L.A.

I have been enjoying my summer vacations the past few weeks. Yep... that is right. I decided to take vacation before summer has officially got here. I guess I should call it spring vacation. Either way... it has been a great couple of weeks.

Niel and I took a quick, spontaneous trip to Los Angeles. It was over the Memorial Day weekend. The weather was slightly chilly. I also learned that everyone else had the same great idea as we did. The parks were crowded! Where do all these people come from?

This is one of the shorter lines we stood in. We went to Magic Mountain and Universal Studios.

I loved Magic Mountain, Universal Studios, big roller coasters, junk food, and spending the day with Niel. The waiting in line was not all that fun. We were at Magic Mountain for 10 hours and only got to ride on 7 rides..... CRAZY!

My favorite day was the last day we were there. We went to the beach and just had a lazy day. We rented a dual tandum bicycle and road around the boardwalk at Santa Monica. This is been on my bucket list so I was overly excited to be actually doing it! We had a great time!

10 Seven Year Old Boys and 1 Girl

It was G-mans turn to have a friend party this year. I tell you what... either I am getting too old or we just have too many boys in a small area for too long of time. It was WILD! Garrett had 9 boys show up for his party and 1 girl, Brynlee. That makes for a lot of noise. Bryn held her ground and dove right in for the fun!

We went to the Legacy Center for Pizza, cake and swimming. It was the perfect place to let the kids run around and be themselves!

Garrett had a great time! He said it was the best birthday party ever.

Not only did the little boys have fun, but Niel jumped right in too and played rough and tough with the kids. It was fun to watch!! I think Bryn ended up winning!

I {Heart} Faces - Blurb Photo Book Contest

Since I missed the i{Heart} faces laughter entry last week. I thought I would enter the contest this week!!

Conner is such a fun big brother! Zander loves to climb up on Conner's shoulders and see the world. It is fun to watch them both grow up.



I am submitting this photo into the www.iheartfaces.com Blurb Book photo contest. I am granting I ♥ Faces permission to use my photo in a printed version of a book for commercial use and possibly advertising of a photo book on both the Blurb and I ♥ Faces web sites.

My Yellow Flower

I found this poem tonight that seemed to fit perfectly about how I feel. Today was the 10 year anniversary of little Jayden leaving this life. I miss her so! We took beautiful yellow flowers to her grave. They were perfect! I remember when I spoke at her funeral I said yellow was my favorite color on her. She was a brilliant light in my life.... my little angel.
I miss you Jaydee!

I find an old photograph
and see your smile.
As I feel your presence anew,
I am filled with warmth
and my heart remembers love.

I read an old card
sent many years ago
during a time of turmoil and confusion.
The soothing words written then
still caress my spirit
and bring me peace.

I remember who you used to be
the laughter we shared
and wonder what you have become.
Where are you now,
Where did you go,
When the body is left behind
and the spirit is released to fly?

Perhaps you are the morning bird
singing joyfully at sunrise,
or the butterfly that dances
so carelessly on the breeze
or the rainbow of colors
that brightens a stormy sky
or the fingers of afternoon mist
delicately reaching over the mountains
or the final few rays of the setting sun
lighting up the skies
edging the clouds with a magical glow.

I miss your being
but I feel your presence,
In whatever form you choose to take,
however you now choose to be.

Your spirit has become for me
a guardian angel on high
guiding, advising, and watching over me.

I remember you.
You are with me
and I am not afraid.

Kirsti A. Dyer

Megz

This just can't be?! Megan is 12!!!

This year I decided to take some updated pictures of each of the kids as they have a birthday. She was a good sport. Megan is growing up to be such a beautiful young woman!

Some of Megan's favorites:

I like to read. My favorite book is - The Wedding Planners Daughter
I am very creative and clever. I signed up for creative writing this next year and I am looking forward to writing some stories!
My favorite color is Purple
My favorite food is Beef Stroganoff
My favorite movie is 13 Going on 30
I got to go to Hawaii this year.... AWESOME!
I have 2 Rats and 1 guinea pig
I am very intelligent and a good friend
I am a great big sister because I have to put up up all my crazy brothers!!

Happy Mother's Day

Mother's Day was perfect for me this year.... well, almost perfect!

I woke up with a nicely made peanut butter and honey sandwich from Zander. He attempted to make some oatmeal. Zander loves oatmeal. He can make it in the microwave all by himself. This Mother's Day morning we added a little too much water. He didn't think it was right so he scratched the oatmeal breakfast and turned to the second meal he knows how to make.... peanut butter and honey. He did a splendid job.... the sandwich tasted delicious. I just love how thoughtful he is.

The not-so-perfect part of my day was taking Conner to the doctor. Turns out he had severe strep throat. I felt so bad for him. He was in such terrible pain with his throat and so many aches, pains and a fever. We spent most of the morning at the doctor's office and the pharmacy. Doctor Freestone gave Conner a bright pink rose to give me. It is beautiful! Conner is feeling much better!

Stocks made he a very colorful hanger at school. I love it!!! And Garrett used his artistic skills to draw me a lovely picture. I think it looks just like me! I love Mother's Day because it reminds me of how lucky I am to be a Mom to 4 incredible little men!

Niel took me on a very nice date. We ate at Sundance. The food was delicious. The second best thing was the rasberry lemonade. Of course the best part was spending a nice night together. I am very blessed to have such a thoughtful husband!

Niel did another great things for Mother's Day. On Saturday night he took me, my Mom, Brooke and Bryn out to dinner. I love my mom very much and I was so happy she came to dinner with us!! Mom doesn't really like eating out too much. She prefers to eat healthy, so Niel took us to Sweet Tomatoes for a tasty meal. It was so great to spend time with my husband and 2 of the most incredible Mother's I know.

I miss you Joyce, Lisa and Ang! Three other incredible Mother's in my life that I wasn't able to spend the day with.

Happy Mother's Day!!

The Law of the Credit Card

Niel has been competing in Toastmasters for a few months. You might be asking yourself what Toastmaster is? Niel could tell you a lot better then I could. I know he has been practicing speaking for a few months. First, he won the contest within his area club. Then, he won the area district (Utah County), and this past Saturday he won The Division contest!!! He keeps moving right along!

His speech is incredible.... and I am not just saying that! He keeps winning!!

His next speech is on May 30th. I will be out of town and unable to attend. So, if anyone is feeling like spending a day listening to some great speeches.... go cheer him on!

!Cheese!
I was just so happy and proud of him, I couldn't help but smile big!

G-Man

It is amazing to me Garrett is all ready 7 years old. The years have just flown by.

Garrett was a good sport taking pictures. We had a great time together.... enjoying this incredible weather. He is such a handsome young man!

Some of Garrett's favorite things:

My favorite color is Red
My favorite food is Niel's BBQed Tri-Tip
My favorite movie is Wolverine
I love to play baseball
I like to play video games
I love to smile
I tease my little brother all the time
I am smart, strong, and a fast runner
I am a good little cleaner, organizer and I can mow the lawn all by myself

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Megan and Garrett both celebrated getting one year older. Megan turned 12 and Garrett turned 7 this year. Their birthdays are just one day apart.

Look how grown - up they are!

We celebrated with lots of food topped off with the best people around!

We are so lucky to have such great friends and family!!

The day was perfect! We could even eat outside.... well, until it started to rain.

Happy Birthday!!

Hemophilia Blood Run - Give-a-way!

Want to win some AMAZING prizes? Check out my Delightful Dots site for an amazing give-a-way!

I know a bunch of your are runners, and even if you aren't, you should still come run with us. Everyone in our house is participating in the Hemophilia Blood Run. The race will be Saturday, June 6th in Highland. A few of us are running the 5K and some of us are running the 1 mile. ALL of us are helping with the race on the day. We are looking for runners, volunteer's, and even donations (see my site).

Anyone who helps out the day of the race, either by racing, donating, or volunteering..... we will be having a YUMMY breakfast at our house following the race. You don't want to miss it!! Niel is an excellent cook!!

Sweet Surrender

RULES:1. Put your iTunes, iPod, MP3 Player, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.

Do you need a good laugh? This will do it! I tag you ALL!

IF SOMEONE SAYS 'ARE YOU OKAY' YOU SAY?
Living on a Prayer - Bon Jovi

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Stuck in the Middle with You - Stealers Wheel

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Live to Love Another Day - Keith Urban

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Everywhere - Michelle Branch

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
My Favorite Underwear - Liz Phair

WHAT'S YOUR MOTTO?
New York State of Mind - Billy Joel

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Can't Help Falling in Love - UB40

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Too Much of a Good Thing is a Good Thing - Alan Jackson

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Sugar we're Going Down - Fall Out Boys

WHAT IS 2 + 2?
You Say it Best When you Say Nothing at All - Allison Krauss

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
When We All Get to Heaven - Brad Paisley

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Cheap Whiskey - Patty Loveless

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Shrek's Karaoke Dance Party - Shrek Sound Track

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Big Bad John - Johnny Cash

WHAT WILL/DID YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Twist and Shout - Beatles

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Friend of the Devil - Lyle Lovett (this one is scary)

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Your Man - Josh Turner

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Mr. Ambulance Driver - The Flaming Lips

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Black or White - Michael Jackson

WHAT DO YOU WANT RIGHT NOW?
Waltz (Better Than Fine) - Fiona Apple

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
Don't be Stupid - Shania Twain

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
It's Five O'Clock Somewhere - Alan Jackson & Jimmy Buffett

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Crush - David Archuleta

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Whatsername - Greenday

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Bad Day - Daniel Powter

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
Sometimes - Waterdown

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Copenhagen Angel - Chris LeDoux

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
Thankful - Josh Groban

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Laid - Matt Nathanson

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Money for Nothing - Dire Straits

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Sweet Surrender - Bread

A Week of Sleep

This past week Niel and I went on a LANDesk trip to Las Vegas! I would like to call this week my week of sleep! Seriously... I slept and slept and slept. I think I have gotten enough sleep to get me through the rest of this year.

We did a lot of other things besides sleep. We went to "The O Show" at the Bellagio. The stage was incredible! We had 3rd row seats. We got to see all the performers up close. Their costumes were amazing. The show was great!

Niel was a great sport and he spent an entire day doing whatever I wanted to do. We started out my day shopping at the outlet store... fun! I got an awesome pair of high heel sexy shoes! After shopping we laid out by the pool... yes folks, it was warm enough in Las Vegas to relax outside, by a large body of water (smile)! Nexwe got all dressed up and went to a very nice restaurant. Bartolotta was very classy. Even though the prices nearly made my eye balls pop out their sockets the food was tasty. AND.... I got to be accompanied by the sexiest, well dressed man in Vegas! After dinner we went to our favorite Vegas hang out.... Haagen Dazs. Delicious!! We ran into Brooke and Rick while we were eating. It was a nice way to end a perfect night!

Niel also got in a round of golf. He went with a few of my work associates while I hung out at the pool and did some more shopping. I tried my luck on a few slot machines and roulette. Niel played a little blackjack. Niether one of us got too lucky but it was still very fun!

Oh... and did I tell you we slept a lot?

March Madness - Cheesecake Factory

And the winner is....

Conner!!

When March rolls around our family has one unique tradition. We each take a NCAA bracket and fill it out to the best of our ability. Conner was the big winner this year!

Conner picked Cheesecake Factory for our family dining event! Delicious!
It was even warm enough to eat outside. Well... almost warm enough! They turned on the outside warmers and wore our jackets.

Grandma and Grandpa joined us for some fun! Everything is better with Grandma and Grandpa!

We shared some delightful cheesecake after the meal.... YUM - EEE!

Welcome Lucy!

About a week ago Niel saw a mouse in the house... YIKES! Then, a few days after that I saw the mouse! I am freaked of mice. I was scared to go in the kitchen, where the mouse was spotted. Niel was my knight in shining armor. He went out and bought some traps and mouse poison. Unfortunately, this mouse is very smart. He didn't fall for any of those.
I couldn't bare it any longer so we did the next best thing..... we went out and got a cat.

Welcome the newest member of the family.... Lucy!

She is a beautiful cat. She is still trying to get used to our house. I think all the noise is enough to scare anyone...haha! She doesn't want to have anything to do with Rocky, our dog.

This is her favorite spot. She like to climb on top of the cupboard. She will snuggle herself up and relax. Her and Zander still aren't friends either, although Zander is certain it is his cat and he is dying to get Lucy to sleep in his bed. Maybe one day.

She is de-clawed, spayed, litter box trained, and has a great personality. And last night.... I saw her scoping out the place the mouse has been seen. I will sleep better once the mouse is gone and hopefully Lucy will always keep those furry critters out of our house.

Something I have never had before....

There are many things in this life I have not done or had, but wanted. Well... this week I got something I have never had before but always wanted. I got myself some LONG HAIR!!!

Brooke worked her talents on my hair and poof..... magically I got my wish.... long, thick, beautiful hair. Brooke really is an amazing hair stylist!! I am loving it!!! I also loved the time Brooke and I were able to spend together. She truly is amazing at what she does and I am incredibly lucky to have her as my sister.

Brooke and I before....

Bye - bye short, thin hair...

The process is quit interesting. Not sure if you can see in this picture, but Brooke matched my hair perfectly. Seriously.... it is just the right color!

Ta - Dah!! Brooke.... you are amazing!!

What do you think?