Green 2009

I Love St. Paddy's Day!!! Every year we sit down together and make clover sugar cookies. Each person helps decorate. Then, we pass them along to our family, friends, co-workers, and teachers. The kids love it! So do I!!

Delicious! Not one cookie alike!

This year we started a new tradition. The kids woke up to a silly, clumsy little leprechaun who had spilled gold nuggets (chocolate candies) all over the house. The kids had fun picking them up and storing them for later.

There is one time during the year that tattoos are allowed in the house (smile). Conner is getting a little too old for the little kid traditions. I had to beg him to put on a tattoo. He was a pretty good sport.

I am so lucky to have four of the finest boys! They sure do brighten up my life!!

The leprechaun left Conner a shirt that had his name on it. It was even spelled correctly.

Garrett and Zander got some green flip-flops!

Green jello is fun to make for St Paddy's Day. Each of us puts in our favorite fruit, let them set up, and then apply tons for whip cream! It is an easy treat and a very fun thing to do with the family!!

Zander is all smiles with his green jello! It was a fun, green day!

It's the little things in life....

I was reading a friends blog and she posted some little things in her life that she enjoys. You know, those simple pleasures. I thought I would share a couple new finds I have learned I cannot live without.

Downy makes this spray that gets the wrinkles out. It is amazing stuff! If anyone asks me what is my least favorite chore to do around the house, my answer would be ironing. I simple do not have the patience nor the time. Often times I would just send the kids, and myself, out the door with a few wrinkles. Not anymore! A couple sprays of this amazing stuff and the wrinkles are gone. Try it! I promise you will be pleasantly surprised!Dippidee is a new pastry shop a friend of mine recommended. AHHHHH! This place is heavenly! I must warn you that if you are dieting, don't continue reading. They have the most delicious desserts, sweets, cakes, cookies, pieces of heaven you will find anywhere. The store is located in Lehi, right next to Costco! Try it! Let me know what you think!!

What are some of your simple treasures?

Basketball 2009

It has been a great Basketball season for us this year! The boys played their hearts out. Niel coached is guts out.... and Zander, me and Megan watched and cheered as loud as we could!

Niel was the coach of Stockton's team this year. Since he was the coach, he let Garrett play a little. Garrett is a wild animal when it comes to basketball! He is the smallest guy on the floor, but super speedy and an excellent dribbler. He can also steal the ball pretty quickly. A comment I got from one of the parents was, "What are you feeding that kid?" It was fun to watch him get a taste of basketball this year. He is looking forward to the time when he gets to play on his very own team!

Stockton learned so much this year! At the beginning of the year he was standing around just begging someone to throw him the ball. By the end of the season he was playing some amazing defense. He learned how to move around the floor and get himself open. He loved to play and we all loved to watch! Niel had a great time coaching!! The kids on the team loved him. He gives much encouragement and praise!! I was proud of him too!!

Conner had another great year! He was lucky enough to get the same coach he had last year! He won most rebounds several weeks in a row. One game he was highest rebounder and most points! Conner is good at listening to his coach. He knows his plays inside and out. He is strong too!! The coach has to remind him he is playing basketball, not football because he can just run right over the other players!

It was an excellent year! Basketball season is over, which means time to get ready for football... all ready!

Gobstopper Science

Megan took 1st place in the Provo School District Science Fair! Yeah Megan! We have a little scientist in the family!!!

Her experiment was about Gobstoppers and if they dissolve is different types of liquid.

To read all about it, click here to go to Megan's blog!

March Goal

It's the beginning of another month... time for a new goal. To recap my goal from last month... well.... I have good news to report. I DID IT! I went an entire month without my precious Dr Pepper. And guess what? I really haven't missed it all that much. I actually decided to eat a lot better this best month. Not only did I not drink sugary drinks, but I did a pretty good job of not eating sugar either. Some of the plus sides... I have been sleeping better at nights. I have felt more energy through out the day, and I shed a few pounds. SWEET! The downside.... well, let's just say going with no sugar, for someone who is addicted to sugar, has been difficult. I have craved sugar like crazy. I even had a few dreams of ice cream, and french fries. And, I have been in a slight irritable mood. But alas, hopefully my sugar intake will be more controlable...haha!

I am really looking forward to my goal this month. Since I work full time out of the home, a lot of my time at home is spent trying to get EVERYTHING in. Often times, I feel I fall short as a mother. Five kids, a husband, work, keeping up a house, and trying to maintain my sanity can be difficult at times. I believe my beautiful kiddos see my impatient side more often then my nurturing side. For March I am going to make BIG efforts to be patient. I am going to be more attentive to their needs and listen. I am going to be a GREAT mom.... not just a good one. Each night I will spend some extra time with one child per night. For instance, tonight Conner and I stayed up past his bedtime and watch American Idol together. Usually, I would make him go to bed and have some time to myself, but tonight we watched, cheered, judged, and even voted together! It was a very fun night!!! I love my children so much and I often take for granted how incredibly blessed I am to have each one of them in my life. I am going to diligently work hard to be a better Mom and spend more quality one-on-one time with each of them.

Farewell to Grandma and Grandpa J

Grandma and Grandpa had their farewell this weekend. They reported to the MTC this morning in preparation for their mission to Russia Rostov-na-Donu.

The talks they gave in sacrament meeting were incredible. I could feel the spirit and I cried like a baby. Partly because I was going to miss them and partly because the talks were so uplifting and full of profound teachings.

It was a big party after sacrament meeting. Aunt Marilyn was so nice to entertain Zander for us. That sure is a big job!!!

Garrett and Steve were little and big helpers in the kitchen getting ready for dinner.

And Stockton... well, Stockton entertained us all!

One of my favorite things is having Sunday dinner with Grandma and Grandpa J. Joyce is an excellent cook and John is fun to chat with!!! It was nice to have most of the family together for a delicious dinner on such a delightful day.

This was the rest of our weekend.....

Stockton and Conner played basketball.

Friday I got to go to my first hockey game! The Grizzlies won. I even got to see a penalty shot. It was a lot of fun!

Zander, Stockton, and Gar came with us. It was their first hockey game too. I think they had a good time! Conner was at his first scout camp-out. Megan was working on a science fair project. We missed them!

It was nice weekend!

Happy Birthday Dad!

I honestly have the best dad in the entire world!!! Anyone who knows my dad would agree with me!! For his birthday, we went over to their house, at pizza, cake, and sang some karaoke. We all had a GREAT time!!!! Spending any time with my dad makes for a GREAT time!

Love you Dad! Happy Birthday!!!

Valentine's 2009

We celebrated another great Valentine's Day!! The boys and I ate as much candy as we could possibly lay our hands on! We LOVE suckers!


Every Valentines Day we make cupcakes with HEAPS of frosting and LOTS of sprinkles!!

Beautiful and Delicious!

The cupcakes are a big hit! We have so much fun together decorating! I love the time we are able to spend together. I had a horrible headache this year, but it was still a lot fun!

Valentine's Day breakfast is a favorite of mine. I make buttermilk pancakes from scratch. The delicious pancakes are topped with mounds of strawberry syrup. Niel made the bacon and eggs. Oh... and the strawberry milk tastes so sweet! YUM!!

This year one of my good friends got married! I spend most of the day in Salt Lake City. The temple was beautiful inside. This was my first time ever going inside the Salt Lake Temple. Amy and Dave looked so happy!! It is my parents wedding anniversary on Valentines Day too. Happy 34th wedding anniversary Mom and Dad!

February is a busy birthday month for our family! We celebrated John's birthday up at Lisa's house in Ogden on Sunday. John and Joyce leave on their mission in a week. CRAZY! We are going to miss them greatly!

Here is Grandma J giving it her best on the drums. Way to go Grandma!

Valentines Day

I was having a conversation about Valentines Day. We were trying to decide what is the best thing to do or get for Valentines Day. What do you think?

Take my poll above and give me some ideas. Leave a comment or send me an email. I always like to have good ideas on hand.... you know.... just in case! :)

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!

Photo Shoot

It has been a really long time since I have taken pictures! I was over joyed when Kristy asked me if I would take her engagement pictures..... over joyed and nervous! But I have to say.... I had a great time!!! It was so much fun to hang out with Kristy, Nate and their family for a morning. I think the pictures turned out good! The credit will have to go to the good looking couple and the happy family! I am so very happy for the both of them!!!

February Goal

Ok, so I realize making resolutions for the new year is WAY over due. But this year I have decided to do something a little different.... a slight twist of goal setting.

My amazing cousin Rachel posted some insightful information on goals. I spent the month of January trying to decide what goals I wanted to make for the new year. I wanted to keep my goal attainable, but also something slightly difficult to make a change in my life. So... this is what I came up with...

Every month I am going to set a goal for myself. The goal will be something that is difficult for me... but to make it attainable, I am going to make the goal only last for a month. I am also going to be very specific. I am going to post my new goal every month so you can ask me how it is going.... I want to have good things to report and be accountable for my actions.

I thought I would start off with a really difficult goal. My goal for February is:

NO SODA POP (especially Dr. Pepper)!

I have come to realize I am addicted to that delicious, high sugar, caffeinated, thirst quenching drink! This month will be very difficult as I don't have my tasty caffeine to help me through the day. Wish me luck!!

I work with the BEST People!

This past week at work has been long. But long in a good way. All the sales people from the West area met together to discuss future plans, past successes, numbers, goals.... and that big word I don't like so much..... CHANGE.

I have worked on the Southwest and Rocky Mountain teams since I started at LANDesk. It has been a great pleasure working with Patrick, Deana, Mark, and Chris. Last year was a really good year for me! I learned a lot!! I love my job!!! I am really going to miss working directly with them!

This year I got the opportunity to try out the new specialists. Man, was I lucky!!! Brittany and Andrea are amazing, organized, quick woman who have made my job easier. Plus, they make me smile everyday!! I look forward to the new change and for the new success we will have together.

(I will also have to blame them for the extra pounds I am gaining for all the out - to - eating we do together. Got to build team unity.... right?)

A little of This and a little of That

It isn't like me to go so long without posting! Here is a little update on our lives....

Garrett and Stockton made the big leap and went snowboarding with me! I was proud of both of them for trying it out. Stockton kept going and did pretty good...... Garrett was frustrated and gave up. Garrett has decided to wait a few more years before he goes again.

Brynlee celebrated her 6th birthday at Boondocks!

I had fun doing the jump rope game. I got lucky.... once!

Grandma and Grandpa Dean took us to see Walking with Dinosaurs! It was awesome!!!

Happy Birthday to me! Yep.... I got another year older. I might be getting old, but at least Niel still loves me!!!


We spent the day at the cabin sledding.....

.... and playing some serious Speed! I lost my title championship to Lisa!
I tell ya, the years are slowing me down!!!

To end the day, Rick, Brooke, Bryn and my dad all come over to our house to play Rock Band! It was a perfect way to spend the day!!!!

Merry Christmas 2008

We celebrated Christmas a few days late. It was a great year! It is so good to have the boys back home!!

Curses - Rockband - New Year!