The Woods'

Finally!!!

2009-11-15T19:51:00.001-08:00

We've been working with Clark County for three years now to get building permits for our house! $25,000 worth of permits later we have finally started!

*Sam in his future room*

*Ethan in his future room*

*Ethan helping Dad dig footings*

*Sam...he is helping some how??*

*future home of the Woods' family*

Trunk or Treat

2009-10-31T19:39:00.000-07:00

We attended the annual Trunk or Treat down at the church. My jedi, astronaunt and pumpkin were ready to go fetch some CANDY!

The look on Ava's face is priceless!

Sam and Ethan filling their bags.

A face only a mother could love! We stopped by mom's house to show off the kids and since she has an array of bandanas she found the perfect one to go with Jer's outfit.

Ethan showing off his jedi moves!

Munford Halloween Party

2009-10-31T18:14:00.000-07:00

So every year we enjoy attending the Munford's Halloween party. Codi goes all out and makes it fun for the whole family. We had lots of good food, dancing and funny games.

Ava took the easy way out when bobbing for her apple!

*Sam, Canyon and Ethan*

Ethan figured out how to grab them by the stem.

The kids performed follow the leader, tried fear factor and wrapped up their mummies!

Sam and Canyon didn't know what to think about some of the games. I think they liked being entertained instead of being the entertainment.

So this year Codi thought it would be fun if we were all the village people. We performed "Macho Man," and "YMCA." Josh was our big cheif, Codi sexy police officer, Chrissy construction worker, Heather army, Amber construction worker, Kyller cowboy, Jeremy biker and our sailor, Andy is watching the Yankees play! Good times!

Jeremy's mustache and chest (looked more like a brillo pad) kept falling off!! Jeremy and Nick were partners in a hot dog game....need I say more? Our kids couldn't stay awake so we missed the adult fear factor but I do know that hot wax was involved...OUCH!

Bingham Halloween Party

2009-10-30T18:01:00.000-07:00

*Rand and Shemri*

We went to the Bingham's Halloween party and had a smashing good time! Yummy soup, a great band and amazing friends.

Jeremy and I dressed up as vampires. We had a few wardrobe malfunctions beginning with I couldn't keep my teeth on! The cement was horrible! If I would have known I could have gotten some from work. I love my hunky vampire! I never thought I would see Jeremy put make-up on, especially lipstick! We were a finalist for the cutest couple. The devil and angel beat us out.

*Chrissy and Steph*

*Rusty, Tammy and Bo*

Pumpkin Run

2009-10-28T17:04:00.000-07:00

Ethan and his first grade class getting ready to run!!

Sam, Matthew, Stratton and Peyton cheering on their siblings!!
They had their Halloween party at preschool that day so they came all dressed up!

Way to go Ethan!

Carving Pumpkins

2009-10-24T16:34:00.000-07:00

On October 24th my mom came down to watch the kids in their primary program which Sam would not say his part because he fell asleep on the stand....but we will save that story for another post...maybe. The kids were really excited when Grandma arrived because they had been waiting all week to carve their pumpkins with her.

For some reason Ava wanted the seeds back in her pumpkin?? I would take them out and she would put them back in! She then wanted piglet on her pumpkin so I traced, (not as good as Ethan) and carved. And in the end she really didn't care:P

In the past we have painted, modpodged and poked lights through our pumpkins. Kids and carving knives scared me! But this year my boys were very insistant on using carving knives. Sam didn't want a pattern. He drew a face on his pumpkin and Grandma helped and observed him carving his pumpkin. When we took it outside and put a candle in it, the wax melted out of the pumpkins mouth! The pumpkin looked like it was drooling:)

The boys did so good on their pumpkins this year. Ethan wanted a pattern so he traced one on using a roller. When he pulled off the pattern he had every little detail on the pumpkin. I couldn't believe it! I think maybe he might be a surgeon someday...I am hoping a plastic surgeon so he can help is mommy out!

I think they are making their own pumpkin faces! I couldn't figure out how to turn my flash off in the dark and keep Ava from running out of the picture. By the time I got piglet carved out she was done with the pumpkin fun! Thanks PaPa Randy for the great pumpkins this year!

Proud Parents

2009-10-10T15:46:00.000-07:00

We are so proud of Ethan! He is in the 25 point club for accelerated readers after the month of September. The goal for first graders is 50 points for the entire year! He loves to read and we are thankful for that. Way to go Ethan! It is hard to see him in the newspaper picture but it is the first time he has been in the paper so I had to post it. He is on the front row.

Papa's Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-10T15:24:00.000-07:00

*Pumpkin Patch Crew*

Papa Randy always plants a fruitful pumpkin patch. Ethan and Sam got to help him plant the seeds so it was even more fun watching their pumpkins grow! Thanks for all your hard work Papa!

*Ava found one just her size*

*Searching for the perfect one*

* The pumpkin vines seem to reach up, grab Ava and pull her down. She kept falling and screaming, "Mom, I stuck!"*

*I love this picture of Ethan and his perfect pumpkin.*

* Sam wasn't picky about which pumpkin he brought home. He went for the small, manageable pumpkins!*

One of my favorite fall treats!

2009-10-10T15:18:00.000-07:00

Along with candy corn, pumpkin cookies, and mini candy bars, I love caramel apples.

We all had a little apple with our caramel!!

Family Home Evening Ideas that go terribly wrong!!

2009-10-10T14:49:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening is the ONE thing I make certain of every week. It is my kids favorite day of the week. I do try to plan out fun lessons with activities but sometimes they don't always turn out the way I think they will! For example, we had a lesson on forgiveness, we wrote down things we needed to "let go." Everyone got a balloon to put their slips of paper in. We headed outside to let our ballons/hurt feelings go. Ava wasn't excited about letting her balloon go. As we waved goodbye to our balloons. Dad was in the bushes with his bb gun shooting their balloon down!! The boys thought it was great and they wanted to take a turn. I think they will remember shooting the balloons down more than forgiveness but oh well...I tried. So the story behind the play dough, we had a lesson about bullies. The activity was with the play dough. The boys were very excited and I have to admit, I love the smell of play dough!! Ava ate more than she moulded. Jeremy and Ava were making this nice buck. I was really impressed then he added the deer droppings!! Will the boys remember the lesson on bullies or the deer droppings? At least we are doing family activities right?

*Ethan and his buck*

*Sam and his creation?*

The best part of making cupcakes is...

2009-08-31T16:17:00.001-07:00

licking the beaters!!

First Day of School

2009-08-31T16:01:00.001-07:00

Sam's first day of preschool. Ethan started the day before so he was a little disappointed that he couldn't start school the same day. When I dropped him off he wrapped his arms around my leg so I was peeling is arms off! I don't know why he is so bashful away from home.

*Sam and his teacher Krishelle*

Ethan's first day of first grade. I started getting weepy the night before when Jeremy gave them their father's blessing for school (yes, Ava insisted on getting one). The morning school started I read them the "Kissing Hand" and yes, I think I am the only one that was crying!

* Ethan and his teacher Mrs. Marshall*

The three musketeers!! Jake, Ethan and Jason entering the doors of the first grade.

When I took Ethan to the first day of school he just ran off playing with his friends. I was left in the dust trying to hold back my tears. The following Friday, Jeremy took Ethan to school. I asked him how it went and he told me he just ran off and left him. Jeremy said he felt like chopped liver! We are proud of him though last year there where alot of tears so this year is a huge difference. One I am not sure of yet.

Eight cavities!!!!

2009-08-14T11:20:00.001-07:00

Sam went to the dentist to get his teeth cleaned and yes I am ashamed to say he had eight cavities!! Yes, I am a dental hygienist with a son with eight cavities. I knew when he was two years old we were going to end up here. I remember hearing something in the middle of the night so I got up to check and see what it was. I wasn't surprise to find Sam sitting in a chair eating candy. He was sitting in the middle of a pile of candy wrappers!! He also used to, well maybe he still does, have candy stashes in the house. I have found them in shoes, under his pillow and stuffed between books. A sweet tooth is putting it mildly!

He was a very brave boy getting the sleepy juice. He watched Tom and Jerry through the whole procedure. Dr. Moulton said he would never think of Tom and Jerry the same again.

Bowling for the first time

2009-08-14T11:07:00.001-07:00

Our kids had never been bowling before so when the Tietjen family said they were going, I jumped in and invited ourselves!! Jeremy's hunt had started so the kids and I are always looking for something to do while he is gone. And since it is 110 degrees outside, indoor fun is always welcome.

Check out Sam's perfect form.

The floors of the bowling alley will never be the same. My boys left there imprints!! Sam would throw the ball like a baseball!

Ethan won with a score of 105!

Ethan and Koden

I let Ava push the ball down the alley. The first time the ball just stopped before it got to the pins so Wesely walked down the gutter and gave it a little push. So from then on I gave her push a little extra speed! Her brothers were there giving her much needed support. After she pushed the ball she would wave to it and tell the ball "bye."

Yes, she ate them!!!!

2009-08-14T10:58:00.001-07:00

I think the picture says it all!! The sweet sticky taste of toe jam!

Oh the funny things kids say...

2009-08-01T16:16:00.000-07:00

*Sam and Ethan were discussing how they could get up to Heavenly Father and Jesus just to visit them for awhile. Sam thought a rocket ship would get them there. Ethan told Sam that Heavenly Father and Jesus sit on the clouds and watch over us. Sam looked out the window and said "I don't see their faces in the clouds."

*We went to visit my Dad. Grandpa Keith took the boys and their suitcases up to the room they would be sleeping in. Sam looked around the room then looked up at my Dad and said, "Grandpa I can't sleep in this room because the bed has pink sheets and the wall has pink on it." Ethan said he didn't care. He was too tired and he didn't care what color the sheets were, he was going to bed. Sam and I did end up sleeping in another room that night.

*When traveling, Sam informed me that he was hungry and he needed a hamburger with pickles and cheese. So I pulled over at Wendy's. We were going thru the drive thru when Sam asked the gentleman working where Wendy was. The gentleman was very confused. Sam again asked where Wendy, the girl with the braids, was. I finally stepped in and told Sam she probably went home for the night.

*One night we were eating zucchini for dinner. Jeremy had me look the other way so he could steal my zucchini off my plate. Sam started yelling, "Mom, dad is eating your bikini!" I hope he didn't say that at Sunday school.

*Speaking of church, I was getting Ethan his shirt for church when he informed me that the shirt was growing out of him so he needed another one.

*Jeremy was fixing the TV when he finally got a picture on the screen. Sam looked up at Jeremy and said, "Dad you're a geneius."

*Ethan had an ear infection so while I was putting ear drops in his ear Sam said to me, "mom why do you have to put a hairy ball in his ear when your done?"

FHE at the pond

2009-07-31T18:47:00.001-07:00

The Bulloch Family, Hardy Family and Eaton Family invited us to the pond for family home evening. We had so much fun. Thanks for the invite:0)

My kids love Travis! He is so good to them. My pics didn't turn out so good but he was throwing the boys up high in the sky into the water. They loved every minute of it. Sam kept saying "again, again!"

Ethan jumping off the rocks!

Sam never got brave enough.

*some of the gang We worked up an appetite after playing in the water. The boys grilled up some hot dogs and hamburgers YUMMY! On the way home we stopped at Dairy Queen. Jeremy was inhaling his ice cream and told the kids he got a brain freeze. Sam immediately responded "I have a cheek freeze!"

You know it is summertime when...

2009-07-31T17:18:00.000-07:00

You go pool hopping

*Washington Rec Center pool*

*Mesquite Rec Center pool*

Huts are a permanent fixture in the living room

You get to show off your bikini body

You get to enjoy the mountains

You perfect your diving manuvers

You get to eat cotton candy for breakfast

You get to catch up with cousins

cousins

and more cousins

You have tea parties at the lake

Your fish stories get bigger and bigger

Yes, we have had an amazing, crazy summer so far!

Frightening

2009-07-11T23:37:00.000-07:00

One of the reasons we went to Salina for the fourth of July was because Devyn was being blessing on the fifth. The blessing was beautiful and so was Devyn. After the blessing Michael and my Dad had lunch at the house. All the cousins were playing outside. When it came time to eat Ava didn't want too. She was intrigued with baby Savanna. Ava was sitting on the porch rocking Savanna in her car seat. Bree sat down next to them. I sat Ava's plate down next to her in case she decided to eat something. Bree started yelling "what is wrong with Ava!" I looked down and saw Ava's eyes roll back into her head. Then she closed them and stopped breathing. Her body was lifeless and she began turning blue. All three of my brothers called 911. At first we thought maybe she was choking. But when I looked in her mouth her teeth were clenched and it dawned on me that she might be having a seizure. Jeremy fell to his knees crying. He wanted to do CPR but my Dad, Danielle and I could feel a heart beat. It was absolutely awful to see her unresponsive. Sam was crying and everyone was worried. When the paramedics arrived they strapped Ava and I to a gurney and loaded us in the ambulance. They put oxygen on Ava and she was breathing but it was a grunting breathing. They would only let one of us go with her so Jer followed in the truck. They took us to Sevier Valley Hospital. Jeremy gave her a blessing as soon as he got there. I am so grateful for the priesthood. What would we ever do without it. The ER doc ran a lot of tests on Ava. He informed us that she indeed had a seizure. He told us 50% will have another one and 50% will not. He kept reassuring us that she is going to be okay. He said we probably will never be the same. It was the most frightening experience I have been through. Our children are our most priceless gifts and to think for a second they could be taken is almost hard to bear. The veil is so thin. Jeremy and I haven't been the same. We take turns every other hour at night checking on her in fear she will stop breathing. It is so hard to get that picture of her turning blue and not responding out of my head. Not that I didn't hug and squeeze my kids before but now it is a little tighter.

Celebrating our Great Nation's Independance

2009-07-11T21:08:00.000-07:00

Sam and Ava were exhausted so Jeremy stayed home with them and I took Ethan to the rodeo with Danielle, Tate, Gracee and Xander. I love the rodeo on the fourth of July. You lay on your blanket down on the hillside and camp out watching the rodeo. When the rodeo is over they have fireworks choreographed to patriotic music. It is always good to come home for the holiday. There is something to be said for small towns. They seem to have so much patriotism. I know I felt great American pride pumping through my veins on more than one occasion during the weekend. I am so grateful for the brave men and women who have fought for the freedom my family and I enjoy daily. Here's to you...red, white and blue!!

*Ethan and Mom's self portrait during the fireworks*

*My handsome cowboy*

*Ethan, Tate and Tanner enjoying the rodeo*

*the big bad candy fetchers*

Only in a small town will you get to witness a horse wearing pants in the parade!!

*Tate, Derian, Ethan and Smokey the Bear*

By the time the parade started Sam was exhausted and didn't feel well. He ate suckers, cotton candy, otter pops, snow cones just to name a few. It is no wonder he wasn't feeling well. On top of all that, he was suffering from an ear infection.

Ava loved the parade. Endless, amounts of candy!! What more could a two year old ask for?

*the gang*

*Two daddies and their spoiled daughters*

After the games we met the newest member of our family, baby Savanna. Ava loved her. And why not she is just like one of her babies.

*Uncle Jeremy and Savanna*

*Sam and cousin Savanna*

*Ava, cousin Savanna and Aunt Bree*

On the morning of the fourth we went to the park for the fun and games. We had breakfast that the wrestlers put on for a fundraiser. After we filled up with pancakes we headed for the games.

Sam racing. Does anyone else see the armbar?? Regardless, Sam won the race and was rewarded with a quarter!

Ava racing. I didn't think she would do it but Uncle Jared got her started and I was at the finish line with her sucker!! She will race for anything sweet.

They had a radar gun to get the speed of the pitch but it wasn't working. I think Ethan still looks like an amazing pitcher. But I am a little prejudice:)

Ava did the sucker toss and really enjoyed her prize!!

Ava was terrified of the fireworks. At first we thought it was the loud screaming one but even the foutains had her crying. She kept saying "pretty" between screams. Aunt Danielle got her to hold a sparkler. She got brave for one.

The kids were letting the snakes on fire. I remember doing them when I was little and thought they were so neat. The boys thought that the snakes looked like something else when they were done...Yes, I know gross!! Then for some reason the boys were doing blue darts with the snakes underneath them. How does this happen?? That would be my nephew Tate in the picture lighting Jeremy's blue dart!! What a good example Jeremy is!! Boys will be boys I guess. I know one thing...I will never think of snakes the same way again!

*Ava using her Barbie pole for the first time*

*Grandpa using Ava's Barbie pole. I don't know

if it is his first time using a Barbie pole.*

We started our 4th of July celebration fishing. Ethan wanted so badly to catch a fish but it just wasn't in the cards. We didn't even get a bite! Grandpa Keith took us to so many places trying to hook a fish. I remember going to all of these places growing up and it brought back so many wonderful memories. We did hear a rattlesnake and scared Jeremy and I. Okay, maybe more Jeremy:) Sam and Ava really enjoyed all the snacks we brought along. I think Ava ate more dirt though. All in all it was a good day. Who couldn't enjoy the mountains?

Swimming Lessons

2009-06-24T09:22:00.000-07:00

Okay, so we aren't quite Michael Phelps yet but we are getting there. We can't believe how much Ethan has improved since last year. He has been taking lessons since he was three. He can float, freestyle, backstroke, dive and I saw him do some froggy stroke (I don't name the correct name). Thanks, Steph and Kirsten!!

*Ethan's backstroke*

*Ethan's freestlye*

So this is Sam's second year in swim lessons. He takes awhile to warm up and get some confidence. He did not like going into the "deep." He would try so hard to float but would sink every time. I told Kirsten that muscle weighs more than fat! Sam would get his arms going and forget about kicking his feet or vice versa. It's hard to think of two things at once!!

*Sam's sinkable float*

Ava's Pool Party

2009-06-21T18:55:00.000-07:00

We had a ladybug birthday party at the pool. I have lots of pics of people eating but I don't have any of the pool??? Good thing the party was at the pool after eating these cupcakes. We had the kids take another swim to dissolve some of the frosting!

We had lots of pizza and Dad made snow cones. Way to suck it in!!

*Dad and his mom/Grandma Singer*

*Uncle Greg and Dad*

Nice try Jer!! You still look 35!

*cousin Xander*

*cousin Gracee*

*brother Sam*

he doesn't look cold

*cousin Kate, Aunt Lisa, cousin Natali*

*cousin Andrew, cousin Mack*

*Aunt Josie, Aunt Allie, cousin Korbi, cousin Kessa*

*Mason*

*brother Ethan and cousin Tate*

Ava turns 2!!!

2009-06-21T18:11:00.001-07:00

How does this happen? Two years gone in a flash. I don't know if it is because she is my last but I have mix feelings about the milestones she makes. She has truly been a "gift." Ava, is definitely the princess in the family. The boys, including her father, give her everything her heart desires.

*Ava turning two*

*Ava turning one*

*Ava one week old*

Ava's dislikes:

*not getting her own way

*sharing with others

*green beans

*nap time

*riding in her stroller

*getting her hair done

Ava's favorite things:

*her blanket (has to have ties)

*baby dolls, baby dolls, baby dolls!!!!

*swing

*her dog Boog

*her bros

*music

*shoes

She can jump, sing, dance, run and her vocabulary expands daily. Although, she has had her own vocabulary for awhile now.

A Day at the Zoo

2009-06-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

My mom and I decided it would be fun to take the kids to the zoo. Bree and her four girls went with us. I love spending time with my neices because I don't get to see them as often as I would like too. We were worried about the weather because it was suppose to rain but it ended up being such a beautiful day.

So we tried to get a picture of the cousins together!! Yeah right! This picture says a thousand words:) Bree took a picture of just her girls and they smiled and looked so good. Take a good look at the picture of my three!!

Stephanie and the kids met us at the zoo. She happened to be in Salt Lake during the same weekend. Our kids were excited to see each other! What a crew!

Check out my handsome pairie dogs!

Check out this beautiful tiger and check out my son Sam climbing the fence into the same cage!!!

The kids had a great time at the play park inside the zoo. Ava looks like she is as fond of spiders as I am:) Yikes!!!

Caught in a Web!! Sam rested, Ethan and Ashlynn climbed and Ava is stuck!

Welcome Devyn

2009-06-19T21:18:00.000-07:00

We welcomed our new cousin Devyn into the world!! My Uncle Michael and Liz had a beautiful baby girl. We went up to Centerfield to meet her. What a sweetie!

Celebrating the Last Day of School

2009-06-19T21:10:00.000-07:00

The last day of school Shemri (Jake's mom)and I took the kids to McDonalds to celebrate. After lunch we headed over to the new splash park in town.

Another school year coming to an end

2009-06-19T20:26:00.000-07:00

Ethan's kindergarten Teacher this year was Mrs. Woolsey. We were truly blessed to have such a gifted teacher. Ethan came home upset when he realized Mrs. Woolsey wouldn't be his teacher next year. I really

wish she could move with him until he graduated from college but then Sam wouldn't have the "best day of his life" like Ethan did!

Mrs. Putnam was the teacher's aide in his kindergarten class. He is really going to miss her hugs! These two redheads were amazing:)

Ethan's two closest friends this year were Jason and Jake. I love these two boys! They are great friends and I hope their friendships stay that way because friends make all the difference and Jason and Jake are top notch!!

The kindergarten classes put on a program for the school and parents. Don't these boys look thrilled to be singing:)

Sam went to playgroup this year with Matthew, Stratton and Peyton. Matthew's mom, Krishelle, took on the task. I can't even put into words what a great job she did with them. She is everything I envy. She's creative, patient, loving, I could go on and on. We feel blessed that she was so willing to take on four boys!! We talked her into doing a preschool for them next year.

Whose kid is this??? I think in almost every pic I take of Sam he doing something odd. I am afraid he is going to be a class clown! Sam always says funny things and my grandma told me I need to write it down or I will forget. So here goes one of many. Krishelle was doing senses one day at playgroup. She printed off a head shot picture on a 8 1/2 x 11 paper. She made funny noses, ears and mouths to glue on their faces. Sam informed Krishelle that he would not glue those things on his face because he face was "pretty enough." He might have just a little of his dad, a.k.a....america's dream in him!

Memorial Day at Otter Creek

2009-06-19T19:06:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day weekend we usually go to Otter Creek with some of our dearest friends. We always have a great time. I have posted a lot of pics for this event but it was hard narrowing them down.

Sam loves eggs. He could eat them for breakfast, lunch and dinner. He insisted on helping Josh with breakfast. Sam is the best egg cracker!

Ava and Katelee played so good together.

I forgot Ava's baby. Thank goodness for Heather because she brought about five for Katelee and she was kind enough to share with Ava. They pushed their babies, had tea parties and made playdough creations. These girls are so sweet together. I hope they become as good of friends as Ethan and Koden are.

Sam, Taylor, Andi, Koden and Ethan playing a mean game of Chutes and Ladders.

Ava went on her first boat ride out fishing. She loved every minute of it!!

Ethan was eager to
learn how to filet a
fish. Andy and Jer
were great teachers.

Sam loves
his dog Boog
even enough to lay down in the rocks and have an afternoon nap with him!

There is a trail at the lake you can walk around. So we decided to go on a little walk about. Well, Katelee wanted mom to carry her.

So Heather lifted her up on her shoulders. Ava wanted to be like Heather so she kept trying to put her baby up on her shoulders but the baby was too small. So I put the baby in her hood and she thought that was great! What a good little mommy!

Grandma Sandy came up for the day to see us! I love this pic of her and Sam. They always have so much fun with Grandma.

Jeremy I and Jeremy II. I don't know who teases more Jeremy or Kason. They make fishing look like so much work

Ethan, Koden, Keani, Sam and Kason

The kids caught so many fish! In fact, Ethan had a "big" one that took his whole fishing pole in the lake with him. He can tell his montrous fish story so much better.

Growing up with big brothers is so confusing!!

2009-06-19T17:23:00.000-07:00

I have reminded the boys that they need to make sure the bathroom door is closed when they use the toilet. Is this a boy thing?? Ava has observed them a few times using the... lets say "facilities." This observation has led her to believe her body functions in the same manner. I caught her going into the bathroom, putting her shirt under her chin (that is what her bros do), lift the lid and expect something to go into the toilet! I know this is private thing but I found it funny! Potty training is going to be an adventure!!

Ethan's Favorite Sport

2009-06-19T17:09:00.001-07:00

Ethan likes to play football and wrestle but the sport he absolutely loves is baseball! We put him in with the 7-8 year old coach pitch this year and he held his own. I just love watching him play!

Ethan sliding into home with one shoe on! He has just a little competitive streak in him.

Rounding third base.

Yes, he hit the ball. And in the picture below, he is playing second base. He caught the ball and was throwing it to third base. My camera and I don't always see eye to eye so I don't always get the best action picture!

Look at that face!! Hey, at least he isn't out catching butterflies this year.

FHE

2009-06-19T16:32:00.000-07:00

Our family home evening lessons for a couple of weeks were very short so we came up with some fun activities to enjoy. Family home evening night is one of our boys favorite night! They don't let us forget about them!

Ethan's front flip. I give it a 10!

Brooklin's front flip. Check out her form! You go girl!

Sam getting brave going down the slide.

Nick and Ava

The whole gang!

Nick and Grandma Kaye invited us for swimming one Monday night. We just love spending time with them. Our kids play so good together. We always have an amazing time. Thank you!

Mom and the boys pillow case racing.

They want to do it every FHE night!

The boys were leaping so hard they were smoking mom!

Needless to say, they had a few crashes. Next time we

might make them wear helmets!!

Mother's Day

2009-05-16T14:11:00.000-07:00

We raced back to Mesquite on Mother's Day so we could see Jer's mom. Her strength inspires me. I know I could not do what she has done and continues to do to fight the cancer terrorists. She amazes me with her witty sense of humor. She is not only beautiful on the outside but the inside as well. We love you so much.

For Mother's Day I had the opportunity to see my mom. I love the time I am able to spend with her. We made her breakfast and watched the boys play some baseball. We love you mom!

My sister-in-law, Lisa, asked her kids a series of questions about her. The answers were so comical. I thought in honor of Mother's Day I would ask the boys the same questions. I just love their honesty!

1. What is something mom always says to you?

Ethan: I Love you

Sam: You're beautiful

2. What is her favorite thing to do?

Ethan: play with us

Sam: go to bed

3. What does your mom do when you're not around?

Ethan: I don't know, I am not there....probably clean

Sam: she doesn't have any fun when I am not around

4. What is your mom really good at?

Ethan: french toast

Sam: cookies

5. What is your mom not very good at?

Ethan: running from Dad

Sam: riding bikes with no training wheels

6. What is your mom's job?

Ethan: working at the dentist

Sam: cleaning peoples teeth

7. What is your mom's favorite food?

Ethan: chocolate

Sam: leftovers

8. What makes your mom happy?

Ethan: when we obey

Sam: when I call her beautiful

9. What makes your mom sad?

Ethan: when we are not obeying

Sam: when a monster eats her up

10. How does your mom make you laugh?

Ethan: says something funny

Sam: tickles me

11. What was your mom like as a child?

Ethan: like Ava

Sam: she played alot

12. How old is your mom?

Ethan: 30

Sam: old

13. How tall is your mom?

Ethan: big

Sam: big...she can reach tall things like cereal

14. If your mom where a cartoon character, who would she be?

Ethan: Cinderella

Sam: pink and purple princess

15. What do you and your mom do together?

Ethan: play games

Sam: ride bikes

16. How are you and your mom different?

Ethan: she has long hair and I have short hair

Sam: I am a boy and she is a girl

17. How are you and your mom the same?

Ethan: we both have hair

Sam: we like to drink water

18. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?

Ethan: Disneyland

Sam: on a field trip

Crashes and Road Rashes

2009-05-16T14:01:00.001-07:00

Ahhhhh...the sweet tast of victory!

Only Sam would learn to ride his bike in 103 degree weather wearing moon boots(for those of you who did not grow up in the 80's, snow boots)!

Pedal Bike vs. Motor Bike

2009-05-16T13:48:00.001-07:00

Jeremy has been encouraging (okay, that might be sugar coating it) Sam to ride his bike with no training wheels. And Uncle Jared was teaching Ethan how to ride a motorbike!

Let the coaching/exercising begin boys!!!

Ava's First Haircut

2009-05-16T13:38:00.001-07:00

Ava got her first haircut this week. She did good as long as she was holding a baby and eating chocolate cookies. She looks like such a big girl now with her new little bob cut! Our dear friend Sarah cut her hair and provided the yummy cookies. Thanks, Sarah!

Toothless grin!

2009-05-16T13:31:00.000-07:00

Ethan lost his third tooth at school last Thursday! He tricked the tooth fairy by sleeping on the couch instead of his bed. So the tooth fairy didn't take his tooth but did leave money under his bedroom pillow. Nice smile!

Camping at Whitney Pockets

2009-04-13T16:24:00.000-07:00

Uncle Brett and Easton making homemade chocolate ice cream. It is a tough job but someone has to do it! Cousin Braden blowing bubbles for the little kids! I think he slept better than they did that night. Aunt Gayle and Aunt Laurie loved our dog Boog. He left them a treat (raw cow heart) on their pillow every night!

Jeremy's niece's where so excited to paint his fingernails. He flew a fairy kite all weekend that he stole from Ava. He claims it was because it flew the best! With the combination of the two...well you can decide for yourself!

Camping at Whitney Pockets

2009-04-13T16:19:00.000-07:00

We went camping out at Whitney Pockets for Easter weekend. We had a great time climbing rocks (scared me to death), riding four wheelers, searching for petroglyphs and Easter eggs (in the rain), but most of all spending time with our family. Doesn't get any better than this!!

Easter Morning

2009-04-13T16:15:00.000-07:00

The Easter bunny must have ran out of Easter baskets this year because he left a roller coaster instead. As you can see the kids don't seem to mind! Even Ava wanted to "go, go, go!" I even took a few rides down the coaster. Don't worry I don't have a picture of that.

We managed to scrap the jelly bean goo off for a picture before we left for church.

Sam's 4th Birthday Party

2009-03-19T19:48:00.001-07:00