Let the Games Begin

I have loved every stage of my childrens lives. As they have gotten older, it has been so much fun. They are all pretty independant, yet they still need their Mama and Daddy for their hugs, kisses, and tuck ins. But the ages that they are at right now is a blast. I have had to let a little of my "control" go and become a little more "fluid".
One of the things that my kids LOVE to do is play "Night Games". Yes their Dad introduced this to them several years ago at a family reunion and they play any chance that they get. They have even played a few times in the winter. Crazy kids! Well you know it is only the second day of summer for us, and one weekend has not passed without playing "Warden" and "Commando". Last night our backyard was graced with 10 kids-Mason the Youngest playing in the dark. We have the perfect back yard for it. It's big, has a ton of places to hide and its high fenced. Whala-I dont have to worry about where they are. Anyways, I am glad that they can go out and have a great time. I am sure there will be many a more nights this summer filled with kids and flashlights.
In the photo: Sophie, Kaitlyn, Rachel, Joan, Trevor, Nathan, Mace and Mikayla. Megan and Christian are hiding.

The Last Days of School

The last week of school seems like such a waste to us as parents. Kids are going here and there, and everywhere. There is field day, games against the teachers, graduations, yada yada yada. Everyone is antsy and wants to just be out of school!
So although this post is long-it pretty much covers my week. So much for having any time to myself before the summer vacation-But Hey, "Schools Out for Summer!"

On Wednesday Mikayla Graduated from Elementary School. She was glad to say "Good Bye" to 6th Grade. Although, she was nominated by the entire 6th grade as-

"The Cutest Girl" and her friend Eric Ascione was voted "The Cutest Boy".

She was also voted by the 6th grade class to have the "Prettiest Hair", and her friend Nathan (also one of her best friends and Science partner) was voted the "Coolest Hair". --I personally think that they are right. But I am her mother.


Here is Mikayla with some of her "goofy" friends- Joan, Sophie and Rachel.

Next we were graced in the Girl Scout End of Year party-where our Meggie was honored. She had a great time this past year learning how to cook, grow plants, learn about the eco system and selling Girl Scout Cookies.

Here she is playing at the Park.
Today is the last day of school, I am hopeful in keeping everyone busy and having fun. I always look forward to summer with my kids, as they are SO busy during the school year. This summer will NOT be cut short! I am healthy!

Mikayla and Miss Robinson

Megan and Miss Klauzar--She was the BEST teacher for our Megs.

Mason and Mrs.Tenney
Teachers at Noah Webster, you did a fabulous job this year! Thanks so very much!


Mace and his buddies.

Memorial Day Weekend Continues

Our original plans, were to go home to Rexburg for the annual "Scoresby Open" (all the guys and Barb go golfing with their Dad) Weekend. We battled back and forth whether to go or not, as Mikayla had to dance both Friday and Saturday. Plus we have a lot of upcoming expenses coming our way with Dance Nationals. We sadly decided to stay here at home and have our own "Scoresby Open" weekend. BUT-it hasn't turned out to be a sad time, we have had a riot with our kids and friends. Infact both Steve and I have commented on how nice it has been to be at home. There was no golfing this weekend but so far we have had:
7 games of "Killer Bunnies"

This has become our new addiction! It is crazy fun! There are 11 expansion packs that go with this game. We are on the 2nd expansion to date. LOVE IT!

One game of "Pirates Cove"-- another Days of Wonder Fave--we are big fans of Days of Wonder Games. James Ellis won!


One game of "Small World", our newest Days of Wonder Game-I think this game is going to be fun, as soon as we learn all of the ins and outs to it.



Here is Mikayla relishing in her victory as the first winner of the fam to play "Small World".

We also had the first barbeque of the season-with Master Chef Stevie Wonder Buns!

Of course we did several geo-caches, and I have several more for the kids to do today after we go to the cemetary.
SO FAR---GREAT WEEKEND!

The Season has begun!

Today we started our new season of Geo-caching. This will be our third year, and we still love it! I had plans to take all three kids today-BUT Meg and Mace spent their afternoons in their rooms. Mikayla and I had a blast. She found the first cache of the season. We actually found 3 of the 4 caches. We saw a snake and finished with a shake. It was awesome. I cant believe how many new caches there are in Orem. So we have our summer cut out for us.

Here is La uncovering her find....shh we dont want the muggles to see us.

This was actually our favorite cache of the day. Mikayla loves riddles and plays on words. The title of this cache was- "Pie and ear, his story.....? The clue she had to uncover was-"ever played Oregon Trail". We ended up at this site in front of an old wagon. The cache was squirt guns! Very fitting!
I will post our finds of the summer in my side bar, and rate them how we like them, so if any of our geo caching friends want to find some good ones, these ones have been tried and tested.

A weekend of Dancing--

Such is our lives as we spend many hours watching the girls perform. We did get a special treat though. My cute little niece Kalin was dancing in Ogden this past weekend and so the kids and I drove down to watch her solo. She is so darling and did a fabulous job. We also got to spend some time with my little brother and his wife. It was a great evening for my family, as we dont get to see them very often. MaKynlee is a littls spit fire, full of energy cuteness and love. Oh I just miss them!

Kalin

Makynlee-finall got a pose out of her!

Silly Kids!

Yeah! Its a great DAY!

I just got a call from my Cancer Doc- with my 6 month test results. I am Cancer FREE! I made my first two humps! Yeah! What a great way to start the weekend! I am on the tables doin the "Happy Dance"!

I guess with good news like that, I can handle the hot flashes and insomnia.
GO PINK!

Happy Birthday Steve!

This post is for you Stephen! Happy Birthday I love you!

I have known Steve for 27 Years! We met in High School- I was 15 and he was 17. I fell in love with a Senior! We dated until he went on his mission in 1984-1986 to Korea. He left me behind my Senior year. To wait.....yeah right! I admit now that I dated more than I waited. Maybe a little too much, but in the long run-we made it.
I have celebrated 27 birthdays with him. Holy Cow! We have had a great life together. Lots of ups, and lots of downs. Lots of defeats, and lots of victories. Lots of sadness, but lots of joys. Lots of tears, yet lots of laughter. I think that is called growth. We have literally grown up together in this life. I cant think of anyone I would rather grow up with.
Steve has a GREAT family! I love them all, and I am blessed to be a part of such a great family.

Steve likes to do alot of things. He loves to golf-especially his his Dad and Brothers.
He has blue in his veins-

He loves to be an "Entrepenuer"-much to his families dismay. He is really into "Internet Marketing" right now on the side.
He loves his job with AFLAC- but hates his boss. (Can he leave already!) He has been with Aflac for almost 8 years!

He has an amazing library- chuck full of Positive books.(try moving all of those boxes!)
He loves candy and has a huge sweet tooth!
He is the best daddy in the whole world to these little munchkins-

And the best husband and friend to me!

Happy 44th Birthday Stevie Wonder Buns! We love you!

44 Reasons I love You! (and in no particular order)
1.I love your laugh!
2. I love that you are gentle in your discipline.
3. I love that you play with our kids.
4. I love your cute butt and thighs! (TMI)
5. You make me laugh (all the time)
6. You have strong values and convictions.
7. You love the gospel and live it.
8. You are a hard worker!
9. You have a determination to succeed.
10. I love that you always pose for your photos.
11. You are the best nurse to the kids when they vomit (as I am a vomit phobic)
12. I love that we have volumes and millions of memories together.
13. I love that you temper my wrath.
14. I love that you try really hard to scare me. Haha-I think I am ahead now!
15. I love that you worry about me and my safety.
16. I love that we started our journey in life together.
17. I love your attempts at romance.
18. I love that you collect games and that we can share time together with family and friends.
19. I love that you love to travel. (with me!)
20. I love your forgiving heart.
21. I love that you "try" to be frugal. (You weekly DI shopper!)
22. I love that you know your scriptures and the gospel well.
23. I love that you have a testimony.
24. I love your back rubs (do it more often please)
25. I love that you surprise me often by cleaning the house.
26. I love that you support me and my job (hobby or whatever it is)
27. I love your sensitivity to our children and to me.
28. I love that you are fair.
29. I love that you are not afraid to cry.
30. I love that you are a movies buff.
31. I love to watch you watch our kids perform, and that I get to catch a few tears from you as you watch with a proud heart.
32. I love that you have a sweet tooth like me.
33. I love your teasing nature. (We all do except your sister Barb.)
34. I love that you hire out projects instead of making a disaster. ie. cars, lawn.
35. I love that you are very loyal to your family and friends.
36. I love that you set goals and have a vision.
37. I love that you try to hide from me and make me find you. You are silly at 44!
38. I love that your attitude is "Try or can" but not Cant.
39. I love you because you are fun and always looking for adventure.
40. I love that you are home grown..Nothing changes.
41. I love that you take time for me.
42. I love that you support our family temporally, emotionally and spiritually.
43. I love you because you are perfect for me.
44. I love you because you are what a father and husband should be.

What makes a mom?

When I was a child, all I ever wanted to be was a mom. I have always loved kids, and I have always loved to play hard.I grew up and got marriend to my Prince charming. Life was bliss until children did not come into the picture for us year after year. I was sad. My Heart hurt. Mothers Day was the worst! All of these great moms were celebrated. All but me. Of course I got the courtesy flower at church. Pretty soon Mothers Day became "Black Sunday" for me. I hated it, I cried. Of course we did our best to celebrate our own moms, but it was just a hard day for me.
Ten years after we were married. We got this cute little Angel Mikayla-

She came just days befor Mothers Day. What a gift she was. But I still found myself being sad. I had so many friends and people I knew that wanted to be moms too. So my heart still ached, dont get me wrong, I loved being a Mom, I was just sad for all of the others who longed and mourned.
Soon another little angel came-
Little Meggie... She too was a bright spot in my world. Her giggle is enough to make anyone happy. But those darn "Mothers Days" were still so hard for me. There are so many women that teach, nurture, love and support our children.
After a little stint- comes my large and in charge Boy Mace,

I mean really he is the sweetest boy EVER! We just love him, and he wears us out every single day, and he definately keeps us young!
Life does not get much better in my world! I love being a Mom, I love being my childrens Mom! I am grateful for every day that I get to spend with them. I wont lie, I still have a hard day on Mothers Day. In my opinion, it should be "Womens Day"-then we can celebrate all women.
I love all of the wonderful women in my life, and in my husbands life, and especially in my childrens life. Here's a little tribute to you sweet ladies that make such a difference for us-

Helen-who loves all of our children so very much!

Andrea- who helped to complete our family.

Traci- the angel that healed my heart.

My Mama-who still takes care of me at 42. I love my Mom! She is the best Mom and Grandma to my kids.

My other mama-who gave me such a great husband. Steves mom is one of my dearest friends and confidants. We are all lucky to call her Mom and Grandma.

For me now, I have come to terms with it-It's a National Holiday so-I will deal, but I make certain that my friends and people I know that are not Mothers know how much they mean to me on this day.

My Mothers Day was great today. It started with a breakfast in bed from Daddy and Mason-
It was a fabulous day, I loved all the wonderful gifts and loves I got from each of my kids. It ended spending it with Steve's family-so I got to spend the afternoon and evening with my great sister-in-laws. All in all, I am truly a blessed woman!

Birthday Bash- Part deaux

Last night we had Mikayla's birthday party with all of her friends. It was lots of fun and really really noisy! I mean when you have 12 tweens screaming and giggling all night--what a joyous sound.
Kayla decided on different this year. Instead of going to movies, swimming, skating yada yada yada- she decided to do what she loves that she doesnt get a lot of time to do because she is SO BUSY!
So- girls arrive at 6:00 pm -Daddy's busily making her favorite homemade pizza. (By the Way-it is the bomb pizza! Our whole fams fave!)

Way to go Steve! You rocked in the pizza making department.

The girls made a "Friends" scrapbook page. Mommy planned the layout. I used the darling set "tickeled Pink" It was very very cute. The girls had a blast scrapbooking and getting glitter all over themselves.

Beading friendship bracelets rocked too...


Mikayla didnt feel she needed a cake (since she got one on Tuesday) but she loves my chocolate sauce and so banana boats was her choice of dessert. It was fun, and the girls loaded up on the sugar. Alesha (dance friend) was laughing so loud ice cream came out her nose!)

Gifts were fun too--she was spoiled by all of her friends.


Then the remainder of the evening (thank heavens for great weather-for once!) they played night games in the back yard until 10:30. I think that they all had a blast. I am bummed that I didnt get a group photo-but hey, it was a Happy Birthday to our 12 year old little bundle of fun and giggles Mikayla!

Destinee

Nicole

Abby

Isabel, Alesha, and Kelsey

Jillian

And Emilee

WARNING!!!!!

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU HAVE BEEN UP SINCE 2:30 AM--I just keep on posting and posting and posting.....Keep on scrolling down!

Happy Birthday Mikayla!

Our baby is 12!

I am still having a hard time believing that she has been a part of our lives for 12 years. Where does the time go? We have truly been blessed to have Mikayla as our daughter. She is an amazing child! She makes us smile every time we see her, or think about her.
Some FAQ's about Mikayla-
*She loves chocolate!
*She loves to dance! (Duh)
*She is a straight A student.
*She loves music
*She plays the piano
*She is NOT a cook yet (she almost burned the house down in a small pan on Saturday!)
*She loves to babysit
*She loves to read
*She loves her pink blankie
*She loves green, blue and yellow
*She loves steak and corn on the cob
*She loves her daddy
*She loves to travel
*She is excited to be in Young Womens
*She is a great sister, daughter, and friend.
We love you sister!


I picked her up and took her to lunch. We had a great time. I surprised her with a visit from her biological mom. The three of us had lunch together. She was so excited.

After dance-we had a family shin dig. She loved all of her gifts. We also invited Traci and her family to join us. The kids had a great time, as did we. I dont think Mikayla ever thought that she would get to spend her birthday with both her moms. It was very special for all of us. I got a little teary several times throughout the day. Our family has been very very blessed by our birthmothers. We love them so much!

Make a wish!

Kayla and her brothers Dayton, Mason, and Jack

Steve, Mikayla, Traci and I
(I am bummed at these photos-I had my camera on the wrong setting!) grrrr
It was a fun day! We love you Mikayla
*More partying soon, as her big bash will be on Friday and on Sunday with the extended fam.