Fun with friends!

This last weekend We had one of Rob's best friends over and his family for some badmitten, talking, swinging, jumping on the tramp, etc. I made pot pie in the dutch oven and peach cobbler and it turned out pretty good. (Can I just say I love to cook dutch oven I think that ever since Brighton camp this has become one of my favorite past times, it is so fun to create new things and try new experiments). Heidi made some yummy huckleberry honey and rolls. The kids all had so much fun playing together and we adults enjoyed some adult time too. Here is Rob and Eric talking.

Heidi with their new baby Luke. Isn't he so adorable.

Tiana, Justin and Katie playing on the swings.

Megan got into some trouble tonight, Justin had gotten into some frosting that I had had in the storage room and put it in the play kitchen. Apparently Megan found it and enjoyed every bit of it. She left a nice amount of chocolate on all the toys, on the carpet, every stair as she climbed up, etc. To say the least chocolate was everywhere. She looked messy. And Justin apologized for getting into it in the first place. Megan was happy though that he did.

Megan playing with baby Luke! She loves babies so much.

FHE funny!

Ok so I couldn't wait to post this. Tonight at FHE we talked about the angel gabriel visiting Zacharias and Mary announcing that they would have a baby etc. Justin was telling the story and said something so cute. He said That Zacharias and Elisabeth would have the baby "John the BATHTUB" Rob and I just looked at each other and tried not to laugh because he just kept on going not realizing or thinking he had said anything wrong. And so serious. He was so cute. He is so smart, he told the whole story all by himself and didn't miss a beat. He loves the scriptures and remembers the stories so well, I am so impressed by him. He has such an amazing testimony already. I love you Justin.

Laundry and Garbage head!

Katie was helping me do the laundry today and I asked her to take the baskets back to the rooms. On her way she put the one on her head and kept saying Katie the laundry basket singing it over and over.

Then moments later out came Justin who was emptying the garbage, saying Justin the garbage head...etc...

2 silly's and a third is in the making I can't wait to see what they come up with!

Rob's passion!

If Rob could have his way he would Mountain Bike every day! He loves it. If ever a hard day at work or just needing something fun to do to get his mind off things this is it. He can go on a great ride and come home refreshed and energized. I am so glad he has so many hobbies and things to do. I love to mountain bike with him it is one sport I took for granted before I met him. I used to think that can't be that hard, just a ton of fun, but quite the contrary. It is one of the hardest things I have done. Mountains are fun to come down on but biking up them is really another story. But what a workout. It is also one of the most beautiful ways to see the mountains the views are stunning, and the best part is the rush you feel coming down, wind in your hair and all. It is really a ton of fun. I love that you love it hun. Sorry I am still such a whimp when we go. I think I am having the ride of my life and scared to death all at the same time and sometimes I feel bad because I know that he is just there to support me because I know the rides he normally does are about 20 times harder and more fun. So thanks for your patience and having fun with me when we go. And I am glad that he get's to have that free time on his own too. Love ya!

So Big! But "TROUBLE"

Wow my baby is growing up. She is such a little person now. I love that cute girl. What a smile. Her whole face lights up. But she can sure cause some "TROUBLE" too. For about 2 weeks now our toilet has been flooding over every time someone uses it. Let's just say it has not been fun and an incredibly large mess. And we would forget to get the snake from Rob's parents so we have told the kids not to use the toilet until dad could fix it. Well after it flooded over and we had about 1/2 inch of water on the floor and leaking into the basement I decided that it was time to get it fixed. Deep inside I just knew that Megan was at the bottom of our toilet problem. Well I called Rob and told him to stop by his parents and get the snake and he came home and took care of the problem... needless to say I was right. He found this fork in there. Megan had put this in the toilet and ever since all the plunging in the world wasn't going to help. But now the problem is fixed so we are all happy again. Now everyone tells me whenever something is missing as a joke...why don't you check the toilet maybe it's in there. Ha Ha but true. We love you Megan we are just being extra careful at keeping the bathroom doors closed now.

Growing tomatos, and other things too...

Today Katie and Justin came in and told me I had to come out and see what was growing in the garden...I said I would be out in one minute...when I got outside they had these metal garden things over their heads and said they were tomatos...Those are sure two of the biggest and cutest little tomatos I have ever seen! What do you think?

Any cash dad?

I came into the hall today and found Megan with Rob's wallet. We are in for trouble if she is allready needing money. What a silly baby. Cute though. When I asked for it back she just glared at me and put her hands behind her back. I think we are in for trouble...

Cute Katie!

Katie wore one of my dresses I had as a kid today and she looked so cute. I was amazed it was in such good condition. She is such my little princess. But is also very independent too. A great kid but want's her space. I Love that about her. Thanks for being such a good kid. We are sure proud of you. Justin got ahold of my camera and took the other picture of her and I was impressed how well it turned out. Good job.

Thanks Jen!

I have the sweetest neighbor Jen who told me about a great article in the Ensign for August that I should read. Well I did, actually a few weeks ago but today I was thinking a lot about what it said. It's entitled "Grasshoppers, purple Bathtubs, & other Surprises" if you haven't read it do it's really a great yet short article and a great reminder to mom's. It helped me to realize that kids are only kids, that my son cutting Katie's hair, or Megan flushing things down the toilet, or Katie tantrums (I could go on)....are only normal they happen to everyone and it's ok. It's all part of them growing up and me being there for them. It also helped me to refocus on the kids and remember to ask before judging and finding out their true intentions. (like why Justin cut Katies hair...apperantly she had a really big snarl and they couldn't get it out so cutting it was the logical thing to do...he wasn't just playing beauty shop)...etc...It helped me remember what it's like to be a kid again and the enthusiasm they have and the energy they bring to my family. I am so happy to have them and crayon on the wall and any other crazy obstacle thrown my way is ok... we will get over it and move on and as long as everyone survived, it will be ok. Anyway I have a new outlook on things, so thanks Jen for pointing it out to me. I hadn't quite gotten that far yet and I was glad I skipped ahead to read it. And thanks for letting my kids be entertained basically every day and playing with your kids. They love it.

Memories???

I've seen this "tag" thing floating around in blogland, where people leave memories for each other. I thought it seemed like a fun thing to do, so please, play along? :)

As a comment, leave a favorite memory you have of me. If, by chance, we've never met in person, just tell me something that will make me smile. :)

Which princess are you?

Which Disney Princess Are You?
You Are Snow White!

Pure and trusting. You are a gentle soul who can get along with just about anyone. Everyone you meet instantly falls in love with you. How can they resist? You have a pure, lovable nature that's irresistable. Just don't trust everyone who comes across your path.

So I took this quiz and this is what it told me. Pretty amazing.
http://www.greatestjournal.com/quiz.bml?Q=16354 (this is where the quiz is if you want to see who you are. I couldn't get the link on my blog my computer wouldn't let me).

Blog Tip:Google Reader! Thanks Shannon!

So I thought I'd clue in those of you that don't know about Google Reader. because I kind of stole this from my sister and thought I would pass it on to anyone who cared. Basically, you log into your Google account and go into Reader and load all the blogs you read. Then you log into Reader and it shows you which ones have new posts. It's great, you don't have to click through your list of everyone! It does not however work on the private blogs, but there aren't a ton of those!Anyways, go to the Google homepage, click on more (top middle of screen), select Reader and then go in and get started. It's pretty easy and saves time. I know I am going to do this to mine. Enjoy

Primary Activity!

August 15, 2008

Today was the Primary kids summer party. They played a bunch of water games and had a great time. Here they are lining up.

Megan had fun playing with Molly and Shadow (the dogs). I was amazed at how playful she was with them and she had no fear of them. She does need to be a litlle softer though. She loves dogs.

Katie getting a kiss from Molly. She loves dogs too!

Justin just after he dumped a cup of water over his head because he was so hot!

And last but not least Happy Birthday Sarah and Annette only 28 & 29 today wow they look good don't they!

South Pacific!

Way to go Tony (Robs cousin) and Alicia (Robs sister). Both of you did great in the South Pacific last night at the Sandy City Ampitheater and the kids loved it too. Great acting and performing. Your long hours and hard work has paid off. We wish you both lot's of luck in the next few weeks of shows. If anyone wants a fun show to take your kids too this is a good one. (There is some swearing in it though).

It's Electric...

Last Night the kids and I were out on the tramp and I looked up and saw Megan's hair. Oh my gosh it was straight in the air. The static from the tramp had caused her and Katies hair to go straight up. I ran in and grabbed the camera because I was laughing so hard. Here are a few of the shots I was able to grab. (normally I don't jump with them but I am trying to do what I said I would by not letting the little moments pass, like jumping on the tramp).

Megan rubbing her head on the tramp.
Wow crazy hair!
Katie and her static hair
the two crazies
Megan again
The bunch

Sneaky Kids!

Is it just me or does anyone else have sneaky kids. Wednesday night my kids wanted to have a sleepover so bad, but I told them not on a school night. Justin was in Katies room in her bed with his pillow and stuffed animals etc. We put him back in his bed and explained that on school nights we don't have sleepovers but maybe on a weekend we could. Later when we went to check on the kids before going to bed, I found Katie had somehow snuck out of her room and was in Justins bed. I had to laugh but I also had to wonder how quiet she must have been to do this without Rob or I hearing her. And they obviously knew that they had to be on their best behavior and went to sleep quick because we didn't hear a peep. I carried Katie back to her bed and we had a long talk about being obedient the next morning but they sure were so funny and really wanted that sleepover. The cutest part was that they had each gotten their clothes out for the next day and they were matching.

Wow time flies!

Yesterday I had one of those wow moments. Or should I call it a wake up call. Either way it hit me like a buckett of rocks falling on me. Maybe it's a lot of things hitting me at once, realizing that my baby isn't a baby, watching my oldest baby go to Kindergarten, or seeing so much of myself in my sweet little Katie. Whatever it is I have truly had a wakeup call this week that my kids are growing up right in front of me and doing it way too fast. I was at Costco of all places waiting in line just playing with my kids and an older lady behind me was just staring at us, I'm not sure if in awe or wondering if I was in sane. Either way she finally asked how old they were and I told her and she said well your busy. Yes I said but I love it, at least most of the time. She said she had 4 of her own and she could remember these days. She went on to say how cute etc... but one thing she said just hit me and she's not the first one to say it either I hear it all the time but this time it really stuck. She said " Just have fun with them now because one day and before you know it they'll be gone. And it happens in a blink of an eye, it seems like yesterday that I was in your shoes, and now I just have memories & grandchildren." I know this is true, sending Justin to school and so many other things have made this a reality for me. I need to enjoy the time with my kids that I have now. I can't believe Justin is 5 and almost 6. 6 years have gone by so fast. I am so grateful for my family and all they are to me and I truly don't know where I would be without all of them in my life. They all teach me so many things especially patience, something I still need a lot more of. But starting yesterday I am really going to try and enjoy all the little things and the big things more. Worry less about the messes and the dirt, and all the things that I need to get done and try to spend a little more time playing with and enjoying each one of my kids more. I try to do this allready, but I definately fall short of it and could do so much better. Thanks Costco lady for helping me realize what I have and how important they really are to me. Thanks kids and family for being there for me and for all the fun times we have together. Keep it up but slow down on the growing. I LOVE YOU!!!
Mommy

Peek-a-boo!

Megan was being so silly, she was running back and forth around the island and I would pop out on the opposite side and say boo! She would giggle then run to the other side looking for me. She has such a little personality now. My baby is growing up.

Oh we're goin to the zoo zoo zoo....

August 12th 2008 Nicole with the 3 little ones. Katie Megan and Justin at the Zoo!

Guess Who????

Guess Three???

Silly kiddos. They were all putting these on being funny.

Jackson, Ashlyn, Ryker, Brinley, Katie and Justin on the Rhino!

Row Row Row your boat...Justin, Ashlyn, Megan, Brinley, & Katie in the boat.

The whole clan! Yup that was all of us.

Megan cute thing! I thought I loved water but this little girl really does!

Katie posing for the camera

Nicole and the kids on the tigers.

Ashlyn, Katie and Justin the Rock climbers!

Justin posing by the rocks.

Looking at the silly Monkeys

Megan, Brinley, Ryker, jackson, Breckin, Ashlyn, Justin & Katie (cousin party with the spitting elephant)!

The Kids by the Zebras!

Katie & Brinley looking at the Giraffes! Katie asked to go and see them the minute we got to the zoo, I don't know why but she was really excited for this.

Katie & Justin waiting so patiently to ride the train. Justin was especially excited since last year we waited until the end of the day to ride the train and it had derailed and wasn't working. That cruched our little train lover. So this year he reminded us to ride the train first, so we did.

Riding the rails! Choo...Choo!

Justin, Katie and Megan on the train

Something caught Megan and Grandma's eye, I loved this picture.

Justin and Katie looking at the animals they were so excited they kept pointing to each one then laughing.

...you can come too too too... On Tuesday the kids went on their annual trip to the zoo with grandma. They all had such a great time too.