Ryan's Preschool Christmas Program

Ryan did a great job at his program. He sang all of the songs with actions and wasn't shy at all. I love that! He is in the green shirt with blue stripes. Good job Buddy!

Santa came to our house!

We had a great Christmas weekend. The snow made it all the more exciting and festive! I love being all warm inside the house with it snowing like crazy outside! We had so much fun on Christmas eve sledding, playing Christmas bingo, keeping tabs on Santa via the internet, reading the Christmas story and opening up jammies! When we went outside to leave a snack for the reindeer, Zach even thought he saw Rudolf's red nose blinking in the sky! He was freaking out..So excited!! Santa came and the kids had a great time opening up their gifts. Steve and I enjoyed watching them! Zach gets the prize for making you feel the best about gifts. He shouts, "Yes! Just what I asked for!" Bree was more quiet this year, she would just smile nicely and say thank you...not very exciting. Ryan would either shout, "Thank you Santa!" or toss the gift aside and look for another one. We made our 3rd turkey dinner in one month and chowed down on lots of candy. Each of the kids got their own pack of orange sticks and because I was down stairs most of the day, I didn't really monitor their candy intake like I usually do.....I went upstairs later that night and found 2 empty orange stick boxes! Are you kidding me!!!? Needless to say, they had to surrender their candy to me and now they are under strict candy supervision. They are obviously not old enough to know when to stop. Zach told me that night that he had a tummy ache...Duh!! Really?
I hope all of my family and friends had a great holiday!

Sledding

Ryan even had his own ski lift!

We had a great day on Saturday! First of all, we slept in until 9:00, then our niece babysat while Steve and I finished our Christmas shopping. The mall was a mad house, but it was still fun to be out with the crowds (for an hour, then we were sick of it). We took the kids sledding later that day and had so much fun! It seems like a pain to get everyone all geared up and ready to go, but it's always worth it! Steve attempted to snowboard down the hill and crashed, I thought I would die laughing! I also tried to "snowboard" down the hill on a sled and I totally crashed too...It doesn't look like it hurts when I see other people fall, but I hurt SO bad! The snow wasn't fluffy, it was like ice! I had jeans on and I spent the rest of the time watching from the car, trying to get warm! We came home and made the kids hot cocoa and felt like good parents.....Then we left them again. :) To go to the store to get groceries for a delicious turkey dinner with the Geislers! Merry Christmas everyone!!!

The Twilight Before Christmas

What did I do all week?

Well, on Monday I volunteered in Zach's class. Steve was home sick, so Ryan just stayed with him. I love going to Zach's class, he is so excited to have me there and he will let me give him hugs and kisses. It's also nice to see how he's doing in class among his peers. He is doing great in reading and I'm so proud of him. He got in trouble a lot 2 weeks ago and got a note home every day, but the past 2 week he's gotten all stickers on his conduct card. Go figure! I did say he couldn't play the DS if he got a note, maybe that worked!
On Tuesday I got my Mom's Christmas gift and card and mailed that off. I also worked in the afternoon, then took Bree to dance, then went back to work that night.
Wednesday, I actually worked out...Shocker. Then that night I went to my work Christmas dinner at Christopher's downtown. It was really fun and the food was delicious! Steve stayed home sick, but 3 other gals didn't have their husbands, so it was kinda like a girls night out, fun!
On Thursday, while Ryan was at school, I got out all of the supplies to wrap presents. I used to really enjoy this, but now it hurts my back so much, so I dread it. It felt good though to get a bunch done. Thursday night was the first night we were all home as a family and it was really nice. I finally sat down to watch my shows and Grey's didn't record, bug! So I settled for Survivor and Friends reruns.

I have been enjoying Christmas shopping with Steve and on my own while the kids are in school and Ryan is at preschool! I was supposed to be shopping yesterday for my kids, but I went in T.J. Maxx for the first time in forever and got a little carried away looking for myself! So I called Steve when I was done and let him know that my Christmas was done and he was very happy about that because usually when he shops for me it's the wrong size or he spent more money on something than I would have.
Bree and Zach had their Christmas program at school and it was really cute. It was called Santa Goes Green and the songs were actually really funny! Each grade did a different song and Bree and Zach sang their little hearts out! The pictures that I took didn't come out very well at all, I need a new camera! Nothing else too exciting going on...just enjoying the Christmas season, I love it!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The kids all had fun doing Thanksgiving crafts at their school parties and these are the only pictures I have of Thanksgiving. I was too busy cooking dinner to remember to take pictures too! The turkey was delicious, thanks to Steve and the rolls were delicious thanks to me! :) We had our own little dinner and it was so yummy! The worst part of the meal is when you start getting full! Anyway, I hope y'all had a great holiday!

Silver Bulls

Bree comes down crying the other night because Zach had written "grls stenk" (girls stink) on the white board and put it outside his door! I was laughing so hard, which didn't help B at all. They also have a sign on their door that says -Keep Out no grls alloud expt mom- hee hee I love it when they are learning how to spell!
Ryan came home from preschool and said, "Mom, do you know how many Silver Bulls are in your name?" Too cute, for those of you without a 2-4 year old, the translation is Syllables!

I got my hair done the other day and I get it colored dark dark brown. When I picked up Ryan from preschool I said, "Do you notice anything different about mommy?" And He said, "Yes, your hair is dark blue." Needless to say, my confidence about my hair cut was out the door because I know kids are honest! Later He said that it was black....whatever! When I picked up Bree from school she said, "What did you do to your hair?" (with a funny look on her face) I said, "Rude! Holy cow people! I need to reteach y'all how to give a compliment!"
Today Ryan was playing with his shake n' go car that goes in a semi truck that his Aunt Liz bought him in California. He asked me who bought it for him and I said that I think Dad did. He said, "No, it was the one with the twist hair." Too cute! (Liz has curly hair.) hee hee I love the funny things kids say!

Beautiful Day!

It was such a nice day on Sunday that we decided to go visit my dad's grave before a foot of snow is covering the ground. We spent time talking about my dad and how much we missed him. When we were walking away, Steve reminded my dad that BYU and UTAH were playing this week, my dad LOVED football! It made me sad though when he said that because my dad would get so excited to sit and watch football games. He would go to the store and buy all sorts of junk food -chips, bean dip, cheese dip, etc. Fun memories! As usual, my kids said, "Bye Grandpa!" when we were leaving and it made me so sad. He is so missed! I can't believe almost 7 months have already gone by.

When I had all three kids at home when they were babies I thought my life was super busy, and it was. I thought that when my kids started school, life would calm down a bit and I wouldn't be as busy...Wrong! When people ask me what I did that day, it's usually nothing big, but a lot of the little stuff that really does take all day long. For example...Laundry, fold clothes, hang up clothes, make beds, clean, straighten, fluff couch, shower and get ready, take kids to school, take Bree to dance, empty dish washer, fill dish washer, take dog out, go to store, run errands, make dinner, clean up dinner, go to work, get kids showered and ready for bed, etc. By the time I sit down at night to watch some t.v. with Steve, I'm exhausted! And when Steve asks, "What did you do today?" I usually say, "I don't remember." Or...I name all the above!
So, I guess my idea of life getting easier is out the window and life is getting busier and the kids are getting more expensive! With all that being said, I am enjoying a few hours by myself while all 3 kids are in school and it's great. I need to finish the 4th book in the Twilight series before the movie comes out! I hope all you moms out there have a great day and believe me, I know how you feel!

Halloween

My Halloween day started at:8:30 a.m. -Went with Ryan to get seats for school parade 9:00-9:30 -Watched Bree and Zach in Halloween parade 9:45 -Got Ryan's hair cut at Dollar Cuts 10:15-11:30 -helped at Zach's class party Noon -checked kids out of school 1:30 -Met Steve downtown, saw his new office for the 1st time, went to lunch at Chili's with Geislers 4:30 -Bree babysat while I took Zach to get his hair cut at Dollar Cuts 5:00-6:30 -I was asked 1,000 times when we could start trick-or-treating!!! Ryan had his pre-school Halloween Party on Thursday. They marched around the parents to "Monster Mash", acted out a cute story, decorated cookies, and played fun games outside in Miss Holly's backyard!Well, this was the best Halloween..weather wise..that I can remember growing up in Utah. Usually it is snowing and freezing cold. I didn't even have a jacket on half the time! My niece Allie came with us and we got tons of candy! Ryan was done after about 45 minutes and was happy to stay home with Steve and help pass out candy. The older 3 and I went out for another 30 min. or so. By then it was getting a little colder and windy, but nothing to complain about. For the past few days I have been dealing with kids wanting candy from sun up to sun down....no, you can't have candy for breakfast! Hello! I hope everyone had a great Halloween!

It's Fall Y'all!

I have to admit that I am catching Fall fever even though I love summer the best. I am loving all of the colors and cool weather. I recently went to a "Witches Night Out" with some of my friends and had a blast! It's always good to get out and hang with my "witches" hee hee
Ryan has been sick the past week or so and I had to miss work on Monday to stay home with him because Steve had study group. I've only been working for about 2 months, but I must say that when I get to stay home a night that I regularly work, I really appreciate it now! He's feeling a lot better now, so it's back to work tomorrow.
Here are some pictures that we took at the nearby pumpkin patch. The kids had fun going through the mini corn maze. It was actually pretty hot that day. I got lucky that the kids wanted small pumpkins, so I got out of there for only $4.00! Nice. Happy Fall Y'all!

Husband tag
1.What is his name? Steven Roberts Holmes
2.Who eats more? Me, always. He is usually done at least 5 minutes before me!
3.Who said I love you first? He did...and I said, "Oh, that's so sweet." hee hee :)
4.Who's taller? He's a ton taller even when I wear 4 inch heels. When I wear flats, I make a great arm rest for him.
5.Who is smarter? Well, we got the exact same score on the ACT's. That makes us feel good! I have a hard time focusing...I day dream a lot.
6.Who is more sensitive? Me, I cry if someone looks at me wrong or says something in a mean tone. :) That's why Steve doesn't believe I belong in the working world.
7.Who does the laundry? I do, but Steve isn't above switching the laundry or throwing something in that I didn't get to.
8.Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I do usually, but sometimes we rock for it...I won last time. :) so me for now until he challenges me to another rock, paper, scissor war.
9.Who does the bills? I do and I actually don't mind. I like knowing where every penny is. If it's a bill over the phone, Steve will...I don't have the patience to wait on hold.
10.Who cooks more? I'm not a great cook, but I try. Steve will usually help out with whatever part of the meal I ask him to. He has recently come out of the cooking closet and is a great cook. He makes amazing fajitas!
11.What meals do you cook together? Whatever takes more than 2 hands. Thanksgiving for sure, he's in charge of the turkey. He'll get up at the crack of dawn to get his precious turkey in and begin the basting process! If he has to leave the house during the basting process, I have to promise to baste every 30 min. I love being in the kitchen with him. Plus, when the meal goes wrong, it's not all my fault! :)
12.Who is more stubborn? I'm not sure, we're both pretty laid back.
13.Who is the first to admit they're wrong? It used to take us days to apologize to each other, but now we can't stand being mad for more than an hour, so we usually make up pretty quick. Whoever was wrong or overreacted usually admits it...or I help him see what he did wrong..... just kidding
14.Who has more sibling? No contest. Steve is one of 12 kids. I am one of 4 kids.
15.Who wears the pants in the relationship? I think we are pretty equal. I'm not here to boss him around and I won't be bossed around either. :)
16.What do you like to do together? Out to eat, watch our shows, chill out, go on dates!
17.Who eats more sweets? Both of us do. He prefers Hostess and I love ice cream and See's candy.
18.Guilty pleasures? dirty movies...just kidding :)
19.How did you meet? I was friends with his younger brothers, Brad and Brian, I even went to prom with Brad! Brad brought him down to Golden Swirl where I worked at the time.
20.Who asked who out first? We were set up by his family.....He knew I was interested. :)
21.Who kissed who first? He kissed me first in a hotel room on a trip with his family about a week after we met. Don't panic....Maggie was asleep on the bed about 2 feet away! hee hee If she was sent to be our chaperon, she failed miserably! :)
22.Who proposed? He did. Poor guy was so stinkin nervous. It's still in debate if he really asked. He kinda just said, Marry me. So I said, OK!
23.His best features? legs, eyes, shoulders, smile, hands, need I go on???
24.What is his greatest quality? Looks on the bright side of things. He can also make us laugh! For example: dance offs in the van with Bree. His singing and choreography to songs on the ipod!
25.Tag? Maggie, Jenny, Whoever wants to butter up their husbands so they can stop rolling their eyes about blogging!

I'm 29!

I knew there would come a day that I would be glad to be a year younger than all of my school friends! Today is that day! All of my school friends have turned 30 and I'm only 29! This was not so pleasant when they were all turning 16 and I was still 15! Anyway, I had a simple, great birthday! On Saturday, Steve and I went out to dinner and a movie which is always a favorite! On Sunday we went to church for the primary program which was so fun to watch. It was weird because it was the first time that Steve and I were sitting all by ourselves! All 3 kids had a little speaking part and they all said them very well and weren't shy at all! Our home teacher said that he had a clear view of Ryan and the whole time the little boy next to him was pestering him and Ryan was patient with him for a long time, but finally turned to him and gave him a big push! The home teacher said it was ok cuz the kid deserved it. :) Zach picked me out a yummy cake and my sweet family of 5 sang to me. The kids made me home made presents that they were so proud of. One of my favorites was a coupon book of course! Some of the coupons from Bree were: 10 minute tickle, help with dinner, clean room, babysit boys for an hour, etc. Thanks to my family for a great birthday!

Catch up

We woke up to a little layer of snow this morning! So naturally, to Steve's disapproval, I listened to Christmas songs while I made breakfast! :) I can't believe it's so cold here and Maggie said she took her kids swimming last week in Arizona!
The kids have been off track, but it has been a lot different this time because I work. It seems like we have been very busy going to work together and keeping up with our usual schedule. Ryan still has preschool, Bree still has dance, and Zach still has soccer practices and games. Which is good, I'd rather be busy than not. At Zach's game on Saturday it was so dang cold and it started snowing! It was so funny because the kids weren't even paying attention to the game, they were just so excited that it was snowing. It took a 20 minute shower to thaw me out after!
A few weeks ago, Zach and Ryan had so much fun at a golfing/hunting party that G. Holmes planned. They spent the first half of the day golfing and playing mini golf at Mulligans. Then they went to the park to play and eat lunch. After that they went and shot clay pigeons! By the time I picked them up they were absolutely exhausted! I have to admit that I really missed them being gone all day like that. I'm a little used to that with Zach, but I'm never away from Ryan for more than 3-5 hours. I missed my little buddy!
We had our traditional Conference breakfast up at Pat and Jenn's on Conference Sunday. Complete with Jenn's sticky buns and homemade coffee cake, waffles, eggs, bacon, sausage, and more! It's always fun to visit with everyone and watch the first session of conference together.
The other night I had to get CPR certified for work. I went with my friend, Jenny, from work and we had some good laughs practicing on our dummies! It was good to be taught CPR, but I hope I never have to do it! It would be so scary!

T.G.I.F.

Things have been busy around here and I haven't had a chance to blog lately. My mom has been in town from Texas for a week and I've been busy with work, kids, etc. Brianna is at her 3rd grade class reunion party right now. I wish all teachers loved their students that much! Holy Cow! I couldn't believe it when I found out that Bree's teachers were planning a little reunion party! So nice! Bree and her little friend were upstairs forever doing their hair just right and putting on lip gloss. You would have thought they were going to a High School dance! It was really cute. Preschool is going good for Ryan, but Zach has had a little issue with a bully at school. The 4th grader was grabbing Zach's shirt and pulling him to the ground. I know Zach wasn't exaggerating the story because Bree saw the whole thing. Old Mother Bear came out in me and I was furious. No one touches my baby like that! I have talked to Zach's teacher and written a note to Brianna's (because the bully is in her class), so hopefully it will never happen again. I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend....Thank Goodness It's Friday!

Zach's 1st soccer game!

We had so much fun on Saturday going to Zach's very 1st soccer game! It was perfect weather and Zach seemed to love every bit of the game. Thanks to Aunt Syd for driving all the way out to cheer him on! I'm so happy to finally have him in a team sport! It was great to see him out there running around getting exercise! After the game we played at the playground for a minute then went to the gym so I could work out. Bree had a birthday party to go to and after that...CHILL TIME!

August 4, 2008

So after changing my mind a hundred times, I finally decided to put Ryan in preschool. It is literally 30 seconds from my house which is so nice! Ryan has only been 2 times, but seems to really enjoy going. I am a free woman for 2 1/2 hours, 2 times a week. It's not much, but it's great. I can get my errands done or work out or clean my house without any interruptions! Here is a picture of Ryan on his first day!

My baby is 4!

We celebrated Ryan's birthday on Saturday! I had to work until 1:30, so Steve spent the morning cleaning the house, and picking up the cake and balloons! Good job Mr. Mom! We met Syd at the bowling alley and let the kids bowl a game. Then it was back to our house for presents and (basketball)cake! Ryan loved it when we all sang to him, he just sat there and smiled and acted a little bit shy. After he blew out his candles he said, "This is the best birthday I never had." It was so cute and we all had a good laugh! I can't believe that my baby is 4 years old! I was thinking back to the day that he was born...It was the first time that I'd ever been induced and it was great. Steve and I went to the hospital around 7:00 a.m. and he was born around 11:15 a.m. My doctor guessed that he would be around 7 or 8 lbs., but to all of our surprise out popped a chubby 9.6 pound baby! He seriously looked like he was about 2 months old! He has been our "lil sump" ever since. Today he is so full of personality and thankfully he will still cuddle with me. He gives "cuddle kisses" and "eskimo kisses" and his favorite..."butterfly kisses" I love it! When you ask him how old he is he holds up his "thingers" and says "Four, I got a lot bigger last night." He still sleeps in our bed a lot and Steve and I don't have the heart to fight with him over it. He said the other day that he doesn't want to sleep in our bed anymore because it's getting too squishy! I've been thinking that for a long time!! I love you, my lil peyunkin!

Zach's 1st Soccer Practice!

We were all excited for Zach to have his 1st soccer practice! It is right down the street from my house and we all went to watch. There is a little playground right next to the soccer field, so Bree and Ryan played on that a bit. There was also a little stream and to my disgust, Bree was catching tiny snails! Yuck! Zach has never played on a team before and doesn't know a lot about soccer, so I'm excited for him to learn! He drank a whole water bottle and came home and ate a big bowl of Goolosh. More than he'd ever eaten before! He really worked up an appetite! Way to go Zachy! We are proud of you!

Playing at work

Here are the kids playing at Mommy's work!

Alpine Slide

On Saturday we had a fun afternoon at the Alpine Slide up Little Cottonwood canyon!  I love going up the canyons, it is so beautiful!  We went up with Jared and Courtney and their kids.  Steve rode down with Zach, I rode with Ryan and Bree got to ride all by herself!  It was so much fun, but I was smiling and laughing and I almost ate a bug!  I think I enjoyed the chair lift the best.  I could seriously ride it all day long, it's so relaxing! That night we went to dinner and a movie with some of our friends and had a great time!

Children's Discovery Garden

I met my friend from high school, Jana, and her two boys at the Children's Discovery Garden at Thanksgiving Point.  I hadn't seen her for about 9 years!  It was so good to see her and catch up!  Ryan had a great time playing in the water at the Noah's ark display and pushing his way to the front of the line to go up in the little light house!  My kids all had dentist appointments today and I was so proud of Ryan because it was the first time that he let them take pictures of his teeth!

August 16, 2008

On Saturday morning, I cleaned the parade model again with Steve while Bree babysat. We all had lunch together at McDonalds then Steve went golfing and the kids and I went to the Draper pool! Bree and Zach loved the diving boards! I couldn't believe my eyes when Zach climbed the ladder to the high dive, walked fearlessly to the end and jumped right off! He's only 6! I was quite impressed because I was scared to jump off the high dive when I was 8! I was so sad that I didn't take my camera! We went to Mulligans again that night, so the kids and Steve could hit a bucket of balls. I am happy to just watch and take pictures.

August 15, 2008

-The kids had a blast playing out in the rain!
-Steve and I cleaned the Parade of Homes House  (I used to think that it would be a great gig to clean model homes, but I got a taste of it and it's really hard work to do it perfectly like I like it!)
-We Got our carpets cleaned this morning.  I was in the best mood all day knowing that my carpets were so clean!
-I went into work for 2 hours with my kids and no one showed up for the day care, so I just played with my kids at work!  I can't ask for a better job than that!
-I took Bree to the doctor because she had a really bad croupy cough the night before. The doc thought she heard a pocket of pneumonia in her lungs, so we had to go to the hospital for a chest x-ray. Thankfully, it came back clear.
-Bree and I stayed home that night so she could rest and the boys and Steve went to Mulligans to mini golf.

August 14, 2008

I went to the pool with Krisha and her boys on Thursday and had a great time! I hadn't been to the pool for a few weeks and it felt so good to soak up the sun! Steve was supposed to test with UFA on Thurs. but they called and canceled because they were a day behind. It was a good thing because Steve shaved his head that morning and missed a huge spot! hee hee Usually he has me check his head and make sure he got it all, but he didn't that morning because we were all in a hurry. He went to the gas station to get a diet, but luckily he didn't have to go to his job interview like that! Too funny!
Thursday night I went to Suzette's baby shower at Katie's house! It was really good to see old friends and catch up! I hadn't seen some of them since high school 11 years ago! To all of you who couldn't make it, we missed you!

August 12, 2008

I had my 2nd day care shift on Tuesday night. My kids came with me and it was just us for the first 45 min. or so. I couldn't believe that I was getting paid to play with my kids and do crafts. Zach said, "Mom, you have the best job, I love it." So that made me happy. Steve came to get the kids after an hour, but they were being so nice and helpful that I said they could stay. Ryan wanted to go though, he's a total Daddy's boy. There were quite a few kids there last night, but it was better that way because the time went really fast. Brianna was so cute with the kids. She helped them do crafts and was so good with them! What a great helper!

August 8-10, 2008

Here is Ryan's typical outfit for the day. His "Hoop Star" jersey. He seriously is obsessed with it and wears it everyday, I'm not joking! If we're lucky, he wears the glasses and sweat band too!
I went shopping with my friend, Lisa, on Friday and had a lot of fun! We ate lunch at the Cheesecake Factory and had some luck finding cute stuff at Buckle. I got some jibbits for my kids crocs too, those things are quite pricy for such a little thing. Steve took Ryan with him to help Andy and Hayli move in, so it was a nice break for me!
On Saturday we had a lot of chill time! I'm reading the 3rd book of the Twilight series and after I read for awhile I fell asleep. Reading makes me tired! :) That night Steve and I watched U.S. Marshalls on t.v. We hadn't watched it in years and it was really good!
On Sunday we helped Andy and Hayli move in a bit. Mainly Steve helped because I was too busy holding baby Charly! She is an absolute doll and Bree loves to hold her too. Before we even left our house Bree said, "I call I get to hold Charly first!" :)
Tonight is my first day care shift and I'm really excited to get working! I hope this turns out to be a good job! I signed Ryan up for a different pre-school and we go on Wednesday to meet the teacher. He starts his official day on Friday! I switched him because this place is closer to my house and it's 2 hrs. 45 min. instead of 2 hrs. I hope he likes it!

August 7, 2008

I have been busy putting together some small shelves in the garage for shoes. 5 people in this house times at least 5 pairs of shoes each, and that's just the shoes we keep in the garage!...You do the math! I love to organize, so if any of you are cleaning out a closet...call me! I made a yummy pasta salad on Monday and Steve and I loved it, but the kids didn't. Shocker :) Zach couldn't get past the fact that the noodles were cold instead of hot and Ryan and Bree just pushed it around wondering why there were grapes in it! Picky eaters. It is hard to please everyone. My kids are seriously happy when I make PB & J's or Ramen!
Bree has started up dance and I have found someone to car pool with! Yeah! It makes it so much easier! So I drive on Monday's and the other mom drives on Wednesday's. This makes it easier for me to schedule which nights I can work too.
School is going great for Bree and Zach, I just can't believe how different our nights are now. When my kids were all little, I would have them in bed by 7:00! Now they are not in bed until 9:00 or later!!! My quiet nights with Steve are over! B and Zach are so hard to wake up in the morning, Steve calls them "Logger Heads" Where Steve comes up with all the nick names is beyond me!
The boys got into SO much trouble last night...They wanted to take a bath, which I normally do not let them do because they are so rowdy together, but it had been a while and I thought I'd give them another chance. I got them all washed and said they could play for a little bit. About 10 minutes later, I hear them acting up and laughing...Not a good combo. I go up there and they were sliding down the back of the tub like a water slide and water was everywhere. I was so angry and they knew it! Note to self: Do not let boys bathe together anymore!!!
We have our 1st professional family pictures being taken later today, I am dreading it, but excited for the outcome.

August 1-3, 2008

Steve had a small concrete job that he did for a neighbor on Friday morning, so Ryan and I stopped by to see him. Ryan loved seeing how the concrete came out of the big truck! Then I ran a bunch of errands with my big helper! On Saturday, Steve woke up at 5:00 a.m. to go boating with his brother and Dad. Steve woke up Zach to go with him. Zach got up on the wake board! He was so nervous last year to do the ski trainer, so I didn't see wake boarding in his near future! When Bree and Ryan found out that Zach got to go they freaked. It is so hard to take everyone everywhere you go and we are trying to make it all fair, but the kids are always getting upset and saying that it isn't fair...any suggestions?
Anyway, when they got home, Zach fell asleep while I was getting ready and Steve headed off for more fun at the golf course with his dad and brothers. He hasn't golfed with his brothers forever, so I was happy that he got to go. Don't worry about me and the kids, we know how to have fun too! We went bowling and ate lunch at the bowling alley. The kids like to eat there on the high stools probably just as much as they like to bowl! Then we went over to the mall because I needed a pair of pants hemmed. I told the kids that if they were good, we could stay and shop. They were very good, so we went in a few stores. I am trying to decide what colors to wear for our family pictures on Thursday, so I was looking around for that too. Bree got some cute shoes at Payless (love that store!) and the boys got some Lightening McQueen slippers.
We had our niece babysit Saturday night and I met Steve, Jake and Liz, and Courtney and Jared at Ruby River for dinner. Then we went to see The Dark Knight, I think everyone liked it except for me! I don't like really dark movies, I like it when the sun comes out the next day and it never did in the movie! Steve now wants to be Batman...oh boy! After the movie we went to Red Mango....YUMMY! It was so dang good! It's my new fav and Liz was saying that they are going to build one out my way!
Sunday was nice again because Steve was home. Same old story with Ryan...wouldn't go to Sunbeams. I brought some air freshener to nursery, so that made my day more pleasant! My friend in nursery and I never want to figure out who has the stinky diaper....It is the worst part of my job in nursery, so we try to take turns. Gross!
After church, we ate lunch, cleaned up, and I went upstairs for a nap! I'm not sure what anyone else was doing because I was asleep! I usually come home from church with a major headache, so I usually take some Ibuprofen and go take a nap! The kids watched SpyKids the other day, so now they play "spies" or "wipeout" with little obstacle courses! I love to see them play together. We went up to Steve's parents for a visit which is always fun. Then home for dinner, showers, and BEDTIME!

July 30&31, 2008

On Wednesday, Steve had a golf tournament with Zions Bank super early, I think he teed off at 6:30 up in Bountiful! Marian called me that morning and invited me down to Draper for a pedicure! So nice, and we had fun chatting and Ryan loved being the center of attention at the nail salon. After that, Ryan and I went to Haggermann's for lunch. The Hawaiian Hula sandwich is the best sandwich in the world! Ryan was full after his sugar cookie. I used to hardly go anywhere during the day with the two boys, but Ryan has been so bored that I've been out and about a ton more trying to keep him busy. It's so different going out with 1 child, we talk and all of my attention is on him. I love it. Sometimes I will go run errands with just Zach or shop with just Brianna and I love the one on one time. They are so different and super chatty when they are all by themselves. They really open up and tell me so much! I know it makes them feel special and I love that!
Bree had dance again tonight, so Steve, the boys and I met Marian, Sunny, and her kids at Arctic Circle for dinner. After dinner, Steve wanted to take Will to see the firetrucks, so we went to the Fire Station and Will loved it! Zach is always so curious about everything when we go. He checks out every nook and crannie!
On Thursday, I met Lorilee for lunch at Paradise Bakery...without kids! Then I went to get my hair done because I scheduled family pictures for next Thurs. We have been married for over 10 years, had 3 children, and haven't had a family picture taken! I am really excited to finally get one done!

July 29, 2008

Zach's 1st day of 1st grade! He got home and said, "Mom, we are at school forever!" (full day) As you can see in the picture, he is having trouble with the fake smile stage....Does anyone have a cure for that? Steve had the State written test today. I did ironing and laundry all morning then Ryan and I went to the mall for lunch and to get some of my jeans hemmed. All of my kids love Panda Express! Ryan sat there and quietly ate all of his orange chicken...every bite! It was really different having Bree and Zach gone all day. Very quiet...no fighting...but poor Ryan was bored stiff. He's not used to playing by himself, so he would just kinda follow me around all day. Poor little guy, I'm going to have to set up some play dates!

July 28, 2008

Brianna started 4th grade today! She said that she wasn't that excited, but she never complains about going to school, so that's good. Zach and I went in for 45 min. to meet his teacher. Zach will start his 1st day of 1st grade tomorrow. I had my visiting teachers come after that and they are really nice and I like getting to know new friends. I took the boys to the splash pool and we pretty much had the place to ourselves. They are so rough with each other and it drives me nuts. I'm shocked that neither of them have needed stitches yet! Bree also had her 1st day of dance at her new studio. She loved it and luckily she already knew 1 girl from school that we might end up carpooling with. Steve took the boys to get new basketball shoes for school and also ended up with Lightening McQueen crocs. The crocs are pretty funny lookin', but cute and the boys love them, so that's what matters. We also took them to Target to pick out a new outfit for Zach's 1st day of school. He doesn't like wearing collared shirts, but we're trying to convince him to dress a little nicer for school. Later that night, Steve was meeting Jared at Mulligans to give him some tips and Steve took the boys. The boys love to go there to "smack." Steve said they also loved riding home with the windows down and playing the ipod. The songs they ask for right now are, "Turn it up some" "High Maintenance Women" and "Don't Stop the Music" :)

July 27, 2008

Steve has had shifts every Sunday for about 2 months, so it was nice to finally have him back to church with us! Bree gave a talk in Primary today that I wrote during Sacrament meeting because we forgot about it. Ryan wouldn't go to Sunbeams again, so he went to all of Steve's classes. We don't know what to do with this kid, we're hoping that it's just a phase that will be over soon! Zach caught his 1st grasshopper today and it was actually really exciting! He wants to take it for show and tell! We watched part of the Yankee vs. Red Sox game and America's Funniest Home Videos which we all love. Steve made a Holmes cake and Syd and her kids came over to visit and watch the game.