About Time for an Update.....Through pictures

Life has been so crazy. I started working full time the end of March and life has been painfully crazy. I had my 12th wedding anniversary, my birthday, sports for kids, school programs for kid. Here are some pics from the previous months.

Easter 2010....

Easter was COLD this year. We were suppose to have soccer that morning, but thanks to cold weather, it got cancelled. It was weird to have general conference and easter on the same weekend. It seemed a little hectic to have sports, egg hunts, and conference all on the same weekend. Conference was amazing however. I don't know why but I absolutely LOVED the music. We listened to conference on saturday and then had cousins over to dye eggs, have an easter egg hunt, and have a BBQ before the priesthood session. They women hung out with the kids while the husbands went to the priesthood session, which they said was really good too. Sunday we relaxed and then went out to my brother's for a nice Easter supper. It was a good weekend.

On a side note, I have gone to work full-time now. I got the registrar position at the school I was already working at. It is quite an adjustment trying to juggle work, kids, sports, home, church. I know it is a blessing but will take some time for me and the kids to adjust. SO, if you don't hear from me, it is because I am crazy busy but still alive.

AND, I officially have a kid in braces. Trevyn has had a retainer and head gear it feels like forever, but he started with the braces this week. Fun for him:)

Trevyn Snowboarding....

Here are some pics of Trevyn snow boarding recently. He really enjoys it, but what sport doesn't he LOVE.

Valentines 2010 and Snow Skiing....

First I have to say thank you to ALL my childrens teachers because they made their valentines "bags" at school. Fabulous in my opinion. That is something I just don't enjoy. Last year we started making heart pizzas for valentines day. The kids love it, and I thought it was a good tradition. I make then their own little heart and then they decorate it how ever they want. Kiersten asked if she could make her own pizza every year. I guess that means it is a success. We have a fun family dinner, let the kids pick out valentines things for Grandma, and really just spend time together. It was really fun. Me and Erik went out for our date a few days early. We hadn't seen Avatar, so we went to see it. Wow! What a great show. I always enjoy time with my sweet hubbie, since it doesn't happen to often.

The kids (Trevyn and Witnee) have been snow skiing. I can't believe how much they love it. Kiersten decided that she doesn't want to ski this year. She is such an odd child. She has always loved to ski, but I am not going to fight her. She has a mind of her own. Witnee has discovered her love for going over hills jumping and going between the trees. She was skiing with Grandma Lela and went off in the trees for fun. I guess she hit a tree. Lela said she was laughing and said,"I'm fine Grandma. I just hit a tree, laughing as she rolled over." Erik said she biffed it HARD this last time. He went rushing down there, and again she was just laughing while she was covered in snow. It went in her coat, under her goggles, EVERYWHERE. She just has a blast. She is daring and fun. It is fun that the kids are old enough to just go ski with dad and have fun. We don't have to pack so much, like when they were smaller. Trevyn has been skiing but discovered his love of snowboarding yesterday. He's already asking when he gets to go again. I don't have pictures of that yet, but I will. No, I don't ski yet, but I will some day. I'm so glad that my kids love to do any activity pretty much. AAAHHHH the MEMORIES:)

Derby 2010....

Trevyn had his pinewood derby. It was his first one in this ward. I was a little nervous because this ward wasn't really in to them, but it turned out VERY fun. We only have 9 boys in our ward in the cub scouts and webelos. Therefore, everyone got to race quite a bit. Of course they had it so everyone raced on the different lanes and raced quite a few of the boys. Everyone was very excited to get their trophy. There were lots of laughs and "yes" as their cars won or wheels fell off. That is what makes a derby fun. Trevyn made his car in 1 week, and he was oh so proud of it. I think it turned out pretty cool.
(Yes, I forgot my camera. I couldn't believe it.)

The full post....

Okay. I know people wanted to know the whole story, and I wanted to remember my first 1/2 marathon. As most people know, the storms were bad last week. I was planning to drive down by myself, but at the last second I decided to go with the principal from my school that I work at and her daughters. My kids had been crying since Thursday because I was leaving. So funny. I tried to tell them that it was like I was going to the grocery store by myself, just gone for a few hours. They didn't buy it. After much crying from Trevyn and Witnee, I was exhausted from working full time that week also, I let the kids sleep in my bedroom because it was midnight. The next day I worked all day, left in a snow storm, traveled to St. George and got there about 11:00 pm, and then talked to friends until 1:30 am. I woke up at 7:30 am and went to the race only to realize I forgot my ipod. My friends husband said he would bring it to me. I was pacing because I only had 20 minutes until start time. At 10 minutes to start, my friend called me and said her husband couldn't find it, but they finally found it and he was on his way. I continued to pace. I heard the 2 minute call and he still wasn't there. I went to the start line just in time to see his car about 1 1/2 blocks away. I took off sprinting, grabbed the ipod, sprinted back to the start line. About 20 seconds later I hear, GO! Wow. I was already panting from my little sprint. Oh well, I started running. I ran and ran because that is what you do in a race right. It all went pretty well. I hit some major mental blocks in the middle. Mile 7-12 were probably my best. I was slowing down at about mile 12 and a group a girls came up behind me and cheered me on. They gave me that extra umph (sp) I needed to make it that last mile. I ended up sprinting my last 400 m or so. I figured if I was behind my time, the least I could do was sprint the end. It felt really good until I stopped. I stiffened up a little right afterward. I went and got some food (bannanas, gatorade, etc.) and then went straight for the massage line. I felt really good after the massage. The rest of the day was spent seeing friends. We went to the movie, out to eat, and visiting. I walked from friend to friend to try and keep my legs from stiffening up since I knew we would be sitting in a car on Sunday to come home. I felt pretty good. Sunday I was pretty stiff from sitting and sitting. I felt like I had a GREAT workout. I am really excited for my next one in Ogden. I feel like I will be better prepared and I WON'T forget my ipod this time. That just caused me alot of added stress. I am going to work on my speed and my form for the next few months in hopes for a better time on my next race. We'll see how it all goes. BUT I really loved it and hope to go do the St. George again next year. It is a great race:) (I didn't take my camera since I was by myself. I will post a picture that they took professionally when I get it. I look awful, but I want the memory.)

I am ALIVE....

I made it. I will post more later, but just wanted you all to know that I made it through my first 1/2 marathon. It was really good.

Early Birthday to ME.....

I just registered for my first 1/2 marathon for this year. It is in St. George on Jan. 23. Yikes, scary! I figure this will be a good way to start my new year. I'm also going to do the St. George 10K in March. Here's to a year of 1/2 marathons! I CAN DO THIS! (I'm planning on a few more 1/2's)

RESOLUTIONS.....

This was a fun New Year's. We went to my parents and played games with my family and cousins. My aunt/cousin Maurie and her family came down from Idaho. We ate lots of good fun and played games. We(including kids) actually stayed awake until midnight. It was really fun. We went to my dad's gym again on new years day. It is always so fun there. The kids get ALL their wiggles out. My sister was still here for all of these festivities. FUN FUN! I've decided that this year I'm going to work on a few things, but not make a bunch of goals. Losing weight is always up there, so I decided to not focus on it this year and just try my best. THE ONLY GOAL THIS YEAR IS.......TO KEEP UP ON MY TRAINING AND RUN TWO 1/2 MARATHONS THIS YEAR. So far so good! Happy New Year!

I LOVE CHRISTMAS.....

Christmas was so fun, as usual. The kids had their programs at school. We had to divide and conquer because Kiersten's program and Witnee and Trevyn's program were at the same time. They all did very good. Kiersten makes me cry every year when she sings and does the sign language to Silent Night. It is so precious. We did something special this year. My mother's great Aunt Lapriel and Uncle Eugene just went to an assisted living center. We all went and did a little program for them. Kiersten did her sign langauge there and made everyone cry their also. It was a great opportunity for the kids to serve someone else. They were really cute after their performance handing out goodies to all the people there. I couldn't find Kiersten, and she was in talking with a little older women in her room. This started the Christmas week off on a good note. We then went swimming with our cousins at the Legacy Center in lehi. It was really fun until someone's kid pooped in the pool (seriously people put the plastic things over your kids' diapers). My cousins moved here also this year and so we were all invited over for lunch and games early on Christmas Eve. It was SO much fun. We all got a great laugh playing games. Then, we always do the christmas nativity at my parents house on Christmas Eve too and let the kids act it out. They are getting older and can read their lines and sit still better. Kiersten REALLY wanted to be Mary this year. She was cute. Her and her cousin were Mary and Joseph. We all participate in one way or another. We do the nativity, sing songs, read a Christmas story (the teacher coming out in Grandpa), and open presents from my parents. It is such a fun night. Then on Christmas day we all stay home and relax. This year my parents came around to all the kids' homes for a while. I love having a really relaxing Christmas Day. This year I made ham, potatoes, candied yams, and homemade apple pie for Christmas dinner. It was nice, tasted good, but tiring. My sister and her kids surprised us and came on Sunday, after Christmas. We've been playing all week with them (pics to come). We just got done sledding for 6 hours. It was a blast. The weather was perfect. There was like 30 of us. We built a fire, roasted hot dogs, marshmellows and made smores, had hot cocoa, and did some serious sledding. I have to say that I think everyone had some pretty funny crashes. The kids did awesome, never complained about being cold, and had tons of fun. I personally LOVE sledding and my family was the last one off the hill. What a fun time of year to be with family. This break is really making me not want to go back to work in 4 days, but who's counting right? We've been sleeping in until like 10 am every day. Crazy I know! I call it lucky:)

Santa did good. The kids got their wish lists. Witnee got a new bike, an ipod, and fake nails. Kiersten got "her" barbie, an ipod, art stuff, and a Tinkerbelle doll. Trevyn got his rapid fire dart gun. (By the way, we have enough dart guns for an army, but he really needed the "new" one. I told him this is the last year Santa would be bringing dart guns. We seriously have like 10 or so. Darts are everywhere.) He is also obsessed with sports, particularly the Steelers. He got a Steelers jersey, hat, and blanket. Trev also got a watch, and has been making sure we all know what time it is. Funny kid. Me and Erik got a Wii Fit, which has been fun. I also got running attire. YES, I've been running in the snow and really like it. Here's to more running!

On a side note, Erik finished his finals, and did very well. 1 semester down, 2 1/2 more years to go. It is flying by. Before we know it, he will be done. He loves what he is studying (Criminal Profiling and Forensic Science). He will have his bachelor's done in 2 1/2 years. Then on to get his Doctorate of Psychology. Fun, Fun!

Merry Christmas Everyone. I will post more pics when I get them.

Merry Christmas...

Gingerbread houses....

Every Christmas we do gingerbread houses. This year I got a train and a house. It is funny to see the kids' personalities come out while they are decorating. They can do the decorating themselves now. What is better than making a house out of sugar, and it doesn't matter if they lick their fingers? It is fun to watch the kids because they are so excited for the holidays. What did I ever do without kids? It seems that life would be boring without them. My girls wrote me the cutest notes tonight on their own, just for fun. I love trying to decipher their notes. In the pictures, Trevyn did the train, and the girls decorated the house. Happy Holidays.




I baby sat my nieces/nephew this weekend. This is Kiersten being a great "big cousin".

Trevyn is 9.....

Trevyn turned 9 on December 5th. I can't believe that he is that old. Time has just flown by. He is such a great boy. He is fun, kind, obedient, cheerful, fun loving, and a great big brother. He continues to be a great student and a hard worker. He is truly obssessed with sports and espn. He is one of the most competitive people we know. He watches espn EVERY day instead of cartoons. His poor sisters beg him to watch cartoons. He keeps us laughing, that is for sure.

We kept it low key for his birthday this year. He went to Trafalga with his dad and cousin. They had a good time playing miniature golf, X-D theatre, arcades, and eating dippin' dots. I made his favorite meal: ribs, mashed potatoes, beans, creme soda. I made him a Pittsburg Steelers cake. The Pittsburg Steelers are his favorite team. We ordered a mini helmet for the cake topper. It was a lot of work, but I thought it turned out really good. My mom made him an awesome quilt. He picked out all the fabric, and I must say this quilt is so "him." It has footballs stitched all over it. It is a great keepsake. He loves it.

Thanksgiving.....

Thanksgiving was alot of fun this year. I did my first 5K on Thanksgiving morning. It was cold and fun. My brother and dad were kind enough to do it with me. We did the Draper Human Race. All the proceeds went to the Utah Food Bank. They made their goal of $50,000.00. It was nice to go run and then not feel guilty about my Thaksgiving dinner. I have to say I was nervous because I run but I've never run in a "race". I am going to try and train for the Ogden 1/2 marathon in May. That is my goal.

After the race, we had a great Thanksgiving dinner. It was yummy turkey and all the dressings. It was just my family, my mother-in-law, and my parents. We ate and then went to my Dad's school gym. It is lots of fun, and it gets us moving after our turkey dinner. I do have to say that I had 1 plate, no seconds, and one slice of pie. SO I was proud of myself. At the gym we do all those things that I grew up doing: saucers, basketball, hula hoop, dodge ball. It is definitely fun, family time.

Then we raced home to get ready to leave to Las Vegas on friday. We went down and went to "The Lion King" production. If you have never seen it, it is amazing. The music, dancers, and performers are all amazing. Their costumes are truly amazing. They look like the animals (simba, scar, rafiki). I went to it 4 years ago in Spokane, WA, and thought it was great. The kids said it was "awesome". It is well worth your money. We, of course, also had a great time swimming at the Trendwest resort. Always a great time. It was beautiful weather there. We stopped in St.George and saw some friends on our way home. I STILL miss St. George like no other. WILL I EVER STOP MISSING THAT PLACE? I don't know. When I go there, I never want to leave. (sigh) AND then we got home. It was/is cold. I had to pull out the coats. UGH!

Now we are on to Christmas. We got home and got the Christmas up, which I truly enjoy. I love the excitement of the kids. Me and Erik just sat and watched the kids decorate the tree this year. They did a darn good job too. It is weird that my kids are old enough to do this, and they didn't break any of the ornaments. I guess I'm on to the next phase of life. Here's to life ever changing!!!

New Look.....

Well, as most know, it has started snowing. This is my kids 1st day in the snow this season. We welcome many more.

Kiersten got a new "do" today. Last time we cut her hair, she was mad that I didn't cut it short enough. She has continually asked me when she could cut her hair shorter. Well, today was the day. We have never had her hair this short, but I love it. I think she looks so cute. My girls have such thick hair that short hair is really cute. Hopefully, it will be easier to do:)