The Torch Has Been Passed

Growing up I had a tendency to make messes...to my credit it was usually an accident. Because of this my Dad started calling me Mess Cat. I am both happy and irritated to pass this name on - to my daughter. Saturday I found her in my bedroom with the door shut (a sure sign that there's trouble). There she was sitting on my floor with my makeup bag full of lipstick. She managed to pick out the contents of three full lipsticks, slather herself and clothes and then wipe the rest on my carpet. Arrrgghhh! Today I went to change my bedsheets and found the foot board of our bed with a lovely blue scribble across the whole thing. I ran into my bathroom to grab a towel when...gasp...the same blue scribbles all over the floor, wall and baseboards. Unfortunately I didn't document said messes but she will now and forever be called Mess Cat!

December Wedding

I love doing wedding flowers. God made such wonderful little creations in these beauties that you almost can't go wrong. The only down side of this wedding was that is was two days after Christmas. The bride-to-be was unsure of exactly what she wanted so when I suggested adding hot pink and dark red into her red, black & white color palette I start to get little nervous that when she actually saw them she wouldn't like it. She loved them which is so satisfying for me!

Bridal Bouquet

Thank You Santa!

7:00 - it's a time that I can deal with. In a few years it will creap to 6:00 and then 5:00 and before you know it I'll be pulling the same trick my dad did. One year, knowing full well we'd be up at the crack of dawn to see what Santa brought, he told us we couldn't get up until 7:00, then after we were all in bed he changed all the clocks two hours so he could get some sleep. Good one Dad! Anyhow, we started our Christmas celebration at 7:00. Garrett was so excited and Rylee of course just follows Garrett's lead. We taped them coming into the family room and it's so cute to see them recognize the presents that were before them and they started to squeal and skip around in delight. They each took turns opening a present and I think Santa did a pretty good job this year. They were both happy with their gifts (even though Santa refused to buy Garrett a single dinosaur) and started to play right away. We had Jon's dad and brother over for breakfast and enjoyed visiting with them. Jon's youngest brother who is on his mission was calling at 1:00 so we just hung around the house and relaxed. My parents came over to see the kids and then Shellie came over when Jordan called. We got to talk to him for several hours and I didn't even leave the house until 4:00 - that's a new record for me. It was such a pleasant day and the kids now think that staying in their jammies the whole day is a new way of life. Much fun for all!

Rylee loved her new doll and stroller, blocks, books & clothes - but went right back to her puppy that she fell in love a couple weeks ago that Grandma Sue bought her.

Garrett got a remote control truck, nerf dart gun (a compromise for Jon and I since he wanted to get G a Red Ryder...he's only 4!!!), games, books, and a new church outfit.

For the past year Rylee has refused to let me put ANYTHING in her hair to distinguish that she is in fact a GIRL. In her stocking she found these clippies and now has to wear them ALL.

Garrett sneaking under the counter to scarf down a sugar cookie.

I had to take a picture of these cute chocolate mice that one of neighbors brought to us. Aren't they cute. I loved them! Creative people!

So begins 24 hours of Christmas Bliss!

It seems you put so much effort into Christmas preparations and then...poof...it's over before you have time to sit down and sip a little cider. This year was no different. Christmas Eve we went to my parents house with Alisa and her family, Ty (who flew in from Albequerque), and my mom in-law Shellie. We enjoyed a lovely dinner - except for the cheesy potatoes which I made, I'm so sorry about that I don't know what happened. Then came the traditional Nativity played by Kaisa (Mary), Thomas (Joseph), Garrett (cow) and Rylee (angel). With as few kids to participate and needing to fill "human" roles why would it surprise me that Garrett refused to be a shepherd or Wiseman? At least he didn't insist on being a dinosaur. Alek treated us to some beautiful piano pieces and Malin read Luke 2.

Finally came time for presents and my kids were thrilled. The anticipation of what's been behind Grandma's locked Christmas door would finally be revealed! Garrett was ecstatic with his new scooter


My mom has nicknamed Rylee as "Rylee Sober-sides". She's a rather pleasant child, it's just hard to get her to smile - so why should Christmas be any different? You'd think she was opening a pair of old socks or something.


Before bedtime we let them open one more present - Christmas Pajamas of course. Luckily, we're still at that stage where they are excited with new things to wear and anxious to put them on.

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

We had such a fun day! Although this didn't include my children, I went to lunch with some friends from my old ward today and had a great time. A typical 5 minute drive to the restaurant took 15...so the roads were a little treacherous, but it was still worth it. After lunch my mom REALLY REALLY wanted to take the kids sledding at the park (she claims she'll stop sledding when she's 69). Fourty-five minutes of putting on snow gear we were ready to go. Garrett and Rylee were so excited and couldn't get there fast enough! They had a ball going down the big hills, having a snowball fight with the cousins, making snow angels and a snow fort.

Tonight Jon's dad, Gary, took us to the Brick Oven for dinner and it was so tasty! The kids actually behaved this time and we were able to have a good dinner and good conversation. The kids love their Papa and as soon as we got home wanted to be chased all over. Now, after such an adventureous day they are sleeping soundly and I will be too.

December Highlights - so far!

~ Going to lunch at Rumbi's with ward friends.

~ Girls overnighter in Park City.

~ Festival of Trees with Jon, kiddies and Shellie. They even had a USU tree!

~Taking Garrett and Rylee to meet Santa Claus at the North Hampton House. When I was little it was on Mary Pulley's Hill and it seemed like we waited anxiously in our cars for hours. Not so long now that I'm OLD!

~Went to the mall with my mom and kids. Again met Santa and got to sit on his lap. Rylee took a little convincing and still wasn't too sure about the old man with a big white beard.

~ My sister McCall and niece Brynlee come for a short visit. We have fun watching the kids love each other. Mom, Jon, McCall and I enjoy a yummy lunch at Cafe Rio - later that night my sisters, mom and I see Australia which was very good and mom surprises us with matching pj's to wear on Christmas Eve just like when we were little. Thanks Mommy!

~ On a Sunday drive, Jon and I take the kids to see the Holdman's Christmas light display. It's very cool - check out their website at: http://www.holdman.com/ for directions (it's moved since last year). Enjoyed watching Garrett's ear to ear grin and couldn't help remembering these are the best moments of Christmas.

~ Smith Family Christmas Party. 75 attendees. Great fun to visit with my aunts, uncles, cousins and watch the little ones take their turn at the pinata!

~At Talking Time, Garrett gets to meet Mrs. Claus and he gets a present!

~Mom and I bake dozens of spritz cookies and sugar cookies. The Swedish wreath spritz cookie was always a tradition at Grandma Barratt's and I look forward every year to making them with my mom.

~The director of the Utah Regional Ballet, Jackie Colledge, is in our ward and gave us tickets to the Nutcracker! HOORAY. I have always loved the Nutcracker so I was able to take Garrett, Mom, and Kaisa to see this favorite of mine. Garrett was so excited to get dressed up and go on a special date with mom. He sat on the edge of his seat and five minutes into it he leans over and says, "momma, I love this show". He grinned and clapped the whole way through.


~ Going to the temple with my family to do sealings for our family members has become a Christmas season tradition. Dinner afterwards is just icing on the cake.

~ Our neighbors saw Garrett standing on the curb watching them ride their four wheelers and so they brought one over and let Jon take the kids for rides. They had a blast and we nearly had to pry them from the machine. Nice neighbors - but now Jon thinks we need one.

~ Finally went Christmas shopping and got everything! Came home to find our sweet kids snuggled up in Garrett's bed. What a great way to end an evening!

A couple tags...

8's

8 shows I watch

1. ER

2. American Idol

3. news

4. Gilmore Girls (reruns)

5. What Not to Wear

6. Curious George

7. Dora and Diego

8. National Geographic's Really Wild Animals

8 Restaurants I Love

1. Flour Girls and Dough Boys

2. a new fav... Paradise Bakery

3. Cobblestone Pizzeria

4. Brick Oven

5. Cafe Rio

6. Bluebird in Logan (Amen, Amanda)

7. Ruby River

8. Golden Corral (just kidding..that was for you McCall) Okay, seriously, Tepanyaki

Now I'm hungry!

8 Things I've done today

1. Showered

2. swept the floors

3. watched 4 four year olds and 2 one year olds...and survived.

4. made green Christmas tree rice krispies for above children.

5. played Twister with above children

6. made several lunches

7. diffused a few fights

8. poured myself a glass of Dr. Pepper!

8 things I look forward to

1. Bedtime

2. Christmas shopping with hubby

3. Going to the movie with my mom and sisters tomorrow

4. Christmas!

5. Going on a date

6. New Year's Eve party

7. Getting new curtains

8. A real family vacation

8 things on my wish list

1. Slippers

2. A beautiful piece of artwork to put above my bed

3. A hot dinner on the table every night

4. A clean house

5. Good eaters

6. No grumpies during the holidays

7. laundry service for a year or forever

8. a new hair style

8 people I tag

1. anyone who hasn't already done it

4th picture in your 4th file...

In January I took Rylee to Houston to visit my sister McCall and her family. This is a picture of Brynlee (on the left) and Rylee just before heading out for our morning walk. Interestingly enough...McCall and Bryn are visiting us for a couple days right now. These cousins are loving their time together!

Bedtime Talk Part Deux

Prefacing this conversation: yesterday while playing in the treehouse at the mall, Garrett was kicked by a delinquent, where his parents were who knows. Anyhow, the kick has been at the top of all conversations since then.
Laying in bed next to Garrett...
G: That boy kicked me and he was mean.
Me: What can you do next time someone kicks you or is mean?
G: I will bite him.
M: We don't bite, that's not nice either. You should say, "STOP THAT HURTS".
G: I don't want to say that just "NO".
M: Okay, that will be good too.
G: I have an idea!
M: What is it.
G: I will draw them a picture with my markers. That will make them happy. Then I will give them a piece of tape to put it on their wall. They will say "thank you" and I will say "your welcome".

aaaaaahhhhh!!!

Bedtime Talk

Laying next to Garrett in his bed tonight...
G: Momma, you are heavy like a giant.
Dad walks in to say goodnight.
Mom: Do you want dad to lay by you?
G: No, I do not like him very much.
Dad: You don't like me?
G: No, you are just a daddy. You are not a mommy.

At least he redeemed himself a little!

Girls Night and a little more

Usually girls night is a few hours of dinner and chatting which I love and anticipate! This week girls night turned into girls "over"night for me, Amanda and Kris! What a fun 24 hours! Amanda and I headed up to Park City to meet Kris at her time share which was so nice. We went shopping to the outlets - I can't remember the last time I was able to go shopping and not worry about if my kids needed food, a diaper change, or what time I need to get home. It was so relaxing. Then we went to dinner and had some yummy pasta and pizza...and a little caffeine to help us mommies stay awake for the rest of the night. Then back to the Marriott where we sat around the fire (did I mention it was FREEZING!) and opened our Christmas presents to each other. Kris had this great idea to have a "favorite's party". So we each gave each other our favorite personal item and household item. We also brought our favorite treat to share and books to discuss. After getting on our lovely pj bottoms (thanks Kris) and slathering our hands in the yummy lotion (thanks Amanda) we relived the good ol' days and looked at Amanda's college scrapbook. We sure had fun back then - and still do! We watched Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2, painted our toe nails and indulged in goodies. Finally we decided to go to bed. Thursday morning we chatted, got dressed and headed home. Amanda and I stopped at this fun boutique called "Oh Sweet Sadie" in West Jordan. It is three model homes filled to capacity with unique, crafty vendors. I can't tell you how much fun it was to spend time with my dear lifelong friends. There's nothing like girlfriends!!!

Gobble Gobble

Thanksgiving...what a great holiday. It drives me bonkers that radio stations start playing music after Halloween and stores stock their shelves with all things red and green before they can pull off all the ghosts and witches. Do they want us to skip over Thanksgiving? I don't get it. Anyway, I love Thanksgiving. I especially love Thanksgiving when my only food assignment is jello salad. :) I know I'm spoiled. We were invited to spend T day with Aunt Susan and Uncle John and their family. They are such wonderful hosts and even had toys for our kids. The company was fabulous and the food wasn't too shabby either. Okay Susan is a gourment cook and went all out preparing for 4 days for the feast of feasts! I even enjoyed her butternut squash soup (I know it falls in the vegetable catergory and thus should be excluded from my normal dietary routine - but it was good what can I say!). My cute little gobblers loved their turkey hats and hung out in the basement with the big kids and daddy so I actually got to visit with the grown ups. Ahhh! Thanks Jacobs family for a wonderfully pleasant afternoon!

Blessings

Of course with the holidays quickly approaching and with repeat versions of the "Thankful Game" it's hard not to sit down for a moment and really think about everything I'm grateful for. Today that opportunity came while taking Rylee for a drive. As I was glancing back at her and watching her little face relax and her eyes start to flutter as she fell asleep I had that incredibly overwhelming feeling of "how on earth did I get blessed and entrusted with these most precious little angels" and the tears just flowed. I can't comprehend what my life would be like without my sweet babies and my wonderful husband!

I'm thankful for my family and Jon's family and to have them so close (well most of them) and for the good relationships we have! I'm thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ, to be a member of the church and have a testimony. I'm thankful for a warm home, good food to eat and clean clothes to wear. Okay tomorrow there will be clean clothes after I do the laundry. Despite the actual chore - I'm thankful for a washer and dryer. I'm thankful for books that I'm able to get lost in (Pope Joan, I just finished it, is fabulous-thanks Alli). I'm thankful for vehicles that get us where we need to go and for gas that is finally under $2. I'm thankful for our beautiful mountains and this choice land that we live in. I'm thankful for Dr. Pepper. I'm thankful for girlfriends, each of you, who make me a better person and love me with all of my faults. I'm thankful for contacts. I'm thankful for our healthy bodies. I'm thankful for Burt's Bees Wax chap stick. This list goes on and on but I must quit sometime. Goodnight!

Crazy Busy

The last couple weeks have been so hectic around our house that it's been hard to keep this updated and furthermore to keep it straight in my feeble mind. Some fun things were going to the movies with Shellie, Madi, Jaden, Jeremy, Jordan and my kiddies last Saturday! We went to see Madagascar 2 which was pretty cute and even Rylee watched most of it. Then we got to enjoy some delicious pizza and play the afternoon away.

My sweet little niece Brynlee got to fly to Utah with her dad and stay the weekend with my parents. We thoroughly enjoyed her giggles and kisses and Rylee didn't beat her up once, just a few growls and swats! (This is not a swat, she was actually going to give her a love)

Sunday was the "farewell" for Jon's brother Jordan. He did a great job and it's been fun to see him get ready to leave on his mission. So that leaves us with depature day.... I think it would be best if missionaries were just dropped off at the front gate instead of prolonging the inevitable tearfest goodbyes. That's just my opinion.

And last but not least helping my lovely mother in-law pack and move! Wow, that's been fun!!! You know I would do it again Shellie. Oh wait, we're still doing it. A miracle in this economy, but Jon's parents were able to sell their house (to the first people that looked at it!) So a busy, fun, teary, exciting week was had by all. Hope yours was good too!

Private Blog

I just read my friend's notice that she is changing her blog to "private"-as many of you have recently. I thought to myself...why haven't I done that yet? No reason. So, like Louisa, I will change to a private blog in one week. If you would like to continue reading my blog let me know by commenting or emailing me at jdsgray@hotmail.com so I can sent you an invite. All in the name of safety!

Highlights

11/3/08-11/9/08

~ Went to the dentist and had the rare experience of NO cavities! Hooray for me!
~ Took the opportunity to vote! I love our country and felt honored as I drove to the school and saw streets lined with flags. I got a little teary eyed thinking of all the blessings we have living in this great country!
~Went to lunch with Kim, Ashley, Helene, and Joy (sorry you were sick Tiff). I have loved getting to know people in our ward and they have been so kind to me and my family. Thank you!!!
~ Temple night with my husband is always a treat!
~ Watched Garrett in his first Primary Program. I was excited that he would actually sit on the stand the whole time and for the most part be reverent. He never sang a word but I don't care, he was there and participated. They gave him a small speaking part which I'm not sure what it was since he got up and I'm pretty sure said, "I love dinosaurs" in his best T-Rex voice! What a guy!
~ Went to dinner at Brick Oven with Jon and the kids. Wow! Won't be doing that again. Jon had a feeling on the way over that it may not be a great idea but we were already loaded and on our way. The circus started when our monkey Rylee climbed to the top of the lattice that was behind our booth. Then she thought it was so great she continued to do it 5 or 6 more times. Garrett kept popping his balloons, in his face, and would cry hysterically because it was gone and it scared the crap out of him. Rylee spilled the bowl of chicken noodle soup all over the table and down my pants which left me looking like I wet myself. Garrett refused to eat any food until it was time to go and then threw a fit that he was hungry. Luckily Mom and Dad were able to laugh it off and realize that one day we'll look back with fond memories and wish they were that little again.
~On the way home from said dinner Garrett wouldn't stop talking so Jon asked if he wanted to play the QUIET GAME. He explained the few rules and we began. Garrett lasted 20 seconds. He wanted to play again. This time 11 seconds, then 9 seconds. Then he started to whimper and says, "I do not want to play this game anymore. It's too hard. I can't do it!" We know Garrett, we know!
~And finally the BESTEST BEST of all.... Monday night we had Alisa and her family and my mom and dad over for dinner and family home evening. We had a talent show where all the kids performed for us. Garrett even decided to sing "I Am A Child of God" which was so sweet. Anyhow, we then told Mom and Dad to come up for a special talent that Mom has of eating chocolate and that Dad needed to help her open it. They soon discovered a piece of paper attached to the back and started to read. It was a trip to Sweden from all of us kids!!! Thanks in large part to my brother Ty who not only came up with the idea but is paying for most of it, we were able to give my mom something she would have only dreamt about. So Mom and Dad...Merry Christmas, Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary, Happy Mother's Day, Happy Father's Day, Happy Hanukkah! We love you!

So Thankful...

Sunday afternoon we went for a lovely drive. Garrett realized Halloween was over and seemed a little down. I told him about the next holiday we get to celebrate...Thanksgiving...and so started a back and forth game between us. It went a bit like this:

Jamie: I am thankful for Daddy and Garrett and Rylee. What are you thankful for?
Garrett: I am thankful for treats!

J: .... we could go to church today.
G:....dinosaurs (I have to admit I was surprised that wasn't #1).

J: ....for Grandmas and Grandpas that love us so much.
G: ....candy canes.

J: ...for the temple.
G: ....gum.

J: ...a warm house to live in.
G: ...dinosaur games.

J: ...yummy food to eat.
G: ...dinosaur books.

J: ...for the beautiful fall leaves.
G: ...Rylee.

There were several more but I think you get the picture. At least he got one human being in there AND he is at least thankful for all those other NECESSITIES of life!

HALLOWEEN FUN!

I love this picture of my little tootsie!

They wore themselves out and it's only 3:30!

There is only about 1 1/2 hours left of HALLOWEEN and I have to admit I'm a little grateful. Halloween has never been one of my favorite holidays but since having my kids it's starting to be something a little more fun. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Garrett's excitement while counting down to the big day, wearing his costume to various activities, and just plain thrilled to get treats just by knocking on doors. Of course Rylee is just as excited since she follows everything that big brother does! I loved watching my trick-or-treaters tonight and couldn't get enough of their sweet little smiles...even though they were lined with layers of sugar!

My sweet Mommy took my kids and my sisters kids to Cornbelly's this week. They had a fabulous time running from one activity to the next and we nearly had to pry them out of the place to get them in the car. Definitely a worthwhile activity - and thanks mom for giving our kids a memorable, fun-filled afternoon instead of a bag of sugary sweets!

Last night we decided it was about time to carve our pumpkins. Garrett and Rylee thought it was "so coo" and each took turns cleaning out the pumpkins - fine by me I don't care to touch the slimy stuff! Garrett is so funny lately - whatever it is we're eating, doing, saying, watching-it is currently his "favorite" thing. So watching his daddy carve the pumpkin he says, "Daddy, this jack-o-lantern is my favorite pumpkin". I have a feeling they all are! When the finished products were displayed they squealed and jumped up and down. They sat on the porch and admired their work as long as possible. This is what make Halloween fun!

Garrett goes to speech class and loves it - although in the year we've been going he has yet to participate in singing time. Nevertheless, he enjoys going, practicing his homework and his teachers are wonderful. Tuesday they were able to wear costumes and everything was centered around Halloween...big shocker there! But they had lots of fun and got to trick-or-treat to the teachers which made Garrett's day.

Surgery Update

Jon had his cornea transplant today and everything went very well-hooray! The surgery lasted a little more than an hour and the doctor said it was "a beautiful transplant". He's been doing really good today, however, the heavy duty drugs haven't quite left yet so we're hoping it's a good night and the pain can be managed by the prescribed drugs. We'll go back to his doctor at 8:00am tomorrow to have a looksy. Thanks everyone for your calls, concern and prayers - we appreciate it!!!

Highlights
10/19/2008-10/26/2008

~ Scourred Nana's box of costumes and let the kids try on anything they wanted. Rylee fell in love with the lion (I hope she won't be disappointed when I force her to wear the darling witch costume we already have)! Garrett turned from a ghost, to a dragon, Mickey Mouse, then decided on the dragon...again!
~Garrett did really well at Talking Time. He is working on the "H" sound.
~Discovered Rylee's new profession as a bank robber.
~Enjoyed Farm Country with Amanda and her cuties and then had a yummy, if chaotic, lunch.
~Had our family pictures taken which I hope turn out fabulous-but I'm realistic...Rylee refused to smile.
~Alisa invited us to Jungle Jim's and we had a ball. Again, no smiles from Rylee for the 2 plus hours we were there until the 2nd to last ride where we kept bumping Garrett in the bumper cars and that made her squeal with glee.
~We were able to join Jordan, Jon's younger brother, at the temple. He's getting ready to leave on his mission to Washington. It was a special and wonderful day! Thanks for letting us be there with you!!!
~And my favorite Garrett wisdom this week:

Garrett-"Whatcho doin' Daddy?"

Daddy-"I'm just doing some laundry."

Garrett-"This room is not for daddies it's for mommies. It's for Jamies"

I've been tagged!

Alli tagged me for this...(sorry Alli I've stolen some of your answers)
10 years ago I was: (I actually went back to my journal to the very few entries I had and this is what was in there)
1. Getting my first cell phone from Mom and Dad on my 20th birthday!
2. Moving with Amanda and Amber into Lynwood Apts. with Alli, Chanel & Janice
3. Flying to San Francisco with Ansen and Chris to visit the Bethers Brothers-what a trip!
4. Dating the biggest loser of my single life (luckily it didn't last too long)
5. On Oct. 25 wrote about a personal revelation that truly changed my life but not something I want to share with all of you!

5 things on today’s to do list:
1. Clean my house...not gonna happen!
2. Farm Country with Amanda and her kiddies
3. Make dinner
4. Have our family pictures taken
5. Call my brother

5 snacks I enjoy:
1. Chips and Salsa
2. Red Vines
3. Ice Cream
4. Nachos
5. Anything Chocolate

5 things I would do if I were a millionaire:
1. Pay off both of our houses
2. Make huge deposits into my kids college funds
3. Travel the world
4. Donate to a great cause
5. Invest for our future

5 places I have lived:
1. AF
2. Logan
3. AF
4. AF
5. AF

5 jobs I have had:
1. Florist
2. Wendy's cashier
3. Program Coordinator at USU
4. Office Manager
5. Mom

I tag EVERYONE of you who reads this! HA!

Ooopsie

This morning while running errands we went to the bank where Shellie works to say hello. She was holding Rylee while we visited and at 11:04 am she says "oh no, I think she pushed the button". "What button?" I ask. "The 'we're being robbed button'". Oh dear! When The Button is pushed a signal is automatically sent to the police department so Jeff calls their security guy to let them know it was an accident. Apparently it was too late or they respond regardless. We pack up to leave and as we are heading out of the parking lot in comes the policemen. I have to admit as I looked at the officer's face he looked a little apprehensive about the situation...he he, jokes on him, or maybe he was just waiting for his backup. Anyhow, the police arrived but we had already made our escape. Now you may be wondering why I know the exact time of said prank....the security guy sent us a still shot from the surveillance camera at the moment Rylee found The Button. Unfortunately, due to SECURITY I am unable to post the picture - but it sure is cute!

Glamour Shots 2008

In case any of you are looking for the perfect gift to give your significant other this year might I recommend Glamour Shots by Alisa. This afternoon my sister came over to play with my hair and her new flat iron (by my request). She did what I asked her to do then I said, "let's curl it" since my hair isn't known for it's curling capabilities I wasn't expecting too much. After a little curl here and a little twist there I only needed to add the bright pink lipstick and I was ready for my photo shoot. I think I have the confidence now to try out for Loretta Lynn's backup dancer! Ain't we purrrty!

BTW-Garrett looked at me, pointed to my hair and said, "Momma, your hair is crazy. You are so silly!"

A Serious Moment Please

Driving home tonight from Shellie's I was preparing the kids for bedtime by telling them the routine that we'd start as soon as we got home (p.j.'s, teeth brushing, scriptures, prayer, etc.). I asked Garrett if he remembered what we had read last night in the scriptures (the picture variety, of course). We proceeded to have a great conversation about Nehor and Gideon the rest of our drive home. He told me about Nehor being a bad guy, bad choices make us sad and good choices make us happy. It was amazing to hear what he had to say and what he comprehended. For me, it made me realize yet again, how important our role as a parent is. We teach our children period! Whether it is for the good or the bad, we teach them. I know by my example I haven't always taught my kids the good stuff, but I'm working on it. Tonights experience just makes me want to try harder!

Miracle Ear

No one told me four years ago when I had Garrett that my sense of hearing would get a serious upgrade. I am still amazed that in the dead of night I will wake up when I hear one of my kids shift positions in bed, yet be able to fall back to sleep in the middle of a 30 minute screamfest. I don't get it! I suppose it truly is a miracle.

Burrrrr!

(Shellie & Rylee at the zoo, ready for bed at the hotel, Garrett's first bus ride, me and my kiddies on the "A")
Saturday morning I packed up everything my kids have ever touched, picked up my mom in-law and we headed out for a wild and crazy weekend in LOGAN! I know, not everyones first choice in vacation destinations, however I love Logan and wanted to visit. I have to say we picked the worst possible weekend to visit since temperatures peaked at 45 degrees - nevertheless, there was fun to be had. We went to Willow Park zoo where both my children apparently know how to do an elk call. Don't ask! We took a lovely drive up Logan canyon and to one of my favorite spots - Tony Grove. It was absolutely beautiful! We went swimming, ate at yummy restaurants including Hamilton's and a Logan staple "The Bluebird", shopped as much as the kids would allow, took Garrett on his first bus ride - he was thrilled), visited USU campus and made my kids sit on the "A" with me (I have a picture of my sisters and I kissing my dad on the "A" when I was probably 7ish, so I had to take my kids there - they wouldn't kiss me, the little turkeys). I got to see my former employer, Noelle, from Academic Services and just a great time remembering all of my college experiences....daily trips to the Quick Stop to get a juice and Tootsie Rolls, scanning the bookstore to get Chanel to walk around with me without her boss noticing, running through the sprinklers every night for weeks with Amanda, Kris, Ansen and the Bethers Brothers, going to wonderful (and some not so great) classes. Okay I could go on and on. It was just a lot of fun and I was glad I was able to go and show Shellie and my kids where I spent some of my happiest days....not that I want to go back though. The absolute highlight of the trip was on Saturday night while trying to get Rylee to bed. She wasn't diggin' the pack 'n' play but I was going to let her cry it out anyway until Garrett knelt down on the couch next to her and started singing "I Am a Child of God" until she calmed down. In the darkness of the room his sweet little voice was simply angelic! (This is only the second time I've ever heard him sing). So thank you for indulging me Shellie, Garrett & Rylee in a wonderful weekend.