It's Their Story

I have received emails over the last few months asking about my Brother Travis's accident. When the accident happened I didn't give very many details. I didn't feel as if it were my story to tell. I still feel as if it isn't my story to tell. However, I can share with you my Sister-in-law Rebecca's (Travis' Wife) account of that day as she posted on Travis's blog.

"June 10, 2009 was a day that changed our lives forever. The day started like any other, but ended upside down. Travis has always been an involved and loving father. He loves to take his girls with him fishing and hunting. He purposely seeks for one-on-one times to make them feel special. This was one of those times. It breaks our hearts it ended so traumatically, but we are lucky to still have our Travis--husband, father, brother, son, grandson, friend, and teacher. Travis and his daughter Emily were on a date. The motorcycle was always a fun one-on-one way to be together. They planned to go to Reed's Dairy, then out to Army Surplus. Emily still remembers eating a chocolate shake and buying her dad an ice cream cone. She does not remember anything afterwards. For that we are grateful.

The accident occurred by Dad's Truckstop. A left-turning truck pulled immediately in front of Travis and Emily who were southbound, heading for Army Surplus. Several people saw the accident and said Travis threw his arm back to protect Emily. Through miracles, the right people were there for them. Travis' leg was bleeding profusely and a man almost immediately on the scene, who had some medical training, was able to stop the bleeding with his belt. The belt had holes all the way around it--a belt he rarely wore. He saved Travis' life. We are forever family now.

Both Travis and Emily ended up in ICU. Both had head fractures and bruising. Both had severely broken right legs. Travis' was so shattered and the bleeding so unstoppable that his leg was removed to save his life. We are devastated for him, but every cloud has a silver lining. We can get him a new one.

Emily ended up with a plate and 10 screws in her right leg. She has steadily improved. She moved up to pediatrics two days after the accident. She was able to leave the hospital a week after the accident. She sees double at times, but that is improving. She will have her leg wrapped up/cast for about 6 more weeks.

Travis' injuries are extensive. The main focus has been his head injury. Everyday has seen small improvements...baby steps always in the right direction. Hope shines out. Know that your prayers are carrying us. There has been a tremendous outpouring of care and concern. We have been rocked in a cradle of love".

So, as you can see my family truly does have much to be grateful for. Rebecca has kept a blog since the accident to follow their progress. The address to that is www.walltravis.blogspot.com.

What A FABULOUS Thanksgiving It Was!

Ever since Travis and Emily's accident in June we as a family have said "Won't this years Thanksgiving be amazing"! We have looked forward to it for the last 5 1/2 months!!! And I can tell you it WAS as amazing as we had only hoped it could be! We truly are blessed to have our family together when it came so close to being so tragic... I thank you again for all of your thoughts and prayers - they have truly been appreciated more than I will EVER be able to express. This year I have truly seen miracles worked in so many different ways by so many different people. I have been touched by complete strangers that by just acting saved my brothers life to strangers that showed me such kindness as I spent weeks with him in the ICU. People who never expected anything in return and just acted out of true goodness - To these people - so many of them that I will never be able to thank... you have truly changed my life. But, to one man in particular THANK YOU for giving my family our life. Because if you had not acted as you did on June 10 my family would have had an entirely different Thanksgiving this year. I have thanked you several times... But, will truly NEVER be able to thank you enough. As you have said: "We ARE family now". I hope that I will be able to appreciate the meaning of the holidays every year as I will this year.

Travis has always taught his nephews to say "Uncle Travis is my hero"! From the moment they start to talk he is teaching it to them! We never knew it would have such a meaning as it does now. My Mom had shirts made for all the boys that they wore on Thanksgiving day that said "Uncle Travis is my Hero"! And as he realized what their shirts said and as his eyes turned red I realized once again that nothing will stop him... He truly is our hero!

In this picture Travis and Rebecca's family is the family on the left. I wish you and your family an amazing Holiday season!

Checking Out... for a little while.

So, with a move back to Idaho and the Holidays upon us... I am checking out for awhile. I'm excited to spend Thanksgiving with my family this year as the Wall's have MUCH to be grateful for.

I wish you all a very FABULOUS Thanksgiving and will chat again sometime in December!

Cannon 10 Months

Cannon is 10 months... the months seem to pass as quickly as days do. He has finally just in the last couple days decided to crawl... He has two brothers that give him everything he wants so he hasn't been very motivated! However, McKay was sick with the flu last weekend and wasn't able to be at his beck and call - So, he decided to crawl! OF Course it was right after Grandma left... So, here's a little video for her to see!

I LOVE how when I am putting Cannon down to sleep and I am done singing to him he starts to sing! Or, when I am carrying him around on my hip he will start to sing and waits for me to join in.

Cannon's favorite thing to play with is a piece of ribbon that McKay threaded buttons onto. He has also has started to love to play with the wheels on Carter's little match box cars. It's cute to watch his little finger spin the wheels over and over again!

When he hugs you he has started to pat your back.

He LOVES to have his teeth brushed.

When he is tired he starts to arch his back... you lay him in his crib and he goes right to sleep! That's it! As easy as that!

He LOVES to watch his brothers... Most parents tell their children not to run around in the house... However, I put Cannon in his high chair and tell the boys to chase each other because it makes Cannon scream with excitement! The faster they go the louder he laughs!

He has a new love of graham crackers right now.

We have been having a camp fire almost every night in our fire pit and he LOVES to sit and watch the fire.

When I carry him around he holds onto the back of my hair. He doesn't pull it... he just holds it in his hand.

I LOVE how he has started to sleep in the stink bug position!

He is our sweet little man that truly has everyone of us wrapped around his little fingers!

Oh, To Be A Child Again...

Our neighbors have this old boat junked in the back of their property. To tell you the honest truth I had never even noticed it before. Then yesterday morning I couldn't find the boys... and when I finally found them this is where they were! I told them that they had to go and ask if it was OK if they played in it. So, they both ran up to the door and my sweet neighbor made two little boys day when she said yes! Everything about their lives revolves around this boat right now! It is THE place to be! McKay had early school yesterday and when I went to call for him to come in and get ready I just couldn't do it! To see these two little boys enjoying each other and life so much just melted my heart! I decided that school could wait another day... But, today he was going to be a little boy! It wasn't even until later in the afternoon that he asked me about school!

So, other than that not too much is going on... just packing and preparing to move AGAIN! When I tell people that we are moving again I truly see the sympathy in their eyes!!!! This will be my third move in one year... The only good thing about this move is it is taking us home! So, we are trying to absorb as much warm weather as we can... Because as soon as we get back to Idaho it will be freezing cold! I took McKay to get a winter coat and he was totally confused! He said "But Mom it is still summer here"! It has been a crazy year in so many ways... Kinda one of those when it rains it pours years! With moving three times, having a baby, my Brother and Niece's accident, some family health problems, James' car accident... It has truly rained on my family as a whole this year... But, I am still choosing to look at all the beautiful things that we are blessed with! With each move I have met AMAZING people that have touched and changed my life, I have a beautiful baby boy that brings me so much joy and happiness, My Brother and Niece are both alive and as it has been a very difficult - more difficult than one can imagine - recovery for them... they WILL recover and live beautiful lives. Although James totaled our new car... He wasn't hurt and that is all that matters. My family is healthy and strong and my Boys continue to amaze me each day with their beautiful little spirits! So, I pack once again... happy to do so... Knowing that moving really is NOTHING at all when it comes down to it all! So, I just might let McKay miss another day of school so that he can be a boy once again in this fabulous weather!

Something Easy!

I bought one of these crayon rolls last year for the boys for their church bag. After a year of them fighting over it every Sunday I decided it was time to make them another one. The only problem with that is I can never just make one... When my Mother-in-law was here visiting she helped me cut out 20...... This one turned out cute and was for Miss Addy Beattie! I found my pattern at www.skiptomylou.org. They actually have quite a few cute patterns on their site that I am using right now. It is definitely a fun site to check out! I have also decided that you could alter the pattern and make one for colored pencils too - I just don't think that I am going to try and make 20 of those too!!!

Another Major Picture Overload....

Picking Almonds with Grandpa

Eating Almonds with Grandma!

What trick or treater's look like at the end of Halloween!



At the neighborhood carnival

Probably should have used a different backdrop so you could actually see McKay and Carter!

We went to the Tuacahn Market on Halloween

Carter LOVED the tamales!

Obviously he didn't think I was very funny! Lighten up Mr. Turley!

Buying Pumpkins to shoot in the cannon

They were launching pumpkins in this cannon against the cliffs!

Grandpa getting McKay ready for his school party

We baked pies!

We made home made noodle for soup!

This was the morning routine!

Cannon's first sucker!

Craziness!

Carter fell asleep to Grandpa reading to him!

I don't think Grandpa got much of this milk shake!

St. George!

The Boys going through the "Crack of Doom"

It was about a 100 yard crack between two rocks

Look close... that's the boys!

Me watching them coming through... hoping an earth quake didn't hit!

The crack

Starting them up the crack

Thanks Mom and Dad for coming and spending Carter's Birthday, Halloween and the week with us. We had a fabulous time and miss you like crazy!

Get Rid Of That Halloween Candy!

I am looking for any way to get rid of Halloween candy! I just chopped up the little candy bars and dipped the carmel apples in them. At least it makes me feel a little bit better that there is a little nutritional value with the apple!!! It's also a great way to git rid of the candy bars that no one likes... they taste a lot better in small pieces with carmel!

Anyone Know Who This Child Belongs To?

Grandpa and Carter had a little fun with McKay's army face paint! I think that the teeth make it priceless!

Zion's National Park

On our way to Emerald Pool

We saw 17 Deer

Mr. Turley would you please wash my mirrors!

The best way to ride - On Grandpa's lap!

Anyone missing some Doritos???

My parents are here visiting and I took McKay out of school for a day and we headed off to Zion's. It was absolutely beautiful. It was a cooler day and a little bit overcast, but still absolutely amazing. I thought that I had thought of everything to pack... a picnic & plenty of snacks to last us the day, thermos of hot water for Cannon's bottles, clothes for warm weather, coats and hats in case it was too cold, and jackets in case it was just right, an extra pair of shoes and socs in case the boys got their feet wet, an extra pair of pants and underwear in case Carter had an accident... you name it I thought I had thought of it! However, before we even got into the park McKay got his pants all wet... that was one thing I didn't think of - a change of pants for McKay... So, we had to go to the next best thing we had... Carter's extra pants! He spent the day in a pair of 3T pants that we couldn't even get done up!!! Everyone kind of looked at him funny - I'm sure wondering what Mother would ever let her kid out of the house dressed like that! However, he didn't care and it didn't stop him from having a great day with his Grandparents!

Carter's Birthday Pictures

My children do not like Birthday cakes... They always like to come up with their own Birthday treats... This year Carter wanted "Spooky Cupcakes"! So, I made the little headstones out of white chocolate and did my best at making "Spooky Cupcakes"!

Army gear from Jason, Amy and the boys

Giving McKay a thank you hug for his new Spider man watch

Waiting to open presents

3 years!

Diego Dinosaur Mountain from our friends the Smith's - Thanks guys!

He wanted to have a fire and cook hot dogs and roast Marshmallow's for his Birthday dinner!

And the greatest part is that Grandma and Grandpa are here!

Grandpa loving on Cannon!

Carter had a fabulous Birthday! The only problem is that he doesn't get that it is over! I still hear him say: "But, McKay it is my Birthday..." & McKay is quick to inform him that it is over! I NEVER take my kids to McDonald's... So, the only time they really get it is on their Birthday (or if my Mom takes them!) they look forward to their Birthday Happy Meals all year! They even start to pay attention to the commercials on TV to see what toys are in the happy meals! I couldn't handle not doing a little celebrating on Friday... So, I told him that we were starting to celebrate "early" and we had a picnic on the trampoline with McDonald's (because of the swine flu outbreak I wasn't about to take my kids there!) and then he was excited to get to pick out his favorite Super Man ice cream as our treat! We celebrated with a fire and presents on Saturday with Grandma and Grandpa! McKay asked me if we could celebrate his Birthday next year for two days too... What child wouldn't want to do that!

Today Is Carter's Birthday....

Today is Carter's Birthday... only he doesn't know it... My Parents wanted to be here for his Birthday and can't be here until tomorrow. So, Carter thinks that tomorrow is his Birthday! It will be a lot more fun with Grandma and Grandpa here anyway! However, I still have been feeling the pains all day long... as I look at the clock and mentally go back three years and think of that special day. The pains of having him grow one year older... I am always so emotional on my kids Birthdays! I worked so hard to get them here that it is hard to have them grow up so fast. He went and ran errands with me today while McKay was at school. Of course I let him get a balloon and a treat at the dollar store! When McKay came home from school this is what he said "Why did Carter get a balloon and a treat? It's not his Birthday you know... His Birthday isn't until tomorrow just in case you forgot"! And in my mind I was thinking "Well actually it is his Birthday"! I LOVE this little man so much! He truly adds so much personality to our little family.

Stressful!

So, I am one of the room mothers for McKay's Kindergarten class... along with that assignment comes decorating the classroom doors for certain activities. Well, next week is red ribbon week and I had to decorate his door... I was sooooo STRESSED out about it! Seriously the OCD Perfectionist kicked into high drive! Finally, when I was loosing sleep over it I realized that I needed to CHILL out! It's only a door for Heaven's Sake.... Right! McKay LOVES it and that is all that matters! And thank you Heidi Swapp for teaching us the technique of masking!!!

BOYS!

My house is full of boys which means my life is always very interesting! Cannon LOVES his duck bath tub - But, this is what I found this morning when his brothers were SUPPOSED to be brushing their teeth! It's moments like this that you just laugh a long and go and get the camera!

A friend

Is

Someone

Who Knows

the Song in your

Heart

and can Sing it

to You

when You have forgotten

the words....

I came across this saying the other day... and it made me want to cry! It made me want to cry because I have friends and family like this and I just want to tell you that I LOVE you all very much!

Our Weekend In Pictures... in random order!

Had a quiet moment today and was able to call and have a nice visit with my Sister-in-law, Rebecca and my Brother Travis. When I think of him in my mind this is how I picture him!

There are two things that James is a little possessive about... his bucket of golf balls and his dental floss! Carter knows to leave both of them alone! He has enjoyed one too many times of unwinding James' dental floss to a heaping mess. So, I was the guilty person who gave the dental floss to Cannon to entertain him... Carter found him playing with it and said "Mom, you better hide that because when Dad gets home he is going to snap"!

Weather has cooled and my roses are in full bloom again!

McKay spending this morning teaching Carter how to play Tic Tac Toe!

James teaching McKay how to build a fire... Still a little nervous about a 6 year old with the capabilities to make a fire!

McKay & Carter's little Halloween treats they made for friends!

Enjoyed the smell of homemade bread made by James!!! Yes, my husband makes homemade bread and it is fabulous! I don't even try to compete! My boys LOVE Dad's bread!

Gifts for the ladies I visit teach.

Bottled apple pie filling with my neighbor Mindy! I don't know if I can eat them... I think they look too beautiful!

A few festive neighbor treats!

James and McKay were gone Friday night to the scout overnighter. So, to make it special for Carter I let him watch movies in bed with me that night and then let him have breakfast in bed Saturday morning. When I asked him what he wanted for breakfast he said "walk around waffles"! Translation: when we were in Idaho staying at Jason and Amy's during the summer my Nephew Tyson would eat "Walk around waffles" - it means Eggo waffles with nothing on them so that you can walk around and eat them and not make a mess! The perfect kind of breakfast to have in bed!

Round Two: Non Contact Discipline...

Three things happened today...

1. I decided that I thought that Carter was outgrowing his naps. He has been up multiple times every night for the last 10 nights.... So, I decided that today was going to be the first day without a nap.

2. Cannon is teething and I kept him home from church with me. I decided I rather let him stay home and have a good nap then fight him being upset at church. So, that meant that James took the boys to church by himself! However, they boys were not well behaved and James was frazzled when they got home....

3. Our Home Teachers came to visit us after church. The boys were told that if they were not well behaved while they were there that they would have to sit on a chair for awhile after they left.

So, you can see who was not well behaved while our Home Teachers were here visiting and who also was going his first day without a nap!!! We had checked on him a couple times and he was sitting there like he was supposed to... but, the third time I went to check on him to make sure he was still on the chair I found him fast asleep! I don't know that our discipline was very effective! So, who won? Him? Or Us?

Halloween Treats!

McKay didn't have school today - they are out for fall break. We spent the morning making Halloween treats for the boys friends. It was a little crazy with melted chocolate and two little boys that just couldn't wait to dig in! My OCD started to kick into high gear real fast and I just had to tell the inner "Martha" in me to chill out and enjoy the moment with the boys! We made mummy and skeleton finger pretzels. Carter however doesn't call them mummies he calls them "mommies"!

My Halloween Apron!

I had cut this apron out last year... But, with being pregnant and having noooooo motivation at all it didn't get done... So, I was excited when I pulled out my fabric stash and found it. It got me soooo excited that I went to Jo Ann's when they had their patterns on sale for .99 cents and bought 8 new apron patterns!


James and McKay are heading out on a scout camp out tonight. Perfect weather - yesterday when I ran to Costco it was 87 degrees!!! This is when St. George is fabulous! This weekend I am working on a few Christmas sewing projects, bottling apple pie filling, Finally putting up the big swing set and staining it and tackling putting all the stuff that is piled up in the garage in the attic... It will fill good to get it all done! AND of course we are couting down... 7 more days until my parents come to visit!

Fast & Easy Apron

So, I got tired of getting McKay dressed for the day and then having to have him change his shirt before he went out the door for school... It was always a little dirty from lunch or brushing his teeth or something! And I just can't handle a little bit of dirty when he is going to school! I was at the Dollar Store the other day when I saw these really cute Halloween dish towels and had a thought... Aprons! I came home and totally just made it up as I went - But, I think that they turned out pretty cute! AND he doesn't mind wearing an apron that has skeletons on it! I made one for Carter too... But, he wasn't feeling very photogenic at the time of the picture taking!

I took a couple pictures of the process. I started by folding the top of the towel down until I reached the desired length that I wanted. Then I folded the sides in until I got the desired width I wanted. I threaded the ribbon up through the folds and sewed it into place. Leaving the ribbon long enough to tie in the back! See, nice and easy!

*** With Carters I cut the ribbon where it attached at the neck and sewed Velcro on the back of the apron and on the ribbon to make the neck adjustable. I Like this much better and will do this on anymore that I make in the future.

It's Just Beginning....

McKay started flag football and last week he had his first little practice! He was so excited he could hardly stand it! I had a major moment as I was driving him home realizing that this was just the beginning... the beginning of YEARS of football, baseball & basketball practices and games and whatever else he might decide to throw in there on top of it all! Sorry the pictures are a little blurry... I was trying to hold Cannon and take pictures at the same time... and try to figure out where Carter had escaped to!

We have been practicing our "drills" all week! He informed me tonight that I am getting much better!

We're Ready To Roast Marshmellows!

James has a young man in his scout group named Kadyn who is cutting and selling firewood to earn money for the scout jamboree. So, James told him that we would buy some firewood to help support him. As you may know from previous posts my husband is a sucker for any child selling anything! Especially if they are working for it! But, we were completely surprised when Kadyn and his family the Ence's showed up at our house last week and put together a whole fire pit for us! Complete with a fire ring, log seats, a bench, a pile of firewood and a box of wood chips to help start the fire! They did it just to be nice and I was seriously so touched by their thoughtfulness! We have already had 3 fires and have many more planned! In St. George you can pretty much have them all year around!!! It truly taught me the sweetest lesson on being good neighbors.

*** I know the pictures are backwards.... but, it is late and I am too tired to fix them!!!

WARNING: major picture overload!

James' Parents came to stay with us for a week and it was FABULOUS! McKay and Wayne mounted his antlers from the deer they shot together a couple years ago.

We did lots of good baking! We made cinnamon rolls 3 times!

Lots of time spent with "Pa" on the trampoline

We took them on our little hike up to the top of the water tower. You have to LOVE how Carter has his binoculars upside down and backwards!

Lots of help with all of our sewing projects!

I LOVE how Cannon is looking at Becky in this picture!

Lots of cuddling!

Lots of shooting the BB guns!

This is the target that McKay drew of deer!!! I LOVE the antlers!

Lots of puzzles...

We spent a morning watching the St. George Marathon. It is a huge marathon that they run to qualify for the Boston Marathon. They had about 10,000 runners this year.

It was fabulous having them here spending the time with us. I was as sad as the boys were to see them go!

My Little Pumpkin

I made this cute little shirt this week for Cannon! The chaos is starting to settle... and I have been in the mood to create & bake! My in-laws spent the last week here with us and Becky and I spent a major part of each day attached to the sewing machine and making 3 batches of cinnamon rolls! I have more goodness to share soon!

Carter Price

Carter turns 3 this month... and even though it's not for a couple weeks I have already started the "where has the time gone" moping routine that I do every time my kids have a birthday! I always struggle with them getting older and often wish I could freeze time! Here are a few little details about Carter:

* He has to put his pajamas back on everyday for his nap

* When he really means something he says "pinkie square" instead of pinkie swear!

* He has hot cereal almost every morning for breakfast and calls it "porridge"

* He calls his chocolate milk "troll food" - courtesy of his father!

* He is finally starting to be OK with McKay going to school - he has realized that he does come home & that while McKay is gone he has free reign to their room and McKay's things!

* He LOVES to draw.

* He LOVES to draw on things he is not supposed to...

* When he has to use the bathroom he runs outside instead of to the toilet.

* He is always going out in the garage and stealing golf balls out of James' bucket... it is starting to cause his father stress!

* His thanks is pronounced "nanx"

* When we get in the car he always asks for "his song" which is Kenny Rogers, The Gambler. He has it memorized word for word.

* I hear this several times a day "Mom, can I just have a peach, or an apple, some pretzels maybe... just somethin' "

* If he wants something he says "If I give you a kiss will you give me ... "

* He whispers in my ear quite frequently "Mom, you are da' best"!

* He has Nacho Libre memorized.

* I let him "drive" the car home from the bus stop - and he LOVES it!

* When you tell him No to something he almost always says "Oh Come On"! - Emphasizing each word!

* He admires McKay and loves to do anything he is doing.

* When he wrestles with his Dad or McKay he is a scrapper - you really better watch out!

* He is very stubborn!

* He is finally going to nursery without a complete melt down!

* He prays for Uncle Travis everyday.

* He has the funniest facial expressions! Sometimes I get so caught up in watching him when he is talking to me that I don't pay attention to what he is saying!

* He is absolutely fabulous and I can't imagine my life without him!

Seriously???

Yes, it is the end of September... and yes it is still warm enough in St. George to play in the water! When we were moving here we were trying to decide if we should find a house with a pool... HOWEVER due to Carters lack of not having any fear what so ever we decided it wasn't a safe choice! The safest thing for him was a kiddie pool! But, now I'm not so sure!!! As You watch the video pay attention to Carter in the background!

*** And yes I did retract my "Awesome" comment and threatened him within an inch of his life to not do it again! Especially when he started to try and do them backwards!!!

Candy Bar Cookies!

Ok - it is no surprise to anyone in my family that I don't like cookies... I never have! Even growing up - cookies have never been my thing. It's sad to say that I don't even like to make them... Yes, I am a mother and I don't like to make cookies - I can hear the gasps! HOWEVER - my very sweet neighbor, Mindy is the best baker I know! Her kids Erin and Kaden come over in the evenings to play with my boys and she is always sending fabulous treats with them. Last week she sent over some Candy Bar cookies that she had made. James & the boys dove into them and I was enjoying how pretty they looked in my domed cake plate!!! I don't know why - I think Carter was "sharing" with me - But, I took a bite of one... AND they were amazing! So, for me to share a cookie recipe you know they have to be good!


Candy Bar Cookies

1 C (2 sticks) Butter or Margarine Softened
1/2 C sugar
1/2 C firm pack light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp. Vanilla
2 1/4 C flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
1 3/4 C candy bar chunks
3/4 C chopped nuts (optional)


In large bowl cream butter & sugars until light and fluffy; beat in egg and vanilla. In medium bowl combine flour, soda & salt; blend into creamed mixture. Stir in candy bar bits. Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10-13 minutes at 350, or until edges are lightly browned & centers are still soft.


Mindy uses the mini candy bars and the ones that she made us that were so fabulous were with 2 mini snickers, 2 kitkat, 1 milky way & 2 3 musketeers. But, the fun thing is that you can mix them up with any candy bars you want. AND with Halloween coming it is a good way to use all those mini candy bars your kids will get trick or treating! Enjoy!

Letting Go...

This man is growing up faster than I can handle... Kindergarten has seemed to have catapulted him to little man hood. We were getting him ready for school the other day and he asked me if I would do his hair like a "peacock"... I had to have him explain to me what he meant because I wasn't quite sure about the "peacock" explanation! But, laughed when I realized that what he meant was a mohawk! At first I told him no. But, I sat there and comtimplated it. I'm usually not the type to let him run around with a mohawk... But, I decided it was time to let it go... time to step back and let him start to express himself in his own little ways a little bit more. So, I had to smile as I watched him get on the bus and all the kids started telling him how awesome his hair was! As the bus pulled away he stuck his head out the window with the biggest smile on his face and yelled back at me that he loved me!

Today he came home from school and said "Mom, is my hair called a peacock or a mohawk... because this kid on the bus said it was called a mohawk"! So, I had to tell him it is called a mohawk and will probably never hear him call it a "peacock" again... But, it was really cute while it lasted!

What A Good Friend!

So, I have had this house in our neighborhood that I have been stalking since we moved in in July... For awhile it was for sale... then it wasn't... then it looked vacant... I didn't know if they had sold it or if it had gone back to the bank or if it was even vacant or not. But, they had this pomegranate bush that was absolutely loaded and I wanted to pick them sooooo bad! I even started to plot schemes of going in the middle of the night - not that I ever really would!?!?!?!


My friend Rachel and I are the room mothers for McKay's Kindergarten class. We had to go up to the school today to throw a little Birthday party for his teacher and I just picked her up on my way and she rode up to the school with me. On our way home I told her I wanted to show her a house because there was something that I was considering stealing from it!!! So, when we pulled up to the house she saw what I was talking about and said "You want those pomegranates don't you"!!! She didn't know the story of the house much better than I did... BUT she told me that if I would pull up to the door she would go knock and see if anyone was home! Something that I was too chicken to do! I probably would have ended up sending James! Anyways - she marched right up there and a lady came to the door and told us we could pick all we wanted! So, Rachel said "lets go pick pomegranates"! Carter had a blast carrying them and putting them in the car - we didn't even have a bag & we just had to put them in the car as they rolled all over the place!
By the time we were done I made it home with 40 pomegranates!


THANK YOU Rachel for going and knocking on the door when I was too chicken!!! You are fabulous! And tell Rick thank you too... I noticed on my caller ID that he had called looking for you while we were picking!!!

8 Months

My little man is growing so fast. I think the time goes by faster with each child. I have been really struggling lately feeling like this time that I cherish so much is just passing by all too quickly.

At 8 months Cannon is mobile... he rolls all over and pushes himself backwards. You can see his frustration when something he wants is out of reach and when he tries to move he goes every direction but forwards! When he gets frustrated he does the motor boat sounds with his lips - the more frustrated he is the louder it gets!

He is very much the center of his brothers lives right now! They both beg to hold him, bath him, feed him... They are always the first to tell me he is awake and when I get him out of his crib he is flying his head around looking for his brothers and starts kicking and going crazy when they come running in. I pray that the friendship and bond that my boys have now will last them throughout their lives.

Cannon's favorite place to be is on my hip! AND, my favorite place to have him is on my hip! But, I do have to admit that with two brothers running around it's sometimes the safest place for him to be!

He says Mama and Dada and the boys work with him several times a day to get him to say their names. McKay told me last week "He will be saying my name any day now if I keep practicing with him"!

We love this little man so much! It is fun to watch him starting to get excited and aware of his little world. He got his first tooth this week! So, Carter thought that meant he could eat real food and tried to share his peach with him! Cannon enjoyed having something to gnaw on and they both ended up pretty juicy and sticky!

James took McKay and Carter with him to Logan this weekend and Cannon and I stayed home. I had a very nice quite weekend getting to love on Cannon! We rocked, read books, cuddled, watched Pride & Prejudice together( I think I enjoyed it more than he did!), ran a few errands & ate some really good sushi (Thanks Rachel & Rick for the invite)! I really enjoyed my time that I was able to just get to give to him. With two other children that doesn't happen very often!

Here's hoping that time will slow down just a little bit so I can take this time in my life in just a little bit more!

Is Bribery Bad?

McKay has been in Kindergarten for over a month. His teacher has a color change system that she uses for their behavior. They start out the day on green - if they are well behaved & they stay on green all day they get a sticker at the end of the day. If they act out then they have to change their card to yellow and don't get a sticker. They can earn their green status back - but don't get the sticker. If they really act out they change their card to red and the teacher calls the parent. Sooooo, my Son as of last week had got a color change every day but three days! He would come home and say "Mom, I only went to yellow - I didn't go to Red"! So, when I went to his Testing with him I asked the teacher if I should be concerned! She told me that he and the little boy that he sat next to weren't a good combination and she was going to move them. So, when he came home last Monday I had high hopes that he would have a sticker! But, he had another color change! I asked him what was going on and he said "Mom, I try soooo hard to hold still - But, by then end of the day I can't take it anymore and I just start moving crazy"! James told me that he was just a boy and that I needed to leave him alone and it would work itself out... But I couldn't! So, in came the bribery!!! I told him last Wednesday morning that if he went Wednesday, Thursday and Friday without getting a color change that we could go to the store and he could pick out his favorite ice cream Friday night! We even said a extra prayer for him before he headed out the door!!! (I was desperate!) So, he went to school and when he got home he was soooo proud because he hadn't got a color change! But, the funny part is that he had forgot to get his sticker and had got out on the bus when he remembered! He made the bus driver wait while he ran back into the school and he said he told his teacher "I forgot to get my sticker and you have to give me one or I am afraid that I will get home and my Mom won't believe me & then I won't get ice cream"! (Poor little guy)! So, instead of a sticker she put a smiley face on his hand with a magic marker to make sure it didn't get lost! So, he went the next two days without color changes! It even got to the point that Carter was cheering him on - he realized that if McKay got ice cream that meant he had high chances of getting it to! So, Friday came and we celebrated with sherbet ice cream!


So, this morning I asked him if he wanted to make another deal! I told him that if he could go the whole week without a color change that we could go to McDonald's for an ice cream cone and to play on the toys on Friday night! I never take my kids to McDonald's so he was ecstatic! But, all day today I have been wondering if I am putting too much pressure on him... Or, am I doing a good thing by giving him something to work towards and accomplish??? Thoughts anyone?

*** UPDATE*** He didn't get a color change again today!

Labor Day

We have a water tower on a hill in our neighborhood and McKay has been wanting to "hike" up to it ever since we moved here. So, this morning before it got too hot he and I made the walk up to it. He loved watching the jack rabbits run around. This is our neighborhood! It looks a little different than Idaho!

We had a good day after the hike we took the boys to play baseball and then came home and while we were working on putting things in the attic and pulling weeds they played for a couple hours in the water. In the afternoon we went and rode horses at the Shepherds and McKay stayed after and played with Dawson. When we finally got him home from that his little friend Parker came over to ride bikes with him - and they ended up back in the water! We finished the night off with me trying a new recipe for Bajio's shrimp tacos and sweet rice! They were divine! So, all in all we all had a really good day!

Labor Day

Our neighbors the Shepherds called and invited the boys over to ride their horses today. They had a total blast! Carter loved it and didn't want any help and just wandered around the arena on his horse all by himself. McKay loved riding also, but really enjoyed driving the 4 wheeler while they practiced their calf roping. His thumb got so tired that he had to find new ways to do the gas as you will see in the video! Sorry about the end of the video... I meant to cut it off and forgot. It was a fun afternoon and we all had a really good time!

A Little Baby Love!

What a handsome little man - all dressed up ready for church.

Tagged!

So, My friend Jennifer tagged me on Face Book... But, I couldn't figure out how to do it back on there... So, here it is!

Can you fill this out without LYING?
I can do anything I want to!

What was the last thing you put in your mouth?
Cheetos!

Have you ever kissed anyone named Matt?
Yes, more than one... moving on...

Where was your profile picture taken?
McKay's Preschool graduation

Can you play guitar hero?
Haven't tried

Name someone that made you laugh today?
McKay - He was sitting in my bathtub playing a game so Carter wouldn't bug him!

How late did you stay up last night and why?
Midnight - It's the only time I have time to watch TV!

If you could move somewhere else, would you?
That's a tricky question...

Ever been kissed under fireworks?
If you have been in IF for the fireworks then you would know that answer is always yes!

Which of your friends lives closest to you?
My new friend Rachel

How do you feel about Dr Pepper?
Wish I could drink it!

When was the last time you cried really hard?
Yesterday when Carter got stung by a scorpion...

Where are you right now?
At my house

Who took your profile picture?
James

Who was the last person you took a picture of?
McKay - sitting in my bathtub.

Was yesterday better than today?
No, not really

Can you live a day without TV?
No, I NEED my kids to watch a little TV each day!

Are you upset about anything?
Wishing I was closer to Travis

Do you think relationships are ever really worth it?
They are worth everything - you would be pretty lonely without them

Are you a bad influence?
I hope not!

Night out or night in?
I stay in all the time - So, a night out is nice!

What items could you not go without during the day?
Windex, Lysol wipes, and chap stick!

Who was the last person you visited in the hospital?
My Brother Travis

What does the last text message in your inbox say?
I Love you - from James!

How do you feel about your life right now?
A little scattered!

Do you hate anyone?
No - It takes too much energy to hate someone.

If we were to look in your face book inbox, what would we find?
Nothing! I just emptied it!

Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass?
I would always pass it.

Has anyone ever called you perfect before?
My Husband!

What song is stuck in your head?
The Power Tunes Attitude song! Yes, I am a mother!

Someone knocks on your window at 2am, who do you want it to be?
Carson and Lacey!

Wanna have grand kids before you’re 50?
I haven't even thought about it...

Name something you have to do tomorrow?
clean bathrooms...

Do you think too much or too little?
WAY to much...

Do you smile a lot?
Yes

Who was your last missed call on your Mobile phone?
Carson Beattie

Is there something you always wear?
My wedding ring

What were you doing 30 minutes ago?
Cleaning the kitchen

Did you have an exciting last weekend?
I spoke in church... is that exciting?

Have you ever crawled through a window?
Yes!

Have you ever dyed your hair?
Too many times to count!

Are you wearing a necklace?
No... surprisingly!

Are you an emotional person?
Only about certain things and people.

What's something that can always make you feel better?
My family

Will this weekend be a good one?
I haven't even thought about it...

What do you want right now?
To go to Target - but, Carter's still asleep!

Have you ever worn the opposite sex's clothing?
Only when I am pregnant

Have you ever worked in a food place?
Mrs. Powell's Cinnamon Rolls for 3 years!

What’s on your schedule for tomorrow?
Girls day at my house, take the boys swimming, register McKay for flag football... the list just keeps going!


I tag Stacey Maughan, Megan Anderson, Melissa Stokes & Miranda Folau! Have fun girls! You know the drill copy and change answers to your own!

A Little Baby Love!

It is McKay's goal everyday to see how hard he can make Cannon Laugh! Cannon will get so tired from laughing that he will just lay his head down on the carpet!

Sending A Little LOVE to AMY!!!

Amy, my sister-in-law is starting college this week. I am so proud of her for raising such a fabulous family and having the courage to start college! We love you Amy and want you to know that we are proud of you and excited for you! When I told McKay that she was starting school too his question was so sweet: "Does she get to ride with me on the bus? Because if she did that would be sooo awesome"! The Boys were so excited to make this video for you! Thank you Amy for all of your love and support you are the most amazing mother, aunt, sister-in-law and friend! Good Luck & we can't say it enough WE LOVE YOU!!!

Yummy Slush

So, I was having a hard time deciding what to take around to our new neighbors. They have been so welcoming and helpful and I wanted to give them a little thank you! When it is over 100 degrees outside cookies just don't sound that good! So, I made them slush! This is my favorite slush recipe. It's a hand me down recipe - from my aunt Susan to my cousin Megan to me! So, it's a true family favorite! I had some people ask for the recipe so here it is!

1 Big Can Pineapple Juice

5-6 Smashed Bananas

1/2 Can Orange Juice Concentrate

1/2 Cup Lemon Juice

4 Cups Sugar

4 Cups Warm Water

Mix the 4 Cups sugar and 4 Cups warm water and let sit and dissolve. While the water and sugar are setting blend the bananas in a blender - I add some of the pineapple juice to help them blend better. Once the sugar is dissolved add the remaining ingredients in and mix it well! It's really simple! I usually make a double batch because then I can just use one whole can of orange juice concentrate! And then I have a really good supply of it in the freezer! Mix the slush with 7-Up and enjoy! I usually just spoon it into a glass and enjoy it as we want it - you don't have to mix it all up at once. I have frozen it in freezer bags, tupper ware or ice cube trays - they all work well.

First Day Of School

Teacher gifts that I made with some cute flowers I got on Etsy!

The tag (another purchase from Etsy!) had cute little school buses on it!

McKay on his first day of Kindergarten

Waiting at the bus stop. Yes, I have sun glasses on for a reason! To hide the tears!

McKay and his little friend Parker waiting to get on the bus!

McKay with his bus driver Moe!

Carter Crying in the car the whole way home from the school! It was very traumatic for him!

Today was McKay's first day of school! A day that he has been looking forward to since Pre-school. He thought he got to ride the bus to pre-school... and was seriously disappointed when he didn't! So, he has been looking forward to the bus for 2 years! As we were waiting at the bus stop he kept saying "Mom, are you sure this is the right place... Because I really don't want you to drive me on my first day of school"! McKay was so excited and I was handling it o.k. but Carter.... Well, he had a total break down when McKay got on the bus and left! It was so sad as he just kept saying "I don't want McKay to go to school he is my best friend" over and over again! So, we got in the car and drove to the school to watch him meet his teacher and I thought that would help Carter. He was o.k. until it was time for McKay to go into the school and for us to leave that's when the break down happened again! McKay saw him crying and ran back to us to comfort him! I could tell that McKay was just so torn with what he should do. After a minute of the teacher waiting for him he said to me "Mom, I guess I don't need to go to school... I can stay with Carter"! That's when I lost it! I was so proud of him! He is always so true to Carter! I have tried to teach him that there is no one more important to him than his brother (other than his parents of course!). So, to see him in that moment and to know how long he had waited to be there - it was so sweet to see him choose his brother! I almost took him up on it because I wasn't ready for him to go either! But, I gave him a hug and told him how proud I was of him and sent him through the door! Carter continued to cry the whole way home - about 5 miles! I just keep looking at the clock wondering what it is exactly that he is doing in this moment! But, excited for him and proud of him more than anything!

Reason To Celebrate!

My Dad called one day and told me that I needed to come back to Idaho. I had only been here in Saint George for 2 weeks and it was so hard to be away with Travis still in the hospital. I had planned to be back there by myself this week - But, my Dad thought it was too long to wait. I needed to come then. So, the boys and I loaded up again and headed back to Idaho Falls! I am so glad that I didn't wait! The day that we got there Travis was given a day pass to leave the hospital! We were able to bring him to my parents house who live close to the hospital for the afternoon. My Dad drove the car around to the back yard and we were all waiting for him! We all just sat in amazement as we watched him and ate a celebratory watermelon (One of Travis's favorite summer treats). I just sat and stared at him - truly struggling to find words to even speak! I spent the week with him doing his morning routine. I would go and get him out of bed and eat breakfast with him and stay with him during his speech, physical and occupational therapies. It was such a special time that I got to spend with him. Often times Jason would join us and I really enjoyed the time that I got to spend with just my brothers. I've always thought that we were so different - but, as I have got to spend this time with them and through the summer it's scary how much we are alike! I can't even put into words how humbling it was watching Travis recapture his life. It's humbling to ponder the miracles that have happened to bring him back to us. The Lord truly has a special mission for him to fulfil in this life. I have never been as scared as I was on June 10 when I got the first call to come to Idaho Falls as fast as I could. I would rate it the worst day of my life. But, last Friday it came full circle as I left the hospital for the last time. As I walked out I wondered how many times I had gone in and out of those doors in the last 2 months... multiple times a day! But, that would be the last time because Travis was going home too! Friday August 7, 2009 more than 8 weeks from the accident Travis got to go home! He still has A LOT of recovering to do. Many weeks of therapy and many more hard times. But, I am convinced that he will continue to amaze us all! In fact, the doctors have even said there is a good chance that he will be teaching at the college again in January! He will make a full recovery with a new "magic leg" as McKay calls it! Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers for my family. This has truly rocked us to the core... But, through this we have learned to love, appreciate, understand and depend on each other so much more. I have had a lot of people tell me that this has been a rough year for me... I have moved twice to different cities, had a baby, dealt with some family health issues and had Travis's accident... I can see that I could choose to think that is has been a rough year. However, I am choosing to look at it this way: At this time when so many people are without jobs I am grateful that my husband has one even if it has caused us to move twice, I had a baby and as crazy as that was with going back and forth to Idaho to have him he is healthy and strong and a blessing to me, My family as a whole is healthy and my brother... Well, my Brother is a miracle! It was truly a tragedy but he is alive and Emily is alive and we will get them through this. So, I am choosing to see the hand of the Lord in all of this and to be grateful for the blessings that I do have.

Reason To Celebrate!

My parents have a swing in their tree that the kids love to swing in. But, when they all get together it's a lot of kids waiting their turn! So, my Dad made a double decker!!! The funny thing is that Carter was the only one of the smaller kids who dared to ride up top! So, he got to keep going and going! At first I was a little nervous that it would turn into one of those "you were doing what with your child" as you are at the emergency walk in clinic! But, it was a huge success!

The kids all waiting their turns to ride on the new and improved swing!

Jackson giving Cannon love! Jackson was my saving grace this summer! He was such an amazing help to me with my boys! Most of all Cannon - he knew how to feed him, make him happy and even how to swaddle him correctly! I loved catching him telling everyone how to take care of him! He would get my keys out of the car and lock it up each night for me, he would run errands with me and even hit Sonic for drinks with me! Thank you Jackson I love you and appreciate you so much! I loved all of our little talks!

The kids have got to spend a lot of time together this summer with me living at Jason and Amy's and helping out with the girls as much as possible. But, this day was a special day and the kids could sense it as much as anyone! Travis was with us even just for a few hours... it was still amazing!

Our Little Adventure!

The night before we were leaving Idaho Falls last week my Dad decided to take us fishing. I grew up fishing with my family and have a lot of good memories on the river bank! I really appreciate the efforts that my parents take to make special memories with my children. McKay caught three fish all by himself - he casted, set the hook and reeled them in! Carter helped Grandpa a couple times and loved it but didn't want to have anything to do with touching one of them! And Cannon just took a little nap! The boys not only had a good time fishing but threw rocks, waded in the water and went on adventures up and down the river bank. Thank you Mom and Dad for all you do for us - But, most of all thank you for all the time you spend with us! We love you!

Happiness = Ice Cream!

We were eating dinner out on the padio one night when we heard the ice cream truck! McKay knew instantly what it was and got so excited! I will totally admit that I bribed my kids and told them if they ate their whole dinner without complaining they could get ice cream - which they did. So, they went out and sat on the driveway and waited patiently for quite awhile! James and I started worrying that we had missed it... So, he was good enough to get in his car to go track him down! I had to laugh when I looked up the road and I saw James in his car and the ice cream truck following him to our house! What a Goood Dad!!! So, now the boys do extra jobs to earn quarters to buy ice cream from the ice cream truck every Tuesday night!

Brothers!

How fun is it to play army if you don't have a comrade? My parents got McKay army clothes for his birthday and my Dad was smart enough to think about Carter! So, the day after McKay's birthday he gave Carter his army clothes! Carter almost died he was so excited to feel so big like McKay! There is a park across the street from my parents house that has an old tank that the boys spent quite a bit of time on in their army attire! So, as you can imagine it is all about army at our house right now!

What Would You Do Without A Grandpa?

My parents have a HUGE maple tree in their back yard that is fabulous for shade but seriously causes me so much stress... Stress because my kids are always convinced that they need to be climbing it and always end up with cuts and scrapes. So, one afternoon McKay decided that the thing to do was to make a ladder! Grandpa thought it was a great idea and the two of them had a little moment doing their project! AND I had a little moment watching them! Thanks Dad!

24th of July

McKay didn't weigh enough to handle the firehose on his own - it would knock him off of his feet!

This is McKay's little friend Caden who lives behind us. They have really become good little buddies! This was their little "huddle" when they were playing football and as always McKay is always so true to not leave Carter out.

Running to go on the slide...

McKay coming right behind him.

Cuteness!

The 24th of July is a big holiday here in Utah as we celebrate the Pioneers. Our ward had a little party at the park and if you want to have a party outside in the middle of the summer in Saint George one thing is a must... WATER! The boys had a lot of fun shooting the firehoses, playing football and playing on the water slide.

6 Months

This little man is growing up sooo fast! He is the best little baby ever. So sweet and so quick to smile. He is busy rolling all over and still isn't quite sure what he thinks about cereal! He brings our little family so much joy with his sweet spirit.

McKays 6th Birthday!

He had spent countless hours playing army with my Nephew Cody... So, my Dad and I headed out to the Army Surplus store to get him all of his own gear!

My Nephew Jackson made McKay this sign! He used tape to make his name and then spray painted over the paint! I thought it was so sweet and creative of him! Thank you Jackson!

I LOVE birthdays! I especially love my children's birthdays! This year McKay wanted a swimming party and a hot dog roast with strawberry shortcake and root beer floats for dessert! When I tried to get him to pick the strawberry shortcake or the root beer floats he thought about it for awhile and said "The shortcake is the dessert and the root beer floats are the drink to wash it down with"! How could you argue with that? Thank you everyone for helping to make it a special day for him amidst all the craziness!

More Birthday Photos

The Wolverine claws that he had been wanting for months! Carter "Saved" his money to buy them for him!

I have no idea what Amy and my Mom were laughing at - But, I love this picture!

My Niece Emily sporting her sassy pink cast!

McKay and Cody had so much fun together this summer! They really formed a cute little bond!

Swimming Party!

McKay and Addy Beattie - Even though the miles might seperate us they are still best friends!

Lacey Beattie (Carson's beautiful wife!) and that saucy baby she is holding would be Cannon!

My Nephew Tyson - I am seriously missing him so much!

So, since our whole summer was pretty much spent In Idaho that means that we celebrated McKays birthday there! He wanted to go swimming and we all headed to the Ammon pool... I wish that I would have taken more pictures... But, James was having a hard time handling three kids in the water by himself!!! Not that the oldest and the youngest are a problem - It's our middle child that has absolutely no fear of the water - he kept getting in trouble for doing back flips off the side... Yes, you read that right - Backflips!