Tooth Fairy

Rye lost her first tooth. She was so excited for it to fall out! The tooth fairy was even generous with her despite the fact she lost the tooth. I am having a hard time she is old enough to lose teeth.

Grocery Shopping

Most of you know I have started to try couponing. This basically means it takes an hour to get ready to go grocery shopping. I get the satisfaction at the end of the grocery trip when I see my saving. I am not great at it yet but I refuse to give up. Today at Albertsons they have a promotion spend 10 get 4 dollars off instantly. You have to buy certain items blah blah. Anyway getting to the satisfaction part. I bought 2 boxes of chicken broth, 4 packages of frozen veggies, Pillsbury rolls 3 cans. The grand total you ask? $1.60

This is the point I get my satisfaction

www.grocerysmarts.com

Wrap up November

At the beginning of the month I was going to write things I was thankful for everyday. Then the month turned crazy and I feel like I was lucky to get in bed before 12. So to reflect a little for me I thought I would add the things I am thankful for to benefit all of you and myself. These are in no particular order.
1. Nap Time- I really don't need to explain this to anyone.
2. America- The greatest free country in the world!
3. A good heater in the car. Seriously the last car we had left us wanting and always with a good coat on while driving.
4. Tivo or Direct TV rewind whatever it is called. The fact that I can pause TV and rewind is a glorious thing to me.
5. Kitchen gadgets I really love them and I am thankful they make things easier.
6. Our house- We have now been at our home for a year and even though it is not finished to my dream I love it!
7. Max- He is such a sweet kid and I love his little personality. He makes me laugh all the time.
8. Ryley- such a girl and I love that she is our little princess. She was meant to be a big sister.
9. Michael- Everyday his little personality is coming out. He thinks this week that he can fight Ben.
10. Ben- I feel so blessed he came into my life. I love him and everything he has made me into. I am a better person because of him.
11. Good friends- Where would I be if I couldn't call some of you 13 times a day for help!
12. My church-I love it and it has made my life better.
13. Sweats
14. When the kids play together nicely.
I could go on and on but this is a little long for me. If you are still reading this Hope you had a great Thanksgiving.

Mikey's First Mug Shot

This week I had been working on a project that required paint. I was cleaning up and left the can of paint by the back door to put away. In my stupidity I forgot about the paint and started cleaning Ryley's Room. I hear the boys laughing in the other room and figure they are having a good time. then it gets quiet. I forget about them until I hear "MEL!!"

I go into the dining room and see the paint dumped over and little footprints leaving the scene of the crime. Ben puts Mikey in our temporary jail the bathtub and we go into clean up mode. I did not have the clarity to take a picture of the crime scene I was too freaked to get the paint off my floor.

I then had the presence of mind to take a couple of picture. Enjoy!

As a ending to the story we did get all the paint off the floor.

Life Off, Game On!

The Jazz season is in full swing. Thanks to Uncle James, Max has been able to attend a few games. I don't think this family will ever miss a game between Max and Ben. Max really loves to watch the games. Often during the day I will find Max re-watching the previous night game on TV via the "tivo" option. He also enjoys acting out his favorite plays. Two weeks ago Ben took Max to the game and if you took a new coat, after the game you could meet Kyle Korver. I was secretly hoping the autograph session was for later so I could go. Ben said that about 2/3rd of the crowd was women all done up for Korver. I wonder if any of them had the guts to wear the "Mrs. Korver" shirt. Back to my blog about Max. Ben was the nice Dad and sat through the line to get Max's Jersey signed. Max was totally excited. He still says that D-Will is his favorite.

Christmas is coming!

I bought my first Christmas present today for the kids. It all comes on so fast. I need some ideas for the one year old. I can't in fairness give him the box of paper he would really like. I am sure some of you are already done and have been for months (stacy)

Parades , Parties, and CANDY!

October is over and hopefully soon we will all come down from our sugar high. I think I ate too much sugar Friday since Saturday I was wiped out! The kids and I had a great week and a fun Halloween. I think this has been the funnest Halloween we have had with the kids so far. They really got into the idea of Trick or Treating and dressing up. Ryley was a witch, Max Buzz Light year, and Michael was a crocodile. Friday we had a Trunk or Treat at our neighborhood and then we took the kids out. Our neighbors do a spook alley in their back yard every year. This year we took the kids and it was funny. Max was terrified with Ben and Ryley and I walked through cool as a can be. I was trying to be my bravest for her. They had a chainsaw at the end and when we left Max said the monster was trying to vacuum him. The kids had a great night and pulled off with a big load of candy.

We were also able to participate in traditional elementary parade and preschool parties. Max keeps telling everyone that he ate a spider at school.(Donut treat) On to all the upcoming holidays it doesn't seem to stop from here until the new year! Happy Halloween!

Coming Clean

I know that Mikey is a mommy's boy. The other day I was in the shower and when I opened my eyes I see Mike standing in the shower soaking wet! He had crawled right in. What a sight for a baby! Anyways after I got out and quickly dressed I could not help but take a picture, silly kid. I am afraid I might have another Max on my hands.

Michael's 1st Birthday

Michael had his first Birthday today. This year has gone by so fast. He is such a delight in our family and we love having him. He has started to talk a little and is almost walking. They grow so fast. Max and Ryley are the best big brother and sister. We had a little family party for him tonight and it was a fun time. Mikey really liked his cake and the hot dogs. He even got really excited about all the new toys! Happy Birthday Mikey Baby!

This is the Place Park

This week with school out I took the kids to This is the Place Park. Our friend Stacia and her kids came also. We had a fun time going from house to house getting treats. The kids liked the corn maze the best. I think the part they really liked was the McDonald's lunch after!
Max actually wore a costume he won't wear anything on his head but it is progress from previous years. After the park he informed me now he wants to be Star Wars! Anyone know where to get a cool Jedi costume?

Make a Smilebox greeting

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Max is 4

As the kids have a birthday every year I am amazed at how they have grown and how fast it goes by. Max is officially 4 this week. He is all boy and most of the time all momma's boy! Max is a great kid that loves to play and has so much energy it make me tired to watch. I thought I would give Max a interview for his birthday!
What is your favorite food? Hot Dogs and fruit salad
What do you like to do the best? Play the Wii
Favorite Birthday present? Candy! Kyle Korver Jersey and my scooter.
Favorite Movie? Toy Story
Favorite Place to visit? The Barn
Who is your favorite Jazz player? Deron Williams "I met Him!"


My favorite things about Max:
His smile, laugh, how he spontaneously tells us he loves us, how much he loves Mikey, if he is separated from Rye he runs up and hugs her, calls her Sissy, his love of Hot Dogs(he might turn into one), he doesn't like his hair "spikey", his love of the computer, can run an iphone, loves to watch the wiggles on you tube, loves to play Wii sports, thinks everything is a competition, loves The Jazz, loves to play Jazz in his room, tries to carry Mike, brutally honest, plays band like dad, has endless energy, Loves to help make cookies, how he calls all root beer "papa rootbeer",

So many things I love about this boy. He is a joy to our family. We love you Max and all the happiness you bring! Happy 4th Birthday!

Bird Man

This weekend we celebrated Papa's Birthday at the Barn. It was a big party we had about 100 people show up kinda crazy. Janie(my mother-in-law) arranged for this falconer guy to do a show for the guests. He has had his birds up at the ranch for a while and does bird shows multiple times during the week in the meadow. He is kinda a interesting guy he has over a 150 birds. He also owns all the owls from the Harry Potter movies and is the trainer for the films. Anyway the kids have seen the falcon show a few times but have never had them like this before. I was shocked to see the pictures with Max not screaming and folding his arms.

I guess the falcons are pretty vicious if the Falconer does not feed them constantly they will attack each other even their own mates! I bet you have never been that mad at your hubby or wife!

The School groove!

This is the point I started crying!


Rye and Max are now officially starting their third week of school. I must say it has gone great. The kids seem to both like school and are happy for the routine so far. The first week of school I couldn't help myself to not ask Rye a million questions everyday when I picked her up. I think on the third day she asked "Mom do I have to tell you what I did everyday?" I replied yes but a little sad that she is getting so independent and does not want to tell me everything every day.
On the first day of school I took her to class and I thought this is good I am not crying I think I am going to make it! I really felt in control of my mothering emotions. Her teacher came out and told the parents the principal had juice and muffins for the Kindergarten parents in his office to meet him and chat. I thought great! Then the kids lined up and off they went into school this is the point where I lost it. I felt that I might start making noise so I left for the car quickly! Needless to say I didn't make it to the principals office. When I returned home I gained my composure and turned around and picked her up 3 hours later!

Max is loving preschool and loves to tell me everything they did. I love to hear his stories. We are excited for the coming year!

HELP 911!

Yesterday I was sitting Mikey on the bed while I cleaned up. He grabbed the phone and I took it away within 30 seconds. The phone suddenly rings. "Salt Lake City police we just received a 911 call is everything alright?" I am shocked and apologize for the call. Maybe Mikey thinks he needs to be rescued.

Photo Shoots

For the last few weeks when I look through the pictures on the camera I see many I have not taken. The kids have decided they are great photographers and love to take pictures of each other. I thought I would share a few of my favs. I think I like the one of the top of their heads the best or them posing with the toy.

Palin Pick

When I woke up this morning and heard Palin from Alaska was the VP Pick I was a little shocked. The little I know about this woman, but she seems amazing. She is mother of five just had a baby in April. I am excited to get to know her. I must say I was disappointed that Mitt isn't VP but this is a good second so far.

Do my kids know me?

I saw this post on my friends blog. She asked her kids the same questions and they were pretty funny answers

What is something mom always says to you?

Ryley: She Loves you

Max: Show something to me

Reality: Stop pouting. Leave Mikey alone. I love you.


What makes mom happy?

Ryley: Flowers and her kids

Max: When I don't cry

Reality: The kids do make me happy, but at the same time I swear they are out to get me!


What makes mom sad?
Ryley: When we don't listen to you.

Max: When the car batteries don't work we fixed it at Costco

Reality: Max is referring to earlier this week at Costco the car alarm would not go off and we couldn't drive home. It was hot and I was frustrated. When I started crying Max knew it was serious and said, "Don't Cry!"
I think the thing that makes me the most sad is when the kids are hurt.


How does your mom make you laugh?
Ryley: Tickling me under my armpits.

Max: Tickling me

Reality: Tickling huh? I thought it would be my bad dancing or made up songs I sing?


What was your mom like as a child?
Ryley: No computers, no TV's I don't know

Max: Liked to play

Reality: I Loved TV cartoons, Strawberry Shortcake, Care Bears. I loved to play dolls. I need to inform Ryley that I did have a TV I am not that old!


How old is your mom?
Ryley: she is probably a super old number

Max: I don't know

Reality: What is Ryley going to think of me when she is 16? I am going to look like I am 100 to her.


How tall is your mom?

Ryley: I don't know

Max: Holds his hands out really tall "Like this tall"

Reality: I always said 5ft 11 but Ben says 6 ft. I must admit was a hard number for me to accept. I am a tall girl!


What is your mom’s favorite thing to do?

Ryley: Have a Break

Max: Cook something and make cookies

Reality: Getting to bed early.


What does your mom do when you’re not around?

Ryley: Shops

Max: you stay with Daddy

Reality: It is amazing the things I can get done when I am alone. It is possible to get in and out of a store in less than 10 minutes!

If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?

Ryley: cooking

Max: Doesn't know what famous is.

Reality: Hard question! I hope to never be famous.


What is your mom really good at?
Ryley: helping me

Max: Good at exercising

Reality: Eating and I wish the exercising thing was true. I really am not a fan of exercising!


What is your mom not very good at?

Ryley: Swimming

Max: Not good at Man Stuff!

Reality: Lots of stuff. But for the most part I am pretty perfect.


What does your mom do for her job?
Ryley: Make Papers.

Max: Cook make cookies and cakes.

Reality: Under paid and over worked

What is your mom’s favorite food?

Ryley: Dark chocolate

Max: Salad

Reality: Cookies all cookies never had a cookie I didn't like!


What makes you proud of your mom?

Ryley: That she takes care of me

Max: Proud to play the Wii!

Reality: I didn’t know my kids were even aware of my existence outside of feeding them.


If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?

Ryley: Cinderella

Max: Princess Sleeping Beauty


Reality: I do feel like Cinderella sometimes. I think my kids play the role of Lucifer the cat by making messes for me to clean up!


What do you and your mom do together?

Ryley: Get our toes painted

Max: Help you and watch the news

Reality: I clean their mess they love me it works.


How are you and your mom the same?

Ryley: We have the same hair

Max: We help and we match

Reality: Last name


How are you and your mom different?

Ryley: I like bugs she doesn't.

Max: We have different Birthdays

Reality: I love bedtime. The kids not so much.

How do you know your mom loves you?

Ryley: She says so.

Max:You like hugs

Reality: I tell them all the time. Does doing the laundry show love?


What does your mom like most about your dad?

Ryley: Snuggling with him

Max: That he caught a fish

Reality: I have the best husband. I love everything about him.


Where is your mom’s favorite place to go?

Ryley: Home

Max: Smith's (the grocery store)

Reality: At the current state of our family my favorite place to go is probably Disneyland. Without the kids I would be happy to go anywhere with Ben but that is not going to happen for awhile.

I am going to tagg Stacia's kids! Anyone else that can make their kids sit through an interview and get answers to make some sense.

Scentsy Party

Hi! Tuesday I am having a Scentsy open house. It is from 6-8 at our house. If you feel like making the trek I would love to see you. Email if you need my address.

Family Fun!

My brother was in town this weekend to visit. We had a fun weekend hanging out and visiting. The really silly pictures are from the Clark Planetarium the kids and Ben were playing in the gift shop. Sunday we were able to have a nice family dinner followed with an always interesting game of Apples to Apples. It was nice to have some more family around. Not to mention we are glad the girls are back!! I promised Rachel I would post some pictures sorry for so many!

"Snackrament"

Today we were walking out for church. Ryley asks, "Did you get the fruit snacks for snackrament meeting?"

Apparently she is missing the point of Sacrament meeting. My kids seem to think that sacrament meeting at 12:40 is really lunch time!

Woot Off!

Buy some cheap junk today on woot!

www.woot.com

They only sell one item at a time so you have to check back often. Great deals for stuff you need or don't need!

Talents

Tonight we had a little family lessons on talents and what talents we each have. We were talking about using our talents to help other people. I was thinking the kids were getting it even Max. We had a piece of paper for each family member and started listing their talents. Apparently Max didn't quite get it because my talent is Watching the news and exercising! If only the exercising part were true. Ben's talent according to Max was watching the Jazz. It was funny and brought a smile to everyone's face. Sometimes when you ask questions to a three year old maybe you don't want to know the answers!

FYI- Max thinks his talent is eating food.

Our D-Will Pics

Take a little trip

I am adding a post by Lisel I think it is a great idea. I want to hear from you girls! I know we have lots of great memories. Add it to you posts so I can add my memories to your blog.


1. Add a comment on my blog, leaving one memory that you and I (or Ben, or both of us) had together. 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.

Mean Mommy Day

Does anyone ever have a mean mommy day! Now that my kids are in bed and I am reflecting on the day. I was a mean mommy. It was just a busy day and I know we are going to have a busy week. Not that my kids did anything unusual I was just annoyed all day. Maybe I can blame it on the sun. I was probably sun pissed! So I better get a good night sleep so I can turn back into reasonably understanding mommy who loves her job!

3-D Movies

A fun Saturday! I love Saturday I must say it is my favorite day of the week. Today we took the kids to the movie Journey to the Center of the Earth. I was not terribly excited but being a mom you get to see all the "great" kids shows. When we got to the theater we realized this movie was shown in 3D! My first reaction was not good, since Disneylands, "Honey I shrunk the kids" Max was not a fan of the 3D effect. Luckily he has magically out grown that fear. The movie was fun and if you have kids that can sit through something other than a cartoon it was worth seeing. The kids really like the 3D effects and found alot of it hilarious. Not to mention they look cute in those glasses. I even jumped a few times when things jumped out at you. At one point I startled my sleeping baby not smart. I am a wimp in movies and startle easily.

Hangin with D Will

One of our friends tipped me off that Deron Williams from the Jazz would be signing autographs today. Make the story short off we went to the Sam's Club opening to meet D-Will. I am not sure if Ben or Max was more excited. I had all the kids in their Jazz shirts and Max and Rye had their items ready to be signed. We only had to stand in line about 20 minutes that wasn't bad I was expecting an hour or more. I was standing in line with my friend and her little boy. I was looking around at the other obsessed fans there. I did not see any other children or moms for that matter right by us. I would say that for the majority of the line it was grown men in D Will shirts or suits. I kinda thought to myself do these people have jobs?
It was have fun experience for Max he was speechless when he met Deron. He signed his jersey and let him sit on his lap. I took some pics but I can't get the camera to upload them. I will share later. It was a fun day and the kids had a great time. I think Ben is a little jealous that he didn't leave work to meet Deron!

Arts Festival

The SL Arts Festival is this weekend. If you attend Thursday or Friday 12-3 the admission is only 5 bucks. All kids under 12 are free. If you go at another time the price goes up to $10.

Discount Lagoon Tickets

I would like to take all the nieces to Lagoon this week but it is a little pricey to pay for everyone! Does anyone have any discounts tickets or know where to get any? I know some church groups still do Lagoon days. If you have any suggestions let me know ASAP!

Thanks

No Dancing!

You better watch out if you ever are on the Jurassic Park ride at Universal. They do not allow dancing under any circumstances!

The Woot Off

Check out this website today! It is a woot off. That have cheap stuff all day.
www.woot.com

The Coal Dog

Our Coal Dog was sent to the big park in the sky yesterday. He was 11 and sick and old. I probably kept him around longer than necessary. It sucks to lose the dog, he was a good dog and he will be missed. Some of my favorite things I will miss about him are:
5. The personal vacuum cleaner. Any food left out was gone in 2 seconds, including sandwiches you still might be eating. This comes in handy with kids who might drop food on the floor.
4. Having his bones stolen by Pongo and then searching for hours to find them. Usually found in a laundry pile.
3. How gentle he was with the kids never noticed them really.
2. Hiking with Coal he would run all over the place and never seemed to tire out.
1. How much he loved the car. It was his favorite thing.
1. Taking Coal everywhere with me. I sure no one else appreciated that.
1. Every time we came home if we were gone two minutes or a week he would cry and yelp. We called it his chewy sounds and bring you something to greet you (like a shoe)

Love ya fatty dog!

Summer Activites

I have not been posting as much lately we have been busy. I just downloaded the pictures from the past few weeks. Our friends were really nice and took us fishing. It was a fun day. We didn't catch anything until the afternoon. It was good it happened when it did the kids were getting restless. All in all we caught three fish. I am not counting the carp that Ben caught. He really thought he had the "big one" Happy summer is here.

Wii Love to Play!

I am hoping summer will come around soon. The kids and I have been having fun hanging out, but would love to bust out the pool and slip and slide soon! Until then between running outside when it is not raining the kids can play the new Wii.

Ben picked it up the other day and the kids have had a blast! Max and Rye can really play the wii sports pretty well. I am excited to see if they can actually do other games. Give us a call and come and play!

NKTB

The reunion is here. New Kids on the Block will be on the today show tomorrow. I know you will all be watching! I wish I still had my pillow case with their faces on it and the hot pink writing. I am sure ben would love it in our bed.

Want a Dog?

I have always been a dog person. I love dogs. My coal dog that I have had around for the last 10 years is one of my favorite people. (yes I said people). So When we moved into this house we inherited Callie a border collie/lab mix. She is a cute dog but could be the most disobedient dog ever! She will run away at every chance she will get. After she runs away and might I add she is one of the fastest running dogs I have ever seen she never comes back. Luckily we have some sweet little kids next door who will run all over the neighborhood to catch the stupid dog. Picture tackling! The dog has been on the cusp of leaving the house permanently for awhile. Well tonight could have been the last straw. I took the dumb dog on a walk. First she got in a fight with another dog. Then when we got home I started to close the garage and let Callie off the leash a little too soon. What did the stupid dog do she jetted for the door. Not only did she make it barely under the door Indiana Jones Style, she ran away. I really do not like this dog. I am secretly hoping she will not come back. If you would like a dog I will throw in 20 bucks and sincere gratitude.

December 12th

So Sarah had this posted and I had to add it too! Tell me what you think of Edward?


http://www.myspace.com/trailerpark

Some pics from Disneyland

Can you ever take enough pictures of your kids at Disneyland!

No not Mikey I Love Him!

This last week we spent it on vacation to Disneyland. One of the days we were able to go to Universal Studios. It was really a fun day and worth the effort. The kids loved the Curious George play land. I has a big water park with big water guns to soak people. After they were dry we went to the tent to play with another play area. It had probably 10,000 Nerf soft balls and guns and different things to shoot them out of and play with. I am not sure if Ben had more fun in there or the kids. At Universal Studios they have a big prop from Jaws (I think). It is a giant shark that is hung up like it has been caught and on the wharf. Well we went to go take a picture of it. Ben suggested we put Mikey in the mouth. When Max heard that he started Freaking OUT! "No not Mikey I Love him!" It was pretty funny. Max says some funny things. We had a great trip but now I am exhausted and think the next few days I will take it easy. Make sure you check out Max's face in this picture it says it all! If you click on the picture it will enlarge.

A new smilebox

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

Luxuries of Life

For the last year at our house we have not owned a toaster. Mainly because I just always forget to buy one at the store. When the kids ask for Eggos or something toasty they are out of luck. I don't really like to admit it but I do toast things in the broiler often. It had gotten to the point where Ben and the kids were starting to give me a hard time for not having a toaster.

Well our big news today is... I bought a toaster. When I told Max what I bought he was so excited he just about jumped out of his seat! I guess if all it took to make the family happy was a little toast, I should have done it a long time ago. As soon as we got home Max was ready to bust out the new purchase and partake of some toast.

Ryley is also excited she told me that now she can make breakfast.

Twilight

Well I just finished the third book in the twilight series. I have been reading it off and on for about 3 weeks. Today I busted through the rest and feel like I can go on with my life. It is hard for me to read books since I feel like I start to neglect the house and kids. Today was a good day to do that though. I was already not feeling well and thought I would just waste the day.

I just had to post about my accomplishment. I am sure when the next book comes out I will read that also. I hope it doesn't upset me as mush as Eclipse has.

My kids find this hilarious

Don't send a lame eCard.
Try JibJab Sendables!

Is Spring really here?

With the weather lately I have been wondering if Spring will ever show up for the party. I have a feeling that this is the week. Maybe it is because we are getting grass in the backyard or it is just wishful thinking. I know the kids are anxious to play in the yard and enjoy some sunshine. Today we were visiting a friend and Ryley asked if she could pull her weeds! She then proceeded to pull weeds for about 20 minutes. She actually picked quite a few. I guess she is excited to get out in the yard and get dirty. Hopefully this enthusiasm carries over to when I need her help. So here is to Spring hopefully we see it soon and it sticks around for awhile! when it is finally warm come on over to play in the sunshine.

Easter Pictures

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

We had a great Easter. Even though it was too early! Did I mention that a week later he had 7 inches of snow at our house! Honestly are we all dying of global warming?

Max Attack is having a rough week!

Poor Max he is having a rough time this week! He had a cavity that was filled today! Amazingly he was perfect at the dentist! I think he was done in about 20 minutes! I sat in the waiting room and was expecting to hear screaming at any minute but he was great! Maybe it was the bribe. After the dentist is when the problem occurred! Since his cheek was numb he bite it really hard! Now he is all swollen. I hope he gets better soon. we love our little Man! Dumb mom didn't think to tell her child to not chew his numb cheek off! Moral of the story tell your kids not to bite their numb cheek or don't get a cavity!

Rachel in Iraq

Here is a picture of my niece Rachel in Iraq. She is eight years younger than me so sometimes our relationship is more sisterly that an aunt niece thing. She is full time army and is currently in Iraq until the fall.

She is learning alot and is excited to be home at the end of the year for awhile. This picture I believe in from a small village in Iraq. she was sent on mission to examine a women since the male soldiers were not able to touch her. The people in the village kept asking to see her hair color and her eyes! She thinks she is the first female solider they had ever seen! At one point she thinks they were trying to arrange a marriage for her with one of their sons! She could only take pictures of the kids. It is not accepted to take pictures of women. We love her lots and miss her so much! God Bless you Rachel!