Health Days

Carter, McKay & Easton

We spent last Saturday at Smithfield's Health Days... It was a much needed day out for all of us! When we left the house it was a little cool and overcast and I didn't know how long we would last... But, we ended up being there for about 6 hours! The had a horse show and a little Buckaroo Rodeo that the boys really enjoyed. Cannon was a total dream allowing us to miss his afternoon nap and spend more time there. The clouds gave way to sun and we all actually made it home with little sunburns. The highlight of the whole day was that Trevor & Melissa had a food booth there and completely spoiled the boys with anything and everything they wanted! I really could not tell you how many nachos, chips, hotdogs and drinks they ate! Carter even got pretty good at dipping up his own Nachos! Thank you Trevor and Melissa!

Life...

Carter quite often has a pad of paper and a pencil with him! He is quite like his Mom that way! He gets sooo excited when he fills his notebook and a pull a new one out for him!

This has been our theme this month... children carrying around throw-up bowls... Carter would get a little nervice if he got seperated from his bowl & would run around in a panic until he found it!

McKay and Carter were not climbers.... However, this child is making up for them and has my nerves frazzled! He was smart enough to figure out to pull out another drawer and was able to make it to the top of the dresser to get his toothbrush that I had his! He is a determined little man... I wonder where he gets that from!

Jason had to come to Logan and surprised McKay with Gavin! Of course he got to miss school! I love just listening to the two of them and the little conversations that they have!

Only picture from Mothers Day... Jason and Kristin came for the day and the boys were busy making a jump to go off of when they would ride McKay's bike down the hill!

Spots... We found him in a parking lot and had to rescue the poor little fella! The bug boxes that Grandpa made the boys came in very handy... But, after a day we let him go to find his family!

He figured out how to open the gate... This worked until I was able to sew a velcro contraption to keep the gate door shut. Only problem is that you forget the velco is there and try and walk through the gate... or run through... if you are in a hurry! James is getting a lot of laughs out of me running into the gate... I seem to be the only one forgetting the little contraption that I made!

Carter asleep with his ski goggles... When he woke up I asked him why he wore them to bed... He replied "In case my room got too bright"!

I had to run to the mall the other day and Cannon took this little duck whistle. When we were going through Dillards one of the ladies started running and screaming that the fire alarm was going off.... But, it was just Cannon blowing his whistle! She didn't think it was very funny!

This is our back yard... no houses... only hills and mountains! The boys roam wild and love it! One morning Pa and McKay got up at 6:00 a.m. and went for a hike. They take a bag and pick up any garbage and guns incase they see a bear... memories...

Well, I have been a total slacker on the blog... But, life just happens sometimes and there just aren't enough hours in the day!

Coming Out Of The Haze...

So, I have started to get the "Are you alive" messages and texts again from my family and friends! Yes, I am alive... But, after spending the last 10 days sick with the flu and Strep it has been a little rough! But, we are starting to feel like we are getting our feet under us again! Starting to come out of the haze... My Mom is starting to threaten to cut off my inheritance if I don't get some pictures posted soon! Soon... I promise!

Life...

So, in our life right now... James just got done having strep throat for the second time in 2 1/2 weeks... He has not been sick or on an antibiotic once since we have been married until now. He was soooo sick. But, we were lucky that no one else in the house got it! Soccer has started and is in full swing! McKay's favorite part is half time and the orange slices! My nephew Eli has been staying with us for the week & I have found it is true what people say... once you have three kids you may as well have more because it really doesn't add that much to the craziness! The weather has been beautiful and we have been spending hours at the park, going on bike rides and playing outside. It's that time of year where the boys really need a bath every night! McKay and i have been hiking the mountains... I have learned that if you want to find out what is on a 6-year-old boys mind take him on a hike! He doesn't stop talking from the moment we leave until the moment we get back!!! But, I love it! Life is busy and crazy - But GOOD!

Idaho!

Grandpa & the boys set up at tent in the living room for them to have as a fort and sleep in!

We played 5000 almost every night!

Fires in Uncle Steve (the neighbors) garden! Jennifer - Matt might recognize that shed!

At Cal Ranch to see the baby chicks

flying kites

McKay was out of school for spring break and we headed to Idaho! I was in major need of spending some time with my family! We ended up extending the trip and stayed for 10 days! Even then I felt like it had gone by way too fast! We truly got spoiled by everyone! There were multiple trips to Geraldine's for donuts, McKay got to spend a day going to "work" with Grandpa (My Dad is retired - But, he does little electrical jobs for people to give him something to do - to keep from going stir crazy!) we celebrated Lily & Grandpa's Birthday, Easter with the cousins, out to lunch, to the movies, flew kites at the church parking lot, did some shopping (thanks Mom!) & one night it even snowed so hard school was canceled the next day - which was perfect because we got to spend the day out at Jason and Amy's with the boys! James was there on the weekends and he, my Dad, McKay, Curtis, Jon, Josh and Jake spent a day fishing up at Palisades. It was a perfect week! Thank you everyone for all of the effort to spend time with us!

However, the highlight of the whole week was that on the Tuesday that we were there Travis and Emily headed up to northern Idaho to do the youth turkey hunt that they did together last year!!! Just the two of them. 10 months almost to the day of their accident. I have to admit I was quite anxious while they were gone! We were all grateful that he calls to check in a lot more than he used to! But more than anything grateful that their health has been restored back to them that allows them the ability to do these things once again! Travis has worked very hard physically to prepare himself to take Emily on this hunt. They went for the first time last year - and the pictures of them together on the hunt hung in Travis's hospital room. I remember looking at them everyday as I was there and praying that one day they would be able to do it again. How humbled my whole family is that the Lord has blessed them so abundantly. I was driving back to Logan when they called to tell me that Emily had killed her turkey! I could barely see the road I was crying so hard! I have to admit I have never been so happy to see a turkey die! But, what a huge moment it was for them... for our whole family. It's beginning to feel as if we have come full circle. I cannot express how proud I am of both of them!

Checking In

Where has the last month gone... First the computer crashed and then we had technical difficulties with the wireless for a week or two... James - who never gets sick and has never been on an anti biotic since we have been married - nor has he thrown up... got Strep throat that put him in bed for 3 days... And I spent those three days doing everything I could from keeping the boys from getting it! So far we're good there! McKay started soccer and is loving it. Because of his Birthday being in July he was put on the 1-2 grade team! He is pretty tall for his age - but, one of the smallest on his team. He did not let that intimidate him one bit and I had to remind him after his first practice that he wasn't allowed to shove kids in soccer!

We are currently in Idaho for spring break being spoiled! I honestly don't know who was more excited to come... the kids or me! We have already spent a night with Beatties, tried 5 Guys Burgers & Fries for the first time, went to How To Train Your Dragon (wonderful movie!!! However, I wasn't prepared for the end and after our last year with Travis it was a little emotional... the little boy gets hurt and they have to amputate his leg.) Lily turned 5 on Saturday and we were glad to be able to be here for her Birthday (Thank you, Thank You, Thank you Rebecca for the yummy new fabric! The Oz line is one of my favorites!), the Easter Bunny found & spoiled the boys, We spent a wonderful day at Jason & Amy's with amazing food! Grandpa helped the boys set up a tent in the living room that they have been sleeping in and using as their fort! The first night Carter told me I needed to zip it up after I kissed him goodnight because "the mosquito's will eat me alive if you don't"!

Monday Grandpa took the boys to the park to play baseball while Mom and I ran an errand... on our way back it started to rain... I was a little worried about Carter because he does not like rain. As I drove in by the park I could see that the boys were camped out in the slide trying to keep from getting wet. So, I pulled up and was trying to decide if I should go and get them or wait for it to let up a little bit. After a minute I saw Carter dart out of the slide running as fast as he could towards my parents with pure panic on his face... Then McKay went running out right after him stripping his coat off as he was running and trying as hard as he could to keep up with Carter and hold his coat above Carters head to keep him from getting wet................................. I seriously started to cry! They didn't know we were there and I hurried and opened the door and started yelling at them to get in the car. Carter got in first and McKay sat out in the rain continuing to hold the coat over Carter until he was in. The first thing McKay said to me was "Mom, I was trying my hardest to keep Carter from getting wet so he wouldn't get a fever"! I love that little man so much! We drove right to the gas station and he got to pick out a treat!

Today is Tuesday... and all of the schools here are closed because it is a snow day! Happy Spring Break!

New Jeans

It's a bad picture... taken with my cell phone. But, you get the point. McKay earned the rest of his $12 on Friday (just in time to go skiing on Saturday) to buy his new pants! He Washed the Kitchen cupboards, washed the dining room table and chairs, cleaned the stove, vacuumed the stairs (twice), washed the banister and the baseboards, dusted, vacuumed the top floor, cleaned his bathroom, cleaned the toy room and washed the doors! So, Monday we headed to Old Navy for him to buy his new pants! But, when we got there and were checking out we found out they weren't on sale for $12 anymore! They were $19.50 - he almost died! I asked him if he wanted to go home and earn more money or go and find some cheaper pants! He quickly decided to go find cheaper pants! So, he found some nice camo pants at Walmart for $8 - he was pretty excited that he made $4 on the deal! He did tell me that he is never going to ruin a pair of his pants again! But, the thing that melted my heart was when he told me "Mom, I didn't think cleaning my bathroom was that bad... If you really don't like to clean bathrooms I would be happy to do them for you"! And true to his word he asked me this morning if I wanted him to clean his bathroom when he got home from school! Yes, he truly is amazing!

Self Imposed Reality Check!

Sooooooo, as I was laying in bed last night replaying my day in my mind and having somewhat of a pity party... I reached for my scriptures - to be honest I was feeling as if it was just one more thing I had to do before I could go to sleep.... when a picture slid out onto my stomach... not just any picture - a really special picture of Travis and I together last summer in the hospital - it took my breath away. I had put it in my scriptures for a couple different reasons: 1. so I would always remember where it was - special picture= special place 2. to always serve as a reminder of how lucky and blessed we are. Suddenly, my day just melted away and i made myself think of the good things that had happened that day. Here they are:

1. McKay was sooo excited because it was Dr. Seuss's Birthday and he got to dress up as a story character for school! He chose Davy Crockett & was beaming as he left the house to go to school.

2. Even though Cannon wouldn't take a nap... and was grouchy & screamed at me most of the day... he melts my heart. When I get out of sight for what he feels is too long he starts calling for me and follows my voice to find me - then he gives me loves - wiggles out of my arms and crawls away - until he comes to find me again in a few minutes!

3. It was a beautiful day when McKay got home from school. So, I sent the boys outside with their boots and snow clothes on and they played for 2 hours. We don't have any houses behind us - and we are set up right against the hills and mountains. I LOVED watching them out the windows as they would venture all over the hills. Many times watching McKay as he so patiently helped Carter climb a rock or mound of dirt. I am so grateful that they truly are the best of friends.

4. McKay was learning about the presidents at school last month. So, he in turn was teaching Carter all about Abraham Lincoln... Carter will then tell me everything that McKay teaches him! Today I kept pretending like I had forgotten Abraham Lincoln's name only because I absolutely LOVE hearing Carter pronounce it "Mabramham Wincoln"! It makes me smile every time he says it!

5. I love that I live close to my Cousin Melissa - and that She and Easton & Macey stopped by today! What a blessing it is to me to have family close!

6. McKay has been working hard to earn his $12 to pay for his pants. We have been doing chores each day - today he got to clean the bathrooms (with help from his mother of course!). But, as we were working together he talked and talked and talked.... I am grateful that he likes to talk to me and tell me everything about his day.

7. McKay had a party at his school tonight for Dr. Seuss's Birthday... He really wanted to go - but, I really didn't want to take Cannon... too many germs. So, James loaded up McKay and Carter and took them to the party by himself! I am grateful that I am married to the kind of man who would do that!

8. I am grateful for my picture. I am grateful for all it symbolizes. I am grateful for all that Travis has taught me. Because as I looked at that picture I really didn't care much about the dinner that didn't turn out or the jeans! Because all of that really doesn't matter and he has taught me that!

Today is a new day! And I am the one who controls whether or not it will be a good day or a bad day. I am grateful for the life that I am blessed with! Today I took McKay to the bus stop. He usually likes to get there early so that he can be first in line! He wants to sit by that cute girl! But, today he didn't get out of the car. When I asked him if he was ok he said "I rather stay in the car with you Mom - I'll get out when the bus comes"! Melt my heart! And today he was the last child on the bus! I put Cannon down for his morning nap at 9:00 a.m. after he went down Rebecca called, and then my Grandma - and then I got to have a really nice visit with Carson as he was driving to Victor. Grateful for family and good friends that are always there. What a good day it truly is!

Do You???

Do you ever have one of those days that no matter what you do you can't make your children happy... they argue with each other... complain about what you made for lunch & all during their homework... the baby screams at you all day & I mean ALL day... you need a hair cut REALLY bad and you are having a bad hair day... you try a new recipe and it is one of those that your husband tells you "it's ok if you don't make this again".... maybe because you forgot a key ingredient - and it didn't have anything to do with the fact that the baby was screaming at you from the highchair and the boys were crying while they were standing in the corner... You accidentally dry "those" jeans that you don't like to dry... you get yourself and your kids all ready and out the door to find that your husband decided to take your car to work leaving you with his car and no car seats... (granted he was taking it to get an estimate because I got rear ended AGAIN!) but, you are still standing there really wanting to get out of the house and can't... I have to admit that these days are few and far between... but, I am ready for this day to be over!

Randomness!

The beloved tape measure!
After I made McKay's pillow Carter asked me if I would make him a shirt.... I don't know where the idea for a shirt came to him from - But, It was easy to do! I downloaded a bunch of different images and he picked out the Charley Brown because he said "It kinda looks like me"! Which, it kinda does!

• Life is just kinda being life - I'm just trying to keep up with three little boys! Monday night we took the boys to the Utah State basketball game. James had been to a couple of them this season and thought the boys would like to go. Their fans are known for being a little wild and crazy and we did have to have a talk with McKay about sportsmanship on the way home! Thanks Trevor for the tickets!

• Yesterday McKay came in and was watching me clean the toilet when he said "Mom, sometimes having your job be a Mom is really disgusting"! How little does he know how disgusting and rewarding it can be at the same time!

• Tuesday night I needed to run a couple errands and James told the boys we could go get some Aggie Ice Cream - They asked if we could go to the DI instead! I had to laugh that my kids wanted to go to the DI instead of getting ice cream! I have to admit that the Logan DI rocks! I've been there stocking up on canning bottles for canning this summer!

• McKay has seriously grown three pant sizes since he started school... I feel like I have had to buy him new pants every month! So, when he came home from school today and had torn a new pair of pants on purpose I was livid! I had just got him those pants a couple weeks ago! So, I told him that he had to earn the money to buy himself a new pair of pants! AND that he couldn't play the Wii or go skiing until he was done! Old Navy has their jeans on sale right now for $12 - So, I told him he had to earn $12! He was lucky that Moe (My Mom) offered to pay half - So, now he is downstairs right now with a toothbrush cleaning the stove! AND since I didn't get the boys bathroom done yesterday I think he can clean that too after Carter wakes up! He can see just how disgusting the job of a Mother can be!!! And Mom you better only send $6 - he needs to learn a lesson! If you send more I am keeping it!!!

• Cannon has seriously taken over my tape measure! If you even try and take it from him he growls at you! Carter has actually dared to take it away from him to only quickly give it back! They are only .99 cents at Hobby Lobby - So, last night I bought another one for myself! ONLY, to have Carter take it this morning! I guess those little push button tape measures are just too cool! But, I told Carter if he wanted it he had to pay me a $1 for it! (Man, this post is really making me sound like a strict Mom!). So, he went and got me a dollar out of his piggy bank and gave it to me! When I asked him where he got his dollar from he said it was from Moe! Thank goodness for Moe - she is just saving my kids all over the place right now!!! *** When Carter wasn't looking I put his dollar back in his piggy bank!***

• Cannon LOVES Pa (James' Dad). If Wayne walks into the room Cannon goes crawling to him saying "Pa, Pa, Pa"... over and over! It's a good thing he says "Mom" too! But, those are his only two words! If I am holding him and Wayne walks by Cannon seriously jumps to him - And if Wayne is holding him and you try and take him he holds onto Wayne for dear life - turning his head and totally ignoring you! So, last night I was holding him and Wayne came to take him... AND for the first time Cannon wouldn't go to him! At first I was sooo excited thinking that the Mom had FINALLY trumped the Grandpa! But, then I realized it was just the ice cream I was feeding him! And sure enough as soon as the ice cream was gone he wiggled out of my arms and crawled over to Pa! At least Carter is still a Mama's boy!

• I hadn't read a book since I was pregnant with McKay... and while I was on bed rest with him I read the whole Work & The Glory series in a couple months! So, since we haven't had cable in almost four months I started reading again! In the last four months I have read 10 books! I need something to do after my kids have gone to bed and my husband has fallen asleep on the couch at 8:30 p.m.! That and I am getting a whole lot of sewing done! I have to admit that I am a lot more productive without cable!

• I Love that Carter is at the stage right now where he keeps talking about how he is going to marry me when he grows up!!! McKay tells him that he has to marry another girl and Carter informs him "that is gross! I am marrying Mom"! I'll take it while it lasts!