Nick's 1st Day of Preschool

Pretty much since he turned 3 Nick has been so excited that he could start preschool. All summer long he asked me frequently when it was time to start school. The days leading up to his first day were so exciting for him. The excitement continued all the way to school...that is until we actually got out of the car. My super happy and excited boy decided maybe school wasn't for him afterall. With my mom powers I am able to coax him into his classroom, but pretty much only because I got desperate and bribed him with candy. After staying for a few minutes I decided I better try to sneak out. He has this amazing instinct that tells him when I am trying to slip out a door without his consent or knowledge and it was in full swing yesterday. He runs to me crying and so I decide maybe I should take him home and try again next week, but his teacher assures me he will be fine. She takes him from me and he tries to hold on to me, in fact takes a large hair sample of mine with him as he's trying to. I made the walk of shame to the door wondering what all the other parents were thinking of me as I was leaving him there. I wish I could have stayed and had I a babysitter for the lil boys I would have. It's hard to balance all their needs sometimes. Needless to say I cried all the way back to my car and there I sat for the next while, asking every parent that left afterwards if he was ok. They all replied he was fine and it made me feel better, but I still stayed. When I picked him up he had on a little crown he made and even better he was wearing a great big smile. He says he wants to go back next week, but we'll see come next Thursday.

Here he is MY BIG PRESCHOOLER:

Our Summer Recap...in no particular order!

Summer is ending and Fall is in the air. Back to school and the craziness of life. We had a great summer we spent our time camping, swimming, picnicking at the park,having movie nights, pretty much just hanging out. I will miss the laziness of summer, watching Ratatouille with the kids until midnight, and sleeping in. I will miss PB&J's at the park and popsicle drenched faces. But, each season brings something new to look forward to and I love the Fall!

Here's the kids on the first day of school-Kaitlyn in in 1st grade and Tyler is in 3rd!



What's summer without ice cream?




Best buds wear matching PJ's :)



It's hard to tell, but inside that yellow circle is a huge snake who was just chilling in from of my house the other day. Seriously..the picture doesn't do it justice. Gotta love country livin'!


I have a ton of camping pictures I will post later. Hope everyone had a great summer!

Day Out with Thomas

Nicholas' new obsession is Thomas the Train, and we are talking obsession. By the way super expensive obsession, but regardless his sweet little smile is priceless. We went to Heber City a few weeks ago and went to Day Out with Thomas. Just the two of us went and we had so much fun!! They has all sorts of fun activities, crafts, storytime and the main event we got to take a ride on Thomas. This cute little boy had the time of his life and he has been talking about it everyday since. He asks everyday if we can go again.


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Let me explain...

I thought once school was out my life would slow down a bit, but really it's been crazier than ever. We moved again, that makes it 4 times in 16 months. Life has been really difficult for us since we sold our house because we keep coming across obstacles that prevent us from settling. I know everyone is so confused and doesn't understand the need for us to change our residency again,or where exactly it is this time so let me lay it out. We made the decision to sell our house last year in hopes of re-establishing in Vernal where Kurt has been working the last two years. The house sold the 2nd day it was on the market and we thought, wow this is really meant to be! We moved to Vernal and it was a real struggle. For different reasons we decided Vernal was not going to work for us. It's extremely over priced, extremely!! The environment just isn't the same and we were all just really homesick for Monroe. We moved back in hopes Kurt could find a job around here, it has yet to happen. So long story short, he is there, we are here and we are still hoping Kurt finds a local job. We had decided to go back to Vernal at one point because the job search had not been successful, but we didn't and we are not going to. We are back in Monroe! :) I hope I clarified for everyone! This living situation has not been ideal, but we are doing our best to make it work, wish us luck that we can stay for a while.

Happy Father's Day!

It didn't take long for me to fall madly in love with Kurtis, he is a rather amazing man. I loved everything about him and that love grew to unmeasurable proportions when we had children. There is really nothing like seeing the man you love, the person you have chosen to spend your life with hold your child in their arms. The love he has for our children is so deep and he cherishes them with all his heart. He works so hard and sacrifices so much to give them such a great life. I couldn't have chosen a better husband and father to share this beautiful journey with. Thanks babe for everything. Happy Father's Day!

Friends Forever

Thanks to the awesomeness of Facebook I was able to reconnect with some of my childhood friends from Salt Lake last year. We hadn't seen each other in about 8 years, since Ty was just a baby. We have been wanting to get together for the last year or so but since I live here and one my friends, Vangie lives in Virginia that has proven to be tricky. Well last month we were finally able to. The kids and I met everyone up in West Jordan at my friend Jennifer's house (which is super gorgeous btw) and had a great time reminiscing and catching up. The last time the 4 of us got together there were only two kids between us and now that number has grown to 11, going on 12. The kids played and we looked through old pictures of our group together and can I just say I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. It was great seeing everyone and I am looking forward to our next get together.

We used to get our pictures taken together each year.
Here is a picture of us in I think 1994--- I have to say this is definitely one of the most awkward, hilarious pictures of me. With the braces, poofed bangs, and large amount of denim I was sporting, I simply have to share! LOL


Here we are 16 years later, recreating our ever so classic pose:



Here's another with a few of the kids:

Ice Cream Social

I love to plan parties, especially for my kids. I try to find a fun and creative theme for each of the kids' birthday parties and this year we decided to have an ice cream social for Kaitlyn's. She doesn't turn 6 until next week, but because of Kurt's schedule we did it a couple of weeks early. It was so much fun and I have decided that I prefer the parties with the more laid back approach. We toned it down a bit this year and concentrated on the main event, making our own ice cream sundaes. The kids were so excited that they got make their own delicious creations! I found a really cute ice cream cone pinata (btw super dangerous--but happy to report no injuries) and I think the funnest part was the decorations. Kaitlyn had a a lot of fun and I think we did a good job planning a special day for her. Thanks to everyone for spoiling her rotten, she was one satisfied birthday girl!!

It's hard to believe

It's hard to believe it has been 4 years today since my little brother died. It's hard to believe that I never get to see him get married or hold his first born. It's hard to believe that there will be no more holiday or birthday parties with his contagious smile present. I wish my kids could have known him, he was an incredible uncle. He was patient and kind, quiet but confident. He always had a joke he thought was much funnier than they really were and a story that always topped yours. I miss our comical debates and the pure silliness you found in things when you were with him. I miss being little and riding our bikes around the block and outdoor sleepovers on the trampoline. I just miss him. I have a picture of him I get to look out everyday and a heart full of memories and I am so grateful I got to have such a special person in my life. He taught me so much about tolerance and kindness and love. Losing someone you love so dearly really makes you appreciate life so much more. It's reality that we may not always have the ones we love at an arms reach. Tonight I hug my kids a little tighter because life is too short. Cameron I love you so much.

The 1st Day that really felt like spring!

I was so happy to finally have a warm (non windy) day. The weather has been crazy here and we were all so ready to spend sometime outside!! FINALLY:)

We bought the kids a 4 wheeler a few weeks back and today was the first day the actually got to ride it. They absolutely loved it, and I admit I thought it was pretty fun too. We spent most of the day soaking up the sun and just hanging out at our house and I am looking forward to many more days like this one:)
Here are some pictures of our fun day (sorry about the blurry spots, I guess I need to clean my lens!)

Ty and Kate having fun on the 4-wheeler

Overally Enthusiastic wearing his famouse "cheeser" smile!!


My big girl who is now riding her bike training wheel free!

Happy Kids :)

Look at that cute little face--This kid melts my heart!

Our Week In Review (aka: me rambling on:)

We had a great Easter weekend, we went to the egg hunts and a fun event Lin's had. We colored eggs, which could have went on for hours had there been more eggs. Jackson was not the least bit interested and I could see from his point of view how weird that activity must have looked! Easter night my best friend Kim and her kids came from Wyoming to stay with us for a few days. We hadn't seen each other for almost 2 years so it was great to see them. The boys picked up where they had left off like they had seen each other the day before. They have always had that kind of relationship. Devan and Ty have been friends since they were babies and have always had this amazing connection. The weather sucked the whole time they were here, but we still had a great time.




On Friday we took the kids to Cove Fort. We always enjoy going there, it's a really spiritual place and a great experience for kids to see just how good they have it. Tyler also needed to do that type of activity to work toward his wolf in scouts. Trust me we are working on that thing like crazy, he is so into it, it's adorable.

I officially got Jackson off the binky and bottle. It wasn't an easy task and in a way it kind of made me sad-it's just another right of passage-closer to getting out of the baby stage. It's funny how I just can't imagine myself without a baby, I guess maybe it's because I have had one non stop for 8 years. Anyways it's inevitable they grow up!

We're on the move again soon and I am not looking forward to it, my poor kids must feel like army brats. I am getting to be a pro at packing, but that's really the only good that has come from it. I want some stability for my kids and my own house again, but all in due time I guess. It seems I never know what the best decision is, I know they are better off and happier here, but I also know that it is important for us to be together as a family, actually it's the most important. I have prayed so much about it and I trust in my Heavenly Father that it will all work out. Well I guess I am done rambling for one night!!

BY THE WAY I AM OFFICIALLY A BLONDE AGAIN-WHAT DO YOU THINK?

BIRTH ORDER OF CHILDREN

I CAME ACROSS THIS AND IT MADE ME SMILE, JUST THOUGHT I WOULD SHARE WITH ALL OF YOU MOTHERS!!

BIRTH ORDER OF CHILDREN
1st baby: You begin wearing maternity clothes as soon as your OB/GYN
confirms your pregnancy.
2nd baby: You wear your regular clothes for as long as possible.
3rd baby: Your maternity clothes ARE your regular clothes.


Preparing for the Birth:
1st baby: You practice your breathing religiously.
2nd baby: You don't bother because you remember that last
time, breathing didn't do a thing.
3rd baby: You ask for an epidural in your eighth month.

The Layette:
1st baby: You pre-wash newborn's clothes, color-coordinate them, and fold
them neatly in the baby's little bureau.
2nd baby: You check to make sure that the clothes are clean and discard
only the ones with the darkest stains.
3rd baby: Boys can wear pink, can't they?

Worries:
1st baby: At the first sign of distress--a whimper,
a frown--you pick up the baby
2nd baby: You pick the baby up when her wails threaten
to wake your firstborn.
3rd baby: You teach your three-year-old how to rewind the mechanical swing.

Pacifier:
1st baby: If the pacifier falls on the floor, you put it away until
you can go home and wash and boil it.
2nd baby: When the pacifier falls on the floor, you squirt it
off with some juice from the baby's bottle.
3rd baby: You wipe it off on your shirt and pop it back in.

Diapering:
1st baby: You change your baby's diapers every hour,
whether they need it or not.
2nd baby: You change their diaper every two to three hours, if needed.
3rd baby: You try to change their diaper before others start to
complain about the smell or you see it sagging to their knees.

Activities:
1st baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics, Baby Swing,
Baby Zoo, Baby Movies and Baby Story Hour.
2nd baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics.
3rd baby: You take your infant to the supermarket and the dry cleaners.

Going Out:
1st baby: The first time you leave your baby with a sitter,
you call home five times.
2nd baby: Just before you walk out the door, you remember to
leave a number where you can be reached.
3rd baby: You leave instructions for the sitter to call only if she sees
blood.

At Home:
1st baby: You spend a good bit of every day just gazing at the baby.
2nd baby: You spend a bit of everyday watching to be sure your older child
isn't squeezing, poking, or hitting the baby.
3rd baby: You spend a little bit of every day hiding from
the children

Swallowing Coins (a favorite):
1st child: When first child swallows a coin, you rush the child to the
hospital and demand x-rays
2nd child: When second child swallows a coin, you carefully
watch for the coin to pass.
3rd child: When third child swallows a coin you deduct it from his
allowance!

PINEWOOD DERBY

Tyler recently turned 8 and so now he is in scouts and absolutely loves it. He talks about it constantly. On Saturday we went to his first Pinewood Derby which was extremely exciting for him and dad as well. They had a lot of fun carving and painting his car and Tyler actually took First Place! He was so excited he called everyone he could think of to share the news, here are a few pictures:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY nIcHoLaS!!!

Just wanted to say Happy Birthday to our sweet and funny little boy who turned 3 today! We love you so much!!XOXOXO MOM,DAD,TYLER,KAITLYN, AND JACKSON

We're Back!

Okay so I have been a total blog slacker, but with good reason, I haven't had a working computer in the last 4 months, so I finally broke down and got a new one. :) Not too much in the way of news has happened since I last posted. We moved to Annabella and I really love it. But now that we have moved back Kurtis' job has picked up again and I am certain we will return to Vernal when the kids finish the school year. Trust me I really hate moving, but it is in our best interest. I was hoping we could figure out a way to make a decent living here, but Kurtis has such a good job over there and I am grateful for that with the economy being the way it is. This really isn't a good time for a career change!! I hate that Kurt has to commute back and fourth (it's a 4 1/2 hr drive one way!) and I need my family to be all together all the time. It's a lot of work being the full caregiver to 4 adorable, but buisy children. I believe it will all work out, we always find a way for it to.

Tyler turned 8 and he is getting ready to be baptized soon and he is so excited. I think he is more ready and prepared for it at 8 then I was at 22 when I was baptized. He loves the gospel and knows so much, I feel like he teaches me more than I could ever teach him. He has taken a real interest in Basketball and so any given nice day you will see him outside practicing and he is proud to tell everyone he alsways wins me at "horse". He is in 2nd grade and loves school. I help out on Thursdays and I love to see how wonderful of a student he is and how well he interacts, he makes me very proud.

Kaitlyn has grown up so much these past months, it's been neat to watch her transform into this cute little gal. She is such a help that some days I wonder how i would get by without her. She still gets teary eyed about going to school in the morning because she says she misses me. I am trying to cherish that because who knows how long before that changes! She is very good at reminding me of things, which is sometimes good and sometimes bad (she never forgets a promised treat or reward) She is doing wonderful in school, and she has taken a real interest in art. She's a really sweet girl and I am so grateful to have her in my life.

Nicholas turns three in 6 more days, I can hardly believe it. He is a very buisy little boy, very clever at hiding in closets and under beds when he has sneaked chocolate or a whole bag of powder sugar (that was fun to clean up!!) He is a very cuddly kid and he always remembers to hug me first thing in the morning before he does anything else. He talks so well now and he says the funniest things, I see him being the class clown. He has really started to love Thomas the Train, thank heavens because I didn't have it in me to watch Cars one more time. He potty trained really easily, which was wonderful. Our new goal is getting him to sleep in a big boys bed, which we started tonight(so far a so good). He keeps a smile on all of our faces :)

Jackson is just about 16 months and he is walking around and getting into everything. He is definitely a momma's boy, ask anyone that "tries" to watch him. Dad is about the only one I can leave him with so as you can guess he is my little shadow. He really is the sweetest little boy. He is so content for the most part and he loves to be held and read to. He loves music, anytime he hears a Taylor Swift song he goes crazy, it's so cute! He has been doing really well on his RAD meds and he has been sick only a few times this winter and so hopefully this pattern continues. He's a tough little boy. He is such a blessing in our lives.