OUR FUN DAY!

This morning when the kids woke up I told them that they were going to have a surprise visitor.  They were They waited very very excited all morning, and kept asking me when their visitor would be here. 

patiently fianally the visitor arived right on time!

When I opened the front door the kids were very excited to see their  GrandmaC. who had driven all the way from the other side of the valley just to see them!  They were also very happy when they learned that Grandma had brought a chocolate bunny for each of them! 

We had lots of fun talking and catching up, and after a while she asked if I would mind if she took the kids out to lunch.  Ofcourse I didn't mind at all!  So we got the kids shoes on, and they headed off to McDonalds where they got to eat delicious Happy Meals, play on the toys, and just hang out with Grandma for a little while!  They had a BLAST!!!

When they got back they were nice enough to bring me lunch, and we had a great time talking for a little longer. 

All too soon it was time for her to head home, and we were sad to see her go. We had a great time with her today, and we can't wait until we get to see her again!

After Grandma left the kids and I headed over to Kimber's appartment complex where there happen to be a lot of new baby ducks!  It took a few minutes of walking around the little pond which my kids named "duck lake" but we found the baby ducks, and they were so tiny and cute! 

It was hard to tear the kids away from the cute little ducks, but we headed home because it was getting a little hot outside.  The rest of the day was spent as most other days.  Just hanging around the house and playing until dinner time.  I am just really glad that the kids got to see their grandma because they don't get to see her as much as I would like them to. 

OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES

Those of you who know mackenzie know that she has an attitude that far surpasses her aunt Kimber.  And those of  you who knew Kimber as a little girl with her red headed attitude know that thats saying a lot!  Kimber calls her a diva, and I think thats a pretty accurate description.  Mackenzie is 3 going on 16, and she pretty much thinks that she rules the world! :)  I love my little girl to pieces, and  I am so proud to be her mom. 

Mackenzie is not afraid to say anything to anyone, and one of  these days her mouth just micht get me into trouble!  The purpose of this post is to write these things down so that I don't forget them.... and mabye show them to her when she is older. :)

#1.  My mom's home teachers came over oneSunday afternoon.  They are a husband and wife team, and I have known them for years!  They would do anything for anyone, and they are just some of the nicest people that I have ever known!  Well the husband happens to be a pretty big guy.  When he walked through the door Mackenzie yells  "Are you Humpty Dumpty?!"  Luckily he is hard of hearing, so he asked her to prpeat the question.  I was glad that he didn't hear her, but his wife told him what she had asked.  This went on periodicly through the lesson, and then once they were headed out the door she yelled big and loud "BYE HUMPTY DUMPTY!"  I was so embarressed, I just wanted to crawl in a hole and hide!

#2.  We were at the grocery store and the isle was pretty crowded.  I parked my basket with Kenzie sitting in the seat and stepped just across the isle to grab a can of soup.  The next thing I heard was "Hi My name is  Kenzie,Do you go to church?"  I quickly walked back across the isle before Kenzie got too deep into her questioning.  As I did so the lady said "Yes I go to church."  Then I started to push our cart away, but not before Kenzie got one more question out "Is it the new church?"  To this the lady responded "Well it's kind of a new chruch."  I then quickly appoligized, and  headed down the next isle.

#3.  We were taking a walk around the neighborhood, and there was a guy working in his front yard without a shirt on. I could tell she was about to say something so we sped up the pace, but I Just couldn't get her out of there fast enough.  Before I could stop her she yelled "Hey boy, why are you naked?"  He didn't respond, he just walked into his house. 

#4.  We were in the sting ray petting zoo at the zoo.  One of the workers happened to be a black guy.  She was having lots of fun while he was showing her and Kyle how to put their hands in the water, and all of a sudden she turns to him and asks "Why are you brown?"  I was really nervous that this time her mouth would get me in trouble, but luckily he was really nice about it and just said "Just because thats the way that I was made."  This I am so glad thet he was understanding.

#5.  This has actually happened a couple of diferent times. Whenever she sees a pregnant woman she just can't seam to help herself, and she always asks "Do you have a baby in your tummy?  Luckily so far everyone that she has asked has actually been pregnant, but I am afraid that one of these days she is going to ask someone who is not. 

Out of all of these it was number 4 that was the most embarressing to me.  We always have talks about how we only say nice things to people, but she is just a girl who speaks her mind..  So until she is older I guess we will continue to have those little talks, and she will continue to say those little things that make me want to hide.  I love my little girl, and as embarressing as these things are, I do have to admit that they make me maugh! 

:)

This is the song that has been stuck in my head for the past couple of weeks.  I catch myself singing it all the time, and I just can't seam to make it go away. :)

FAMILY PICTURES APRIL 24, 2011

My sister in law Alicia was sweet enough to take some family pictures for us on Easter afternoon after church.  I was kinda sad that it ended up being a windy day but we still got some pretty good pictures!  Here are a few of my favorites!

POST 03- 20 FAVORITE THINGS

This is not in any particular order, I just wrote them down as I thought of them because I am in a little bit of a hury to finish this today. :)


1.  My family

2.  The sound of my kids laughter

3.  Chocolate

4.  Rainy days

5.  music

6.  Singing solos in church

7.  Playing with my kids

8.  Sleep

9.  Camping

10.  Watching my kids learn new things

11.  The Gospel

12.  Getting hugs from my kids

13.  Going for walks

14.  shopping

15.  Watching movies

16.  Going swimming

17.  Dr Pepper

18.  Christmas

19.  Easter

20.  My sister (she told me to say that..... although she thinks that she should be number 1)

EASTER 2011

I wanted to make sure that I was awake to take pictures of the kids when they first saw their Easter baskents on Easter morning.  Since my kids often wake up pretty early, and my room is farther from the Living room than theirs is, this meant that I had to set my alarm for 5 AM to make sure that I was awake before they were.  But ofcourse since I made sure that I was the first one awake, this was the ONE day that they chose to sleep in until almost 7.  :)

When they fianally woke up, they were very excited to see what the Easter Bunny had brought for them!

Kyle had tons of fun just going through his basket!

With every single thing that Kenzie pulled out she would say "The easter Bunny made this for me?!  Oh he shouldn't have!"

After going through what the Easter Bunny had brought for them, they had lots of fun finding the easter eggs that he had hidden for them!

They had lots of fun playing all morning!

Pretty soon it was time to get ready for church and they were so excited to fianally get to wear their new clothes! 

Church was great!  My mom had all of her kids and grandkids there with her for the first time in a long time!  We took up an entire row, and she loved it!

When I took the kids to their Primary classes Kyle sat in his row very reverantly, and Kenzie cried at the beginning because she was sad that she couldn't find any of her friends, but thats when her very favorite teacher walked up, and suddenly all was right with the world!  When I picked them up at the end of church both of their teachers said that they did great, and this made me very happy, I think they are fianally starting to get used to their new primary classes!

After church we headed over to our old ward building where my sister in law took some family pictures of the kids and I!  The kids would not really cooperate, but I am hoping that we can get at least a couple where they are smiling.

As soon as we were finished with our pictures we headed back home where the kids got to change into play clothes, and then it was off to my grandma and grandpa's house for dinner! 

Dinner was delicious, we  had  potatoes, ham, green beans, and rolls. My mom had tried a new recipe for the glaze on the ham and it was so yummy! 

After dinner we just hung out for a while.  Kenzie had gone into the toy room and found her favorite dress up outfit, then Kimber played her favorite song on David's celphone, and she danced for everyone. 

Shortly my Aunt Pam called.  They are in town from Utah, and she wanted to arange a time to get together.  So, we all headed over to my other grandparents house where  we enjoyed talking and catching up for a little while. 

My uncle Daren and his family also ended up stopping by, and it was really nice to see so much of our family... it's too bad that most of this side of our family lives so far away.  I wish that we could see everyone more.

Too soon it was time to get home, and we were sent home with a cookie for each one of us, and a half eaten bag of frito's.  Those of you who have been to my granparents house know that you NEVER leave there without taking some sort of food with you!:) 

Once we were home it took a couple of minutes, but once the kids were in bed they went to sleep quite easily which made me happy!  I actually got to bed at a decent hour which very rarely happens! 

We had a wonderful Easter, and we hope that all of youdid too! 

OUR EASTER PARTY!

Yesterday was our annual family Easter Party, and as always it was lots of fun! 


First as is tradition, we had a barbecue for lunch.  We had hot dogs, hamburgers, salads, chips & soda.  It was delicious! 


Next we all headed off to the park down the street for our annual egg toss.  Kyle & Kenzie were partners and I just had to take this first picture because they were holding hands, and it was so stinkin' cute!

They didn't last long though.  They got bored after about a minute, and Kyle stomped on the egg.

Here is Mr. Slade at the park..... Can you read what his shirt says?  If not I will tell you.  "Be Careful I Bite!"There has never been a more fitting shirt..... That little guy bites HARD!

After the egg toss we headed back to the house to have our Easter egg hunt.  It was lots of un!

After our Easter egg hunt it was dessert time, and it was so yummy!  My mom made this thing with twinki's, and strawberries, I don't know what it was called, but it was dang good!  There was also an apple dessert, lemon bars, and cookies!

Shortly after dessert, most people went home, but a few of us stayed behind.  My mom had to put sleaves in my cousing prom dress, and my cousin's wife who is a paramedic was helping David with a take home test for his paramedic class.  So that left a few of us sitting around looking for something to pass the time. 

We ended up playing what just might be the funnest game EVER!  It is called "What's Yours Like?" I am going to have to buy that game because there is no group op people more perfect to play that game with than my family!  I don't think I have ever laughed so hard in my lie, and poor Marshall was brought to tears because he laughtd so hard! 

All too soon everyone was finished with what they had to do, and it was time to go home.  so we said our goodbyes and headed went home  where Kyle got a quick hair cut, and bath, then it was off to bed in hopes that the Easter bunny might come visit our house! 

COLORING OUR EASTER EGGS

This morning we colored our Easter eggs.  Kyle & Mackenzie were so good and so careful that they didn't even spill.  To be honest I was a little surprised about that. :)

We had tons of fun, and the kids are so excited about all of the pretty colors that the eggs turned!

MY BABY BROTHER IS 21 TODAY!

Today is Kyler's 21st birthday. 

When my mom asked him what kind of birthday cake he wanted, all he would say is pizza, so she made him this.

 The crust was a giant chocolate chip cookie, the sauce was red frosting, the cheese was shavings of a cookies & Cream candy bar, and the peperoni slices were pieces of fruit roll ups cut into circles. 



This year there were a few trick candles on the cake. :)

 After that it was time for presents. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KYLER!!!  WE LOVE YOU!!!

THE EASTER PAGENT

Last night we went to the Easter Pagent. 


We got there about two hours early, and the whole time the kids just couldn't wait to see Jesus!  They did get to meet a couple of fun people while they waited though.  First they met Jebadiah, one of the deciples of Christ..... then just before it started one of the actors came around holding a sheep, and the kids got to pit it. 

when it wastime fot it to start Kenzie stayed awake just long enough to see Jesus in a couple of scenes, and then she fell asleep in my lap. Kyle stayed awake for it, but he was very tired.  I really don't understand why they start it so late.  It is plenty dark enough by 7 PM. 

Kenzie's favorite part was Baby Jesus.  Kyle says that his favorite part was "Jesus"  My favorite part is the very end when Jesus is ascending up into Heaven. 

When the pagent was over I carried my sleeping Kenzie who only weighs about 50 pounds or so, but when she is asleep she is a dead weight.  Let me just say that I was VERY GREATFUL that we had gone with my grandparents who have a handicaped sign on their car.  If I had had to cary her any farther than the front parking lot I don't know if I would made it. 

HOW TO HAVE A GARAGE SALE......GROSS STYLE :)

Step #1:  Find all the old crap that you don't want anymore, but that you hope someone else might want to buy. 

Step #2:  Put prices on all the stuff.  Remember to price just a tiny bit higher than you actually want to sell it for because they will always try to bring the price down. 

Stop #3:  The night before the sale drive all of your stuff over to Amy's house so that all that has to be done in the morning is set up. 

Step #4:  Wake up at 3:30 AM, put on the first pair of clean clothes you find, and throw your hair into a pony tail.  

Step #5:  Wake up kids and do your best to get them dressed while they are still half asleep.  

Step #6:  Be at Amy's house by 4 AM.  Set up tables, cover with tablecloths, and set all of the stuff that you want to sell neatly on them.  

Step #7:  Drive around the neighborhood and place signs to advertise your sale.  

Step #8:  Eat a breakfast that consists of doughnuts, and cinamon rolls while watching the customers pick up random items, and pray that they pick up something that has your initals on it and take it to the cash table to pay for it.  

Step #9:  Sit around for hours and watch people shop. Check on the kids every few minutes who are playing in the house to make sure that they are doing alright.  

Step #10:  Eat lunch, this usually consists of hot dogs, chips and soda.  

Step #11:  When it is just too hot to sit outside to sit outside anymore, and the shoppers have stopped showing up, drive around and pick up all of your signs.  

Step#12:  Wander around the sale, and lood at all of the stuff that everyone else brought that didn't sell.  Take whatever you want.  

Step #13:  Pack up everything that remains and save it for the next sale that will happen again in 6 months.  

Step #14:  Count all the money, and divide it accordingly to what you sold.  

Step # 15:  Go home, and fight to stay awake late enough for it to be an acceptable bed time.  

I love our family garage sales, they are always so much fun!

STORY TIME!

Last Thursday Leslie and I took Kyle, Mackenziek Dallas, Slade, and Elyse to Barns&Noble.  They  have a free story time where a lady reads a book, and then the kids get to do a craft. This time the story was about farm animals, and then the kids got to make cow puppets.  They had lots of fun! 

After story time was over we headed over to the part of the childrens where they have a train table set up.  We played there for about a half hour, and the kids thought that it was so much fun! 

The best part if it all was that it was totally FREE!

Ww eill definately have to do that again sometime!

"BARBECUE DAY"

This past Friday was a barbecue funeraiser to help my cousin, and the other boys in his ward go to camp this summer.  It was lots of fun!  Tickets were 5 dollars, and that got you a cowboy style barbecue dinner and dessert.  My kids called it "barbecue Day!" 

They also had a bluegrass band that was really good.  The kids ended up dancing the whole time, and having tons of fun! 

PUZZLES!

When we got home from the zoo Grandma had a puzzle for Kyle.  It was a 46 piece floor puzzle, and he had the whole thing finished without any help in about 15 minutes! 

Have I ever mentioned that he loves to build puzzles?

OUR VERY FIRST TRIP TO THE ZOO!

On Friday April 8th the kids and I were invited to go to the zoo with Kimber and David. I hadn't been to the zoo since I was pretty young, and the closest thing to a zoo that Kle and Mackenzie had ever seen was a pet store, so we were all pretty excited.


Once we got out tickets into the zoo the first animals that we went to see were the giraffes. I think that they were my favorites!




These guys were also in the same place as the giraffes.


Next it was off to see the zebras which are Kimber's favorite!




Next it was off to see these gus!

Next we stopped by the baboons, and it was lunch time for them. It was really fun to watch them eat. The kids favorite thing about them is that they have pink bums.




Right next door were the monkeys with the painted faces.

Next we saw the rhino, and it was sick and under medical observation. It didn't move all day.

next were the camels, and the thing that the kids remember most about them is that they are stinky.

Then we stopped to have lunch.


After lunch we got to walk inside a monkey cage right with them! It was really cool to be so close to them!



Then we saw a really pretty red bird

Then it was off to see the super lizard.... Kenzie had fun riding the statue outside of the exhibit.


We fianally came to the elephant! Kyle had been asking to see the elephant ALL DAY! He later told me that it was his favorite part of the zoo!



Next was the tucan, and I decided that he has the best home in the zoo because it is nice and shady.

You see this turtle? The picture dosn't do it justice.... it is HUGE!!!

Next we walked across this little wooden bridge that put us out in the middle of a little lake. I actually remember this bridge from when I went on a field trip to the zoo when I was in elementry school a long time ago. :)

This bird had nothing holding it there, it just stayed there.

Next was the tiger....Kenzie said it looked at her.

Then we saw the lions but they were asleep.

Then we saw what Kimbercalled the Pumpa pigs, but they were asleep too.

Then we went to the sting ray petting zoo

Kenzie was VERY BRAVE, and Kyle was a little scared at first  This was Kenzie's very favorite part of the zoo!

Slade just wanted to go swimming

I was perfectly content not touching one, but Kimber made me, and the whole place knew when I did because I squealed.
Last of all we saw a turkey

At the end of the day we were all very tired, but we had a very fun day, and we can't wait to go back again some day!