Hangin' with the Harwards!

SPRING BREAK 2009

2009-04-23T13:44:00.004-06:00

Spring Break (SB) came in with a bang and left the same way. We had a great SB this year spending time together as a family and making those ever precious memories!

This year Brett and I decided to surprise the kids. When we first started discussing what we should do for SB we found some great deals on Salt Lake City Passes that would get us into a ton of stuff and we'd stay in a hotel in Salt Lake and have a great time. The kids were actually really excited to be able to do this.

A few days later as Brett and I were putting the finishing touches on our vacation and just before we purchased the City Pass tickets, we played with the idea of going to Disneyland instead. We found a family through KSL.com who were going to DL a few days before us and we shared 6, 6-day hopper passes with them. They used the first three days and we used the last three days. It cut our costs in half! It worked out GREAT! So after figuring this out we decided it would be really fun, and that we would surprise the kids, so Disneyland it was.

Time came for SB and we headed down to Orem to spend a night with Grandparents. Our kids couldn't figure out why we wanted to drive to Orem if we just had to turn back around the next day to go to Salt Lake, but they didn't care too much since they weren't in school. It was all in the journey, right?

After a night at grandma's, we headed off to Vegas. The only one of the kids who knew where we were going was Cassidey. That was because Brett couldn't keep it a secret and had to blab it to one of the kids. He said it was because he was using it as a bargaining tool to get Cass to raise some of her grades. Yeah, right! :)

Once we got to around Nephi, the kids started asking the ever famous question, "How much longer?" We kept telling them, "20-minutes!" We did that all the way to Cedar City. Seriously, I mean at what age do kids develop a concept of time? When we stopped in Cedar City for gas, I had made some puzzles for the kids to fill out, a Dot-to-Dot with a word puzzle, and also a crossword puzzle. This was going to tell them where we were actually going.

All the kids helped in figuring out the puzzle and when they were done, they looked at us with blank stares and just said, "Ok, we're done, not what?" This is where I'm thinking our kids need to be put in a Disneyland Resource Class or something. I mean one puzzle said, "Come and play! I can't wait to see you!" and the crossword puzzle had all kinds of Disney words as the answer, including the word, Disneyland, which Stoney wasn't able to figure out, and the it said below the puzzle, "Come and play!" and the STILL DIDN'T GET IT! We had to literally spell it out for them that we were going to Disneyland instead of Salt Lake. Once we finally told them, and it registered in their brains, they were really excited.

We stopped one night in Las Vegas, but the kids weren't too impressed with it. I thought they would oooooh & awwwwww over the lights and stuff, but not so much. They wanted to get to California.

We arrived in California around 2 pm and checked into our hotel (The Candy Cane Inn) which was absolutely FABULOUS! I highly recomment this hotel. We decided to unwind for a bit, especially since we had to wait for the family we were sharing the tickets with to show up at our hotel, so the kids went swimming. We finally got the tickets around 4 pm, decided to eat dinner before we went to DL, and then we headed off to DL around 7 pm.

We were shocked at how crowded it was, but once we got our bearing and grew accustomed to the crowds we navigated around really well. We didn't really do any of the fast pass tickets, instead we went to the really popular rides while the parades & fireworks were going off. Because of this we were able to walk-on to most of the really big rides we wanted to do, like Splash Mountain, Materhorn, Pirates of the Carribean, Haunted Mansion, etc. Of course there were some rides that it just took forever, and some our kids were willing to wait in line, while others, they didn't want to waste the time.

One of the rides the were willing to wait for was Tower of Terror! It is one of the most AWESOMEST rides I've ever ridden on! The kids loved it and wanted to do it again, but by the time we came out the ride had doubled in length so we decided to forego it. Brody didn't enjoy it too much. Throughout the ride his eyes were as big as saucers and his mouth was open wide! I think he thought he was screaming, but no sound was coming out of his mouth. Poor kid! I think we scared the scream right out of him.

The favorite ride the kids liked and wanted to do over and over again was Splash Mountain. They loved it! Me, well, I don't remember it going to fast or being so bumpy inside, but the plunge down the mountain is always a good time.

The day we spent in California Adventures was a fun time. The weather was pretty cold for California weather, but we all decided we would rather have it that way than scorching hot. The first ride the kids wanted to go on was Grizzley Rapids, you know the one where you all sit on a giant innertube boat and you race through water water rapids. Yeah, well, we were all wearing sweatshirts, and mine was really big. I told all the kids to take their jackets off and I stuffed them inside mine. I then put it in the middle of the boat. Normally their is a sealed canister-thing, but not this time, it was open, but I didn't think it would be a big deal. Boy was I wrong! Half-way through the ride, a HUGE WAVE came over the top of me, soaking me and landing on top of my sweatshirt. Good times! Thank goodness it didn't soak through the jacket onto the other jackets inside. The best part of it all was that I was wear a WHITE T-SHIRT! Well, I was feeling pretty dang sexy, and I'm surprised DL security didn't escort me out stating that this was a family environment. But we did have a good time, even though I really the only one who got wet, which it took me almost the entire day to dry off. Lucky me!

The kids had just as much fun swimming in the swimming pool at the hotel as the did at DL. Every morning they wanted to swim until at least 11 am so we never got to DL until at least 2 pm! Who's kids are these anyway?

When it came time for us to head out, we were going to stop in Las Vegas and spend the night again, but the kids just wanted to get home, so we loaded everything up and headed out for the 12 1/2 long out drive, which actually I thought we made it really good time.

Spring Break was a great time this year. We made some great memories, did some fun things, and most importantly, we spent time together. Look below at some of our SB pictures and see for yourself.

SPRING BREAK 2009 WAS A SUCCESS!

2009-04-23T13:23:00.004-06:00

Our completed Dot-to-Dot puzzle & Word Puzzle we had the kids do to help them figure out where we were going for Spring Break. Just like the crossword puzzle, they didn't get it. Ummmm, I'm thinking our kids might need to be put in a Disneyland Resource class.

2009-04-23T13:22:00.002-06:00

Cassidey isn't "BUGGED" at all that we're going to see Bug's Life 3-D!

2009-04-23T13:20:00.005-06:00

Gunner had to grow his hair LONG specifically for the reason of being able to whip his hair around as he comes out of the water. Not sure what that's all about but I think he might need a couple more inches for it to gave him the effect he's thinking of.

2009-04-23T13:20:00.004-06:00

Hear ye! Hear ye! The King and Queen of Sin City, otherwise known as Las Vegas, have something important to say. (I think Gunner is still trying to think what exactly that is.)

2009-04-23T13:19:00.006-06:00

Don't worry Brod, I won't let you drownn cuz I'm my brother's keeper.

2009-04-23T13:19:00.005-06:00

Brody got a hair cut a few days before we left on our trip. He was so excited because he was looking like a furry monster. I was pretty proud of myself cuz his hair is hard to cut especially if I cut it too short. I've spent a lot of time growing his hair out to prove to Brett that I know his hair can lay flat if it's long enough, so there you go, totally FLAT hair. Yeah for me! Isn't he a handsome boy!

2009-04-23T13:18:00.005-06:00

A closer look at Brody's first LOST TOOTH!

2009-04-23T13:18:00.004-06:00

Another view to show that Brody's hair is in fact laying down EVERYWHERE! Even in the back.

2009-04-23T13:17:00.003-06:00

A few days before we left on our trip Brody lost his first tooth! He was so excited and so were we cuz he had been working on the thing for over a month and asking EVERYDAY if his tooth was ready to come out. He even got $1 from the Tooth Fairy. Woo! Hoo!

2009-04-23T13:09:00.002-06:00

These are the across questions from our surprise Disneyland trip Crossword Puzzle.

2009-04-23T10:51:00.002-06:00

The down questions from our surprise Disneyland trip Crossword Puzzle. After answering all the questions except for #7 down, he couldn't figure out what it was, or what it was talking about. Seriously?!

2009-04-23T10:31:00.002-06:00

Ever since Brody lost his tooth, he thinks he needs to pull his chin down and say cheese when we take his picture cuz he wants us to make sure we see his missing tooth.

2009-04-23T10:24:00.002-06:00

Two of Peity's favorite things...... Water and posing for pictures. What can I say, she's a beauty queen!

2009-04-23T10:23:00.002-06:00

Even in a pool Peity is able to find something to climb. She's our little monkey!

2009-04-23T10:21:00.002-06:00

This was the "whipped hair effect" after Gunner whipped it out of the water. He was thinking he was pretty dang cool. Oh, and hopefully Brody's not drowning in the background.

2009-04-23T10:15:00.003-06:00

Of course you can't do Disneyland without a picture in front of Cinderella's Castle. If you l00k closely you will notice the kids are not too excited for the photo shoot! What's up with that?

2009-04-23T09:44:00.009-06:00

California's great but "I'm fa-fa-fa-FREEZING!"

2009-04-23T09:44:00.008-06:00

Havin' fun in the California sun!

2009-04-23T09:44:00.007-06:00

Again, who would have thought we had to go all the way to Cali do figure out how to do water ab cunches?

2009-04-23T09:43:00.006-06:00

Gunner's feeling a little "ANTSY" to see Bug's Life 3-D!

2009-04-23T09:43:00.005-06:00

How heavy is this stupid weight anyway? SHEEZ!

2009-04-23T09:42:00.011-06:00

A family who Hot Tubs together stays together (at least stays warm together). Four of my six most greatest blessings!

2009-04-23T09:42:00.010-06:00

Stoney found a way to keep cool while doing ab crunches!

2009-04-23T09:42:00.009-06:00

Tower of Terror! The most AWESOMEST ride EVER! (Brody didn't think so, but he tried to be brave)

2009-04-23T09:42:00.008-06:00

My two Pool Princesses!

2009-04-23T09:41:00.008-06:00

Radiator Springs... A Happy Place! Especially for the Harward Gang!

2009-04-23T09:41:00.007-06:00

Peity finds rest and relaxation in the curve of the "C" in California.

2009-04-23T09:38:00.003-06:00

Brody....... Our little HUN WARRIOR! Luckily he's not quite as fierce as Atilla.

2009-04-23T09:20:00.002-06:00

A national icon - the Disneyland Teacups! One of my favorites - seriously! Brett was off puking somewhere. Oh the things we do to make our kids happy!

2009-04-23T09:19:00.002-06:00

I think Stoney looks a little "GOOFY" in his hat!

2009-04-23T09:15:00.002-06:00

Gunny & Peity in Toon Town

2009-04-23T09:14:00.002-06:00

Brett finally earned his ears! A proud moment in the Harward Home!

2009-04-23T09:12:00.002-06:00

Let me show you how I use my MUSK-ELZ to lift this most heavy weight!

2009-04-23T09:11:00.003-06:00

I am the luckiest woman in the world! I have my very own Chip-N-Dale! SA-WEET!

2009-04-23T09:06:00.002-06:00

Who knew Mickey was actually a Rastafarian?

2009-04-23T08:34:00.002-06:00

Peity's wondering, "Where's the fire?" While Brody's thinking, "When's it gonna be my turn to drive!"

Feeling Truly Blessed Today!

2009-03-19T11:50:00.003-06:00

I have been following the newsposts the past few days concerning actress, Natasha Richardson and the skiing accident she was involved in. At the beginning, when the media listed her in critical condition I wasn't sure how bad her injuries were, since sometimes the media tends to blow things out of proportion. However, her condition was truly critical as I learned this morning from news articles stating that she had passed away last night from a tramatic head injury. All-of-a-sudden this scene hit home like a brick. Thoughts of an accident 18-months ago came reeling through my mind, and I felt truly blessed to have been given a different out-come.

It has now been 18-months since the infamous Dodgeball game in Longmont, CO, where I basically ended up tripping over my feet, falling backwards, and hittting the back of my head on our church gym floor. Just like Ms. Richardson, I too thought I was o.k., saying, "I just had my bell rung a bit, that all, I'll be fine." But again like Ms. Richardson, things changed, my health declined and I had the headache of my life. After tests were ran it was discovered that I had a golf ball sized bleed in the front part of my brain. To make a long story short, I ended up having a 10-day ICU stay in the hospital, where part of that time was spent fight to keep me alive.

I have thanked my Heavenly Father many times over the months, forever grateful that my life was sparred and I was able to continue here on earth being a wife & mother to my family. And although I still have lingering issues, and some things that may never get better, I know the outcome could have been entirely different.

When freak accidents like this occur it really makes you stop and think about what is important and how truly blessed we are, because in the blink of an eye everything can change. I am so grateful to have been given the chance to stay with my family; To have family and friends who stood by to give love, aid and support to Brett & my family during my stay in the hospital; To be blessed to have recovered so well, and knowing that I continue to be blessed everyday; Thanks to so many who continue to give love and support in the aftermath of that difficult time.

Even though I don't personally know Natasha Richardson, my thoughts and prayers go out to their family during this difficult time. She seemed like a wonderful woman, someone who seemed was successful at juggling life with her husband of 14-years, her children, her infamous family & the spotlight. Again, I am eternally blessed and thankful to all of you, and especially to my Heavenly Father.

My Baby Turns "5"!

2009-03-19T09:40:00.010-06:00

You know I'm a slacker and have been put on the "Crappiest Mom's in America" List when I wait 17-days to BLOG about my youngest child as he heads into a new phase of his life, or has pictures to mark this momentous occasssion 'cuz the camera is broken! All is not lost though, I will be adding updated pictures soon! YEAH!
Brody Jugant Harward celebrated his grand old number "5th Birthday" on Sunday, March 1. He has been waiting for this day for 365 days - and I am not kidding about that. Brody has asked how many days 'til his birthday comes ever since his 4th birthday. It was almost anit-climantic when his birthday finally did arrive because I think he thought something miraculous was going to happen, but, well, if you refer to my first paragraph you'll understand why.

This has been a HUGE year of new things for Brody. It's amazing to think that he has been a part of our family for 2 1/2 years. It's wierd to think that he has been with our family now just as long as he lived in the orphanage. Although things started out rough, I can't imagine our family unit without his pokey hair, his crooked smile, his moon-shaped eyes that disapper when he smiles, his love of sleeping, or his never ending appetite - eating anything (except tomatoes) & everything!

Here is what Brody has accomplished in one year (from age 4 - 5):

1. He can pedal his big wheel by himself!

2. He can hop on one leg over 25 times! (6-months ago he couldn't even stand on one leg!)

3. He can make his bed & clean his room by himself!

4. He can fold his own clothes!

5. He can brush his own teeth!

6. He can wipe his own bum! (and do a dang good job at it may I say - no skid marks!)

7. He can run down a hill without falling!

8. He can run up the stairs - alternating his feet! THIS IS HUGE!

9. He can almost go down the stairs - alternating his feet! AGAIN.... HUGE!

10.He can SPELL his name!

11.He can WRITE his name!

12.He is able to communicate better when he's frustrated, rather than throwing fits!

13.He can catch a football (at least half the time) when it's thrown to him!

14.He can tackle his older brother, Stoney (a feat not many can do!)

15.He can cross the street by himself (watching for cars) and not be terrified to do it!

16.He has 2 best friends & they are unseperable from breakfast to bedtime!

17.Has passed up his older sister (by 2 1/2 years), Peity, in heigth! (not a big shocker)

18.Learned all his colors this year at preschool & can't wait for Kindergarten next year!

19.His coordination has become almost perfect (not - as you can see in the video. :))

Brody continues to progress, move forward, and amaze us everyday! He has such a cute, loving personality & loves to be happy. In primary this past Sunday, right in the middle of sharing time Brody stood up and proudly announced:

"I am Chinese! And I love to eat!"

In a nutshell, this phrase partly sums up who he is. We have been trying to teach him about where he came from, and who he is, so that he can be proud of his heritage. He is a joy to our family and we will be forever blessed and grateful that our Heavenly Father led us to him.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Brojangles!

IT"S ABOUT FREAKIN' TIME!!! - SHEESH!

2009-02-19T12:02:00.002-07:00

-K-, so keeping up on the going on's of my life is definately not my strong suit. I think I need to come to some agreement as to updating & posting on my blog (that's such a gross sounding word - who thought of it anyway?) For some reason, whenever I get on the computer, my mind goes to mush and the next thing I know, I need to pick my kids up from school. Crazy, I know, but it's true. So I try to ignore the computer as much as I can. But, that doesn't do me any good when I'm trying to teach my kids about the importance of journaling. It's kind-of like "do as I say, not as I do."

When I was in high school, I was really good about journaling. But something happens when you become a parent. I'm not quite sure what that is exactly but something definately does happen. If I figure it out, I'll tell you.

So right now, I'm trying to committ myself to updating my posts at the beginning of every month. That's no so overwhelming, nor will I not feel guilty if I don't post every day. Then, if I want to add a post within the month, I'll feel like I'm going above & beyond the call of duty and I'll feel like a super mom. How awesome is that. See, it's all about tricking yourself, something I do quite often.

New pictures will be coming soon. My sister-in-law took some great family pictures a couple weeks ago, so I'm patiently waiting for her to send me the CD of all of them. Yeah!

Here's to monthly (maybe more) postings.

The Song of a Child

2008-11-10T12:20:00.017-07:00

Hearing a child sing is one of my favorite sounds. No matter how on or off key they are I love how hard they try, and the serious look that comes over their faces, especially when it's a serious moment. This was the case yesterday.

It was our ward's Primary Program, and to say that the kids were good would be an understatment. For a Utah ward we have a rather smaller primary than normal (around 50 kids), but they all sang their hearts out, and they all knew the songs so well, even the little Sunbeams, which Brody is a part of.

Each child had some sort of speaking part, and some even had singing parts. Peity had her own little solo part, where she sang the sentence, "I Am A Child of God." She sang so well and was exactly on key, she did awesome! As a family we were so graciously volunteered by the choirester to sing a number called "Home". Brett wasn't too thrilled, but he was a good sport, and we got through it just great.

All the kids knew their lines, and said them with such feeling. Peighton actually memorized everyones parts, just incase someone forgot their line, we called her the Understudy for everyone. Stoney was asked to give a few sentences on his experience in the temple when we had Brody sealed to our family. He wrote this all by himself, and he did an excellent job. Brody, along with all the other Sunbeams, said the exact same line, "My name is..... I am a child of God." Gunner game a poem on being a Missionary. He memorized the whole thing, and said it with such feeling and without any mistakes. He did AWESOME! Here is the poem:

When I grow up and turn 19
I’ll be the best missionary you’ve ever seen.

I might be called to Montana or Brazil
But no matter where I’m called I’ll be thrilled!

I’ll find those seeking to know the truth,
Their names might be Sam, Jane, or even Ruth.

But as I sit and think I realize,
I don’t have to be 19 or be really wise.

I can share the gospel even when I’m a kid!
I can teach people just like Alma did!

Sharing the gospel with those I know,
Will surely make my testimony grow!

Sometimes it might be scary to do,
But God will help me & bless me too.

So I’ve decided even if I think it’s scary
I’ll share the gospel NOW & be the BEST missionary!

The spirit was present during the entire program, and many-a-times you could see several througout the congregation wiping their eyes, or sniffling.

The theme for this year is" "I Am A Child of God." They focused a lot on being a missionary and helping other kids know that they are a child of God. One of my favorite parts of the program was when the Elders sang the first verse of "Called to Serve", and when it came time to sing the chorus, all the kids popped out of their chairs, and in full voices sang the chorus, "Onward, ever onward...." Chills ran through my body, and as I looked at each of my children there on stage, especially my boys, I pictured each of them in their dark suits & ties, and their name badges that say, ELDER HARWARD. I look forward to that day, when we can send our first child out into the world to be a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. For Stoney, that is only 8 1/2 years away!

I'm so proud of my kids and for the way they all were able to let the spirit speak to my heart. I'm so grateful that my Heavenly Father felt me worthy to be their mother. They each are such examples to me each day, and when I hear them sing songs like the ones they sang yesterday, it makes me realize just how lucky & blessed I truly am to have all of them in my life.

30 Years of Frustration!

2008-11-06T07:53:00.005-07:00

The Rubics Cube has been one of the #1 toys since the 70's. It has brought facination to millions throughout the world. However, I am not one of these millions. The Rubics Cube has brought me nothing but complete confusion & frustration! I would spend hours upon hours trying to twist and turn this cursed cube with having maybe two squares (not sides - but squares) match as the ending results of my hard work.

However, as I began to master this cube, I realized that all I needed to do was either peel off the stickers & replace them so all the colors matched on each side, or, I would break each block off and rearrange them so the cube match (which, I might add is no easy feat in & of itself - those little blocks are tough to click back into place.)

I gave up on this stupid brain teaser long ago, hoping for it to never cross my path again. Then yesterday that all changed. Stoney ran in from school excitedly waving something colorful in front of my face yelling, "Look what I won at school! Look what I won at school!" He was finally able to get his excitement under control and what do you think he showed me? A BLASTED RUBICS CUBE! Sweat began gathering on my brow, and fear & anxiety pulsed through my body!

Throughout the rest of the afternoon, and well into the evening, I avoided the blasted thing, but I secretly heard it calling my name, "Cammie, you know you want to try! Come on, you can do it - NOT!" Ending with an evil laugh (I know, I'm psychotic.)

After watching Brett work it, and succeed at matching one side, I thought, "That didn't look so hard. What the heck." I listened to the coaching of Brett, and with my tongue sticking out of the corner of my mouth, I twisted and turned like a pro, when suddenly (30 min. later) I came away with one complete side of red, all matching! You heard right, I matched more than two blocks, and I didn't peel off any stickers or pop out any blocks! I did it! Me! The Rubics Cube Retard!

I was so proud of myself, I began doing a celebration dance around the living room. I handed the cube to Peighton, my 7-year old, as I continue my victory dance, which only lasted about 10-minutes. That's when I heard Peity scream, "I DID IT!" I quickly stopped in my tracks, turned & looked, and what did I see? Peighton, standing there holding the cube high in the air, showing me that she had matched one color! WHAT THE HECK!

The proud feeling I had inside was completely thrown out the window. Not because I wasn't excited for Peity, but this was the first time Peity had ever tried to work a cube, and what did she do - her very first try I might add - MATCH ONE COLOR! Oh well, I'll continue to try - NOT!

CURSE YOU RUBICS CUBE!

P.S. This just in. As I was typing this entry, Brody decided to play with the stupid thing. In less than 5-min, he had all but one silver block matched. Seriously, WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?!

YES WE CAN!

2008-11-05T11:12:00.006-07:00

A time of much needed change is upon us. What an exciting time to be alive and be a part of this great nation as we made history last night! As our 44th President-elect, Barack Obama, gave his acceptance speech last night, I was in awe of the powerful words he spoke, as were those - it seemed - who attended his speech, live. He spoke with such conviction, it seemed almost as if he were speaking to each person individually.

Althought I did not vote for Obama, I still thought if he were elected that he would do a good job. I feel that NOW is the time when we need to start becoming "One nation under God" again. Put political sides behind us, and get back what has been missing for so long, our commitment to this great country, the United States of America! It's time to get the reputation we have had since this country was founded, as being the best nation, the strongest nation, the nation that every other country emulates to be.

May we all make the same commitment that President-elect, Barack Obama, mentioned in his speech last night. May we all remember, and act on the words that were so prevalent throughout his speech....

YES WE CAN!

Here Comes The Northwind

2008-11-03T16:27:00.005-07:00

I've been a blogger for 6 months now, and for those of you who follow along, you've noticed I change my background as much as my address. Sorry about that, but I get bored of typing on the same page day-in, day-out, so just like in the movie "Chocolate" starring Juliette Binoch & Johnny Depp, my blog page feels the northwind blow and realizes that change is about to happen.

I've found this great blogsite, "The Cutest Blog on the Block" (http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/). They have simple, cute backgrounds for every season & / or occasion. The best part about this site, is that all thier posted backgrounds are free! And they have teaching links to help you design your blog the way you want. How great is that! So, as you might have noticed, my page has gone from a freaky, haunted house, to the calm, soothing colors of fall (my favorite season, by the way.)

I also found the great website playlist.com. Now I can different music that goes with the individuality of each page.

I know this probably takes more time than I should be committing to my blog, but it's fun to change it every so often, and keep you on your toes and wondering, "What is Cammies blog going to look like today?" Check back in a month & see the new change.

We "D.I." for Halloween

2008-11-02T18:02:00.007-07:00

Here in Providence, Halloween seems to be as important a holiday as Thanksgiving or Christmas because my kids have been out of school since early Wednesday afternoon. I did hear that the teachers chose not to deal with the whole sugar rush thing their students are on for the day, so they conveniently scheduled parent teacher conference during this time. Man, are they smart! I thought the kids would be sad that they didn't get to wear their costumes to school & have class parties, but they didn't say a word. They were way more excited that they got a 4 1/2 day weekend instead. Hey, their not dumb!

I hate coming up with ideas for costumes, and I hate even more the outrageous cost of the costumes, but this year, being our first Halloween back in Utah, we utilized D.I (Deseret Industries) to the fullest. Normally, in years past, we have spent at least $80 on Halloween costumes - crazy I know, but when you're buying costumes for 5 kids, it starts to add up.

But when we took the kids to DI, they were in costume heaven! All of a sudden, their creative juices began flowing and they picked their costumes all by themselves. So, thanks to those who decided to get rid of these marvelous pieces of clothing, our halloween budget this year was only $9.78! and this was what our kids were transformed into:

Cassidey: A Hoochy Mama

Stoney: An old lady - with boobs, even.

(Top Row - L to R: Garrison Wren - Dracula; Gunner - Nerd)

(Front Row - L to R: Brody - Iron Man; Stoney - Old Lady;

Peyton Wren - Barbie Cheer Leader; Will Wren - Old Lady; Peighton - Gumball Machine)

Gunner: A most excellent nerd.

Peity: A Gumball Machine

Brody: Iron Man

(I was kind-of bummed because Brett & Bill sent the kids out before I could get individual pictures of each of the kids, but at least you get an idea of what they looked like.)

Our kids (along with our good friends, Bill & Jen Wren & their family) had a great evening running from house to house, filling their bags (pillowcases) with as much candy as they could possibly get. I must say, in years past, they got sooooo much candy it was rediculous. What was even worse was that half the candy went to waste because half of the candy was the crappy kind that tasted like wax, or someother unspeakable substance. This year however was completely different. They didn't get near the amount of candy they had in years past, but the size & quality was incredible.

Can's of soda pop, bags of chips, HUGE giant size candy bars (you know, like the 4 x 6 or 7 in candy bars), regular size candy bars, etc. They hit the jack pot! Man, where were these houses when I was growing up. I was totally jipped!

This was Cassidey's first year she didn't go trick or treating with us. She ventured out alone with her friends. They went to a few homes, but decided they wanted to watch a scary movie instead, which turned out to be a lame, disney-like musical of a Cinderella-like story line, starring Selena Gomez. Teenagers!

All-in-all, Halloween '08 was a huge success! The kids didn't stay out late, in fact, Peity came home earlier than everyone else, partly because she was tired, and partly because her costume was falling apart. She kept pooping out "gumball" balloons as she walked from house to house. By the time she got home, her "gumball" supply was almost completely depleted. They all said they had a GREAT time, and they are actually almost finished with their candy! Woo Hoo!

All hail The Great "D.I."!

Princess "Pei-Pei" Turns 7!

2008-11-02T13:10:00.009-07:00

Time..... An idea made up by Man.

Time can either be a good thing, (anticipating the end of class, dinner's ready, or bed time), or a bad thing, (anticipating the end of class, dinner is late, or bed time.) But time is something a parent dreads when they realize their baby girl is growing up way to fast!

Our littl princess, Peighton, turned 7-years old on October 28. It seems like yesterday when we received the jaw-dropping news, (before being wheeled in to have a hysterectomy I might add), we were pregnant with her! Peighton came into this world with a BANG! and her life has continued to be so ever since!

(Peity opening her birthday gifts. We thought it was cute that Stoney

was as interested in her Jewely Bead Kit as Peighton was.)

Although her birthday was on the 28th, we did not celebrate it until the next day because of many different conflicts. So Peity so kindly decided to celebrate it on the 29th, when all our focus and attention could be placed on her. What a smart girl!

(It took Peity a couple tries to blow out all her candles. Brett always gets a kick out of getting the re-lighting candles. I love that he is always a kid at heart.)

(Peity got the big job of cutting her own cake - which she frosted herself. She thought she was big enough for the job, now that she is 7.)

Our family does not have traditional birthday parties. Instead, we choose to throw parties on special occasions, such as: 1 yr. - First year of life; 5 yr - First year of Kindergarten; 8 yr - Being Baptized; 12 &/or 13 yr - Receiving Priesthood, entering YW, & becoming a teenager; 16 yr - Getting Driver's License; & 18 yr - Graduation / Adulthood. The rest of the birthdays are celebrated with family, which makes it more personal and we focus, as a family, only on the birthday person. The kids seem to like it and it works well for our family.

(While Peity was busy cutting her cake, Gunner was busy finishing off the rest of the icing.

When he was finished, he had it all over his face & hand. That's our Gunner!)

This is Peighton in a nutshell.

P = always PATIENT with everyone. Loves PHOTOGRAPHY

E = always ENERGETIC. Always EAGER to learn.

I = INQUISITIVE about everything. IRRESISTIBLE laughter

G = GIFTED artist. Loves to live the GOSPEL. Enjoys GIVING of herself.

H = our HARDEST WORKER. Loves giving & receiving HUGS.

T = always THOUGHTFUL. Our TINY princess. One TOUGH girl.

O = tries hard to be OBEDIENT. Always OPTIMISTIC

N = NEVER quits. Loves having her NAILS painted. NEVER stops!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCESS PEI-PEI!

WE LOVE YOU!

Nothing Like A Sweet Tooth!

2008-11-02T12:00:00.006-07:00

Halloween just isn't Halloween without some overly frosted sugar cookies to get you in the goulish mood & heighten your sweet tooth.

The kids had been begging us for the past few days to make cookies, and me being the terrific baker I am said, "Tomorrow. I promise!" Well, that promise was put off for 3 days. Finally, on a lazy Sunday evening, Brett decided to be the kids hero, and he made up a batch sugar cookies. He even made homemade icing! He truly is the BEST!

After dividing the icing into different bowls and adding different colors to them, we went to town. At first the cookies looked like easter eggs. I reminded the kids that these were for Halloween, and that triggered their creative juices. Soon we had cookies with pictures of witches, frankenstiens, pumpkins, cats, etc., flowing out our ears. It was really fun.

We sure had a fun time decorating, making a mess, and in Brody's case, just plain eating as much frosting as you could possibly eat. Brody would ice a cookie, lick it off, ice it again, and again, lick it off. He did this to at least 5 cookies. The cookies were suppose to be passed out to friends & neighbors, but after seeing the whole "licking thing" going on, we weren't sure which cookies had not been "double iced." But hey, the thought was there, right?

It started our Halloween preparations off to a good start!

A MARY KAY WEEKEND IN PARK CITY!

2008-10-14T08:12:00.041-06:00

This weekend was spent in the beautiful mountains in Park City, UT. I was lucky enough to attend The Brothers National Retreat for Mary Kay! Before I went I was having a little pity party and really not wanting to go. Thank goodness I have a husband who, at times, knows better than me, kissed me, and kicked my booty out the door! Man, I love that man!

I listened to speakers who are EXTREMELY successful in Mary Kay. They taught us (over 250 women) how, we too, can be successful if we are willing to "get our hands dirty" by working hard, and NEVER GIVING UP! It was also spent raising money for The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation, which gives money for cancer research, as well as giving towards helping women & children affected by domestic abuse. What a great cause!

I learned that even though the confidence or belief level in yourself isn't quite where it should be, you can lean on your team leader's until the belief in yourself comes. This has been my main area of struggle. This was the #1 reason I joined with this WONDERFUL company, to build my self-confidence & belief in myself. It has been a slow journey, but it's getting there.

New friendships were built during this weekend, also. My friend & sponsoring director, Arianne Morgon, had the insight to put me in a room with a fellow director/friend of hers, Michelle Hughes. I was able to stay with several women within her organization, and we instantly bonded. I was able to attend things that had I not been in this room, I would not have had the privedlege to attend. IT WAS AWESOME!

During one of the evenings, we learned about "Dressing for Success." How to look your best, not only by the way you dress, but by the way you wear your hair. There was a fashion show, which I was lucky enough to be a part of. I was able to have a professional fashion designer pick clothes out just for me that would help me look more professional, and if you know me, I needed all the help I could get. According to all my friends, I looked GREAT, but I so wasn't use to wearing jeans & high heeled boots & DANGLY EARINGS. I sort of felt like a bloated Hoochie Mama, and was waiting for someone to ask me how much I charched. :P Then, me, along with several of my other friends strutted our stuff in front of over 250 women! It was AWESOME (I think)!

One of the highlights during the weekend was to see the transformation of one of my new friends, Colleen Beller. This woman went from a beautiful women with LONG, LONG hair, to a HOT, SEXY WOMAN with a very updated, professional style that totally enhanced her facial features. She looked AMAZING! One of our roomies, Alex Messerly is a great stylist, and was able to help her feel comfortable about making this BIG change! I can't believe the change, and she was even able to donate her hair to locks of love!

Yes, this was a well need weekend get-a-way! One that was needed not only for the outside, but more importantly, for the inside too. I just need to apply what I heard & get out of my own way & get my butt moving. So.....

DIRECTOR, HERE I COME! JUST YOU WAIT & SEE!

JANUARY 2009!

facebooking - An Addiction

2008-10-06T13:13:00.002-06:00

Who ever hasn't facebooked hasn't lived. I discovered it, oh, I don't know sometime back in April or May. When I first joined, I actually thought it was pretty dumb, and I mainly did it cause some of the YW in Colorado had told me about it. My daughter also became a member, so I got on to make sure it was a good site for her to be a part of.

Well, I think I need to start up an fba (facebooking anonamous) group. I swear, it is truly addicting. You think you're gonna get on for just a bit, but then you want to see if anyone knew has joined facebook, you need to look at all your friends pictures and of course comment on them, you need to accept the friend requests that come in, and you need to chat with those facebook friends who are online at the moment. HOLY CRAP! It takes all day to accomplish this. I guess this is why my house looks the way it does and my kids are complaining that they don't have any clean underwear.

I guess I need to do what others do when they have a true addiction - QUIT! COLD TURKEY! I mean, isn't this why blogging was set up? Don't we catch up on those we chat with through our lovely blogs we spend so much time creating & adding to?

But there's just something different about facebooking. I don't quite know what it is, but it's there, and I swear it calls out my name each time I pass by my computer saying, "Cammie, I have a friend for you, don't you want to see who it is? Come on, it will only take a second." And then, wham, it has you reeled in for hours at a time.

Well, no more. I'm putting my foot down right now! I am only going to allow myself to facebook once a month. When that day comes, then I will only be on for 10-minutes. That should do it, that should cut the urge, and fill a need as well. So, anyone else who is feeling the addiction of facebooking, may I challenge you all to do the same thing. Let's ban together and cut this addiction before someone gets hurt.

Oh, who am I kidding, facebook is awesome, and I guess I just have to continue living in filth, cause well, when it comes to friends, you can never have enough - right? Please say yes!

LIFE INTERUPTED

2008-10-02T13:53:00.002-06:00

So, summer has now been over for 6-weeks, or should I say the kids have been in school for 6-weeks. Time to get back to my blogging. Sad to say that summer time gets to busy to sit down and blog for 5-min. at a time, especially when this is the time to get a lot of your greatest memories down, but hey, I'm only human, so shoot me.

Summertime seem to have flown by in the blink of an eye. We had a great summer, especially since we live closer to family. We spent a lot of time down in Utah County so our kids could play with their gazillion cousins. It was fun to be able to spend more "holiday time" with family as well.

We didn't really go on any vacations especially with the cost of gas the way it is, but we hung out and created memories of our own. The kids claimed to have read each day, which as all parents know is a total load of unmentionables. They should just say, "Mom, I've had a successful summer because my I.Q. dropped a full point!" Then I can say, "Well done my child, you have lived the summer life to the fullest!"

Although summer time is a well deserved vacation for parents and kids alike, I also think they should just keep it going year round because the first 3-months are spent reviewing everything they learned from the previous year, since it's all forgotten over the course of summer vacation.

As a family we spent time at Lagoon, at one of our friends cabins, going camping with friends, watching the kids play different sport (baseball, soccer, and softball), and best of all, watching our 8-year old son, Gunner be baptized and become a new member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saint.

These are just of few of the great summer events to took place, and now it's time to get back into the swing of life. So, to all my fellow bloggers who have been so diligent and didn't let summer vacations or life get in their way - Here's to blogging.

I'M RELATED TO A STAR!

2008-05-22T13:13:00.013-06:00

Yes, it's true, I am related to a superstar. Today will be his bid debut, and there will be thousands flocking to see him. "Who is this most amazing superstar?" you ask. Well, let me give you a hint. The first name is INDIANA!

Now before you fall to pieces and drool all over yourself thinking I am related to Harrison Ford, let me correct you. I am indeed related to THE INDIANA, but he is someone more important and incredible than Harrison Ford. Who be this VIP? It is my nephew, Henry Alden "INDIANA" Green.

My sister-in-law, Mandy is a movie FREAK! She LOVES Star Wars and Indiana Jones. What do these two movie series have in common? Harrison Ford of course. When she married my brother Brent she let it known that one of her children would be named after this most handsome of stars. Thus the name "Indiana" was chosen when their 2nd child was born.

You may ask, "So?" Well, today is my nephew, Indiana's 7th birthday. I don't think it coincidence that he was name after the infamous Indiana Jones, or that today is opening night for the movie, "Indiana Jones: The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull."

It is such a big deal that newspapers all over the state have been coming to interview young Indy, who with his trusy bull-whip in hand (which is real by the way), confidently shows his whipping skills.

You can read the 1st article on him posted in the Daily Herald at: http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/267493/17/ You can also check out more of Indy doing his "Indiana Jones" poses at http://brentandmandygreen.blogspot.com/

Yes, I feel priveldge to be related to such an amazing person. Indiana Green is a star in my eyes and has so much more endearing qualities that will forever remain with me, more so than the so-called star of the newest Indiana Jones movies (although Harrison Ford is still pretty much up there in my "Most Hottest of Hot Guys" book)

Love Ya INDIANA! Happy Birthday to one of my favorite, most bravest heros!

WELLSVILLE MILE!

2008-05-15T10:45:00.012-06:00

On Wednesday, Stoney had the chance to compete in the Wellsville Mile. What is the Wellsville Mile you ask? Well, apparently it is a race for 4th & 5th graders in the Cache Valley School District. This race has been going on since "the beginning of time" according to our neighbor. She grew up in this area and competed in it when she was this age, which was quite some time ago since she is a grandma now. It's a way to promote healthy living and staying physically active.

Apparently, this is race is pretty well known. The official Timer for the Boston Marathon loves this race and what it promotes so he comes and volunteers his services and times the races for free. How AWESOME is that!

The students have been training for the past 6-weeks, increasing their indurance and strength. Stoney had the fastest time (by 2 sec. - 6.45) for all the 4th grade boys in the district coming into the race. He was excited about that, and knew he would do a good job.

The day of the race was CRAZY! There were kids running around everywhere, parents, grandparents & siblings lining the sidewalks, and police ars & orange cones placed at street corners. You would have thought everyone was getting ready for a grand parade.

They had the 4th grade girls compete first. There were three heats for each grade / gender. Which ever heat the child competed in was determined by his / her time. The 1st heat was for slower times, 2nd heat for average times, and 3rd heats for the faster times. Stoney competed in the 3rd heat for 4th grade boys. Peity, Brody and I made bright signs to cheer Stoney on. We had a great time making them.

It came time for Stoney's heat, and he was a little nervous. He was so excited his dad was able to come watch him, and it was fun hearing Brett give Stoney last minute tips to help Stoney run a better race. There were about 30 boys in Stoney's heat -at least. The gun went off and Stoney was on his way. He began sprinting, and unfortunately ran out of gas a little sooner than we thought. As he came around for the 2nd lap, he had dropped behind, but he was stilling doing great.

We held up the signs high & cheered him on as loud as we could. The finish line was exciting and we were anxious to see our little guy rounding the corner and starting his "kick." He was able to pass a few people and ended up coming in 10th in his heat & 20th out of 98 4th grade boys. HE DID FANTASTIC!

We were so proud of him. He ran a great race, and he learned a lot. He was a little disappointed because he was expecting to do a little better, but he realized he started out too fast, and he also got trapped in a big group of boys and ended up getting pushed into the ditch, but he had a great time.

Next year, he wants to train a little harder and gain tips to get a better time. If you're ever out this way during the 2nd week of May stop by the tiny town of Wellsville and cheer on these kids as they run a fantastic race.

WAY TO GO STONEY!

WE'RE SO PROUD OF YOU!

News Flash! - What We Do For Our Kids!

2008-04-28T01:32:00.004-06:00

The Daily News Team!

Corky Davenport - Head Anchor: Cassidey Harward

Stone Henge LeFever - Investigative Reporter: Stoney Harward`

Cotton McMurphy - Sports: Gunner Harward

Pixie VanPelt - Weather: Peighton Harward

Announcer / Sheriff / Dave "Smelley-socks" Strykes: Brett Harward

Videographer / Opening Theme Song: Cammie Harward

Bet you didn't know our kids were T.V. Celebreties did you? Yes, well neither did we until Cassidey so conveniently mentioned a few days ago that she had a Power Point Presintation (say that 3xfast) due for school. How wonderful! We shouted praises of joy over the fact that we didn't have weeks to compile her report, instead we had just 3 short days! I'm so glad Cassidey was thinking of us and not wanting to bother us with time. According to Cassidey, this report wasn't due for a LONG time, well this LONG time happens to be tomorrow! Can you say, "HOLY CRAP!" and because she waited so long, she changed from using Power Point to just wanting to video tape it. What a GEM!

Tonight, after Cassidey so willingly leaped up the stairs to work on homework, she sat right down and began working on her presentation, which happens to be a report on adoption, and adoption thru the Black Market. She decided to do a news report, which I thought was a creative idea -at least that was my feelings last week. Today, I was ready to find the first article on adoption or Black Market and plagerize the crap out of it. Finally at 9pm the script was done. I quickly editted it and we set our acting skills in motion. Well, it worked out AWESOME!

Her brothers & sister were such great sports to pitch in and be anchor people (is that the politically correct phrase?). We tried to get them to ham it up, but we didn't start recording until 10pm! The kids were EXHAUSTED! We finally finshed at 10:40pm, the kids were dragging themselves to bed, with a smile on their face for a job well done.

The News Report turned out great, and who knows, maybe someday you'll see one of them on The Today Show with Matt Lauer, or Good Morning America, or CNN. Hey, it could happen! Either way, it was a great way to spend our Sunday evening together as a family (except Brody who went to bed early - maybe next time Bro.)

I'm Baggy Eyes signing out!

SPRING BREAK - 2008!

2008-04-17T11:50:00.010-06:00

Ahhhhh Spring Break. A time for a much need rest from the labors and stresses of school life. A time of staying up late, a time to PAR-TAY with friends, and if your lucky, a time to go somewhere warm -say like Hawaii- especially if you live in the Rocky Mtns., and have had the winter we have had. And if you have really cool parents -which Brett and I so aren't.- Disneyland or better yet, DisneyWorld would make the ultimate Spring Break vacation!

Well, I'm happy to say, the Harward Gang did it ALL! except go somewhere warm, cause well, we're lame and we have 5 kids, bills, and clothes and food to buy, so we stuck with the surrounding attractions. My kids are so jipped. :P Here are our top 20 things we'll remember about SPRING BREAK 2008 !

SPRING BREAK TOP 22 COUNTDOWN!
#1: Spending time together as a family! THE BEST THING OF ALL!

#2: American West Heritage Center's L'il Buckaroo Rodeo & Mutten Busting (in short, cheering for our kids as they hung on for their lives as they rode for over 16 sec. on the back of a sheep!)

#3: Hearing each of the kids BEGGING for us to BUY an animal - any animal, it didn't matter. (sheep, rabbit, chicken, calf, llama - I kid you not, these animals were all for sale.)

#4: Watching the boys try and CATCH a turkey, a chicken, and all other sorts of birds.

#5: Brody's SMILE from ear to ear as he road a horse for the very first time.

#6: Watching Peity RE-INACT scenes from the movie, "FLASHDANCE" as she got her "GROOVE THANG" on at the water fountains at LAGOON!

#7: Seeing the look on Cassidey's face when we told her she was allowed to go off ON HER OWN -WITHOUT parents!

#8: Feeling every MUSCLE in Brody's body SHAKE on each decent of the tidal wave. (I'm thinking he's going to need therapy after that ride.)

#9: Hearing Brody scream, "I WON!" at the end of his turn on the bumper cars!

#10: Laughing our heads off when Stoney, Gunner & Shanna were being CHASED by a wandering GOOSE.

#11: Seeing the excitement on Gunner's face when he realized he was TALL ENOUGH to go on all but 2 rides!

#12: Watching Stoney run through the park like he was on a never ending sugar high - excited that he had made every "HEIGHT RESTRICTION"!

#13: Happy that Brett didn't end up "SPEWING" in one of LAGOON'S trash cans from going "around, and around, and around......"

#14: Seeing the barred white teeth of a SIBERIAN TIGER as he growled, and crouched down, like he was ready to pounce.

#15: Hearing Peity giggle & say, "I have a FUNNY IN MY TUMMY!" as she dropped down from the Dino Egg & Lady Bug Drop rides.

#16: Seeing the LOOK on face as we rode side-by-side on a LAGOON icon - THE CAROUSEL - PRICELESS!

#17: Riding on RATTLESNAKE RAPIDS, again, and again, and again......

#18: Forgetting that the temperature was only 55-DEGREES AFTER we were done riding Rattlesnake Rapids.

#19: Seeing LAGOON'S biggest MONEY MAKER as we came off of Rattlesnake Rapids, a gift shop filled with DRY sweatshirts, DRY t-shirts, DRY ponchos, etc. How convenient!

#20: The LONG WALK back to our car in DRIPPING WET clothes! (I swear we walked over 5 miles!)

#21: Feeling LUCKY we didn't come down with pneumonia. Hypothermia... YES! But pneumonia... no!

#22: Having made some AWESOME MEMORIES with our kids! Again, THE BEST THING OF ALL!

As you can see, Spring Break 2008 was a success! Unfortunately, the kids got ahold of my camera and deleted ALL my pictures, but luckily I still have a few videos to remember this great weekend.

OWL SKAT!

2008-04-07T13:11:00.019-06:00

Gunner is in 2nd grade and such an inquisitive little guy, always wanting to know how things work, where things come from or how it was made, especially when it comes to animals, so needless to say this last unit of study he did in class was right up his alley.

His class has been studying a few different units; 1. the body, which included: bone structure, shape, how they grow, and how to keep them healthy; and 2. studying the habits of different animals, and learning if they slept during the day or at night. They were able to combine these two units while they studied Owl droppings! You heard me right, Owl droppings, better known as POOP!

Gunner talked about this for days, and was worried when we decided to go out of town for a few days that he was going to miss the day when they would dig through the droppings to find out what they ate. Fortunately he didn't.

A few days ago, when I picked the kids up from school, Gunner immediately jumped in the van and couldn't wait to show me his latest picture. I looked at it, and couldn't believe what I was looking at, a skeleton of a Vole, which apparently is a cross between a mole and a mouse. This is what Gunner found in his owl's droppings.

Gunner thought it was the coolest thing ever, and I, well, when I was his age, I would have felt the same way, but now, it's a little wierd to be preparing dinner and as I go to open the fridge there, staring me in the face is the skull of a Vole (it still has a little bit of fur on it - excuse me as I shudder).

I'm not sure how long we need to keep our "Pet Vole" up, but it's been fun watching Gunner's excitement day by day as he learns more and more about the body and animals.

Learning is AWESOME!

A SOLEMN ASSEMBLY!

2008-04-06T18:57:00.006-06:00

What a wonderful weekend it has been. So many memorable things have taken place over the past two days, the best, hearing from our newest prophet, Thomas S. Monson speak to us for the first time as prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

What a blessing it has been to watch the 178th LDS General Conference, and be part of the Solemn Assembly where I raised my hand along with member's throughout the world as we sustained Pres. Monson, his counselors, and other leaders of the church.

Although I've heard Pres. Monson speak many times thoughout my life, hearing him speak to us today as our prophet was something I will remember throughout my life. What a remarkable man he is, and what an incredible prophet, and president of the LDS church he will be.

Each talk that was given was truly inspired. At times I felt as if their words were being spoken directly to me. Hearing the testimonies of so many of our church leaders was uplifting. They increased my testimony, and gave me knew insight on what I need to do to increase and strengthen it.

How I love this gospel. How I love that we have a true and living prophet who speaks to us today, one who is in constant contact with our Father in Heaven. What a time to be alive and be able to raise and teach our children, -the "chosen generation", helping to prepare them to fight and endure the temptations of this world.

Yes, this has truly been a memorable and wonderful weekend.

BARTHOLOMEWS! - BFF!

2008-04-01T10:14:00.003-06:00

Ahhhhh, the Bartholomew's! - Brian, Jozianne, Andrea, Jane & Emily! These are some of our most favorite people ever and they happen to be our best friends!Since our move from Colorado to Utah 3 months ago we have missed them soooooo much. Our families get along so well, and Jozianne and I are like sisters! Man I love that gal! Well, this past week we are lucky enough to have them spend a few days with us.

We decided to go to Eden (just outside of Ogden) to Wolf Mountain Wyndham Resort. Although it was cold and snowy we all had a great time sitting around playing games, eating, laughing, playing the Wii, wrestling, playing raquetball, pool, staying up late, and just plain having a good time.

On Saturday, Jozianne and I were able to take Emily & Cassidey to the General YW Broadcast. Jozianne had gotten us tickets to attend it live at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. I had never been there before and was not prepared to see the immenseness of the conference room. If I remember right, the conference center seats over 100,000 people. It's incredible.

We were able to hear from the General YW's Board (Sis's. Susan W. Tanner - Pres., Elaine S. Dalton - 1st Coun., Mary N. Cook - 2nd Coun.) as well as from Pres. Henry B. Eyring (1st Coun. to Pres. Monson). The theme for this year's meeting is "I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable" (Mosiah 5:15). The spoke of standing strong in the face of adversity and temptations. To have the light from within to guide and direct us in the way God and Jesus Christ would want us to go. They were wonderful talks, as well as inspired words which Heavenly Father wanted his daughters to hear. It was a special night to spend with Cassidey and to bond with her and spend some quality time together.

After the broadcast, we went to a place called "Spoon Me." It was sort of like an ice cream place, but the "ice cream" was nothing I've ever tasted before. It's kind of like a very tart sorbet that is very, very cold. Apparently they say this "treat" comes from the asci (ahh - sigh - ee) berry found in the rainforests of Brazil. They say it has a lot of antioxydents so it's actually healthy for you to eat (plain that is - not with any of the toppings you can put on it). It was pretty good. Apparently Cassidey & Emily thought it was so good that they had to have seconds. All-in-all it was a great evening spent with my daughter and friends.

Today is not such a great day since we will be saying good bye to our dear friends. They won't be heading home today, but we won't be able to see them for quite awhile. The Bartholomews have played such a huge part in our family. They have been there for us through good times and bad. They are always there with open arms and making us feel a part of their family. We have been so blessed to be their friends, and are grateful this is a friendship that will last FOREVER!LOVE YA! BARTHOLOMEW'S!

Of course one of the entries that would do well with pictures will not happen because I forgot my stinkin' camera - AGAIN! I swear I just need to clip the thing onto my key chain, that way I'll always have it with me.

Kissed By The Sun!

2008-03-27T15:17:00.004-06:00

To say that I wear makeup would be telling a HUGE lie. In almost 18-years of marriage I have literally spent no more than $75 on makeup, but last week I spent that much in one big selfish splurg! I only end up wearing makeup on Sunday's. I do this for two reasons, 1. Because I hate the makeup I have. 2. So that during the week, Brett will look at me and think I'm beautiful, and then when Sunday rolls around, I walk out to head to church and smile as his jaw hits the floor because he thinks I'm the HOTTEST BABE that has ever walked the eart.

It's not so much that I hate makeup, cause I see some women with makeup on who look beautiful, and sometimes I wish I could look like that. But then I remember how much time it probably took to look like that and the thought of wearing makeup is gone in a flash. If anything takes longer than 6-min. to apply, it's so not worth it in my mind. I have too many things I need to put my time to instead of applying makeup. That is why my hair is massively short so that I can shower, blow dry, apply a little product and be done in under 5 min. LOVE IT!

The only makeup I have ever really wanted to buy was makeup from BareMinerals. I've seen it advertised several times on the internet and thought it sounded so great! All you had to do was "SWIRL, TAP, & BUFF". There's no heavy creams or liquid's, just a tiny bit of all natural powders and you'r done. I thought, "Now that's my kind of makeup!"

I've wanted this stuff for the past couple years, but could never bring myself to make the call. Then, as I was reading my friend Xochi's blog, I was looking at her favorite things list and low & behold there was a link to the stuff. I took this as a "sign" so I clicked and ordered.

It came yesterday, and today I used it for the first time! Let me tell you, it's as AWESOME as they say it is. I love it! It took me all of about 10-min. to apply, but that time will drop since I now know what I'm doing and don't have to read the instructions.

I decided to put it on my mom to see how she would look, and holy cow, it was amazing! She's 74-years old and looks great for her age, but she does have aged skin, and has the broken capillaries on her cheeks and stuff. It totally covered it all, and it didn't even look like she was wearing makeup!

I look like I've been KISSED BY THE SUN!!! If it's really this easy, I may just look like a SUPER HOT BABE from here on out! Thanks Xoch for having it on your blog - Love Ya! Yeah for BareEscentuals! http://bareescentuals.com/

Catching Up

2008-03-23T21:43:00.014-06:00

It's been a while since I've been able to posts due to the fact that our computer decided to go "postal" so I will try and get myself caught up on what's been going on in our family's life.

Woman in the Tortilla Mask!

We have a lot of crazy, fun times at our home, and as you can see it doesn't cost a whole lot of $, nor does it take much to create these fun times. We are able to find fun with what ever seems to be laying around. To make this amazing, yet creative craft all you need is a flour tortilla, some good chompers, and a know-how of where face features should go, and wham there you have it, a fun tortilla mask! Make your own today!

TEAM EXTREME!

One of the best things that has happened for Stoney since we moved here was to make it onto his class's geography team. He competed against all the students in his class for 1 of the 7 spots and made it! He was so excited! For the past 6-weeks, the team - TEAM EXTREME! - has studied everyday, learning all about the geography of the world (landforms, flags, states, capitals, continents, fyi's, etc.) This was great for me because many of the things he was learning I didn't know. The whole 6-weeks of studying built up to a competition between all the 4th grade geography teams in Providence Elementary, and the winner of that competition would go on to compete against schools through out the district, and then throughout the state, so it was a pretty big deal for them all.

This past Thursday, March 20, was the big day! Stoney was excited but nervous. They were 2 "quarters" in the competition, each quarter had 15 questions. The first 15 questions Stoney knew all but 2 of the questions, and by the end of the first quarter, TEAM EXTREME! was in the lead, but not by much (86 pts., 85 pts., 84 pts., & 83 pts.)

The next quarter started, and these questions were a little more difficult. All the teams did great, and Stoney tried his hardest along with his teammates. When it was all over, TEAM EXTREME! took 3rd place. They were 4 points away from the 1st place team. According to the principal, this was the closest, and highest scoring Geography Bowl the school had ever had.

Stoney was bummed that his team wasn't able to move on to the next level of competition, but he had a great time, really learned a lot, and most importantly it helped him gain confidence moving into a new school. He did great! Great job Stone! We Love You!

HOPPY EASTER!

We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful Easter than today! It was sunny, and in the 50's! It wasn't necessarily shorts weather, but we didn't have to be bundled up either. The kids were able to play outside and not have to wear boots or gloves. YEAH! Maybe spring really is on it's way.

Our Easter morning started out with Brody waking up, walking out of his bedroom door, noticing the "bunny droppings that were strewn all over the floor, and with a big smile on his face said, "This is AMAZING!" We then let the kids have a healthy breakfast of Candy, Candy, and more Candy! We have got the be either the world's best or worst parents. After you check out the video of Brody eating a Sour Patch Kid it might help you make up your mind.

After the traditional easter egg hunt, and having the kids rumage through all their Easter Basket Fodder, we turned the conversation to where and what it needed to be about - our Savior, Jesus Christ.

We asked each of the kids what Easter meant to them. It was interesting to hear their own responses and how it changed as we went from the youngest to the oldest. when I asked Peity what Easter meant to her she said it meant Jesus died. Brody heard this and said, "Jesus died! I love Jesus!" (if you listen closely to the video, you'll be able to hear it.) It was quite touching, because in his own little 4-year old way, he gave his explanation and testimony of what Easter meant to him.

We attended church and got to hear some wonderful talks about Christ and the sacrifice he made for all of us. We were then able to enjoy family company as my mom, and my brother Evan and his family were here to celebrate with us.

Just like Christmas, Easter lets us truly focus on and appreciate all that our Savior has done for us. It was a wonderful day! I'm grateful for all my Savior has done for me, and that he sacrificed everything so that we all can be resurrected and be together as a family forever!

"Mature" Rated Computer!

2008-03-23T00:59:00.002-06:00

It's been a while since I've posted and I have a perfectly good reason... My computer decided to go become a "Mature Audience Only" computer!

It first started a few weeks ago, where it began to run pretty slow. We weren't sure of the reason and it wasn't really doing anything "funny" so we didn't think too much of it. Then we started getting warning that our computer was at risk for viruses. I ran a scan with the security software I had, and according to the software said they had cleaned everything up. Boy was it wrong!

It then began telling me that we were at risk for spyware. I wasn't quite sure of what spyware was, but I was looking for ways to get rid of it when "WHAM!" up pops some of the most aweful pictures I have seen! I was able to stop it, and we didn't use it for a few days. I was still looking for ways to get rid of it.

A few days later, I turned it on, again, the same warnings popped up. I thought I had found the right antispyware to download, when one window of the same stuff as the last time began popping up. I couldn't close them all fast enough. We were so worried that one of the kids would turn it on and see these pictures so we hid the computer until we could take it in to an expert. We were also worried that our identity had been compromised because of some things that were done, so we had to change some things at our bank as well. What a pain!

After 3 days, our computer was back to normal health. It was totally infected with some horrible spyware, and it was hid throughout the computer. The computer "doctors" brought it back to life and here we are... YEAH! Our computer is now back to being "G-Rated!"

Who Knew I Lived In A Wildlife Reserve?

2008-03-16T18:48:00.006-06:00

Seeing the beauty of nature and the wonder of wildlife is beautiful, but stepping in it isn't quite as lovely!

Living in Colorado was great over the past 5-years because we got to see wildlife you wouldn't normally see in town, like foxes (is that right?) and hundreds of Canadian Geese that fly overhead almost daily. It was really neat. but today, we got a bird's-eye view of nature close up.

Throughout the winter, you had to watch your step in our backyard due to the large piles of deer "skat" left all over. We wonder if our backyard was used as a "nesting" place for a couple head of deer when they would nest for the night, but we had yet to see any. That all changed today.

While Brett and I were fine tuning our Sunday School Lessons Cassidey suddenly yelled, "Deer!" We looked out our Living Room Window, and sure enough there were two deer, what looked to be a Mama Doe and her Yearling, walking into our yard! They were very cautious and walked very slow as they took their time making their way to our backyard.

We wondered if this happened to be at least some of the deer who had been making themselves comfortable in our backyard. We all watched them, quietly peeking from behind the blinds in our family room and kitchen. They looked directly at us a couple times but kept walking around.

They stayed in our yard for about 15-min., and then took off running & leaping off across our other neighbors yards, and then across the street, out of sight. The kids thought it was the greatest thing to see deer so close up, and Brett and I thought it was a treat as well. I was able to catch a few photos of them. I love living close to the mountains and all the "pluses" that come with it!

The Mark of Zorro Isn't Always A Good Thing!

2008-03-14T18:30:00.002-06:00

The legendary character of Zorro and the mark he leaves to those who need a lesson taught to them has come to be known as a sign of comfort and safety among people, but not in my case.

A few days ago I was discussing the newly acquired bags under my eyes with my wonderful husband. These bags are not things that I packed when I moved from Colorado, no, they came all on their own, shipper unknown. I woke up one morning and "WHAM!" there they were! I kid you not! Once in a while, I've had bags under my eye, but again, only once in a blue moon and that was when I have stayed up really late or didn't get much sleep the night before. But now, these succers are determined to stay. It doesn't matter what time I go to bed or how much sleep I get, the puffy, over-packed things are always there, and they last almost all day. I can't stand it!

As I mentioned, I was discussing this fact with Brett when he so lovingly said, "Yes, I've noticed. You have definate crows feet on your eyes, and a really cute mark under one of your eyes that looks like the mark of Zorro." Did he think I was suppose to take that as a tender remark? I mean seriously, I use to look a lot younger than my age, but now.... Holy CRAP! I look like I could be a grandma.

I use to laugh at the commercials the advertised the eye cream or the "filler" creams, and I would think you had to be pretty vain to buy those expensive creams. Well..... guess what! I am now that vain person. I need some major eye cream. Not necessarily a filler, but one that plumps out my wrinkles and shrinks my eye luggages that has so rudely decided to hang around. Who know, I might even try some hemorrhod ointment on those bags to see if it will shrink 'em up! :p I'll let you know how it works out. :o)

A Cool New Addition!

2008-03-11T10:46:00.002-06:00

So as I was scrolling through and coveting several blogs, how they look, their designs, colors, ideas, etc., and wishing mine could be like more like theirs, I came across a cool tool from slide.com. It's a Guestbook.

It lets anyone "sign" it and add where they are from. It's especially cool for people like me because if enough people sign it, then it makes me feel like I have TONS of friends from all over! It might work as an instant boost to my self-esteme.

So, scroll down to the bottom of my blog and add your name to my Guestbook Map. Add a picture too if possible. Enjoy. I can't wait to see this guestbook grow!

GIVE ME STRENGTH!

2008-03-07T07:22:00.006-07:00

Ahhhhh, life with a teenager! Never before have I felt such tranquility, such peacefulness, such love, SUCH STRONG FEELINGS TO STRANGLE MY OLDEST OFFSPRING! ;p Today happened to be one of those days.

Don't get me wrong, we love our 13-year old with all our heart and soul, she really is a great kid! But then there are times when suddenly without notice the Terrible Teenage Troll appears, takes over her body, and we don't know who or what we're talking to. Her face becomes distorted, there is great gnashing of teeth, her words begin spilling out of her mouth in a high-pitched, ear piercing tone with vocabulary that makes her feel older than she is but yet makes her sound younger than her youngest sibling (who happens to be 4.) And in a blink-of-an-eye, the fearsome troll disappears and our sweet, innocent, playful daughter reemerges and life is good again for another brief second in time. Nothing is ever her fault, and things always seem to go to hell-in-a-handbasket whenever she is overtaken by the gruesome troll - let me tell you, it's AWESOME!

I'm thinking my monthly hair budget will soon be increasing since I will be getting frequent hair colorings to cover up the gray hair I will be growing over the next few years! What am I saying, few years? Try the next 15 years since that is when our youngest will reach the last of the teenage years. OH, HEAVEN HELP ME!

INTRODUCING THE NEWEST 4-YEAR OLD!

2008-03-06T09:28:00.013-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. BROJANGELS!

Brody's Birthday was on March 1st. We were in East Canyon at the time, so we got to celebrate it with family. We had cake and ice cream, but we decided to holdoff giving Brody his main Birthday Gift until we got home. Up at East Canyon we spent his birthday on the sledding hill, which he LOVED! He became brave enough that he didn't wait for Mom or Dad to go with him. If he saw an empty tube or sled (whether it be ours or not) he would hop on and down the hill he went, giggling and laughing. It was quite the sight! I can't wait to sare pictures of these as soon as Brett's dad gets them to us.

For his birthday, he got come K-nex building blocks, which says that it is for ages 3 & above, but after looking at the directions and seeing all the small pieces, it must of been a type-o, or else it meant 3 decades instead of years cause even Stoney, who is 9 was having a hard time putting things together.

He also got a new big wheel, and because we're so rich (:p) we splurged and bought a radio flyer brand. Actually we got it because it was the only big wheel we could find. What's up with that? Don't you remember when we were all kids how popular big wheels were? You could find them anywhere. Our family growing up went through big wheels like they were water. We were even riding them when we were teenagers, and for one of my brothers, he would have races down Provo Canyon at midnight when he was in high school. Well, I guess the days of the sturdy big wheels are gone, cause they are so hard to find now, and when you do find a nice one, they cost an arm and a leg. Oh well, Brody's having fun (along with the rest of the kids), and we thought this might be a better way to teach him how to peddle and use his tiny little muscles.

For someone who has been in this country for only 21-months he's really caught on to the whole birthday thing. Ever since his birthday, he wakes usp screaming, "It's my birthday! Where's my presents?" Seriously, where did he learn that!

He hasn't quite figured out that he is 4 now instead of 3, but that's o.k. We're just happy he's here and a part of our family. He had changed so much over the past 21-months, he really isn't the same kid that was standing in front of our door in Inner Mongolia.

We're so happy he's part of our family! He adds so much to the diversity of our family. Happy birthday big guy!

Winter at East Canyon!

2008-03-02T20:16:00.003-07:00

Oh, the joys of spending a winter vacation at East Canyon!

I have been vacationing with Brett & his family at their timeshare since Brett and I were dating. We spend a few days in summertime, a few days in winter, as well as attend a few family reunions. There's about a gazillion kids, lots of snacks, diet Coke, card games, and movies. During the winter, if you're lucky enough to be 16 or older you get to take a dip in the hot tub. Ahhhhh, East Canyon, with its majestic mountain scenery brings with it lots of fun family memories. Here's our latest:

Of course, I forgot my camera, so I was unable to take pictures of the fun time we had, so now I'll have to wait for Brett's dad to pass along the pictures he took. Anyway, this winter "holiday" was spent with a smaller group this time. This year we actually had a TON of snow so sledding was the activity of choice for the kids (if we could get them away from the Wii long enough).

We laughed, A LOT, talked, played "Playground" on the Wii, and DDR, where we really got to shake our groove thang, and had an "adult only" dip in the jacuzzi, until it was raided by a group of 16-year olds that were having a "sweet-16" birthday party. So a hot tub that was almost overflowing with 10 large adults was now flooding with 8 sixteen year old girls clad in "itsy-bitsy-teeney-weeney - well you get the drift," who thought they were all that and a bag of chips! Needless to say, there wasn't much room to move around. The best part of this "activity" was when Brett got a few "Happy Birthday to Me!" surprises from one of the young girls sat on his lap a few times! It was quite comical.

We did have a great time, but it's always fun to come home as well. We now get to sleep in a real bed, not one that is covered with plastic for the "oops" times, and the kids won't be on a 24-hour sugar rush.

Ahhhh, East Canyon! It's truly a vacationing oasis! :P

"Great Clips"...... NOT!

2008-02-24T17:34:00.002-07:00

Cutting Hair is a talent, either you have or you don't. I realize stylists have trained long and hard for their license, but just because you have one doesn't necessarily mean you should practice what you trained to do. Let me tell why.....

We took the 4 younger kids to get haircuts yesterday because I wasn't feeling too good. The kids were excited to have their hair cut for the 1st time by a "PROFESSIONAL HAIR STYLISTS." They were anticipating how handsome/beautiful they would all look AFTER the "PROFESSIONAL STYLISTS" were done with their hair.

Well, 15-min. after walkin in to Great Clips, we walked out - I kid you not! And man did my kids hair look amazing! NOT!

When asked if they liked it, they said, "Mom, will you cut our hair next time?" This goes to show you that a license might give you the knowledge, but not necessarily the skills or talent.

I have wanted to go to cosmetology school since I was in 2nd grade. I was a major tomboy growing up, never playing with dolls except only if I could do their hair. My younger sister was the one to play with dolls, and I would secretly take her dolls, sit back, look at their face shape, skin color, ect, and think of what type of hair style would look good on them, then.... CHOP! off came the hair. In 2nd grade I wasn't too good of a stylist, and BARBIE usually ended up being bald or had a very short crew cut. Today though, I do have to admit, I am pretty good with a pair of scissors and clippers.

Next time my kids need hair cuts, I'll put my sick feelings aside and do it myself, saving myself 15-min., and the $45 dollars I had to dish out.

"Holy Coolness Batman - IT'S A LUNAR ECLIPSE!"

2008-02-21T06:56:00.004-07:00

I'm sure most of you have better pictures of the Lunar Eclipse that took place last nigt, but I'm still trying to figure out my camera and how it works, so give me a break - sheez!

It's pretty cool to witness a lunar eclipse, even when the temperatures are in the high teens, and your bare feet are frozen to the sidewalk. This was our case while we watched for moments at a time. I didn't have the patience nor enough thermal underwear to allow me to watch the entire thing, but we did check back from time to time to see the progression.

The kids, especially Stoney, thought it was pretty cool! When we called Gunner & Peity to come look at it, they simply looked out the window, said, in a rather dull tone, "Oh, cool," then quickly ran back to what they were doing. I mean, my gosh, couldn't they at least act like it's the coolest thing they've ever seen and want to stay up all night watching the entire movement of the eclipse? What went wrong in my parenting?

From what I read on the internet yesterday, the next Lunar Eclipse will happen again in 2010 - man will I be old!

"GREAT"..... A VISIT FROM FRIENDS!

2008-02-21T05:31:00.010-07:00

So this past weekend ROCKED! We were most excited because some of our bestest friends, Jane (aka Janey Waney) & Emily Bartholomew (aka Smellimy Barf all over you) came all the way from Colorado to spend President's Day Weekend with us! Actully, just Emily came from Colorado, Jane is in her 2nd semester at LDS Business College. Brett & I basically think of them as our adopted daughters, since while we lived in Colorado our families were together ALL THE TIME!

Cassidey loved seeing her bestest buddy - "M"! These two girls are two peas in a pod. I swear they were split from the same mold in heaven because they are exactly alike. The other kids couldn't get enough of jumping on them (Peity), hugging them (again Peity), kissing them (Gunner), and pretty much annoying them to DEATH (and again Peity)! They probably left here saying, "Holy Crap - I won't be visiting again any time soon!"

During the weekend we went to see Spiderwick Chronicles (http://www.spiderwickchronicles.com/)! It was AWESOME! It was nonstop action from start to finish, and my kids LOVED IT! It was a bit scarry at times, and I thought for sure my kids would wake up with nightmares, but they didn't, and they said, "It wasn't too scarry for me, Mom!" We had a great time!

Then it was off to The Cache Valley Fun Park, it's like Ghettoville Boondocks, only with indoor activities only, like roller skating, a HUGE soft play area with a wicked slide, the usual video games that spit out tickets and and never work, Lazer Tag - everyone's favorite that night, and bowling, as well as the usual greasy pizza. It was fun for the most part, especially since I didn't come home with too bad of a head ache from the loud music blasting the entire time - HOLY COW! I just realized I've turned OLD!

The rest of the time, we just hung out, got our groove on playing, Dance Dance Revolution on the Wii, and just plain having a great time together. The weekend went too fast because before we knew it, Monday had arrived and we were heading to the airport to drop off Emily, and take Jane to her apartment.

We miss the Bartholomews! (excuse me while I blow my nose and wipe up the tears spilling out of my eyes.) They are our bestest buddies, and wish we could see them more. I told them before we moved to Utah that I was going to find a way to get them to move out here, and I have been trying really hard (any body know of a great paying job in the cheese business here in Cache Valley?)

Anyway, just wanted to share a few pictures and a video of the awesome girls! We miss you Janey Waney & Smellimy Barf all over you!

AMAZING Abstract Photography & NEWS REPORTING!

2008-02-21T04:37:00.009-07:00

Oh our ever-so adventerous Peity, who never seems to be at a loss for words, or energy. She has fallen in love with my camera! When ever I can't find her, it's usually because she is off somewhere taking pictures of whatever seems to catch her eye, or what ever seem to have the "right light", which is usually herself. This also goes for video taping. If she can get an audience, or even if she can't, it doesn't matter to her, cause on goes the camera and what ever she can think of, she say or do.

When I first got my camera, I was keeping all the pictures she took, because well hello, it's my child using her imagination and being creative, plus isn't that what a parent is suppose to do, -to treasure, keep and capture ANYTHING their child EVER does, so that when the child reaches the age of maturity you can proudly pass on the 103 boxes of "TREASURES" so that it can now take up room in their own storage closet?

Well, I finally had to take a stand when each time I went to take a picture of a memorous occasion all the memory on my camera had been used up with over 1000 pictures and videos of Peighton talking, Peighton Singing, Peighton's Blanket's, Peighton's stuffed animals, Peighton's shoe, Peighton's hair accessories, Peighton's eye, Peighton's teeth...... Are you starting to get the picture?

I think she really has a knack for photography, she really is quite good. She loves to use different angles, and things. I thought I'd share a few picture's and video that she took the other day. She was really on a role, because in just one day - actually, in a matter of 1 hour, she had taken over 65 pictures and 22 video clippings. So to narrow it down to these was quite hard. By the way, I ended up keeping I think 8 of her pictures and 4 of her video clippings (which 3 of them were the recording of Nickelodian's Fairly Odd Parents - Fairly Odd Baby! -can I be sued for breaking copyright?

With that said, Peighton keeps our life exciting and energized. For someone so tiny to have so much energy is amazing and I can't imagine what our life or family would be like without our Little Princess Pei Pei!

ENJOY!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

2008-02-14T16:49:00.032-07:00

HOW DO "i" LOVE THEE? LET "me" COUNT THE WAYS!

1. Could life be any more NORMAL without a CRAZY, HECTIC MORNING!

2. Waiting until VALENTINES EVE to write our VALENTINES!

3. Quickly constucting a MILK JUG VALENTINES Card Holder for someone because the one they made doesn't look as good as their brothers!

4. Letting your children decide how they want their HAIR DONE for their VALENTINES DAY TEA PARTY. Then sitting back and quietly watch as they pose in the mirror, admiring how BEAUTIFUL or HANDSOME they look!

5. Reading VALENTINE BOOKS to your kids, making up voices and phrases with what they think the pictures should say, and CHERISHING THEIR GIGGLES when this is done!

6. Watching your teenager exciteably HELP their younger SIBLINGS WRITE their VALENTINES CARDS, but passing up the chance to do their own because, "I'm way to old to make any STUPID Valentines CARDS!"

7. Waiting with anticipation for kids to BURST through the door, EXCITED about showing you all their VALENTINES LOOT they pulled off from their classmates.

8. Looking at the aftermath of the VALENTINES DAY WHIRLWIND! (candy wrappers, ripped paper, sticky -tried but didn't like- candy, etc. you get the drift)

9. All the "OOOOOOing & AHHHHHHing" a parent gets to do over each "ORIGINAL" VALENTINE.

10. Secretly WATCHING your kids as they surround the COMPUTER watching their favorite YouTube country videos, as they PROMIS they are really doing their homework. (OOOO, BUSTED!)

11. Receiving a PHONE CALL from your Lovey Dovey Tenderoni... your Honey Bunches of Oats! He spends the next 10-min. provessing his LOVE for you!

12. As the day winds down, being able to look around, and see all that VALENTINES DAY represents, and most importantly, how "head-over-heals in LOVE!" I am with 6 beautiful, handsome, wonderfully crazy people!

Hope your VALENTINES Day was as lovely as mine, and that you found all the LOVE you deserve!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

LOOK WHO'S 74-YEARS YOUNG!

2008-02-12T09:50:00.001-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMACITA!

Although this post is 4-days late, I wanted to wish an INCREDIBLE WOMAN a wonderful birthday! She is turning

74-years young! Here's just a few of this amazing woman's accomplishments, as well as the Top 10 things I have learned from my mom (if I listed them all, you would be here all day & night).

Mom's Accomplishments (just to name a few):

Left her native home of France at the age of 17 to travel to Salt Lake City to be closer to "The Church."
Mother to 9 Children, 28 Grand Children, and 7 Great-Grand Children!
Married to her Sweetheart for 45 years! (Her sweatheart is preparing their mansion above!)
Has traveled the world extensively!
Supported 7 children on a secretaries salary while taking care of her disabled sweetheart for 21-years!
Served an 18-month mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as a single sister on the island of Fiji!
Traveled to many different Wards, Schools, Civic Clubs, etc., sharing her incredible life's story and her conversion story to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Her incredible faith and strength in the gospel and in our Savior, Jesus Christ!

Top 10 Things I Gained from my Mom:

Be proud of our Country and the English Language!
A cluttered home is a loving home! (don't let scrubbing your floors get in the way of playing with your kids!)
Don't stress over the small stuff!
My Name! Something I have been proud of all my life!
Chocolate Milk & Toast is a great meal anytime of the day!
Patieence is a virtue!
Chocolate makes everything better!
Never settle for anything less than being treated like a Queen! AND... Always remember, You & your spose are a TEAM!
Having a sense of humor helps get you through life!
No matter what happens, NEVER FORGET TO PRAY! God is ALWAYS there for you!

Thank you for always being there, for being one of the greatest examples throughout my life, for teaching me forgiveness and unconditional love, for being my friend, and most of all for being my Mom! You have made me the woman I am today. I LOVE YOU!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMACITA!

TROUBLESOME TOOTHACHE & ANTIBIOTICS!

2008-02-12T09:28:00.000-07:00

To say we've had a restful last couple of days would be a lie. Stoney has had a bad toothache since Friday, and has woke either Brett or myself up each night crying and needing medicine. When you're only getting a few hours a sleep a night it makes for long days but you sure hate to see you kid in pain - not fun.

We were finally able to get him into the dentist yesterday. It was a pediatric dentist and you would have thought we walked into the kids fun center. There were HUGE excercise balls all over the place, kids music, "love seats" the kids could fall and climb on. It was kid heaven! I had Peity & Brody with me so while Stoney was being seen, the dental assistants took them into the "theater room" where they got to watch a movie, color, and just plain have a great time! They also were given cookie cutters and a recipe for sugar cookies since valentines day was coming up. They all thought they had died and gone to heaven. That is until Stoney was seen by the dentist.

One poke on his tooth and gum and Stoney was thrown for a painful loop. He had an abcess on a tooth that had a filling on it. The dentist said it needed to come out but that they had to get on top of the infection first. He prescribed antibiotics and come Tylenol w/Codeine - The parents drug of choice for their kids if they want to get some sleep.

Stoney was feeling bummed because today the 4th graders at his school were all leaving to go skiing at Beaver Mtn. Stoney was especially excited because his dad was going to be one of the chaperones and Stoney would have hated to miss out. We asked the dentist the possibility of him going skiing and he said it would be a good chance, especially if he could get a full three doses of antibiotic and pain med in him. Stoney was ELATED!

We had a rough day yesterday, and the 1st dose of pain med's actually made him sick and he puked. But it actually was what he needed. He was able to eat and keep things down after that, and this morning he woke up a different kid. He got all his things ready and off to Beaver Mtn. my two rugged men went. Excited as little kids. Boy what a difference some sleep and antibiotics do. Now we'll see how he does next week when he gets 3 teeth pulled?

HAVE YOU EVER HAD A YOGURT GOATEE?

2008-02-10T17:08:00.000-07:00

So Gunner is our my one kid who no matter how hard he tries he can't seem to eat without making a mess. You can always tell which spot is Gunner's because there is food not only all over the table but on his chair and all over the floor, AND usually it's all over his face and hands as well.

Today, Gunner came home from school and wanted his after school snack. He loves yogurt! At one time he was eating like a normal kid, and next thing I know he had suddenly grew a yogurt goatee! I'm not quite sure how he accomplished this most amazing feat but this is a normal look for him after a meal.

Gunner's New Years Resolution was to get through a meal without looking like he ate. Poor thing, he's tried so hard, but he hasnt' quite accomplished it yet. But I'm not too worried cause I would really miss seeing his "crumb face" everyday.

For dinner we're having potatoes & gravy - I wonder what his face is going to look like tonight. At least I know he won't go hungry later on. All he has to do is lick his face and he'll have a whole new meal. How GREAT is that!

BATHING BEAUTIES & STORY TELLING

2008-02-05T17:43:00.000-07:00

So, even though this is posted on the same day as our our very first ever blog post, I had to share these pictures, and video clips, as they were just too darn precious to leave in the dark realms of my camera. Maybe with this blog, I will use my camera more and share pictures and clips of a day in the life of my proSperity. Hey, it could happen.

Peity & Brody took their weekly bath (just kidding, it's their bi-weekly bathtime :o)). Peity is our princess so her hair has to be just right. Everytime she gets out of the tub she has to wrap her head in the "after-bath turban." Check out those eyes man!

Later on, as I was completely consumed and reveling in the opportunity that we now have internet, and as I was trying to make this Blog spot fabulously beautiful, Peity & Brody were watching "Super Why," one of my FAVORITE kids shows ever (really)! Peity, as you will see, tries to give her rendition of "The Tortoise & the Hair" but gets a little sidetracked as she becomes completely engrossed and captivated in how "Princess Pea" is telling it. Well, I don't need to tell you, you can see for your self. Seeing life thru the eyes of a child... PRICELESS!

Shout Praise to the Internet God!

2008-02-05T09:51:00.000-07:00

WE HAVE INTERNET!!!!!!

Can it be? We have been without internet access for 7-weeks now, and as of 6:48 pm last night, we have now reached civilization. I swear, it takes going without the internet to make you realize how much your feel like a caveman. I never realized how much I used the internet until we were unable to access it.

Since our move to Utah back in December, our whole "transferring of services" has been nothing but a nightmare. For those of you who truly know our family, we have moved a gazillion times, and within those gazillion times we have never had a problem transferring our utilities, such as phone, television, heating, electricity, etc. Well, this goes to show you never say never cause as soon as you do all heck breaks loose.

The worst of our service transfers has come thru Qwest. To save you from a massively long explanation, just know that we cancelled many of our "bundled services" with them and looked else where. And now, we are in the land of the living again.

All I can say for today is... Yeah for the internet! I'm going to be vegging in front of the computer all day, catching up on all the "surfing" I've been missing for 51-days!