Perfect day on the slopes!
Yesterday was the PERFECT day to hit the slopes...so we did! It snowed lightly the night before making the conditions on the mountain about is good as it gets. I buddied up with Abbey, Taylor and Kelsey and we enjoyed a day laughing and realizing how out of shape our legs really are! We stopped for lunch in the lodge which brought back many great memories of my younger days on the slopes. I always loved the lodge...the warmth, the food and the company. The lodge at Sundance has since changed but I still enjoyed looking back on those fun years. I hope that I get a chance to hit the slopes again before the season is over...I average about once every four years so maybe I will make it twice this year...we will see.
Introducing...
Nicholas.
I love this kid to death. He is convinced that someday he will play in the NFL. I love that he dreams BIG and hope that he continues to do so. Our conversations over the last few weeks have been all football related, like when he asked which team in the NFL I wanted him to play with, hoping that he could maybe play in California or Arizona so we could come to more games. He has also been concerned about attending Church on Sunday and asked if the NFL might provide him with a headset that would broadcast Sacrament Meeting into his helmet while he was warming up for his Sunday night games....BUT if he had 9:00 meetings he should be able to do it all. I love the way his little brain works. He watches ESPN and re-runs of old football games on The Mountain like they are cartoons. He can tell you the stats of nearly every team and is true to HIS teams. Our DVR is full of recorded games that he watches over and over again - so many times that he can pause the game and tell me what will happen next. He plays football on the XBOX, football on the computer, and football in the front yard. We have tried to convince him that maybe baseball or basketball will be "his sport" but there is no convincing him that the NFL is not for him. Kids - I love them!
I love this kid to death. He is convinced that someday he will play in the NFL. I love that he dreams BIG and hope that he continues to do so. Our conversations over the last few weeks have been all football related, like when he asked which team in the NFL I wanted him to play with, hoping that he could maybe play in California or Arizona so we could come to more games. He has also been concerned about attending Church on Sunday and asked if the NFL might provide him with a headset that would broadcast Sacrament Meeting into his helmet while he was warming up for his Sunday night games....BUT if he had 9:00 meetings he should be able to do it all. I love the way his little brain works. He watches ESPN and re-runs of old football games on The Mountain like they are cartoons. He can tell you the stats of nearly every team and is true to HIS teams. Our DVR is full of recorded games that he watches over and over again - so many times that he can pause the game and tell me what will happen next. He plays football on the XBOX, football on the computer, and football in the front yard. We have tried to convince him that maybe baseball or basketball will be "his sport" but there is no convincing him that the NFL is not for him. Kids - I love them!
One of those days...
Today was one of those days...in a good way. The kids were fairly cooperative getting things done this morning, I had a basement full of boys all afternoon, Kylee was content playing with a friend and the baby took a good nap which makes for a good day in itself! Tonight I loaded the kids in the car and met Tyler in SLC to see the lights on Temple Square. I think it has been a few years since we attempted this but I am determined to now make it one of our traditions (per Kylee's request). The snow was lightly falling but it was warm so seeing the lights was enjoyable, not miserable as I remember it in years past. We toured the Conference Center and visited both of the Visitor Center's on Temple Square. We watched the Luke 2 video and saw a presentation on eternal families. It was a perfect night and put me in the mood for Christmas. It is nights like these that I am grateful to be a mom and a wife. I love my kids and my husband. I am grateful for friends and neighbors who are examples of goodness. I have been blessed with a wonderful extended family who love and support us. Tonight I concluded that life is good. We are blessed. So rather then getting upset that the request at 10:15 was for root beer floats, I sat at the table with my kids and loved the moment. I need to do it more often.
The Count Down
This little Santa sits on our kitchen counter starting the first of December. The kids often fight over who gets to change the numbers each day and it seems to be a race each morning to see who wins the honor. This morning Austin was up bright and early and this is what I found...
Part of me wishes that there really were 81 days until Christmas. For some reason I am feeling really unmotivated and unprepared this year! Christmas is just around the corner...18 days according to my kids and I want this year to be special. I want them to understand and feel the true meaning of this time of year. The Santa countdown is one of my favorite traditions, especially when I wake up to cute little hands trying to get the numbers right. Happy shopping everyone and if you have any great ideas on how help kids stay focused on Christ this time of year I am open to suggestions!
Part of me wishes that there really were 81 days until Christmas. For some reason I am feeling really unmotivated and unprepared this year! Christmas is just around the corner...18 days according to my kids and I want this year to be special. I want them to understand and feel the true meaning of this time of year. The Santa countdown is one of my favorite traditions, especially when I wake up to cute little hands trying to get the numbers right. Happy shopping everyone and if you have any great ideas on how help kids stay focused on Christ this time of year I am open to suggestions!
Happy Birthday Austy!
Our little Austin turns 4 today...wow, time really does fly! I love this little blue eyed boy more than I can even express. He is my little buddy. With the older two gone all day Austin and I spend a lot of time together. He makes me laugh with his funny sayings. He is all boy...loves football, fighting, wrestling, basketball, baseball and reading. He lives on peanut butter sandwiches but likes Ikea meatballs, pizza, corn dogs, peas, hamburgers, candy, rootbeer floats, apples & peanut butter and toast with honey (all things healthy as you can see). I can't believe that 4 years ago today this little guy joined our family. Happy Birthday Austin!
Someone got glasses...
...and she loves them! She could not wait to show them to her friends and refuses to take them off. I never thought I would have to set ground rules when it came to glasses...she only needs them at school or when she needs to see things that are far away - to her this means all of the time! Picking out the "right" glasses was quite the process. After a lot of deliberating she decided on these...and I love them (and her)! 
Activity Days
One thing I have learned from being in the Primary Presidency is that GOOD LEADERS ROCK! It is amazing to see the difference between those who come to church and other activities totally prepared and those who plan last minute. We have great people in our ward and all of my kids have been lucky to have great leaders and Kylee's Activity Day leaders are no exception. They are fantastic. They are organized, loving, and always have the greatest activities planned. Kylee loves attending every other week and always comes home with a smile on her face and new information to share! So, a big thank you to her leaders and all those who teach our kids...your service does not go unnoticed! 
(Thanks Sister Erickson for the picture!)
(Thanks Sister Erickson for the picture!)
Lovely Ladies at SYTYCD!
I love these girls. I love hanging out with them, talking with them, and laughing with them. I don't always like getting my picture taken with them. I am so much taller than all three of my sisters...guess the height stopped after me! Anyway, we had a fabulous night celebrating Kelsey's 20th birthday at the So You Think You Can Dance concert at the E Center last weekend. We had floor seats and the dancers were AMAZING! The talent those people have is unbelievable. I bet they would be jealous of my dance moves though....or not. My parents joined in the fun and though my dad was very outnumbered it was a great night to be together. We laughed...a lot. I wore skinny jeans, boots, and animal prints for the first time which was huge for me. My sisters made fun of me, we made fun of each other, all of our kids survived while we were gone, and Abbey spent the night at my house which was super fun. All in all I am pretty sure it was a the perfect way to celebrate the little sister that we all love! Happy Birthday Kelsey and thanks to all of you for a great night.
Fall Break...
I love Fall in Utah, especially when the cold weather stays away and the leaves start to change colors! My friend Darci and I took advantage of the nice weather and took our kids up Provo Canyon for an afternoon. We packed our picnics and walked the Provo trail stopping along the way to eat, play at the parks and throw rocks in the river. It was a perfect day. Great company and beautiful weather...just one more reason I love where we live!
Happy Halloween!
Halloween this year did not disappoint! The weather in Utah was beautiful last week and of course it rained on Halloween...at least it wasn't snow, right? Despite the not so great weather conditions the kids had a great time going door-to-door in our neighborhood. There were so many generous candy givers...full size candy bars, popcorn, and soda pop! Maybe next year I won't buy the cheap stuff! The kids were all thrilled with their costumes and I think they all look pretty cute if I might say so myself.
Cute Austin as Superman...he has had his costume for weeks and has been so excited to wear it!
Summer...the busiest but cutest money on the block!
Kylee as Carrie Underwood or a country singer...she thought she was pretty hot stuff and I would have to agree!
Check out handsome Nick as an indian. He loved this borrowed costume. He spent the week speaking his own indian language...he is such a crack up!
Cute Austin as Superman...he has had his costume for weeks and has been so excited to wear it! 
Summer...the busiest but cutest money on the block! 
Kylee as Carrie Underwood or a country singer...she thought she was pretty hot stuff and I would have to agree! 
Check out handsome Nick as an indian. He loved this borrowed costume. He spent the week speaking his own indian language...he is such a crack up!
Ragnar Recap
Running Ragnar was a great experience for me. I accomplished something that I never thought I could!
Highlights for me include:
1) Finishing my 8.8 mile leg and running the entire thing. It was full of hills and there were plenty of moments I felt like quitting but I kept on running.
2) Receiving the bracelet from one sister and passing it off to another on every leg...just another reminder of how much I love my sisters (Michelle and Aleena included). I actually got a little emotional as I passed the bracelet every time...love my family!
3) Chatting with people as I ran. (Yes, I am one of those who starts talking to random people on planes) I loved hearing what made people run this race. On my first leg I talked to a girl who was running with a van of 12 friends. One of them had lost her husband suddenly and was suffering from extreme depression. They banded together as friends and started running, stating that it was cheaper then therapy...that ended in running a Ragnar together.
4) Being able to rely on Geoff to run with almost all of us at some point as motivation and security. My brother rocks! He was hilarious and an absolute life saver. He ran as many miles as most runners did and I am not sure we could have done it without him. He created a family chant that had us on laughing...I would expect nothing less from him!
5) Seeing my mom and dad on the side of the road on my first run and watching my dad come to my rescue with water when he felt my support van had gone too far ahead! He apparently went forward, found my support van, and chewed them out for going so far ahead! It made me laugh! My parents are the greatest. I hope we made them proud!
6) Seeing those in the other van even if just for a minute! So proud of cousin Brit and Uncle Steve for being first timers with us!
7) Watching Chad run like a complete rock star on an injured knee. There were times that I thought he might collapse but he kept on running. We were all a little concerned and even tried to shove him in the van once...but he kept on running. What a trooper! Not sure he loved the over protective sisters always asking if he was okay, but I am pretty sure he expected nothing less.
8) Seeing Dan at the finish line. It is always awesome to tell people that we are related to Ragnar Dan. What a great event. It brings out the best in so many people and so much can be learned about yourself as you run. My conclusion...I can do hard things!
9) Watching Kelsey conquer her fear of the dark and finish her final leg like a champ. As she ran toward me in the final exchange I got emotional. She didn't think she could do it and she did. I love her!
10) Finishing! I didn't get to cross the finish line with the team because I had to catch a plane but it was different to be at a Ragnar finish line as a finisher and not just a spectator or volunteer. I am currently sporting my Ragnar shirt and the window sticker will go in my car tomorrow! :) I actually can say I did it and not just own the gear. That feels good!
Running for me has been therapy. How great to be outside and be able to take in all the beautiful things that God has created. My runs over the last few months have been a time for me to reflect, pray, and relax. I have enjoyed it and hope to continue running at least a little bit! Thanks to my supportive husband who has given up many mornings of his own workout time to allow me to run. I think it has made me a better person. I feel good, I am happier, I sleep better and I feel less stressed then I ever have. Life is good. I completed a Ragnar and we are making plans for the next one!
Highlights for me include:
1) Finishing my 8.8 mile leg and running the entire thing. It was full of hills and there were plenty of moments I felt like quitting but I kept on running.
2) Receiving the bracelet from one sister and passing it off to another on every leg...just another reminder of how much I love my sisters (Michelle and Aleena included). I actually got a little emotional as I passed the bracelet every time...love my family!
3) Chatting with people as I ran. (Yes, I am one of those who starts talking to random people on planes) I loved hearing what made people run this race. On my first leg I talked to a girl who was running with a van of 12 friends. One of them had lost her husband suddenly and was suffering from extreme depression. They banded together as friends and started running, stating that it was cheaper then therapy...that ended in running a Ragnar together.
4) Being able to rely on Geoff to run with almost all of us at some point as motivation and security. My brother rocks! He was hilarious and an absolute life saver. He ran as many miles as most runners did and I am not sure we could have done it without him. He created a family chant that had us on laughing...I would expect nothing less from him!
5) Seeing my mom and dad on the side of the road on my first run and watching my dad come to my rescue with water when he felt my support van had gone too far ahead! He apparently went forward, found my support van, and chewed them out for going so far ahead! It made me laugh! My parents are the greatest. I hope we made them proud!
6) Seeing those in the other van even if just for a minute! So proud of cousin Brit and Uncle Steve for being first timers with us!
7) Watching Chad run like a complete rock star on an injured knee. There were times that I thought he might collapse but he kept on running. We were all a little concerned and even tried to shove him in the van once...but he kept on running. What a trooper! Not sure he loved the over protective sisters always asking if he was okay, but I am pretty sure he expected nothing less.
8) Seeing Dan at the finish line. It is always awesome to tell people that we are related to Ragnar Dan. What a great event. It brings out the best in so many people and so much can be learned about yourself as you run. My conclusion...I can do hard things!
9) Watching Kelsey conquer her fear of the dark and finish her final leg like a champ. As she ran toward me in the final exchange I got emotional. She didn't think she could do it and she did. I love her!
10) Finishing! I didn't get to cross the finish line with the team because I had to catch a plane but it was different to be at a Ragnar finish line as a finisher and not just a spectator or volunteer. I am currently sporting my Ragnar shirt and the window sticker will go in my car tomorrow! :) I actually can say I did it and not just own the gear. That feels good!
Running for me has been therapy. How great to be outside and be able to take in all the beautiful things that God has created. My runs over the last few months have been a time for me to reflect, pray, and relax. I have enjoyed it and hope to continue running at least a little bit! Thanks to my supportive husband who has given up many mornings of his own workout time to allow me to run. I think it has made me a better person. I feel good, I am happier, I sleep better and I feel less stressed then I ever have. Life is good. I completed a Ragnar and we are making plans for the next one!
We did it!
I just spent the last 2 days surrounded by the people I love and together we accomplished something I never thought I could... Ragnar Las Vegas. It was a blast. My muscles are sore & I need to catch up on some sleep but I would not have traded the last two days for anything. More pictures to come later...way to go team "Run Like HILL"!!!
Someone enjoyed dinner!
Spaghetti and an independent 1 year old...not the best combination! But boy was she happy!
While the men were away...
We are loving having our "Pass of All Passes", especially since Liberty Land (aka Trafalga Lehi) is just down the road. While Tyler was off at priesthood I took the kids out for a few hours of fun. The kids weren't daring enough to try the bumper boats on our previous visits but with the 85 degree weather that night we figured it was worth a try. Nick was soaked from head to toe - a BYU fan saw that he was wearing a Utah State Aggie jersey and was relentless! Austin and Summer stayed warm and enjoyed watching the action from the sideline.
What would a trip to Liberty Land be without miniature golf? Austin favorite pastime now days...and of course, a ride on the airplanes. It was a great night. The kids were happy which meant mom was happy too.
What would a trip to Liberty Land be without miniature golf? Austin favorite pastime now days...and of course, a ride on the airplanes. It was a great night. The kids were happy which meant mom was happy too.
The Egg Drop...
As part of the self esteem unit at school the 3rd graders learn about self confidence - this somehow relates to them being like the egg and doing what you can to protect yourself...like surrounding yourself with good friends, etc. The assignment was to take a regular egg and protect it so that when it was dropped of the top of the school it wouldn't break. Kylee has been waiting for this since 1st grade...after throwing up all Thursday night I wasn't sure I would make it there to watch her egg fall and see the results. I am happy to report that at little bit of batting, foam, duck tape and a shoe box did the trick! Her egg didn't break and I witnessed the drop. She is happy in these pictures - partly because her egg didn't break but also because she got to sit by Gabe! Isn't he cute?
Soccer Season!
Another soccer season has come to an end and I am actually kind of sad to have my Thursday nights back. Nick has improved a lot this year and has enjoyed playing with his buddy Ty. It is pure entertainment to watch Nick on the field. He is super aggressive and super dramatic...you can tell he has learned from watching sports on TV because every fall is dramatic and every celebration is loud! He is HILARIOUS! Tyler helped coach again this year and I have loved seeing both of these boys out on the field. I am amazed that with as busy as Tyler is with work and church he still finds time to make it to most games and is willing to coach. He is amazing in my eyes...reminds me a lot of my dad. Basketball season is right around the corner and I am hoping Nick plays with as much energy and enthusiasm on the court as he does on the field! 
Desensitized...
It is amazing how things that bother you with child #1 don't bother you with child #4.
EXAMPLE #1
When Kylee was 1 I would have freaked to find her playing in the hose water. A) because she escaped without me knowing it and this is how I found her. B) because hose water is nasty and who wants to drink it. C) because she was wearing a new dress and heaven forbid it get dirty!
All of the above were true yesterday when I found little Ms. Summer happily playing in the hose. I didn't freak out at all. In fact, I pulled a chair out from the garage, grabbed my camera, and laughed as I watched her have the time of her life for a solid hour.
Poor Kylee...lucky Summer. I guess having more kids has desensitized me.
EXAMPLE #2
Summer has a favorite drawer in our kitchen. She unloads it multiple times a day. Again, with Kylee I would have found some fancy lock and worried that she might find some dangerous utensil to use as a weapon. Not now. Again, #4 has made me realize that spatulas and measuring cups are a lot cheaper then toys. So, if you come to my house at just about any time of the day (or night) this is what my kitchen floor looks like and it doesn't bug me one bit.
EXAMPLE #3
There are oh so many things wrong with the pictures posted below...or at least I would have thought so 8 years ago. A) Really, what kind of mother lets their 3 year old dry the car in his pajamas at 3 in the afternoon with a "good" towel? ME. B) Check out that hair!!! What kind of a mother lets her child play in the water (again) without any pants on and hair that isn't combed? ME. C) Let's wash the car!!! With water bottles? Whatever, they were filling them up with hose water and were having the time of their lives. Yup, that was super mom ME again!
Amazing what 8 years and 4 kids can do to put life into perspective!
EXAMPLE #1
When Kylee was 1 I would have freaked to find her playing in the hose water. A) because she escaped without me knowing it and this is how I found her. B) because hose water is nasty and who wants to drink it. C) because she was wearing a new dress and heaven forbid it get dirty!
All of the above were true yesterday when I found little Ms. Summer happily playing in the hose. I didn't freak out at all. In fact, I pulled a chair out from the garage, grabbed my camera, and laughed as I watched her have the time of her life for a solid hour.
Poor Kylee...lucky Summer. I guess having more kids has desensitized me.
EXAMPLE #2
Summer has a favorite drawer in our kitchen. She unloads it multiple times a day. Again, with Kylee I would have found some fancy lock and worried that she might find some dangerous utensil to use as a weapon. Not now. Again, #4 has made me realize that spatulas and measuring cups are a lot cheaper then toys. So, if you come to my house at just about any time of the day (or night) this is what my kitchen floor looks like and it doesn't bug me one bit.
EXAMPLE #3
There are oh so many things wrong with the pictures posted below...or at least I would have thought so 8 years ago. A) Really, what kind of mother lets their 3 year old dry the car in his pajamas at 3 in the afternoon with a "good" towel? ME. B) Check out that hair!!! What kind of a mother lets her child play in the water (again) without any pants on and hair that isn't combed? ME. C) Let's wash the car!!! With water bottles? Whatever, they were filling them up with hose water and were having the time of their lives. Yup, that was super mom ME again!
Amazing what 8 years and 4 kids can do to put life into perspective!
The celebration continues...
The Birthday celebration has been going on all day long...pancakes and presents before school, treats in class at school, lunch with mom, austin & summer, being checked out to go golfing with dad, soccer & finally cake and ice cream and the revealing of the much wanted present....Madden 2011! I am thinking Nick will go to bed a happy kid tonight and quite frankly...I am exhausted!
Happy #7 Nicholas!
Today my buddy Nick turned 7 - crazy to think that I have another child that old! He is pretty much the coolest 7 year old on the planet. He has so much energy and enthusiasm for life. I love watching him play sports...if they charged for little league it would be well worth the price of the ticket to watch him pump his fists and chest bump girls after he scores a goal. He will tell you that he is the best player on the team (we are working on being humble) but I love that he has confidence and thinks he is awesome....cause he is! He is a great brother, awesome student, good friend and just an all around great kid. Happy Birthday Nick!
Enjoying the final days of warmth...
The last few days of been beautiful. The kids have spent hours outside with friends and Summer has enjoyed wandering barefoot with all the kids. I am grateful for a little bit cooler weather but must admit I am not looking forward to cold temperatures that force my kids inside. The house stays clean and the kids stay happy - hopefully it won't be too long of a winter!
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