves and really give it to him, he was a quick thinker in a bit of a tough situation, I am so proud of him to not only offer to go back for the tank, but to have enough thought to bring it back. What a smart thinker and a brave boy!
So here we are puppy and all! I am so mad I let this happen, cuz we all know it happens to me ALOT! I am gonna start having Steve gas it up when it hits 1/2 a tank from now on... Braeden was a good sport and kept calling us "white trash on the side of the road"

My Kiddos

Well I finally chose a day this week after school to take a few hours and spend some 'real' time taking some pictures of my kids. I mean 'real' time not just the hurry up, I need to hurry and take one of you. The kids were actually not that bad, at the time I wanted to rip out my hair, but really there were no tears (me or the kids) Braeden was patient long enough and Brynlee just plain got dirty everywhere we went. I only got the "mom, this is stupid" 1 time from Braeden, and that was at the very end. So I have to admit after looking at all the pictures, it was time very well spent..:)

I have to admit, I did get a little grouchy with them. Why is it we tend to snap easier with some one we love, rather than friends or total strangers? (or at least I do) I have been in some sessions with some very un-cooperative kids, my kids were actually angels in comparison. I let them know how great they were and took them to grab a movie and pizza from our new pizza place 5buck pizza. We went in for the night and only made it until about 8:30 before the baby fell asleep and Savana was asking to go to bed!! What a huge blessing it is to have 3 amazing kiddos with 3 very unique personalities, each little individual bringing so much to our family.

It is the season...

Soccer (for Savana) and Football (for Braeden) are now in full swing. That means twice a week for soccer practice, and 3 times a week for football, also did I mention I am assisting Savana's team! Yes I have no idea what to do, the kids stare at me, then run off and do their own thing, the mom's end up telling their own kids what to do and Brynlee is usually crying at my feet and wanting held because it is right smack dab in the middle of when she should be napping. Braeden's practice usually always overlaps times with soccer so that is a whole other driving issue in itself. Oh, and both games are played on Saturdays! Plus we have all the usually - Dance, homework, family time, and dinner in there also...fun, fun, fun... I know, I shouldn't complain, and I really can't help it, there are days when it feels like we live in the car. My goal next week will be not to complain, and to just enjoy living in the moment...I will let everyone know how well it works:)


This is Savana's 1st year playing soccer, she is adorable out there - even when she kicks the ball the wrong way..

So far Braeden likes football, although I think it will fade away over the years his real love is basketball, and I can not complain it is played indoors where it is usually warm..

Pat Tillman

We are back!

We went with the WHOLE Stokes family - there was 22 of us in all!! Aunts, Uncles, cousins, Grandma-what more could a kid want?

Well we are finally back from our much needed vakay! California was loads of fun. I think I forgot how much fun it is to go to Disneyland, I was kind of like ya it will be okay, I did forget because we had a blast!! Steve was able to relax (for once) the kids were really surprisingly on their best behavior - all my threats in the car on the way there worked:) We played hard, ate way to much, and slept very little, but it was all very worth it. We took a day spent it at the beach but I forgot my camera, yuk, beach pictures are my favorite and I have none!

I am sooo happy my couisin Mariah and her two boys were able to come along with us and join in on the fun - what are 2 more kids when we have such a big crew anywho? Her 2 boys were very well behaved and got along great with all the kids.

Main Street in Disneyland at the Parade of lights...
This is the day Grandma planned - we had dinner at goofy's kitchen with all the characters and Grandma had all 22 of us dressed up in the same outfit - it was actually pretty cool we took up all the seats on most rides with all our blue people, as we were started to be called that by all the attendants. The boys in the group were very cooperative to dressed alike, and of course the girls' loved it!
My girls wanted to get their faces painted like fairy butterflies for the big disney parade - so here they are $32.00 later!

Well this is what one looks like 10 hours later in disneyland, after being completley soaked by water rides, and all your makeup is gone, and hairspray completley out, absolutley exhausted from the heat and walking, but that guy with me still thinks I am a dish:)

This was right before we went into the 4D showing of "It's tough to be a bug" where all 3 of my kids started crying and wanting to leave!

The Magic Kingdom...

We are on our way to California...Disneyland here we come.....

The day finally came!

The 1st day of school is here!! My kids were sooo excited they couldn't even sleep last night. We woke up this morning ate a big breakfast, then Steve and I toke the kids to school, weird, I am still sitting here wondering when they are gonna start yelling at eachother or come find me and tell me they are bored. I think it is really time they went back to school, they need their own little time away from me, the baby, and for sure each other. I was very proud of myself for keeping it together until Steve and me hit the car on the way home, I started crying and all he said was, "I was wondering when that was going to happen" well I told him as long as the kids start up a new school year every year and on to college, he can expect it to happen every year on the 1st day of school!! What a smart alec! Hopefully the early morning and late night, and all the excitement of the new day will have my kids just plain tired and they will get to bed at a reasonable time tonight and get into a more -less tiring schedule

Jungle Party

So one day Savana and I were talking, and she told me she hated having a winter birthday, because she could never have a fun party. Well I got to thinking about this and of course I love parties, I decided why not? Well in my head I thought it made perfect sense 6 months ago she turned 7, so now she is turning 7 1/2!! She had a half yearly birthday party. We had a bouce house, Bungee Run, 2 pinatas, cotton candy, live music (my cousin) and some of the girls who dance together put on a dance show for us all. Then 1/2 way through the party, the horse and carriage showed up to give the little girls rides, it was sooo cute, but to hear like 15 girls all scream at the same time was the cutest, they saw that little horse, screamed, then took off running. We had such a wonderful and surprisingly relaxing night. Grandma and Grandpa, My aunt and Uncle, cousins, and more aunts and a couple friends came to help get the party moving. After 4 hours of too much food, way to much cake, and cotton candy and a fire roast, the party came to an end - overview- I think this may be a little over the top, but Savana enjoyed every minute of it, I told Steve I wouldn't have her another party until next year, February 2009 is next year right?



Braeden and Cade set up a face painting area, the little girls loved this - they all wanted to be animals.
Steve got in on the action against my step dad, I'm not sure who actually one this one!


She had a soccer field cake, since she will be starting up soccer this fall for the 1st year.

Little Maddie became my "little friend" she is darling and everywhere I turned she was right by my side - quite the little helper. Em. thanks for bringer her out, I may have to steal her every once in a while she is a doll!!
This was one of the dances they performed for us, then all the girls joined in and danced to the guitar. It was lots of fun, the girls all took turns and showed us their skills on the dance floor! The got along perfectly, and I couldn't have asked for better weather, it was overcast and a little breezy.

The horse and carriage was a huge hit!

Summer Fun

School is starting in a few short weeks, although I like that when school starts it puts us into a more scheduled routine around here, I hate to see the kids leave. I know, its only school, but it is 5 days a week 6 1/2 hours a day, that is alot of time to not have the kids around. What happened to the good ole' days when they were under 5 - and here with me? They are both very excited to be starting a new year, and I always say "yay" and smile with them, but my heart strings start pulling just a little bit - knowing that with every new school year starting they are also growing!! So the other day I got up early (unusual for me) packed some lunches and swimming suits and woke them up and told them we were going to have a day together alone - no guests to steal away time from me or from the kids attention on each other. We ended up going to Twin, we had a picnic down in the canyon, went on some hikes, then we went over to Dierkies lake swimming. It ended being a great day with the kids, they didn't have anyone around, so they were actually nice to each other, there was no fighting with the girls, and Braeden was surprisingly helpful and happy, they had a lot of fun and I think they realized that don't always have to have a friend around to have fun.

Hiking to get "behind the waterfall"

International Dance Festival

The world came to Idaho!! Every year the international dance festival makes a stop in Burley for a week. What a great experience it is and so great to have it in our town. 9 or something like that countries come to dance all over America. When they come to town they stay at "host families" houses. We find houses for all the teams to stay with, then we drive them to their practices, and performances, feed them, (and just hope they like the food). Some of the time we just get to visit with them and learn about their cultures, sometimes they speak English, sometimes they don't!! The countries that came this year were China, Belgium, Greece, Siberia, India, Israel, Cosak-Russia, Mexico, and Shri Lenka. My family "hosted" 4 Chinese ladies from the Chinese Team. We love to have them stay with us and learn about them, we always end up so attached and so sad to see them go, they Loved my kids and fed us lots of yummy food.I think they hated my cooking, so they started cooking themselves......Beware....lots of pics!


The lady on the right is Semhri Guae - Miss Gwah to us! She is Maggie's teacher and good friend, she was very quiet and conservative, Chinese people have a very large comfort bubble, they don't really touch, (with the exception of children they are all very affectionate with kids), or get in your space but I do:) so by the end of the week I had them all hugging!! Miss Gwah is married and is planning on having 1 baby, I suspect she is already pregnant, but that would have been waayy to personal a question to ask to her, I might have sent her into convulsions - I said she was very conservative didn't I? Her husband owns a disco bar and restaurant in China and if I ever go there she tells me the dinner is on the house!

my kids love doing this, this was our 2nd year being able to participate in the festival.
Ma Lihuong, Lu Yehe, Jeh Faloung
This is Maggie - her American name, We absolutely adored her, she has studied English for 10 years now and spoke it very well(lucky for me) She was a doll, every night no matter how late it was, she sat on the floor with my kids and put together Chinese Paper Cuts - kind of like our puzzles. She has a smile that lights up her face, and a laugh that will make everyone around her laugh with her - I am sooooo sad to see her go. It is pretty safe to say we will never again see these women that we became so attached to, but they will remain in our hearts and memories forever!

This is Bi Laumehne - ya I can't pronounce it neither so I named him Ben and he loved it. Ben is also Maggie's fiance. He is a teacher at her University and they will be married once she finishes school in 2 years- she is studying International Relations. I guess, (from what I gathered in her broken English) is once you are engaged - you are sort of like betrothed, you will absolutely marry this person, it is very dishonorable to get engaged and not marry that person. Ben could not get enough of Savana - or her hair. He loved the Yellow hair, every time we showed up at the school or rehearsals, he found her. picked her up and carried her to show her to the rest of his friends!! They loved the hair tooo, every one had to put their hands in it.
This is all of them at the park right after their performance

I couldn't pronounce her name either so it was Miss Lou to me and my kids!! Here she is in my kitchen cooking for us. She kind of turned into the "mom" at our house, she felt like I was waayy to young to run a household, cook the dinner, and raise 3 children - very unheard of in China! It is against the law to have more than one child in China, unless you go to the government and pay a fine before getting pregnant with the 2nd one, the fine is what the family makes in 1 year, that is how much they have to pay, which is completely ridiculous so they end up only having 1. She was always holding Brynlee. When we went shopping in Twin she was soooo nervous about the kids , she wanted them holding hands right next to her! Miss Lou is not married nor will she ever get married, she chose dance for her life and is 100% commited to dancing and to her students. She is a wonderful and warm person I am so happy we had the chance to meet and get to know a little bit about her.

Camping

Of course my kids are always inseparable from Grandpa. I am soo glad mom & Ed. were able to come with us, it is so awesome that most of my kids memories and activities include their grandparents, I am so thankful they are both young and still very active, and actively involved with my kids. I was able to relax, eat with out interuptions, and take a nap, thanks Mom.
Brynlee loves her Uncle Terry, and loves to sit with him and tell him she is gonna scratch him hard!
Why, Why, Why can't I get just one natural smile from my head strong little boy?
This is a classic Savana smile - meaning, I am scared outta my mind but I am gonna pretend I am not smile- It is okay, but sometimes like when she is about ready to perform a dance or go on a field trip, or her very 1st day at kindergaten, this smile pulls at my heart strings and can send me into a good cry the minute I get into my car!

We went camping last weekend with Charisse & Terry, their kids, and Mom & Ed. I went up Thursday night with the kids, and Steve came up Friday afternoon. We had lots of fun, eating, napping, relaxing, and boating in the lake. Brynlee loved being able to dig in the sand ALL day long, Braeden went 4-wheeling most the time with his cousins, and spent the rest of the time in the water. Steve wake-boarded, and Savana tried skiing for the first time, she surprises me with her ability to "show no fear" she is daring and fearless, and usually she will try something new at least once, I love her willingness to give it a shot! We had a great weekend despite the fact of cutting it short for me, I came home early with strep throat, but not cuz of camping, I have my friend Steph to thank for that one:) Friend is probably not the right word to use when talking about someone giving you this terrible sickness...jeez. I hope to take the kids up to Sun Valley camping before the summer ends, and only if Steve can take us there himself and not just meet us there, it is way tooo expensive to take two cars all that way, what with gas being like $15 a gallon now, and my car using a tank a week!

Memory Tag...

1. Add a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. Forever ago, or even a good one from last week. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Skid Row

Bill's band Redline opened last night for SkidRow!!! Wow, that was cool they were able to do that. Redline rocked the house, and of course SkidRow was awesome. The bands were loud, and the crowd was even louder. After Redline we went into town and ate at the Outback Steakhouse, Melanie treated us to dinner (thanks Mel) I have never eaten there it was really good food, Steve and Jen had some man steaks, mel had Salmon - of course, and I had some kind of chicken pasta with out ordering a soda, which is really hard to do, but I did! We headed back to the concert just in time to see SkidRow hit the stage, it was soooo cool, it was at the fair grounds, so it was a pretty small crowd, aslo they didn't come on until about 11:10, so with a smaller crowd we were able to be right up close. Lots of noise, lots of lights, and lots of rock'n out, we had a great time with our friends acting like a bunch of teens again, Thanks for that Bill..
waiting for RedLine...

The singer is Todd Bill's brother, and in the back is Bill rock'n the drums

Petty is the guitarest and a major headbang'n, long haired, leather pants, rockstar!

This is my 30 year old Husband Jamm'n like a mad man at a rock concert :) I think us girls watched Steve more than we watched the concert...

Parade, Boating & Fireworks

Breakfast of Champions - Stokes doughnuts while waiting for the parade!

Aaahh the 4th of July. I love the 4th, of course we first had to attend the little cheesy parade in Rupert like we do every year because it just wouldn't be the 4th without it. Lucky for us we had an awesome spot with lots of family, and it was an overcast so it was tolerable as well. Then we headed off to the river for a full day of boating, jetskiing, and tubing, lots of food, and lots of sun!! My kids have been sun-burnt enough times this summer already so I was kind of the sunscreen nazi yesterday, grabbing which ever kid ran by me (mine or not) and lathering them up, it worked though my kids are sun burned free today! The food was great and as usual I probably ate way to much, I was told it was definitely a free day for junk food since it was a holiday, so in the spirit I ATE!! We ended the night with a firework show of the stars - Ed's brother brought tons of illegals from Vegas, better than the pros, what a sight it was. I am so

happy we had a full day to spend with everyone, and am looking forward to next year with the Fam.

1st Place Winners

Look for this picture to be in our local paper, "Titan Contractors win 1st place in Majors league in BABA"
Braeden and Skylar have been inseperable this year.

So Baseball season is over...Titan Contractors - Braeden's team had

a great season!! During regular season, they were about average, winning and losing ... but in tounanment they went straight through to win #1 without ever losing any!! They did so great it was awesome to watch. The winning game was last night, we were ahead and all we had to do was hold em' to win and we had 2 outs and the next batter came up and made a line drive to 2nd and Braeden who was on 2nd caught it straight on, making the 3rd out, and winning the game, he was so proud, and half his team carried him off the field it was sooo cute! Steve coached them this year, along with Bill Braeden's friend's dad... Bill who is usually so easy-going and quite showed his competitive side, he is ready to coach with Steve next year, and is looking for a net for his pitching machine so we can continue to practice with Braeden, Sky and Brennan all year, who would of known this about Bill, but we are sure thankful he was able to help out so much, and glad he is planning next year too, it is such a great way for Steve to spend time with Braeden, and I know Braeden loves it.

Baseball

Here are two of the cutest kids in the world (2 out of 3)! Baseball is finally starting to wind down. Spending a couple nights a week at the fields 1 1/2 hours first for Braeden's game then another 1 1/2 for Savana's game one right after the other. It worked out that they had games on the same night most the time. They are both in tournaments now, both Savana and Braeden's teams were seeded 2nd in their league for tournaments! Of course I had nothing to do with either - good coaching I guess. Savana has been such a blast to watch, she smiles the whole time, and constantly waves at us. Braeden is always sooo serious I can't even get him to smile, and he hates it when I yell from the crowd, I really have to try hard to contain myself for his sake. I'm glad its almost over, just so we can get back to a more normal routine at home, but I will also miss having the kids play, I really don't mind going, it gets us out and about a few times a week!:)

Soaking up the sun

Two of the happy dads. We love Eddie and are so happy he is part of our family! He is an awesome person, with lots of wisdom, advise, and love to share with everyone. He is always there (no matter what) for my kids, and I love him for it. He is the best grandpa ever too:) Just ask my kids - they will tell you! Every year Eddie takes Braeden on the father-son camp out at church, he takes them to every kid movie that comes out (I never have to) McDonalds breakfast on the weekends, golfing with Braeden, shopping with Savana - what more could we ask for? Thanks Ed. We love you more than you could know!

We took advantage of the warm weather we had on Father's Day and had a nice BBQ and then played in the river for a while. We had lots of fun relaxing in the sun, the kids loved playing in the water, and Savana loved the ride she got with her dad on the Jet Ski.

Brynlee's Haircut

Last week I took Brynlee on a trip to the salon. She got her very first (of millions) haircut! We kind of cut a lot off, but it looks soo much better because the stuff we took of was very fine, and whispy. When Amy came around to trim her bangs, she just sat so still staring right at her, I was laughing and kept saying Brynlee, but she was frozen. Afterwards, she got her hair blowed under and some glitter. We went to the store so she could chose a treat since she is such a big girl now. She wanted everyone to see her hair that day, and even wanted to call grandma on the phone to tell her. I love having my girls, and I am so excited to take many more salon trips with them...

1st Summer BBQ

Steve started taking down the kids' tree house today, so we had lots of fire wood, pallets burn very large and very hot we found out, as everyone was slowly inching their chairs backwards as the fire kept growing.

So this is only 9 of the 19 kids that were here!!

We had our 1st BBQ of the summer. Although officially the calender says it is summer, the weather says something absolutly different! Steph and her baby showed up in winter clothes, and Steve had to start a fire to keep us all warm. It was nice enough for a little while, we did eat outside, then headed to the fire pit for marshmellow roasting. We had lots of yummy food, deserts, and LOTS of kiddos. The Pages', Shirleys, my cousin Mariah and her kids, Amy and her kids, that made up 19 kids...wow. Steve was very busy, he planned the whole thing, made ALL the food, bought all the drinks and did all the dishes, he even claened up the yard and swept the kitchen after the party was over, what an awesome man! I hope the rest of the summer weather cooperates with us, this was so fun, and very relaxing I think we are gonna try to do it every Sunday afternoon.

Who are you?

Try it for yourself....Which Disney Princess are you? I get to be the beautiful Mulan!

Strong and spirited. You're no one's girly girl; actually you are very determined person with a strong sense of self. Never let go of that! The only thing that equals your sense of self is your family, but the traditions of society can always be bent to protect something or someone you love.

Hooray! Braeden got a job$$

Braeden got a summer job mowing the lawn at Steve's rental house!! Now I am not his main banker. He still asks me for money, because he is saving his - the nerve, I tell him I am saving mine too, it may not be as important as saving his up for an Xbox live converter, but saving all the same:)

Yeah, this picture speaks for itself - just keep driving mom, and put your camera away!

Fire, Baseball, and Hair do's...

Our first fire of the season... Last night, Steve had done a lot of yard work and decided we needed to relax, so me and the kids ran to the store for treats and a movie, and this is what we came home to. Luckily I already had marshmellows. We sat around the fire for about an hour before heading in to watch our movie, and have our little sleep over ( on the floor) I always sneak back to my own bed in the middle of the night.
I am such a nervous mess around the fire with my baby, I can't relax to long I am worried she is gonna trip and fall right into it, Steve finally had had it with the constant jumping and huhuhuhs out of me, you know the very sharp, loud intake of breath followed by a - ooohhhh. yah that one. He told me to relax and he would watch her, yah right, he is sooo laid back - The baby lived and we ended up having a very good night with the kids. Not to hot, and no mosquitoes - yet.

Savana's first year on the pitching machine, she had a game Saturday morning, she was all smiles, I wonder if her face hurt for smiling the entire game! She has really surprised me, I thought she would have a hard time coming from tee-ball, but she is doing very well, on the machine, she always gets a hit and runs sooo fast!!:) She made it to 3rd base
but then the next batter up got 3 strikes, then it was their 3rd out so she didn't get to come home, that really fustrated her, If anyone knows Savana, they no she would have been fustrated by that:) She really does have that "in it to win it" personality, and attitude.

Friday we went into town to the Beauty college and got Caitlyn, Savana, and Ashley braids for a few weeks, I have taken Savana in every summer and they usually last about 2 1/2 - 3 weeks. ...after...
It took about 3 a and half hours for Ashley and Savana's hair, Caitlyn just got hers corn rolled up top. Savana has spent alot of time with her big cousin Ashley the past few weeks, she really enjoys being around her, and Ashley is soooo patient and sweet with her.

7th Year Stretch...

Baseball season is now in full swing. This is Braeden's 7th year playing. Steve has been his coach for every year except one, last year when he decided to do a traveling league. Braeden has now started to pitch for the team, and I have to admit he has done an awesome job! He is more accurate than fast, his dad says speed will come later. Skylar, his friend since I don't know...birth is on his team and his dad helps coach, or should I say has taken over coaching since he is so into this sport!! I like to watch them play because I actually know whats going on, unlike football or basketball, and it is nice to get outdoors for a few hours a couple times a week.

LAGOON

I think I have a picture of us 3 on every roll I shoot!



So we did it, we took the kids to lagoon. What a blast! I left Brynlee of course, the poor thing, I don't think she has been to very many places at all in her short little 2 years of life. Steph, Mell and I drove up to Utah Friday morning with our little girls to go shoppiing all day,. the men (and boys) met us Friday night at the hotel, we had big plans to go do something that night, but once the Jazz started playing no body went anywhere!

Happy Birthday Braeden

My baby boy, my first born, my only son has turned 11! Wow, time really does happen in the blink of an eye. I blinked, looked up and there he was a boy, not a baby, not a toddler, but a boy. Braeden is a joy to have around, he is a happy-go-lucky, care-free, happy boy. Braeden loves to have fun, he enjoys football, baseball, basketball, golfing with grandpa, listening to his iPod, Xbox, movies, camping, snowboarding, swimming, bike riding, anything to do with hanging out with friends, he loves to tease the heck out of Savana, he enjoys spending time with Brynlee, he loves to spend time at grandpa and grandpa Lopez' house, he likes to be around his cousins, he doesn't so much like school work, yard work, babysitting, doing dishes, or laundry, cleaning his room, cleaning the garage, mowing the lawn, long car rides, shopping with mom, fish, onions, musicals... I can not believe it has been 11 years since I had that 1st baby, what an amazing 11 years I have had. Happy Birthday Bradeden Brett

@!#$%&^*&*(*&^%$#@%$##$%^

So the question of the day is...how do you get permanent marker off your child? I am soooo besides myself right now. I have tried awesome and a magic eraser but I am too afraid to really scrub on her face. I am not a patient enough person to wait for it to just wear off, any one any where have any suggestions????

I'm a Grandma

It is official! I am an animal grandma. My cat had 5 babies the other day, wow, she was in labor ALL day. 3 black ones and 2 orange and white. We did have one fatality - sooo sad the runt of the litter did not make it. So now we are taking extra special care of the 4 we have!!

Mom's bed is better!

After my long steamy bath last night, i walked into my room to find two guest in my bed. My girls were cuddled up watching a movie, and refused to leave. I said they need to go sleep in there room, Savana said my bed is "much more comfortbler" so I said fine you two take my bed and I will take yours. The girls were laughing and giggling and very much surprised when they woke up this morning in their own room!! Funny how that works. Mornings are begining to become my favorite part of the day, no one has time to get grouchy yet, and they all usually wake up with smiles

They think they need to run and jump over the bank everytime to land in the water! How fun, Brynlee just wanted to wet her feet, that is about all she wanted to do with the river

The kids LOVE the river, and would spend every spare moment out at my mom's house if I let them. Last week we had some nice days, not nice enough for swim suits, but my kids decided other wise!

Outdoors here we come!!

What another gorgeous day!! I did not want to spend any time wasting this day inside doing housework so instead we headed out. It all started early this morning with early rise and shine! Sky stayed the night last night so my kids were up late and not happy about getting up early. We headed out to garage sales, I took them to Perkins for breakfast. We then went back to garage sales, then out to my moms house for more outdoor fun and of course a little baseball practice (it had to be done). We came back to town and stopped at Stokes and convinced Steve to get off work early and come have some outdoor fun with me and the kids, and my cousin's son - 3 who I have been babysitting all day. I took the kids on a bike ride while we waited for Steve to come home, he changed we went to grab some take out, then went to the park for a picnic. I had so much fun with Brynlee, this was one of the 1st times she has been to the park and has been old enough to enjoy it!! Some moms had like their 3 month olds in the baby swings like "wow is that fun" NO they are babies!!! Anywho Steve was a trooper, we stopped at Hollywood Video on our trek home and rented Juno & Lion for Lambs, we grabbed some blizzards and came home and watched Juno in the theatre - very funny. I have to admit, I have never had more fun shirking a whole days worth of laundry, dishes, vaccuming, even the beds aren't made!! I know I will have to rethink my choices tommorow because my house will be double messy, but I had lots of fun while not cleaning!! At the end of the night all kids went to bed quietly and fast! I watched their little peaceful bodies for a minute or two and felt my heart squeeze a bit, I love them each dearly and truly hate how fast they grow up. I decided from now on I can live with a little dirt, or un made bed, mabey some not done laundry...

Brynlee was so freaked out by the swing, she needed to hold Dad's hand while being pushed by me, a little tricky, but it can be done!

Grey's Anatomy

Hip Hip Hooray!!! Grey's will be back on tonight, but I don't know if I like where it is headed with Derek and the Nurse! I just wish the show would finally put McDreamy with Merideth for a nice cuddly show. I have been counting down the days for this to come back on air - can't wait until the kids go to bed tonight so I can have a very quite movie night...

Spring Weather!!

What a gorgeous day it was yesterday. Perfect. We went on our 1st bike ride of the season, we put the girls in the trailor and off we went, Brynlee loved it. My legs were burning so bad, Huge sign to get my butt in the gym - We took the kids to my mom's house for a bar-b-q and they played outside almost the whole day, I also wanted to take some time outside to practice some catching and throwing with the 2 older kids since baseball season is starting up soon, I do have to admit, my girl is a natural at this sport, almost surprisingly so I almost needed my own mitt with her and she is only 7, great arm! Braeden is so easy going, he just enjoyed the time outside.

Surprise to me!

Surprise!! I got to sleep in on Sunday morning, and I woke up to find Steve cleaning like a mad man!! He gave the girls assignments, which he watched over very carefully, as he is a very picky bathroom cleaner. The bathrooms sparkled, the kids were fed, the living room cleaned, dusted, and vacuumed to my standards (horizontal vacuum lines) Braeden was doing his job, working on the garage and yard, WoW!! I just wonder how I slept through it all, and how the heck Steve got them all to cooperate. It was a great morning! There is nothing like waking up to the smell of Pinsol, scrubbing bubbles, and windex, and even better not being the one on cleaning duty!! I have to admit, I probably hinted very hard to Steve that this is something I would like to have done by the family. I had a little moment the night before, I don't think Steve knew how crazy his wife might or might not be! I just told him how sick of EVERYTHING I am. Like everyday, wake up, feed the kids, do the dishes, make the beds, vacuum, dust, laundry, grocery shopping, come home, pick up some more, get school kids, homework, basketball, dance. I am soooo sick and tired of the same ol' thing day after day. I just had my moment of insanity and Steve probably wanted to shoot my whiney A-- afterall he is the one who goes to "work" everyday, I get to stay home and "play" with the girls all day long. Hmmmm, I don't think I will have another melt down for about the next 2-3 months...

New Center Piece

My friend made me a new table arrangement for my kitchen. I have been meaning to do this for a while now but lack the much needed talent to do it, so my friend came to my house, checked out the color scheme, sent me to pick out a vase and table cloth, and whaa laa, new centerpiece, which I LOVE, thanks so much Mandi!

Salon Day for Braeden

Braeden is a little less than thrilled about me just whipping my camera out and making him smile while getting his hair done, but a mom's gotta do what a mom's gotta do:)
In the end I did get that little smile outta him, and he knows he likes his hair highlighted
and this is just the steps he must take to get the job done right...