Help...

Does anyone have solutions or suggestions of how to deal with a very angry 5 year old? Lance gets soooo angry sometimes, and I try to cuddle him, distract him, put him in time-out, read to him, threaten him, etc, etc, etc. He gets this growl on and runs around hitting or saying he'll kill someone. Should I just beat it out of him????? (JK sort of!)

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10...

My Baby is Four :(...

Joey is four years old today, although I had to remind him that it is now OK to be four. (We had a big discussion 2 months ago that he WAS NOT four yet!).

He got some Thomas toys and a game for his birthday, so our family room has been transformed to the Island of Sodor. It's almost 2:00 and he's still in his pj's (bad mom!). He got a phone call from Goeffrey the giraffe from Toys R Us, then from Grammy. Can you guess which call he was more excited about?!?!?! We are having Vietnamese for dinner tonight and an ice cream pie for a cake. Dad has a Silver Thread (see sidebar link) interview, so it will just be mom and the kids! What a kicked-back b-day!

Happy Birthday to my very sweet four-year-old with a nice shiner!!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

A happy Holiday wish to all our friends and family! We think of you at this wonderful season and wish you the very best, with all our love and hugs...

May you have a very merry season and have a wonderful new year!

My Christmas Wish List

1. Peace in my house for 30 minutes...
2. A package of paper cups so I don't have to wash cups.
3. Children who don't complain about doing chores.
4. Painted toenails.
5. A clean house without me having to do it!
6. A good hair day.
7. Hugs - NOT Zerbets!!!
8. More time with my friends and sister.
9. More time...
10. All my loved ones to know I love them and appreciate their influence in my life!

The Reason!!!!

So, this is the reason (one of them) we went to Arizona. We are the proud owners of a Toyota "Surburban". It's actually a Sequoia, but my brother has a Suburban so he calls my sister's Expedition a "Ford Suburban", so we jumped on the bandwagon.





We needed a vehicle we could take camping, and this one has eight seats, so our big, huge teenager can spread out, and I can separate those children who choose to fight while we are in the car...

So if you know anyone looking for a nice 2000 Ford Windstar van, it's for sale!

And, yes, it is our Christmas present to ourselves!

Our Thanksgiving Weekend

He must have been trying to shock me, because Thao suggested we go down to Arizona to spend thanksgiving with my sister. Four and half years ago he swore he wouldn't go back (he got a speeding ticket on that trip)! So I rushed through my mini-week to prepare to leave Wednesday am with my parents in tow (not literally).

We had a wonderful time enjoying each other and spending the first semi-Stowell Thanksgiving dinner in over eight years. And the weather was beautiful! Carri and mom made an awesome turkey dinner ( I helped a bit), Carri wowed us with her mastery of swimsuit making, Sam entertained and loved Joey, and the big girls were inseperable, and Uncle Brandon was awesome about taking Todd and Aaron hiking, then playing all kinds of sports in their huge "front yard".

We had a wonderful time!

On our way home, we stopped at the Grand Canyon to be thankful for God's amazing creations! If you have never been there - go!!! Next to Arches, Yosemite and Lake Tahoe, it's one of my favorites!

Now, on to the reality of finishing up the Reflections Art Contest for the school, doing laundry (endlessly), and getting ready for Christmas. Maybe tomorrow I'll tell you WHY Thao wanted to go to Arizona!!!!!!

I'm Baaaack!

hehehe...
I will now take back my blog...but it will have to be later! Todd has his own, and I need to post again. We had an ABSOLUTELY AMAZING time in Arizona for Thanksgiving, with a YUMMY turkey dinner. THANK YOU, EKBERGS! A few pleasant surprises like Sam and Joey bonding, fun watching Grandpa play baseball and watching my boy's shocked faces when I hit the baseball TWICE! It was great to spend time with Carri and Mom, and see how mellow Thao was about being there! I will put pictures on when I find my camera (I'm still unpacking)...

TODD!!!

Guess what? I got my own blog! look at the links... then check it out!!!

From Todd =)

Technical Difficulties

So, it's me again, and I have an update on my guitar progress. Crazy train is learned, One is perfected, Sweet child o' mine is in progress. I said I was going to post some videos on my mothers hilariously lame (just kidding) blog, but we are having some technical difficulties, aka my mom. So since my mom isn't willing to post some videos right now, I'll have to wait. Anyway, I don't like my mom's personality on this blog, so I'll be choosing to make my own blog sometime in the distant future.

By the way, Dan, I like your new blog, I posted some comments.

=)

TODD

During the time period in which my mom has been forced to make a blog by my aunt, there has not been much of me in the blog except for the "Personal guitar hero" thing, which was pretty embarrassing. Anyway, the only reason my mom says those things about me is because I'm freakin' amazing at three things, soccer(and yes to all you football players, it's cooler that your demented oval-shaped ball game), art, and music, most of all. Specifically, guitar. Me and my friend Andrew are the best guitar players in our grade (and that's saying something, because Andrew still sucks, lol, Just kidding, he rocks), and he can play every song that I can play, except for "One, by Metallica". Unfortuneatly, in the last two days, he's learned a song that I can't play, to be specific, "Crazy Train, by Ozzy Ozborne", yes, parents, "eww", but at least I have some competition now. Anyway, I have another friend Greg, who plays the bass, and he is self-taught but he's friggin' amazing. He's trying to learn the bass part to "Sweet Child o' Mine, by Guns N' Roses", and I can already play the guitar part, so when we get together again, we'll make a video, and you can see our awesomeness. Also, when I can play "Crazy Train" I'll make a video of that. Well, I think I've babbled on long enough, so rock on, and peace out(lol, just kidding, hippies suck!!!)!

So Very Thankful Thursday

A few weeks ago, my best friend's hubby went to the doctor becuase he had a lump in his bicep. It turned out to be a tumor the size of a golfball, and they didn't know how bad it was. It was very scary in many ways, and iI worried so much for both of them. Last week he went in for a biopsy, and I got a call last night that it is BENIGN!!!! I am so grateful for that he will be OK, and so will their awesome family. Prayers truly are answered, but I also know that we are strengthened through our trials. And I am SOOO grateful for friends!

Monday Madness

For my very favorite sister (okay, my only sister), I have changed your comment line, just as you asked. Now I'm contemplating all sorts of other changes to your blog. I'm thinking it should be something like a treasure hunt. Can you find all the stuff I did? Should I give you a few hints? Like maybe I made 5 changes. Can you find them all?



Love you bunches!

Thankful Thursday!

I am thankful I do not have my neighbor's tree. It is big and beautiful, but when it drops leaves, you don't wanna be there. You can hear leaves dropping from our yard. So for any of you who are complaining about raking leaves, check out the car and the sidewalk. And this is just from today!!!

the rest of the Halloween Pictures

Yep, those are my toes, and they are glow-in-the-dark, too!

Yes, I Still Live...

Ok - enough harrassment! It's been a busy week and I was sick last week (that really sucked, by the way!).

Then we had Halloween -what fun! My daughter was beautiful, thanks in HUGE part to my AWESOME sister for making her costume. Aaron was a ninja (?), Lance is Spidey and Joey was Thomas the Tank Engine. Todd wears a shirts that says "I don't do costumes". What a party-pooper.

On Halloween night, our power surged and smelled like it fried something. So I called Rocky Mountain Power, they came 35 minutes later, and told us the transformer was faulty (the boys got really excited when he mentioned "transformer"). Sunday they came to replace the unit, and the kids felt sorry for them! I was really grateful they came so fast, and I sure have learned to appreciate my electricity!

Today, Lance and Joe are building train tracks. Down the hall and into the kitchen and past. And they are asking for MORE tracks!!!!!

Then there is outside. Beautiful, but do I have to go out? Boy, am I grateful for a garage!

You're a turkey!!!

Hope you like your new look--if not, why don't you POST something every now and then???

More fall pictures from my yard!

IT IS ACTUALLY MUCH PRETTIER IN PERSON.

aaron has new glasses. by lance

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

This is my own personal Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde! His other alias is Aaron. He is in 6th Grade, he has brown eyes than now can see more details with his lovely glasses. He has brown hair sometimes (depending on Halloween or crazy hair day). He loves all sorts of animals except for the little brother variety - he just puts up with them. He sure is cute and he gives awesome back and foot rubs. And he says : TEE-HEE!!! to all

Welcome, Fall, to my backyard!

Who are Those Painted Kids?

Cool face painting on my cute kids! Too bad I had to wash it off last night!

Karina's Stitches

Poor Karina! She had to have 2 stitches and a tetanus shot! No volleyball for her. Darn rat...

SHOUT OUT TO THE BIRDS

Hello Julie and Katherine! I miss you and had fun talking to Katherine the other day. Miss you, Julie - miss you alot! Love, Audrey

Hi James and Jared and Jacob from Lance and Joey. They look at the picture and say "I remember them"!

Sunday Talks

Last week, Thao came home and told me I got to be his speaking companion in Church. It was a little nerve-racking, but it was very nice being with my husband. We spoke on the Holy Ghost, and he did great with all 8 minutes that he had. I think I did OK- the organist was behind me chuckling on and off. Lance and Joey were horrible - we're sitting on the stand DURING Sacrament when I hear "NOOOO - I hate you Lance!" After a quick discussion with my spouse I go bookin' down the aisle, grab him, and rush out the door. After that, we tag-teamed sitting with the kids and sitting on the stand! But I am grateful for the promptings of the Holy Ghost in my life to comfort and encourage me when times get challenging.

(Is that better, Carri?)

Mizmo and the Hyper-Fang Attack

Today, Audrey and Aaron are lucky enough to have friends over. Karina and Kaylee have been our friends for going on 4 years, and even after we moved, we still plan times to get the kids together. The girls are lots of fun and very cute!

So, Karina was playing with the rats in Aaron's room and Mizmo bit her finger. I don't know if the rat was startled or if Karina just looked so tasty she had to have a taste! We took Karina to her mom and thy are going to the Dr. Good luck, Karina!!! We love you and we're sorry for Mizmo and her Hyper-Fang attack!!!!

P.S. Has anyone noticed how my life is starting to revolve around those stinkin' rats?!?!! Theresa- I don't want to hear "I told you so"!!!!!!

ATTENTION ALL SOCCER FANS!

Our neighbor and friend, 13 year old Kandace, had a great soccer experience last Thursday at the ReAL game. Read about it here. She has got to be the biggest fan that doesn't play soccer (or have family that plays soccer) that I have ever met!
Way to go, Kan - you're so cool!

I still love Mondays!

   OK - so Saturday was an unusual day at the Tran household (especially during soccer season).  WE HAD NO SOCCER GAMES!   Usually we have 3.  Ugh.  So we slept in and cleaned house and watched cartoons and went to see WALL-E (cute).  Then we saw Journey to the Center of the Earth (pretty entertaining plus Brendan Frasier is eye-candy).  What a wonderful day.  Now, back to reality of practices, scrimmages and games!

The new rat has name!

Her name is STITCH!   Appropriate, huh?!!!

duh...

I have been called many names and worn many hats throughout my life (especially the more recent years), but this week, "SUCKER" might be the most appropriate.

Intro- ducing our newest as-yet-unnamed pet. Now, notice the mark on her back between her shoulders? Those are stitches. Put in after our other girl rat welcomed her to the family with her teeth (courtesy of the little boys). It's been a week.

Calgon, take me away!

A book worth reading!

I love the library! We love a new book called "Not Norman" by Kelly Bennett.

What Did You Break This Time?

   Every time that my mom visits my sister in Arizona, something gets broken.  The vacuum, a window, the dishwasher, Brandon's computer, MOM'S BACK!   So some of us cringe to see what's next.  Dad has threatened that he won't take her back from Carri if Mom gets damaged again!

   So, with great trepidation, Carri had mom (and dad) come down to watch the kids while Carri and her hubby went on a much needed vacation.   And what do you know,  I get a phone call.  They could not figure out how to start Carri's Ford Expedition.  So dad called the dealer to figure it out (rather than call Carri).  I just had to giggle and giggle...

   A day later I get a call that there is no sound on the television.  The kids had been playing with the sound, and apparently re-routed the sound and mom and dad couldn't figure it out.  

   I love my mom and dad, and I'm so glad they give me fodder for some giggle time!!!  And thanks,, sis, for welcoming them into your house to break more things!!!!!!

   

   P.S.  I did take some artistic license in this story - of course!

Happy Birthday, Audrey

What an amazing kid! Audrey is good at school, soccer, guitar, reading, babysitting, scrapbooking and almost anything she sets her mind to. She likes sweets and Cafe Rio and Fetticine Alfredo. Her favorite color in purple and light blue. She is my amazing daughter and I am proud to be her mom! Happy ninth, babe!

Our Little Star

Yesterday, our kindergartner recieved a star student award at school for being a great student and always trying his best! What an awesome kid - he is loving school, and really doing great, plus he's made so many friends. WAY TO GO, LANCE!!!

My Beautiful NINE year old...

...with attitude!

Tricks of the Trade

OK - I have been asked how I do so much soccer without eating out all the time. So now you get to hear some of my tricks.
1)I have some recipes that I make that can be eaten before and after (Costa Vida Pork - thanks, Carri; enchilada chicken, lasagna, enchiladas, ham fried rice, french dip sandwiches). 2)I have a treat bucket that has various snacks in it. We just haul it to games with us. 3)I have a case of bottled water in the back of my van. 4) I plan ahead and don't do anything but get ready for the game an hour before ( feed kids, get snacks ready, tell kids to get dressed, nag them to get their bags ready, etc!). I know Mom is going to laugh when she reads that I plan ahead, but hey, I can do it for one thing in my life, can't I?!?!?!?
Check out www.allrecipes. com as well!

HELLO WORLD!

It is time to surface and take a deep breath!!!! I wish I had something really inspiring or laughable to post about, but nay, it is not so! Tis only a Monday... thank heavens!
Soccer Mania happened again this weekend, which is normal in September and October. Audrey was awesome, Aaron was terrific and Todd was FABULOUS (team's first goal of the game -ROCK ON!) . Thao went hoarse from coaching the team! It was a good soccer weekend!
And Lance and Joey have decided that it's time for Halloween already! What a bunch of silly boys...
Finally, I am so looking forward to LDS General Conference this weekend. I love it! It "fills my cup", and gives me that little "umphh" I need. Oh - and the leaves are starting to change - we saw them on the way to Park City Friday! YEAH!

Is there such a thing as SOCCER OVERKILL?

OK - this is my Saturday: starts out fine, I finally get a winter coat, get Audrey to the store to get a b-day present for a party and to the party. Then the fun starts. With a threat of rain, Thao and Todd are off to Bluffdale for Todd's soccer game, Aaron and the little boys and I are off to his game in West Jordan. Halfway through his game, I leave to pick Audrey up, letting her change to her uniform in the car, while driving through a downpour. Aaron's game is postponed for 10 minutes due to lightning, but only after everyone is soaked. As soon as the game is over, we race to a bathroom, then to her game in Riverton, calling Thao on the way to remind him where to go!
Audrey plays her game, with another brief thunderstorm (during halftime - what are the chances!), then finishes, we load back up, race home to change and wolf down some food, then pack back up and go the the U for the ReAl soccer game. (Thanks, Fraziers for the tickets!!!). Again, we got drizzled on, but at that point, we were already wet.
What a day!!

Todd's team tied, Aaron and Audrey's lost, and ReAl lost. Maybe the weather rubbed off...

SHOCKER!

Carri, this is for you 'cause Mom didn't think you would believe it without the pix!!

Guru Lance on Bed-making

My son, the Guru (who is 5 years old and his Kindergarten teacher knows more than mom), told me today that he did not want to make his bed until he was 20, or maybe 60, because it didn't make him happy, and he had much more important things to do...

As Thao would say, "What a punk!"

Said punk wants me to do his "own blog for just him", so here goes. Lance loves Transformers, Spiderman, dinosaurs and Iron Man, and Spiderman, and Transformers and...(do you see a pattern!?). His favorite sibling is Aaron (I like that kid, too), his favorite place is then zoo, then school. He loves watermelon, grapes, cheeseburgers and chicken nuggets, but he will eat about anything. His favorite color is now red-used to be green. His buddies are Tyson and Luc and his loves his cousins, Devon and Hieu.

He loves to play on the computer and it's amazing how he can figure it out! He is reading about anything (signs, billboards, menus!), and likes to brag about that. Silly boy. Loves to ride his scooter and h always wears his helmet! He's getting pretty good at soccer, too (AHHHHHH - WHAT ARE WE THINKING!!!!). He is smart as a whip, and although he's having to try extra hard to be nice lately, he is a good boy. My favorite things about Lance are his adorable smile and sense of humor and that he always is asking what he can do to earn a penny!