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The Vintage Pearl

2010-04-16T12:57:00.001-07:00

Check it out she has the cutiest stuff perfect for Mothers Days. So Dads clue in, and Moms get one for your Moms it would be a wonderful gift.

Happy Shopping

The vintage Pearl .blogspot.com

2010-01-25T21:28:00.000-08:00

I have to blog about this because to me this is one of the funniest things I have ever seen. I have been laughing out loud to myself all day. The image of Kerry's never ending legs flying around and Kolton strapped in the baby seat oblivious to what is going has had me smiling all day. No if you guys would have seen Kim's brave attempt with no practice and my malfunction you would all be rolling on the ground. What a fun day thanks girl for the never ending laughs that are driving our husbands crazy!!

Football

2009-12-05T21:26:00.000-08:00

Owen is playing Flag Football with a bunch of kids from the neighborhood and totally enjoying it. This is the first sport that he has really enjoyed doing. In fact he sleeps, eats, and goes to school with his Football he would take it to church but we make him leave it in the car for the 3 hour block. I know such mean parents. Today Owen made his first touch down he has been talking about how bad he wanted to make one all season. I think I have turned into that crazy mom that jumps up and down yelling and cheering when there child has the ball cuz to be honest I am not sure who was more happy he made the touch down Owen or his Mom :) None the less I am so proud of him!!

This is what happens when you get ten 5-6 years old together and try to take a picture

CRAZINESS

Coaches: Brett, Ryan and Adam

Preston, Ryan, Rhett, Easton, Chancin, Ethan, Braden, Collin, Owen, Davis

Great Coaches, Great Players, Great Team

Go Knights!!

(For the record we are undefeated, even though they don't take score, Adam does :)

Let it Snow

2009-12-05T21:20:00.000-08:00

We went to Tempe Market Place last night with Stewart's brother and his family so the kids could play in the "Snow". They had alot of fun and I don't think they realized it was really soap bubbles falling from the sky and if they did they didn't care, they ran around and acted crazy in the true "Jones" fashion. Oh to be a kid again!!

Owen, Brian, Katie, Susan and Ethan

We had a great time with them and are glad they moved back to AZ

I am Back!!!

2009-11-14T23:35:00.000-08:00

It has been a very long time since I have updated my blog, but this is something I know that I need and want to remember. Bare with me it could be long.

As many people know Stewart's dad was diagnosed with leukemia a little over a year ago. It was an up and down battle. Everyone was very hopeful and he was determined to beat it. Unfortunately there was another plan for him. Kent passed away on the morning of November 7, 2009 in his home with his wonderful wife and family. Kent returned home and was welcomed by his son Ralph who passed away 16 yrs. ago, I can only imagine that reunion. Kent was a great man, I have always loved Kent and his example to me. More importantly I am grateful to him for raising such a wonderful son I am blessed to call my husband. While we all knew he was sick his death came upon us quickly. It was only 2 weeks ago that he sat and played with my boys, laughed and teased his kids and sat and talked with us. When he was under Hospice care we knew the end was near. We spent many days down at his home, allowing our children to be around their grandpa. My boys love their Grandpa Jones. It was a very bitter sweet time for me and my family. I hated to see him suffering and not communicating with us but I didn't want to lose him. I loved the mood that was in his home. Everyone came together and cared for this dear man and his wife. I went on Thurs with the family to dress their father and I was amazed by the love his boys have for him. The way they carefully dressed him and spent there last moments with him will be unforgettable. There was many family members who traveled far distances to come and spend his last days with him. I have truly grown to love Kent and Jayne more in one week then I have over the past 7 years, not that I didn't love them before but it is a new love. I saw the love that Jayne and Kent have for each other and their family. It really allowed me to open my eyes and find the true meaning of life. Although our lives have been tough the last year I feel very blessed to have a wonderful husband, 2 darling boys, and our health. I feel blessed to have been apart of Kent's life and a part of his funeral arrangements. Stewart, his uncle Lowell and some some help from his other brothers made Kent's casket and the interior was done by his wife and daughter with some help from me and Chantal. What an experience that was for us, long late nights but well worth it. Kent loved construction he loved building things ,what an honor it is that he was laid to rest in a casket made by his children and wife. I am walking away from this experience a better person. I cant wait for the day I can see Kent again throw my arms around his neck and thank him for loving me and my family in spite of our differences and imperfections. I want to tell him what a great father and grandfather he was to Stewart and my boys. He is missed and will be missed everyday until we see him again.

Here are some pictures of his funeral:

Kent I love you and I feel honored to be apart of your family.

I promise to take care of the Love of your Life Jayne.

Park Night

2009-06-06T14:07:00.000-07:00

We found a really great park that we went to last night. The kids had a blast, but by the looks of the pictures I am not sure you had more fun them or Tina? You be the judge!
Ethan, Jared, Owen, Kian, Ezra, Tyler

Ethan
Tina Climbed the "Biggest" wall there :) and made it look so effortless

Owen

Kian

Kid at heart

Tina

Tina, Brig & cutie pie Eden

Ezra and Owen

Who ever said you were too big to swing?

Dean, Stewart, Tina and Brig

Ethan & Ashton

We had a great time the weather was perfect and the kids had fun.

End of the School Year

2009-05-20T21:31:00.000-07:00

Today was such a fun day. It was Owen's last day of kindergarten. I cant believe my baby is going to be in 1st grade. We are so proud of Owen and what he has accomplished this year. I was a little worried sending Owen to kindergarten this year being that he was 4 when he started school. I tested him in and we took the leap of faith that it would work out and I cant tell you how happy I am that we did. Owen was lucky to have not just one great teacher but two. He started his year out with Mrs. Soosai who we both loved. She took him in a loved him and it was exactly what he needed starting out so young. Half way through the year she had to move out of town for medical/personal reasons which brought us to get Mrs. Sharr. She is wonderful. She saw more potential in him then what he was giving and she encouraged him and pushed in to do more. I am amazed at how far he came in such a short time span. He finished school in the top reading an dwriting groups. He had two very special teachers this year and I am thankful for both of them. Owen has pushed him self academically more then I could have asked for. He has came out of his shell socially and has really enjoyed going to school. They had a end of the year party today and presented them their certificate for graduating from Kindergarten. We had lots of fun. Owen has made some really good friends this year, I hope we can keep in touch over the summer.

Owen with Mrs. Sharr

Owen and Kaden (the one he named his fish after :))

Owen and Christian

He really was Happy he just Hates getting his picture taken

He received the award for "The Sweetest Voice" what a good kid :)

Owen we are very proud of you and what you have become. Keep going in this direction and your future is bright. We love you tons!!

Our newiest addition

2009-05-11T20:27:00.000-07:00

Owen has been working towards being able to get a fish. Tonight for Family night we headed down to Walmart to get his new friend. The boys were so excited you would have thought they were getting a dog, I take that back if they were getting a dog they would have been running for the door crying because they are scared to death of dogs. Anyways they each picked out the best goldfish they could find. We got a little fish bowl and some decorations and headed home. I asked Owen what we were going to name the fish he said "The nemo looking one will be Daniel Cameron" random I know so I asked why and he said he was naming if after his friend Daniel at school and his other friend Caden Cameron's last name, which I thought was pretty funny, then he said that he was going to name the 2nd one "Kayden Cameron", Kayden after his cousin and Cameron because "the 2 fish are now a family and live in the same house so they have to have the same last name". Welcome to the family Daniel and Kayden Cameron hopefully you last longer then the other animals we have had but don't hold your breath on it. Thankfully they are cheap little goldfish.

Warning so GROSS!!!

2009-05-06T16:49:00.000-07:00

As some of you know Stewart works for an attorney that tests the tread on tires to see if they malfunction. Stewart has to cut the tire in a certain way and then they put the tire back on the cars and race them around the track to see if the tire malfunctions. Anyways he was out in the garage working today and came inside and said he had cut his arm. When I got to the kitchen he had blood running down his arm so I couldn't see the cut but when he took the rag off I about BARFED How gross is that his fatty tissues were hanging out

Thanks to Will he tucked all the unwanted Fat back in a stitched him up.
Now if that is not the grossed thing ever. I swear never a dull moment around the Jones Home

Thanks Kim for you help :)

Family Home Evening

2009-05-02T13:33:00.000-07:00

Last Monday night we took the kids to the Temple for Family night. The weather was perfect and the kids had such a great time.

Cortina Carnival

2009-05-02T13:11:00.000-07:00

We went to the school carnival last week and the kids had a blast.

Here is Ethan climbing this huge slide by himself I knew once he got up there he wouldn't come down alone and I wasn't about to go after him so.....

we sent the neighbor girls up for him and he came down with the biggest smile in his face. 4 girls and him should I be worried :)Owen on his bellyOwen and Ethan before the ride and there faces are their personalities to a "T" Owen looks terrified and Ethan is laughing
Yes that is Ethan trying to stand up while the ride is going I am telling you he is CRAZY He stood the whole ride

Owen climbed walls

He rode a Bull

We ate snow cones and kettle corn, soda and hamburgers. We did everything you would normally do at a carnival we even lost our child. Which one? Do you even have to ask. My free spirit wondered off and we couldn't find him for about 15 minutes I was so freaked out and I had just told Stewart that the carnival was every kidnappers dream place. I freaked out, I prayed, I imagined my life with out him, I know that sounds stupid but seriously that is all that kept going through my head and then we found him in the arms of a POLICE OFFICER. I felt like the worst mom on the planet and how embarrassing to tell the officer Yes I am the irresponsible mother. She said that she asked him his name and that she was just about to announce over the speaker that she had a missing child named OWEN. What the heck looks like we need to teach Ethan his name :) I am so glad she is who he chose to go to not some perverted kidnapper. Stewart didn't put him down the rest of the night. We did have a great time and we were glad we went but ever happier we all came home that night.

Dirty 6 Mud Race

2009-04-29T12:35:00.001-07:00

My friend Becky called me on Friday afternoon and asked me if I wanted to ran in this race with her then next morning and that she had an extra ticket. I jumped on it, it sounded fun but about half way through I wasn't really sure what I had gotten myself into. It was 6 miles with 9 obstacles through out, some in the mud, some in water, walls to climb, rivers to cross, mountains of dirt to climb some were easy and others difficult but all were fun and were a great laugh. I felt like I was either on the show "Wipe Out" or in a boot camp for troubled teens. We had a really great time. We laughed a lot!! It was overcast that day and boy did I get sun burnt. My shoulders I don't think will ever be the same. They were burnt to a crisp, now they are all gross and blistery. What was I thinking when I put on that dumb tank top? My poor shoulders haven't seen the sun in years. Stewart and Bryce came to the race to take pictures but since we were so speedy or maybe they were just slow we finished before they got there. Sorry not dirty pictures this time. I have had so much fun doing these races I am not no speedy runner but I really enjoy doing it. Who would have thought that running could be so much fun. Thanks Becky for the invite I had a blast.

It's Late

2009-04-19T23:51:00.000-07:00

I cant sleep I have so many thoughts, going through by brain so I decided to update my blog which is long over due. Life has been busy with lots of different things lately some of which I want to share and also to be able to remember.

Last week my Grandma Adams came into town for Easter. It was the first time that we have seen her since my Grandpa's death in October. It was so fun to see her and spend time with her. The highlight of her trip was that we were able to go to the Temple with her as a family. It had been 58 years since she had been there. After my Grandpa died she started preparing herself to go back and was able to do so last week. It was such a neat experience to see her there with such a sweet smile the whole time. She told my Mom that she believes that Grandpa was cheering her on up in Heaven. I thought that was the sweetest thing ever. Oh what a great reunion that will be when they will be with eachother again. I am going to be selfish and hope that it wont happen for along time. I want to keep her for my self for a little while longer. Sorry Grandpa :) I was able to spend a little bit of time alone with her while she was here. She taught me a lot about life and relationships in just a short amount of time. I am grateful for that opportunity. I love her so much and am so glad she is so happy again.

The other thing we did that was so amazing was last night we were able to go to a Benefit Concert for Christian and Stephanie Nielson the couple who was in the plane crash last year. If you aren't familiar with their story you need to check out her blog: neineidialouges.blogspot.com it is such an inspiring story of love, faith, and prayers. The concert was fantastic. Brooke White from American Idol was there and sang a couple of songs as well. My Dad asked me what my favorite part of it was and I said when Christian was speaking. At the end of the concert they announced that he was there and that he wanted to say a few words. He came through the back door of the auditorium and as he walked down the isle toward the stage everyone stood and clapped for him. It was amazing. He gave an update and expressed his gratitude for everyone that has helped his family over the past months. He expressed his love for his wife and told what strength she is. You could tell how humbled he was and much he appreciated it. I left there last night being so grateful for my life and my family. I think it is very easy to get down about what curve ball life has thrown your way, and man am I grateful for my ball. I cant even imagine what this family has gone through and what they will continue to go through and they are doing it with a smile on their face. The night was wonderful I couldn't have asked for better company or better entertainment. Thanks Mom and Dad.

So this is the blabbering of a sleep deprived girl late at night hope you all enjoyed.

Have a great week!

Never a Dull Moment

2009-03-23T13:39:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been gone from your house and gotten the dreaded phone call from your Alarm company saying that your house alarm was going off? Well I did today. Anyone that knows me knows that I am a freak about my alarm. I have it set practically 24 hours a day, even when I am home. I cant go to sleep at night without checking and double checking that it is set call me narcotic I will agree I am. This morning Ethan and I left to run some errands and I got a call saying that the alarm was set off because the family room windows had been open. They dispatched police, asked what car I drive, told me not to enter the house and that the Police will approach me. After waiting 45 mins for him to show up (glad no one had me at gun point) he went through the back gate came back whispering saying that the back door was open and was wondering if I could have possible left it open before I left. Obviously that couldn't have been the case since the alarm wouldn't have even set if it was open. He called for back up told me to drive to the end of the street and he stood in my front yard with his gun drawn waiting for his partner in crime. (this is were I wish I would have had my camera what a great picture huh) so they went in guns drawn and all, checked the place out I can only imagine them checking out the house yelling for the invisible criminal to come out with their hands up :) so they came out and said that the back door was open but the screen door was shut and locked, my guess it that Ethan opened the door while I was getting ready today, shut it just enough for the alarm to set and then the wind blew the door open which in turn caused the alarm to go off. I am not sure what it is about Ethan and alarms, Yes he was the one that pulled the fire alarm at church yesterday causing the blinking lights, evacuation and the automated voice telling us not to use the elevator, I didn't even know the church had elevators :) So if you were wondering why the Jones' family was racing out of the church parking lot on 2 wheels yesterday that is why. I swear my little Denise the menace never leaves dull moments for me.

So I must admit that while the Police Men were searching my house I was so happy I have cleaned it over the weekend, but upset that I didn't make my bed before I left today. When they searched the closets they said they had to more stuff around to make sure no one was hiding so to not be alarmed if things look out of place. I think that was their way of nicely telling me "Look Lady you are a pack rat" so I will be cleaning them out as well. How embarrassing.

What a great start to a new week huh. Happy Monday

Spring Break Day 1

2009-03-22T19:56:00.001-07:00

Owen and Stewart were out of school for spring break for a week. So I decided that we need to do some day activities or no one would live through a week at home with nothing to do. So since I love my family and wanted to keep them around a little longer we decided to start spring break off right. Monday we went with the Ross family and the Lamoreaux family to Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson. We had so much fun with such fun people. We had 8 kids 7 boys and 1 Princess 7 years old and younger. It was like the zoo but it was so fun.

The the adults and EdenThe guys

The kids entering the Kennedy's Plane

We had the best tour guide "Brig"

What a cute alien friend I have

Jared and Owen

Vana White

Ezra and Owen flying the plane

The crazy bunch of wild boys

Owen flying the planeEthan flying the plane

The boys had so much. It was well worth the drive. We had great company and would do it again in a heart beat.

Stay tuned for more pictures of our fun Break

Our trip to the Snow

2009-02-21T18:50:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we took the kids up to my parents cabin to play in the snow. Owen was so excited he talked about it all week, Ethan on the other hand not so much. He wanted to watch out the window at Owen. He liked to have the snow hat on but didn't want to be in it.

We finally convinced him to get dressed and try it out

It was a no go. He kept saying it was "Cold mama"Owen couldn't get enough of it. He rolled around in it all weekendWe put Ethan on the sled on the driveway and he seemed to like itAll smiles from him were gone when we decided to go look for a bigger hill and let him ride down by himself. Not a good idea folks sleds have minds of there own and my smiley, giggling 2 year old was heading the wrong direction for a 3 foot drop into rocks. He scared the living crap out of me. Stewart was chasing him down the hill will I was trying to run to stop him and he was flying down that hill, I will say its amazing what you do when you think your child is going to get hurt, I took a super woman flight and stoped him, he rolled of the sled hit his head and that was the end of sledding for him. Do you blame him? What a dumb idea Mom!!

Stewart and his 10 feet of legs with Owen Oh Nelly

A long as all fours were touching the ground he was happy

Snow angels

Owen jumping off the balcony into the snow Monkey see, Monkey do

My little dare devil

Owen was not too happy about our snowman, he said he was too lumpy without smooth sides, welcome to my world son, I feel his pain.

After the snow sledding Owen wanted his dad to take him on a quad ride and teach him how to drive it, so they took off and came back and told us the funniest story ever. So apparently Stewart was explaining to Owen that the throttle is was makes the quad go and before he could explain that you start out slow Owen and pushed it all the way down popped a wheelie and knocked both of them off the quad right onto their behinds. I would have paid money to have seen that. They are lucky they didn't get hurt Stewart however did have a bruised butt cheek :) Owen was scared to drive the quad the rest of the time.

Besides the 2 incidents of trying to kill our kids we had a great time. It was fun to spend time with my kids and watch them play in the snow. Thanks again Mom and Dad for having us over the weekend and for building such fun memories with us. My boys love their papa and obomba :)

Valentines Race

2009-02-16T16:10:00.000-08:00

I ran the 5k with 3 of my favorite people on sat. It was so much fun and was for such a great cause. We ran for "two sisters one heart" if you haven't heard of them you need to read about it. It is a story that will touch everyone. The morning started out very early and very cold. We were all excited but also a little nervous.
This is pre run

Lynsey, Me, Bekki, Kathleen

Kathleen, Me, Bekki

Me and my Sista

Me and Bek

My personal favorite!! Don't ask us what we are doing cuz we have no idea

Getting our tunes ready

On your mark, get set, GO!!!

Next to Lynsey in this picture is Mrs. K (yes I know you have a first name but you will always be Mrs. K to me) She was Owens preschool teacher, she was the first female to finish. You go girl!! I totally slowed down and let her win :)

The overall race was so much fun, this is only my second race I have ever done but I enjoyed it more then my first, I did however think that it was a trick that they only posted the 1st mile marker and left you guessing with the rest. Kathleen took off like a bolt of fire and Lynsey following close behind, I knew that if I kept Lynsey in my sight I was doing OK so thank you Lyns for wearing that pink jacket, Bekki later told me that she wouldnt let me out of her sight so basically I was chasing Lynsey and Bekki was chasing me. What ever works right!! When we got there to get our shirts and bibs we thought it was weird that I was number 90 and Bekki was 91 but then when I finished only 2 seconds before her and our numbers were right next to each other on the race results made it even weirder (pretend that is a word ) but seriously what is the chance out of 218 people we would have those numbers and finish together we are true BFF :) I am glad I did it and am looking forward to doing another.

we also saw miss Heather kicking some serious butt on the 10k

Sorry we made you drop your keys and back track for it, we know were crazy but that's why you love us right.

Good job girls lets do it again!

Happy Birthday Stacy

2009-02-10T06:54:00.000-08:00

Today is my sister Stacy's birthday. Stacy is only 13 months older then me so we grew up practically on top of each other. Over the years we a formed a great relationship with each other, I forgave her for treating me like her doll by dragging me around by my hair as a kid, and for beating me up as a teenager :) In all honesty Stacy is probably one of the best people I know. Here are a few of my favorite things and reasons why I love her

* She is loyal, she will defend you and always did defended me (with the help of Brian) in high school when I had girls wanting to kick my butt (true story)

*She is so organized, everything has a spot and is never out of it

*Her house is ALWAYS clean. She does day care out of her house and it doesn't matter if she has 1 kid or 7 her house is spotless

* We tease her and say she is June Cleaver because dinner is always made by 5, house is always clean and she is doing it with a smile on her face, all she needs is the white picket fence and apron.

* growing up when she would get mad at me she would say the funniest thing and she would say it every time "I am going to hit you so hard, you aren't going to know what hit you"

*She is very generous, they have the open house policy, everyone is welcome and sometimes that means every room has someone in it, on the couch, or on a blow up mattress and she doesn't care.

*She is giving

*She is a great mom, she left a great job with good pay to stay at home with her girls

Stacy is a great person and I am blessed to have her in my life. I hope you have a great birthday, thanks for all you have done for me in my life.

Happy Birthday, I love you !!!

A very sad Day

2009-02-06T15:03:00.001-08:00

Today was a very bitter sweet day for us. Owen's teacher had to move away due to some health reasons with her husband. I completely understand and would have done the same but I am selfish and very sad she is gone. She has been such a great teacher for Owen. She has helped him come out of his shell this year and has pushed him academically. I am so impressed with her and what Owen has learned from her, I was lucky enough to volunteer in his class room every Friday so I have really gotten to know her and have really enjoyed the time I spent helping her. Owen has been so sad that she was moving to another world (is what he said) I am grateful she was his teacher for at least half of the year and am excited to get to know his new teacher Mrs. Sharr

This is a letter Owen wrote to Mrs. Soosai last nightSome of Owen's friends
Owen and Mrs. Soosai

Thanks Mrs. Soosai for all you do. You will be missed.

The things Owen does to make me laugh

2009-01-23T12:54:00.000-08:00

I will be mad at myself forever for not taking a picture of Owen when he got home from school yesterday. I was trying not to laugh while punishing him but I have to admit it was hilarious. He came running up to me with pink marker all over his top lip, when I asked him what was on his face he said "Nothing its my mustache mom, do you like it" I couldn't believe it I about died laughing he was so proud of his work, I told him he was not suppose to write on his face and he said "I know mom Mrs. Soosai already told me" the best part about it is that he walked around school all day with a big pink mustache. I volunteer at Owens school on Fridays and the first thing his teacher said to me was "So did you like Owen's mustache" she was totally laughing as well and couldn't believe what a good job he did. Only a kindergarten teacher would be looking at the quality. I wished I had snapped a picture right then but I didn't want Owen to think it was funny and do it again.

After he went to bed last night I was looking through his papers from school and this was the next thing that made me laugh

Well at least he knows how to rhyme and spell, but maybe its time to tell him that hell is a bad word :)

Owen has totally came out of his shell this year. He used to be my timid quiet little boy and man has school changed that he is now the class clown with a mustache, writing hell on his papers. Good thing he is still young and innocent it wouldn't be as funny if he was 15 yrs.old doing this but for now we will laugh about it.

Stewart's Surgery

2009-01-09T13:11:00.000-08:00

Stewart had knee surgery on Friday. It was long over due and he was excited to get it done. Back in June he hurt his knee playing church softball. I don't know what it is about church ball but I swear more people get hurt then not. I think the problem is these men get out on the field don't stretch or warm up, revert to there teenage years, get all competitive and forget they are not in their 20's anymore. Sorry babe but your getting older and your body doesn't move as fast as it once did. All I have to say is I hope that game was worth all the pain.

Doesn't he look hot in his shower cap and knee high stocking
The surgery went well the Doctor did a great job. The surgery usually takes about 20 mins. Stewart's took about 1 1/2 hrs. The doctor said he had such a big knee that his tools were almost too short and that he played joint mice that's what took so long. Joint mice? Its when part of the Cartlidge that he had just cut off gets loose in his leg, he says it is as hard to catch as it is to catch a mouse. The mouse was caught and we are happy its over.
After the surgery we dropped of his prescription for his percocet at Walgreen's they told me that they were out of it and so was all the surrounding Walgreen's, so I took it took Osco, went home put Stewart to bed,feed, bathed and put the kids to bed and went back up to get the pain meds at 8:15 to my surprise they close at 8:00 I about died. The doctor told us to not go with out his pain medicine and now they were closed until 9:00 am the next morning. I stressed for about an housr and then the local pharmacy pals came to my rescue. A special thanks to Bekki for her Vicidon and Jenni's Percocet we were saved!! I love my drug dealer friends :)
Yesterday Stewart was stir crazy and wanted to get out of the house so we decided to go to Walmart. Now remember he has on knee high panty hose (compression socks), and shorts and he was driving the automated wheelchair. The kids had a blast but honesty I think Stewart had more fun cruising around, he says everyone should have the chance to ride one.

He has crutches at home and the boys are enjoying them as well.
Here's our little monkey boy
And Owen

Stewart had to stop eating at midnight the night of the surgery and man oh man was he a bit grumpy without his morning Mt. Dew. He couldn't wait to get home to have one

Overall it as been great. He has been a great patient panty hose and all and Owen has been such a big helper. I am glad it is over and I am sure he is too. Thanks to all the phone call, text messages, drugs and to my mom for watching Ethan we couldn't have done it without the help. We love you all.

Happy New Year's

2009-01-01T21:03:00.000-08:00

We pretty much party hopped last night. We went to my sisters, neighbors, and ended back at our place where the real party started with my sister and her family.

This is me, Kayden, Alyssa and Ethan. Kayden usually doesn't look so silly but she had just gotten hurt on the bouncer and needed some love from her favorite Auntie

Ethan and Alyssa kept hugging each other every chance they had Lynsey and Jim stopped by the store on their way over and got some W.T. fireworks that the kids completely enjoyed Ethan thought is was the funniest thing he had ever heard. He was belly laughing every time one went off. I told Owen to go put on his shoes and this is what he came back with , the santa hat and no shoes. Go figure

When the fireworks were gone the toys came out. The boys had a blast riding the bikes and quads up and down the street Well Lynsey enjoyed it as well :)

Owen was determined to stay up until midnight, at about 10:30 we were tired so Lynsey and I started setting the clocks up and we celebrated new years at about 11:00. Its really crappy when your kid can tell time :)

The best and loudest Party Blower goes to?Not these 3...You guessed it. LYNSEY!!She was really on her game last night it must have been the quad ride from earlier :) (I will save her some embarressment and not let you enlarge the picture to see the full facial expression)The Drunk of the night goes to?

Ethan, what a great Mom I am letting my 2 year old get wasted on apple cider, should I be worried?

Owen was sad to see the night end. He didn't want his Uncle Jim to leave, it must be because "He just understands him" (ha ha Lyns)We rang in the New Year with great company. Thanks for the laughs and good times.

Overall the year hs been crazy, stressful, hard, etc.. just kidding it has been a good year. I am grateful for a good husband, my sweet (most of the time) boys, a great family and our health. I am however praying for a better year in 2009 lets be honest aren't we all?

Christmas Eve

2008-12-31T17:35:00.000-08:00

I have been bugged by enough people to post my Christmas pics. Since my sister called me today telling me she had issues with my blog because Christmas wasn't posted and it was New Years I thought I should probable take care of it. So here we go.

We spend Christmas Eve at my parents house every year. This year we were lucky enough to have Grandma D and Grandpa Owen here from Utah. It was loud and crazy as usual but also very fun. The kids have so much fun playing together. With 10 kids 9 yrs and under there is NEVER a dull moment
The anticipation was of opening up the gifts was killing the kids.

They waited patiently for dinner to be done and then is was on. Wrapping paper, toys, clothes, etc was being thrown around and yells and giggles of excited was all we could hear

Do you blame them Grandma and Grandpa spoiled them like CRAZY!! Owen and Ethan got a lot of fun stuff. Owens favorite was these

Dino Lego, that was until Christmas day when dad and Owen spent all day putting the Dino together was on the last leg to find out the they were missing 2 leg hinges. Not a happy boy and I am NOT talking about Owen!! They went back and were replaced with other Lego sets. Owen said that if one of the boxes were wrong they were all wrong so no Dino Lego's at our house.

Thanks Mom and Dad for a great Christmas Eve. Thanks for the gifts, you love and your example. Your love for your family never ceases to amaze me. You are the BEST. We love you!

What are Skinny Shoes???

2008-12-31T16:30:00.000-08:00

The only thing Owen wanted for Christmas this year was Skinny Shoes. What are skinny shoes you ask, well after chasing kids around school trying to look at there shoes without looking suspicious, starring at the boys shoes at the bus stop, I finally figured out what they were. A lot of people have been wondering the same and if he got them. Seriously do I look like an idiot, its the ONLY thing he wanted and you question if I delivered, I mean Santa delivered. So YES he got them and this is what they are. Old school Converse All Star Low tops. If I would have know there were going to be back in style I would have kept mine from like 15 years ago. He was counting the days until "Skinny Shoe Day" I couldn't believe how bad he wanted them. When he woke up he went racing in the front room looking for them. Hes a hard one to please last year it was a Giant Candy Cane, this year Skinny Shoes, I can only imagine what next year will bring, all know is I have one happy boy with his Skinny shoes and NO he will not be wearing Skinny Pants with them.

Owens a Ladies Man

2008-12-31T16:06:00.001-08:00

Right on our street there are a ton of kids Owens age, the only problem is they are all girls. Well that is not a problem to Owen. He plays around the clock with these cute girls. He is quite the ladies man and thoroughly enjoys himself until they want to play house and he has to be the Dad and call his wife Ellie "Sweetie" he doesn't go for that.They love to race down the street from our house to the Inmans and for some reason it never gets boring to them

Oh to be a kid again. I enjoy watching them so happy without a care in the world. What a cute bunch of kids. We are very lucky to have such great neighbors. Girls, Boys, we don't care and either do they

Owens Letter to Santa

2008-12-24T22:39:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,

(a.k.e Converse shoes)

Such are hard one to please!!

Temple Lights

2008-12-23T22:26:00.000-08:00

We took the kids to see the Temple Lights. The weather was perfect, the company was the best and the atmosphere was beautiful. I love to see the temple this time of year.Owen had the best seat in the house
I was trying to take a picture of the boys but I kept getting this silly clown instead

The night was perfect until Owen decided to barf up Burger King chicken fries all over the car. Oh the joys of being a parent!!

My Monday night Date

2008-12-23T15:12:00.000-08:00

About a month ago my sister invited me to go see The Forgotten Carols by Micheal McLean with her and her friends from work, I quickly jumped at the chance and was really excited to see it. Since then things came up with her schedule and she wasn't able to come so Stewart said he would come with me, then he got called into work so he wasn't able to go either. I was starting to think it was me that no one wanted to go with. Well I ended up with the best date on Monday. Not only did we see an awesome play but we sat behind the cutest parents and grandparent ever.Me and Bekki outside the Orpheum Theater

My Mom, and Grandparents

Us with the star himself Micheal McLean

If you haven't seen this show it is a must, It really reminds you of what Christmas is all about. Thanks Bekki for coming with me. I had a great time as usual, but next time we really need to get seats like the old people :)

Santa

2008-12-17T18:56:00.000-08:00

We had a very fun visitor tonight at our house, all the way from the North Pole.

Ethan wasn't very fond of him

And Owen couldn't believe "It was really him"

All the cousins except for Ethan and Alyssa who were screaming and crying and Austin who couldn't make it , oddly enough Santa even brought a gift for him, he must be really good this yearNow does Santa have the coolest ride or what, he took them each for a ride in it
Owen was in heaven

As you can see Ethan still wasn't too fond of him, but it makes for a funny picture

Its great to know friends from the North Pole it sure made for a fun night.

Thanks Santa

I love Christmas Time

2008-12-16T17:59:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas decorations, there is something about bright lights and colorful ornaments that just makes me smile. I keep telling Stewart that I am going to keep up the Christmas Decorations year around :). We have been reading the kids a story out of our Christmas book every night and after the story they play with the train under the tree. They were playing so good and loving on each other I couldn't resist a photo opportunity

If that is not the sweetest thing EVER

What cute boys I have

It looks like Owen has Ethan in a headlock but really he was just loving on him
Last night I went to check and make sure the lights got turned off and this is how I found Santa. He looked as if he had gotten shot

Long night huh!! I feel your pain Santa, only 9 days to go and the Over rated day we call Christmas is OVER!!!!!!!

I do live Christmas I just feel like it is a little over rated with all the gifts and money people spend to keep up with the "JONES", well folks theres not much to keep up with, let me save you some money stop now the competition with the Jones' is really easy this year :)

Prayers Needed!!!

2008-12-05T12:49:00.000-08:00

I have know Justin since elementary school. He is one of the kindest, funniest people I know. I haven't spoke to him in years but have kept in contact through the blogging world. He got married last year to Susan, she was diagnosed with Colon Cancer in June of this year. She has fought the fight with all her heart and strength. She has given her all but is losing, she knows her time here are earth is short but is not giving up. My heart aches for her and her pain but also for Justin and his loss. You can read about her journey on their blog click on it on my side bar Justin and Susan and please pray for them and their families.

(At the ASU vs. U of A game this weekend durning the 3rd and 4th quarter they will be doing a tribute for Susan of the big screen.)
UPDATE

Susan's battle with Cancer ended last night. She returned home to be with her Heavenly Father last night 10/5/2008. My heart aches for Justin and those family members who are mourning her loss.

Thanksgiving weekend at the cabin

2008-12-04T09:01:00.001-08:00

We went to my parents cabin Thanksgiving weekend with my Mom, Dad, Jason, Grandma Lois, Lynsey, Jim and Austin. It was a full house but we had a really good time. It was colder then crap but we had fun. Grandma Lois came and spent Thanksgiving with us so she wasn't alone. It was great to have her here with us as well.We had a camp fire and made smores. Ethan and Austin only cared about the chocolate and Owen only cared about catching the marshmellows on fire
Me and Grandma Jim and his little ducklings
Ethan was obsessed with riding the vroom vrooms even though it was 30 degrees outsideWe let Owen and Austin stay up late one night and watch a movie. Austin had his first experience with Popcorn. What a deprived little kid :)
Stewart, Jim and Jason went "spotting" one night what ever that means, but they were acting like a bunch of little boys with their guns.
Owen and his Uncle Jason

Thanks Mom and Dad for a great weekend. We had a blast as always.

What an Experience

2008-11-27T19:04:00.000-08:00

Back in July a girl I use to work with lost her sweet little girl Kamber to a tragic accident. She got a group of people together to run the Turkey Trot in Kamber's memory. She had the cutest shirts made as well. I have never done any type of run before but I couldn't turn down what turned out to be such a great experience for such a great family. So I took one for the team and signed up.

I was really excited to be doing this with my sister as well but also very nervous because I am not a runner and my sister is. I have been running in the mornings with Ethan to prepare but nothing major. I had the best experience, it is amazing the thoughts and emotions you go through when you are running.

Here are a few of mine:

Mile 1: Got run over by some stupid women stroller driver

Mile 2: Saw the most inspiring man running with a prosthetic leg

Mile 3: Got tripped by yet another stupid women dog driver

Mile 4: I was running past my car and was contemplating jumping in it and not looking back until I saw the cutest little family it was Kamber's Dad and sisters hurrying to meet Jen at the finish line. It brought tears to my eyes and gave me a much need reminder of why I was there and who I was doing this for.

Mile 5: Contemplated playing in oncoming traffic

Mile 6: The longest mile of my life, It felt like it went on forever.

Finish: Such a rewarding feeling of accomplishment, with the thought of "Am I going to be able to walk tomorrow"? going through my head.

The over all experience was amazing, I would do it again in a heart beat. I am so glad I was able to do it and do it in Kambers memory, what a special day it was.

Here is my proof that I actually did is since some knuckle head stole my Turkey Trot shirt, I mean seriously who does that especially on Thanksgiving. Oh well I have the memories and those will last a whole lot longer.

Thanks again Jen for putting this together and for being such a great example of strength to all of us. I am sure Kamber was jumping with joy seeing you run for her today.

Thank you Lynsey for convincing me to go even though you kicked my butt :)

So I am sure you are all wondering what my time was, well its none of your business :) j/k

My goal was to finish in 1hour and 30 mins. and I finished in 1 hour 24 mins. so I met my goal :) For all of you crazy runners laughing at my time, I never claimed to be a great runner

So any one up for the London Run?

Thanksgiving was great this year. I have so much to be thankful for but most importantly my husband, boys and our health :)

We should have taken the plane!!!

2008-11-25T13:28:00.000-08:00

Today was Owen's field trip to the Tempe Art Center to see The Velveteen Rabbit. I was lucky enough to go as a chaperon. This morning Owen asked me how we were going to get there, I told him we were all going on the bus his response was "We should take a plane we would get there faster". If I would have known what was about to take place I would have agreed.

Here is Owens class all piled on the bus excited as ever Mrs. Soosai outside the bus about 5 miles from the school after the bus BROKE DOWN. Yes that is right, we had about 100 5 year olds piled on the bus and it all of a sudden it stopped. One little boy Yelled out call 9-9-1 :) they will fix it, and Owen said "See we should have taken the plane" when neither of those were really options we waited for another bus. In the meantime we decided to find humor in it. We pulled out the cameras and decided to have a photo shoot. Mrs. Soosai is such a great sport!! Once the bus got there we had to transport all the kids onto the next bus. Needless to say we were late for the play. I am glad it broke down right before entering the freeway not on it, that would have been a disaster.

This is Autum and Owen I think they have a crush on each other. They sit at the same table and they are always together.

Not really sure what was going on in this picture if I didn't know better it looks like Owen is looking for some lovinThey were pretending to be sleeping. It was so believable with those big smiles on their facesThe play was really cute, as least what we saw of it. I had a great time and I am so glad I was able to go. I really enjoy my time with Owen and his friends and Mrs. Soosai is awesome. I couldn't be happier with her.

Thanks Owen for letting your Mom come and be apart of your school experiences and for thinking your mom is cool even when you are with your friends. I hope it will always stay that way even though I know deep down it wont. Oh well I will enjoy it while it lasts.

So Owen you were right we should have taken the PLANE!!

I was tagged

2008-11-11T20:17:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Bekki tagged me so here it is. I will say I had to laugh when I saw what the 4th folder, 4th picture was here it is, my toes after I got attacked by a Chinese lady at the nail shop up by Safeway she was cutting my toes up and asking me if it hurts when she couldn't get them to stop bleeding, YES it hurts you psycho!! I thought a Pedicure was suppose to be relaxing. Seriously I couldn't walk for weeks afterwards. This happened the sat. before Mother's Day 2007 and I have not had a pedicure since. I am too scared.

(click on the picture so you can see it closer)

So I went back the next day to complain and can you believe the stupid lady tried convincing her boss that I came in with my toes already like that. Oh please lady nice try. I did get my money back after I told him I was going to turn her into State Board and since I am licenced myself I know how easy it is. They started speaking in their language gave me my money and I swear my big toe has never been the same.

Okay I tag:

Lynsey, Jenni, Lawana & Amber

Get busy girls, just go to your picture files, go to the 4th folder and 4th picture and post it. Its that easy!!

Happy Anniversary Honey!!

2008-11-08T10:32:00.000-08:00

Today is our 6th anniversary to some that might not be long but I cant believe we have been married for 6 years already. I am not going to say that our life is perfect because that would be a lie but I will say that everything we have been through has been worth it. Stewart is a great husband and father. I am blessed that he has put up with me for 6 years I better shape up or I wont get another 6 years out of him.

Some fun facts about us since we have been married:

We have had 6 cars in 6 years

We have bought 3 houses

We remodeled house 2 when we couldn't get into house 3 (which is now a blessing)

We have tried to be put owners 4 times, 2 dogs, fish, and a bunny. May you all rest in peace:) We are not animal people!!

We have two handsome boys

We have been on the Disney Cruise (which I highly recommend)

We have been through 5 jobs because of the Economy

I am now married to a Student

Overall our marriage has been what I expected tears, fun, kids, and lots of Laughs.

Our Wedding Announcement

Engagement pictures

Stewart and the Brides Maids

The Wedding Party

Stewart thanks for still loving me in spite of my love handles and extra rolls. You are a great husband and I am excited to see what the future holds for us.

I love you Babe!

Our new President

2008-11-05T11:36:00.000-08:00

I have to post this for journal purposes because I thought it was so cleaver of Owen to come up with this. When he found out that Obama had won and that he was the new President his response was:

"No he cant be the President he is so bad he even has a BOMB in his name", So there you have it folks President OBOMBA is running our country we are in BIG trouble.

Aren't kids so dang funny, but so true at the same time, they say what us adults are thinking

Halloween

2008-11-02T13:46:00.000-08:00

This Year for Halloween Owen wanted/insisted on being a "Knight in Shinning Armor" and Ethan was a Skunk there is a little heart on him bum that said "Little Stinker" we thought it fit him perfectly. I was able to go help in Owens class on Friday for their Halloween party it was fun to see him and his friends all dressed up.The Knight found his Princesses, this is Autumn she sits next to him in class and come to find out she even lives in the neighborhood.

A couple weeks ago Deb and I decided to put together a Halloween Block party. it turned out to be so fun. We had a great turn out. We estimated about 200+ people showed up. It was so fun to get to know our neighbors better and let the kids run wild. We had the city block of the street in front of my house and we put 2 bouncers up in the park, we had a cotton candy machine, Hot dogs and Chili, tons and tons of yummy deserts. I didn't get many pictures but here's a couple.

After the block party we took the kids Trick or Treating

My little stinker is getting so BIG

We had a great time. We have really great neighbors and have made some lasting friendships. Thank you to everyone who donated for this party we couldn't have done it with out you.

In Search for....

2008-10-29T13:53:00.001-07:00

I have lost my sweet, innocent 4 year old.

I don't know what happened to him don't get me wrong what is in his place I love just as much in fact I think a little more. About 6 months ago Owen kept asking us for a bigger bike, one without training wheels, if you remember I did a post on it awhile back. What I didn't tell you in that post is what happened while in the store, it went something like this.

Owen running around the bike section starring down each one to find the perfect bike when Stewart announced that he found what he thought was the perfect bike. I on the other hand that it was a little big for him. Stewart kept saying that it would be perfect he would be able to ride it for a long time and that it has plenty of room to grow into. It was a 22 inch folks. I think he thought we were there to by a bike for him to ride when he was 10yrs. not one for him to ride now!! To put it into perspective the one that he was riding before was a 12 inch. I finally talked him down to a 20 inch which I still thought was a little big but decided to give in cause it wasn't worth the fight. Well we brought that bike home, Stewart took off the train wheels and Owen rode it maybe twice. He couldn't even touch the ground when he was on his seat, he was scared to get on it because every time he did he would fall off so that stupid bike has had a permanent spot in the garage for about 6 months. Owen has been riding the 12 inch with training wheels ever since. I think he started feeling the pressure from his friends and the other night asked Stewart to take the training wheels off. He took off like a pro. Sunday night we went on a bike ride as a family and Owens poor little legs were goes as fast as possible but it was like he wasn't moving. By the end of the ride he was saying " I need a bigger Bike" which he did he looked like a clown on that tiny bike. So Monday after noon we took him back to the store and got him a 16 inch which is perfect for him. Stewart wouldn't even let it leave the store with the training wheels on it. He went and got a wrench in the tool section and took them off right then can we say W.T. Anyways Owen is enjoying having riding around on a bike that actually fits him, and Honey I wont say I told you so!! At least not today :)

So you ask why I am in search for my sweet, innocent, fearful 4 year old? Well that's because he some how got replaced by a 5 year old Kindergarten who cruises around the neighborhood on 2 wheels (as Owen would say)

jumping curbs, rocks, shoes and what every else gets in his way yelling "Yeah Baby" or "Sweeeeettt". He is worried about what he wears and sometimes even wants pokie hair (translation spiky gel hair) I love that he is getting more confident and brave. Its amazing what a little peer pressure can do , and at least its good pressure right. We can thank Rhett for that!!

Owen I love the little personality that you have you keep us laughing everyday. I love you!!

A trip to the Zoo

2008-10-26T14:45:00.000-07:00

Stewart's Biology teacher offered them extra credit if they went to the Zoo so we took her up on the offer and took the kids this weekend. We brought Owen's other half Rhett with us because now days these two don't think they can do anything without each other. They had a great time.

Owen and Rhett were our tour guides here they are mapping out the dayEthan wanted to climb on anything he could find the higher the better for him
These Crazy little MONKEYS

Here they are in front of the Turtles if you look close they were eating a pumpkin for lunch

Here is the true Monkey Boy how I love this kid

See boys can be sweet some of the time. This is how there were basically the whole time Owen and Rhett holding hands and Ethan running to keep up with the big boys

if we tried to put him in his stroller he would throw a fit he wanted to be like them.The weather was perfect the company was great and extra credit was earned. What more could you ask for.

Primary Activity

2008-10-18T21:15:00.000-07:00

We had a Primary Activity today it was a "Talent Show" I am Owens teacher over the CTR 5 BOYS. I say boys because I don't have a single girl in my class just crazy, hyper, fun boys, today the other CTR 5 teacher was out of town so I took her kids as well. We had 12 crazy kids running around in Animal Hoodie towels and shower caps singing and dancing to "Splish Splash I was taken a Bath" they looked so cute, but didn't like that people were laughing "At them" I tried to explain that they weren't laughing at them the were Laughing with them because they thought it was cute. Those little 5 year olds didn't really understand that. Anyways, I have to admit I was a little worried that the kids were going to freeze and not do anything when it was their turn and it was going to turn into a "What teacher can make a fool out of themselves first " show but I told my class that I wasn't going to stand up there and sing Splish Splash by myself. They all did a great job. I was really proud of them.Here they are all geared and ready to take a "bath"

They were so proud of their Gold Medals
What it would be like to be a kid again to act silly, dance crazy, and not care what anyone thinks.

Lunch with Owen

2008-10-17T13:24:00.001-07:00

Ethan and I didn't have much going on this morning so I decided to surprise Owen with Burger King for lunch. Ethan was so excited to see Owen and when Owen spotted Ethan running towards him his whole face was smiling he gave him a big huge and cleared a spot for him at the lunch table right next to him, they both enjoyed there lunch and Ethan thought he was one of the big kids, he would laugh when they did even if he had no idea what they were laughing about. It was so cute. When lunch was over I was afraid Ethan would freak out when I told him we were leaving and Owen wasn't, but he didn't he jumped down gave Owen a hug and headed for the door. It was so fun. I love seeing my boys enjoying each other and getting along. Owen loved showing off his brother to all of his friends and Ethan liked the attention he was getting from all the little girls, they kept saying "Oh he is so Cute" Owen was probably jealous his little brother was getting the ladies :) I volunteer every Fridays in Owen's class as well which I really enjoy doing it is so fun to see him interact with his friends and he loves having his Mom there or at least he pretends like he does either way I don't care I love to do it. Heres a picure of the boys at the lunch table

Our much need get away

2008-10-13T15:23:00.000-07:00

We went for the weekend to my parents cabin in Heber. The weather was wonderful. It was in the 50's-60's the whole time. We spent lots of time outside bundled up in pants and sweat shirts. When we first got to the cabin Owen had to run around looking for this bear. For some reason he has to have that thing with him at all times he even has to sleep with the bear. I am not sure what it is about it but man he loves that thing.We went on the quads the first night we were there and that was pretty much it since is was so cold and windy.
The boys found their (girl) cousins sunglasses and thought they were so funny wearing themOwen did a little craft for his Grandma and Grandpa
He was so excited to hang one on the kitchen and one in the office
Saturday night we met up with Shawn, Charie and the kids up in Snowflake. They were there visiting her dad so we went to the Temple and to get Ice cream

It was so dang cold the wind was blowing really hard the kids were having a hard time sitting still long enough for a picture
Owen, Preston, Sydney, EthanOwen and PrestonOur Hike
Ethan was mad at the wind
We found a pond the kids could have stayed there all day throwing rocks in it
The perfect rocks

We had a really great time. Lots of fun memories with the boys. Thanks Mom and Dad for letting us use the Cabin.

The day I hoped would NEVER come

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

Grandpa & Grandma Adams I have been so blessed to be able to have all 4 of my grandparents be such a big part of my life for so many years, well that all changed in a matter of minutes. Last Friday night I found out that my Grandpa Adams had a massive heart attach. They weren't sure what the outcome was going to be. The hospital promised they wouldn't take him off life support until his family got there. So last Saturday me and my sisters, brother, and Mom drove to Ogden Utah and my Dad took a flight to get to there as soon as possible. We drove until about 4am and was too tired to go on so we stayed in a hotel in Beaver and took a 4 hour nap and continued on the next morning. We some how turned a 12 hour drive into 24 hours I am not sure what took us so long but we were glad to finally be there. We didn't know what we would see and what condition my grandpa would be in. I am going to keep a lot of details private out of respect to my Family. I will tell you that the time I spent with my Grandpa was priceless. It was the quite moments holding his hand, kissing his cheeks, and praying he would make it out of this will be forever imprinted in my mind. Grandpa was unable to speak but he responded in so many other ways, he would squeeze our hands, he would look into our eyes, he would try to reach for us and he even cussed a little, what joy it brought us all. Grandpa was with us. The doctors told us he was breathing on his own, his heart was beating on his own but that his brain and body weren't functioning together. The doctors were unsure of his condition and said it could take weeks. On Tuesday we decided to drive home. Friday (Oct. 3) morning Grandpa passed away. I believe Grandpa waited to pass on until his family could see him and say our goodbyes. I am grateful for the time I spent with him just days previous , I had closure with grandpa and knew that he was going to in a better place, but still the news was so devastating. The thought of not being able to see him, or talk to him in this life is so sad. I loved my grandpa, he was such a great man. He was a great Grandpa. I have many fond memories of him that I will cherish for always. I am grateful that I have the gospel in my life and that I know I will be able to see him and hug him again. What a great reunion that will be. I flew back up to Utah on Sunday night for the funeral. It was beautiful. My Grandma did a wonderful job of planning it. Lucky for her my Grandpa had it all done for her, the program, the Obituary, and the speakers which made it easy for grandma. Here are some pictures

Grandpa's Program, if you look close the Pallbearers are his Grand kids 7 girls and 1 boy. Oh my poor brother.

His Obituary
Grandpa
This is my family, Grandma & Grandpa (minus 4 son in laws and 9 grand kids our great husbands were at home taking care of them)
Aunt Gaylynn and her family with Grandma & Grandpa
Yeap, we did it, we kicked off our shoes, slipped down the wet grass and placed him in his resting place. I am sure he was looking down watching us he probable laughed a little but most of all I think we made him proud!!
When I first hear that we were the Pallbearer's I was so nervous, but what an honor it turned out to be. The Bishop conducting said that over the past 4o years he has never seen woman Pallbearers but how special it was.
L to R, Front to Back Lucy, Lynsey, Angie, Me, Stacy, Sophie, Grace, Jason and the funeral directors on the front and back to make sure we didn't drop GrandpaJason, Me, Lynsey, Stacy, Angie
My Sisters and Brother

The whole clan. Grandma with her kids, & grand kids
My Dad and Aunt kissing Grandma

This has to be my favorite pictureAunt Gaylynn, Grandma, Dad
The family with Grandpa
What a beautiful funeral it turned out to be. My Dad and Aunt did such a great job speaking, I know grandpa was looking down with a smile proud of each and everyone of us. It was so great to see my Aunt and her family they live in Texas so it had been 8 years since we had seen them it was at my grandparents 5o th wedding anniversary party. It was so fun to spend time with them. My Grandma is an amazing woman what an example she was to all of us. She is the rock in this family. Experiencing death has made me evaluate my own life and relationships. Life is so precious and can be taken from us with out a single warning. I am so grateful for all the people who helped Stewart with my kids, for the phone calls and text messages, they might have seemed small to you but meant the world to me. Stewart has received the Husband of the month award he has been amazing. He has helped me through this and has put up with and taken care of his crazy wife . I love you Honey!!

I love you Grandpa, and miss you deeply. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for all the memories I have of you not only has a child but as an adult. You are a wonderful grandpa and great grandpa to my boys. I look forward to the day I will see you again with your arms stretched open ready for a hug. Until then I hope I see you in my dreams!!

My boys with many faces

2008-09-26T19:28:00.000-07:00

Tonight I went Halloween Costume shopping with My 3 boys, Yes you heard me right I had 3 kids tonight and the worst one of all was the Biggest. Next year I will be going alone. Here are some pictures of my oh so exciting night

As you can see we had such it was an adventure. You should have seen the looks we were getting from people. One lady couldn't help it and she busted up laughing when Stewart had on the Bee suit. She said "That is the biggest Bee I have ever seen" Stewart thought it was so funny. Every time he put something new on he would tell me to take his picture. Its something about Halloween that brings the kid out in everyone.

There's nothing quite like Old Friends

2008-09-25T20:03:00.000-07:00

So this is what happens when 5 Provo buddies move on with life and get married:

Yes all these Kids

Top to Bottom left to right: Alex, Abby, Chelsea, Owen, Luke, J.J, Raygen, Brooklyn, Ashley, & Ethan

Savannah Brians daughter left before the picture

Some friends from college came into town this weekend for a wedding so we had a little Provo reunion. These guys were such great friends of mine in Provo. We have all since gotten married and had kids. We have all had fun times, sad times, and struggles throughout the years but some how when you get us all together it is just like the old ol days listening to Matts same stupid jokes and still laughing, no worries in the world and we thought life was hard back then. All of our spouses mesh so well together and the kids play good and it really is a great time. We missed Brian he was the only one not there tonight he had to work but we got to see is wife and daughter which was just as good. Here are some pictures from the night

Ethan, J.J(Joel& Bryns), Ashley(Matt & Melissa)

Playing Frisbee

Brooklyn (Matt & Melissa I used to babysit her when she was a new born where did the time go) swinging Ethan

Raygen(Tyler's)

Alex (Matt & Melissa) pushing Owen

Thanks Joel and Bryn for coming into town and planning the get together we had a great time it was so fun seeing everyone and for everyone else who lives within minutes of each other we need to do this more often.

Happy Birthday Sista Sista

2008-09-21T16:17:00.000-07:00

Today is my sisters and my best friends birthday crazy how they both have the same special day, well that is because they are the same people. Lynsey is truly one of my very best friends. I am so grateful for her in my life. There are so many thing I love about her but I will narrow it down to just a few

* She once thought that a cars muffler was gun shots and dove for safety

* She would throw up every morning before school in hopes my mom would think she was sick and let her stay home

* She is a great Mom she loves her little man so much

* She is such a good example to me, she gets so excited to read "The Book of Mormon Made Easier" every night

* My day isn't complete with out talking to her, I talk to her about dozen times a day

* She is also a hair dresser and works very hard

* She may have brown roots but she is a blondie at heart

*She always makes me laugh

* I still remember the day my mom cut her bangs really short they looked like a little sausage roll on her for head, she didn't want to hurt my moms feelings so she pretended to like them

* She is the next "Mother Theresa" she cares about everyone

* She once fell into a mans shopping bag and her jelly shoes went airborne

*She used to strip down the mannequins at the mall until they were naked, my mom couldn't take her anywhere

*She wont take a bath unless the tub is a brand new and never been used once

* When my little brother started kindergarten she was in the 5th grade and she didn't want him to stand in line by himself so she would skip lunch to stand in line with him

* She would push the fire alarm in the elevators

*She is a germ freak she carries hand sanitizer at all times

* The only meat she will eat is chicken but she once hate a hot dog from Costco when she was pregnant

* She is a good Auntie to my boys they love her and her family so much

*She is a loyal friend and sister

Lynsey you are a great person. I love spending time with you. I hope you have a great birthday. I love you

Watch out folks she might seem nice and sweet on the outside but she can also be your worst nightmare so don't mess with her and her family and she wont cause bodily harm :)

Ethan's Birthday Part 2

2008-09-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

We took Ethan to Fuddruckers for Dinner tonight for his Birthday. The Martin Family joined us in celebrating Ethan's birthday. They played lots of games and then came back to our house for cake and Ice Cream. Here is Ethan on his new scooterI thought a Monkey cake would be most appropriate for my "Monkey Boy"
Owen, Ethan, Sydney and Preston all geared up and ready for the party!!
Happy Birthday Ethan we love you

2008-09-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

My Baby is 2!!!

When I found out we were pregnant with Ethan I couldn't have been more excited. We had been trying for almost a year, 2 of my sisters were pregnant, one of my best friends was pregnant and it seemed like every women within child birth age was pregnant, why not ME!! What I didn't know at the time was the Lord was preparing me for my 2nd child. Ethan brought on a whole new meaning to LOUD when he was born. He never really cried he would just yell, grunt and grumble all day long. As he has gotten older it as also gotten louder. Ethan is a very independent child a free spirit if you will. He knows what he wants and he wont stop until he gets it and he wants NO help. Although Ethan has left me in tears plenty of nights I cant wait for him to wake up in the morning to see his bright smile and eagerness to start another day. I cant imagine my life with out him. All the things that make me pull my hair out are all the reasons I love him so much. He makes me laugh everyday. It is funny to see him be in control with almost every situation with Owen. He man handles him like you wouldn't believe and has his whole life. I don't know if its because Owen is so sweet or if he is really afraid of him, which ever one it is Ethan usually wins. Although Ethan is crazy active he can also be my little snuggle bug. I am grateful everyday for Ethan and feel very blessed to be his mom. He is such a sweetie and I love him so much. Here are some pictures of him throughout the last 2 years:

He has loved to swing since he was a baby and still does thankfully we live across from the park

Can we say CHEESE

This is what happens when he has to feed himself spaghetti

This always made us laugh. He would do leg lifts in his high chair it was seriously the funniest thing

We got Ethan this walker when he was about 6 months and Holy crap that kid was a maniac. He didn't care what was in his way he would plow right over it, baseboards, toys, shoes, TOES!! We were all so afraid of him when he was in it. We call it the "Toe Torturer" Owen wouldn't dare get off the couch it he was in it. He loved it and would run around the house all day fully content

He loves to wrestle and ruff house as long as he is on top and in control

This picture says it all. Ethan is such a fun, happy little boy. He is active as all get out but I wouldn't trade him in for the world. He has made me a stronger better person. I am grateful for the time we get to spend together just the two of us it is priceless time. I cant imagine my days with out him.

I am so glad that I have a front row seat in his experience of life and learning. He makes us proud and we all love him very much.
So I have to ask, if the terrible 2's started when he was born when do they end?

Happy Birthday Ethan I love you more then you know

Ethan's Eye Surgery's

2008-09-11T19:21:00.000-07:00

As Many of you know Ethan was born with some small simple eye problems. Being that I am using my blog as a journal I felt it to be appropriate to post on his eye surgery's. It was 1 year ago today that he had the Surgery. For those of you who don't know what happened I will give a quick recap. Ethan was born with a Dermoid (over growth of tissue) on his right cornea and a Dermoid on his left brow bone. I noticed this on his eye about 1 minute after he was born. It took me probably the next 6 months trying to find a doctor that would see what I saw. I finally found one that saw it and diagnosed it as a Dermoid. He was a pediatric eye specialist not a cornea specialist. Since the Dermoid was on his cornea I had to go to a cornea specialist. He referred me to a couple, one of which scared the heck out of me. He told me he wouldn't remove it because he would then have a whole in the place of the Dermoid and said that he didn't feel comfortable working with babies. So why he even agreed to see him I'll never know. I clearly never went back there again. I really wanted to get it removed and felt that is was important that is was removed as well. Thankfully the next specialist I saw said that it needed to be removed or it would case a lazy eye, vision problems, eye development issues and more. I was so glad he was willing to do the surgery ,thankfully at this point Ethan was almost 1 years old, due to the fact that he was going to have to do anesthesia they wouldn't have done it until then. Since there was 2 Dermoids, and 2 doctors, there was 2 surgery's and 2 different hospitals with 2 copays. Oh lucky me the joys of being a parent right. The cornea surgery was done on September 4, 2007 at St Joseph Hospital. The doctor was amazing he did however have to tell us the cons of the surgery, one being that he may not be able to remove it all depending on how deep it was, and the other that he may not have a full circled cornea. Both were scary possibilities but the risk was better then all the other alternatives. To remove it he went in and basically sanded and shaved it off his cornea, it took about 45 mins. I was a nervous wreck. When I saw the Doctor come into the waiting area he had a smile on his face so I instantly knew that the out come was good. He said that he thinks he not only satisfied Mom but Grandma too. They took us back to were Ethan was and when he looked at me I couldn't believe it, it was totally gone, like it was never there before. His eye was a little red that was it.

The second surgery was on September 11, 2007 one week later at Primary Children's hospital. The doctor did incision on his brow bone to remove the dermoid. He said the the growth of tissue was a bout an inch long which is big on a little kid. That surgery took about 20 minutes but man when he was done he looked like he had been in a toddler boxing match and lost miserably. He had stitches, and big black, swollen eye.

Both Surgery's successful!!! No holes in his cornea, no lazy eyes and they said his vision is perfect. Below are some before and After pictures. I can't believe what a difference it made.

Here's Ethan before the Surgery in his cute little gown playing in the hospital bed happy as ever little did he know he was just about to be tortured.

Before: if you enlarge the picture you can see it better, its the white spot on his right eye and the puffy spot on the side of his left brow bone

This is after the second surgery. His poor little eye was black & blue for about a month. I wouldn't take him anywhere and if I did I would get the worst looks from people. My poor little boy had stitched, and a black eye NO I didn't beat him!!

Is that not the saddest thing ever

After:

Can you believe it its like it was never there.

I am so glad that we took the chance and did the surgery's his eyes look so good and we haven't had any problems. When I look at him now and look back at pictures I cant believe I had to do that much convincing to get someone to remove them, they were so obvious!! Moms do know best. Oh well its over with and he is more Handsome than ever.

If anyone every need a pediatric eye or cornea specialist please let me know, Both the Doctors did a fabulous job!!

Owen's Birthday Continues

2008-09-09T12:24:00.000-07:00

On Monday Owen's actual birthday I took him Burger King for lunch at school and Dinosaur cupcakes to share with his class. We picked him up from school and took the kids to Makuta's Island. My sister was taking her daughter Ashlee for her birthday too so we decided to make it a family affair. No one was there but us, maybe everyone saw all us crazy people and decided to come another night, do you blame them. The kids had more then enough room to run and play and to be honest the adults did too :)

Here's the birthday kids

Owen & Ashlee

We are large and we are in charge the Whole Fam Damily
(minus Jason who is Utah)
Owen, me, Jim, Austin, Stewart, Ethan, Kayden
Brian, Ashlee, Stacy, Lynsey, Kylee, Angie, Adam, Gma, Katie, Alyssa, & Gpa

Can you say "Cheese"

Ethan loved coming down the slides until we put him down the one that goes faster then light by himself he was scared to death when he got to the bottom and kept crying "No slide" the rest of the night

Owen was so on the move the whole night I couldn't get him to stand still long enough to take a picture so here he is on the move

Owen, Ashlee, and Alyssa

Owen swinging across the bar

Even Grandma got in on the action. She climbed through the big tube up to the high slide that goes faster then light. I will save her some serious embarrassment and I wont post the picture of her flying out of the tube slide and landing flat on her back, I will however save it for blackmail :)

Daddy is such a good sport!! Anything to make his boys happy we went to dinner with Stacy and her family afterwards and Stewart some how ended up with all the kids at his table.

Jim Braving the big purple tube with Austin what a good Dad!!

We had a great time, my back hurts from being in the crouched over position climbing through tiny openings going down crazy spinning slides, climbing rope ladders barefoot, but the kids had a great time and slept great. As you can see Owen had a really good birthday now we have to explain to him that his Birthday doesn't last 3 days every year. Thanks everyone for some great memories!!

Owen's 5

2008-09-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

I can remember September 8, 2003 like it was yesterday. On that day I was blessed to be able to join the best club out there the club I had prayed to be apart of since I was a child, "The Moms Club"., because of Owen I was officially a Mom. I had dreamed of that day my whole life. I still remember the day I found out I was pregnant. We had only been married 1 month, I was standing in the kitchen waiting for Stewart to come home trying to figure out how I was going to tell my new husband of 1 month that I was 1 month pregnant. Yeah we clearly didn't waste anytime. When I told Stewart he beamed with excitement. The next 9 months was pure torture I was newly married, trying to figure out how to be a wife (which I am still working on)working at a salon, sicker then a dog pregnant, But I was so excited. I remember the waiting and wondering when he was going to come,what he was going to look like, the fear of not knowing how to raise him in this crazy world. Wondering if I was even adequate to care for such a special little being. Well he gave me some extra time to think about it, maybe he was wondering all the same things, almost 2 weeks late I was finally induced. While driving to the hospital my Mom said to Me "Are you sure you want to do this?" Thanks Mom, like I really had a choice at that point and yes the anticipation, excitement and fear was killing me I wanted to finally meet this sweet little boy. Owen was born 10 months to the day of our Wedding day. When the doctor handed him to me I was a little confused has to why I didn't get a "users manual" I mean seriously you get one when you buy a car, a TV, a washing machine why not get one for the most important purchase you will ever make, Your 1st child or your guinea pig I should say. Owen was an angel from the 1st day he was born. I remember thinking "Is it even possible to love something so small so much?" But I did. I couldn't believe this little guy was mine, to keep forever, no return policey available. He slept so good at times probably to good. He let his momma get plenty of rest. He was never a curious child you know like my 2nd child. He never made messes, he never got into things he was just all around a easy kid. He tricked me into think all babies were easy (and I am glad he did and so is Ethan). For the past 5 years Owen has been my little sidekick he is truly been such a blessing in our lives. He has brought such a sweet spirit into our home. He is a good kid and he makes his Mom and Dad proud. He lights up the room with his sweet smile. Owen has such a tender heart he cares about everyone. Sometime Owen amazes us with his comprehension and knowledge of things, I truly believe this is the year he is going to out smart his Mom. He loves school and never gets bored with reading and learning. He loves Dinosaurs and his stuffed animals he sleeps with probably 20 a night. No joke we have told him if he gets much more we are going to have to get him a bigger bed. He is a good brother, he puts up with all of Ethan's crazy stunts. He is so patient with him. Here are a few pictures of Owen throughout the last 5 years:
Meeting my sweet baby for the 1 st time

What a proud Dad (does he even look old enough to have a child?)

Blessing Day

2004

This is Owen with Mickey Mouse on the Disney Cruise 2005

Owen holding Baby Ethan 2006 Polar Express 2006 2006 Owen's 4th Birthday 2007

Owen's 5 2008

I cant imagine my life with out Owen. I pray everyday and night that I will have Many Many more memories of him in my life. I love him so much and I hope he knows how loved he is by so many friends and family. Owen thank you for loving me the way you do, I hope you have a Happy Birthday Son, I love you to the Moon and back!! Love, Mom

Busy Day!!

2008-09-06T21:52:00.000-07:00

Today we had Owen's Birthday Party. He had such a good time. We borrowed my sister's water slide, invited some friends from church, ordered pizza and had cake. The kids had a blast. Everyone got along so good, no fighting, no crying just lots of laughs.

Skylar, Davis, Owen, Rhett

Owen wanted a Dinosaur Cake so I made one for him (no Dad its not a frog RUDE)The boys eating their pizza

Owen, Skylar, Austin, Kollin, Preston (was missing for the pic), Rhett, Davis, and Ethan
Just before the Dino lost his leg and his mouth
Kollin, Lexie, Skylar, Austin, Preston, Rhett, Davis & Owen

Lexie, Preston, Kollin, Owen, Rhett
Owen had so much fun playing and acting crazy with his buddies. I am here to tell you everyone of them is pure BOY, they were bouncing, rolling, jumping, flying (every way but the normal way) down that slide. Stewart and I were laughing so hard at all the funny ways they came up with. Thanks to all of his friends for coming.

After Owens party here at the house we went to my Mom and Dads to celebrate the September Birthdays, Ashlee 4yrs, Owen 5 yrs, Ethan 2 yrs and Lynsey the big 21!!
Gosh you would have thought it was Christmas!!
I have you say Stacy you took the cake on this one. Owen is OBSESSED with this Dinosaur. He is currently sleeping on Owen's dresser for the night.Do you think Ethan enjoyed his Green cupcake?Alyssa and Ethan arent they cuteOwen and Ethan got new Bean Bags from the Pottery Barn, they are so dang cute. Here's Ethan on his. Owens is the same one only Green.Happy Birthday Ashlee, your cute little smile just lights up the room. I hope you had a good Birthday party too. I love you LOTS!! Ethan on Ashlee's Princess bike doesn't he look cuteLynsey on the other had I was going to write all this nice stuff about her but she so conveniently had to erase all the pictures I had taken of her and Jim on my camera so I guess this one will just had to do: Isn't that sweet. So I am guessing she wont pull that stunt again. No, that is not Jim but yes that is Lynsey kissing our now dead dog Rusty. Happy birthday Sista I love you!!

As you can see it was a crazy but very fun day. We all had a great time. Thanks Mom, Dad, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins, you all over did it. My kids love there new gifts we appreciate all you do for our family.
Happy Birthday Ashlee, Owen, Ethan and Lynsey we love you

Happy Birthday Bekki

2008-09-01T12:16:00.000-07:00

Today is Bekkis Big Day. There are so many thing I love about this girl but I will narrow it down to a few:

* She is Loyal

* She is honest, she will tell it how it is wither you like it or not

* She is a great Friday night date

* She is my Phone friend

* She is a great Mom

* She is funny, whenever we are together we are always laughing

*She is my SONIC run

* She is the funnest person to go to the movies with, her laugh is louder then mine so she is the one that gets the dirty looks not me.

* She is anything BUT boring, she has a wild streak in her which never allows a dull or boring moment to occur.

* Her day doesn't start until she has had her Diet Coke

* She is a great AVON sells rep

* She is the only person I know that can stand back and watch her house on fire and not shed a single tear or even act upset. "It is what it is"

*Bekki is one of those people you can laugh with, cry with, depend on, and know that she is always there no matter day or night.

I am so glad I know Bekki as well as I do . She has been a great friend to me. On her birthday I hope she knows how great she is. Thanks for all you have done for me. Your awesome.

Happy Birthday!!! I love ya

The Webb's are on FIRE!!!!

2008-08-29T20:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, The Webb's home got struck by lightening!!

Last night I went over to Bekki's to give her a gift that obviously couldn't wait until Monday and boy howdy am I glad I did. We were sitting out in my car talking trying to find the right time for her to get out and run when all off a sudden there was a loud noise (apparently the same loud noise that made Debbie scream, Stewart jump, and many other people scared) a big bolt of light and roof tiles falling on my car. We looked out the window and there was sparks of fire falling from the roof it was then that we screamed "Holy @#!* the house it on FIRE" we took off running for the house and about got ran over by Russ coming outside to make sure the neighbors house wasn't on fire we quickly told him it was his and Bekki and Russ took off for the kids while I sat on hold with 911, what the heck NO lady I will not hold the house is on fire!! The poor kids were confused as ever but were so good. Russ came running down the stairs with Race in one arm and holding Sailor by her hand carrying her down the stairs. She had the cutest little look on her face "Like what is my CRAZY Dad doing ripping me out of bed and carrying me sideways by one hand down the stairs" she did however have her "Baby" tucked carefully under her other arm. I was carrying her through the rain over to Brig and Kathleen's and in her oh so cute Sailor voice she informed me that I needed to run a little faster because it was raining and her Baby was getting wet. It was so funny she wasn't even effected by all the commotion she just wanted her baby to be safe. Lucky for Bekki her Brother lives across the street so we took the kids there.

It totally didn't seem real. I mean I know it happens but not to someone I know and not right in front of me. I am so glad we were outside and saw it all happen. The fire was stopped quickly so it didn't spread through the house. However there was a leak in the fire hose so there is a lot of water damage throughout the house. I was helping Bekki clean up what we could so the kids could go to sleep and Riggs was asking why the firemen cut such big holes in the ceiling, poor kid just couldn't figure it out. The kids were so good and calm as well. I am so glad no one got hurt and it couldn't have happened to 2 better people. I was really impressed by how calm they were. Russ acted like he had experience with burning houses :) they both acted so quick and calm. Every time I see lightening or hear thunder I will think of this night. Never a dull moment at the Webb's!!

Here are some pictures that Brig took:Here are Bekki's New Friends her FIRE BOYS
I have been playing the "What ifs" over and over in my head and they are truly blessed this is all that happened. It could have been so much worse, no one got hurt, there house is still standing and they got to practice their "Family Fire Drill" in action. So many ward members and neighbors were there for support or just to be nosey whatever the reason there are a lot of people that love the Webb's and that was proven last night. I am glad you are all ok. I love ya!!

Happy Birthday Heidi

2008-08-27T20:02:00.000-07:00

Today is one of my long time friend Heidi's Birthday. Heidi was one of my roommates up in Provo. We lived together for about 3 years (I think) when I think of memories from college she is always in them. Provo was the best time of my life. I made great friends there, some I still talk to and some I don't. Heidi is one of those friends who you could go months not talking too and then when you do its like you talk everyday. I have some pretty funny stories and memories of Heidi some of which I will share and some I am sure she would kill me it I did. Heidi now lives in California she is married to a great guy who I also knew from school, she has 1 daughter and a baby on the way. I haven't seen Heidi for about 8 years but speak to her periodically throughout the years. These pictures of her is how I remember herWe had the best group of friends we were always on the go and doing the funnest stuffThese were my roommates for the majority of the time I was in school

Aaren, Rachel, Britney, Tracy, Sharmin, Me, Heidi

Rachel, me, Megan, Heidi
Cade, me, Julie, Heidi, MeganThis Picture is me, Heidi, and Sharmin at Lake Powell. My parents had a boat and would meet us half way at lake Powell for the weekend. It was always a blastI know Heidi is probably dieing that I posted this picture but it totally cracks me up. This was conference weekend all of the roommates decided to bring our mattresses out in the family room and sleep out there and then watch conference together, well you get 6 girls together late at night and this is what happens dancing and singing in your bikinis.
Heidi and I became really great friends. She was always the person I knew that I could count on when I needed something. She was the one person who was always there for me. I do have one memory of her I have to share because it still makes me laugh to this day. Heidi would always get bad dreams so most night she would end up with me in my room in a twin bed (thank heavens she is so skinny.) This one morning she came running in my room at about 5:00 am freaking out yelling I sat up in my bed and reached for my glasses since cant I see anything with out them and when I looked at her she was covered in white stuff all over her face, through her yelling I finally figured out what had happened. This guy she had gone out with broke into our apartment went into her room and smashed a pie in her face while she was sleeping. I about died laughing. I mean a pie in the face now that is romantic :). This guy is actually really nice and is still one of her and her husbands best friends but it really was the funniest thing ever.
This is Heidi now. She has a beautiful family. Shes married to a great guy and has a darling little girl. I am so glad I was able to get to know her and stay in touch with her over the years.

Happy Birthday. I love ya!!

Dinosaur Museum

2008-08-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

We took the kids to the Dinosaur Museum this weekend down in Mesa. The kids were in heaven. Ethan had plenty of room to run and be Crazy which he is really good at and Owen is fascinated with Dinosaurs so they enjoyed every second we were there. Owen has always had such an interest in them. Owen says that when he grows up he want s to be a Knight in Shining Armor so he had to get a pic next to his future
T Rex is his favorite Dinosaur
Here he is next to "Elvis" the alligator
When we first got there Stewart was for some reason tapping on the tusks of this dinosaur and got yelled at by a worker it was pretty funny but seriously honey you are at a museum full of really old things it probably a good idea not to touch them.
Owen comparing his foot size to a Dinosaur
This picture has nothing to do with the museum but this is an example of who is in control at the house. Poor Owen gets used and abused by his brother and he is too nice to stop him.
We had a great time as a family especially doing something that the kids really enjoyed. In fact Owen asked us if "On the 6th day of every week we could go to see the Dino's?" the 6th day being Saturday and no I am not going to spend every Saturday at the museum what a mean mom I am.

D-Backs Game

2008-08-09T22:02:00.000-07:00

Last night we went to the Diamond Backs game for the 1st time with the kids, courtesy of some friends who gave us some tickets to 4 great seats 10 rows up from the field. We had a really good time. I am not sure what the boys liked more the game or all the snacks or should I say "CRAP" that they were selling that they thought they HAD TO HAVE. Owen spotted the Popcorn stand and quickly informed me that he HAD TO HAVE some. Treat # 1 PopcornThen Owen spotted the Cotton Candy that he HAD TO HAVE but wouldn't even try it after I spent $5.75 on it. Ethan enjoyed it way to much we had to cut him off so I gave the rest to some random guy who was commenting to his wife the he thought our boys were cute. Pay it forward right!!
Then here came the guy with all the dumb gadgets. Owen HAD TO HAVE a giant hand.
The best part of the night was when their cousin Austin joined us at our seats for the rest of the game.
These three have so much fun together. There is a 2 1/2 year difference between Owen and Austin but Owen just loves him. He was so excited that he was there.
We didn't make it through the whole game. We left at the 6th inning. I was actually surprised we made it that long. Lucky for us there was a lot of empty seats around us so the kids had plenty of room to run and play. Owen was tired from a long day at school, so when he asked to go home we decided not to press our luck and leave before a break down happened. We had a good time and Owen even tried his first hot dog, crazy I know what kids doesn't eat hot dogs? MINE!!! I really don't blame him, very rarely do I eat a hot dog. He was watching Austin eat his and decided he wanted a try. After much thought and examination
He took a bite and actually liked it. We will see if that lasts.
We spoiled the kids with way to much crap but they had a great time so it was money worth spent.
Our Family Friday night activity was a lot of fun. We will we have to do it again sometime soon.

1st Day of Kindergarten

2008-08-04T08:59:00.001-07:00

Dear Owen,

Today is a very exciting but bitter sweet day. Today you joined the world of Kindergarten. Many years ago your Dad would joke and say that on your first day of school he would have to stay home to make sure I actually took you, well guess what he did. He knew how hard it would be for me to let you go. You have been my little sidekick for almost 5 years. Today your Mom cried like it was the end of the world. I couldn't sleep last night worrying I didn't teach you enough, play with you enough, or love you enough. When you woke up this morning you were so excited, school was all you could talk about. I teased you and told you I was going to go to school in your back pack, you quickly corrected me and told me I was too big. When we got to school you told me I could walk you in, but then I had to leave, so that is what I did. I left you there sitting at your desk with the biggest smile on your face. As I turned the corner I couldn't help but cry. I cant believe my baby is not a baby anymore. I am so proud of you and am excited for you to be in school. Don't get me wrong I will miss you crazy bad, I will miss you asking me 100 times for a snack, or to put on a new movie, is it possible for me to miss that? You asked me if I thought Ethan would cry when you left for school? Ethan will probably walk around the house yelling your name all day, when its time for you to come home we will be sooo happy to see you. Thank you for being such a sweet, smart, loving little boy. Good luck at school son and remember who you are. :)

I love you very much,

Mom

Our Family Campout

2008-07-27T20:46:00.000-07:00

(Warning long post)
This last weekend Stewart and I decided to take the kids camping. I am not sure what drug I was on, why would I recommended such a vacation? I am here to tell you Melanie Adams went camping. I am using my maiden name in this because if you know us Adams girls we do NOT camp, unless it is at the Hilton Resort, so you all better be really proud of me for this one. We went to this fun little place outside of Payson that Lawana had told us about. We found this good campsite that backed up to a creek. There was no water in it but lots of rocks, sticks ,trees and dirt for the kids to get dirty in. We set up our tent and was in the process of putting up the canopy when it started raining or should I say POURING for an hour straight. As you can see in the picture below me and the kids ran for the tent and left Stewart standing there holding the canopy up. I knew eventually his arms would get tired and he would join us, mean to leave him maybe but it made for a funny picture

I agree Ethan this sticks. sitting in a tent starring at each other is barrels of fun. At this point I was trying to think of how I could convince Stewart that the Hilton has openings :)

It finally stopped raining and Stewart set out to get the fire started with wet wood. Everything was wet, our camping chairs, food, clothes, bedding you name it, it was soaked. So while Stewart was being a boy scout I decided to take the kids to the creek behind us you know the one with no water. Well that sure changed. The kids were in heaven. They could have stayed in that clean water all night. They splashed and jumped and threw rocks for what felt like forever.

I don't think Ethan left that spot it, he threw one rock after another
I know his outfit is a bit questionable but hey we are camping
Owen jumping and playing
After they about froze to death we got them in clean clothes and set down for dinner. Yes Stewart was a true Boy Scout and made a fire start with wet wood. We cooked foil dinners yummy!
We took the kids on hike or "Adventuring" as Owen would call it.
When it got dark we set on wet camping chairs and roasted marshmellows for smores
Ethan throwing rocks in the fire
Owen was the designated marshmellow roaster. He would cook them for so long they would expand and then fall in the fire he had to have done it a 100 times.
all Ethan wanted was the chocolate and as you can see he fully enjoyed it
About 9:00 we decided we should start putting the kids to sleep. Ethan has never slept anyone but in a crib so we had no idea how he was going to do. To our surprise he laid right down on the air mattress and went right to sleep. He fell asleep before Owen did. We couldn't believe it. I laid there in my wet sleeping bag covered up with my wet blanket thinking how glad I was we weren't at the Hilton. My boys had so much fun playing in the rain and getting dirty and they were both sound asleep what more could a mother ask for. Well all those cozy feelings left at 12:30 am when some idiot decided to set up camp right in front of our tent with his loud diesel truck running and the headlights shinning right into out tent making it light as day and then yelling back and forth to each other like it was 12:30 in the after noon. I couldn't believe it. Have you never heard of Camping Etiquette? Ok I haven't either but seriously there needs to be such a thing. Well of course it woke up my sweet little angel from above and this is what we had on our hands
Ethan wide awake hitting the door on the tent screaming "Get me outta here", or "Owea" (akaOwen). Getting him to go back to sleep was out of the question. Every time we tried he would totally freak out yelling and crying.
Yes, Owen slept through the whole thing. I don't know how he did, it must be because his brothers voice is so soft and quiet!! yeah right I am sure everyone else at the camp site was cussing us out. So after about an hour of trying to get him to sleep we realized it wasn't going to happen, so we packed up camp in the middle of the night with flashlight lights and went home. It was a race with the sun. We knew we had to get home before the sun came out or the kids wouldn't go back to sleep.
So I am sure you are all wondering if I would do it again? Of course I am a Jones and the Jones' camp. I really did have a good time. It was fun to be as a family with no cell phones no computers becoming one with nature :) Plus what great memories we made.
Do I deserve the Mother of the Year Award or what!!!

Our little Dare DEVIL

2008-07-20T23:21:00.000-07:00

Owen has been begging his Dad to fix his quad. Stewart finally found the part and fixed it for him this weekend. He was so excited to be able to ride it again. Owen is timid and anything but brave he will only drive in low gear and just sitting on the quad not moving is exciting enough for him, Ethan on the other hand has different idea of FUN. He jumped on that thing and was driving in high gear like a crazy person, hopping curbs, jumping rocks, driving backwards anything he could do to make his OLDER brother scream in fear. You can tell in this picture Ethan his having a great time and Owen is trying to figure out away to bail off without getting hurt. There is something seriously wrong with this when the not yet 2 year old is driving around the almost 5 year old. He has such a smug look on his face in this picture. Its almost like "Watch out Mom I will run you over too"
Owen just happy and content to be sitting on his quad somewhere other than in the garage collecting dust.
It is crazy how different my boys are. They are complete opposite. They make me laugh and smile everyday. I love Owen for his sweet sensitive side always looking out for him Mom and taking such good of his bother in spite of Ethan beating on him, and Ethan for his fun adventurous, curious, crazy, always getting into something keeping me on my toes side. I am lucky to have them both and wouldn't trade them in for the world.

Kids say the funniest things

2008-07-16T10:13:00.000-07:00

In preparation for Kindergarten Owen has informed me of the list of things he needs to get before school starts:

1. back Pack

2. Paper

3. Pencil

4. Lap top Computer

Ok back up the truck, what 4 year old thinks that a lab top computer is a requirement for kindergarten? He has also informed me that "Mom there will be times when I come home from school after you go to bed just like Daddy, don't wait up and that will be ok" Oh my he is 4 going on 20. We are trying to explain to him the difference between Daddy school and little boy school. There is no Wi-Fi connection or PDF files in Kindergarten and that there will NEVER be a time that he will come home from school and I would already be asleep. He says that he wants to go to school for as long as possible because its more time to learn. He is CLEARLY ready for kindergarten.

Mom on the other hand is have a hard time with it as I know so many other Mom's are too. I am sending my baby to kindergarten all day. Is he ready? Have I taught him all he needs to know to face this crazy world? Have I taught him right from wrong? Does he know how to defend himself if he needs too? Will he eat is lunch or go hungry? I know this is all crazy stuff but seriously he is only 4 yrs. old. I am sure he will do fine, it is me to be worried about. He is a good little boy with the greatest desire to learn. I will miss him around all day long and the times when Ethan is asleep and its just us reading books, watching movies or just hanging out together, but I am sure he will be having more fun there then hanging out with his boring old Mom. I love you son remember who you are!!

4th of July Weekend

2008-07-06T22:07:00.000-07:00

(warning really long post)
We spent the weekend up in Heber at my parents cabin. We had such a great time. The weather was great. All the boys wanted to do was play outside something they cant do down in the valley. We spent a lot of time on quad rides. Uncle Jim took Owen and Austin for a ride in the RangerAustin insisted on driving so we thought what the heck The boys all buckled up for the ride
I know this picture is random but I have to show you all that my OCD behavior has already been passed down to Ethan. He had to have all of his dinner in separate bowls with separate forks. Man I am trouble We took the kids to a parade on Sat. Every walk of life was in it. It was pretty amusing. Owen loves horses and was really excited to pet one Best seat in the house
We got Owen a sling shot before we left he kept telling me he wanted to kill an animal with it.
There was a carnival on sat that we took the boys to. They had a petting zoo there. There was goats, chickens, duck, pigs, dog and the biggest bunny I have ever seen.

I wasn't sure if Ethan would like it, boy howdy I was wrong. He was chasing those animals around pulling there tails, at one point the lady was telling him to be soft. Clearly she did not know who she was letting in with her animals. Soft and Ethan don't even belong in the same sentence. They had a blast
They had some ponies for the kids to ride on, since Owen keeps telling me he has "waited his whole life to ride a horse" we thought we should prob let him.

Owen picked this horse because it was the biggest (that's is the competitive side in him, always has to have the biggest and the fastest) her name was "Misty"

Ethan looked so cute in his helmet
The fun really started that night. We busted out the Wii and man did it competitive up stairs. I am surprised my parents and the kids slept that night. We boxed are hearts out. No one could move the next day. Here's every ones "Tough Man" pictures
Stewart
Lynsey Jim
I had to save this picture for last. I look like a cross between a ballerina, Chinese, W.T. freak! I did kick some serious bottie!!
We took the kids to a firework show that night. They had shaped fire works Owen loved them and Ethan didn't move a muscle .

Thanks Mom and Dad for a great weekend and Lynsey and Jim for some great laughs. We love you all!!

Happy Birthday Mom

2008-07-02T12:25:00.000-07:00

Today my Mom turned the big 21, so in true Melanie fashion I thought I would tell you 21 things that I love about my mom for her 21st birthday

21. Her house is ALWAYS clean, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen everything.

20. She is compassionate

19. She is the only person I can call at midnight and its OK

18. She makes her bed everyday, but if I get lucky enough to be there when it is unmade all I want to do is jump inside. There is something about my parents bed that I love ,it is so soft and squishy

17. She is my Best Friend

16. My day does not start or end until I have talked to my Mom

17. She can sew like nobodies business, she can make anything, she clearly didn't pass that trait onto me I cant sew a straight line.

16. She is a peacemaker, she hates contention and will avoid it at all cost.

15. She is OCD about laundry, I don't think I have ever seen dirty clothes in her house

14. If there was a shortage on Diet Coke the world would be in trouble, she would have a nervous break down

13. She has a strong Testimony

12. She loves the Scriptures and gets excited to read them every night

11. She is a great example of what I want to be when I grow up

10. She looks so young people often think she is my Sister

9. She is organized everything has a place

8. She hates clutter

7. She can't sleep at night unless she knows all of her kids, grand kids, son in laws, parents and in laws are home and safe. So she doesn't sleep much

6. There isn't ANYTHING she wouldn't do for her family

5. She is "Equal opportunity Grandma/Mom" she wont do something for one person and not another.

4. she supports her family no matter what

3. She is beautiful inside and out

2. She loves my Dad so much. She is a great example of what a wife should be like

The number one reason why I love my Mom so much is

1. Because she is the BEST mom anyone could ask for. I am lucky to have her in my life.

Happy Birthday Mom

Glad the day is OVER

2008-06-29T20:46:00.000-07:00

I am here to tell you all I have conquered a fear. Stewart and I last week were asked to speak in church today. I have been stressing out, losing sleep over it, breaking out in zits, , and on Friday all relational thoughts went flying out the window when I set down to type up my talk. I did not want to do it and I was almost mad that I had too, no lets be honest I was mad. It has been at least 6 years since I spoke in church. Somehow we have slipped under the radar and have gotten out of it, probable because we are short, small, quite people :). I was so nervous I even contemplated running out of sacrament meeting but Stewart said that it would leave a lasting impression on everyone and not a good one. So I decided to suck it up and do it. My children were sitting with my Mom and Dad and from our view they were acting like perfect angels, however my Dad did say that Ethan was driving him nuts towards the end because he wouldn't stop saying "Ma ma, Da da" welcome to my world Dad. I don't know how you and Mom did it with 5 kids you must have been highly medicated :) Anyways back to the talk, I did it and I think it went well, I didn't lose my place, my knees to buckle and fall, I didn't swear or say pissed (my mom was so worried about that one) in the microphone, and most importantly I didn't sound like a blubbering mess. I am just glad that it is OVER, I hope I said something meaningful and the best part now is that I have another 6 years before I have to do it again :) Stewart did a good job and he wrote his talk this morning before church whats up with that. Thanks Mom and Dad for coming and supporting us and taking care of our kids. We love you.

I am ???

2008-06-27T23:36:00.000-07:00

You Are Mulan

Which Disney Princess Are You?

Strong and spirited. You're no one's girly girl; actually you are very determined person with a strong sense of self. Never let go of that! The only thing that equals your sense of self is your family, but the traditions of society can always be bent to protect something or someone you love.

2008-06-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

Aimee tagged me, so after much thought I decided to cave in a tell All

Rules: 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 goals, 3 obsessions, and 3 random facts

tag 5 people at the end

Joys

1. Nothing brings me more joy than my Family. Watching my kids grow and learn each day is such a wonderful thing to me.

2. Being at home with my Kids each day.

3. Seeing Stewart come through the door at night after a very long hard day and hearing my kids squealing with excitement at the sound of the door, running full speed to get to him first.

Fear

1. As many of you know I am a freak when it comes to water. I am so afraid that one of my kids are going to drown. We have had some pretty close calls with Ethan, just the thought of it gives me an anxiety attack.

2. Speaking in church on Suday, there is something about standing in front of a lot people all waiting for you to say something meaningful. What if you dont? I hate it!!

3. The economy right now totally freaks me out. Its so sad to me all the business that are closing, all the houses that been foreclosed on, and all the people who are out of jobs.

4. I know it is only suppose to be 3 fears but sorry I have more. Owen going to all day Kindergarten is a serious fear of mine. What if he cant get his lunch by himself?, what if someone is mean to him?, What if he gets scared? or most fearful what if he doesn't even miss me when he is gone :(

Goals

1. To eat better, lose weight and become more fit.

2. Having FHE every week. We really do try but when the kids are jumping off the couch or wrestling on the floor it gets really irritating.

3. To be a more forgiving person and to not hold grudges.

Current Obsessions

1. Chapstick. I am truly OBSESSED I always have chapstick with me. I don't just have 1, I usually have 1 in my pocket, 2 in my purse, 1 in my car, 1 in the kitchen and at night I always have 2 on my nightstand just in case I lose one in the middle on the night. Yes I do apply it throughout the night.

2. My boys church clothes. I am obsessed with white shirts and ties. I just think Mom's of girls always have their little girls in fluffy dresses, bows in their hair, and jewelry on, so why cant little boys be dressed just as cute. Nothing is cuter to me then my boys ready for church.

3. Dirty dishes in the sink GAG!! I cant sleep at night if my kitchen isn't clean. I hate starting the day out with dirty dishes.

Random Facts

1. I am sick of the Arizona heat. Something about being hot makes me think and act completely irrational just ask Stewart. I want to move somewhere cold for a change. We hope to go somewhere different for school.

2. Being a wife of a Student is a full time job in it self, and I still have many years ahead of me what was I thinking when I agreed to this craziness. j/k I am excited for the adventure and for what our future holds. I couldn't be more proud of Stewart.

3. When I go to bed at night I check and double check every door and lock at least 2 times before turning on the alarm. Can you say OCD!!

I tag my sista Lynsey, Jenni, Shauna, Julie, & Kathleen have fun girls I will be waiting for your answers. Love ya all :)

Swimming with Grandma

2008-06-18T22:56:00.000-07:00

To keep myself from losing my mind today I decided to take my kids to my parents house to go swimming, As many of you know Ethan HATES the water he cries from the time we get in to the time we get out. Usually the only time he isn't crying is when I dunk under the water cuz I am tired of hearing him, even then he is still screaming we just can't hear it for a brief second ( I promise I do love him to pieces). Well today Grandma got in with the kids and he didn't cry. He had so much fun. I don't remember the last time my mom got in the pool, well after today she is going to have to get in more often since she is the only one that can get Ethan happy.

Look he is even smiling :)He started to get a little brave after awhile. He was climbing in and out of the pool so much his poor little belly looks like hamburger meat. I put him on the water fall and he wouldn't get off he started rock climbing it to get away from me. He even ran over to the diving rock and wanted to jump off it.

Owen on the other hand has turned into our little fish. He had me doing "Tricks" of the diving rock , diving for rings and doing canon bombs I think he thought I was his little puppy that needed to be trained. I was a good sport and he enjoyed seeing his mom act like a fool. We were trying to teach him how to dive,but some how his belly would hit the water first every time.
After about 2 hours of swimming we were tired and hungry. Owen found his favorite little spot in the room he "Wishes was his" and watched Thomas.
Mon. and Wed. you may be seeing more of us. We had a great time. Thanks mom for the fun evening. My kids wont forget this night, actually I don't think I will either. Love ya

Movie Day

2008-06-16T19:56:00.000-07:00

I decided to take Owen to the movies today to see Kung Fu Panda durning Ethan's nap time. I got a babysitter and me and Owen went and had a great time just the two of us. Owen laughed so hard through almost the entire movie. Watching by kids so happy brings me so much joy.

$12.50 for movie tickets, over priced

$2.00 for drinks, thanks to Jenni's refill cups

$3.50 for a small bag of Popcorn, Always worth it, Yummy!!

A date with Owen, PRICELESS and worth every penny.

Who wouldn't spend the day with such a handsome boy?

Thanks Owen for spending the afternoon with your Mom. I love you!!

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T13:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to the 2 BEST Fathers around.

My own Dad is such a wonderful example for me. He has been there for me no matter what. I am grateful to have been placed in a family with such a great Dad, and Friend. Thank you Dad for all you have done for me. Since his birthday was on Friday you all already know how great he is from his birthday post.

I know that Stewart isn't my Dad, but he is a great Father to my boys. They love him to pieces. He is a great example to my children of a hard working, loving, patient, kind, fun etc. Man. In primary today I did a "All about Dad" page here's Owen's answers:

* What is your Dad's name? Stewart

*How old is your Dad? 33

*How much does your Dad weigh? 33 lbs.

*What color is your Dad's hair? Black

*What is you Dad's favorite food? Pizza

*What's your Dad's favorite color? Blue

*Why do you love your Dad? Because he likes me and he likes to play basketball with me

Owen made this yesterday for his Dad and he painted it all by himself. He was so excited to give it to him. He put it under his bed so Dad wouldn't see it until this morning.

Owen was so nice to allow his Dad to take his Sunday nap in his tent in his toy room.

Lucky Dad :)

Thank you Dad and Stewart for being good Fathers. I hope you know how important you are to all of us. I love you both so much!!

Happy Birthday Dad!!

2008-06-12T22:06:00.000-07:00

Today is My Dad's birthday. We gave him some new sunglasses for his special day. My Dad is such a wonderful person, Dad, Grandpa, Father in Law, Husband, Role Model, and Friend. There are so many fun memories of my Dad and so many funny things about him so here are a few:

* He loves, and I mean LOVES to golf, Owen thinks golfing is grandpa's Job

* For family home evening one night growing up my parents took us to Dairy Queen for Ice cream, me and my sisters didn't finish ours, so my dad did. Yes, All 4 of them plus his own and every stop light on the way home my dad was opening his door and throwing up. We all thought it was so funny and we have yet to let him live it down.

* My Dad is OCD when it comes to food. His food can't touch each other on the plate. He hates things stirred, if the meal looks ugly he has a hard time eating it, and he will never use the same fork on more then one item of food. Owen is the same way it makes me crazy!!

* He was ALWAYS the person we would go to if we needed money growing up. My Mom would dig out the change on the bottom of her purse and my Dad would give us $20.00 and ask if we needed more.

* He loves the Lord. He has served many numerous callings in the church and is a great example to me and my family.

* He loves his family and has proven that over the years, there isn't anything he wouldn't do for us. He has sacrificed his own freedom and Happiness for his children

* He gives the best advice, even if it's not what you want to hear, he is honest with you.

* He says I am his Favorite Daughter, it always makes me smile even though I know he says the same thing to my sister's.

* He has been a great Father in Law to my Husband, I am truly grateful for that.

* He loves my Mom so much, I remember growing up my Dad would always say "I hope someday you all find a spouse 1/2 as wonderful as your Mom"

* He is a hard worker, he doesn't take no for an answer, and if he wants something he won't give up until he gets it. I always joke and say "I have the Adams blood in me, so watch out"

* He is a Son, Husband, Father, Father in Law, & Grandpa of 2 Wonderful parents, 1 Lucky Lady, 4 Great Daughters, 1 good looking Son, 4 loving Son in Laws, & 9 Busy Grand kids who adore him. Who could ask for more.

I love you Dad, thanks for everything you have done and continue to do for me and my family. Your selfless acts don't go unnoticed. Thanks for being my Dad and putting up with me durning my not so pleasant years (I know hard to believe). You are loved by many.

My Dad shares his Birthday Day with this cute little guy, my sister Lynsey's little boy and his Grandson Austin.

Happy Birthday Dad and Austin, We love you!!!

Red light Green light

2008-06-07T13:59:00.000-07:00

I have came up with the "New" method of discipline around our home. Owen's Preschool teacher did something similar at school and it really seemed to work. This is how it works. Both the kids have a car with their name on it. They will start each day with their cars on the green light. If I have to ask them more than once to stop doing something, or if they are not obeying their car will move to the yellow light, if they are still being bad their car will move to the red light. They will still be able to redeem themselves throughout the day and get back to the green light however, at the end of each day they will get 2 stickers if they are on the green light, 1 sticker for the yellow and no stickers for the Red. After they fill up the card with stickers they can pick a prize. I prob sound like the meanest mom but I am sick of telling them no a million times a day. I really think it will work for Owen, Ethan on the other had is going to live on the red light,not only because he doesn't understand but because he is the biggest antagonizer, stubborn child I know. He will do something just because you told him not too. I love him dearly but he is giving me gray hair.

So here are the the cars I took them up to Kinko's and got them laminated and I put Velcro on the back so it will stick to the stop light. Here is the stop light. If you noticed Ethan is on the Green light, only because he is taking a nap give a couple of hours that will have changed :)
Wish me luck, We will see if it works!!

Owen's Play group

2008-06-03T14:07:00.000-07:00

Owen informed me the other day that "Staying home everyday is boring" so I decide to start up a play group. It is just 4 little boys in the neighborhood that are Owen's age. We are doing it 2 days a week for 2 hrs. for the summer. We started today and it was at our house. The boys had so much fun. They played outside, made a gift for their Dad's for Fathers day, decorated cupcakes and played in the toy room. They all got along so well. It was fun to have them here.

Here they are on the Teeter Totter. Owen is always asking to have someone over to play on it with him and today he had 3 friends on it. He thought he was in Heaven

(Rhett, Owen, Ryan, Noah)Here they are with their nicely decorated, over sprinkled, over frosted,

M & M cup cakes

(Rhett, Ryan, Noah, Owen)
Ethan had to join in the fun too, by the looks of he face he sure enjoyed it
It was fun to have them here. I am excited we are doing this. Hopefully now Owen won't think I am so Boring!!

Oh to be a kid again

2008-06-03T13:38:00.000-07:00

Its been awhile since I posted anything so here are some random pictures of my boys.

We made cupcakes last night the kids couldn't wait to be able to like the beaters and the bowl clean.Apparently the beater was not enough for Ethan he had to have a spoon too.

The other day Ethan wanted to play t-ball, Stewart set up the Tee, got a ball and bat and Ethan kept swinging at the Ball, it took a few tries but he finally hit it, it didn't go far but he was sure excited.

Our Little Slugger

I think we had spent to much time inside for too long and the boys started acting a little strange.

Here's Owen with his shirt covering his face and Etan with the back of his over his head they thought they were so funny crazy kids.
We brought out the slip n slide last night they had a blast on it. Owen even got me to slide down it, I am not sure my body will ever be the same :)
Ethan wanted nothing to do with it at first, but once he saw how much fun Owen was having he decided to give it a try. He loved it

Life has been hectic lately but it is times like this when you put the troubles and worries aside and really enjoy the important things in life. Nothing brings me more joy then playing with my kids. Its then that you realize everything else doesn't matter. My house may be dirty, and laundry may not be done but I have spent the day laughing and playing with my kids. Stewart has started up school again, he is Shadowing a Fabulous Dr/Friend 1 day a week, volunteering at Banner Gateway hospital 1 day a week, and school 6 days a week. We don't see much of him, but are very proud of him. He is a great Father and Husband!

Our Peach Tree

2008-06-03T13:22:00.000-07:00

We Planted a Peach Tree about 2 years ago, last year we didn't get very many peaches from it before the birds got to them first. This year however this tree had so many peaches on it, We picked 3 bags full and still had some hanging. I am going to made peach jam this week. Yummy!!Ethan was having so much fun picking them he thought they were balls and were throwing them across the yard.
Owen insisted that we had a picnic on the front lawn so we BBQ hamburgers and ate outside. We have been enjoying the beautiful weather if only it could stay this nice a little longer.

Bye Bye Training Wheels

2008-05-27T21:38:00.000-07:00

Owen out grew his little boy bike so we got him a big boy bike about a month ago. Ever since we got it Stewart has been trying to convince Owen to take off the training wheels, after lots of tears and fights between them (but mostly between mom and dad) Stewart finally backed off. Yesterday Owen came running in from outside telling me he was ready to ride on 2 wheels after realizing that it was actually his choice not Dad's,the training wheels came off. He was gone. He did so good.
Here he is cruising down the street like a Pro
Owen hates to wear his helmet he says it makes his head itchy, but now he doesn't have a choice, plus I think he looks so cute in it. Owen has some crazy obsession with Kick Stands or Kick Sticks is what he calls them. He has been begging and pleading for one. We told him he could have one has soon as he rode on two wheels. The instant he rode by himself he was reminding us of the deal. So off the Target we went. He was so excited to have the Kick Stand he had to have kicked it up and down at least 100 times. I didnt realize they were such a hot commodity. Here is with his new bike no training wheels and a kick stand.
I feel like my baby is growing up way to fast before I know it he is going to be asking to borrow the car! HAAAA
He is now trying to convince us that he is ready to ride to Safeway, I am thinking Not!! Some more practice first then we can do the 2.5 miles again. Good work Son I am proud of you.

Finally

2008-05-26T12:10:00.000-07:00

I finally did it and I am so glad I did. I am now offically PRIVATE!!

Fathers and Sons

2008-05-24T15:21:00.000-07:00

This weekend was Fathers & Sons for our ward, due to the weather it got canceled. Owen was already so excited to go so Stewart decided to take him in spite of the weather. They left at 12 on Friday, when Ethan realized he wasn't going I think he about lost him mind. He stood at the back door and cried saying "me go Da Da" it was so sad.
This is Ethan in the Living room looking out the window, he spent the last 2 days there looking for his Dad and Brother. He kept yelling "Da Da, Owa (sort for Owen)

They went with Ray and Noah and Some other men from the ward they had a blast. Stewart said it only sprinkled and that the kids loved playing in all the puddles of water. They took them on hikes, played in mud, ate junk food, made fires and BBQ. What more could a little boy ask for.

Here's Stewart and Owen
Noah and Owen acting silly of course

Owen playing in the puddles of water in his new fancy rain boots

Owen and Noah
My cute little Camper
Apparently Owen was too interested in cooking that he didn't eat his own dinner. Stewart said he woke up at 3 am gaging because he was hungry, a couple of granola bars and he was back asleep. Crazy Kid
This pictures scares me just looking at it. Stewart said he was very daring in wanting to look off the cliffs and rocks.
What great trip for them. I am so glad Stewart is such a great Dad and took him in spite of the rain. They had a good time. I cant believe how much I missed having them around and Ethan was completely lost with out them , My house was clean and quite but I couldn't wait for them to get home. I am glad you had fun but even happier you home safe and sound.

The Big 21!!

2008-05-23T13:22:00.001-07:00

Today is my Brother Jason's Birthday. He turned the big 21!! Jason and I are 9 years apart so most of my memories of him are from childhood. Jason was born into a family of 4 girls. We were all so excited when we were finally going to have a brother. However the poor kid got abused by his 4 older sisters. Jason has very thick curly hair (just like Owen) so when it got longer he looked like a little girl. We would dress him up in our clothes, put our Cabbage Patch Kids pink glasses on him and call him Jessica. This routine happened quite often until he was old enough to understand what we were doing to him. Then the nick name sort legs (cuz he was sooo tall) or JB Dums came into play. When he was young he had a hard time saying his name and we called him JB sort for Jason Blake and Dum was his way of saying Adams. When we were younger my parents had a boat we would go to Lake Powell all the time. It was around the sametime Shania Twain was popular and I remember him sitting at the front of the boat singing "I feel like a Women" he can always make people laugh with joking personality. He was such a great sport and put up with all the torture of his sisters. Growing up Jason was such a protector of his Mom and Sisters, even though he was considerably younger then us he would stand up to any one. I remember my senior year my sister Stacy got married and at her wedding one of the Grooms Men wouldn't leave me alone, Jason walked right up to him and told him to leave me alone or he was going to have to deal with him, let me remind you that he was only like 9 years and this guys was probably about 20. He has always been the one to defend people, wether it be the shy, not so popular kid at school or his family you could always count on him. Jason looks so much like Adam Sandler, my family loves to watch any movie with him in it, sometime his personalities are even the same. Jason always brings a smile to my face he can lite up the room with his contagious smile. He gives the best Bear Hugs, he is about 6'4 and when he wraps his arms around you its like being hugged by a cuddly bear. Jason holds a very special spot in my heart. He is my only Brother and someone that I love dearly. Ever since Owen was a baby he and Jason had a great connection. Owen talks about his Uncle Jason all the time and misses him. We haven't had much contact with Jason over the past year or so, but not a day goes by that I don't think about him.

This is a picture of Owen ,Uncle Jason, and Ashlee on Christmas Eve. Owen was so excited to see himI love this picture of Owen and Jason. This picture was taken like 3 years ago at my Moms house. When ever Owen looks at this picture he says "Uncle Jason is laying on top of the water asleep with me on his belly, how did he do that?" Owen thinks he has some Super Hero Powers or something.

I don't even know if Jason reads this blog but, on the off chance that he does I just want him to know how much I care about him. Where ever you find yourself on this special day I hope you are happy healthy and safe. I hope you know how much we all love and miss you. I have great childhood memories of you but some adult ones would be great too. Hold your head up high, you are a great person have a great day. Lots of Love from your Big Sis!!
Happy Birthday Brother

Owen's Graduation

2008-05-21T15:12:00.000-07:00

Today was Owen's Preschool Graduation. Mrs. K had a great program for all us proud Parents. It was so fun to see all the wonderful things she has taught our kids. She asked all the kids to tell us what they wanted to be and Owen said he wanted to be a Knight in Shining Armor. I wonder what the pay scale for that job is? I am so excited that Owen is going to Kindergarten next year but so sad that he wont have Mrs. K as a teacher anymore. She is great I owe Owen's smartness to her. I sat and cried like a baby through the whole program I wasnt alone I had a great teacher of tears with me thanks Mom, you would have thought we were at a funeral. I just love how much she cares for these kids and how much she enjoys teaching. Owen loves her and will be so sad when he realizes that she really won't be at Kindergarten.

Doesn't he look so dang cute in his Cap and Gown!!

Here he is the proud holder of his Pre-Kindergarten Certificate with Mrs. K. She also did awards for the kids. Last year Owen got the "Smarter than Mrs. K " Award and this year he got the "Rocket Scientist" award. She said he has question for everything. That's my boy!! His prize was a Rocket. Owen is obsessed with rockets he was happy to receive that.

Here he is Mr. Happy himself with Calvin, Kai and Jackson

Two peas in a pod. These two boys just loved being in school together for the past 2 years. Owen keeps asking if Kai will be at kindergarten. They played so great together I am glad he has became such good friends with him and hopefully he will find some else that is just as great next year.

Mrs. K thanks again for another great year. I am sure you will go down in history in Owen's eye's. You are wonderful we will miss you!!

I am really proud of Owen and what he has accomplished over the past 2 years. I know that it is just preschool but I think he did such a great job. I love you buddy, I am proud to be your Mom and blessed you picked me!!

The New Local Hair Dresser

2008-05-20T22:45:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it is about my Laundry room but for some reason people will say and do anything, while getting their hair done. Stewart has always said "If the walls of the Laundry Room could talk there would be a lot of people in trouble" well that was what I did tonight. I feel into the trap of Bekki. I have needed to get into the salon to get my hair colored but can never find the time to do it. Bekki has offered a million times but I kindly decline. Color can be a scary thing and I really don't want Pink hair (no offense Bek it looks great on you but I couldnt pull it off). Well tonight I succumbed to peer pressure once again. Yes,I let Bekki color my hair, or should I say Apply the color to my hair. I mixed the color she put it on my head. Stewart was glad, when I make him color my hair he always complains that the gloves are to tight. She actually did a great job. So I wanted to let everyone know she is taking new Clients :) Here she is putting the color on. The things Bek and I do can sometime be a little scary, but I must say I had full trust and confidence in my new little hair dresser. She did however reach for the scissors that's when she was cut off.

Aren't we cute in our shower caps. Oh the things Women do to look pretty.

We actually had a great time, but what do you expect,

Bek + Mel = FUN

Thanks Bekki!

A Garden?

2008-05-19T17:08:00.000-07:00

(Warning: This post you may think is full of bragging but that is a Mothers right!)

Stewart and I have been very undecided with what we should do with Owen next year for school. He misses the cut off date for Kindergarten by 1 week. He has already had 2 years of Preschool with the BEST teacher out there, we kinda thought 3 years would be over kill. After talking to his teacher and each other we decided to test him to see if he could even go early. I took him on Saturday for the testing and they called me this morning to tell us he got in. They asked him a total of 90 questions. He had to write his alphabet lower and upper case, know the sounds off all the letters, count to 50, write his numbers, write his name first and last, pattern things, color, recognize and draw his shapes and cut things out. He got 89 correct apparently Owen is not the best Diamond drawer which seems a little weird to me that they would even have him draw a diamond but Whatever he is clearly ready for Kindergarten with only missing one and he will not be a Diamond Designer when he grows up. I am so proud of him. He did such a good job, he is such a smart little boy and loves school. He did however inform us that we need to build a garden now, I asked way and he said " MOM I am going to Kinder Garden" I guess that wasn't one of the questions of the test. :) We are excited for him to be able to go to school with his friends from church and he is so excited to be able to ride the bus. Yeah for him, and for me, no more driving to school. :) So you may wonder, where does the brains come from? Well duh me of course. :) (not)

Better late than NEVER!!

2008-05-15T20:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Kathleen. I hope you have had a great BirthdayKathleen is the Funnest person to be around. She always makes me laugh. I am so glad she moved into our ward so now I can see her more than once a year for hair appointment. She has greatest hair, so she doesn't have to come very often but, I always love it when she does come. She is a wonderful Mother and Friend. I love how honest and up front she is.

Bekki and I had a blast acting like teenagers decorating her house last night while she was sitting in the room right in front of us with the lights on, blinds drawn, and the windows OPEN. We were army crawling across the patio laughing our butts off. So next year can you please not be so stubborn when your husband tries to get you out of the office. So who wears the pants in that relationship? :) It actually made it more fun knowing that you could have possibly heard us. I hope you 16th birthday was everything you dreamed of and more.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Hunny

2008-05-13T09:02:00.000-07:00

Owen insisted on having Party Hats and Party Blowers, Don't they look Cute

Today is Stewart's Birthday. I wanted to give him a Birthday Shout out. I know all of you think that you have the most amazing Husband ,but I cant help and wonder how that can be, because I am Married to the MOST wonderful, amazing person.

Not only is he a great Husband but he is the BEST Dad to our two boys. When Stewart is gone durning the day Owen repeatedly tells me how he misses his Dad and Ethan thinks that every time a door is opened that it is Dad and he comes racing through the house screaming "Da Da" and is very sad when all he sees is me. Whats up with that. Stewart will spend endless hours on the trampoline or in the Sandbox with the boys, and if you live anywhere near us you can account to the fact that he LIVES at the park with the boys. Nothing brings me more JOY than seeing such a large man such as my husband getting down to there level and playing like a kid and not caring what anyone else thinks.

* Stewart is kind, loving, and patient with me and the kid's. He never raises his voice with us and that I know has got to be difficult at times.

* He is a great example of a hard worker

*He loves the Lord

* He thinks Taco Bell is Mexican food an loves it :(

*He's funny, he's the biggest jokester he makes me laugh all the time

*He is so giving, he will but everyone Else's needs in front of his own, he would do anything for anyone

*Hes Forgiving, no matter what I do he doesn't hold a grudge and is always the first to say Sorry. (the Lord knew I would need that in a Husband)

*He hates Chocolate and Cheese (wierd I know)

*He is my Best Friend

But the biggest reason why I love him so much is because he puts up with ME!! I feel blessed to have him for Eternity. I am proud of him and his accomplishments he has made in his life. I couldn't have asked for anything more in a Husband. Stewart I love you and look forward to spending the rest of my life with you. Thank you for everything you so for me and the kids.

Happy Birthday

Happy Mother's Day Mom

2008-05-11T13:11:00.000-07:00

I love Mother's Day not because I am a Mother myself but because it is the one day that you can say all the wonderful things about your Mom and not look weird for doing it.
My mom is such a wonderful person. I have learned so much from her. Here are some fun and factual things about My Mommy:

* She always puts everyone Else's needs in front of her own

* She is a good listener

* She is a perfectionist, I remember as a kid going shopping with her and if we wanted to buy something with stripes she had to make sure the stripes were lined up perfectly from front to back.

* She is a great cook

* She is Awesome with the sewing machine. When I was pregnant with Ethan 2 of my sisters were pregnant too, and every time I talked to my mom she was sewing something for the new babies. She made blankets, bibs, burp cloths, etc.

* She loves to spoil the grand kids, theres a gift for every occasion, and there are gifts for no occasion

*She loves the Gospel and is a great example of it

*She cried when Brooke White got kicked off of American Idol :)

*Shes the only person I can text at midnight and get a response within minutes

* She loves her Kids and would do ANYTHING for them

*She had her parents and two brothers living with her and my Dad, all at the same time and never complained. So if your looking for a place to live there new motto is Mi Casa es Su Casa""

*She is responsible for this:

*She gives SONIC workers Christmas presents

*She's Forgiving

*Every morning she makes 2 drinks when she gets up, 1 water and 1 Diet Coke. If there was a shortage of Diet Coke we would have a SERIOUS problem

*She loves Black licorice

*She is kind, loving, compassionate, giving the list could go on and on but I think you get my point. I love my Mom and am so grateful she is in my life.

Thanks for being so good to me and my family. We all love you very much. Your selfless acts don't go unnoticed.

Happy Mother's Day Mom

2008-05-10T21:53:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Mother's Day at my Parent's house tonight. With every one's Sunday schedules it just seemed easier. We had a great time. I thought it would be a cute picture to get all the women of the family and their kids. With a Mom, 4 sisters, an Aunt, 9 grand kids and a cousin I think it turned out pretty good. We gave the kids Ice Cream Cones and they were all eating them in a line in the backyard. No one told them to go sit there but all 10 of them found a spot right next to the rocks for an easy easy throw into the pool. Sorry Dad, someday the kids will be old enough to know that the rocks don't belong in the pool, but for now I call it bad pool design on your part:)

Alyssa and Ethan filling up their cup with rocks for a nice splash in the pool Mark, Owen, and Ashlee enjoying there coneMy Uncle Doug just moved down here form Utah. He is a Salesman for a Harley Dealership in Chandler. Owen loves his bike. He thinks it is one cool, blue bike. He finally got the guts to ask if he could sit on it. He thought he was so cool. After we got in the car he said "Mom, next time I want to see that Uncle Doug can drive it" So Doug get geared up!

After Owen got off Ethan kept saying "Me, Me" so he got a turn too.
Grandpa and Ethan Once again an eventful night at the Adams household. Thanks Mom and Dad we had a great time. Owen and Ethan always enjoy there time and Grandma and Grandpas house in fact as we pulled into the drive tonight Owen asked what time we were going back tomorrow. Sorry son they live to far away or as Grandpa would say "We live to far away".