freestone

traditions

2009-10-29T21:19:00.001-07:00

Around our house I like to find fun things for the kids to do and a few years ago we started a family tradition at Christmas time that we would make something as a family. Our family project as I like to call it. Well I found these and wanted to do them last year but the place quit taking orders before thanksgiving last year so we had to wait. So this year I decided to get our stuff early and then we would have more time to work on it. We are also doing some a Christmas gifts this year.I cant wait to get started on them!

easy fun idea

2009-10-16T21:57:00.000-07:00

OK I have been trying to come up with some things for the kids to do now that its getting colder and I don't have a lot of decorations for Halloween and thanksgiving so I was looking on line and found this cheap easy idea. Place mat made with construction paper and coloring pages. So easy. I made some the other day and all I had to do was color with corey! took me maybe 45 mins. I used contact paper to make them last a little longer. And the ones for thanksgiving I am going to just let the kids color. I also have scarecrows and a Pilgrim had center piece I want them to help with.

Flag Football

2009-10-16T19:41:00.000-07:00

We had to watch the Iowa vs Iowa state game this year. I don't know why ben gets so mad with his team losses! anyway jared was watching (cause we had a ton of snack food) and said he wanted to play football. Oh if you could have seen my husbands eyes sparkle! I said that the boys had just brought home a paper from school about flag football and ben wanted to see it. So done deal jared is playing flag football. I was a little nervous about this after the broken arm this summer but they were both so excited! Ben said he would coach if they need him to and next day they needed him so he is now the coach of the Saints in flag football. The boys are so cute and have so much fun.

camping

2009-10-16T19:36:00.000-07:00

For labor day we went camping. I have to admit it was not the best time we ever had the kids were loud and we were not very well organized and there were alot of people. but I think we are going to do again with a little more planning!! I think the high lite was the kids found a ton of frogs in our camp site

COREY!

2009-10-16T19:23:00.000-07:00

I have to post this even though I want to crawl in a hole and die! This year corey is 3 and not quite ready for preschool but wants to learn and play with his friends. So when some moms decided to do a mom school/craft club(dont really have a name for it) I thought it would be fun for him and me. We we had been going and learning a diffrent letter each week. Well a couple weeks ago we were listing to the story on the letter D and corey gets up and starts walking around. I dont think much of it. Well I SHOULD HAVE! He goes over to vent by the door and pulls down his pants and starts peeing!! OMG. It was like slow motion I could not get up fast enough to get to him. I was so embaresed! All the other moms were laughing and I had to clean it all up. Not fun. I cant blame them for laughing though if it would have been someone else I would have to. Its a good thing he cute!

First day of school

2009-10-16T09:54:00.000-07:00

We were so excited for school this year cause for the boys at least it ment a new school! for the past year they have been building a new building and it is so nice! Sorry I dont have pictures of the new building. the school is so much bigger and more open then the old one. Alyssa and I happend to be going to the store and got to see thme demo the old building I had my camera and took some pictures. Alyssa 12 7th grade Brandon 10 5th grade jared 6 1st grade corey 3 mom school

jareds birthday

2009-10-16T09:49:00.000-07:00

So jared turned 6 back in August and I tried to make a transformers cake for him it didn't turn out to good but it tasted good. He really wanted the star wars clone helmet witch makes him look like a bobble head toy when he has it on but he loves it!

coreys birthday

2009-10-16T09:39:00.000-07:00

Corey turned 3 and we had a bug hunt our at flower gardens. It was alot of fun and the liked it I found the bug hunt on their website and we did 2 teams no one really won cause we all went home and had cake and ice cream.

Cast comes off

2009-07-24T12:08:00.000-07:00

Jared ended up having another surgery on his arm to line the bones up. And then 3 more weeks of casts. He did finally end up getting one that was only up to his elbow for the last few weeks and we did wrap it up and head to the pool a few times. But finally on the 16 he did get it off for good and and then we head off to the pool so he could finally go down the water slide. I am so glad that is over with and hope it never happens again!!

Brandon turns 10

2009-07-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

Wow its been a crazy summer and I have a lot of blogging to do... Brandon had his 10th birthday and we started out the day with a water balloon fight and Corey got the freestone gene for loving water fights! After dad got home from girls camp we opened presets and Brandon got his snuggie. then we went to see Night at the Museum2 It was a good move.

Need Chocolate?

2009-07-21T18:16:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Cake In 5 Minutes! June 26th, 2008 | Author: Dizzy Dee | Category: Dizzy Dee, Food, Recipe Ingredients: 4 Tablespoons cake flour 4 Tablespoons sugar 2 Tablespoons cocoa 1 Egg 3 Tablespoons milk 3 Tablespoons oil 1 Mug Instructions: Mix flour, sugar and cocoa: Spoon in 1 egg Pour in milk and oil, and mix well Put in microwave for 3 minutes on maximum power (1000watt) Wait until it stops rising and sets in the mug Tip contents out of mug onto saucer and enjoy!

Father's day

2009-06-23T11:14:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun this year for fathers day! Ben had gotten a blue-ray player the week before and we had also just went and seen the new Star Trek movie and so we bought the trilogy pack with 2,3,4 of the Star Trek series and the kids loved them! The picture quality is SO much better. We also did the most fun family home evening! We learned about being missionaries by being "fish-ionary's" so cute! I laminated and glued magnets to the fish so the kids could catch them! They even wanted to play again the next night

Never a dull moment

2009-06-23T11:05:00.000-07:00

Late Saturday day night we were woke up by the sounds of a women screaming and could see cop cars and and ambulances for about 2 hours on the next street. Sunday after church our neighbor was telling us about it and said that the paramedics were on our block around 12am for our neighbor across the street. I must have slept though that one. Luckily our dog doesn't bark at everything I really fell bad that about this one he was only about 3 houses from home but I'm sure drinking was a factor. I cant imagine being a family member watching helplessly while this all unfolded. WATERLOO —- A 24-year-old man died in a single-vehicle accident early Sunday just a few houses down from his residence. Waterloo police were called to the accident about 2 a.m. On arrival police determined that a vehicle was traveling east on Hawthorne, when the vehicle left the roadway and hit a tree at 1421 Hawthorne Ave. The driver, Admir Miskic, 24, of 1427 Hawthorne Ave. was dead at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt. A front-seat passenger, Dzemal Grcic, 21, of 233 Brookeridge Drive, was transported to Covenant Medical Center by Waterloo Fire Rescue with non-incapacitating injuries. The Waterloo Police Department continues to investigate the accident. Speed was suspected to be a factor, but the speed at which the vehicle was traveling was undetermined.

Aarons baptism

2009-06-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

Ben's sisters oldest boy turned 8 so we headed up to ames for his baptism. Kind of hard to get 6 people out the door in church clothes by 7am the day after school gets out but we made it and it was alot of fun. After words we went to their house for a little family lunch to celebrate and also for Bens days birthday cake! The kids played and had lots of fun!

End of school...

2009-06-23T08:19:00.000-07:00

Wow Summer has started and I have not blogged for a long time! We seem to be busy busy. Well the kids got out of school. Jared had kindergarten graduation (first time kittrel has done anything like that) it was alot of fun and I was so happy that ben got to go with corey and I. This is the last year in the old kittrel building and the new one that they have been building all year is so much bigger and nicer. We cant wait. For the last couple of years we have had a tradition of on the last day of school we roast marshmallow's and do smores that night. Its alot of fun and kicks off summer just right I think.

broken arm

2009-05-26T20:31:00.000-07:00

Jared broke his arm Monday. I got a call right after I got to work(one of the few days I don't mind working cause its time and a half) and its Ben telling me to come home so he can take jared to the er. Jared jumped or feel off the pic-nic table. Not quit sure on that one.I raced home and as soon as I saw the arm I knew it was bad! He was crying and didn't want to move so Ben cared him. Thank heaven Ben was there cause I wouldn't have been able to handle that for very long. I stayed with the rest of the kids and tryed to explain everything. I Fed them and got everything picked up and everyone ready for bed. Then Ben calls and tells me he has to have surgery! I got a little freaked out. Corey had taken a late nap so he did not want to go to bed. I didn't get up to the hospital til after the surgery was done. He was doing good and wanted to know if I had saved him brats from our dinner! That's my Jared. His x-ray showed that he almost completely twisted his writ around and came close to having the bone come though the skin. Yuck! IT was a long night but we did get to take him home a little after midnight. He was sore today but he has been doing great for all hes been though! He cant go back to school til he sees the doctor again this week.

memorial day

2009-05-26T20:01:00.000-07:00

Memorial day weekend started off normal. I wanted to get some things done around the house and. I had started out wanting to redo the kitchen counter tops and after talking to my dad I was having second thoughts so Ben said lets rip out the carpet! I have been wanting to do that for so long. So Sunday after church we started and got all the carpet and staples out. Monday we rented a sander and got to work! We have got half the floor stained and the finish on. Now we just have to wait for it to dry completely and then we can move the piano and couch and do the other half. Maybe it will be done this weekend. But it already looks so much better!

Remembering Grandpa

2009-04-15T20:32:00.001-07:00

Last week was very hard for me. My grandpa passed away late Monday night and my mom called me Tuesday to let me know. I wanted to fly home to be with my family but tickets were almost $900 so that was out. So I have been thinking alot about home over the last week and missing family so much! My grandpa was a great person he always spoke his mind even when it was not very nice. I remember spending lots of summer at Palisades lake and signing around the camp fire. And the little dog he had named "foxy" that he loved so much. I wish I could have been there but I will miss him and Hope that he is happy with grandma now. John Jorgensen March 21, 1925 - April 6, 2009 Biography John Edward Jorgensen, 84, of Idaho Falls died April 6, 2009 at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls. He was born March 21, 1925 in Soda Springs to Nels & Bessie Jorgensen. He was raised and attended schools in Soda Springs. He grew up working on farms at a young age. He relocated to Nampa, Idaho and met the love of his life, Helen Barrett. They were married and relocated to Idaho Falls, and were together for 45 years. John went to work for First Street Plumbing. He worked for several years for them and then found work at the Site. He worked for 30 years at the site and retired shortly after he suffered a heart attack. After retirement, he started his own plumbing business which he continued to do until 2008. John loved to hunt, fish, camp, and garden. He loved anything to do with the outdoors. Survivors include his children, Judy (Robert) Morgan of Rigby, John (Susan) Jorgensen, Jr., Jerry (Sherri) Jorgensen, Joy (Allen) Fuger all of Idaho Falls; and a brother George Jorgensen of Blackfoot. John and Helen were blessed with 5 children, 19, Grandchildren, 23 Great-Grandchildren, and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Frank, Vern, and Dave, his wife, Helen, and daughter Jeannette Mayo. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 10, 2009, Facts Born: March 21, 1925 Death: April 6, 2009 Services Funeral Services Friday April 10, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at Buck-Miller-Hann Funeral Home

I fought the chair and the Chair Won!

2009-03-02T09:20:00.001-08:00

Thursday night Corey tried to dive of our recliner down stairs! Well it didn't quite work out the chair tipped over and he fell face fist on the floor. I was up stairs making dinner and Ben was downstairs with the kids. All I heard was "I need you right now". He had bad bloody nose and Big fat lip. But in about 10 minuets he was OK. We were kind of worried that he may have broke his nose. But he seem to be OK. The has a bruise on his nose and still has the fat lip but. He is back to his wild fear less self! I think this one will be the one that gives me gray hair!!

I love the smell of Sawdust in the morning!

2009-03-02T09:11:00.001-08:00

Well Brandon had his blue and gold banquet last Tuesday and he got some belt lops and still working his way though bear. The boys showed us some games and we had a nice pot-luck dinner! It was alot of fun and I meant to take pictures. I even brought our camera but they did the awards during dinner and I was helping Corey. But the boys did all get their Pine Wood Derby cars! Brandon loves this! So he came up with a plan and Jared wanted to do one again this year and even Alyssa want to do one! So off to Hobby Lobby we went. So now there is sawdust all over a the sound of sandpaper against Wood only stops when they are at school! If you haven't seen the movie "Down and Derby" see it! It to funny

New Puppy

2009-02-10T11:31:00.000-08:00

When Ben's dog died last year I said I was done with dogs. I didn't like taking him out and find someone to take him when we went anywhere was a pain as well. So I joked that the only way I would get another dog is if it was a basset hound. Thinking that that would never happen. Well never say never I guess. Ben found some in the swap sheet last Friday and wanted me to go look at them. I knew that if we went we would come home with a dog. So now we have a basset hound named thunder running around our house! Its going good he loves the kids and they love him. Corey and Jared have really taken to him and can't wait to play with him. Hes not real good with stairs but is getting better.

Show time!

2009-02-10T11:26:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday Ben took Jared and Corey to bob the builder! What a good daddy to go on supper bowl Sunday! They had a great time. Corey was asleep before they went. Ben said it got a little long for him but they had fun.

BRRR!

2009-01-15T10:31:00.000-08:00

As my background says (sorry its kind of cut off) "baby its cold outside" And that it is! air temp is about -25 wind chill -45! Are you kindling me. If this is global warming I'm ready for then next ice age! I didn't think it got this cold except in Alaska. I am seriously thinking its time to move! Hawaii sounds good about right now. The kids have not had school for the last couple of days due to 7inches of snow yesterday and the bitter cold today. I am glad they canceled today Corey started screaming yesterday about 4 o'clock and pulling at his ear. He was in so much pain he was standing and about to fall over and pass out I think.Lack of balance due to the ear. So by 5 he was off to the doctor with dad. The kids and I delivered papers in the car so as to say warm and he had median by 6:30! I love modern median! Last year I was cursing it cause they could not find out what was wrong with Ben and wanted to run all kinds of unnecessary test! But when you have a child in pain its the worst feeling in the world!

Can we build it! Yes we can

2009-01-12T11:22:00.000-08:00

Corey loves bob the builder right now. As did all my boys at his age Jared is just at the age were he still kind of likes him but wants to be just like his big brother so not to much any more. So when I saw the bob the builder show would be coming to town I told Ben we should go. Brandon said he did not want to go it was to babyish! So Ben said he would take Corey and Jared. So we ordered tickets and even though its on a Sunday they will be going to the last show so we can still make it to church and hopefully get a nap in.

New Year New Job!

2009-01-07T20:35:00.000-08:00

Well we decided as a family we would get a paper rout and pay off some fun medical bills thanks to Ben's Lyme disease and other stuff. We have been doing it for about a week now and its kind of fun. It helps us get up and make it church on time now that we are early again. Also I think its a great opportunity to teach the kids about saving money and tithing sense they will be getting some of the profits every month.

Ice Storm

2009-01-05T09:32:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday we got freezing rain and man was it slick outside I went out to get the garbage can from the road and took Jared and Corey with me to get them out of the house and we didn't even make it the end of the drive way every time we took a step we were falling! We did make it to the snow and played for a few minutes then went inside. That night we had no hot water. Sunday morning we discover that we had no heat as well so we called the power company and they said they would be out sometime. So I stayed home and waited for him with Corey. He finally got to our house a little after 4 and said the regulator outside was frozen so he put a drip shield on so it doesn't happen again and We were able to warm up and take hot showers again!

2009-01-05T09:18:00.000-08:00

Christmas was kind of quite around here this year. Ben's sister and her husband were going to come she got into a car accident the week before so they couldn't come. We had grandma and grandpa over Christmas Eve and read the Christmas story then went and looked at light around town. The kids got up around 5am and we were opening presents around 6. Corey was kind of sick but got into the unwrapping and had fun. We spent the day playing with our new toys and games we got.

1 extra day of winter break!

2009-01-05T09:12:00.000-08:00

We got a huge snow storm right before Christmas and the kids got the day off of school. They were kind of upset about missing their christmas party's at school but they had fun outside helping clear off all the snow from the drive way. after we came in to warm up with hot cocoa

We Have Elves!

2008-12-17T18:03:00.000-08:00

So ever sense Saturday night someone has been leaving stuff on our front door step! They call themselves "The Elves" and are doing the 12 days of Christmas. So first we got pears, then turtle candy with wings and all, then french everything. We were really confused when we were reading our Christmas story last night and the phone keep ringing. we finally answered one and this little voice wishing us a merry Christmas. then we listened to the answering machine with 3 more and realized it was our 4 calling birds. Tonight we got 5 golden rings to hang on the tree. It has been so much fun to wait every night to see what is coming next. Who ever they are they sure are fast and so thoughtful. We really enjoy the elves.

Fun Idea

2008-12-15T13:34:00.000-08:00

Saturday Ben took Brandon and Jared to the Lowe's build and grow work shop. They made ginger bread houses. He even brought one home for Corey to make. They are supper easy and free. You even get a cool apron and they give you a patch to go on it for each project you do. They are doing a time capsule next and home depot does them as well.

2008-12-10T10:24:00.000-08:00

This year ben and I decided we would do things a little diffrent for christmas. Every year the kids shake presents and my mom sends her stuff from out of town and sometimes the paper gets riped in shipping. So we decided not to put out any gift until Christmas eve. I love to see the presents under the tree but I dont like when the kids give a way whats inside or talk the little ones into ripping packages open! So I feel like a bit of a scroge but hopeful next year it wont be a proplem as corey will be almost 4.

So excited about this!

2008-12-10T10:16:00.000-08:00

Ok I just have to post about this. My mother-in-law gave all the kids this and its so much fun. We also did something similar for our Dec. enrichment. Its a book with Christmas storeys and scriptures and songs. One for each night in December. We have been doing this and I have to admit we have missed a couple of days but it has been so much fun. The last couple of night Jared has fallen asleep on the floor by the Christmas tree while listening! So cute. The story's i think are helping the kids learn what Christmas is really all about.

corey

2008-12-10T10:01:00.000-08:00

Corey had discovered Hot Chocolate! He loves it and asks for it all the time. We even got the 22lb bag from LDS food storage! It's going fast with all the cold weather we have been having. I have discovered that Corey loves to cook! every night when we make dinner he climbs up on the chair and wants to help. I have also discovered why.. He likes to sample he has helped with cookies taco salad and helped dad make pies for our ward dinner among other things.

Thanksgiving!

2008-12-01T22:22:00.000-08:00

for thanksgiving we stayed in town and went to Ben's parents house. Ben's sister Ellen and her kids were there and we had a ton of good food! After we ate Ben and his dad took the kids to the park to play then they watched Wal-ee the the movie and we hung out and had pie. It was alot of fun. The kids love to see cousins.

cub scout family outing!

2008-12-01T22:11:00.000-08:00

About a week ago the cub scouts and their family's got to enjoy a family night at the Youth pavilion. It was alot of fun! they have so many interactive things for the kids to do and fun crafts as well. We had a great time and I'm sure we will be going back now that the weather is cold and we will be stuck inside more.Corey loved the bus I couldn't get him out of it!

Lack of posts!

2008-12-01T22:07:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the lack of posting lately but we have been busy! I have been trying to organize the house and get rid of toys and clothes we don't need before Christmas! I got all the toys out of the boys room and went though everything and but it were it needed to be! I took awhile but I am happy with the result!Also I have been working later then usual so by the time I get home I don't feel like posting. I will try to do better.

Halloween parade

2008-10-30T20:25:00.001-07:00

Wednesday the kids had their Halloween parties at school due to conferences being Thursday and Friday. So corey and I went to see the boys. They were supposed to be Alvin, Simon and Theodor but I looked all over waterloo and could not find blue and green turtle neck sweaters!! Who would have thought. I did finally find some red ones so brandon and jared both went as Alvin. Corey was a skeleton cause we already had the costume. Thursday we had trunk-r-treat with our ward. The kids had alot of fun.

So proud of ourselfs

2008-10-26T21:03:00.000-07:00

We have been busy making things around our house. Ben made bread tonight from scratch and it turned out great! He was so proud he wanted a picture. He also made yummy scones with honey butter!! I saw this thing on web site and deiced to try and make one. Its an exploding box you can put pictures in and it has a lid but mine didn't turn out so well but I think I figured it out. Don't know if you can see it but there are 3 different size layers to the box.

halloween fun!!

2008-10-26T20:44:00.000-07:00

Saturday we got pumpkins and told the kids they could carve them Sunday after Church. So after dinner we let them go.. they had alot of fun and Brandon's little Friend was over to help get the seeds out before he had to leave. We cooked the seeds and other then Corey ripping off Brandon's pumpkins teeth. I did get them back on it was a fun night.

HUGE Recall of cirbs!

2008-10-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

I got this email from Parents.com about 1.6 million cribs being recalled! They also had toys and clothes that had been recalled as well.Here is the link http://www.parents.com/ I think its worth the time to check it out and be safe!! I actully found a toy that we have that was on the list.

proposals

2008-10-09T20:42:00.000-07:00

I saw this on a Friends blog and thought I would play along. Ben and I meet while working together in Utah. He was kind of like my big brother for a long time. He would tease me when I went out with other guys and stuff like that. So for my birthday my parents were taking me out to dinner and said I could bring a friend and asked him to come along. To hear him tell the story now my plate of ribs were the size of Texas! Anyway a few weeks later he asked me to go to a rodeo with his Friend and I went. We actually ran into my ex-boyfriend. I must we started spending alot of time together. I must say my dad hated Ben at first! He was 21 and I was barely 18 and the baby of the family. That being said Christmas was coming and he was going home to Iowa and had talked about staying. He gave me a promise ring before he left and said he would be back. My parents were selling their house and moving to southern Utah so I was moving with them. We were at work and talking about what we were going to do. We went to the bountiful temple open house and started talking marriage. Anyway he got a ring and a few days later He took me in the back of the store and kind of got down one knee. He was so nervous. And asked me to marry him. The rest just kind of fell into place.

My Baby is growing up way to fast!!

2008-10-08T20:21:00.000-07:00

Alyssa turned 12 today!! I cant believe how fast the time has flown by... She will be going into young women's on Sunday. She has already had her first Jr. High dance. I know this is a big step and I am so proud of her. She is so smart and kind to everyone.

Long week

2008-10-04T15:24:00.000-07:00

Corey desicd he didnt like his crib anymore so monday when ben got home he put up the toddler bed. Monday it took a while to get him to bed. Then the real fun stated. No naps Tuesday or Wednesday. So then he would go to bed good at 8:00 then get up and not want to go back to bed when we went to bed!! And with ben driving back and forth to Illinoes this week. Guess who got up with corey and sleept on the couch a few nights a well. Anyway its getting a little better but corey still want to come join us in the middle of the night. Any tips would be mcuh appriceated! Sorry no pictues til I get more sleep of the big boy bed!

FHE

2008-10-04T15:11:00.000-07:00

We had some unexpected visitors this last week. Bens brother(james) and his wife and son came to Iowa! Tuesday we had a cook-out over at our house and then a family home evening. We built the City of Nauvoo. Way fun. IF you would like to try it its on LDS Splash.com. A little tip: Cut out the buildings ahead of time! I am so glad I did I had even built a about 3 buildings before as well. The Temple takes along time! And is kind of tricky! But is well worth it.

MEET MR PIG

2008-09-30T11:35:00.000-07:00

Mr. Pig came to our house on Corey's 1st birthday and about 3 months ago he became Corey's best freind. He goes everywhere with us most of the time he stays in the car while we go into stores and stuff. But sometime he does have to go inside with us. He went on our big trip to Utah and Corey didn't seem to mind at all sleeping in a strange crib at all. Mr. Pig has been though the washer and came out great. He still so soft and cuddly. I thing the only place this pig hasn't gone is Church.

The best day!

2008-09-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

Some morning when we are getting ready for school it is crazy! The boys are fighting and cant find their shoes ect.. But today went so great. As I was getting Jared's shoes on he stated singing "Called to serve" one of the songs they will be doing in a few weeks for primary program. Anyway as he is singing Brandon starting singing with him. So cute. So I turned on the primary cd and they sang the whole song! Then we sang a few more before we had to leave. It was so sweet. No fights or rush. Wow. Nice way to start the week.

Family Apples!

2008-09-29T11:48:00.000-07:00

Saturday we made apple pie filling. We had already done a ton of apple sauce a few weeks ago. And we were all helping out. Brandon was my peeler, Ben sliced the apples, corey was taking them from the counter to the pot and Jared was taste testing with the Carmel dip! It was so cute I had to take pictures!

Nursery Songs!

2008-09-29T11:41:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we did a nursery program for all the parents and grandparents. It was alot of fun and the kids did great! They worked so hard on the hands moves! I love working in the nursery we have so many kids right now (almost 20)! But they are so fun

13 years ago today...

2008-09-02T10:49:00.000-07:00

13 years ago today I was at the beauty salon getting my hair and nails done. 13 years ago my husband was late for rehearsal cause he went golfing with my dad,father-in-law and uncle. 13 years ago Ben was so nervous he was playing piano and not getting dressed. 13 years ago I was freaking out cause the marriage licence and my nylons were still at the hotel. 13 years ago I walked down the isle in Mickey Mouse socks but at lease I had a licence(thanks mom).If you haven't figured it out by now today is our 13th anniversary! Some days it seems like yesterday and other days... don't ask! I wouldn't change a thing though. Ups, downs, good and bad. Its a fun ride with my bud that makes me laugh!!

TAG!!

2008-08-31T19:04:00.000-07:00

One-word responses... 1. Where is your cell phone? kitchen 2. Your significant other? sexy 3. Your hair? brown 4. Your mother? wonderful 5. Your father? funny 6. Your favorite thing? family 7. Your dream last night? dumm 8. Your favorite drink? soda 9. Your dream/goal? happieness 10. The room you’re in? family room 11. Your hobby? sewing 12. Your fear? heights 13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? utah 14. What you’re not? outgoing 15. Muffins? chocolate 16. One of your wish list items? love 17. Where you grew up? utah 18. The last thing you did? eat 19. What are you wearing? clothes 20. Favorite gadget? GPS 21. Your pets? cat 22. Your computer? dell 23. Your mood? calm 24. Missing someone? family 25. Your car? van 26. Something you’re not wearing? socks 27. Favorite store? work 28. Like someone? yes 29. Your favorite color? BLUE 30. When is the last time you laughed? today 31. Last time you cried? today

Daddys boy!

2008-08-30T06:47:00.000-07:00

Corey loves his dad! I have called him a daddy's boy for over a year now.As soon as Ben comes home from work he goes right up and sits on dads belly. Of course there is the Sunday egg thing I blogged about before. On our trip he would play this game where he would say "hi dad" and Ben would say "hi Corey" this would go back and forth then Ben would say "whats up" and Corey would just laugh!! It was cute! Then when went to a baby blessing out in Utah he was just fine to sit on my lap and play until dad got up and when to stand in the circle. He started crying for dad. I had to take him out! When dad had to go back to work he got up and went thought the house says Dada, Dada. So yesterday when he fell down a couple of stairs and was crying I went to comfort him. I was telling him it was OK and caring him to the living room when he starts calling for dad and putting his arms out! I was shocked. I have always been the comforting one! I don't think I jealous if I am I don't mean to be I love that they are buds. Just a little sad cause he is my last.

Boys and their toys!!

2008-08-30T06:31:00.000-07:00

Ben is so proud of this while we were out in Utah all the brothers went out shooting for the day! They had alot of fun and got alot of tension out of their systems! Alyssa,Brandon, and Jared went with them. Alyssa shoot a gun! I was shocked that she even wanted to go! Ben got to shoot his cousins AK47 and told me he would move back to Utah if he could get one! I love it out here but The west is were I grew up and where most of our family is. I have so many mixed feelings. He is looking for a different job but we will have to see where we end up!! Thanks James for sending the pictures!

What a nice night

2008-08-27T21:00:00.001-07:00

Brandon had scouts Tuesday and sense it was Jared's birthday dad said he could tag along and stop by grandmas after. Corey was very upset to be the only boy not going. So to cheer him up I turned on the water. The grass was looking dry anyway and it was so nice out. I know that we wont be doing to much more playing in the water so I let him go... Alyssa and her friends got in on the act to but I had put the camera away by then. I love the one of him sticking his belly out!

Jared turns 5!!

2008-08-27T20:46:00.001-07:00

Jared had his birthday Tuesday. He got that great hat at school that he hated! I had to tape it back together just to get the picture. Monday he told me he wanted at Darth Maul cake (first star wars) I had no time to get the right colors for it nor do I think I could ever do that much detail without a pattern! So we just printed a picture and stuck it on. He didn't seem to mind.

First Day of School!!

2008-08-24T16:25:00.001-07:00

School started out here on Thursday. Kind of weird to me to go 2 days and then have the weekend! Alyssa stated Jr. high and the bus picks her up at 7:05 so her day starts early! Brandon is in 4th grade now and Jared started Kindergarten this year! Its always so cute to see the kindergartner's with their backpacks as big as them! They all look like little turtles! They are scared and excited at the same time. So much fun. For right now Jared just has have days and after the Holiday weekend he will go all day. Corey has been a little lost without his buddy. I don't know what he will do when Jared is gone all day. But it is kind of nice to just have one for a few hours. And I have lots of plans to organize and deep clean my house while he is napping in the afternoons!

Utah trip

2008-08-23T19:07:00.001-07:00

GO West!!

2008-08-23T18:41:00.001-07:00

Two weeks ago we packed up and headed out to Utah for Ben's sister's(Laura)wedding. We had a great time and I have a ton of pictures to post. Its a long drive but we passed the time watching movies and playing video games. I highly recommend stopping early enough to let the kids swim at the hotel pool! while we were their we saw alot of family and went to the zoo as well. The kids did great and I already miss everyone and the mountains!

2008-08-21T21:06:00.000-07:00

OK I promise to get to blogging about our trip to Utah soon. But I found a couple of quotes out there that I thought were cool. A mannequin wears whatever the world is selling. Your standards are higher then that. The Guys Responsibility: Guys, its time we stood up to defend the honor and righteousness of our sisters. We need to stop acting like "hunters" trying to catch girls and begin seeing ourselves as Warriors standing guard over them. Josh Harris

THIS MEANS WAR!!

2008-08-06T18:36:00.000-07:00

I think this is a guy thing but our neighbor is a huge hawkey fan and Ben went to Iowa State so he likes them. They are always teasing each other about the teams. So our neighbor got this My husband had to get this.. I find this hilarious! They are really great neighbors and we are sad that they put there house up for sale.Even though they are Hawk fans(just kidding).

Whats For Dinner?!!

2008-08-03T20:41:00.000-07:00

As a mom I hear this phrase a lot!! I like to cook for my family but I also like fun and easy meals as well. Pizza is a favorite at our house but it can get expensive for a family of 6. So I make my own "homemade" Just some french bread cut in half and what ever toppings your family likes. I have also done bagels, and the pre-made pizza crusts from the grocery store! This is super fast and easy. The kids can pick their favorite things and make themselves!!

lyme test

2008-08-02T20:20:00.000-07:00

So we got the results of Ben's Lyme test Friday afternoon. It was positive so he had to go in and get a shot today and in on antibiotics for the next month but it should clear everything up! Yea! It was in the early stages and they think he got it about 3-4 months ago. So possibly at the father-son camp out. We are doing fine Ben is a little sore but should be feeling alot better with the medication. I have been thinking about how something so small can effect so many different parts of your body! I am just glad we know and it can be taken care of.

2008-07-23T11:01:00.000-07:00

You Belong in Rome

You're a big city soul with a small town heart
Which is why you're attracted to the romance of Rome
Strolling down picture perfect streets, cappuccino in hand
And gorgeous Italian people - could life get any better?

http://www.blogthings.com/whatcitydoyoubelonginquiz/">What City Do You Belong In?

Look who's 2!!

2008-07-22T20:24:00.000-07:00

Today was Corey's 2nd birthday. It was a fun day he kept saying "two,two" and trying to hold up fingers all day. Grandma and grandpa came for dinner and cake before Brandon had to run to cub scouts. Thanks for being there! With all the Popsicles and cake today we had a major sugar rush going but it was a beautiful night so we ran off some energy outside before bed time.

tween hearts

2008-07-20T22:24:00.000-07:00

So I think we officially have a tween in our home. Alyssa doesn't turn 12 til October but we had had alot of changes this year. And we have been invaded with the JONAS BROTHERS. For those of you with kids you my have hear of a little movie on the Disney channel called "Camp Rock" Alyssa is in love with this movie and has got posters up all over of these guys. I have to say they are not bad.

what wrong with my eyes?

2008-07-20T21:07:00.000-07:00

Ben is probably going to kill me for this but this is mostly for family out west so everyone knows. Ben has been in and out of the eye doctor about 4 times so far this year trying to figure out what is going on we have been given all kinds of things it could be from genetic, getting hit to hard in football, tumors, a hypothalamus problem and Lyme disease. So he went to specialist and they did all kinds of tests. MRI, blood work and fun stuff like that. Long story short we got a positive and negative on the lyme test. So he has to do again. I am trying to get it done before we head out there in a few weeks. Anyway we don't want it to be lyme but it would be nice to have a reason for the changes in his eye sight. I have included a link if anyone wants to check out the symptoms. If you like the outdoors its good to be informed I didn't know all the things that can be effected by this disease. http://www.lymeout.org/symptoms.html

How handsome!

2008-07-20T20:51:00.000-07:00

Ben and I were talking a few days ago about his sisters wedding and he said Corey needed a suit. So I got out all the sport coats bradon had that jared never really got a change to wear cause he grew so fast! And put a dress shirt and 1 coat on corey. But he wanted ALL of them on so the pictures are of him wearing 4 suit coats! I had a heck of a time getting them off that is why he looks up side down he kept laying down every time I would try to get one off!

For Fun

2008-07-13T17:52:00.000-07:00

Ok I saw this on my friends blog and thought it would be fun to see what people could come up with. I know some people are not familiar with how to leave a comment so if you want to-- all you have to do is at the bottom of the post click on the thing that says comment and it will take you to the screen. Here are the rules.. Here are the directions: 1. As a comment on this post, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember! 2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments. Just let me know which you prefer. Let's see what everyone remembers!

Lego Builders

2008-07-09T19:06:00.000-07:00

Brandon has always loved Lego's and can build some amazing things with them. I cant believe how fast he can put his sets together. He gets one and it comes with this 30 step book and by the 2nd or 3rd time he does it he doesn't even need the instructions! Then he makes them into other things I could never think of. Sp today I was so happy the boys worked together to build something. Its a ship with guns and all Indiana Jones and his dad are the passengers.

Cricut round two..

2008-07-09T18:58:00.000-07:00

I finally got my cricut today!! The first one I ordered got delivered to the wrong house. So someone (most likely on my street) got a pretty nice package with out paying! I was thinking about the run around we had to go through to prove we didn't get it. I cant believe how dishonest people can be. It makes it so much harder for the rest of us. But I am happy to have my machine and can't wait to play around with it this weekend!

Family pictures

2008-07-03T19:21:00.000-07:00

We went and got family pictures today. About time Corey is almost 2 and is not in our last one! So we decided to try the new place Portrait Innovations (next to gold gym). It was a lot of fun and they took good pictures and a ton of them we ended up spending a little more then I had planned but we got some nice pics of the kids. We also got the disc with all the pictures one it. Most of the slide show is of the one ones we didn't pick. I would defiantly go back again..

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-07-03T19:20:00.001-07:00

FISH CUBS!

2008-07-02T20:39:00.001-07:00

Tuesday brandon had a goldfish derby at cub scouts. They also had an award ceremony where he got his wolf badge and a bunch of other stuff. The boys had lots of fun while the girls went and got their hair done for family pictures on Thursday. They even got to take the fish home with them. Jared getting some help to beat dad! Raceing the goldfish

Two Things..

2008-07-02T11:35:00.000-07:00

Two names you go by: 1. mommie 2. hun Two things you're wearing now: 1. oldnavy shirt 2. jean shorts Two things you would want [or have] in a relationship: 1. honesty 2. fun Two of your favorite things to do: 1. play with kids 2. date night with my hubby Two things you want very badly at the moment: 1. ben to come home 2. lunch Two things you did yesterday: 1. got my hair cut 2. played outside Two things you ate yesterday: 1. salad 2. cheese sticks Two people you last talked to: 1. ben 2. my M-I-L Two things you're doing tomorrow 1. family pictures 2. going to the store Two favorite holidays:(this was hard, i have a few more than two=) 1. christmas 2. Kids B-days Two favorite beverages: 1. ice cold water 2. coke Two people no longer alive that you'd like to talk to: 1. my gradpa 2. ab Lincoln If you read all of the above, please consider yourself tagged and leave me a note. (No cheating -- if you read, please play along by posting your own.)

brandons birthday!

2008-06-24T20:55:00.001-07:00

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-06-24T20:53:00.001-07:00

2008-06-17T14:19:00.000-07:00

For us fathers day started Saturday. I helped the kids find some fun cards to print out and color for dad. We went a got the grill dad had been wanting for a long time. Then it took for ever to get it put together. So we ended up with a late dinner that had to be done in the oven instead of outside. On Sunday we gave dad the cards headed to church then stopped by with a card for grandpa. Ben still hasn't had a chance to try out his grill but I'm sure we will soon.

some good news for us!

2008-06-10T21:19:00.000-07:00

I am so upset will all the bad weather we have been having out here. My heart goes out to all those effects by flooding and tornado's. But I am so happy today. My sister-law is getting Married in August. And although it is kind of short notice and we did have a family reunion planned for July that I have been working on for almost a year now. That is now on hold until next year. I am excited. I'm so happy for her and Alex! It kind of makes me feel old that she was a flower girl at our wedding and now Alyssa will be a braids maid in hers but we will be taking a trip to Utah if everything goes as planned and I have talked to my parents and plan to get together with them. So it should be a lot of fun.

Enough Already!!

2008-06-08T19:41:00.000-07:00

Ok I know I should not complain after the winter that we had but... The last few weeks out here have been crazy. Tornado's, rain and very high winds. Not to mention when it is sunny it is Humid. Last night we had another bad storm. This is what our neighbor woke up to this morning. Not fun.

First band Concert

2008-06-08T19:34:00.001-07:00

Alyssa had her first band concert before school ended last week. She just started taking it this year and has been learning the clarinet. It went really well and I hope she sticks with it next year. Jared really like the shark attack song cause they had someone dress-up as a shark and dance around! I wish I had video but we could not get our camcorder to download on to the computer. It was alot of fun!We are so Proud of Alyssa!

Goodbye Grade School!

2008-06-08T18:25:00.000-07:00

Wednesday Jared and I went to Alyssa's 5th grade Graduation. It was alot of fun but kind of sad as well. Next year she will be going to Jr high. I just cant believe how fast time has flown bye! It doesn't seem like my little girl could be old enough for Jr high. Alyssa is nerves and excited to go but I think she will do fine. She had some great teachers..

Tornadoes and flooding

2008-06-03T07:23:00.000-07:00

I know we have all seen pictures of the damage the tornadoes did last week. Ben had a Friend that lost his house. We have been out a few times to help him clean up. But I thought I would share some pictures of the flooding down in Ames. My sister-in-law sent these. And now that we are getting more ran it so hard to clean-up and let the water reseed.

Sunday Eggs with Dad

2008-06-02T11:26:00.000-07:00

Ever sense corey was a baby in his highchair sunday mornings ben would get up and make him eggs. Even when we had early morning church! Well ben has been working saturdays for the last few months and finally got a saturday off a couple of weeks ago and was home when corey got up so when he saw his dad in the kitchen he ran in and got out the frying pan. It was to cute. Dad the the idea of what he wanted and made him eggs and they set down and had them together. sorry I don't have pictures.

So Exctied

2008-06-02T11:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my awesome,handsome,sweet,amazing,fabulous,cute,loving,wonderful husband. Your the best! He got me the cricut cutter Saturday! I found a great deal on a brand new one and even got to pick the cartridge I wanted to go with it. I love ebay!! So hopefully I will be trying it out by the end of the week!Thanks honey your the best!!

Kite Derby

2008-05-25T20:33:00.000-07:00

this is kind of old but last saturday we did a kite making derby for cub scouts. The boys(brandon,jared and dad) had fun making them. They didnt work real well. But we couldnt get the ones they got for easter to work well either. ALyssa's turtle got up a few times. And corey and jared had fun at the park.

planting our garden

2008-05-22T10:43:00.001-07:00

We have been busy this morning planting our garden. Corey and Jared helped dig holes and water the plants with the watering can. What great helpers. Thanks to the in-laws for growing so much of it for from seed early. We are doing tomatoes, beans, radishes, Hot peppers, bell peppers broccoli and some cucumbers!! Yummy. Brandon is growing a Honeydew melon in the back for his cub scout stuff. Now if I can just keep the Bunny's and KIDS out until everything gets big.

The picture is of our garden last year in July.

Father-son camp-out!!

2008-05-17T10:55:00.000-07:00

All I heard about all week was we are going camping with dad!! So Friday finally came and the boys got all packed. Corey stayed home with the girls this year but I'm sure he will go next year. Poor dad! He didn't get alot of sleep. But they had fun..

Feild trip

2008-05-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

Alyssa's fifth grade took a trip to Des Monies to the Capital and Zoo. Dad took the day off to be

a chaperon. They had a great time

2008-05-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

Just some fun things we do around the house. The boys found some tassels and made them into go tees! Then pretended they were rock stars. Cute.

FHE- Mothers Day

2008-05-12T20:58:00.001-07:00

So Sunday was mothers day and I got Alvin and the Chipmunks! I love that movie it is super fun to watch with the kids cause they dance and and repeat the lines. So we did a movie night family home evening with tickets and all. It was so much fun. Brandon took tickets and alyssa worked concessions and gave out popcorn and root beer. I was a great day!

2008-04-17T09:10:00.000-07:00

Today was kindergarten round-up at Kittrell! Jared was so excited. He had to wear his backpack and everything. He had alot of fun. Although they did things a little different then when the other kids went. They did a little of the testing today instead of the tables set up with stations for the kids to play and do letters and stuff. And we got to learn all about the new building that will be done when he starts 1st grade! looks pretty cool.

Conference

2008-04-06T18:09:00.000-07:00

It was General Conference this weekend and I wish I could say I watched all of it but I missed Saturday sessions. I had to work and I had not been feeling good sense Friday night.I was so moved by brother Ballard's talk today. I work part time but still think of myself myself a stay at home mom because I work after my husband get home and only til 1o. So I am home all day with the kids and some times its crazy to say the least! So I thought I would put down a few things that make me happy to be at home... I love to watch little diaper butts crawl and waddle around to cute I love jared when he has to give 3 hugs and 3 kisses when ever anyone leaves I love brandon when he helps with dishes I love the way alyssa is so patient and loving I love their faces at anything new I love the way jared says panilla instead of vanilla and consequences instead of conferences I love the crazy outfits and hats that they love to wear around the house (sometime visiting teaching among other places!! I love that my husband was late to priesthood last night so he could put kids to bed and help me as my temp was almost 102. There are so may more things I get to enjoy everyday with the kids and I am so grateful that I get to see all those moments. Even the temper tantrums! I am grateful for our prophet and and his apostles for helping me to remember that soon those enough my kids will to big so much of the stuff we do now. I do cherish these days hope to always remember them!

NKOTB

2008-04-04T07:08:00.000-07:00

I am totally going to show my age here but.. I am so excited that the New Kids on The block are getting back together. They were IT when I was in junior high and High school. I had their poster all over my wall! Went to their concert when they came to Utah. It seems a little silly now. I had to watch the Today show today just to see them. Do you think I could get ben to go with me to see them now. HA HA.

2008-03-30T17:14:00.000-07:00

2008-03-30T09:48:00.000-07:00

So its been a busy week Ben has been in Minnesota most of the week and we had parent teacher conferences. The kids are doing great! We also had pinewood Derby on Friday for cub scouts! It was Brandon's first and he worked very hard on his car with his dad. Jared had to make one too and had a blast racing it down the track. I will try to post pictures this evening and maybe a video.

2008-03-26T19:49:00.000-07:00

Hi just desided to try this out will see how well it works! looks like a lot of fun and good way to keep in touch with everyone.