Hello Week/Mini Drill pt. 2

Thursday night Sierra could not sleep due to a severe stomach ache and eventually puking every hour. I texted her drill coach to let her know that most likely, Sierra would not be performing in the Hello Assembly in the morning. Because drill is so strict, they require you to come even if you are sick...but you don't have to dance. 9 times out of 10 the girls feel better after a while, or really aren't that sick. So although I knew she was on her death bed, we dragged her to practice at 6:00. With her performance gear, pillow, blanket, pepto-bismol, and puke pan. The poor girl was a site. But she was determined she was going to be ok by performance time.

I came back for the assembly and her coach said that she definitely was not well and would not perform. Not a surprise, but Sierra was devastated. She has worked for 5 months with the drill team and hasn't been able to perform once. She missed some practices when we went to Las Vegas and so she wasn't able to do the summer parade, or perform at drill camp. Then last week she couldn't perform at the first football half-time because they hadn't respaced the dance yet. Now this morning for the assembly and most likely the Mini Drill event tonight. I stayed to support the team for the assembly and to haul Sierra off the minute they were done. They did a fantastic job...but tears fell as I thought about all the hard work Sierra has put into this and hasn't been able to enjoy it yet. Life is funny that way.

So she slept the ENTIRE day and still did not feel well when it was time for the football game/Mini Drill half-time. So she was going to have to sit out again. Justice and Montana were both very excited and couldn't wait to get going. They both did a fantastic job and had so much fun being out on the football field with a whole crowd of people screaming for them. I've tried a couple of times to post the video but it won't work. Here's what you would have seen...Justice is in the purple group, front row, second from the end. Montana is in the yellow group, front row, with the big yellow bow in her hair. We were so proud of them! Sierra is on the grass in the white tshirt that has a Number One and "Shushie" on the back (that's her drill nickname).

Here's some fun pics too!

How Sierra spent the day! Montana and Autumn Justice

Fox

It's official! I'm a workin' girl again! I was hired by Channel 13 (Fox) as a Master Control Operator. I will work in the tape room 3 nights a week and in the control room 2 nights a week. They will also train me to do the camera for the News at 9:00 show--which is the number one rated news in the state. What?? and they want a newbie on the camera? It must be easy or they wouldn't do it that way--I HOPE!

So I start on Monday! The 6 month unemployment drought is over!!! It worked out perfectly and I couldn't be happier with the job, the hours, the benefits. I can still be home for my family when they need me, I will have time to sleep, and I can keep babysitting as well. Which also means I can keep my bills paid and food on the table. It's all good! I'm breathing a gigantic sigh of relief!!

Mini Drill 09 Pt. 1

Yesterday was the first day of the big Mini Drill Fundraiser. Montana was registered to participate and then at the last minute Justice decided he wanted to do it too. There was another boy participating in his age group and he thought it would be fun. Sierra warned us not to do it, but he really wanted to. Once they started learning the dances we decided it was WAY too girly and so he decided to ride his bike instead. We had brought it for him to have fun on while the girls danced. Turns out, it was a good idea. So he was just supporting his sister.

Montana was having the time of her life!! I think she was so excited to have a friend in her class (one of our neighbors) and she was showing off a bit. I love seeing her smile and enjoy herself like that! It will be fun to see her dance at the game on Friday!

Sierra was teaching another age group that neither Justice or Montana were in. She is a very patient teacher and really enjoys it. It was fun to watch her in action. A few moms and I helped with registration and getting people & t-shirts organized. After that I just cruised around taking pics of all the kids. Fun night! We will repeat classes tonight & then the kids perform at the game on Friday night! I will post more pics then!

First Day of School 09

Today was the first day of school for all my kiddos! The kids were excited to say the least. Sierra had drill at 6:15, so when she got up to get ready, so did everyone else. They were all dressed and ready at 5:30 and came to wake me up. Who are these people? The younger two were pretty disappointed as the hours ticked slowly by. Their school didn't start until 9:00...which felt like forever. So hopefully tomorrow they will sleep in a bit longer!

Sierra started high school and said that she thought it was pretty boring and not what she expected at all. I guess she was expecting fireworks and parties or something. She likes her teachers so far and was able to find her classes. So that is a great start.

Sierra

Chirons wore one of their many day outfits. I guess this is so the school gets to know the drill team.


Justice

Montana

In front of the school

Justice and his super cool backpack

Tana with her plaid backpack that she LOVES...wanted to walk with her friends

Justice & Tana both had a great day as well. Justice only had one sheet of easy homework (THANK YOU!) but it looks like Tana will be loaded down on a daily basis. Hopefully we can get it down to a quick routine. But overall...it was a great day for everyone. They were happy to see their friends and although they wont admit it...we are glad summer is over.

My 39th Birthday Blowout

Mom & Dad had been saying they were planning an all-day surprise for my birthday, but wouldn't tell me anymore than that. So when dad showed up on his Harley and in his bike gear...I wasn't sure what to expect.

We ended up going on a Harley Ride For Life/Poker Run. I had never done anything like this but it was amazing. You get a sheet, then you go to 5 different locations around the valley, pull a card from the deck, they mark it on your sheet & then you go to the next location for your next card. After going all over the valley we went back to the Harley store for lunch, raffle drawings and to find out who won the poker hand. There were tons of prizes and lots of good food. It was all to benefit the Ronald McDonald house. I know they made at least $10,000 just in the raffle/auction alone...let alone the entry fees for the Poker Rally.

Then all the bikers had a police escort to the Trace Adkins/Toby Keith Concert at the Usana Amphitheatre and a dinner sponsored by Texas Roadhouse-yum! Totally the perfect end to a perfect day!! The weather was great all day...super hot...and then to have it cool down for the concert was heaven!!! We had a fantastic day and I'm so glad I got to spend it with my amazing family!!!

Us at the concert...chillin on the grass!!

Airplane Adventures

I took Justice & Skyler to the Air Force Airplane Museum in Ogden yesterday. We have been there before, but now that Justice has decorated his room with planes he is much more interested in them than he was the last time we were there.

We had a great time exploring all the exhibits and imagining what it would be like to go up in all those different planes. I know I would hate it...but Justice thought it would be pretty exciting. Skyler wanted to touch and feel everything of course. Justice was in heaven in the gift shop. He wanted absolutely everything in it. And I wish we could have gotten a few things...they would be so cute in his airplane room! But I told him we will just have to come back again and get something special. And next time we will bring a picnic and eat it under the plane. The have tables underneath to sit at....so I think it would be a lot fun. Anyhoo---the boys had fun being away from those stinky girls :-) Mom's don't count of course.

On the way home we saw a couple of different planes that were landing at the base. The boys were oooing and ahhing. It was the perfect ending to our adventure!!

A total surprise

My dad stopped by unexpectedly the other day. He was here with a new dishwasher for my birthday & he was ready to install it!!! I was so surprised and excited. Our old washer was completely falling apart and not cleaning the dishes at all. I guess I complained about it one too many times and my parents ran with it. So dad and I decided to install it right then & there.

We spent most of the day taking out the old disgusting washer and installing the new beautiful one. I'm so glad my dad is handy because I wouldn't know the first thing to do. After hitting his head on a drawer a couple times and the counter once, we decided we would try electrocuting him. I had turned off the breaker that was label dishwasher disposal...but apparently it was labeled wrong. He yelped pretty loud, and scared the crap out of me...but luckily he was ok. And luckily I had just wiped up the puddle of water that had leaked out of the washer!! So after the handyman was finished...we loaded the washer and waited for the magic to happen. And it works fantastically!!! Thanks sooooo much mom & dad. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness!

Montana turns 10!!

Montana decided to do a beach themed birthday party. We had fun with the decorations and cake and everything. Mom and I made a flip flop shaped cake. I found the directions online...it didn't turn out quite the same, but it was still cute! We headed to Cowabunga Bay for a splash party with her friends and the family. Once we got there they said they were closing early for a company party...BOO!!!!...so we moved camp over to the Kearns Pool instead...which rocked. They had a blast, indoors and outdoors.

We came home and had pizza, cake & icecream...opened presents and then the girls slept over. She was spoiled as usual by her sweet friends and her crazy grandparents! She was in heaven. She said she didn't actually turn 10 until she blew out the candles. I thought that was cute! She really is turning into a little lady. We love you Tana! Happy Birthday!


Bathing Beauties


The Birthday Girl


The Flip Flop Cake

An adventurous day!

Yesterday Montana, Justice & I woke up and were ready to get out and do something. I didn't want to spend a lot of money so we looked on line for things to do in Salt Lake that are free. The weather was a bit rainy and overcast so we decided it had to be indoors as well. We all decided on going to the Church Museum downtown. We had gone there a couple of years ago with the primary and the kids really enjoyed it. Since admission is free (my favorite word), I thought it would be fun to take Trax (the train) downtown since the kids have never been on it. Well I think Tana went once when she was still in a stroller, but she doesn't remember it.

So we bought our tickets and patiently waited for the train to come. The kids were so excited. When the train came by Montana grabbed and hugged Justice thinking he was going to get run over. It was really sweet but of course he was totally annoyed by her grabbing him. I had to laugh. It wasn't very crowded so we easily found our seats and let the adventure begin. There were lots of colorful people all around us...girl with nasty dreadlocks and face full of piercings, homeless looking guy with rainbow belt, rainbow bag & rainbow t-shirt who repeated all the announcements along with the loudspeaker, and all other walks of life. The kids didn't even notice...but I was afraid they would say something as they have not mastered keeping thoughts to themselves. They waited with anticipation for our stop to come. When it finally did they stood up and held the pole just a little to early, and then when the trained really stopped they both almost fell down...it was cute and everyone around us laughed.

We bounded off to the museum and had a really great time looking at everything. So much history there and so many artifacts to look at. We were able to see a lot more than we did the last time we were there. The kids had a blast in the I'm a child of God section. They played with baby dolls at the pretend hospital, did CTR rubbings in 100's of languages, built temples with blocks, played dress up in the nativity area, walked through Lehi's tree of life vision/dream (my favorite part), put together stained glass window puzzles on the wall, and so much more. It was hard to drag them out of that part. Another of my favorite sections was the prophets exhibit. They had a little section for each of the prophets with memorabilia and photos or video. I loved Brigham Young's sunglasses. They were rectangle and wrapped around the side with dark green lenses. I also loved President Kimball's conference microphone that hooked onto his glasses (it reminded me of my call center days), and it was oh so 70's. Technology has come a long way. Then we came to the President Hinkley exhibit and I was overcome with the spirit and admiration, and the tears started flowing. Maybe it's because he died so recently or maybe just because I really loved him, and I'm a total sap. He was truly amazing. We spent several hours looking at everything. If you haven't been it is really interesting and worth the trip.

We took the train home- and it was just as adventurous. I was surprised how easy it was to get exactly where we wanted to go. No transfers, no train numbers. Just get on the train going the right direction and get off when you want to. The kids definately want to do that again. I think we could just ride the train all around town and they would be happy!

We spent the rest of the day finishing our school shopping and having dinner. We are all set! The kids found out their teachers...Montana has Kirby and she is NOT happy about it, and Justice has Nafus. Nafus was Montana's second grade teacher too and she will whip him into shape. So hopefully we will have a good year! Sierra needs to register this week and she will get her schedule, locker assignment/combo, and all that jazz.

Speaking of Sierra, she called at 2:00 last night but I didn't hear the phone ring. So when I got the message this morning about a car on fire in front of her dad's house, I panicked a little. I called immediately and woke them up-sorry! I guess it was across the street but was popping loudly and was pretty scary. They are fine and no damage to their house. But I don't know all the details yet. I guess it happened by some of the homes that are still under construction. Weird! So hopefully they will get to the bottom of that.

So I think that was enough adventure for one day!

All good things must come to an end

Went to see Julie & Julia last night with Mom & Montana. It was fantastic. I thought the way they combined the two story lines was fantastic. I became especially intrigued with Julia Childs love life. I am looking for the book "My life in Paris" which outlines her journey through Le Cordon Bleu Cooking School and the relationship between her and her husband. According to the movie Julia was a eternally optimistic and lovable person. She was especially devoted to her husband and he to her. They were not able to have children although she desperately wanted them. I guess the thing that intrigues me most is how she had no idea what she wanted to do with her life. She just kind of drifted around until she fell into what she loved to do. And then she became a huge success. I guess I'm hoping that's a bit how my life will turn out--not expecting the success part though.

Here is the update on my job search adventure. I have applied for so many jobs I have lost count. For the most part, they email back and say that you did not get the position...but most you just don't hear back from. I applied for three different Master Control positions with local stations here...was turned down by two and still waiting to hear from the third. My most promising opportunity is with IHC in their phlebotomy program. They took applications from 535 people and chose 75 to interview. From there they chose 30 for a second interview. I was so shocked to get that call back! They only have 12 positions to fill. So I have about a 50/50 chance. I am keeping a positive attitude that this will work out. It would be a fantatic job. I will fill you in on the details when thing work out!! I am excited that I have gotten this far.

School starts on the 24th and we are all so excited!! Sierra is starting High School, Montana will be in 4th grade, and Justice will be in 2nd grade. For the most part they have just had a super lazy, do nothing summer. Sierra has been busy with drill, but then she comes home and is so exhausted that she sleeps most of the rest of the day. So we are ready to get back to normal. They are all on each others nerves and just ready for friends, learning, and some place new to go. I'm so thankful that we have had all summer to hang out together. But I think summer has overstayed it's welcome!! Just like my unemployment!! All good things must come to an end.

Sprinkler Savers

I have had a couple of broken sprinkler heads for most of the summer. I keep meaning to fix them, but just haven't gotten around to it yet. In the meantime, my poor lawn is getting crispy in spots. Well my mom and dad just showed up a couple days ago with a truck full of tools and were ready to get to work. I was really suprised and excited.

The broken head in the front yard was being totally choked by roots from our tree. It took several hours to chop and dig down to the problem. Literally it was fighting for every inch. Dad was using every tool known to man. We could not find the pipe where this broken head came from...so we kept digging. Mom and I were working on the yard- clearing rocks, mowing the lawn, pulling weeds, and making future plans...like we always do :-) After many hours we had not solved the probelm and had to call it a day. Dad said he would be back to finish.

Then Chris stopped by last night to pick up Sierra, but she was still out shopping with my mom. He saw the big hole in the lawn and said he could fix it and was just killing time until Sierra got back anyway. He looked down into the hole we had dug and could see the pipe...honestly it looked like tree roots so it was hard to tell. He went and picked up a few supplies and was able to clear the dirt out of the line. He is coming back today to finish putting the sprinkler heads on. Then I will be able to put the yard back together.

I'm so grateful for everyone's help. And my lawn thanks you too!! You guys are the best!

Royally Spoiled

Grampa Dave came and took Justice out for a "BOYS ONLY" day. Justice was so excited. He called grampa every few hours asking questions and making sure that their plans had not changed. Grampa showed up and Justice squealed like a girl with excitement. And they were off. He came home several hours later with a Darth Vader Escape Plane (I don't know the official name- but I recognized it immediately)and tales of lunch, playground, shopping, building the plane, and their decision to NOT go to the movie because he couldn't wait to put the plane together. Justice told me that they should have "boys only" days more often. He said "like every Tuesday would be good!" That boy makes me laugh. Thanks for making him feel special dad!

Then later that same day my mom came and stole Sierra for a school clothes shopping trip. They headed up to SouthTowne Mall for 5 hours of shopping bliss. My mom is a power shopper. She can go ALL day!! Sierra came home exhausted...with a few great things. They were disappointed they didn't find more to buy...but what they found was darling.

So all three kiddos have been royally spoiled my parents. I love that they can spend individual time with each one. I guess that's the beauty of having a small family. I couldn't love my family any more than I do.

Sierra the Saleswoman

Since becoming a part of the Drill Team at Tville, Sierra has had to develop some skills I thought I would never see in her. We have to fund raise $1200.00 for her as well as the $1200.00 we have to pay out of pocket. It is ridiculously expensive- but I have to admit, totally worth it.

Sierra went around our neighborhood yesterday and wrangled up 8 girls to come to their Mini Drill event. She only needs 2 more and I know that won't be a problem for her. Today she needs to sell 50 raffle tickets for $1 a piece. Each girl was responsible for approaching businesses and asking them to donate items that they could raffle off. We have a friend that owns a clothing boutique and she gladly donated a bag of DARLING clothing. She needed to find a business sponsor and 4 people to come to the golf tournament they are having this week. She lucked out and had family fill that bill. Her aunt and uncle's company is the sponsor, and then her dad, uncle, and a couple of friends are going to be the golfers!! Thank you guys so much for that!! She also needs to find two more businesses who will advertise in the football program. She is making plans to visit several local businesses and seal the deal.

This is the same girl who wouldn't ask for a job application a few months ago. She is approaching people left and right---she doesn't really have a choice, but I can tell it is getting easier for her. I am so impressed. Yesterday I told her she could go into sales by the time her drill team career is over. She said "When I'm done with drill I will be able to do anything!"

She is more organized and responsible than I have ever seen her in her life! She cannot be late and therefore plans ahead. She goes to sleep in the dance clothes she needs to wear the next day. She has made a checklist of ALL her drill stuff and keeps it nicely organized. I love it! I'm so proud of you kiddo!

Birthday Shopping for Tana Bear

Montana's birthday is quickly approaching. We have made plans for her birthday party to be at Cowabunga Bay with a few close friends and family. Every day she gets more and more excited. She only has 23 things on her birthday wish list. 23!!! I told her to plan on one or two things and not to be disappointed. We aren't going to shower you with gifts sweetie!!

She went shopping with Grama Laura yesterday and felt like a queen for the rest of the day. She took her to Build-A-Bear and she made the CUTEST bear complete with a leopard print & black dress with matching leopard shoes. She and "Shasta" have been inseperable since. Grama also took her to buy a couple pairs of shoes. But she doesn't get to have those until the party! Grama is such a spoiler of my kids!! She's the best!

Her dad is also going to have a special surprise outing for her! So it's safe to say she will have a fantastic birthday!! We love her so much.

What's goin' on??

Justice plays his last summer soccer game today. He is so excited to get his trophy. He has done a fantastic job this season. Really getting the hang of it and getting in the mix. Yesterday he had two kicks that were going the right direction and had some real power. It was awesome!!


Justice has been number 6 several times...we decided this is his lucky number


Cheesin' It!


In line for pix


The Team

Justice & Montana have really been enjoying their dance class. They practice a lot at home and talk about it constantly. Tana is developing her own style which involves a lot of high kicks, power toe touches with a giant stomp on take off, a triple inside pirouette (wow!), and a lot of hip gyrating. It's kind of a mix of self taught hip-hop, and contemporary. She told me she thinks her class is too easy for her and that she should move up. I told her I think we will let the teacher make that decision. Such confidence!! So nice to see that coming from her!!

Justice has his class dance that he loves to practice and one that he choreographed himself to "All I wanna do" by Sugarland-complete with lip syncing. To watch it the first time it looks like he is just goofing around doing whatever pops into his head. But I have seen it many times and it is EXACTLY the same everytime. Lasso roping, lots of pony type steps, and moves that mimic the words of the song. His facial expression make it so fun to watch. What a card!!


J & M in class---check out that heel stretch with flexed foot!! Classic!!

Sierra has been driving to drill practice every morning. We get up at 5:30 and she drives--which really wakes me up for the drive home. I am really proud of her. She listens and learns so quickly. She is a pretty confident and safe driver. She told me yesterday that she is not taking drivers ed thru the school because she really wanted to take seminary!!! Seminary over Drivers Ed??? Still letting that one sink in. Honestly I am shocked because church is not her favorite thing. I am grateful that seminary is there for her and that she loves it.

We went to a BBQ for the drill team families last night. It was fun. Lots of food and games. An egg on a spoon relay with 3 teams: the moms, the dads, and the drill girls. The drill girls "won" but Sierra admitted later that they TOTALLY cheated!!! What the heck!! Then we played waterballoon toss. Justice was my partner-we broke about 8 balloons and never caught it one time. It was fun tho! Then Justice & Montana got into a real volleyball game with a couple dads, a few kids, and Julia from the team. Good times.

We are planning Montana's Birthday Bash. It's in two weeks!! She is soooooo excited. My baby girl is turning 10??? What??? We are going to the new Cowabunga Bay with a few of her friends and our family! Should be fun!

Guess that's it for the update.....

Dinosaur Museum

Teresa & Chris, and their kiddos Gidget & Drake were in town again on their way back to California. They invited us & mom & dad to go to the Dinosaur Museum in Lehi with them. It is seriously amazing!!! It is so much bigger than I thought it would be. The kids were fascinated the whole time. Of course there were the skeletons of every size but there were so many interactive things for the kids to put their hands on and do. They did fossil rubbings, built a giant dinosaur with foam parts, drew a piece of a dinosaur puzzle, played in sand & water in the erosion room, walked thru a space room, as well as touched and looked at hundreds of exhibits. I think we all had a fantastic time. It was just as much fun for the adults as the kids.

We went back to mom & dads after and had an impromptu BBQ. Mom made some homemade hamburgers & dad was in charge of grilling them. Well- they were falling apart & we weren't sure what to do because they were falling thru the grates and not working very well. So we just cooked them as is and decided to make mini burgers "burger nuggets" out of them. It was cute. They did make another batch that mom jimmyrigged into perfect patties somehow. It was pretty funny!

The kids had a blast jumping on the tramp and chasing each other around the house. It's too bad we are so far away from each other because the kids get along so well. They invited the kids to come out a spend some time out there in Cali. They would totally love it. Hopefully we can work that out.

Here are some pics from our outing. They were taken on my cell phone so the quality sucks but...it's better than no pics!


Justice & Montana being chased by a shark!!!


The very rare Drake-a-saur: I chased him all evening trying to get a pic :-)


Justice making a sand dam


Montana & Gidget at the Erosion Sand Table


Mrs. Dinosaur


Montana & Gidget


Hambone Justice


Mr. Dinosaur


Justice


Montana & Gidget peeking out of one of the rock mazes

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One of the exhibits