Cute Desktop

I am a sucker for a cute desktop background.

I found this one today! It is all set up so you can add your picture in the back. Stocks makes for a perfect little Halloween picture don't you think?

You can find the background here.

The Invisible Fence

Yeah... we have one of those things... you know, an invisible fence.

We have been debating for a long time about getting a regular white picket fence. Unfortunately, those vinyl white posts are pretty expensive. The main reason we wanted to get a fence was for Rocky our amazingly good dog. Rocky is a really good dog.... probably one of the best little four legged critters you will meet. But rather then spend the money on a regular fence, we decided to try a different route.... an invisible fence. We heard great things about it. So, we decided to give it a try.

To set up the fence we had to bury a yellow wire around the perimeter of the yard. We have a fairly large yard and figured we should let Rocky run around and be free to explore a lot more than he has been.

We got right to work.

Some of us worked really hard...

... while others of us goofed around!!

It was a real dirty job getting the wire into the ground and all around the backyard. It took all of us to get the job done. Even Zander kept our spirits up with his silly-ness.

We were all proud of our hard work. Well... everyone except for one furry friend. We put the flashy red collar on Rocky and attempted to show him his new area of freedom. Rocky tried to make a run for it. But that little black,round knobby thing shocked him when he tried to escape. He whimpered for a little while and backed away for the open area. After about 20 minutes he tired to make another escape. Once again he got shocked by the invisible fence.

We put up flags to allow him to see the area. We have even tried to walk him around on a leash regularly so he can sniff out his territory - he loves to sniff.

But nothing is working. The poor dog has this enormous area to play in but he won't leave the deck. We even had to move his food closer so he wouldn't starve.

We are trying to be positive that eventually he will venture out and get some exercise. But for now, he is camping out on the deck.... all the time.

The Utah Fair

It has been a long time since I have been to the Utah Fair. We figured we would give it a try as a family.

I think we went on the most crowded night. Seriously!! We could barely move around in the crowd and I had the hardest time enjoying the sites because I was fearful one of my kids was going to wonder off or get picked up by someone.

We visited the cows. Zander thought is was just crazy that those cows will be hamburger or steak for him to eat. He wasn't sure what to think about that.

This cute little cow was just sitting down allowing kids to pet it. It was so clam yet Gar was slightly afraid.

Ops... someone is in trouble.... AGAIN!

Gadgets and Neat Stuff was Stockton's favorite site to visit at the fair. He was amazing at all the neat stuff they had there. It is amazing the stuff at that spot.

Even Conner was a pretty good sport at the fair. He is getting to that age where family stuff just isn't so much fun anymore. Especially walking around looking at cows, sheep, and pigs. But he was a good sport and made it fun.

SleepOver Flashback

Time Marches On....

... isn't that an understatement?

~March 2006~

This picture was just taken 4 and a half year ago. I barely recognize these incredible cute little kiddo's.

The kids had made a hut and decided to have a sleep over. Garrett was barely old enough to participate. I remember him being so excited to hang out with the big kids. Conner, Megan and Stocks thought they were SO COOL to make their very own hut out of chairs, blankets, pillows and the couch!!!!

They just grow up WAY too fast.

Vitality

Need a nice break? Check out one of my favorite places:

Vitality Spa

It is like a little heaven on earth!

I {Heart} Faces - Vroom, Vroom

Check out all the incredible photo's from this week photo contest.

One More Birthday Post!

Niel, Conner, and Stocks all celebrate their birthdays in August.

(August is a REALLY busy month)

It was fun to have the family together to celebrate!

Eat up G-man! Coasta Vida was the special birthday place this year!

I just love Zander's smile! Happy Birthday Niel!

Zander is trying to show Grandma how to make a spit wad. Yeah... I am a proud mom.

Conner is showing Aunt Elaine just how cool an iTouch is!

Even Grandma and Grandpa J were able to come with us. It sure is great to have them home!

Birthday in Bed

A birthday tradition the boys love is Breakfast in Bed!

The boys love to surprise each other. They all get up bright and early to help make breakfast!

I love all the smiles!! Who doesn't love a delicious breakfast burrito?

Stocks was so lucky this year. His birthday fell on the first day of school. Poor kid. But it was a nice way to jump start the first day.

Stocks loves his honey butter!

Lagoon - Again!

I remember as a kid going to Lagoon. It was like the best thing ever!

Now that I am older, and my stomach can't take much riding, watching the kids have a great time at Lagoon is the best thing ever!

This picture is just like what real life is. Garrett.... doing what he can to run over Zander. At least Zander has a smile on his face this time!

Zander got Garrett back by begging him to ride this ride. Garrett has informed me that he is WAY to old to be riding this type of ride. He is right. Garrett actually rode the Samurai this year. I can't believe I didn't take a picture.

Aw... good memories made at Lagoon!

Team Building

Team building activities are tons of fun!!

Especially when we go go-cart driving!!

SWEET!

This is a picture of my co-workers. Smile!

Ok... not sure what is the deal my me flashing the thumbs up sign ALL THE TIME. I guess I was just having a great time... or I am just a spazz.

I had a blast! And it was even better when I took first place. I even raced against some very competitive sales men.

My boys were so proud of me!

Latest Quick Project

So nothing really ever is a quick project for me.... no matter how simple. But still.... I like to have something I am working on.

My latest quick project (that took 2 months to do).

Pots

I simply love decorative pots. The one thing I dislike is the cost. They are so expensive! I found a fun, creative way to get just the pots I wanted. I painted them myself.

I got these pots at IKEA for $4.99 each.

I painted them black with tole paints. Once the paint dried I put these cute flower stickers on them. Then, I put modge podge all over the painted posts to seal in the stickers and the paint.

Stickers $4

Paint $1.40

Brushes $3

Tah -Dah!

Don't they look so cute?! Just what I wanted. And SUPER afforadle too!!

A Party for a 10 Year Old!

It was Stockton's year for a birthday party.

We sure Surfed things up!

17 of Stockton's friends came over and tore it up on the slip and slide! They had the time of their lives! I wish everyone was that excited about 3 tarps and some water!!!

After food the sliding it was pinata time!

Happy Birthday Stockton!