SMORES!!

We got together with my parents, my brother, Jarom, and his family, and my sister-in-law Stephanie, for Smores Sunday night. (We missed you, Andrew!!!) We just did a little fire pit in my parents' backyard. It was a great time. We did get a little scared every time one of the little ones got near the fire. But, we had no injuries, thankfully, and just enjoyed each other's company.




Grandma and Paisley


Paisley, grandpa, and Jarom


Easton, Paisley, and grandpa


Aunt Stephanie, Easton, Avery, and Dillon



Braylon, aka "Dimples"


Jarom and Jackie


Dave trying to stay out of the smoke! :)

Once we figured that we were smokey enough, we moved the party inside where we just visited, joked, and told embarrassing stories about each other. (At least Jarom and I did!) :) Great times! Grandpa watched Madagascar 2 downstairs with the kids which they enjoyed. We have to get together again soon. That was lots of fun! Thanks everyone!!

5th new phone...hurray!

So, as my husband will agree, I am not good with cell phones. About a year and a half ago I had a nice pink phone. I loved it! Small enough to carry in my pocket. Loved the features. And, since it did fit so conveniently in my pocket, I forgot to take it out and it went through the wash. I was so sad, and a little worried to tell Dave. But, he was nice about it. We ordered me a new one just like it...but a little pricier now. Well, about 6 weeks later, IT HAPPENED AGAIN!!! This time I was super worried to tell Dave. He wasn't as understanding this time. (He still took it better than I probably would have if roles were reversed.) So, I think I ended up with an old phone of ours that was not very nice.

Then, a while later we got a good deal on a new phone for me. It was really nice...purple even! So, that was a great phone. I was very careful with it. I used it for several months. Until...one day I was wearing pajama pants when I took the kids to school. I put the phone in the pocket. Then, I did laundry that day. I always check my pants pockets, but did not think to check my PAJAMA PANTS pockets. Yep, a third phone through the wash. Okay, Dave...not very happy! So, I went without a phone for a couple weeks. Then, my sweet mom found a really old phone she had and I was able to use that. It got me by just fine. I was thankful for it!

So, Thursday morning I had Avery in the bath. I was in there doing my hair and I had my cell on the counter. My home phone rang and I talked for a few minutes. A lot of times while on the phone, I pace around. So, I was out of the bathroom. I did not see my "sweet" little 2 year old get out of the tub, grab my cell phone, and get back in the tub. When I came back to the bathroom, she was standing there yelling for me to look at her. I look over and in her hand is my cell phone...DRIPPING wet!! Oh, Avery!! So, I hurried and took out the battery and tried to dry it all out with my blow dryer. It never turned on again!!!

Can you imagine how much I DIDN'T want to call Dave??? But, this time it wasn't my fault! It was Avery's!! You would think I could leave a phone sitting around, NOPE! Not with my tornado girl. So, he laughed about it. He said, "What else can I do but laugh?"

We went to the Verizon store and they said they would let us buy one at the one-year contract price. Great! But, there wasn't a phone at that price for less than $175!

Luckily we knew a guy who was selling a phone. I was worried about what condition it would be in. But, at this point, I couldn't be too picky! So, Dave went and got it and paid him the $50. He got it home and I love it!! It is a really cool phone in really good condition! I was pretty excited. It is the ENV2 and looks like this:



So, I hope to have this phone for a long time. I am going to be careful to keep it away from the 2 most dangerous things a cell phone can come across in this house.

This:



and this:

"This is why we had kids..." :)

Dave has come up with a fun new game for him and the kids. They play "hunting." Easton has a pretty nice nerf gun that shoots the little nerf darts. So, it doesn't hurt. But, the kids pretend they are animals, which they think is so fun, and Dave shoots them. The kids laugh and laugh and think it is so fun. And, Dave laughs and laughs and thinks it is so fun. It is funny to watch Dave. He just has a little TOO much fun shooting the kids! :) Last night as they were playing it, he said, "This is why we had kids!" :)

I got this video of them playing. But, I should have started taping earlier in the game. It was more funny earlier on. They are getting a bit rough and crazy at this point. In the video, Easton is trying to "protect" Avery, but she is not having that at all! Enjoy watching our Sunday evening entertainment!!

My little girl is growing up...

So, preschool is coming to an end for my little Paisley. She isn't so little anymore, she is 5 1/2, but I have a hard time believing it. She is actually a boy-crazy 16 year old in my 5 year old's body, but I am trying to hold onto my 5 year old preschooler with all my might!! It kind of makes me sad that her preschool days are almost behind her...

Tuesday was her end of the year program for her preschool. They had a magic show theme.



Paisley doing a flower pot magic trick...sorry for the horrible quality!

It was kind of different. In all honesty, Dave and I were a bit disappointed in the program. They only sang one song and the rest of the time the teacher did cute little magic tricks. Oddly enough, after the show, you could purchase all the tricks that she "demo'd". The kids took turns "helping" with the tricks. It was kind of sad. When Easton was in that preschool, they sang all kinds of cute songs at the program. It was great. Now it is like a way for the teacher to make a little extra dough! But, I truly do love this preschool teacher. She is really good and has taught my kids very well. But...that program needs some tweaking! :)

Paisley was very cute in it though. She was quite a ham. During the one song they sang, we were trying to get a few pictures. Every time my dad would take a picture she would stop and put her shoulder up and look over it in a cute little pose.



My dad was laughing and saying what a "Poser" she was. :)

One of the tricks she was able to help with involved a rubber chicken at the end.



She got to hold it and was the center of attention and she ATE THAT UP...the attention I mean! :) She doesn't have a shy bone in her body.

Afterwards we went out to ice cream which was very fun. I am sure proud of her!

Wednesday morning we went on her end of the year field trip for that preschool to the zoo and funland. This was Avery's first time being on rides. I don't think she quite knew what to think.




When we put her on the first ride, the airplane ride, she just sat there looking fairly confused. The ride started and she didn't really smile at all, until she saw me and then she smiled and waved. But, then it was back to serious.

They got to ride the carousel and the trains also.




She enjoyed both. She did try to climb out of the train as it was going and the lady had to grab her, but other than that she did well.



Paisley, of course, loved riding the rides and could have done it all day! Then we had a little picnic and off to the zoo.



The zoo was fun. The girls enjoyed it. It was fun to see it especially through Avery's eyes. She loved seeing the lions, monkeys, and tigers. They were both very good and it was a great time!

I am so thankful for times spent having fun with my children. It is fun to see them get excited about doing something fun.

Last night I got to attend a class for Enrichment that was about couponing. This is something I am very interested in, but kind of overwhelmed by. I have done a bit here and there. I got a lot of good info out of this class. Couponing is like a learned sport! Seriously. You have to learn it and master it and practice it. It is actually a lot of work. Luckily for people like me, there are a lot of women who blog about their couponing and share the good deals. So, it makes it easier. Thanks Christy for putting SO much time into the class. I learned a lot. I appreciate you saying that you will have times where it didn't work and you are frustrated. I went to Albertsons a couple days ago and didn't get near as good of deals as I had expected. I was pretty frustrated. So, now I can forget that...start fresh...and get couponing again! :)

Graduation time!

Saturday morning Easton and I had a great opportunity. We got to go down and watch my dad and my sister-in-law graduate from college. My dad graduated with his master's degree, and Jackie with her bachelor's degree in finance.

Paisley had a soccer game and there was NO way we were going to fight Avery through the whole ceremony. So, just Easton and I went, which I really enjoyed. It is really nice to be able to spend time with my children one on one sometimes. He was really good the whole time. I enjoy that he is still my little boy, but old enough to take somewhere and have him be good.

The ceremony was long, of course. But so great to watch my dad and Jackie walk across the stage. These have not been easy school years for them. They have each had their challenges through the time. But, they both persevered and made it through. I am so proud of them both.


Easton and my dad right after the ceremony

My dad graduated with his bachelor's degree when I was in high school. He had been working towards his degree for many years. Slowly, class by class, while raising a young family, he made it. Then about 4 1/2 years ago he decided to earn his Master's degree. At the time and up until about a year ago, he was the bishop in his ward. He also worked full time.


My dad's parents, my grandparents, and my mom and dad

I am very proud of him. He has never let his circumstances stop him from reaching his education goals.

Jackie has 2 little boys and is pregnant with her third baby. Through all her pregnancies she has continued to go to school. She never took a semester off. I don't know how she did it. She is so smart and strong. I am so proud of her.


My brother, Jarom, Jackie, Dillon, and Braylon

When I consider going back to school, I always figure it will be when my kids are all in school because I couldn't possibly do it now. After watching Jackie, I know that it is possible now, I just have to want it and work for it. Jackie...you truly have inspired me! Congratulations!!

And of course, I had to get in one picture of my super handsome little man! :)



He wanted his picture taken, that doesn't happen often! I love this boy!

Congrats again dad and Jackie! I am so glad that we could be there to celebrate this moment with you guys! You worked so hard and I thank you for being an example to me!

Our Mother's Day celebration

My last post I wanted to be all about Dave and I's moms. They are OUR reason for the day. But, we had a great day with the kids and I am definately so blessed that I get to be THEIR reason for the day.

We have church at 9:00, so we didn't have time for anything extra special. Just getting ready for church. But, Easton, Paisley, and Dave all were very sweet in wishing me a Happy Mother's Day.

Easton had brought home a cute little flower in a Halloween mug for me.



He gave it to me Friday, he was too excited to wait. ;)

Paisley also gave me part of her gift Friday. She painted this little bug statue and gave me a card.



On Sunday, she had a little flower for me. She had also compiled a box full of miscellaneous things for me.




There were her 100's of Hannah Montana stickers (I told her she should keep them for herself), there was several pages she had colored for me, and just random things from her room. It was very sweet. She really wanted to make sure that she spoiled me! :)

Dave bought me just what I wanted, a George Foreman grill. ;)



I have been wanting one for a while so that I can try to make healthy things quickly for myself for lunch. So, this should be fun. Thanks, honey!

Church was great. We had some funny speakers. The kids sang a couple of Mother's Day songs. I love when they get the chance to sing to us.

That evening we had a BBQ at our house. We had my parents, grandparents, and my aunt and uncle and their 5 kids. My uncle is not much older than me, six years, and so they have kids our kids' ages. That works out perfect. They play so well together. Dave and I grilled tri-tip steak. It is always a hit. And, we had lots of other great food. It was a really fun night.

I really enjoy Mother's Day! I love to honor our mothers and grandmothers. They are so important to me. I also love to be on the receiving end and watch the fun that my kids have in celebrating the day. They have been so excited for Mother's Day. They kept asking when it was going to be here. I am so grateful that I am blessed with 3 beautiful children who call me "mom". They truly are the greatest blessings in my life. I love them each more than they will ever know!

Happy Mother's Day!

Just wanted to give a big HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to the two special women that made Dave and I the people that we are today!!

Happy Mother's Day, mom!



I know you aren't a big blog reader, but I do hope you see this post. You are the most wonderful mom. I am so grateful for the way that you raised me and set such a great example to me in my life. You have taught me so much. I am thankful that you have always been there for me when I have needed you. I am especially grateful for the friendship that we share and the good and fun memories we have made together. I love you so much, mom! I hope you have a great day!



Happy Mother's Day, Shirley!



You have been like a second mom to me. You really have helped me in so many ways and I am so grateful for you. You are always there for me. I appreciate the good friend to me that you have become in the last few years. We have had some fun times! I am eternally grateful for the special man that you raised that I was lucky enough to marry. He is such a wonderful husband and father and I owe a big part of that to you! I am sad I won't be able to see you in person today. But, I am thinking of you and hoping your day is wonderful!

Both of these women are such great grandmothers to my children. I am glad Easton, Paisley, and Avery have examples like this of wonderful women in their lives. We all love you guys!

A big project...

Can you tell that we are super excited about our new garden? It seems that it is all I have blogged about lately. It is definitely taking up a lot of our time! Dave took Thursday and Friday off at work. After 10 weeks of training his class with LONG hours, it was great to spend a couple of days together.

Thursday we went out shopping for something to put around our garden to separate it from the yard. We thought about cinder blocks, stacked 2 blocks high. But, we didn't know how to get them to our house, and began to realize just how much work it would be. So, we went and got some 4x4 treated pieces of wood and stacked them 3 pieces high. Here was the beginning stages:




Dave staggered them and screwed them together to make them sturdy.
Avery was the only one home for a while while Easton and Paisley were at school. She sure wanted to help us the whole time. It was very cute.





While we were working the girls got to have a picnic outside. It was a little chilly still, but they thought that was a lot of fun!



It turned out looking so nice. It is just exactly what we wanted/needed.



It should last us a long time. I am really proud of Dave's handy work. I think he was proud of himself, too!

On Friday we went to a nursery and bought fertilizer for our garden and some plants. We bought 3 four-packs of tomatoes, so 12 in all! I think that will be too many, we might not plant all of them. But, we wanted to have a few different varieties. We bought Roma, Early Girl, and Super Fantastics. We also bought a 4 pack of different kinds of peppers and a 4 pack of green peppers. I hope we are able to keep them long enough to plant them! :)



After we finished building the surround, Dave mowed the lawn for the first time this year.



He is very particular about our lawn. Last year, I mowed it all year. I would rather that than him have to take up most of our Saturday doing it. But, he did it Friday. It took a long time because the grass was getting so long. Then he has to edge and weed eat. Then he has to get our the blower and blow all the extra blades of grass that are on the sidewalk and driveway out into the street. So, this becomes a very long process. But when he was finished it really looked nice. When he finally came in to shower for the first time that day it was 7 p.m.! He worked so hard and got so much accomplished! Thank you, honey!

(Just so there isn't confusion...I did help him. And, I cleaned the house that day. So, I wasn't just being lazy the whole time!) :)

It seems like I am always able to end a post with a funny Avery story...

Dave and I took a break and went and got us each a fountain drink. Dave got a big Mountain Dew. We had them sitting on the kitchen table. While we were in the backyard working, Avery went inside. I had Winnie the Pooh playing on the DVD player for her, so I figured she was watching that. When she had been inside for a while I figured I had better go check on her. This is what I found...



Sitting in her chair with Dave's big soda in her lap, chugging away! What is better then watching Pooh with a Dew???? Answer me that people!

Post #101!!

I just noticed that my last post was number 100!! Wow! That is a lot of posts! It is fun looking back at the last few months on my blog. I am so thankful that I started to blog. I am finally "journaling". I use to write in my journal a lot when I was younger. But, I haven't journaled much at all since I have been out of high school or married. I hate that there have been so many activities and things that have happened in our life that I have forgotten about. I don't want that to happen anymore. I am glad I have an easy and fun way to record what goes on in our little family.

Last night we got a big dump truck full of dirt delivered onto the road behind our house. Dave took out a section of our fence so that we could easily access the dirt.(I hope our grass recovers!)



A guy in our ward was nice enough to bring his tractor over at 6:30 this morning and bring it all in to our garden for us. Dave did a few trips with the wheelbarrow last night, but it would have taken him FOREVER if he would have done it all that way. Now our garden is built up quite a bit and that much closer to planting. We hope to start planting this week.



On Tuesday I took Avery in to have her hearing checked. She didn't pass the test in either ear. She does have a cold and stuffy nose. They are hoping that a lot of the hearing loss was temporary due to the cold. They want us to bring her back in a couple weeks once she is all better and check again. I am not sure what they will do for her if the hearing doesn't improve. They didn't really get into that on this appointment. But, this could all explain her difficulty talking.

We have a busy weekend ahead of us. My sister-in-law, Erin, and I are throwing a small baby shower for our sister-in-law, Josie, tomorrow morning. It should be fun. Josie is due in the beginning of June. She is one of those really cute pregnant women! We can't wait to meet their baby girl!


Josie and her "baby", Tyrone! :) (And Josie, if you are reading this, YES, I totally stole the picture off your facebook! I hope you don't mind! I didn't have any of you, sadly enough!) :)

Right after the shower I will meet Dave over at the soccer field for Paisley's soccer game. Her asthma has been pretty bad the last few days and so I hope she is able to play...

Right after that we are going to go to my parents' house for a BBQ. My brother, Andrew, is headed to Florida for the summer to install security systems.


Andrew and his wife, Stephanie, in Mexico during our cruise.

He leaves this week and so we are having one last get together before he leaves. I sure will miss him. But, he is going to have a BLAST in Florida!

In the evening after the BBQ we are going to my Uncle Chad's house for some Wolfen fun. Wolfen is a great group game that I have posted about before. We love getting together as a family to play and eat! I am really looking forward to that!

So, our Saturday is jam packed full of fun activities. After lots of days of staying home, I am excited to have a day full of things to do! Such is the life of a stay-at-home mom!

One last thing...just wanted to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my sister-in-law, Erin!!! She is such a sweet person and has become a really good friend of mine. We are both "lonely" stay-at-home moms and so when we get the chance to talk on the phone, we can talk FOREVER! I love it! Thanks for everything, Erin! I hope you have a great birthday!!! (I totally wanted to post a picture, but I don't have one. So sad! I even tried to steal one off YOUR facebook, too, but you don't have any on there, or in your blog! You need to post some of yourself!!) :) :)