Playdate and a Play

Tonight Ben got together with his friends he played together with for years. They got together to have a little band practice. The kids and I had tickets to Desert Star Play House. the kids loved the show and laughed pretty hard the entire time. Max's favorite part was a man who came out in a princess dress with his mustache on. He just about fell over he was laughing so hard. It made me laugh of course to see him think something was so funny.
On the way home Rye was asking where Ben was and when they were playing. I told her and her response was, "So he is having a playdate with HIS friends."

Caught in the act!

I set a camera up on Christmas Eve to catch Santa. I did it he tripped the camera off and I now have proof he came to our house.

Christmas Hangover.

I feel today that I am coming out of the fog from Christmas. I have been so tired. the house was totally disastrous. Since it was a mess people kept showing up. Funny how that happens I think they know when it looks like a bomb went off. Well tomorrow I'll start putting the Christmas cheer away and look forward to the new year with some new goals and energy.

The kids had a great Christmas and they all seemed to enjoy all the attention. Then again my kids never not enjoy attention. Mikey was fun this year he really enjoyed his presents and liked opening them. His favorites are a light saber and the old school double car race track from the eighties. The great never die right?
Max and Rye are a little more complicated. Ryley insisted to Santa she needed a guitar so her Dad can teach her. Good luck with that Ben. Max just loves his Wii he just wanted some new games. He is a pretty good and always kicks my trash (which isn't saying much)
A few pictures from the season. Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight.
Max wanted a Fathead of Deron Williams Ben bought this Boys and their sports!

Christmas Part One!

Well It is the day after Christmas and I am still cleaning up toys and food. I don't think the house will recover too soon. We had a great Holiday so many fun things this month.

Ben and I were able to score some tickets to the Tabernacle Choir Concert at the beginning of the month. I was so fun and I am grateful we were able to attend. It started the month off on a good note for me.

I feel like this time of year you can never get everything done you would like but you do the best you can right. I still have a few gifts I would like to get out. The lights were never hung up but all it was a great month.

We had a white elephant party with a few friends and it was hilarious. These people always come up with the funniest things to talk about and I always enjoy their company!. Ben had purchased a few priceless autographs: Corey(Life goes on), Jean Claude VanDamn, Kato Kalin.MY personal fav was the Christmas Crown, it is going to become a treasure! It was a funny night filled with laughs. We all get so busy being moms dads it was nice to just hang out with Ben and some friends. This coming year I would really like to make a commitment to keep in contact with friends and family.

I love this time of year to help refocus on the things that matter most to me: Family, The Savior, being a good mom and wife, friendships. On Christmas Eve Ben reads the Story of Christ Birth to the family. Every year it is so great to hear him read it to our little family. I love his voice. We have a little manger and a little doll for the baby and the kids get to put the baby in the manger for the story. This year the story wasn't the moment I was visioning. Max is jumping on Ben back while he is reading while Mikey is throwing hay all over the floor for Daisy to eat! Sometimes these moments we planned don't go as planned right. In the end I think they get it Mikey was kissing the doll while Rye is explaining what is going on. She is such a mother already. I love this little family. Ben likes to remind me they will never be this little again. He is right I am going to miss this.

I'll post our Christmas mayhem later. Just a little pic of us at Temple Square. I love it in December such a beautiful place. I posted this picture because I love the way Ben is looking at Mikey. Merry Christmas Weekend to everyone!

Santa Email

A friend told us about an email you can get from Santa. The web address is portablenorthpole.tv

The kids loved it and it was really cute. You need to register the kids where they will not see you doing it then you can open the website together.
Santa sent an email to each kid. Max and Rye were fascinated. When we opened Michael's Max was sure that Santa was going to tell Mikey he was naughty. Michael passed the test and Santa said he was on the nice list. Max was a little disappointed.

Quest for the Crown!!

http://www.lanceandeskimo.com/flash/quest.html

Play this game it will change your life

Thanksgiving Fun!

We just got back from Thanksgiving and what a fun weekend. We had 25 people for dinner at the barn and it was such a great time. The fun didn't stop after dinner though. The next days were also filled will great times by all.
I made all who came to Thanksgiving write a Thankful Hand. My favorite was Rye's she was thankful for a Big Fat Turkey! The food was amazing, it was nice ignoring calories all weekend.

Thanks to people who will not be mentioned we ate pie again at 11:30 at night. I think the sugar went straight to my head because then I couldn't sleep all night! Since I was up I woke up Ashley and headed to Walmart! It was fun to get some good deals. All the people out that morning were in a great mood and it was alot of fun. The line to check out sucked major Walmart should work on that but what can I expect?

Thanksgiving is alwasy such a fun Holiday I love to be with everyone. I am grateful that almost everyone I love was able to be there. I am grateful for some many things in life the list is too great to bore you all. For my blogging purpose I want you to know I am grateful to you.( unless you are some creep I don't know) Many of you have touched my life in so many ways and helped me. Thanks.
I am excited for this time of year to be able to focus more on the important things in life. Hope this season you can find some joy and love also.

Had to include some of my favorite pictures from the weekend.

Keyboard Cat

Rest in Peace Keyboard Cat. You will be missed maybe I could wear this to remember you!

If you don't know what I am talking about check out this video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J---aiyznGQ

Guest Post by Ben

This game is awesome I suggest you all play it. It is epic.

Check out my craft blog at www.thecraftingcult.blogspot.com

I am excited for this Christmas Decor class. Everything to make for the class is very easy and I happen to think very cute. You can make as many items as you would like. You need to purchase the Decor Elements which is $11. After that you can decide which projects you would like to make. If you choose all the projects pictured the cost is $30 which is a discount of 10% if you purchase items individually. Not all of the decor elements were used so you will still have vinyl left over.

Let me know if you would like to come. I will hold the class on DEC. 1st from 1pm-8pm. You can come anytime in that time frame to complete your projects. I will need orders by November 24th. Thanks
Snow Glass Candy Jar $6.00

Noel Wood Blocks $10.00


Joy Frame $4.00

Holly Votive Candle Holders $2.00

Check out my new craft blog at

Holiday Open House

I am having a Holiday Open House next Thursday the 12th. I would love for you to come and check it out.
I have put together some card kits so you can make you Christmas Cards with no stress. I have a variety of styles and each kit will come with complete instructions and everything you need to make the cards minus glue.
I will also have tags, cards, and small gifts ready to purchase so you can pass the work off as your own. Making your Christmas Time even easier.

So stop buy of course I'll have a yummy treat and I would love to see you.

When: Thursday November 12th
Time: 1pm-8pm
Where: My home, call or email me for an address

Time for Halloween Fun!

We had a fun Halloween this year. I think I vote we have Halloween on a Saturday every year. Friday we had Ryley's fun school activities and Saturday we had the trunk or treat and then just hanging out around the house. The kids ate too much candy but a good time was had by all.

I was surprised that Mikey wore his costume. At this age Max would not even let me put anything on him. Ryley was Dorothy, Max wanted to be Bobo Fett (star wars) and Mikey was Yoda. Mikey actually had two costumes since I forgot I bought a costume on clearance last year. I think his second costume fits his personality better. The little Devil just fits him. Ben said that it hit a little to close to home.

My nieces came up for Halloween and I love having them around they are great girls. My niece Lauren wanted to be scared on Halloween so Ben stepped in to help. About a year ago Ben's Family bought a building that used to be the Old Saint Marks Hospital. It was an operational hospital over a hundred years ago. He has been teasing her for awhile that she could spend the night in the old morgue. Well her and her friend decided to be up for the challenge. Of course her friend became mysteriously ill on Halloween. Ben still took Lauren down to the office to check it out. I think he went easy on her. she still said it was pretty creepy. I'll try to get some pictures to creep the rest of us out.

Mikey is 2

Michael turned two this month. Where does the baby go. I don't think he has gone too far. I think He really enjoys being the baby he likes his crib, likes a bottle at night and has no intention of using a toilet. Regardless he might be too old to still be participating in some of these activities. He is for now the baby of the Family.

We had a fun day with Michael. We took the kids to build a bear for his birthday and he loved about the first two steps after that he just ran around the store. Max and Rye were happy they each made a friend with a personal song. Rye chose Hannah Montana and Max loves the Jonas Brothers. I can't wait to remind him of his fan following when he is older.

Michael is a pretty fun kid but he tends to be a bit of a bully I really have to watch him around kids. We was washing his bear when another kid came over. since like I mentioned Mike tends to be a bit aggressive when the kid got too close he pushes him down. I see this happening from across the store and run yelling NOOOO! No major damage just a crying kid caused by my, bully kid. The bad part was Ben went to apologize to the kids mom and kept saying sorry he pushed your daughter. After the lady left I said the kid was a he not a she. I think that probably was the icing on the cake for Rogers family insults to some nice lady with her kid. Anyway...

Michael did have a fun day he really loves planes and I attempted to make him a plane cake. I was NOT very successful. After toiling over this cake for 4 hours. I accepted defeat and stuck it in the frig. On his Birthday the next day when I set it out we are all admiring my failed attempt when BAM! Daisy the puppy jumps up and steals the nose of the crashed plane. After my rage had calmed down. I thought I can fix this them BAM again my mother had cut off the damage and now the plane was really wrecked. It just wasn't my day for a cake. It doesn't matter like Mikey cares right? I better not ever see this image on Cake Wrecks! I know it sucks.


Happy Birthday little man you are quite the kid.

October Activities

We have had a busy October. I think this time of year just starts to fly by. I do love this time of year though, the air and the jacket weather. The kids are always fun at Halloween. They have been planning their costumes for a weeks. I think they can hardly wait til Saturday.
WE took the kids in the beginning of October to Patch's Pumpkin Patch in Farmington. We had a fun day. Walking all over looking for the perfect pumpkin. We ended up taking home 3 big pumpkins but the kids really wanting 20 or so. Every few steps they would see another one that was the perfect pumpkin.
This Patch also has a corn maze and so we ventured in. It wasn't long til Ben and I were both tired and we were no where near an exit. After wandering for about 30 minutes we found the way out much to my relief. Rye said at one point,"We might as well sleep here!"
It was a good day minus the fact the Mikey was in desperate need of a nap and slept hard the minute we arrived home. Good time. Stay tuned to see how we massacre the pumpkins.

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Stamp club Projects

Our first club will be on Thursday night at 7pm or you can come on Friday at 1:30. They will both be at my house. If you are coming let me know.

This is a Christmas Box with four mini gift cards.


I love these cute treat holders for Halloween. We have a 3-D witches hat and a spider to hold a little treat.

This is the card the "little" stampers will be making. It is really fun with the green glitter.

Stamp Clubbing

I am starting some new stamp clubs. Since I am to old to go clubbing and I never really liked it in the first place. They will all be held at my house. All the ordering will be through Stampin Up. If you choose to join you have to commit to a year and you will have a month were you will receive the hostess benefits.

I have been in a stamp club with some friends for about 4 years it has been so fun to get new ideas and just to get together and do something we all like to do. I decided to start a club in my area since I can order the products through being a demonstrator for Stampin Up. I started a new blog www.thecraftingcult.blogspot.com to keep track of all the things we are doing and to show those that might want to join what we will be doing. I will have the link on my sidebar under Melanie's Stamping Messes.

If you would like to join our group leave me a comment or contact me I would love to have you. Our first meeting in October 8th or the 9th you can come on either day.

Playtime at the Rogers

My friend was over with her girls last week for a little project we made. I should take a picture it did turn out dang cute. The problem with doing projects is the kids do get ignored to a degree. We were down stairs crafting away when we hear a crash and then instant crying. I ran up the stairs to find this....


Max was upset and I think he was scared I might freak out. I admit when I first saw the door my reaction was, "WHAT DID YOU DO?" I preceded to hear the story of these two kids playing with walkie talkies and going to hide in the shower. When Max opened the shower door he lifted it up instead of sliding it.

Then I saw the blood. This sent me into panic mode as to who was hurt. Thankfully no one had anything serious. Minor cuts. It was a pretty crazy day though. After my friend and I were really shakin up since the kids could have been really hurt. All in a day at playtime at the Rogers house.


Luckily everyone is fine. I had to take a pic of their sad little faces.

Hello Little Blog have you missed me?

Summer is gone! I miss the lazy days already, the pool having nothing to do, vacations, all the things summer is right? Wrong I had none of that. I felt like our summer zipped by so fast I blinked and it was over. I am kinda upset about the whole process. Saturday Rye and I were cleaning up the yard and I'm thinking next year will be easier.
Don't get me wrong we had a great summer. Rye had swim team, the kids and I were able to play together. It just seemed to go by too quickly. My realization that summer was over came to a screeching halt today when I had snow (really slush) outside and had to put on my sweater. I'll miss you summer until next time when Utah unthaws for 6 weeks.

Fall does bring on lots of fun activities though. We have lots of family birthdays in the fall. I also LOVE getting out the fall things for the house and now nothing can hold me back to go crazy for halloween and all the holidays that follow. I'm posting a few pics from the last weeks. See you soon little blog. I will be trapped inside now.


Rye's first day of school and Max in his fav jammies.


Max's Birthday this is the "smile" I got when I asked. He was so excited from playing this his friends. PS Kangaroo Zoo is Fabulous

Max's Birthday

We celebrated Max's Birthday Tuesday. We had a great day Max and I hung out all day and I loved it. At the end of the day Max said "well I'm 5 now like a lot of my friends."
"Yep you are but I don't think I want you to grow up anymore."
"Why"
I told him I just wanted him to love transformer for his birthday and be my sweet kid. His reply?
"Mom I'll still like transformers when I'm old don't worry!"

Such a sweet kid. I love everything he does. I post some pics soon.

CTW (Choosing the Wrong)

Max had a great primary teacher for the last six months she was big on teaching the kids to Choose The Right (CTR). When we made a bad decision he would say "that is choosing the wrong"
I had to go to back to school night for Rye on Tuesday. Ben stayed at home with the kids and I went to school. I left about 6pm and kids had not been fed dinner.

When I arrived back home at 8pm I found an empty package of cookies on the counter. No other evidence of dinner. This did not surprise me that much. It just gives me a chance to give Ben a hard time about feeding the kids cookies for dinner.

Ben is not a cook I know this and don't really expect it to change. His make dinner is usually delivered pizza.
With my couponing obsession we have quite a bit of food in the basement. The kids of course help themselves. The cookies always go first, so a new package of cookies was brought up and the kids and Ben proceeded to eat the entire package. When they were finished Ben told the kids, "Lets not tell Mom we ate cookies for dinner okay."
Max replies, "Why would we lie to Mom that would be choosing the wrong, Dad?"
He continues to tell Ben how lying is wrong and we should never lie to Mom.
Ben agrees and now knows he is not getting away with cookies for dinner.

I'm a Sucker

Last year Coal Dog left the family for the big Farm in the sky. He was a good dog and I loved him. When he died I was convinced that I would not get another dog since they are expensive. They are so sweet to have around and I love them but going to the vet kills me. About Christmas time I told Ben I would love a White lab puppy. He usually just shakes his head at me. He would get one but I said I really was not ready.

Well the dog story starts with Adam and Erica. They bought a white lab puppy and brought her over to show her off. WE all thought she was adorable of course and then the kids wanted one. Mikey was so cute with Lady he loved to play with her and hold her. His lack of fear did not help me to not get a dog. A day later I called the breeder and she still had a little girl left. Two puppies from the same litter does it get any cuter! I thought for a day and off we went to Heber to "look" well you don't "look" with kids and home we come with the dog. On the way to Heber Max tells me, "Mom, Ryley and I agree on the name Daisy."

Well we call her Daisy Dog and I am so happy to have her! She is so sweet and her cuteness makes me explode! I love having a puppy again and can't wait for her to grown up with the kids.


Any tips on puppy life haven't had one for awhile so help us out!

Summer Fun.

Watching fireworks on the top of the car at The Canyons.

We have had a fun summer with the kids. Many trips to the barn and the swimming pool. Ryley just finished her first year of swim team and she rocked! I think in a few years she will be swimming better than me. Max is excited to join next year. The best part of swim team is realizing how bad I am at swimming. Something to work on for myself.

Mikey has been growing and learning alot this summer. His vocabulary is really starting to take off and he makes me laugh. He says new things everyday I love this age. He will be 2 in October it is hard for me to believe. Max still gets to chill with me alot. he misses the kindergarten cut off barely so he has an entire year at home still. I am going to really try and enjoy it. He is getting excited for his birthday and wants to talk about it all the time. Just a little update from the Rogers Fam.


Smores with Grandma at the Barn.




A couple of Rye's team mates after their Relay. they were so cute to watch. I think they were the smallest kids in the league. All the other relay teams would finish about 2 lengths before them. They always brought alot of cheers!



P.S. We bought a Puppy this week. I'll introduce her later.

Conversation of the Day

Max: "Mom your are older than the world right?"
Me: "not quite"
Max: "Did they have dinosaurs when you were little?"
Me: "No but we didn't have computers."
Max: "WOW!"

Rogers Got Talent!

My kids love the TV show Americans Got Talent(AGT). They love to say how bad or good someones talent is. They even play AGT. Ryley who especially loves attention is the first one on the fireplace to perform.

The other night she was asking for an audience. We politely agreed, I don't what to ruin her self esteem. Although I don't know how you could the girl is pretty confident.

Rye gets up for her big performance and before she starts Max screams, "Boo! I vote BOO!"

Leave it to the little brother to help you with the self esteem.

Ben and I shouldn't have laughed but we did. She did complete her song after she hit her brother. Good Times.

Not yet

Rye is out of school this week and Max has been out for a while. We were driving today and Max asked....
"Tomorrow is Ryley's last day of school right?"
Right Max
"Mom when is our last day of church?"
We will always go to church Max it doesn't end.


He was a little disappointed we don't have a summer from church

We don't Camp! (yet)

We have not been a camping family. I always think it would sound like fun then I think of the three kids packing everything, getting in the car, finding a place to go, setting up the tent. You get the idea I have not been real ambitious. We go to the barn that is good enough for camping right? The kids are always asking to go so maybe we will have to try it.
In the meantime Ben and I had a little excursion to Ikea I say excursion since I feel like it is a small road trip. While at Ikea we spot the kids play tent for 10 bucks. We get it home and the kids freaked out! I think the kids might sleep in it all summer. They have slept in it every night since Saturday and show no sign of stopping!

Oops, a little Toot!

Max is all boy and I am giving total credit to his father for this trait. He likes people to acknowledge him when he passes gas loudly. I know this is disgusting and I am ashamed. That is the set up for my Max moment.

Max, "Mom, Mom, I need to toot!"
Me, "Thanks Max I don't need to know."
Max, (Toots.. while laughing since he has now grossed out mom)
A look of terror crosses his face as he grabs his pants
"Uh oh... I think I pooped my pants!"
Runs, no, waddles to the bathroom as fast as he can.

Gross I know, don't think less of me. Thanks to Ben. Does the bathroom humor ever not become funny to boys.

Cooking Kids

My kids have been really into making their own food lately. It all started with this plastic egg cooker Ryley had to have at the grocery store. You put the thing in the microwave and basically the egg explodes inside. Lucky for me the microwave has been out of commission for the last week.
Sunday I got home from church a little later than the rest of the family.(10Minutes) I come into the kitchen and find The Chef and her apprentice making lunch.
"What are you guys making?"
" A pickle and cheese sandwich!"
"Yummy"
Max interjects I would like Peanut Butter!"


The final product :Pickles, cheese, peanut butter, mayonnaise, and spinach.

Max's first bite soon becomes his last. I didn't get the picture of the sandwich on the floor.
Pretty sure this sandwich will not be at your local deli soon.

Senitmental Friday

I was doing motherly duties with Michael this morning (changing the diaper) I realized he will be 18 months on the 21st! The time has gone by so fast and like all of your kids I cannot imagine life before them.

My Mikey is the sweetest baby his personality is exploding everyday he make me laugh. I love how he tells me no shakes his heads really hard but he can't help his whole body from shaking. Ben was giving me a hard time this morning because we were sleeping in bed together and I informed Ben not to wake the baby. Ben's response you really think he is prince don't you! Yes Ben, I do he is a little prince to me!

I have always been a softy but when you are a mom it gets worse! Even at Adam and Erica's wedding I cry at the silliest things. Ben and Ryley were dancing and I had to ignore it, all I could think about was if Ryley gets married and her daddy dancing with her at the wedding I might cry now! Seeing my kids happy could be the most comforting thing in the world.

I really love being with my kids all day even though some days it may not seem that way. I love to kiss the ouchies and give loves and laughs. Even my clingy little boys who always want their mommy I love. Sometimes I am annoyed, but secretly I love that I can always console them.

Thoughts for the day that all started with changing a diaper and knowing they grow up too fast! Hopefully these thoughts can carry me to the next meltdown.

The Wedding

This past weekend we celebrated Adam and Erica's Wedding. The kids had a great time and really tore up the dance floor. They do not have my rhythm thank heavens! The wedding was nice. Erica asked Ryley to be a flower girl and she was so tickled. I think she practiced for a week!

With this all falling on Easter weekend it made for a busy weekend. I am pretty sure that spring started but the snow is deceiving.
Trust me I have way more pictures but I am sparing all of you!

Going to the Zoo and Hair raising stories

Ryley's kindergarten class had a Zoo field trip this week. I was lucky enough to go. Thanks to Janie for taking the crazy boys! The girls had fun and they are so cute together. It is fun to be around such sweet little kids! The animals are much more active now so take the kids before it is too hot!

Later that day I had a hair appointment. Ryley was asking me if she could get her hair done like mine. I told her, her hair was beautiful and the color is what most people aim to have. Her reply was "I don't like it is all shiny and golden!" Rough life, ugly kid.