Two Blondes, a Football Player, and Princess...

...all had a birthday. 

 Once again life keeps moving and somehow I am suppose to keep up with it.  I do, just a little late at times. 

A big belated happy birthday to the two blonde, blue eyed kids in our family.

Both are still willing to hug me in public.

Both are picky eaters.  One only eats fruit and cheese, and the other one won't touch fruit or cheese unless forced upon.

Both make me smile.

Happy Birthday Masers and Marra!!!!

Mason our mad scientist turned twelve in November.  As tradition would have it he received a laundry basket for his birthday and now does his own laundry.  It was a great birthday for mom.

Mase has many friends, but wherever we have lived he always has a best friend and Vegas is no different.  Kahlil and Mase love all things sports and being on the winning team.  This year they lead their flag football team to victory, and played side by side on their tackle football team.  "Go Cowboy"!

Now that football is over they have joined the schools all boy hip-hop club.  Should be fun to watch.

Marra is our three year old princess.  The only girl after four boys.  In a word she is spoiled, and we wouldn't have it any other way.  She loves to play "mommy", "princess", and whenever we can find it...

...dirt. Daily she is a princess with a little dirt under her painted finger nails.  She is keeping it real.

Happy Belated Birthday...

I tried to post yesterday, but it would not work so we are a day late. 

 He still had a great day minus sitting in the urgent care with Nate for 2 hours.  All is well and every one is whole, minus a toe nail.

Here a few of the highlights, breakfast in bed, lunch date with his two best gals, french bread pizza for dinner, books, and homemade cheesecake topped with fresh raspberries, bananas, and homemade caramel sauce.

So here is a late Happy Birthday to my scrabble playin, sports lovin, trivial pursuitin, book readin, father of five, and fabulous hubby. 

 

38 reasons to love or hate me... You decide.

... normally I do not like to talk a lot about myself, lets face it there are 7 of us here and most are more interesting than I.  However, in light of tradition and because it was my 38th birthday I shall write about myself.  

Consider yourself warned.

1.  I am a mother to five fabulous kiddos.

2.  I am VERY conservative.

3.  I called the school district to find out about Obama's speech.  Pretty sure they changed it after I called.

4.  I graduated from the University of Utah and cheer for them when they do not play BYU.

5.  I have been happily married for 15 years and still pinch myself wondering how it happened so well.

6.  I have lived in four states:  Utah, Texas, California, and Nevada.

7.  I lived in Utah for 26 years before living anywhere else.

8.  I love to sing and have sung in choirs, ensembles, and even solo.  My husband thinks I should do it more often.

9.  I once swore I would never marry a sports fan.  Now not only do I have a sports fan husband, but I also have 4 sons who have followed in his footsteps.

10.  I worry too much about my weight.

11.  I am halfway to my weight loss goal.

12.  I believe in choices, but I also believe in consequences.  Don't complain to me about a consequence when you made the choice.

13.  Sometimes life just sucks.  That is when you "suck it up" and keep moving forward.

14.  I love most country music.  Steve is not so much a fan but my kids know most of the lyrics.

15.  I love to read.  I am currently reading 4 books.

16.  I should stick to one book and finish it.

17.  My favorite novel is "The Good Earth".

18.  School is only part of Education.  I will do the rest at home (i.e. correct what was wrong).

19.  I don't care what Hollywood thinks.  They should just be quiet and sing.  I'll listen to your politics when you read my book and see my movie.

20.  I don't want a "public option" for health care.  I will pay for mine and you can pay for yours.  

21.  I love my SUV.

22.  My Suburban can drive over any "Smart car".  So don't tell me what I should drive.

23.  I miss my Grandma O.

24.  I have had stitches 9 times.

25.  The stitches I remember the most were in 5th grade when I was in PE and a boy taller than me ran into me.  His buck teeth hit my head.  I just remember lots of blood (mine not his).

26.  I'm not really a shopper, unless I'm at a bookstore.

27.  I love high heels.

28.  My hair is all grey.  You would never know because of a wonderful person I call Megan who makes the grey go away.  Love her!

29.  I never thought I wanted a daughter, but I am so glad to have one.

30.  I love reading with my kids.  We are reading "The Mouse and the Motorcycle" (with Peyton and Marra) and Cam and I are reading Harry Potter.

31.  2 of my boys are taller than me.  Not really much of an accomplishment I know, but they love it.

32.  I love to write.  I have hundreds of stories and thoughts written down, just waiting for me to do something with them.  

33.  I love to try new recipes.  Can't say my family loves them all, but some become keepers.

34.  I love to watch the Food Network and make up my own dishes.  My family usually likes these.

35.  Give me a new recipe book and I will hide away for hours planning and dreaming.  My favorites are church and family recipe books.

36.  I love to read the Book of Mormon and conference talks with my husband.  He sees things differently than I do and it is nice to compare the two perspectives.

37.  I am a Christian.

38.  I have a testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ and the Peace he brings to the world around me.

  

... So right, wrong, or indifferent that is part of who I am.  Proud to be 38 because life just gets better and better.

Happy Birthday...

Curious about all the world around him.

Awesome (I really love this kid).

Masters all he tries.  Math, reading, and always science.

Energetic.  It is sometimes hard to keep up with him.

Running all day and night.

Outrageous. Keeps me on my toes.

Non-stop. He crashes at night and doesn't move a muscle until morning.

From the moment he was born I knew that our life would never be the same again.  He has brought joy and energy to our house and it doesn't show any signs of stopping.  I love the way he looks at the world and all the adventures he brings with it.

He wears me out, but it's always better then bored.  I can hardly wait to see what the next eight years bring.

Have a great day Cam!!!!

No one is listening...

...apparently I am not going along so he is trying to teach me through my children.

...Stay out of my housing.

...Stay out of my cars.

...Stay out of my health care.

...Stay out of my children's' education.

I will teach them to be self reliant. You know save to buy their own house, their own car, and their own health insurance.

I will make sure they get a good education. Teach them to think for themselves, and research what is being taught.  Why do you think I took the youngest out of public school?    

The big 14

14 fabulous facts about N8...

Nate is the oldest in the family.

His nick-name use to be "Calvin" because this hair stood straight up, no amount of hairspray could keep it down.

He has a sweet shot.

He is going to be in high school this year.  I know I forgot I was that old too.

Nate has lived in 4 states.  I think he is hoping we finally pick one to stay.

He love the "Bourne" movies. (Just like mom)

Nate is a kind and loyal friend, even if I think they don't deserve it.

He remembers all sorts of facts about people and places. (Just like dad)

Nate is a good and quiet leader.

He has a secret crush on some girl, and won't tell me who.  The nerve of some children.

Loves to hug me, especially when he is sweaty.

His perfect day would be spending the day with his dad playing basketball and maybe a little golf.

Nate loves BYU!

He will officially move up to the teachers quorum on Sunday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATE!

It's Peyters day...

Our sunday enjoyment...

She also sings "Brass Monkey" and "Big Girls Don't Cry", she keeps us laughing.

Month in review part one...

... here is a little glimpse into our week in Provo or what I like to call, "How i spent my summer vacation.

...track break, school ends (at least for Nate), road trip, Provo Utah, hotel, movie, BYU basketball camp, sharing a dorm room (Nate and Mase), visit California friends, Marra locking iphone with her own special code (fun), erasing phone, contacts and all to fix the phone (funner), Family Home Evening at training table, cheese fries, visiting Texas friends, park, yummy hamburgers, cupcakes, rain, museum, holding a real snake (Cam in heaven), swimming, awards ceremony, check out of dorm room, visiting Vegas friends, dinner, more basketball, BYU bookstore, drive home...   SLEEP!

Now back to school, oh how I love year-round school.

Cam touching the snake

Peyton feeding the turtle

Goods at the bookstore

Cam holding the snake, I stayed as far away as possible.

The crew + Molly and Garrett

Yum!

Nate and Mase ready for a great week away from Mom and the little brothers and sister who missed them sooooo much.

We are off...

...Off to a week of BYU basketball camp, and three little ones in a hotel room with just me.

Why?

We get to cram all of summer vacation into one week.

Why?

We have a lovely thing called year-round school.

Why?

I think it is to torture me.

I hope I can survive this long(?) summer ahead.

I will report when it is all over.

Let the hunt begin...

…I figure if I write it down it will really happen.

Almost four years ago we moved from the great state of Texas and left homeownership behind. We journeyed to the land of opportunity aka California, for a good job, but not so good house prices. Thus the renting began.

Renting does have its perks: no hassle with lawn care, no home maintenance, and no selling it when you move.
On the other hand, renting has a few drawbacks: no pride in ownership, can’t paint the walls any color you want (white can get real old real fast), if you don’t like something the HAVE to live with it, and then there is always the landlord. Some are good, but others should be a four-letter word. It is also a killer on your taxes.

Oh I digress…

In honor of our house hunt here is my wish list…

At least 3700 square feet
5 plus bedrooms
3 plus bathrooms (I do not share a bathroom with the boys why should Marra suffer?)
A loft for the children (in some areas this room may be called a game room, I remember them as basements)
Half and acre or more (I am dreaming here)
Pool (still dreaming)
Basketball court (almost waking)
Dark cabinets (White does not work with my family, all the little fingers)
Double oven
Granite counters
Wood floors

As long as it is wish list self-cleaning walls and toilets


…Alright, just find me a self-cleaning house.

I'm still here...

I know you are all wondering where I have been. I would love to say I have been on an extended vacation celebrating 15 years with a fabulous man, but truth be told I have just been living my life as a wife and mother of five fun and crazy kids.

I have been living life to the fullest with basketball, soccer, church, more basketball, more church, buying a house, not buying a house, house hunting again, hoping to find the right house, paying taxes, a quick trip to Zions (my first time, sad I know), and always dealing with a two year old princess.

I am just tired.

My life is just that, life. Ups and downs and plenty of unknowns. I am trying to enjoy the ride, I only wish I got to set the course and speed. For now I am content to hold on.

15 and counting...

The past 15 years have brought…

5 apartments,

3 houses,

7 cars,

3 college degrees (2 bachelors, 1 MBA),

4 States,

5 Children,

plenty of sleepless nights,

compromise,

and always laughter.

Is it all that I had hoped for? Of course!

So how do you celebrate 15 years?

You go to Hawaii!

That is you spend the evening with your children as they take you on a tour of their school for “Multi-cultural” night. The trip is to Hawaii, Fiji, and Tahiti, it should be fun with a little less sand, sun, and palm trees.

The real Hawaii will have to wait, (at least for a little while).

Thanks for the last 15, here’s to 15+ more. Love you!

A week of improvements...

Funny how a week can improve.

I turned off the news.

If you can't say something nice...

...then sit next to me.

Alright I am really trying to think of something nice to say about what is going on in the world around me, so I will try to keep the government out of it. Aside from the economy, my week has been crazy and I am thankful.

I am thankful for a husband who works hard to support our family. (I will not mention all the years we have sacrificed to get to where we are).
I am thankful for a roof over our heads that we pay for, not the taxpayers.
I am thankful that I have health insurance that we pay for, not the government.
I am thankful for food in my kitchen that we paid for, not the government.
I am thankful for the $$ in my bank account that my sweet husband works for, and is not just handed to us by our government.
I am thankful for a testimony in my savior Jesus Christ, and not in a man who ran for president.
I am thankful for freedom of speech, even if no one wants to hear it. (I say that for all sides)
I am thankful for 4 boys who will one day support their own families because of the values that are taught in our home, not what is taught in school.
I am thankful for our little princess and pray that she will find a husband who is just like her dad, not one who fills his days with video games. (that one may be hard to find)
I am thankful for the ability to pay my taxes, I am still waiting for a thank you note from those who don't. (I won't hold my breath).
I am thankful for the ability to help myself and my family to strive to always be better, not to settle.

It's been a good week minus the flu, ER visits, and a broken tooth.

God Bless the USA! (regardless of who is in charge).

I may have a drinking problem...

...you know you have a drinking problem when you hear your two year old say to her babies...

"Dwink your Diet Coke".

Now I am off to Sonic for a Diet Coke with crushed ice. I'll stop drinking tomorrow.

Maybe...

just curious...

Liz was tagged again and being nice she did not tag anyone back, but I wanted to see the result of the tag myself. So here it is this is the 6th folder and 6th picture on my computer...
I love it!




This is our baby Marra at 34 weeks in 3D. She was born about three weeks later. When she was born she looked almost the same, minus the squished look. I am thrilled to still have it.

Observations by Cameron...

... with all of the political stuff in the air he says:
"Mom, Bill Clinton was one of the worst presidents, and Ronald Reagan was the best".

Not sure what's being said at school, but it sounds like we're getting our money's worth :)

You're It...

I have been tagged by my beloved sister-in-law Liz. Because I love her so much I will actually complete and pass on this tag before the day ends (thank goodness I live on the west coast).

7 things about yours truly...

#1 I struggle with the whole “political correctness” thing. I love to laugh and in doing so I will make fun of myself, and at times others. I also have some strong opinions about things with which my more liberal-minded friends do not agree. It is when I am around such people that Steve wishes he had a mute button for me. I have gotten better at business meetings I simply avoid topics that may offend. However, if they ask me about an issue all bets are off. Sorry Honey.

#2 I can read anywhere anytime. The world can be falling apart around me and I can still keep reading. In fact I prefer noise. Silence is when I have to look up from my book. If it is quiet in the house you know something is going on that needs your immediate attention.

#3 I can actually sing. I’ve sung solos, duets, quartets, and in choirs, for prophets, veterans, friends, weddings, and of course church. I sing in the shower, kitchen, and always in the car. My favorites to sing along with are country songs, but Queen is a good alternative.

#4 I don’t like to sweep or mop. The floors get cleaned, but not very happily. I have invested a small fortune on products that promise an easier cleaning, but they are not my friends. The trick is getting the kids to enjoy it.

#5 I am VERY competitive. I don’t deal with losing very well. In my teens, my church team always seemed to lose to the same team (Canyon Rim 4th). One game I snapped and strategically broke the nails (both hands) of their best player. I was hit with a technical foul and had to have an interview with the stake president to continue in the league. Was it worth it? Of course it was – we won.

#6 Sometimes I have a hard time putting myself first. For years my mom has sent me money for my birthday and every year I spend it on somebody else. We haven’t had many nights without the kids, and when we do it usually seems to involve house hunting or childbirth. When we do get away, like a few months ago when Steve took me to a kid-free week in South Carolina I find that it can be nice to be a little selfish sometimes.

#7 At one time I was organized. With each child I let more and more slide. I can get all my kids to church on time, to school on time, I can have dinner on time, and I can even get all of them to their games on time. But open my cupboards, pantry, desk, and closets and be prepared for a mess.

Now it’s your turn... I tag Karie, Ari, and Brenda.

Bring on 2009...

...Funny how 2008 can come to an end and I am among the few who can honestly say, “I have achieved every goal I set". I can say that because I decided to simply survive.

I survived a year of single parenting (I pray I never have to do that again), driving kids to school, endless trips to and from Vegas, movers, moving, landlords, new job (Steve), doctors, surgery (Peyton), Church callings, birthday (3 more till fabulous 40), an election, Thanksgiving, and of course Christmas. Something’s I handled better than others, but I survived.
I learned that I am a better person if I have a plan. I need a map with directions and an end goal in mind. For 2009 I want to do more than just survive, I want to thrive.
How do I plan on doing this? After all I did take an entire year off. For me it is with one simple word…

Grace:
Noun; beauty or charm of form, composition, movement, or expression; an attractive quality, feature, manner; a sense of what is right and proper; decency thoughtfulness toward others; goodwill; favor.

I am choosing a word for the year, and all my goals are set in line with it.
* I will be more Gracious when talking to others. (I hope my family will benefit most from this).
* I will be Gaceful in body and spirit by:
Showing control in temper, diet, and exercise.
Developing skills in writing, housekeeping, and cooking.
Balancing church, school, family, and friends.
* I will find Grace with my Heavenly Father.

Grace will be with me day to day in the hope that at this time next year when I choose a new word I can one again say that I have accomplished all I set out to do. With Grace it is possible.