Never a dull moment

August 1st rolled around, and that was the first day this summer that I heard the dreaded phrase, "I'm bored", from the kids.  We almost made it to the end of summer!  Maybe year round school is the way to go, with short little vacations here and there...maybe not.  We've escaped it for this long.  I'm hoping we can avoid it all together.  We absolutely love our summers!  Spending time with the kids, being carefree (for the most part) with our schedules, and letting the day unfold naturally is so fantastic. 
Here's what we've been up to for the last month!

Justice & Montana were able to go to Disneyland with their dad.  They had an absolutely fantastic time.  Justice was super brave and rode most of the BIG rides.  Montana absolutely loved it and said they were able to get on everything they wanted to several times.  Even several trips on California Screamin- the best coaster ever!  Glad they had a fun trip. 

Cap'n J-Dog

My beautiful Baby Girl

Sierra  and her drill team went to a camp called "Basic Dance Training" up in Park City.  It is based on military type training, and they work their butts off from morning til night.  Sierra was chosen as one of the top 5 dancers at the camp (out of probably 250-300 girls).  They call it Top Corp.  This is the third year she has been chosen.  She is an absolutely talented being.  So proud of her and her team!  They were so cute when she was chosen- they lifted her up like she had just won a football game.  It was awesome. 
Mom went up with me to watch the last day of camp performances.  We were able to sit with Alisha Peters from Bountiful Stars (her daughter dances with Davis High) and the three of us talked "dance studio".  Studio drama, What's new with Stars, Vegas Nationals, etc.  It's such a fun part of our lives that follows us everywhere we go.  A lot of the girls on Sierra's team and the other school teams, are girls I have taught.  It makes me so proud to see them as they grow up and continue their dance training.  I'm glad I got to share it with my mom.  Also, I recently found out that Britnie Thompson is the head coach for  Kearns High this year.  :-D  Love it! 
Mom & I had dinner at the Blue Iguana after the performances and enjoyed the Park City scenery and the yummy food.  I love spending time with her!

Congrats Baby Doll

"THE" Jacket

Team Lifting her up!

I've had my hands full of DIY projects lately.  And none that I intentionally planned to do.  The first was trying to get my car registered and inspected for the year.  They told me my window tinting was too dark.  Really?? I had no idea what to do about it.  I initially thought it would involve new windows (geez I'm such a girl sometimes!! haha).  So I did some research and found it was actually pretty easy to do.  Just some special spray- plastic- and a razor blade.  So if anyone needs it removed...I'm your girl.
Ended up fixing the fence gate that blew off into the yard during a pretty intense wind storm.  There's nothing I cant fix with some putty and a drill!! Quite proud of that project!!
Then one day, I thought I would replace the AC vent on the ceiling.  It was pretty old and yellowing.  And for some reason it wasn't staying screwed in tight to the ceiling.  So I got all the supplies and ready to do the job.  On further inspection, I noticed that the ceiling was bowing a bit.  I wasn't sure if it was my eyes, shadows, or an actual problem.  So as I removed the old cover- I discovered that we had a leak in the air conditioner that was in turn getting the drywall/ceiling wet.  My dad came over to discover how bad the damage was.  And it was pretty bad.  The ceiling basically collapsed into the kitchen with just a few pokes.  And that began the month long process of fixing the AC for the millionth time this summer, tarring the roof around the AC unit, replacing the copper piping, rewiring the power switch, replacing the AC float, patching a rusted out piece of the AC unit, tearing out the drywall all around the AC vent, replacing the insulation, drywall, taping, mudding, sanding, texturing, painting, putting up a new light fixture, and then....back to the original project of replacing the vent on the AC.  And now it is beautiful!!  My parents are absolute saints.  My dad insisted on doing the work rather than claiming it on my home insurance.  I'm sure many days he wished we would have gone the other route, but it was a "fun" learning experience for all of us.  One we don't wish to repeat!! They came virtually everyday for the last month and we would work for a few hours on the project.  Yesterday we finally finished!!! I took them out to dinner to thank them for all their help.  Paltry pay for such hard work.  But I am eternally grateful!!

The bowing, lovely ceiling

After tearing it out

Making it all perfectly straight

The lovely assistant

Drywall up- mudding begins

Finished Walls after minor painting problem

Finished Ceiling!!

Montana has turned into "Babysitter Extraordinaire"!!  She is in demand all over the neighborhood.  Making good money, and having fun doing it.  She has made a babysitting kit with stickers, certificates, pages for coloring, crayons, markers, and charts for information to jot down.  She's the first one to volunteer when she hears of a need.  It's so cute.  My neighbors call almost weekly to have her come over for a couple of hours.  A lot of times she is with her dad or off with friends-- so I am her personal secretary.  Scheduling her next available appointment, turning down gigs she's not available for.  It's been a great summer for her!

Blonde & Tan

Her new Aviators

Sierra traveled to Thailand with her dad for a couple of weeks and had an absolutely amazing adventure.  She kept a blog of her entire adventure as well as hundreds of pics.  Here are the links.     Blog link:  http://www.goodbyetville.blogspot.com    Pics link:  http://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?set=a.10150268656408673.337181.686568672&type=1  If you aren't her facebook friend, just request it and I'm sure she will add you.  I will add a couple of my favorite pics here, but there are so many amazing ones you should see.  She was able to trek through the jungle, stay with a native tribe for a couple of days, play with tigers (at a petting zoo), ride an elephant, river raft, stay in the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and visit many temples, as well as spend some time at a luxurious resort in a remote city.  I think she learned a lot about how incredibly blessed she is here in America.  She has been a different person since she came back.  I love that she can have adventures like that.  But I am a complete basket case of worry the entire time she is gone!

Justice was able to go to his first Cub Scout Day Camp.  He had such a good time.  He learned about space, wood burning/carving, bought a little Swiss army knife, made friends, went on hikes and had a great time being with just boys.  He told me "The best thing about Cub Scouts is there are NO GIRLS!"  haha.  I don't blame him.  He is stuck with girls most of his life.  A man needs man time!  I hope he can have more adventures like that.  He is really enjoying Scouts and the leaders are so great and caring with him.  They really want what's best for the kids.  They work hard to make sure the kids learn a lot and have fun.  I've started driving the Scout carpool, so it's fun to see how excited they get on their way there. 

Justice and Montana were both able to go to camping at Mill Hollow with their school this summer.  It's a recreation camp between Kamas and Duschene owned by Granite School District.  They have cabins, and such.  So it's not too rustic.  They stayed for three days.  The mosquitoes loved Tana's blood, Justice did not get sunburned but Montana did- weird- J is the one with transparent skin :-).  They loved the hikes, campfires, food, their bunk leaders Rain & Skye (nicknames I believe) and of course, shopping at the camp store.  I was so glad they got to go together-- but it sounds like they barely saw each other.  Which was fine with them! 

Marcus & Justice

Waiting for the bus

Ready to kill each other...as usual

Anna, Montana, Julia, Kylei

We are planning a trip to Bear Lake in a couple of weeks so finish off our summer.  It's been packed with excitement, but we can definitely fit in one more adventure.  We are going for Tana's 12th birthday.  She is going to bring a couple of friends.  Can't wait! 

Happy Trails ;-)

Summer Fun!

We are thoroughly enjoying our summer!!! Swimming, Vacations, Camps, Sports, Hanging with friends, movies....seriously, can't it last all year!! I know, I know...too much of a good thing is no good.  But we, especially me, can't get enough.

As usual, I have waited to long to write a post and now there is so much to write that I don't know where to begin.  I guess I will start with the "good" news.  We have decided to take our home off the market.  We were getting a lot of lookers, but no one willing to seal the deal.  It's so much stress keeping the house ready to show, and we were having showings 2-3 times a week.  So we have decided to wait a year, continue with the improvements, and try again.  Hopefully the market will have improved by then.  There is just no way I am willing to drop the price to where I would be loosing money.  So we are super happy to be in our home sweet home for another year.  Sierra can finish high school, Montana can finish grade school--and then we will see where life takes us.

Work at FOX has been so insane lately.  Our systems have been crashing and we have been stressed to the max trying to keep things on air- doing things 2-3 times because they keep getting kicked out of the system.  But now, we are back on line and it is such a relief.  For the most part I love my co-workers and am so blessed to be working in a field I enjoy.  I have also been crazy busy with my cleaning business- but that is a good thing!  I have decided it is my therapy time.  I can think, and work out my anger, and make someone happy in the process.  I can only take on probably two more homes- and that will be my limit. 

Here are some fun highlights of our summer so far.  Kids are happy, busy, and miraculously...I have not heard the phrase "I'm bored" yet this summer.  But I know they are looking forward to heading back to school.  Justice and Montana were able to travel to Idaho with my mom and grama Dodie to see Danee Dee graduate and attend the family party.  They had a blast.  Right now they are in Disneyland with their dad.  Sierra has travel plans with her dad, but they haven't decided a destination yet.  I'm sure it will be somewhere fabulous.  I hope to at least squeeze in a camping trip here or there.  We will see.  For whatever reason I can't post video here, which stinks!! But visit my facebook page to check out more of our goings-on!  Happy Summer!

Swimming at Kearns Rec

Mr. Happy!

Out in the deep!

Help!  haha..what a ham!

Little Miss Smarty Pants!

Getting dolled up for a day at the park w friends

Started his orthodontist work...Retainer first!

Blonde & Tan...must be summer

Sierra's birthday pedi!  17 Y'all!!

After 6 mos. they finally put her bottom braces on!  I LOVE this pic!

Sierra's drill team marching in the T-ville Days Parade

Team before the parade!  Cuties!

5 games in 2 days...4 wins...and still smilin'!

Warriors!!!

The Real Salt Lake Mascot! 

Tana & Amalia--They may look sweet & innocent...

Waiting for the next game

Cool soccer ball painted on the grass!

At the drive-in movies

Before heading to Drill Camp

School is almost out!!! Wahoo!  Only 3 weeks...or 15 days or so.  I know they have a few off for Memorial Day so we will figure it out.

Justice & Montana started outdoor soccer and are loving it.  I must say I like indoor soccer a tad better--you don't have the weather to contend with--but outdoor soccer is a lot more exciting.  They don't get hung up on the wall and the playing area is a lot bigger.  They have to really run!! My kids aren't the fastest runners but they are getting better.  They both have scored their first goals!! So exciting.  Montana has had 2 now and Justice has one.  And they both are eager to get another.  But teamwork is the name of the game.  If you get a goal- it's a team accomplishment!  The weather is finally cooperating.   We have only had one game in a downpour, which was kinda fun after we were totally soaked.  But we enjoy the sunny games much more!

Montana Rippin' up the field

After her first goal!!!

Justice the Goalie!!

Montana is going to try out for USA (Utah Soccer Association) competition team in a couple weeks.  This is a great direction for her.  She is enjoying the game, loves working hard, and playing by the rules.  It will be a big step for us.  I hope she will enjoy it as much as she does now.  

 Sierra had the opportunity to fight her first speeding ticket.  Grampa Dave helped immensely as we weren't really sure what the procedure was.  She was speeding, but we didn't want her already outrageously expensive insurance to go up.  So she did a plea in obeyance.  Which basically means she promises not to have another ticket for the next 6 mos.  If she does, the points will be added to her driving record, and the insurance costs will definitely go up.  It was a pretty daunting experience.  Probably 50 people or more show up at the court house to talk to the judge about every flavor of crime out there-  people show up from jail, in handcuffs, some are on probation, and then the minor stuff (like speeding tickets) just talk to the defense attorney, fill out some paperwork, pay your fine, and you're outta there.  Sierra was scared to death.  It was a good experience for her.  Hopefully, it scared the speed out of her.  Plus she paid the $140 dollars herself.  Which was a lot of money for her to fork over.  I was very proud of her for following thru with this.    Thanks Grampa for coming to court with us and helping her thru the details. 

Sierra tried out for drill again this year and was voted Captain.  She is over the moon excited.  It has been a bit of a rough start-- girl drama, and parents trying to get in the mix-- but I think we have it all sorted out now and it will be a great year.  This time of year is overwhelming for the drill kids.  Last year is still going, this year starts early and it all overlaps.  Some days she is putting in 10-12 hours.  School has been suffering some, but she is getting caught up.  They just had their year end show and it was a very exciting night.  Sierra choreographed lots of the other girls solos, and also choreographed a couple of numbers for Bennion Jr. High.  Seeing her perform, with her team as well as her solo, and watching her choreography being performed, was very thrilling.  I had so many people tell me how impressed with her they were.  Her solo was dedicated to a teammate of hers that died of cancer last year.  She has changed it up a little each time she performed it.  For this performance, she had a framed picture of Kaitlyn that was set in the corner while she was dancing, and at the end she picks it up and hugs it and dances into a heap on the floor.  "Too make you feel my love" is the song.  Everyone was in tears.  It was a special moment.  So proud of her.  She is so dedicated and passionate about her dancing and it really shows.  This senior year will be exciting and bittersweet.  She is trying to figure out what to do when she graduates.  And hopefully we can put all of these years of dance to use in the way of a college scholarship.  Fingers crossed. 

New 2011-2012 Team

Being Recognized as "National Champs" at Taylorsville City Hall

Last Locker Decorations for the year--YAY!  I have new jobs next year.  Hallelujah!

Sweet Success

Montana had her first orchestra performance.  I must say,  I was very impressed.  They played at a local Jr. High with 8 other elementaries.  The Jr. High played first and they were...um...not good.  I was prepared for some ear bleeding and a major headache with the elementary.  But they filled the stage and with the first note, I could tell how beautiful it was going to be.  They blew the jr. high orchestra away!! I was so surprised.  I knew Montana would be great--but all together, it was just beautiful.  I am so glad she has had this opportunity.  We are trying to find her some classes for the summer, and possibly some guitar lessons as well to keep her skills up. 

Before the concert

Tana and her viola

After a beautiful first concert

Justice has been busy with his friends, video games, and just being a boy!  He's had a few sleepovers lately with his buddy's and it's fun to see him doing guy stuff!  It's tough growing up in a house of girls.  I checked on him and his friends the other day after they had been quiet for some time-- and found that they had completely rearranged his room, vaccuummed, rewired the electronics, everything!  It was very surprising-- and it actually looked great.  What a character. 
We also started Justice's orthodontic procedures.  He has been struggling with ear pain for a while, and after visits to several specialists we have determined it could be his crossbite that is giving him pain.  So he has his first adjustable retainer.  He will wear this for several months.  Then we will move on to braces.  This first stage is to align his bite and arches.  Then we will move on to closing the spaces and straightening the teeth.  It will be a few years for him.  But he doesn't seem to mind.

Wow!  What a grin!

He brought me flowers on his way home from school...sorry if they are from your yard!

Riding Smokey, our neighbors sweet horse

Awww...they do love each other!

Coping with Death & Life

Today has been a very emotional and reflective day. 

Kaitlyn Adams...died of cancer one year ago today.  A 15 year old just starting out in life. A former dance student of mine, and a part of Sierra's Drill Team.  She still inspires a generation of women who know they are lucky to have strong bodies and the opportunity to dance.  They call Kaitlyn their angel. 

A good friend of mine had to deliver a stillborn baby on this day 25 years ago.  Her first child.  I can't imagine the pain of carrying a baby for 9 months.  Being excited to be a parent, and then the terrible news. 

A week ago, a neighbor of mine lost her only son in a terrible car accident.  Just the day before she was talking about the hopes she had of her son getting married and finally having some grandbabies for her.  Bittersweet.  This conversation will stick in my mind forever. 

April 1st is the date Debbie Frame Nugent was buried.  She took her own life.  This was Eric's first wife.  Eric and I met after I offered him condolences at work.  I remember the absolute gaunt, despair, and hollow look on his face at the time he was ready to come back to work.  I have known that feeling and still remember that dark place.  It's hard to imagine unless you have been through it. 

And, I just heard the news today that a son of a sweet family in my neighborhood died of a drug overdose.  This young man donated his labor to build a railing on my deck for me two summers ago.  I didn't know him well, but he was kind to me in a time when I really needed it.  I knew he was dealing with some personal issues at the time, but he offered his help, and I took it willingly.  I am devastated by this news.

Every time I hear of a suicide of any kind, my mind wanders back to a cold 1992 November morning.   My 19 year old brother, my only sibling, took his life.  I remember the absolute shock, the deep dark feeling, the sleepless nights, the endless crying.  Knowing that I would not have my brother in my life was hard to even imagine.  He was so full of life, talent, mischief, love, adventure, smiles, and laughs.  I did not know the side of him that was sad, hopeless, and ready to give up. He was a newlywed, they were so cute together, so in love.   Who knows what happened.  I know we would all love some answers, but there just aren't any.  I have tried to replay those last days over and over in mind over the years.  Wondering if there was anything I could have done to help change his mind.  To let him know how much I loved him.  To let him know that no matter how bad things may seem, he would be able to get through them.  I would love to go back and tell him that in time, the things that he was so upset about, wouldn't seem so bad.  There would be new worries, new joys, and as painful as things seem, they do pass and the pain eases up.  I miss him greatly.  I would love to know him as an adult, as a dad, as a grandpa.  I would love for my children to know their Uncle John.  And not just the picture on the wall at gramas, and the snapshots of us together on my fridge.  But to be able to play with him, spend time with him, have sleepovers with his kids, their cousins.  But that was not meant to be.  However, I do imagine those days quite frequently.

I have gone through dark times myself.  Two divorces.  The loss of a business I cherished, and the accompanying financial disaster that came with it.  Wondering how I would ever be able to pick up the pieces and make anything of my life.  I'm still dealing with that mess.  Wanting to give my children so much more than I can.  Wanting to give them a home with two parents.  Not having to go back and forth.  Contemplating all the stupid mistakes, unwise choices, and absolute blunders of my life.  Sometimes it's more than I can take to think about.  There was a very dark time, when the only thing that got me through was my brother.  My guardian angel.  Telling me that there was so much to live for.  So much more I could do with my life.  Knowing that my parents would be absolutely, irreparably, devastated.  Knowing that my husband (at the time) would be burying a second wife & raising our kids by himself- I could never do that to him.  Knowing that my children would grow up without a mom-that's just not an option.  Those were the things that kept me going when I felt like I had destroyed every other reason for living.  Counseling and medication helped me through that time.  But I was there.  A breath away from death.  It scared the hell out of me.  But I told someone.  Deep down, I knew I could get through it.  I have made a full recovery and for whatever reason, those days are behind me.  I'm lucky.  I know that for some, that grip of death, sadness, and despair does not let go.  I had the desire to get past it, the will to not let it control my life.  Now I rarely even think about it.  I, of course, have sad times.  But it's nowhere near the same experience.  I am reminded of that scariness, when I hear of suicide & death.  I know how precious life is.  I know what a huge hole is left behind when a loved one is no longer a part of your life. 

Today I was driving around with all these emotions circling in my mind, my sunroof was open, the sunshine was streaming in and warming my skin, and flooding my soul.  And it made me smile.  I know that this life is not the end.  I know that we will see our loved ones, neighbors, and friends again.  I know that they are being greeted with warm welcomes.  Being comforted and tears wiped.  I know that they are in a better place.  I am happy for them.  I am sad for those left behind.  It is a rough road, but together we can get through it.  Love, understanding, kindness and true compassion are absolutely essential. 

--In life you can never be too kind.   Everyone you meet is carrying a heavy load. When you go through your day expressing kindness to all you meet, you leave behind a feeling of warmth, and you help alleviate the burdens everyone is struggling with. :) be happy today!  --Derrick Myler

Track Star

Montana is featured on the new PTA website for our school.  She is in the headline picture (on the far left), and also her running feet are the top picture on the side bar.  How cool is that!!  Way to go Tana!!

Click the link below
https://sites.google.com/site/trumanpta5k/

Change is on the way

Hey y'all!!  Thought I would pop in and post about what's going on in our world.  

Justice and Montana are finishing up their Winter Indoor Soccer Season tomorrow.  They have thoroughly enjoyed it.  It has been fun to see them learn and work hard.  Montana especially loves it and really gets into it.  She really wants to play next season as well.  Her dad and I have been kicking around the idea of putting her on a competition team.  But we are not exactly sure what we are doing yet.  Justice could take it or leave it.  He does have fun, but doesn't quite get into it the way he should.  So I guess we better figure out what we are doing.

Drill Team Tryouts are right around the corner for Sierra.  She definitely wants to do it for one last year.  Her senior year.  I cannot believe my baby is going to be a senior.  She is very independent and responsible.  She is as tall as me and can drive herself wherever she needs/wants to be.  But it is so weird to think that she is almost an adult.  I know I drive her crazy with this kind of talk.  I hope she realizes that she will always be my baby.  Sorry kiddo.  That's just how mom's are. She is in Texas right now with her drill team for their National Competition.  I'm so sad that I can't be there, but I know they will dominate.  Sierra's solo is absolutely amazing and I hope she will be proud of herself no matter the placement.  She has worked so hard this year and I am beyond proud of her.  She is amazing. 

We got crazy one day and decided we would buy all the supplies to do our own hair highlights.  So we have our own beauty shop!  I put blonde highlights in Montana's hair.  Spent almost an hour on it and it turned out....EXACTLY THE SAME COLOR!!  haha...she was not happy about that,  but secretly I was glad I didn't ruin her hair for my first attempt.  So victim #2 was Sierra.  We did brighter blonde highlights for her and left the bottom half the chocolate brown it already was.  It turned out perfectly!! I was pretty proud of myself.  But this made Montana even more upset with me that her hair didn't work.  So  a week later we attempted Tana's hair again.  She decided she would rather put dark streaks in her hair.  I decided to use the frosting cap, just to see how it would turn out.  Well I pulled way too much through and it just looks like an all over color. But it does look adorable on her.  Just about 3 shades darker than her natural color.  We decided that when it starts to grow out we will add some blonde highlights.  It's been fun learning how to do this stuff.  And it's definitely cheaper than doing it at the salon.  Now, if someone would just do my hair we would be in business!

Spring is trying to bloom here.  The flower bulbs are beginning to grow and the grass is greening up.  But the snow storms keep coming and melting.  It will be a beautiful sunshiney day one day, and grey skies with crazy wind and hail/snow the next day.  You never know.  But I'm so happy that the sun is coming!! Nothing makes me happier than sun on my face!

I finally got fed up with my weight and decided to do something about it.  Every time I look in the mirror, I don't recognize myself.  I don't feel like the person I see.  I can feel how out of shape I am just doing the simplest tasks.  I have always heard people say that one day they just DECIDED it was time to do something about it, and that's exactly how it was for me.  I decided to start a running program I had "tried" a few months earlier.  But this time I am seriously committed.  I had dad bring home my treadmill, that has been parked at his house for years.  I signed up for a 5K that is in 9 weeks.  I have a pedometer that I am tracking, and I am really watching my food portions.  My goal for now is to try to eat half of what I normally would.  Then I will work on bringing in more healthy options and start cutting out the junk.  I'm trying to make little changes that I can build on.  I always start big and have too much change that I can't stick with in the long run.  So this time I am trying to take baby steps, but meaningful steps that I can build on.  The running has been so challenging for me...but I'm doing it!! The program (Couch to 5K) is so great because it works you up gradually to avoid injury and to encourage you little by little.  I have my running music, and my app on the iphone that keeps me on track while I'm running.  It is awesome!  I'm in week 2 and it is kicking my hiney.  I hurt everywhere, but it's the good hurt.  Where you know you are doing your body good!  So send good vibes my way.  I know it's time, and I'm finally ready for the right reasons to start taking care of me.

Still wondering what's gonna happen with our house.  It's still on the market, but hardly any activity in the last two weeks.  I thought things would really pick up when spring hit, but, it hasn't.  I hate being in limbo like this, but it's so nice to still be in our home!! So hopefully we will figure it all out soon.  Who knows.

All is well.  We keep trudging on with a smile in our hearts.  Love ya!