back to school

Everyone survived the summer at my house.....barely. Everyone is happily back to school except Jason who starts sometime not today or tomorrow so I don't know for sure (we roll one day at a time...it's good enough for AA it's good enough for me) Jared is back at BYU's baseball camp where he is being watched by scouts (and I don't mean cubs) even though there was a Cubs' scout there last year....but I digress. Over the summer he had an opportunity to try out for team USA. You have to be selected by your coach and he was one of three kids on his team selected. He made it through a few cuts but the reason we did the try out was he received a national ranking that all the scouts can access.
Katelyn likes to read and probably read a million pages this summer. Once, I grounded her from reading and made her pick a friend to go to a movie with. She also turned 13. (sigh) We had fun shopping for clothes and stuff for her birthday. K also went to a volleyball camp and had a lot of fun. She is really liking volleyball but she hates the shorts they wear. (too tiny) She is glad to be back to school! I am glad she likes it, it makes it easier to get her up in the morning.
Ty-man is in 1st grade, eating school lunch, staying all day and loving it. His favorite place in the world is anywhere but home. He is playing baseball on a fall league team he is playing with 8 year olds (he's 6) but he loves it and is pretty good at bat so I guess we are starting round 2 with baseball.
Jason is mostly potty trained. And he is sweet as can be when no one else is home but me. He loves toys lately. He lines up all his cars in a row. He doesn't mix big and little cars and gets mad if we move them. I would worry about OCD but Tyler did the same thing and he's fine. :) ish.
Brent likes his new job, they seem to like him he is doing some different kinds of work so it fun to learn, right?
As for me...let's just say that I couldn't be better. :)

It's been a long summer

I decided to catch up a little on my blog since it has been awhile. July was a busy month for us with kids home and summer activities. But the best day every July is the 30th. This year Brent and I "celebrated" our 17th anniversary. We started dating when I was almost 17 which means I now have spent more time with him than without him. I love him more and more every day. I have been thinking about all the ways I have changed because of his good influence. I try to slow down a little, read the directions, think twice speak once and I have learned to love politics. He is my partner in every sense of the word. He is an amazing father who has a "hands on" approach to parenting. I love that he will help out with diapers, getting up at night and other tasks. He's truly my best friend. We find it difficult lately to find time for each other but we are trying to be better about it. I miss him during the day. He is my rock. I can count on him to be rational, thorough and fair.
Brent has more integrity than anyone I know. When we were first married ( in the olden days before caller ID) the phone rang and I said, "just tell whoever that I'm not here" he answered the phone and said "yes she is" and handed it to me. I glared at him to which he replies "I choked!" He couldn't even tell a "little" lie. I love that about him. He has a calming influence on our home. He is more patient than I could ever dream.
Brent has a strong testimony of the Gospel. My own testimony has been strengthened from his knowledge and understanding of scripture and things of the Spirit. He is a worthy priesthood holder who when called upon can bless our kids. I love to listen to him give a fathers blessing. It's almost as if you can hear him listening to the Spirit guide his words.
I feel lucky to have married such an amazing man. I am grateful that he puts up with my short comings. He holds himself to a high standard without judging those around him. He loves them where they are at. If he will have me, I will keep him forever. I imagine meeting the Savior one day, standing behind Brent, hoping that my choice to marry him buys me a few points :)

I love you Brent! Thanks for 17 great years!

Happy Birthday Katelyn

I was hoping to have a few of Katelyn's baby pictures to add to this post but I am computer challenged and have surpassed my swearing quota today, so just one will be fine.
Katelyn turned 13 today, she seems like she is a lot older to me. She is wise beyond her years but has such a fun personality that we can just be really silly together. Katelyn was almost 6 weeks premature but still weighed 5 lbs 11 oz. In the nursery they called her "peanut" because all bundled up she looked like a little peanut. She was a very content baby who was patient with all the bows, hair gel, fluffy dresses and anything else I inflicted on her. Jared always adored her. He would hold her and rock her and say "hi sweaty sweaty" instead of sweetie sweetie. For so many years we just had the two of them and they were the best of friends. In fact they hardly ever played with other friends because they just preferred each other. Katelyn has always been talkative (not sure where that comes from..lol). She is also always been very kind. She rarely criticizes others, instead she finds something nice to say about almost anyone. I took her shopping today for her birthday and I had a hard time getting her to buy anything for herself. She is content with what she has and will say,"I don't need anything, I already have everything I want." (I know that doesn't come from me!) Finally, she got in the shopping spirit and we found a bunch of great things for her and she is so grateful that she thanked my a hundred times and was so smiley and happy. I thank the Lord every day for a daughter like Katelyn. If I didn't have her in our family, I would have a huge hole in my heart. She truly is the joy of my life. Happy birthday Katelyn, thanks for all the blessing you bring into my life....we love you!

I do stuff...I can prove it!

High School is a fun time for kids. Most days I feel like I do stuff, I just can't prove it.....so I took pictures. We are so proud of Jared and how hard he works at developing his talents and skills. He went out of town for a week to Omaha Nebraska for a tournament that fell during the College world Series. He was able to watch the College championship game which was a lot of fun for him. They also visited the zoo which is amazing. I can honestly say that I saw more personal growth from him during these last few weeks than I have seen for a while. Brent and I are both so proud. When he is warmed up pitching he can throw in the 80's. (that's mph!) But more important, he's a good boy.
Next week, Katelyn is officially a teenager. (sigh) Stay turned to my next post which will be "Katelyn through the years". Unless I cry too much while writing. : l

seriously, it's how I wake up

Every morning I am woke up from my nice sleep by the sound of Tyler coming into my bathroom, going potty while simultaneously singing the Star Spangle Banner.
Every....Morning. (I decided that no picture was appropriate for this post)

It's how we roll...

Every time I untwist Buzz, I always find him like this again. Thanks Jared! (Bragging rights to those who know why this is funny!)

Happy Birthday Jason!

how many grown-ups does it take to assemble a few children's toys?







I can't believe that my Jason is 3. He has been such an angel since the day he came to our family 3 years ago. I can already see things about his personality that I wouldn't have known such as his sweet disposition. Also the twinkle of mischief in his eyes. He is a joy to have in our family and I can't imagine what we would do without him! I love you Jason! He is my only boy that I let carry a purse, talk back to me, and have whatever he wants. I may live to regret it, but for now....not so much. I can't stay mad at his cute little face, when he says,"I love you mommy" it melts my heart! I am in big trouble. maybe someday I'll get tough but for now I don't see the point. They grow so fast and before I know it he'll be a teenager. (sniff, sniff)

that's not weird...

Yesterday, Jared put his shirt on like this and asked if he could wear it to mow the lawn. I didn't think he would so I said yes. He didn't seem to be very embarrassed. Or maybe he hoped I'd say no, and when I didn't he couldn't back down. Teenagers are fun!

Dear me,

Dear me,
There have been a few things that I want to talk to you about lately. First of all, I know you are under a lot of stress but how bout not taking it out on the ice cream...I mean, it never did anything to you but love and comfort you. Also, vegetables can be good. TRY ONE! :) Also, I miss the treadmill. Once a week isn't enough.
I know you love your kids but homework is important. Make them do it...before it is late. School will be out soon and you can play all you want at that time.
Jason is no longer a baby, he needs a big boy bed. None of your other kids slept in a crib this long. Sure, it's easy. He doesn't get out by himself and will go straight to sleep, but you can train him to stay in a bed.
The only reason to make a special trip to Maverick is for milk. You don't need to go there for a fountain drink even though they taste better. For 11 years, cans of diet coke were fine. And if you do stop there, skip the candy isle!
When you find yourself watching Dora the Explorer....STOP IT! Read a book, do a dish, take a shower. (which BTW is NOT optional)
Get out of your jammies even if you have no where to go. It will make you feel better. And I don't mean shower and put your jammies back on. (sweats are jammies immediate relative)
Don't worry so much about things out of your control. I know this is easier said than done but could you try...for me?
When you are struggling for patience with your children just remember that everyone of them are acting their age. You are the one who isn't. They aren't going to learn all of life's great lessons today, it's a process. Give them a chance to make mistakes and learn the lessons from them. In the process, try to learn something yourself.
Each day, just try to do a little better than the day before. When you feel alone, remember you have great friends and Heavenly Father who loves you in spite of you. Rely on Him for strength and courage.
Finally, it's okay to be nice to yourself. Seriously, would you let anyone talk to your kids the way you talk to yourself? No, so knock it off.
Love,
Me

conversations with boys

mom to Ty: "How was your day at school?"
Ty: "good"
mom: "What did you learn?"
Ty:" I don't know.....or care...."

Really? Do you think he realized that he said that out loud? At least fake it until you are a teenager! Nice...

jazz game and my bro.

Tonight my little bro John called us again with last minute Jazz tickets. I decided to let Jared go with Brent because he had a free night. Well it turns out that my other little bro from Texas was in town and taking clients to the game. I made Brent take a picture and send it to me, I'll admit it, I miss my brother. He was only here for a day and didn't have time to get together. :(
I love all of my siblings, they are the best! Nate is my only brother who lives out of state and I really miss his family. Thanks again for the tickets John!! I'll take them off your hands anytime!

getting back to normal....

Normal....hmmm maybe that isn't the right word.

This morning Brent started a new job. He was off of work for about 2 months during which I became used to having him around. Sure work is good, I guess, (lol) but for two months I had incredible freedom (without any cash). Throughout the baseball season Jared has needed to be picked up from school every. It is right in the middle of Jason's nap so it was great to have a driver. Also, Jared goes to school early 3 times a week for Jazz Band and Brent would drive to that too. Since Brent would get a little stir crazy he was always willing to run errands or watch kids if I needed to go out. He also would take the boys with him while he would run around. To say it mildly, I have become spoiled. Yesterday, I realized I would have to do the morning drive for school when Jared said there would be no band this week. (see the blessings keep coming) This is the last official week of the baseball season so hopefully Jason won't fully give up his naps.

Unemployment thankfully didn't last too long, although some days it seemed like it. Last week after weeks of no jobs prospects, Brent got two interviews with great companies. The job he wants most wouldn't start for a few weeks so rather than take any chances, he started with his second choice. It seems like a good company. Brent is impressed with many aspects of how they run their business.

All I know, is if Brent could be home 24/7 I would like it (most days) :)
The boys will miss having an all access pass to daddy, I'll miss having my best friend to hang out with all day, and I will certainly miss the perks of having him around. But, I will enjoy paying bills again and possibly having a little extra spending money. So I guess you take the good with the bad..... er somethin'...

For all the extra time we had together I find it surprising how little we accomplished on home projects. (sigh) Maybe someday our to do list will get done. (I am laughing)

random thoughts...

Random thoughts that I have been having lately....

-why do people say "I slept like a baby" I've had babies, they don't sleep well.
-what is the smell coming from my boys' room?
-I always have a lot of laundry
-I don't enjoy housework
-I will stop procrastinating....tomorrow
-eclairs are delicious, especially from Kneaders
-how do Tyler's socks get holes in them after wearing them once?
-I like the new law in Arizona...we need it here.
-I am tired of snow...and rain
-I need to trim my bangs
-will Jared's feet ever stop growing?
-I have great friends
-my husband is amazing

That's all for now, I hope you enjoyed a sneak peak into my mind :)

Confessions

I saw this on a friends blog and decided to try it for myself...so here goes.
I confess:

- I watch too much tv
-I started painting my family room 9 months ago and haven't finished yet
-I don't want to finish, I don't know if I like the color I picked
-on a bad day, I can drink a 12 pack of diet coke all by myself
-on a good day, I can drink a 12 pack of diet coke all by myself
-I can't say no to my kids when they look at me with their big blue eyes
-I don't want to say no
-I bite my fingernails
-take-out makes me happy
-sometimes I drive Tyler to the bus stop at the end of my street
-I will do ANYTHING to get out of doing the dishes....anything
-I don't care if my kids have messy rooms
-it makes me nervous to kneel down for prayers by my bed in the dark (seriously, what if there are spiders under my bed...or snakes)
-I stay up too late
-I sleep in too late

Well, I tried to make it interesting, not sure if I succeeded. But, maybe I can sleep now. (if I am lucky)

soccer time again

It's soccer time again! Brent coaches Tyler's team, and they are very good. Last year, we lost track of all the goals Tyler scored because there were too many. But he also would set up other kids to score by getting them to run to the goal and he'd pass it to them. Hopefully we can keep Jason off the field....it was tough last fall. It's a good thing we love sports! Bring. It. On.

night time

Why is is always hardest at night? I am fine during most of the day and when it is time for bed my brain goes 1000 miles an hour.
In FHE tonight we were talking about satan's influence. My husband said that if we sat in our family room long enough and did nothing it would get dark. Without even trying, the room would be dark. It's up to us to turn on the lights. Well, metaphorically and physically right now I am in the dark. I try not to be, but I find it harder at night. I count my blessings, I think of scriptures, I think of all the ways things could be worse. It doesn't change the fact that right now sucks.
...I'm done whining....

30 reasons I am glad to be 36

30 reasons I am glad to be 36

1. I have a 15 year old. I better at least be 36.

2. I have nearly been married for 17 years. I better be at least 36.

3. I am old enough, with careful consideration and helpful advice, to make my own decisions.

4. I am old enough to know better.

5. no expects me to get all the candles blown out any more.

6. I have learned to say no when needed, without guilt.

7. It's fun to have teenagers.

8. I'm still young enough to remember "the good ole days"

9. Since every day I have to get older, I try my hardest to get wiser.

10. Each day I am one day closer to death (jk lol..it's an "old" joke)

11. I'm old enough to realize that what someone thinks of me is none of my business.

12. Also old enough not to care too much what people think about me.

13. 36 isn't 46.

14. 36 isn't 21 (thankfully!)

15. I have learned to appreciate the different qualities in people.

16. I'm old enough to have ice cream for lunch if I want.

17. ...or dinner

18. With my new found memory lapses I never get tired of the same jokes.

19. Since my eyes are getting bad, I can't see the mess in my house as well as I used to.

20. ...or the scale...

21. My joints hurt when a storm is coming so I can predict the weather.

22. With all my gray hair, I get to experiment with new hair color every 5 weeks.

23. I am more patient than I was 15 years ago.

24. I love having "old" friends who I have been through a lot with.

25. The older I get, the more I appreciate my mom. (love you mom!)

26. With my new found memory lapse, I never get tired of the same jokes. (hee-hee)

27. I love my husband more each day.

28. I've learned to love learning new things.

29. The older I get, the better looking I am. (okay, I'm stretching)

30. I'm learning to enjoy the journey.

A long time ago I decided that the only thing that I could change about getting older was my attitude about it. I am now happy to get older because I know I am learning valuable life lessons. Sounds cheesy, I know, but it gets me through another birthday.

Name them one by one....

With all the chaos and mayhem in my home this week I decided to take a moment to count my blessings.

I am thankful for the extra time to spend with Brent. Life is moving so fast and this past year we seem to go in different directions with alternating pairs of children. So, unemployment has given me 24/7 access to the person I love and admire most in the world.

I am thankful to be married to my best friend.

We have been able to go to the temple twice this month.

I only have one sick kid right now.

My kids have wonderful friends who are good influences.

Since Brent is home, picking up Jared after school to get him to practice at the HS (while the little dude is sleeping) isn't a hard thing.

I am recognizing the Lord's hand in my life especially right now.

We have awesome friends and who mean so much to us and uplift me daily.

With daylight savings, Tyler and Jason are sleeping in until 10:00. (suh-weet!)

Jared finished the BOM for the first time this week. He is preparing for his Patriarchal Blessing and set a goal to have it read before he did it.

I feel like I have a lot of time on my hands during the day.

With Brent home, I can do hair during the day which frees up my evenings for family time.

I am thankful that things could be worse.

I will be 36 soon and am happy not to be 26.

I am thankful that time heals all wound.

I am thankful that my teenagers haven't done one thing that I (allegedly) did at their ages.

I am thankful for two little boys who drive me insane and who are the light of my life at the same time.

I am so thankful for my amazing daughter. She has a good head on her shoulders and makes good choices.

I am thankful for my sisters. I have spent some time talking to each of them this week and they are two of the strongest, kindest and beautiful (inside and out) women I know.

(I can't leave out my brothers) I am blessed with cool brothers. They always protected me as a little girl and now I turn to them for advice....they are awesome.

I have been blessed with wonderful parents. I think it is fun as an adult to get to know your parents in a new way. My dad has been gone nearly 10 years and I am proud of my mom for carrying on the best she knew how while losing him when she was 50.

Last, but not least, I am thankful for MC. She puts up with my craziness on a daily basis and she is patient with me with all my faults. She's a true friend who will call me on my crap (not that I need it very often... lol), listen to me cry, laugh with me and just help me get through the day.

I am very blessed, I am trying not to forget it. C.S. Lewis said, "When we lose one blessing, another is often unexpectedly given in its place." That is the biggest thing I have seen in my life this week.

YAY....

Try-outs are over and Jared made the High School baseball team! There games start next week and they have a tournament in Las Vegas at the end of the month. Good job Jared!

A woman's week at the gym

(a funny e-mail from my sister)
A WOMAN'S WEEK AT THE GYM
This is dedicated to everyone who ever attempted to get
into a regular workout routine.

Dear Diary,
For my birthday this year, my Husband (the dear) purchased
a week of personal training at the local health club for
me.

Although I am still in great shape since being a high
school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it
would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try.

I called the club and made my reservations with a personal
trainer named Christo, who identified himself as a 26-year
old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing
and swim wear.

My husband seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get
started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to
chart my progress.

________________________________
MONDAY:
Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but
found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health
club to find Christo waiting for me. He is something of a
Greek god - with blond hair, dancing eyes and a dazzling
white smile. Woo Hoo!!

Christo gave me a tour and showed me the machines. I
enjoyed watching the skillful way in which he conducted
his aerobics class after my workout today.
Very inspiring!

Christo was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my
gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time
he was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week-!!

________________________________
TUESDAY:
I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it
out the door. Christo made me lie on my back and push a
heavy iron bar into the air then he put weights on it!
My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made
the full mile. His rewarding smile made it all worthwhile.
I feel GREAT-!! It's a whole new life for me.

_______________________________
WEDNESDAY:
The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the
toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and
forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both
pectorals.
Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop.
I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot.

Christo was impatient with me, insisting that my screams
bothered other club members. His voice is a little too
perky for that early in the morning and when he scolds,
he gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying.

My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Christo put
me on the stair monster. Why the heck would anyone invent
a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by
elevators?
Christo told  me it would help me get in shape and enjoy
life.
He said some other crap too.

_______________________________
THURSDAY:
Butthole was waiting for me with his vampire-like teeth
exposed as his thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full
snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late - it took
me that long to tie my shoes.

He took me to work out with dumbbells. When he was not
looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. He sent some skinny
witch to find me.

Then, as punishment, he put me on the rowing machine --
which I sank.
_________________________________
FRIDAY:
I hate that jerk Christo more than any human being has
ever hated any other human being in the history of the
world.
Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic little aerobic instructor.
If there was a part of my body I could move without
unbearable pain, I would beat him with it.

Christo wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any
triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't
hand me the darn barbells or anything that weighs more
than a sandwich.

The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and
nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone
softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?

________________________________
SATURDAY:
Satan left a message on my answering machine in his
grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up
today.
Just hearing his voice made me want to smash the machine
with my planner; however, I lacked the strength to even
use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight
hours of the Weather Channel.

________________________________
SUNDAY:
I'm having the Church van pick me up for services
today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over.
I will also pray that next year my husband will
choose a gift for me that is fun -- like a root
canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted
me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor
with diamonds!!!