The Burnt Cookies at High Altitude

2012-01-31T08:07:00.000-08:00

Bethany turns 10!

I can hardly believe that my Bethy-Baby turned 10 this month! Crazy!

ten things about her are:

1. She is in 4th grade

2. She loves to write stories

3. She likes to help and clean up

4. She loves animals, especially horses

5. She wants to live on a ranch

6. She is brave, willing to try new things

7. She likes to cook her "famous" chicken with her dad

8. She is sassy

9. She loves cheese burgers

10. She loves cowboy boots and levis

2012-01-24T09:04:00.000-08:00

WeLCoMe 2012!

2012-01-24T09:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas Morning!

Then it was off to Grandma's house for

more presents,

scones for breakfast and

playing with cousins!


Grandma and Grandpa got a little surprise! Hand prints from the grand-kid's!

Of course, Grandma gave all the kids matching pajamas!

We love hanging out with ALL our family this time of year!

Time Flies!

2012-01-24T08:36:00.000-08:00

Just one month ago, it was Christmas eve, and we had been...

Singing at the Ogden Amphitheater

Visiting Temple Square to see the lights

Seeing the gingerbread cookie machine at Deseret Book

Singing at the Layton Christian Academy

Making treats with Grandma Colleen

Getting sick

...And, Wrapping presents and getting ready for Santa to come!

2011-12-11T18:26:00.001-08:00

A Visit to Texas!

For Thanksgiving this year, we headed to Aunt Lauras' house in San Antonio. It was a 2 day (pushing it!) drive there through Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, and Oklahoma. While we were there, we went to the Alamo and the River Walk and enjoyed shopping and eating and visiting with our family.

The Alamo was a highlight of our trip.

The kids played non-stop with Jane. It was a beautiful 75 degrees!

Seeing these giant boots was top on Bethany's list. There are so many cowboy boot stores in Texas, it was heaven for my little cowgirl. She even brought her plaid shirt and boots so she would fit in with all the Texans:)

What had to be the best of all was seeing baby Roman! He is so cute! The girls loved being able to hold and feed him.

And I can't forget to mention the wonderful turkey dinner with all the fixings. The girls made little cake toppers for each food dish, labels for "turkey" and "desrts" and name place cards for everyone.

After all the fun and visiting, we were on the road again for 2 days (pushing it!) This time through Texas, New Mexico, Colorado and then home.

2011-11-01T10:38:00.000-07:00

This is HaLLoWeeN:

Curious George and The Man in the Yellow Hat (3rd times a charm!)

50's Girl, Astronaut and Goth-Vanpire-Princess

Willard's favorite part! He spent several hours answering the door and handing out treats! He would open the door and say "Hallo, here a go" and then offer treats then he'd say "see ya" or...

Trickatweet and Hapahaween!

2011-11-01T10:26:00.000-07:00

Since my last post...

September 15th
Jameson turned 6! wow, crazy huh? He loved being in the spotlight. JJ is very smart. He can count to 109 and can add and subtract. He knows all his shapes, even a trapezoid! He has lots of friends (especially girl friends :)) and he loves the Wii and Nintendo DS. He is so nice to his little brother, and the perfect annoying little brother for his sisters - getting into their stuff etc.! He got a space shuttle lego set, Donkey Kong for the Wii, new shoes and a jar for his "treasures." Then he had a s'more ice cream sundae for a cake :) Nearly perfect in every way!

September 24th

And then I took the girls and Jameson to see "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat" It was so fun and they all loved it!

While we were gone, Jayme built a rock wall that almost finishes our huge yard project.

2011-09-14T10:45:00.000-07:00

Crafting with JJ

With the girls back to school ALL DAY! (Yeah for me) JJ was a little bored, so we crafted these cute hangers so he could organize his outfits. He made all the planets and put them in order. And now he loves getting his week set up and then getting dressed is easy cause it's all decided! It's been great for this week since we have to dress in the color of the day!

2011-09-07T13:23:00.000-07:00

Back to School

Marcee is in 6th grade

Bethany is in 4th grade

Jameson started kindergarten!

I have a motto for my family this year: 

I CAN DO HARD THINGS!

Each of my kids have big things this year.

*Marcee is in middle school and has more than one teacher, a locker and has to dress for P.E.!

*Bethany has to read 1 book a month and do a report on it, she also now has a math book and 2 pages of homework! Big change :)

*Jameson has Kindergarten! Wow that's a big change. He goes to school on the bus and is gone everyday.

They are all involved in a singing group as well and the girls have piano lessons. I am also working a little so they have to be responsible when they get home from school to do their homework and chores! They think it is SO much and TOO hard! But, we can do these hard things! Right?

2011-08-23T11:35:00.000-07:00

SPoiLeD

Marcee turned 11 and WoW! She got some great gifts, including a 'nook' and a wire dress form (which she loves loves to dress up for school, lol)! We had a grand time celebrating with her. We went to her favorite restaurant, "the back house steak house!" more commonly know as "Outback Steak House." Then home for a movie, "Soul Surfer," and pop corn.
Marcee is a sweetheart. She is a good babysitter for her little brothers and is willing to help out when I ask. She loves to dress her 'own' style.
She is good at math, art and piano, and loves to read.
Happy Birthday baby girl!

Dress form ready for bed in her new night gown.

Surprise! Grandma and Grandpa got her a nook. She is sooo spoiled :)

2011-08-02T12:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to You!

Willard turned 2!
I can hardly believe it!
He is a boy of few words but knows how to get what he wants. He is stubborn and a little sassy!
He loves to play and jump on the tramp with his sisters, and he likes to watch Jameson play the Wii. His favorite movie is "Curious George 2"
He calls trains "BahBah" and cars "VroomVroom." His sisters are "Sarsee" and "Sassee" and Jameson is "JayJa." Any food, treat or drink is a "Num-a-Num-a."
For his birthday he was given a giant stuffed bear, a new blanket for his big boy bed, cars, and legos.

His girls made him the perfect cake!

A few more things...

2011-05-24T20:36:00.001-07:00

The piano recital and pre-school graduation
(all on the same day!)

Bethany played "The Chocolate Song"

Marcee played "Mermaid" and "Skip to My Lou"

JJ graduating :)

A few things to finish up...

2011-05-24T20:22:00.000-07:00

Jameson sings with the Tiny Tone

Bethany plays goalie and her team finally wins a game!!!

Jamesons final soccer game :)

Playing at the park on the one (really, ONE) nice day in weeks.

It's beginning to look a lot like...?

2011-03-07T09:45:00.000-08:00

I am so ready for some better WeaTHeR.
My kids are getting STiR CRaZy and
Willard just wants to run ouTSiDe, but hates the SNoW!

A Date with JJ

2011-02-07T09:36:00.000-08:00

JJ and I went to the Tree House Museum for a mommy/son date. We spent the afternoon playing. He sat behind the presidents desk, dressed up like an astronaut, and climbed the giant tree many times. Then we went to lunch at Sandy's. JJ had a old-fashion chocolate shake to eat :) -he didn't touch his grilled cheese! It was so fun to just spend time one-on-one with him, he doesn't get that much with 2 older sisters and a baby brother!

2011-02-07T08:45:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for Valentine's Day...

Crafting with Erinn

Making treats
(peanut butter blossoms with a heart instead of a kiss! so cute)

...and of course,
Count Down Kisses. 14 kisses 'till Valentine's Day!

Playing Catch-Up

2011-01-21T08:22:00.000-08:00

I am so behind that I keep putting off writing, which is only putting me further behind! So, here is my attempt to do a catch up...
Following Jayme's accident, he signed up for an 8 week class that kept him busy every night. Thanks to my parents for making that possible! They came up 2-3 times a week to help me with homework, dinner, clean-up and bedtime! I couldn't have done it without them.

Thanksgiving was spent in San Diego, CA with all of my family. It was a nice break from the cold. We went to see "Tangled," had dinner at all of Clark's favorites like Fred's, The Hamburger Factory and a yummy pizza place (i can't remember the name). We even ventured to L.A. to take the girls to the American Girl Doll Store, definitely a highlight of the trip.

December flew by! I planned a cookie baking day with grandma and we went to see "Scrooge" a play at the Terrace Theater. We played in the snow and had a few family parties. And then it was Christmas.

January started with goal setting and a 21 day challenge - doing a quick clean-up of the down stairs -I'm on day 19 and doing good! Bethany turned 9 and we had a fun family party at the Olive Garden. And, Duke is now 18 months...Yeah, he can go to nursery!!!! We took the kids to the Clark Planetarium. JJ loves learning about space and now knows so many fun facts that he has been sharing with everybody!

Everyone has been sick at least once during all of this.
Bethany had 2 doctor visits. Her arthritis is quiet for now and her iritis is under control. She is sassy as ever, loving to write stories but not enjoying math ("I mean, what is the big deal about MATH?!?")
JJ had his first concert. He loves, loves playing his DS or the Wii, so much so that he forgets to use the bathroom! That's trouble. He loves pre-school and thinks it is much to cold to play outside.
Marcee dressed up as Florence Nightengale for school. She loves math and piano and reading. She is learning to be my tender, and is very good at it. Her brothers both love her tons.
Duke finally got all his teeth! He loves his dad most and is not too happy to be left without mom, dad or grandma. He is my only kid who cries in the nursery :(

Gratitude

2010-11-16T10:39:00.000-08:00

On October 19, Jayme was in a scary accident. He was distracted and hit a barrier flipping his car. Thankfully he was not injured, but it so easily could have been much worse. Having this trial has made me focus in on the important things, my blessing, the things I am most grateful for. I am grateful Jayme is alive, I am grateful for a sister that is willing to drop everything to come help me when I need her most. I am grateful for a wonderful family. I am grateful for my 4 kids, even when they drive me wild :) I am grateful for good doctors for Bethany. I am grateful for a good teacher for Marcee. I could go on and on...

Inspired by my sister, I had my family make a gratitude poster for family home evening. I want my kids to recognize how much we have to be thankful for. We all talked about the things we are most grateful for. Jameson said the wii, Bethany said friends and family and Marcee thought about freedom. They even brought up little things like smiles and hugs! I am grateful for little and big teaching moments with my kids.

"Regardless of our circumstances, each of us has much for which to be grateful if we will but pause and contemplate our blessings." President Thomas S. Monson

2010-10-30T19:45:00.001-07:00

Trick-or-Treat

Ooey Gooey Pumpkin Guts

Creepy Crawlie Jack-o-Lantern

Yummy Pumpkin Pancakes

Clever Halloween Dinner - Mummy Hotdogs and Halloween Shapes Macaroni and Cheese

Getting Ready to Trick or Treat {in the rain}

Sam as Buzz Lightyear, Punkin as Woody, Jameson as Toad {Mario Bros.}, Bethany as a Mermaid, Marcee as Annie, Willard as a Curious George with Daddy as The Man with the Yellow Hat.

2010-09-20T12:36:00.000-07:00

JJ's 5th Birthday (x2)
First we celebrated with his cousin Sam in August! We made this cool monster truck cake for these crazy boys. Yum!

Then, we celebrated on the actual day, September 15!
JJ got a soccer ball, a trampoline, some locks with keys (for treasures) and stuff for his bike! So Fun :)

2010-09-20T11:56:00.000-07:00

"Horsing" around at our ward FHE!!!

2010-09-07T15:35:00.000-07:00

BACK TO SCHOOL
The girls started school the end of August.
Bethany is in 3rd grade and Marcee is in 5th. They like their teachers and are glad to be back with their friends. Marcee loves math and reading, and is excited for field trips. Bethany loves writing and reading, and is excited to learn to write in cursive.

Jameson started today. This year he will go to pre-school 3 times a week. (What will I do with all that free time I'll have now?)
He loves teacher Melanie, reading time and playing with his best friend Chloe!

2010-09-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

August Review

The girls went to Broadway camp for 2 weeks. Right before the big show, we had a party for our "cast". We served munchkin pizzas, yellow brick road bread sticks and a rainbow of fruit. Grandma Connie made ruby slipper cookies, yum ! Bethany had a speaking part as the Barrister and Marcee was one of the witches guards. Both were perfect munchkins too:)

We took the girls to see the Lion King. This is the second musical they have been to. They said it was "fun, entertaining, impressive and smart how they did those costumes."

For Marcee's 10th birthday we had an art party. The pottery teacher at the high school taught her and some friends how to make a clay pot. The pots will now get fired and the girls will have a fabulous keepsake. After playing with they clay, we had donuts, fruit and presents. They birthday girl said it was "the best party ever!"

2010-08-25T09:32:00.001-07:00

SuMMeR 2010(in review!)
I can hardly believe, summer's over and kids are back to school. We have been busy and so, blogging has taken a back seat. Now that we are getting into the swing of things, I need to do a quick update.

Jayme came home from his 9 week ordeal June 5th. Wow, what a trip:)
One week later, I headed to my "girls only" family reunion. We had a week of doctor visits and day camps, finished up the softball/T-ball season and did a little scrapbooking.
Then, swimming lessons for 2 weeks

And Bethany learned how to play tennis. She loved it!
We celebrated the 4th of July with the town at the parade!

Finally, the trip the kids have been waiting for all year...Lake Powell
Our house boat.

All the cousins.

Going for a canoe ride. JJ's favorite!

Riding on the banana.
Right in front, Bethany the Brave! She got this nickname for being willing to try anything once :)

Duke was an angel baby and he loved the water.

We also celebrated his 1st birthday!

After a grand time at Lake Powell, I took the girls to see Jon Schmidt in concert!

The girls love that he plays upside down and backwards.

I love the cello with the piano.

To top it all off...
we built a trampoline

And put in wood floors!

So, as you can see, we have been busy. But we had a great summer, visiting our family, learning new things and getting lots done!

2010-06-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

Duke is almost one. CRaZY! And he is changing fast.
Here are a few of his latest tricks.

ReaDY, SeT, Go!

Say CHeeSe!

I need a CoKe!!!

We just love this kid!

2010-05-14T21:26:00.000-07:00

Piano Recital

The girls are doing such a great job learning to play the piano. Marcee can quickly pick up a new song and enjoys memorizing. Bethany has to practice a little more to get her songs down, but then she can really play them well! I think they both like the treats their teacher gives for playing a song without mistakes!

At the recital, Bethany played "I Love to See the Temple" and "My Teddy Bear."

Marcee played "Honky-Tonk Ride" and "Dinosaur Stomp."

They both did a wonderful job. We are proud of them.

2010-05-12T12:45:00.000-07:00

Tee-Ball started! How fun is that.

It is so fun to watch these little boys (and girls) play.

They are not sure what to do and they all want to catch the ball.

When JJ hit his first time, the ball followed the line to first base.
So, he stopped running, picked it up and handed it to the other team!
He is quite the hitter, but he thinks catching the ball is "too hard!"
He mostly wants a trophy in the end.
GO METS!

2010-05-12T12:25:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day

Camie had these questions listed on her blog, answered by her 3 year old, Sam. I couldn't resist asking JJ the same questions. He took a lot of time to consider these answers.

1. What does your mom look like?

A Mom!

2. What does your mom do all day?

Clean up. Clean the kitchen. Clean the living room floor!

3. What does your mom like to make for you?

Noodles!

4. What is your mom's favorite dessert?

Pizza! (Then he asked, “Do you like pizza?)

5. What does your mom love to play?

Ring-a-Round the Rosy (which is funny because we NEVER play this :))

I love my mom because ... I just like her!

2010-04-23T11:34:00.000-07:00

3weeks down...

This is what we've been doing since Jayme left for his training.

Easter

Egg Hunt at Grandmas

Easter Dresses

(Made by HotchPotchGirls.blogspot.com)

Bathing in the sink!

(our drain is broken and with no fix-it man here, this is what you get!)

Homework, Homework and MORE HOMEWORK

Jameson's best day ever!

When Uncle Nate came and won him a new world on the Wii!!!

Uncle Korey's mission farewell

Duke can now climb!

and...
Reading scriptures, family prayer and talking to Dad every night (almost)!

2010-04-13T08:39:00.000-07:00

RiTiS WaLK 2010

Bethany's at it again! She is raising money for the Arthritis Foundation and participating in their annual Arthritis Walk. She is trying to raise $100! This has been a fun event for our family to participate in (and Bethany enjoys the positive attention her "ritis" gets)!

Bethany is in the middle of a flare up right now and her iritis ( inflammation in her eyes) is giving her a lot of trouble. But she is strong and keeps doing all the doctors asks even though she hates it! We sure do love our Bethy :)

If you are interested in helping her out, click on the "donate now" button on the side!

2010-02-22T08:34:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day

In keeping with his newest tradition, Jayme brought his girls flowers for Valentine's Day (me included!) They love getting the beautiful flowers and think their daddy is the best! I would agree!

2010-02-18T15:56:00.001-08:00

OUCH!

So here's the deal: I fell down our stairs almost a month ago. I started out in the boot (the big black thing in the back, right)! and have now moved on to the air cast for a severe sprain. The doc is worried about my arches falling - YIKES! So I get to wear that cast for up to 3 months. Then upon viewing my x-ray's they have discovered I have massive heel spurs in addition to the already diagnosed plantar fasciitis. So the other boot-looking thing is called a night splint. I wear that every night rotating which foot I put it on. It is not very comfortable and I am not supposed to walk on it. This is impossible! Duke is NOT sleeping and I am up every hour helping him (teeth, ear infection, younameit...). The doctor also hated my shoes and told me to buy some good ones. Jayme and I went straight to the athletic shoe store and purchased my shiny, new, $100 (really not too bad) Asics brand shoes. I have worn them everyday, with everything except for three hours on Sunday for church! (Jayme wants me to, but I refuse.)

So, you ask, how I am feeling? ...Worse than before! My feet ache and they wont give me any pain meds!!! It is hardest first thing in the morning and walking down the stairs. I am hoping this is a "no pain no gain" thing, but OUCH!

2010-02-16T08:57:00.000-08:00

MoNSTeR TRuCK SHoW

JJ and Jayme hung out together at the truck show! Jayme was excited to go, JJ not so much! He thought it sounded cool when his cousin went, but on the morning of the event he asked if they could go a different day! He ended up having a great time though he thought it was a little long. His favorite was "Monster Mutt" and the trucks crushing the pink bus he also really liked the motorcycles jumping! He used his GG's valentine money to by a little Monster Mutt for his truck collection.

2010-02-08T15:00:00.000-08:00

What a whirlwind weekend!

My mom and my sister and I went to "Time-Out for Women" this weekend. What fun. We enjoyed each others company and heard inspiring messages and music.

After that event, my Bethy-Baby got baptized. She looked beautiful all dressed in white. Her Grandma Connie spoke, her sister played the piano and both her Great-grandmas were there to support her. Afterward we had a party complete with a chocolate fountain (her favorite)!

She said it was an "awesome" experience.

2010-02-02T09:20:00.000-08:00

YEAH!

January is over!

We had a hard month, and spent a lot of time (and $money) at the doctor.
1. Bethany had an appointment with the Glaucoma specialist (down to SL we go!)
2. 30 minutes after arriving home from that appointment I was taking JJ to the insta-care for stitches (x2) in his head. He'd fallen into my nightstand.
3. 7 days later a nurse visit to remove the above mentioned stitches.
4. Duke turned 6 mo. so off to a well child visit (to make him sick, right? every time ;))
After the 5 shots he had for vaccinations and flu we were done!
5. Duke returns to the doctor because of another ear infection - more antibiotics! and flu shots part 2 because he is little.
6. Jayme fell down the stairs with Duke in his arms, thankfully only Jayme's big toe suffered damage. But again off to the insta-care for x-rays, etc. and some new medications for Gout! and pain!
7. I MADE EVERYONE (except Jayme, he refuses) get the H1N1 Flu Shot!
8. Then I fell down the stairs (what is it with us!) After sleeping on it and not being able to walk on it in the morning, I was headed to the insta-care for x-rays and the 'boot' for my sprained ankle/foot. And after a little drug seeking I was given something for the pain!
9. 3 days later I was back at the doctor for my follow-up and a little more drug seeking ;) Only to discover I now had strep throat. I opted for the antibiotic shot and felt significantly better the next day.
10. Bethany had her appointment with the Iritis specialist. Good news: her eye inflammation is quiet and her pressures are down! Bad news: continue with medications as they are. Bethany was really hoping to get to be done with her weekly injections. (this one actually happened Feb. 1 but who's counting!)

2010-02-02T09:11:00.000-08:00

Happy 83rd Birthday GG the Girl!

We had a fun family get-together for GG's birthday.

Complete with pizza and pink cupcakes! So fun!

2010-01-04T11:07:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

2009-12-11T10:26:00.000-08:00

How cute is this?

JJ in 2009

Bethany in 2006

( I even have a picture of me in this same hat from 1978 ish. I'll have to try to get a copy posted!)

2009-12-09T13:29:00.000-08:00

So, I totally slack! To catch up, I'm just going to list some pictures.

Here is oCToBeR and NoVeMBeR...

Painting and carving the pumpkins we grew in our garden!

All dressed up! Marcee is Elphaba, Bethany in Galinda, JJ is Peter Pan and Duke is a skeleton!

Next we went to the Aquarium in SLC using Bethany's certificate she one in an art contest. The kids had a great time looking at Salmon and petting Sting Rays!

Duke got a new toy! He likes to sit in his BUMBO and watch all the craziness around him.

Just before Thanksgiving I took the girls and their counsin to see the Nutcracker! I have such fun memories of seeing this with my grandma when I was their age. It was a perfect afternoon and we all had a great time.

The girls and their dad may beautiful PuMPKiN PieS for our Thanksgiving dinner. Then we all went to Grandmas for the FeaST (as Bethany says:)

Notice the cute TuRKeY fruit salads!

Now we are caught up to DeCeMBeR.

Let the CRaZiNeSS begin!

2009-10-25T19:22:00.000-07:00

2009-09-28T09:56:00.000-07:00

eYe PaTCH FuN!

JJ's friend found out he has Amblyopia too! So, to make it easier for both of them,

we had a PiRaTe PaTCH PaRTy!

I made them each a patch, complete with SKuLL and CRoSSBoNeS.

They had a lot of FuNand now patching isn't quite as hard.

Blessing Our Baby

2009-09-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

Willard "Duke"

On Sunday, September 6th we blessed our 4th child.

It was so great to have most of our family in town for the occasion.

The kids all love to be around Duke.

JJ will lay by him during belly time and is in charge of taking diapers out.

Marce and Bethany like to hold him and feed him. Marce will even change a poopy diaper!

Duke is almost always happy and wants to be with someone all the time, especially his momma.

The First Day of Pre-School

2009-09-20T14:31:00.000-07:00

Jameson started pre-school. He got his orange backpack (of course!) and was headed to class. His teachers Mrs. Pearce and Mrs. Bologna (really Mrs. Mallony) were there to greet him. He also took his newest favorite toy car with a key for "Show Hotel" otherwise known as show and tell. He came home with a red balloon and lots to talk about. He has already learned a new song, "The Puppy Dog Called Spot!" We look forward to many more fun stories, and songs from our JJ.

BIG birthday celebration!

2009-09-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

JJ and Sambo had a birthday party together.

Jameson got just what he wanted: a bucket of "orange stuff!"

Happy birthday Big Guy!

Not So Safe!

2009-09-02T08:06:00.000-07:00

After showering and getting ready this morning, this is what I found on the kitchen floor next to the pantry...

Jameson has figured out how to remove the door knob safety devices. He uses the oh so safe paring knife! I think I prefer that he escapes the house and eats all the treats in the pantry :)

2009-08-21T18:41:00.000-07:00

The First Day of School!
We've finished our first week (well 1/2 a week) and all is well. The girls love their new teachers and so far they have had reading and math homework (bummer) but also they are making some new friends in their classes.
I love that they are back to school too:)

August in Review

2009-08-18T14:00:00.000-07:00

Our Princess Marcee!

2009-08-18T08:57:00.000-07:00

Marcee was in the first (in recent history!) Drama/Singing Summer Camp in our area! She tried out and was chosen to be Ariel from "The Little Mermaid". The video is not great, but this is her singing her heart out (Marcee is the one on the right, wearing purple). She was amazing!

2009-08-01T17:05:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

After 9 Months ...

2009-07-17T08:13:00.000-07:00

Willard Arrived!

July 16, 2009

8:25 PM
8 lbs 2 oz
19 1/2 inches

Mom and Baby are doing well!

Classic Summertime Moments!

2009-06-23T13:04:00.000-07:00

Here is Jameson enjoying some perfect summertime moments, and loving every minute of it! He loves watermelon and this was the first time eating a slice with the rind (usually I have it cut into cubes). He thought that was great - a little messy, but great! Then a week later while visiting some friends camping, he had a S'more. He was a little worried about the sticky fingers but kept on eating.
We hope everyone will take a minute this summer and enjoy the simple things :)

2009-05-29T08:55:00.000-07:00

Marcee played perfectly at her first piano recital. She played (and sang) "I Feel My Saviors Love" and then played another song from her lessons called "Talking Tuba." After the recital, I told Jayme that we needed a real piano for the girls to play on by September when Bethany will start lesson too. So, we visited KSL Classifieds and 4days later...

...We have a new-to-us piano. It is a 1921 Marshall and Wendall (hopefully a good deal!). So far the kids think it's great, Jameson plays a little and Marcee will practice without being asked. The tuner man will come next week and we should be set! Marcee and I have a goal to learn a song by the end of the summer. She wants to learn some hymns and I am going to learn "100 Years" by Five for Fighting!
Wish us luck!!!

Yard Work!

2009-05-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

2009-05-13T14:13:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

2009-05-06T12:55:00.001-07:00

They are also art contest winners! Bethany won 1st place for the first grade in 2-D visual arts and Marcee won 2nd place for the third grade in 2-D visual arts!

What the girls are up to!

2009-05-06T12:41:00.000-07:00

Jayme and I took the girls on a wickedly fabulous outing to see "Wicked" and go to dinner. Aren't they so cute?! They did a great job and really enjoyed the show. Their favorite part was "Defying Gravity."

The Flavor Is ...

2009-04-26T18:14:00.000-07:00

Due: July 22, 2009

The Joy of Glasses!

2009-04-26T16:35:00.000-07:00

We recently discovered that Jameson has Amblyopia (lazy eye) and will now require glasses and probably need patching. $300.00 later he has a shinny new pair of orange (his favorite color) glasses. 2 days later, we were back at the optical center for them to be twisted back into shape and the lens screwed back into place. This is going to be a long process if I have to go to the store once a week! I can't stand it. Can't they make stronger glasses for kids, not to mention cheaper!

Almost two weeks after getting Jameson set up, Bethany came home from school very, very upset. Her glasses had fallen out of the bus window and were run over by the bus! They were munched! "Here we go" I thought "another $200.00." But to my surprise, the len's were covered by a scratch warranty and the frames are covered under a no questions damage warranty (thanks Barbie brand!!!)So in a week Bethany will have a whole new pair :)

Time Flies!

2009-02-08T13:38:00.000-08:00

My last posting, for those who didn't get it, means that I am pragnant! I am due in July and will let you know what flavor it is at the end of the month!

I skipped Christmas, in the sense that I didn't keep in touch with anyone. I did figure our year in numbers, so here is an over view:
*years Aimee and Jayme have been married = 10
*times we traveled to California = 3
*scheduled doctor appointments = 27
*number of kids = 3.167
*money earned for charity by the kids = $50.00
*pages in Bethany's book (she loves to write) = 10
*number of times Jameson poops in a day = 1 finally!
*boxes of Girl Scout cookies sold = 300
*baptisms attended = 2
*blessing attended = 3
*quilt squares sew together for a great suprise for my mom = 48
*dance recitals attended = 5
*dancers in the family = 1
*feet of snow at our house last winter = 10

Next, we celebrated Bethany's 7th birthday on the 7th! According to her it was "Rockin!" We went to Fat Cat's to enjoy bowling, golfing in the dark and the arcade. We only wish all of our cousins could have been there too.
Another fun thing we did in January was to go to Hardware Ranch with the Girl Scouts. We went on a sleigh ride and saw hundreds of elk. We also learned about other animals native to the area. It was very cold, only 4 degrees, but no one complained and we had a fabulous time.
One high light of January was that my brothers long, drawn out divorce was finally over!
We have been having a great time as family. We have been very fortunate in these uncertain times. I hope that all of you are having success in your ventures.

2008-12-02T08:49:00.000-08:00

What is it with these bunnies?

2008-11-01T10:11:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox postcard

A week (or so) of fun!

2008-10-21T08:46:00.000-07:00

Jameson thinks he needs to do homework too, just like his girls! He is also constantly asking, "Are you happy?" I now sing him my answer "I couldn't be happier, simply couldn't be happier!"

This is the first snow of the season. Jameson was very excited. He said that the grass wasn't green anymore, it was white. When the snow melted later that afternoon he thought it was lost. And then he was sure happy when, by the evening, it had found its way back to the grass!

Then to top it all off, this weekend we went to an Eric Carle family workshop with our cousins and Uncle Clark. Everyone made Eric Carle look-a-like art. Ethan made a Hippo with birds on its back. Emma made a wolf howling at the moon. Marcee made a dolphin and Bethany made a mouse. Afterwards we met at GG's for Halloween chili and doughnuts.

My kids...

2008-09-25T11:24:00.000-07:00

I thought I would start writing a little about my kids (for family and friends to follow and maybe to help others or get ideas). I have three kids, Marcee, Bethany and Jameson. All of them have some issue we are working on. Marcee has ADD, Bethany has Juvenille Arthritis and Irritis, and Jameson we are in the process of figuring out. So, in a nutshell, this is where we are at today:

Marcee: This summer we put her on a medication and she is able to focus considerably better. We hesitated with the choice to medicate, you hear so many bad things. But for us, it is working well. She is loving school and doing very well. Her reading is improving. She has many friends. She is learning piano, clogging and tumbling. Overall, she is doing great.

Bethany: As of her last appointment, her arthritis is quiet and her eyes had no inflamation. We are noticing a pattern for her. In 2006, she flared up in the winter/spring, and then was doing well by the fall/christmas time. Again, in 2007, she flared up in the winter/spring and was doing well by fall/christmas. Now, in 2008, we have been dealing with a bad flare up with her having the apperance of glacoma in her eyes etc. to her "quiet" right now. However, I see her getting the little colds that come this time of year, she is getting ornery and I wouldn't doubt that at our next visit she will have inflamation in at least her eyes! Pesimistic or realistic?

Jameson: He has a pooping problem that must be solved! He is three and for about six months has been trying to potty train but with many poops (sometimes as many as 8 or 9)a day and them not being formed, this has been impossible. So, about 2 months ago, we took him off dairy (milk, cheese and yogurt) to see if this would help. The number of poops a day went down to 1-3 a day, but they are still not formed. So after much thought, we have decided to put him on a gluten free diet for 2 weeks to see if there is any change/improvement. We started on Monday (9/22/08) So far, not too much difference noticed.

Jameson's Third Birthday!

2008-09-16T13:09:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Happy Birthday To You!

Marcee gets baptized

2008-09-07T18:55:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

So here we go...

2008-09-03T13:04:00.000-07:00

My girls have are back to school. So, theoretically I should have a little more time for things like blogging :0)
Our last summer activity was hiking to the "M" on the mountain! All the kids did a great job. Jameson kept checking to see if we were all OK, he made sure we stopped for breaks and now he wants to hike to all the ABC's on the mountains in Utah!