Kindergarten Graduation

Justice had his graduation program today. I can't believe my baby is done with Kindergarten. The year flew by. It will be nice to have all the kids in school for the whole day in the fall. Then maybe mom can finally get some sleep--I hope. Justice was hilarious in their little program. He loves singing and he was belting them out with a big smile, he was bouncing and dancing along. I couldn't help but laugh. I had a couple people stop me after the program to tell me how cute he is. What a boy! We are sure proud of him.

Montana also tried out for the talent show today. She sang/lip synced a Hannah Montana song. We made some little dance actions to go with it. She practiced and practiced and it looked great. But when it was time to perform she was scared to death. She stood there frozen, and didn't do any of the actions. She was barely singing. Her eyes were filled with terror. But she did it- she didn't give up. I was so proud of her. She is so shy- this was a big deal for her.

Skyler (my nephew that I tend) has started crawling and he is off like a rocket. So we have a baby gate up, but that doesn't stop him a bit. I have been chasing after him all day. He is so fun to have around. It really helps with my baby hungries. He is a sweet little guy. The kids go crazy with him when he is here- they love the stuffin's out of him.

Catch ya later!

More Memorial Day Fun

Memorial Day Fun!

We got up early and met Mom and Grama Dodie at the cemetery to take care of our family graves. We have a bunch of ancestors at the one cemetery which makes it pretty easy. My brother John, My Grampa, 2 great-uncles, their wives, and my Great Mc Grandparents. So we get a lot done all at once. Then Eric went to see Debbie's grave while we were at church. We still need to head out to Camp Williams to visit his dad's grave and Tooele to Grampa Carl's. Mom already went to Spanish Fork on Friday so we didn't go there this year.

After church we headed out to moms for a yummy RIBS dinner. Soooo good. Dad told us all about his trip to Atlanta for the Sherriff's office. Sounds like a beautiful place. He also told us about some Sweet Potato Fries he had there. Made just like regular fries but with sugar sprinkled on instead of salt. I want to try that!

We pulled out the 4 wheeler and dad's old 250 and took them around the neighborhood. The 4 wheeler didn't see much action last year so we wanted to make sure it was still running. We need to get them out camping. Then Justice wanted to learn to ride the "big" bike with out the training wheels. He did such a great job. A couple of spills, but he brushed them off and was quite proud of himself. We ended the day playing frisbee in the front yard. All 6 of us with 3 frisbees flying around. That was pretty fun! We had a fun day! Even the dogs are wore out! What will we do tomorrow???

Memorial Day Fun!

My Pirate Name

Bloody Jenny Vane

Every pirate lives for something different. For some, it's the open sea. For others (the masochists), it's the good. For you, it's definitely the fighting. You tend to blend into the background occaisionally, but that's okay, because it's much easier to sneak up on people and disembowel them that way. Arr!

Go to www.fidius.org to find out what your pirate name is. Arrrr!!!

Play list

Hey kids. We are trying to get with the times. We have added a playlist to our blog. Let me know if there are any songs you love or hate, or if there are some new songs we should check out. I feel like a DJ looking for all these songs- but we have been loving having all our favorite songs in one spot. I know this is not a "new" concept- but we don't have MP3 players so this is new to us! Lots of these songs have special meaning to me and remind me of someone, or a certain time in my life. There is a HUGE range of genre which might seem weird, but that's me! Eric picked some of them- but I picked the rest.

We had NOWHERE to be today. I was weird. So we had to invent some things to do. So I started organizing our laundry/storage room- it had turned into a gigantic donation pile and the garage was spreading into it. So the car is full of stuff to take to DI and the tools are a bit more organized and ready to go back into the garage (which is another gigantic project- maybe for tomorrow). Eric started leveling the yard for our brick patio. He had to put in a retaining wall around the area we are going to use. I didn't realize how badly sloping our yard is. But it is going to look so nice when it is done. We also found some patio furniture that will be great around the fire pit. I think we will just put sod in the rest, but we are kicking around the idea of a zen"ish" gravel area. I guess we will decide after the patio is done.

Sierra went to spend the weekend with her dad in Houston. They are going wakeboarding in the ocean. How fun. Be careful girl. The little ones have been living it up running from one friends house to the next. Holiday weekends are the best!!

What a Day!

Today is a big day in our family. It is my parents 39th anniversary today. Wowzers! My mom told me that she hates to tell people at work how long she has been married because they make such a big deal about it. It really is an accomplishment these days. They are such a great example to me of how to make a marriage work. I love them so much. Congrats you two love birds. It's Grampa George's (Eric's dad) birthday today! So you think you can dance- our FAVORITE TV show begins tonight! The new Indiana Jones movie comes out today- we are so excited to see it. Eric is such an Indie nut. Also, Montana is suppose to have a double header game tonight- but we will see if it gets cancelled as it is raining off and on. So there is a lot to be excited about today!

Yesterday Justice took another Tae Kwon Do belt test. He did such a great job. I am so proud of how hard he works in class. He concentrates and stays on task. He is very strong and loves what he is learning. I am sure he passed and will move up but we will let you know next week when we find out.

Montana is going through a very emotional phase. She is extremely frightened by wind, rain, fears of floods, and weather warnings on TV. She squeals with excitement about Hannah Montana, and the Jonas Brothers whenever anyone mentions them or if they are on TV. She cries when I give Justice or Sierra any kind of praise unless I praise her as well in the same sentence. I love this girl! She wears her heart on her sleeve. But holy smokes- I can't wait for her to grow out of this stage- it is exhausting.

Sierra is excitedly planning her 14th birthday coming up in a couple weeks. My baby is growing up so quickly. It makes me weepy when I think about it. It seems like she has turned into a woman overnight. I love my family!!

Sunday Fun!

Montana gave a talk in primary yesterday. She was so nervous about it. She cried all morning thinking she would freeze and look dumb. I told her I knew she would do a great job and that everyone gets nervous when they have to do this. Well she went up there with a terrified look on her face, but she got through it and did a fantastic job. I sat there listening with tears running down my face because I was so proud of her. She doesn't realize how smart she is. She is an excellent reader and has a very good story telling voice. The kids were all listening and into the story she was telling. She was glad it was over, but even more glad that she did it, and did it well!

Eric wasn't home from Naraya yet and it was about 85 degrees yesterday, but it felt like 100 in the house because we didn't have the air hooked up yet. (Gotta love swamp coolers). We had dinner out on the back patio enjoying the breeze. Popsicles helped keep us cool- but when daddy got home and hooked up the air- we all praised him like never before. We love you daddy!!!

Sierra's Dances

Wahoo! Here are Sierra's dance team performances. You will love them!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=926vbrlVVaI (Send me and Angel)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unjHxKbkza0 (Lifeline)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJlN8FC6CYo (Her Solo: I like the way you Move)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOkmMhmfiqk (Hide N Seek) I posted this one earlier but put it here for convenience.

Enjoy!

Competition Weekend Pt 2

Well yesterday went much better for Sierra. Their team is absolutely amazing. They work hard all year and it shows. Her teachers and director are so talented. The ideas and choreography they come up with are genius. When they perform everyone in the room stops and is mesmerized. Sierra is very lucky to be a part of this team and we are thankful for all that they do for her. Her team took high point in Jazz, Lyrical, & Show. Also they won Sweepstakes for the Region. They of course were on cloud 9.

I was asked to judge several divisions (that Sierra was not in) during the day. I was glad for the diversion because it was a LOOOOONG day. It was fun but it is always taxing on the brain and hand. Trying to write down everything you want to say before they go on to the next move can be challenging. I felt good about my decisions.

Mom came and spent the day with us. But for the first time in 30 years, Grama Dodie wasn't able to come to the Regional competition. She has been such a big supporter all these years. Hopefully she will be able to make it to Vegas for Nationals, but we will see if she feels up to it. We really missed her. I told Mom I was so thankful that she was able to come with me. I would have been sitting there all day by myself. Boring. Dad agreed to watch Justice and Montana all day. So it was just her and I- and occasionally Sierra would pop in. Mom always writes notes in the program about each routine. What they wear or if she liked it. Then when awards are announced we write down the places of each team. I think its more of a way to pass the time then anything else. Although our backs and butts are sore from sitting on bleachers all day, we have fun at the competitions.

Competition Weekend

Well the day finally arrived. Sierra got to perform her solo routine yesterday. She was so nervous and worried, but she rocked it!! She looked absolutely amazing. We had her hair done at the salon in a crazy updo and she felt and looked like a million bucks. She had 2 other super talented girls in her division. It was really tight. She ended up with 2nd runner up. She was very gracious and hugged the other girls. I was very proud of her. The gal that won queen was so cute. I told her that she did great and she said "Sierra was robbed". I thought that was sweet coming from the Queen. Sierra has great friends. Sierra was very upset on the way home- it was a hard loss- but she will bounce back. This is her best year yet. She makes me teary eyed everytime she performs because she is so good. She has worked so hard and she continues to improve every year. She is amazing!! Here is the only good pic I got of her dancing and the quality is not great. I had the camera on the wrong setting and it is really grainy. I will get more next time. We will try to post the routine soon. Chin up kiddo! You and your team will rock the house today!!

Happy Momma's Day!

What a great day! The kids and Eric came and woke me up with sweet cards and presents. Montana made me a cute framed picture that says why she loves me and a coupon book for chores, massages, and what not. You better believe I will be redeeming every one of those coupons!! Sierra gave me a beautiful rose and card. I also got one of those singing cards where the kids were able to record their voices. They each said "I love you Mommy". Then it played the song "You're unbelievable". That brought tears to my eyes. I love being a mom. With all of its challenges and frustration, there is joy, love, happiness, and a sense of purpose. I absolutely love my kids. Each one is unique and such a blessing. It is so fun to ponder what they will be like when they grow up. I am a lucky woman to have these beans in my life. (Human Beans- hee hee). Eric also spoiled me with some furniture- a set of 3 wicker and wood chest of drawers that I have been wanting for awhile. They hold all my stuff and look so pretty!! He made a yummy breakfast and also gave me some spending cash with instructions to only spend it on ME! Well alrighty then. If I must!!


We went and saw the movie "Iron Man" with my mom and dad and our whole crew. It was moms first choice of what to do. It was the first time all 7 of us have seen a movie together. Usually somebody is working or gone- so it was a big deal. And wow it was expensive. But the movie was sooooooo good (Robert Downey Jr. is so hot!!). We had a great time and spent the rest of the day together.


My mom rocks. She is always there to lend a hand- babysit, cook, tell stories, attend the grandkids events, plan parties. She has always been my biggest supporter. She has taught me how to be a woman. More and more I find myself wanting to be more like her. She has so many talents that I wish I would have inherited. She is an amazing woman. Being a mom helps me realize how much she did for me growing up that I never noticed or appreciated. A great big Thank You and I love you to you mom!

Some cute pics of our lunch date a few days ago.

Softball Pics

Softball Sillyness

We had 3 hours of baseball today- 1 hr practice & two games. Lot of fun in the sun. Montana is making strides. She learned how to throw today-which was hilarious during the game. She learned a new 3 step procedure to help her throw farther and more accurately. So during a big play the ball came right to her. Instead of just throwing it to get the runner out- she stopped took her time to remember the three steps and didn't even look where she should be throwing it- but did throw it quite well- although we are not sure where she meant to aim. We were laughing in the stands. She always makes sports so fun. Most of the time she is an outfielder and stands there with her mitt straight up in the air, looking at the ground, and kicking the dirt. I would die laughing if the ball just magically fell into her mitt. The coach has nicknamed her statue of liberty for her famous pose. Silly girl.

Gas Prices

Ok- I have officially kicked myself in the butt. I spent 3.54 a gallon on gas this morning. What the ??? Why did I buy a gas hog for a car??? Why are my kids in activities all over the valley?? I am constantly driving and buying gas!! Eric is thinking about buying a motorcycle to reduce our gas bill. What is going on???? I am so frustrated with this. I heard a story on the news this morning about gas prices around the world- scary. Anywhere from .12 cents to 18.00. Can you believe that? I am getting scared about how things are going. To bad we don't have gas in our storage. I wish the miles I track on the treadmill could somehow convert to energy that would make my car go. Someone out there figure that out would ya!!

Celebrity Morph by MyHeritage

These were so fun to do. My friend Niki had it on her blog and I couldn't resist copying. Eric is usually told he looks like Kevin Bacon- but apparently he has a more Italian flare. I for sure do not look like Scarlett but it is nice to pretend. I thought the kids were really interesting! Who knew we had all these celebrities is the family?

MyHeritage: Celebrity Morph - Ancestors - Family history

Celebrity Morph by MyHeritage

MyHeritage: Celebrity Morph - Roots - Family tree template

Celebrity Morph by MyHeritage

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity

Celebrity Morph by MyHeritage

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity

Celebrity Morph by MyHeritage

MyHeritage: Celebrity Morph - Free family tree - Family pictures

Wyoming Pics

Baptism & House Warming

We went up to Afton Wyoming yesterday to see my cousin Holly's daughter Hannah be baptised. It was a really fun trip because Mark and Holly just bought a beautiful home on 5 acres with a beautiful view of the mountains. Montana and Hannah went riding around on their 4 wheeler on their property. Holly is used to it and it didn't bother her a bit- but I look out the window and Hannah is driving in her baptism dress, Montana is on the back, in her dress holding on for life. They were splashing thru the mud and having all kinds of fun. Montana had the biggest smile ever.

The church the baptism was at was the most beautiful LDS church I have ever seen. It was like a castle. I had to take pictures of it.

Also we went to Uncle John and Aunt Sherma's cabin after for some chit chat. We absolutely love it up there and go every chance we get. It's a small town and mountains all around. If we could take our jobs with us, we would move there in a heartbeat.

Sierra's ShowTeam Dance

This isn't the greatest quality but you get the general idea. Most of the time she is front and center.

http://www.youtube.com/v/POONvxgxyLU&hl=en%22

Hard Work

Cute little backyard corner

Brick pavers for our new patio

Newly painted doors (yes, it's black, and I love it!)

Front yard flowers

We have been trying to spruce up our yard the last few days. We trimmed our way overgrown tree in the front yard, planted some flowers, reseeded some bare patches of grass, and we are still in planning mode for our patio in the backyard. Eric hauled home 1200 red brick pavers from someone at his work who donated them to us for- FREE- We love anything that is free. So they are sitting there looking pretty in a pile. It took about 800 trips to get them all from the trailer to the back yard because they are quite heavy. It was a family project. I am not looking forward to moving them again- but we are determined to get the yard looking good this year. Wish us luck!