Happy birthday Griffin!!

Griff had a fabulous birthday! He got a cool toy shotgun, a light saber and his FAVORITE thing was a sucker (a 3 sided Push Pop), He's so easily pleased. We went bowling at the Fun Park and had his favorite dinner- PLAIN NOODLES. He went to lunch & shopping with Grandma & Grandpa and picked a very specific Power Ranger toy he thought was sincerely going to turn him into a Power Ranger. He was a little disappointed, but had a GREAT  time shopping. He's such a cute, crazy, fun, active, tenderhearted little boy. We love him in our family!!!

Kia or Tia

Griffin has this "friend" he talks about ALL THE TIME. We're not quite sure if his name is Kia or Tia. He has a motorcycle bigger than his dad's motorcycle, he has several houses throughout Cache Valley (we pass at least one of his houses nearly every time we drive anywhere), his phone number is "FD7" and I'm suppose to call him to come play everyday.  He doesn't have any eyebrows, he loves dogs and has a pet cat, he is 4 years old and his school is Utah State University (found that out today at stake conference at the Spectrum) and his church is at the DI. For Halloween, he was Superman and his sister was a pumpkin and his little brother was Batman. He's taller than me and his eyes are white.

The rest of the story

So the next morning Telly and our neighbor (we'll call him MacGyver) went up the canyon to get the Jeep. MacGyver just happens to do Jeeps for a living, so he was real handy to have there. He determined a part broke off the manual oil pressure gage and oil was leaking out of the hole. He got in his Jeep, pulled out a earplug, squished it into the hole, sealed it with some silicone and it was good to go. It's nice to know a real live MacGyver.

Here we go...

I'm back in the saddle. I keep taking pictures thinking I'll post them, but I haven't so I'm just gonna jump back in. We had a pretty good summer day. Macee is having a sleepover with Dakoda and Loryn so it was just me and the boys today. I did some major dejunking, which is a lot easier when Macee isn't here cause she would keep everything she's ever owned. Telly took the boys for a jeep ride last night as I was leaving for YW about 7:00. The boys were so tired, so I knew he wouldn't be gone long. At 8:00 I stopped by the house for a second, but they weren't home yet so I ran a quick errand. I got back at 9:00 and they still weren't home. I tried calling SEVERAL times, but Telly didn't answer. About 9:30 I decided I should go look for them. I grabbed my phone and I had to find my car charger cause my phone was almost dead. As I was getting in the car at 9:45, my phone rang and it was Telly. The Jeep broke down when they were about 10 miles off the main highway. He had to coast about 7 miles to the main road and then hitch-hiked home. WOW! I was just glad they were home and so was Telly. He was thinking about what a miserable night it would be sleeping out there with the boys. I'll tell the Jeep rescue story tomorrow.

Happy Birthday Pops

Today is my dad's b-day. Big 81 years young. He's the youngest 81 year old I know. I blame that on me, since he was 49 years old when I was born, I always say I kept him young. We celebrated his birthday and Father Day earlier this week with a family BBQ. He is one good dude.

Tuesdays, my new favorite day of the week!

I got a new calling on Sunday, the Beehive Advisor. So excited! I already had planned to do some camp things with the Laurels, so I made the camp flag (turned out so cute) while the Beehives were Tie-dying with the other leaders. Telly and I thought were getting our Tuesday nights back since Telly got released from YMs (after like 5 years of being in there), but really we got a few weeks break and now we're right back at it. Tuesdays went from being one of my least favorite days, to now, one of my favorite days. It was kinda nice to "have to leave" for just a couple hours.

New Jeep!

Well, kinda. Telly sold his truck and bought a 1973 Jeep. We had to go pick it up in Bountiful today, luckily we were driving down to celebrate Father Day and my dad's birthday so we killed two birds with one drive. I'll post some pictures of the new beauty.

Happy Birthday and Father's Day

Tagg mans big birthday today and Telly had to share his special day. He said he was ok with that since the other 364 days of the year are like his birthday. Tagg got a lawn mower and a wheel barrow to push around. He also got a Buzz Lightyear toy from Grandma & Grandpa. Telly got his Fathers Day gift a few months ago- a new gold club he NEEDED. The best decision I've made this far in my life was to marry Telly. He does a lot for our family and works hard to provide for us. We are a lucky family to have him as dad and husband. Sure love him!!

Zumba!!

Went to Zumba tonight with a couple friends (we were the only three there). I had forgotten how fun it is. My legs and arms are sore so it did it's job.

Lost Buzz Fishing Pole...

We went fishing last night. Macee and Griffin have fishing poles (Macee's is pink Barbie and Griffin's is Buzz Lightyear). Unfortunately, Buzz Pole is no longer with us. Griff accidentally dropped it off the back of the boat. He was so sad. We did catch fish, like 8. Milly caught the first one and she was shaking with excitement. Overall, a good trip and Telly cooked those bad boys up when we got home and ate them up. I could not get myself to eat fish from Hyrum Dam. I guess I'm a little uppity.

First "Late Over"

Macee had her first "Late Over" last night to celebrate the last day of school. She watches movies, ate pizza and popcorn, played make-up and stayed up way too late. I'm trying to start the summer off sleep deprived. She had fun!

Last Day of School

Last Day of Kindergarten

 First Day of Kindergarten

 Last Day of Preschool

First Day of Preschool 

(He looks like a baby. Ahh, so cute)

Front Door...

Before

Middle (one coat)

 After, all done.

The Pet Store

Macee has been begging for a puppy, seriously begging and crying and screaming and crying and begging and begging for a puppy. Telly's answer is always "no, I hate dogs". Poor girl. She asked if we could go to the pet store today after school to look and see if there is a different pet she could get. She wants a hamster and Telly said that she could when she fills her bean jar. Not happy about that one and I'm hoping she forgets. Taggert was so funny looking at the animals. He started covering his eyes with both hands cause he was scared. I have a few pictures on my phone, but I can't get them off right now. I seriously was laughing at the poor kid. He was looking at the cute little birds that were in a cage and started crying and covering his eyes. Neither of my boys like animals very much.

Happy Memorial Day!

This is a BIG holiday around here... we celebrated with Dutch Oven potatoes with the Longhursts (well, some of the them). Telly went fishing with my dad and Macee this morning and caught 14 fish!! They had to throw back 4 of them. Macee even caught 2 of them "all by herself"as she puts it. Telly says she really did. She felt a tug on her pole and started reeling it in. She kept saying " you get in here you little sucker". She's quite the fisher girl.

My parents are camping for the weekend in Hyrum with their square dancing group. We went out to visit and walked over to the water to throw some rocks. Griff and Tagg were a little wet coming home. Griff always has to push the boundaries, just a little. Imagine that, right? I started thinking about his future Scout Leaders and him at Scout Camp and I had to chuckle a little.

Lagoon Kind of a Saturday

We used the kids Christmas and birthday money to buy season passes to Lagoon earlier this Spring. So, we headed down today for a little Lagoon fun. I'm surprised I could talk Telly into going (I didn't Macee did). We had a funny moment when Macee wasn't tall enough to ride a ride alone and that meant 3 kids needing 3 adults to ride with them, but we only had 2 and no one could even sit out and be alone in line without one of us being with them. We are so blessed, right? At the end, we let the kids get soaking wet in the shooting fountains. They were drenched. Even their socks we dripping wet. They had fun and got a rinse off.

I was planning on having a work outside with the weeds and a second coat of paint on the front door day, but I got a better offer. Melanie & Mike & their cute girls were passing through town on their way to Bear Lake so I stopped some weeding pulling and met them at Einsteins. Always good to chat with old friends. Then I headed home and finished my todo list. Made for a much better day, right? I also spray painted my first window blinds and it was actually quite easy. Telly golfed in a golf tournament, but wasn't too happy with his score, but at least he went.

Happy Birthday Telly!

Just kidding! We went to dinner tonight with Paul and Denise for his birthday. We've tried several times before tonight to go, but that obviously didn't work out. It was a great night! Thank you guys!!

Telly is riding his dirt bike tonight for the first time in a long, long time. I was remembering today that a year ago I was back working at the hospital for a little bit. I really love that job, but I love my kids more, and I'm just getting to the point where I don't think about being there on a regular basis. This probably seams like a random topic. Telly was complaining that he never rode his bike last year and I think it's because I was working. He had fun, I love my day job and I'm lucky to be able to do it.

It's Tuesday night, with nowhere to go

Telly got released from YM's on Sunday. (I will be sending the counseling session bill to the ward). He's so sad to be leaving "the boys", but is excited to try something new. He's been in for almost 5 years, and has seriously loved it. He called himself the priest quorum mascot, meaning make sure everyone has fun while they are there. I think he succeeded. So that means for the first time, in a long time, it's a Tuesday night and we had nowhere to go. We're sure gonna miss those boys!

Front door painted.

I have been wanting to paint our front door for sooo long now. I finally got some paint and did a first coat tonight. Pictures to come.

I'm Back...

Had a few weeks off, now I'm ready to go again. Just goes to show how quickly you can get out of the habit of doing something.  We've had a busy few weeks including Macee's first ballet recital. She was so cute up there and she has loved taking ballet classes all year and has done a great job.

The Tree is Gone...

Our Christmas tree has finally been taking to the dump. It was "planted" in our flower bed all winter. It looked good while it was still green, then fell over when the snow wasn't there to hold it up anymore. Then last week we "planted" it in the neighbors yard. So funny. They woke up to a new dead tree in their yard. Now, finally it's gone. Only took us until May 1st. We are so on the ball.

We went to the doc yesterday, which always takes sooo long, but is worth it. They started Tagg on some nose drops and new ear drops. We're gonna try them for a week, then switch to some different drops for long term. I feel hopeful it will all work. Today is major laundry day, like everything will be washed today and tomorrow. An overwhelming task, but is so nice when it's done. It also is my sister Marlene's birthday and mutual night for Telly. Good news is I don't have to cook dinner, bad news is I have bedtime.

Monday, Monday...

I'm recovering from a great weekend which means I'm gonna be working all day to try and recover the house. Seriously, I think a bomb went off in every room. Tagg has a doc appointment to see if they can figure out why he gets so many ear infections. Wish me luck!

She's too what??

We went down and celebrated April birthdays with my family today. Kaylee came with us, poor girl. That's a long 2 hour drive with screaming kids. Telly stopped at our house so he and the older 2 could get out and get in bed. Telly asked Griffin if Kaylee could just borrow his motorcycle to get home. He said "No, she's too fat." We bust out laughing. I think that's his way of saying too big. Griffin gave his first talk in Primary and Macee gave the scripture.

And "THE MOTHER OF THE YEAR" award goes to...

The kids and I met a friend at the park yesterday. This park is my most favorite park because it only has one entrance so I know that if I'm sitting at the entrance, my children cannot escape without me knowing. Well, some cute girl came walking INTO the park with TAGGERT and asked if any of us knew this kid. I explained he looked familiar and his mom was over by the swings and I would take him over there. She told me she found him on the other side of the building (which has busy roads on all sides) just walking around on the grass. She had been on a jog and saw him there with no supervision, so she waited for a few minutes then picked him up and brought him back to the park. Wow, that's a pretty good day for a mom when she loses a child and doesn't even know they're gone. I think I'm in 1st place running for "MOTHER OF THE YEAR"!!! Good thing some guardian angel was watching Tagg Man cause his mother certainly wasn't.

Well shoot, now I need to catch up again. Life runs at a very fast pace. Macee didn't have school today, but Griffin did so it was nice to have some time with her. I painted the inside of their window which officially is the end of painting their room. Pictures to come. I now need to switch all the clothes around to the right closets. I don't think Macee's clothes will fit in her new closet, especially if Griffin has anything to hang up. That's a real problem, so I'll have to think on what to do there. Good week, so far and a good day. I know there are angels watching over our family, I'll share the story on a different day.

Sum it all up

Tuesday: Girls Camp kick off. Cute skits by the stake camp leaders and the YCL's. Got all permission slips turned in.

Wednesday: Maxi skirt party. Lots of people came, sold 31 skirts, got a skirt for me and one for Macee, stayed up way too late, but was all worth it.

Thursday: Went on Griffin's preschool field trip with him to the farm. He was afraid of the goats, calfs and horses. Warmed up to the ducklings and chicks and actually held them. I'm afraid he's a little like his mom when it comes to animals.

Friday: Telly was golfing all day so the kids and I hung out,  made Skye's Mix-In Muffins, played a few games and I worked on my girls camp fundraiser.  I also enlisted Marlene's help in the cause.

On an extremely positive note, Macee and Griffin have done great sleeping in their beds downstairs. Macee slept 2 nights in Griff's bed with him and now she's just sleeping in her bed alone. I even had to wake her up for school the last 2 mornings!

Extra kids..

Milly & Mack came to play this evening while Mason & Lindy drove to SLC close one of Telly's loans. The kids had tons of fun and it plum wore everyone out cause now everyone is sleeping soundly in their beds (at least for a few hours).

Family Sunday

We went down to Thaxton's baby blessing today (Telly's brothers baby). It was a fun day and little Thaxton never even made a peep! That's an awesome 5th child for ya. He's a little cutie boy and we had a fun day with cousins.

Three New Beds

Three kids sleeping in three new beds. Macee & Griffin downstairs and Taggert finally sleeping in a real crib. Poor kid, he's almost 2 years old and never slept in a normal bed. I hope the night goes well!!

Sweet Macee J

This has been a big year for Macee J! Turning 6 is a big deal ya know? I think she had a great day with a jumping birthday party. We were suppose to be outside with a big bounce slide, but since it snowed the day before, the ground was pretty muddy and we had to move the festivities to the church. We had 16 little kids there, Macee doesn't like to leave anyone out (she's a lot like her dad). She loves her ballet class and is really enjoying school lately. She has the cutest freckles on her little nose and cheeks and I love them. She is such an emotional little thing, has a great memory and still comes in bed with us every night. She got a pair of red, sparkly high heels today shopping with Grandma Neice and Papa Paul. Wow, they are such a big hit with all the neighbor girls, and her, too. Love our little Macee J!!

Birthday week!!

Macee's birthday is this week, which means she's a busy girl. Party today, shopping & lunch with grandma & grandpa, birthday treats at school and lots of presents. She's a very excited, happy little girl. I'll post pictures later...

Big week ahead

Macee's birthday is this week, I'm starting a meal calendar and I'm determined to move the kids downstairs. Going to bed so I can tackle the week on full brain power.

Good Food & Good People...

Not necessarily in that order. Conference weekend is always so fun hanging with family all day. I didn't get any pictures of the day, but since tomorrow is gonna be a repeat of today, I'll snap some tomorrow.

The week flew by and spring break is over, but looking forward to a good weekend with family and General Conference.

Thursday, movie day...

Macee has been wanting to go to the "mobies" for months now. She asked if for her summer break (spring break) we could go to the "mobie" theater, so tonight was the night. We went to The Croods. Pretty cute show. Griffin & Tagg actually did pretty good through the whole thing, which is always a bonus. We played outside all day, got dirty in the sandbox (I have a love-hate relationship with the sandbox) rode bikes and played with friends. Another great Spring Break day. I'm a pretty lucky gal.

Spring Break Bike Ride

Lindy told me we were going on a bike ride today, she said we could ride to Arctic Circle and get a shake. She lied. We really rode to Hyrum Dam (well, I almost made it). We did, actually ride 14 miles (really, that's all? I think her computer is off cause according to my legs we rode like 50, at least). The point is she could have killed me, but she didn't and I think we had fun and I'm tired. She also said she would pull me in the bike trailer. She lied, again. She's a funny one that Lindy.

Macee's Doll

I found this picture of Macee the first night she got this doll from her Aunt Skye. Skye made them for all the little girls a few years ago. She slept with it the first night she got it, and she still sleeps with it. We find it in our bed every morning, which means in the middle of the night when she comes to our bed, she grabs remembers to grab her doll to come with her. Crazy girl and cute doll.

Zoo Day!!

Went to the Hogle Zoo and the kids loved it!! Macee was most excited to see the monkeys (her favorite animal), Taggert liked the seals and Griffin loved the tigers (it was growling like crazy and he loved it). We stopped at Nielsens on our way home, which you cannot beat as far as treats are concerned. Loryn & Makelle came home with us for a sleepover. I'd say a pretty good start to SPRING BREAK 2013!!

Easter 2013

I tried real hard to get a picture of my kids all together in their church clothes, but I wasn't very successful. Good Easter Sunday and very grateful for my knowledge of the resurrection.

Finally...

Telly had a campout with the boys (YM) tonight, so I was home alone with the kids. What did I do you ask?? Put the kids to bed and finally finished painting the room downstairs. I was up until 2:30 AM, but it's done now.

We had an egg hunt with the Andersen family on Saturday at the park and loved the great weather. Then we finished the day off at Lagoon. Macee was the first one asleep on the way home, then Griff and Tagg held out clear 'til we were home.

Nice big sister

Macee had a birthday party today next door. She ran out the door to head to the party and Griff was standing at the front door waving bye to her. He started crying and saying "huggie". Macee heard him and ran all the way back to the house to give a hug goodbye. What a nice sister.

Let the festivities begin

Sooo, the we had a little egg hunt with the neighbors this afternoon. The kids second one of the week. I've decided Easter is worse than Halloween, as far as the amount of candy the kids get and eat. Oh, well. Griff had a friend's birthday party today, which was the highlight of his day.

Spring Fever

It was a lovely spring day in Cache Valley!! The kids got to play outside, Macee had a massage party (don't know exactly what that means, but she played with friends), Tagg took a long nap, I made some homemade chicken nuggets (pretty good in my opinion) and my sink is dish free before I go to bed.

FHE

We had a group FHE night helping Grandma Great with her yard. It was fun to see everyone and her yard looked great when we were done. An added bonus is the good food we had, too. I don't think Grandma Great makes anything that isn't just delicious!!

Whew...

Such a relief to be done with speaking and teaching last week. Kaylee and her friend Kendra came over for dinner, we hung out as a family for a little bit, then bedtime! The boys were down by 8:15 and Macee by 9:00. Tagg's ears starting draining AGAIN today. That is 2 ear infections THIS month. I feel so bad for him. He's always so good, even when he isn't feeling so hot.

Saturday

Wahoo! So, I'm speaking in church tomorrow, which is always good, but bad at the same time. I'm working on that and Telly is hanging the light in the kids new room downstairs (that STILL isn't done, but very, very close).

Good night!

We've gone mad...

March Madness mad that is. The last few years we've been going to the Reilly's when the games all begin and watch all day. They set up three TV and have different games going all at once. There is a lot of good food (including Danny's famous ribs) and good people. The kids all play well together and basically sneak candy all day. What more could a kids want?

Recipe

I made some granola from a recipe I got from a neighbor. So, I'll share it.

1/2 cup oil
1 cup honey
1/2 cup almonds
1/2 cup pecans
dash of vanilla
5-6 cups oats

Mix all ingredients together and place on a cookie sheet. Bake @ 250 for an hour or longer if you want it a little more crunchy.

Sometimes I'll add coconut or a dash or cinnamon. Eat it with milk or yogurt or just plain.

Time Flies...

Wow! What a good week. I think Griff is potty trained, the suns been out and shinning and I had a shopping day with no children and good friends. I taught RS today on our Divine Destiny. I had a dream that when I was teaching, no one would answer my questions so I threw my book up in the air and left. I didn't do that, so all in all, I'd say it was a success.

Big Boy

Griff wore underwear ALL day and kept them dry. No accidents!! Highlight of the day, for sure.

Good Heavens I've Lost my Mind

I just plain old forgot to post last night. Telly taught a realestate class Monday night and didn't get  home til late. I kept thinking of Skye Longhurst Olson and how it's normal life to have long, long days all alone with the kiddos. She is one awesome momma. Today was a gorgeous day, seriously gorgeous day. The kids played outside riding bikes, finding worms, sidewalk chalking and trampolining. Everyone went to bed with pink little faces. Love the nice weather, but I hate what it does to their socks, grrrr.

Home from the weekend

We went to "the cabin" this weekend. We even let Macee miss her first day of school. The cabin is my sister's in-laws. It's a total cabin, cabin. You have to snowmobile in and hall all your stuff in a sled. The kids skied down the road and got a ride to the top, played in the snow, played with cousins, lots of games, movies and good times. I need to take pictures next time cause the carpet is original 1970's gold shag. Doesn't get much better than that.

Potty training and ear infections

We've been potty training this week (going pretty well) and Taggert has had ear infections AGAIN. He had tubes put in the very end of December and has had 2 ear infections in the last month. Poor kid! He's never gonna learn to talk cause he can't hear cause he always has crude in his ears! Talk about a red-headed-step-child who always gets sick...Wish us luck on dry underwear.

Love these guys!!

Nice picture of Christmas in March!! Telly surprised me with a babysitter and a date night. I think he knew I was on the verge of losing my mind. Seriously, losing my mind, if some hasn't already been lost forever.  It only takes a few hours of being alone and some big deep breaths to remember how lucky I am to have such a great hubby and some pretty dang cute kids that are worth losing brain cells over. Now, I'm ready for a few more weeks of winter and the daily grind.

good night

got nottin right now

oops!

I keep forgetting to post! I inherited Telly's old phone and I haven't set a reminder alarm for the evening post yet. I need to do that. We had a good Sunday with three extra kids!! We got to church on time and Sacrament meeting was one of the best we've had in a long time. The fact that Griffin fell asleep only 15 minutes into the meeting helped a lot. He slept through almost all of Sunday school too. He was plum worn out from late nights/early mornings with cousins. Overall a great Sunday!!

Super Saturday

We started at the Jump Zone and ended at the 4A basketball championship game. MC lost, but it was fun to be there. The kids have had a blast playing with their cousins. Love having them here.

Cousin sleepover

We have Cara's kids (well, 3 of them) for the weekend while they are in Hawaii. We love having them here... seriously LOVE it!!

Firetruck visit

Our carbon monoxide detectors were going off today and I couldn't get them to shut off, so we had to call the fire department. They told us to get everyone out of the house and close the doors and windows so they could find the leak. We told Griffin we had to go get in the car cause the firetruck was coming to our house and he said "wahoo!!" so funny.

Griff got to ride his motorcycle outside in the sunshine for a little bit and he was in HEAVEN!! So funny to see the determined look on his face like he's racing someone.

I think it's time...

...to post some pictures from Hawaii.