Loved By Three Boys

Happy Halloween!!!!!

2007-11-05T12:15:00.000-07:00

I know I'm a few days late on this but Happy Halloween!!!! We started the night out by going to Doug and Sue's (Dan's parents) and decorating cookies, cupcakes, and eating chili. We then met up with Mike and Angy (Dan's sister) and kids, all of the kids had so much fun trick or treating with their cousins! We ended up with so much candy!!! Mike took us to this guys house who gives out about 10 items to each kid, things like fun dip (my fav), cracker jacks, huge licorice sticks, large candy bars, the things that you would find at a convenient store. It was a 10 minute wait to get to his front door, someone in line said he spends about $7,000 on candy every year!!!! When he was done passing it out to the group he would say "Willy Wonka loves you kids" he was almost as giddy as the kids were! All of the kids took their candy back to Doug and Sue's and sorted out what they liked and did not like. Everyone had tummy aches by the end of the night, that was when we got our clue it was time to go home! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!

A friendly neighbor!

Bryan and Cole sorting Candy

Cody and Logan trying to decide what to eat next!

Left to right, top to bottom- Bryan, Robyn, Rachel, Cody, Cole, Brandon, Logan

Pumpkin Patch

2007-11-02T10:31:00.001-06:00

Cole and Robyn
Cody and his favorite cousin Brandon
Everyone with all their pumpkinsLook how far we have to walk!!!!!
Walking to the restaurantEating our dinner after our long walk!!

Every year since Dan was a kid the Clarks have had the same tradition. The Dad's drop the kids and Mom's off at the pumpkin patch and drive down the block to Su Casa (great mex food) and then walk back to the pumpkin patch. The rule is that you can chose any pumpkin you want, you just have to be able to carry it to the restaurant! It was really fun and the kids thought the adults were crazy!

Must be doing something right!

2007-10-29T19:00:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was Stake Conference, for those of you who don't know that's when all of the wards in your area come together for church. This happens I believe once per year. Being in Utah I guess we do it even bigger, we had 74 stakes at this conference! These 74 Stakes were just from Ogden, Logan and surrounding areas! We were at the Dee Event Center (Weber University) here in Ogden. Of course we could not all fit so the church broadcast the conference to all of the stake centers in the area. We were honored to hear from President Henry B. Eyring, the 2nd counselor in the first presidency, the second counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency (her name slips my mind) and Elder Dallen H. Oaks.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks told a story that reminded me of Cody. It was about the faith and fervent prayer of a young child. A while back, first week of school, Cody was still getting used to where everything was at his new school. This included the bathroom. He got lost on his way to the bathroom and by the time he got there he had wet pants. He was to embarrassed to come out so he sat in the bathroom for what he says was a long time. He decided to pray, he knelt down on his knees and prayed that Heavenly Father would send his mommy to find him. When he was done praying a teacher walked in to the bathroom (the teachers have a separate bathroom from the kids so there was no other reason for her to walk into a boys bathroom) and found him. I told him that because I was somewhere I could not get to him Heavenly Father sent someone else to help him. I am so thankful that Heavenly Father took time out of a very busy schedule to answer the prayer of a 6 year old little boy. After Cody told me this story I turned to Dan and said "Well, we must be doing something right!!"

Break the rules day at school!

2007-10-24T09:57:00.001-06:00

Today was break the rules day at school. It is a fundraiser the school does twice every year. They send home a list of 6 rules that the kids can beak, they have to pay $1 for each one or $5 for all 6. Of course the kids jumped right on this. They changed their hair color, are chewing gum, sitting at the teachers desk, staying in at recess, and Cody wanted to wear P.J.'s! Nobody wanted to wear a hat, understandably it would mess up their hair! How FUN!!

Snowy day

2007-10-24T09:30:00.001-06:00

We had snow on Saturday- it was freezing! The great thing about Utah is that there are hundreds of indoor activities for kids. One of those things is the Tree House. This building is amazing! It is huge. In the center of this place is a very life like tree. On the ground floor there is a theater, mini play houses from different parts of the world, and right now a Japanesse exhibit. You can then go up the stairs that go up the middle of the huge tree. There are to many things to count on the second floor! One of the kids favorite things- you get to make and take home a craft every time you go! Bryan was asked to participate in the play! The story teller tells the story and the "actors" act it out! It was so funny and Bryan, as embarassed as he was, did great! (he's the knight) Dan loves helping the kids make things! At every station they had a fairy tale and craft to go along with the different cultutre you were learning about, the fairy tales were usually one's you were not familiar with.I was helping the kids with a craft and then they all disapeared, I ended up finishing them by myself! Snots!

Bryan

Cole

Cody

This was a kid size replica of the oval office. So do you think they would let all three run the country?

The boys loved making the pumpkin necklaces!

Cole and Cody had fun going fishing as we read the fairy tale about the ocean!

After we were done at the tree house we went and got the kids all of the snow gear they will need for the year. When we got home they couldn't wait, they went straight outside and had a snow ball fight! Sorry I didn't get any picks, I'll work on it next snow fall!

Update!!!

2007-10-18T13:06:00.000-06:00

Well a lot has happened since the last time I blogged! It has been a very busy few weeks. So here is the update.

Bryan has played a season of flag football and LOVED it. He played quarter back and I think he's found a sport he likes and is really good at! He is now trying to talk me into "real" football next year, I told him he has a year of talking to do! He will start basket ball in January, he's really looking forward to it! He's doing great in school, I think a bit of maturity has set in. He's pulling straight A's and his classroom behavior is perfect, a big relief compared to last year!

Cole's big news is his baptism! He had his grandparents from Ca and aunt's and cousins come out for it, we all had a great time. He thinks he is the man now, not only did he get baptised, he also gets to go to scouts! He's been having fun with that. He has also been taking piano lessons from Angy's studio, we are told he is a natural with music! He's doing really well in school except for the spelling which I am afraid he got from me! He's considering basketball, Cole just does not love the whole competition thing!

Cole's baptism

Everyone who attended

This is how we kept Cody behaving at the baptism!!

Cody is growing right before my eyes! He is eating me out of house and home- I think he will be the biggest kid of them all! When his family from Ca came to visit we went bowling for his 6th b-day, yes I said 6th! He thought that was the best thing ever, he felt awfully spoiled that day. He is loving his all boy tumbling class at Angy's studio, his favorite part is that is favorite cousin Brandon is in it with him! His teacher says he is the best behaved kid in his class and she cannot believe that in first grade he is already reading chapter books! Cody has decided to start basketball in January he thinks he's really good, so he tells me every time I turn around!

Cody's birthday bowling party

Logan and Robyn would much rather play with the video games
All of the kids on Dan's side of the family

Dan and I are doing well. It has been so nice to have him home!!! Dan LOVES working with his dad and brother. He will start Real Estate School soon. My business is doing really well up here in Utah. I'm working a lot and really enjoying it. We just got back from a family vacation to Lake Powell. We had so much fun! We hiked to some Indian Ruins, took drives in the boat, and of course skied, wake boarded, and tubed. All of the kids got up on skis and Cody, the little dare devil, almost made it out of the wake! The weather got pretty bad so we packed up and went to Goblin Valley. I have never seen anything like it! Do you remember making drip castles at the beach as kids? Well it looked like those only as big as houses! We hiked all over them and the kids had a ball! We stayed overnight and delt with FREEZING cold wind all night. We came home to two inches of snow on the ground! It's been between 39 and 75 degrees since we got home! Weird weather. Our new joint calling at church is the nursery leader! Of course I'm excited, Dan is getting the hang of it!

Bryan, Cole, Cody, and our nephew Brandon- all the boys
I have no idea who's on the tubes, the whole lake has cliffs like this, beautiful huh?!
The kids call Uncle Jeff Superman because he can fly!

Dan, Jeff, and Mike arguing who's going first

Dan lost!

A cliff more Bryan's size

Trying to talk Cody into going

He finally decided to jump

Waiting out the storm in the boat

hiking to the Indian ruins

at the Indian house

jumping from a dirt cliff on the way back from the Indian ruins
look closely, you will see a scorpion- we found him under our tent at goblin valley!
Goblin Valley
All of the kids Dan and Doug

Business Rally in California

2007-09-18T16:28:00.000-06:00

The President of lia sophia, Tory Kiam!!!!My man on the stage! He's so hot!

Me and my girls (Micheal jumped in the middle)

Me and Dan :)

Dan and Micheal as the lolly pop kids!!! We laughed so hard our sides hurt!

I went out to California this past weekend and attended Lisa's business Rally! It was so powerful! Lisa asked Dan and I to do some training, we were so honored to be a part of this amazing day! (Dan forgot to get a picture of me doing it!). After the rally a few of us stayed and visited. Micheal (who is Lisa's 16 yr. old son and has a show on the Disney channel- we are so proud of him!) and Dan decided to suck the helium out of the balloons and sing songs and act silly, everyone was so entertained! We have plenty of blackmail photos of Micheal for the future!! Who are you taking to Paris with you now Micheal!!!??? Dan also came home with me after the weekend and is home now for good! I finally feel like I can breath. I am not so overwhelmed any more, it's a good thing to be married.

Labor Day

2007-09-03T19:51:00.000-06:00

from the guy standing in the white shirt clockwise- Dan's cousin Jeremiah and wife, Dan's cousin Ben and wife, Dan's mom Susan, Dan's youngest sister Melissa, Our niece Rachel, Bryan, Cole, Cody, Our nephew Brandon, Our brother-in-law Mike.

the kids begging for candy

picking up every last piece!
Bry and Grandpa

poor horse!

I was told that when Dan was a little boy this is the job he wanted to have, picking up the manure! Such high hope's!!!
Only in Utah, need I say more!

The Indians burnt down the house!
Jumping off of the wall onto the tramp at Great Aunt Lisa's
The kids put ice on the tramp to cool off!

The kids and I went with up to Wellsville (Logan) for Labor Day. Dan's Ancestor- Peter Maughan- settled Logan. So going to Labor Day is a HUGE deal for the Maughan family (Susan's side). We had a blast at the parade catching candy from all of the floats. Only in farm country Wellsville do you have a tractor in the parade!! After the parade there was a cowboys and Indian fight and the Indians burn down a cardboard house, the kids thought it was really neat. We walked through a craft fair before heading over to Susan's sister, Lisa's house for lunch. On the way there I was telling the kids that we were going to Daddy's aunts house. Bry looks at me and says "how many aunt's does dad have?!" We had a good laugh over that, it was pretty cute! The kids had fun playing with Dan's cousins kids and I had a good time visiting with Grandparents and Aunt's and Uncle's I haven't seen in quite some time! After the kids were all worn out we headed back home.

School Time!!

2007-08-23T12:31:00.000-06:00

The Grandview Grizzlies!All ready for school

looking less than thrilled!

The boys started school this week :( They are loving it! I am so sad. I cannot believe Bry is in 4th grade, Cole is in 2nd and Cody started 1st grade this year. Where does the time go? I am missing them terribly!!! They go to school at 9:00 at don't come home until 3:50! Then we spend time on homework and dinner, before you know it, it's bedtime. I was not ready for school to start, another month or two of summer would have been nice. I am really looking forward to the first school holiday!

The kids are enjoying school however. They have made friends really fast and like their teachers. The big thing at school for them right now is that they have a great playground.

Salt Lake

2007-08-17T19:23:00.001-06:00

Bryan and Cody putting the stained glass "window" together

Cody got in a little bit of trouble

Boys in front of Moroni at the church history museum

The visitor center

Temple square, isn't it beautiful!

We were all pretty sad after we dropped Dan off at the airport on Saturday. To cheer everyone up I thought it would be fun to spend the day in Salt Lake. I drove the boys around down town and was able to show them my college, where I lived, met Dan and where I worked through college, they thought it was all "sweet" as Cody said. We then went to the church history museum. The kids had a great time learning about the pioneers and past prophets. There is a room set up for just the kids, they were able to play and touch things, they had a blast. Next we went to Temple square and the Visitor center there. We saw The Testaments. WOW. The kids sat through the whole thing and came out with a better understanding of the Lords sacrifice for us, it was a very spiritual experience.

After spending about 5 hours down town we headed back home. The kids keep asking when we are going to go again!

Going to the Lake!!

2007-08-11T14:51:00.000-06:00

Dan and Jeff watching over our little water skiers!

Cody's first time up, Look at him go!Cody thought his wipe out was "totally sweet!"
Bryan's first time up on ski's, what a big man!

Logan after his wipe out on the ski!Logan's happy he has his Aunt Missy

Cody and Grandma having fun

Brave little man Cody by himself!

I cannot tell you how sore I was after spending time with Missy on the tube!

Taking a break and playing a friendly game of catch between the boat and the tube.

We all got dunked!

The kids loved the lake this year. Bryan and Cody both got up on the kids water ski!! When Cody fell he said "that was totally sweet!", cutest thing ever! Cole and Cody both went on the water tube with grandma, they loved it, Cody even went on the tube alone! I went on the tube with Missy and have never been so sore in my life! Doug drove crazy with the two of us on it and I am awfully proud of myself for how long I could hold on! Dan had fun water skiing and wake boarding, he did really good until he pulled his thigh muscles! It was a fun afternoon and we all slept great that night!

Grandpa and Grandma from Utah Visit!!!

2007-05-02T10:14:00.000-06:00

Dan and Doug out in the water

Bry catching his first wave!

Sand mountain

Dan's parents came out to visit us last week. We had a lot of fun talking Dad into getting into the FREEZING cold ocean, we just kept promising him he would go numb and be able to enjoy playing without freezing to death!! Dan and him ended up outlasting me in the water, which is hard to do! Bryan was also able to try out that boogie board we got him for his b-day, I have to say he was pretty good he even caught waves by himself! We stopped by sand mountain and all of the boys made it to the top. They tryed to slide down but the skim board didn't work, so they half ran and half rolled down instead. Doug and Sue just happened to be here just after Bry's b-day so they thought they would buy his present out here. We got to talking about how much the kids all like basketball and so naturally being the good grandparents they are Doug and Sue decided to buy the whole family a group b-day present- a really nice basketball backboard! We've all played almost everyday since they've left! Thanks guys that was perfect! We had a really nice visit, thanks for coming out and spending time with our family!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

2007-04-22T10:37:00.000-06:00

Well, Bry turned 9 this past week and had a blast, I am amazed at what a smart, handsome, big guy he's becoming! I still cannot believe I have a 9 yr. old! He got a basketball, a kid metal detector, and a boggie board! We spend so much time at the beach the metal detector and boggie board will be used alot! He also was able to choose where we went for dinner and he chose his favorite, sushi. I thank the Lord everyday for sending Bryan into our lives and alowing him to survive those first few weeks, I have learned so much from his special spirit. I LOVE YOU Bry!

Easter time!

2007-04-09T15:48:00.000-06:00

Easter egg dyeing, what a mess, but a whole lot of fun!!!!

Easter morning hiding and finding eggs 100 times!!!

Cole loves his great Great Grandpa!!!!

SPRING BREAK!!!!

2007-04-09T15:06:00.000-06:00

I know it's been a while since I've updated the blog, we've been so busy with the kids and all of their various activities!

We did however find a few free days in all of our schedules to do some beach camping, we had so much fun! Our campsite was right on the sand, the water was literally a few feet away! The weather happened to be the worst it had been all week on the few days we were there, but everyone still ended up in the water and in suits on the beach!

The boys playing "swords" at our campsite.

Digging holes is hard work!

Dad got in on the fun

The hole turned into a fort.

"Don't worry Mom, we'll get the pirates!"

Time to eat dinner!!

It's getting COLD time to start the fireThere was a whole family of Dolphins that went up and down the coast the whole time we were there!

Cody's first Opening Day!!!

2007-03-13T17:28:00.000-06:00

Cody running out onto the field after his name was called by his coach

Waiting for the rest of the team at home plate

The whole team, How CUTE!!!! Cody is #2

Cody and his favorite friend, Jamison- we are so lucky they ended up on the same team!

There goes Cody on the giant slide

Bryan and Cole swinging in on the fun!

Cody (on the far right with no hat) and friends playing on the tire swing
We had Cody's Opening Day for T-ball on Saturday, they had Jolly Jumpers set up, good BBQ and a whole lot of fun!!!! Cody has waited for so long to be able to do sports like his brother's this was a big day for him!!!

It was over 90 outside so we set up the water slide and cooled off when we got home!

I love being a Aunt!

2007-03-09T14:55:00.000-07:00

Fondue for snack!!

Robyn LOVED the fondueEveryone loved the park

We sure tired Dan out, Robyn took advantage of it!

They all played so well togeather!

A few weeks ago Dan's sister's kids came out to visit, they were here for a week. We had so much fun! We spent endless hours at the park! We even went to a movie and made it through all of it!This week happened to be the weekend that Dan goes out to the desert with all of the men in my sister's husbands family, so I was alone all day Friday and Saturday with six kids. It really was fine, the kids all behaved really well and my older ones were a huge help with the younger ones. I took all of the kids downtown for ice cream on Saturday afternoon, you should've seen the looks I was getting! Older people would walk by and smile, they thought it was sweet to have so many kids. The younger people- people in their late 20's- would walk by and do double takes, their eyes would get really big! I wish we would have had a hidden video camera, it was hilarious! The kids and Dan and I had a lot of fun, the kids with their cousins and Dan and I with our nieces and nephew! I do have to admit, I sure am glad I stopped at three!!!!

Wax Museum!!

2007-03-09T14:21:00.000-07:00

Cole as Dr. Seuss

Two of Cole's best freinds: Landon as Elvis
and Tanner as Neil Armstrong

Today Cole was part of a "Wax Museum" at school. Everyone in his class had to write a 1 1/2 page research paper on their favorite famous hero. Cole chose Dr. Seuss. They then memorized the paper, dressed up like the character and stood in the wax museum. When you touched the red button on their hand, they came to "life" and told you their memorized research paper! He did such a good job, I am so proud! All of these little first graders were soooo cute!!

Cole also lost his first tooth last night, I was at a show so Dan told him he had to wait to put the tooth under his pillow so I could see it (the tooth fairy needed extra time to run to the store!). Cole just thinks he is on top of the world right now!!!!

What would we do?

2007-03-01T09:25:00.000-07:00

What would we do without the gospel? On Tuesday morning a family in our ward buried their 18yr. old son. Weston had just received his temple recommend and was planning on attending the temple and going on a mission. He was clean and pure and ready to go. I am so impressed by his family. They are relying on each other and the gospel, what would we do without it? The ward family is at peace, we all know where this fun loving Weston is at. He has changed many lives, this was so sudden, he was still in high school! I could not believe how many youth were at the funeral, we had to set up chairs in the foyer and stage, Weston was a missionary at his own funeral! Things like this just remind you how important our mission on this earth is. I am so thankful I was born into a family who had the gospel already in their lives. I am grateful all of my siblings are active, strong members. I am thankful Dan and I are sealed for time and all eternity. I am grateful our sweet children have the gospel and will be with us in the life after this. I am grateful I have a Heavenly Father that loved me so much he sent his son to die for me so I can return to him. I am grateful for the Lords atoning sacrifice. What would we do without the gospel?

Our last Disney trip for a year :(

2007-02-16T17:22:00.000-07:00

All of the kids

The car from "Cars"

Bryan in the western show- they picked him out of the crowd!

Bryan the bank robber

The mayor, Bryan, and the mayor's ugly man daughter!

All of the kids taking a break and running around

We had a blast spending a few days at Disneyland this past week! Dan's sister's family came out from to join us from Utah, the kids love to enjoy Disney with their cousins! I tryed to bribe the kids to go on the big roller coaster at California Disney and Cole is the only one who went! We were so surprised. After the ride his first words were "That was awesome, I almost threw up!" If you remember this is the ride with a loop in it, what a daredevil! Bryan made it to Level 5 on Buzz Lightyear ride and was very pleased with himself! Everyone can agree though that Space Mountain is our favorite ride! It had concert lights going instead of the stars, we were rockin' to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, you were actually able to see the rollercoaser, it was a whole new experience.

Happy Valentines Day!!!

2007-02-14T19:55:00.000-07:00

I made this yummy cake, it says "Be Mine", for my Valentine but he just called and was ordered to work late tonight, so the kids got to it first!

I love Valentine's Day, it makes you think of all of the people in your life that your life that you love. I have so many people and things in my life that I love.

10 ways I show love:

*I LOVE to give people presents

*I keep a clean house

*I help PATIENTLY with homework

*I make all of the beds in the morning

*I always share

*When I find out someone is going through a hard time I always have time to lend a ear and shoulder

*I try to take dinner (usually buy, I don't cook!) to my friends when they are sick or have a baby

*I love to help babysit my friends kids

*I watch TV with Dan and let him have the remote

*I hug my family and tell them I love them everyday

10 ways love is shown to me by others:

*Dan never hangs up the phone without saying he loves me

*Dan helps keep the kids entertained when I have work to do

*Dan is very supportive of my career

*Bryan will feed the dogs (I hate the smell of dog food)

*Cole always gives me good hugs and kisses

*Cody will kiss me goodbye in front of kids at school, even though it embarrasses him

*My friends are always there to listen to me when I need them

*My mom is always willing to babysit for us or have us visit her

*When I receive little notes in the mail from friends

*When my friends really make me laugh!

10 things I LOVE to do:

*Walk into my kids rooms when they are asleep and kiss them and cover them up.

*Cuddle with Dan

*Watch my kids try new things

*Go to the beach

*Go shopping!!

*Go to restaurants

*Talk with good friends

*Talk to Dan

*Laugh

*Be with family

10 ways I know God loves me:

*He sent his son to die for me

*He gave me Dan

*I was born in America

*I am blessed with the holy ghost

*He answers my prayers

*He trusted me with three of his precious boys to raise and love

*I was born into a family that loves me

*He gave me a sister and sister-in-laws:)

*He has given me amazing friends

*I have more blessings than I could ever name or count

The power of prayer

2007-02-01T18:26:00.000-07:00

Each night the boys all say their individual prayers before they lay down for bed. Bryan is to "old" for me to hear his prayers, so he says them in his head, I'm not sure what he says in his prayers, if they are anything like his dinner prayers he blesses and gives thanks for everything and every person in his life before he asks for anything! I still have the opportunity to listen in on Cole and Cody's prayers. They have both blown me away.

Cody- For two nights straight he said how grateful he was that he didn't live in the woods! I thought how cute, he's grateful for his house. On the third night of this I asked him what he meant, his reply was "At school we are reading a book and the family lives in the woods and the Dad has to get furry animals for the family to eat, yuk!"

Cole- Every night Cole thanks Heavenly Father for his life. Out of all of the things in his life, toys, friends, games, game stations, his motorbike, I am amazed he says his life. I always thank Heavenly Father for so many things in my life, but my life, I need to remember to be truly grateful for.

All three of my boys have taught me more about prayer then I ever could have taught me. They have this way of humbling you. I find that this time, prayer time, as Bryan is "thinking" his prayer and Cole and Cody are saying their prayers one at a time with Dan and I, to be my favorite time of day, I actually look forward to it. I am so thankful they each know where to go, who to be thankful to that we don't have to, "live in the woods"! I am so proud!

Art Project!

2007-01-19T20:52:00.000-07:00

Bry and Dan choosing their stockings

Cole and his stocking

Filling stockings with seed

Filling the stockings with soil

Choosing our face decorations

In order from your left to right top row: Dan, Tara. Bottom row: Bry, Cole, Cody

Dan made fun of mine because it had earrings and a necklace!

The whole family

Lyne (art therapist) and boys

Mmmmmm! Pizza!

For Christmas this year Dan's sister Angy gave us a gift certificate for a private family art lesson in Ventura at the Art Barn. What a blast!!!!! We made these funny faces that grow grass out of their heads. They are made out of pantyhose, soil and grass seed. We all really enjoyed ourselves, Dan and I included! It is really fun how unique all of the faces are, we were not allowed to help the kids, they had to create them all by themselves, I think they did a great job. After we were done we treated the kids to pizza. What a fun memory to have. Thanks Aunt Angy, we love you!

Day at the Park

2007-01-16T17:42:00.000-07:00

There goes Abby, dog friend, and Kids after the ball!

Even Abby got in the fun!

Watch out below

I'm so cute aren't I!

Cody is stuck!!!!

The kids had Monday off of school and we were rewarding Bryan for his good behavior at school, he wanted to go for a day hike and fishing but it was so windy and cold we decided it would be better if we saved that outing for another day! We ended up at a park for a picnic instead, the boys had a blast. This park is our favorite one to go to- it has a dog park in a fenced off area. The boys love to through the ball for all of the dogs in the park and most owners welcome the helpful energy! We all played tag, the kids' very favorite game to play at the park, the second we get out of the car they all run to the park yelling "who's it?, who's it?" We all left after a few hours happy and tired, and ready to go home!

100 Things About Me

2007-01-14T12:25:00.000-07:00

I have seen this post on a few of my friend’s blogs and decided to take on the challenge. Especially to try and share things that I don't usually share. So here are 100 things about me:

1. I played the clarinet from the 3rd grade all of the way through high school.

2. I was in competitive swimming from the age of 8 and went to the Jr. Olympics.

3. The older I get the more confidence I have and don’t care what other people think.

4. I can’t sing, not a single note in tune.

5. I have three of the cutest boys!

6. I was afraid to have my second and third sons because I was worried I couldn't love another child as much as I loved my first- I was wrong, mother's some how have endless love for children.

7. I love to laugh and have always been able to laugh at myself and others.

8. I took ballet, tap, jazz, and gymnastics when I was young.

9. I wanted to be a cheerleader in high school but I was born with no rhythm, which you needed for the dances!

10. The older I get, the more nerve I have.

11. I HATE my butt- that is where I gain all of my weight.

12. I have laughed so hard, I peed my pants.

13. My parents live close and I don’t know what I would do without them.

14. I hate cooking, Dan does most of the cooking!

15. I can’t stand anyone else, including Dan, cleaning my house- they don’t do it right!

16. I love chocolate and wish I could eat it every day.

17. My dream is to be really successful in life- spiritually, financially, and physically.

18. I have REALLY thin naturally curly hair- I HATE it.

19. I love taking really long hot showers and do every night to relax and wind down.

20. I am married to my best friend and I can tell him every thing.

21. I lost over 20 pounds a few years ago and have gained 18 back:(

22. I have to change and wash my sheets at least once a week.

23. I never iron, I rewash instead.

24. I HATE exercising.

25. I have one sister and a brother, I’m the middle one.

26. I was sealed in the temple to Dan just over a year after we were married.

27. My expectations of myself are usually very high, I end up working my tail off to reach them.

28. My mom used to make my clothes in grade school, I thought it was cool, everyone else didn’t.

29. I had a very serious relationship, we talked about marriage, before I met and married Dan.

30. I never finished college.

31. I often wonder what people REALLY think of me.

32. When I find a true friend, I am completely loyal and hang onto them for dear life.

33. I had 6 college room mates/friends, I only keep in touch with one of them, I wish I still kept in contact with the rest. I know I knew them before this life.

34. I have a best friend that I have known for almost 9 years I love that I can still pick up the phone, call her and talk to her about anything.

35. I want to be a foster parent.

36. I hated being pregnant, I threw up all day, every day.

37. I hate when people say they have been "too busy " to call or keep in touch because that is an important priority to me.

38. I hate excuses.

39. I wish I could tell people how I truly felt sometimes.

40. I am addicted to Diet Pepsi.

41. I love hearing songs from when I was in high school and college because they bring back very vivid memories and experiences from that time in my life.

42. I never thought I would make more money then my husband, it’s kind of fun!

43. I have a tattoo.

44. I have never left the country.

45. I hate being late or when other people are late.

46. I love to people-watch.

47. I love sushi.

48.I wish I knew how to surf

49. I want to go on a service mission with my husband one day.

50. I feel like the flap of skin on my nose is the first thing people see when they look at me.

51. Things and words hurt more when they come from family or from people you love.

52. I don’t cry very easily, I wish I did.

53. I hate the spider veins on my legs.

54. I wish I was better at writing thank you notes.

55. I love to get the mail and look forward to it coming every day.

56. I like talking on the phone.

57. I HATE mornings

58. My dream vacation would be to go to Europe.

59. I am not good at sports.

60. I love going to live professional sports games but hate watching them on TV.

61. I am so blessed to be an American

62. One of my goals for 2007 is to attend the temple with Dan at least once every 6 weeks.

63. I am VERY stubborn

64. I definitely married up

65. Dan usually says sorry first.

72. My religion is the foundation for who I am and my greatest gift.

73. Dan and I cherish our few hours alone every night after the kids go to bed.

74. I really don't like it when people leave their kids all of the time with a baby sitter.

75. I always wished I wasn't the middle child.

76.My biggest fear is that Dan will die first.

77. I once toilet papered my parents house with my young women’s class, hey, Dad was the Bishop.

78. I love to cuddle with my boys.

79. I never feel alone.

80. I love the ocean- it is my favorite place to be.

81. I love my church calling and am thankful I haven’t been released yet- second counselor in Relief Society.

82. I force myself to drink 8-10 glasses of water a day.

83. I really HATE when people lie to me.

84. I get nervous when I have to speak in front of people, I still don’t know how I can do my job so well.

85. I love to laugh and love to see people smile.

86. I wish I could protect my children always- but I know they will have to make their own choices.

87. I love to watch a good movie- romantic comedy is my fav.

88. I love that my kids are old enough to sleep in on Saturday’s.

89. Listening to my children laugh is the best sound in the world.

90. My favorite color is purple.
91. My favorite treat is anything chocolate.

92. I had braces for 2 years in high school, I hated every moment of it.

93. I love Disneyland, we go about once a month.

94. I love vacations.

95. I struggle every day to be a good mother and a good wife.

96. I have a low pain tolerance, I am a total baby.

97. Labor and delivery of my children were the most precious moments of my life.
98. I wish my sister and sister-in-laws lived closer.

99. I love to eat at restaurants.

100. I have never kept a journal until I started blogging- and I love it.

Thank Heaven for Little Girls!

2007-01-13T12:17:00.000-07:00

Those of you who know me, know I love to help friends and family by watching their children for them. I have a friend who had to go back to work and she asked me to watch her 2 1/2 yr old daughter on Thursday mornings, of course I jumped at the chance! Launa comes after Bryan and Cole go to school and is here with Cody for about 45 min. before he goes. Cody is so sweet to her! He helps her with puzzles and his toys (sometimes to much help!). I can not believe the difference between girls and boys! After I drop off Cody at school, Launa doesn't stop talking until her grandma comes and picks her up at noon! Dan was off this Thursday and after we dropped of Cody we had a few erans to run, 2 min. down the road he turns to me and says "you weren't kidding, were you!" He couldn't believe how much noise could come out of something so small! Bry and Cole are a little jealous they don't get to spend some time with Launa in the mornings, I just remind them she talks non-stop and the jealousy is gone!

Bry has received straight + marks on his weekly Behavior, Classwork, Homework folder 3 weeks in a row! This is a huge accomplishment for him! We are rewarding him on Monday with a day hike and some fishing, this is one his favorite family activities. We are very proud!

Family time

2007-01-08T16:46:00.000-07:00

Abby in the waves!!!

Time spent with family is my favorite thing to do. This past Friday we took the kids out of school and went to Disneyland. (sorry Mr. Hess) We had the best time! Can you believe I forgot my camera? This was the last weekend for the holiday decorations, they were beautiful. We missed out on the firework show due to high winds, we did however get to experience the "snow". The "snow" looked so beautiful and then Bryan caught one in his mouth, we then found out that our "snow" was SOAP!! We all laughed so hard. We were exhausted, Cody was asleep, the only reason we had stayed so long was to see the fireworks and snow! Dan and I thought it was pretty funny. The next day we went to the beach and brought Abby with us, Buddy just is not socialized enough, what fun we had! We found a little area in the rocks that had 9 star fish! I've never seen so many at one time! We had fun building sandcastles, watching the boats come into the harbor, running from the waves (it was a little chilly, 65, and no body wanted to get wet!), and playing fetch with Abby in the waves. We had a great weekend I love my family.

My girls

2007-01-04T19:07:00.000-07:00

We have these neighbors who are raising their granddaughters, they spend quite a bit of time here, we love them as if they were our own, the added bonus is that they are girls! The boys love to have them here. Both of them tell me all of the time "I want to stay here and be your kid" This feels so good to hear! I just wish their amazing, loving grandparents would let that happen, unfortunately for me I don't see it happening anytime soon! I feel so blest to have the tools to love and care for my kids, I am also thankful the Lord blest me with a love for other children, and my own children with understanding and that same love.

Happy New Year!!!!!!!

2007-01-01T19:24:00.000-07:00

January 1st in sunny Cali, Utah's hateing us right now!!!!!!!!

The boys love cousin Tony!

Come fly a kite! (The tide pools are behind the kids and Dan)

Cody warming up after a dip in the ocean!

We spent the afternoon today at the beach, what a beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky and a warm sun! My parents and sister came to join us before we went to dinner at Baja Fresh, yummy. The boys had a ball building sand castles, flying kites, and looking for sea urchins, star fish, shells and hermit crabs in the tide pools. This was the perfect way to start the new year.

The sun is setting and the tide is coming in, time to go home.

Sick at Christmas.

2006-12-30T11:01:00.000-07:00

I was so thankful to not have been sick on Christmas Day, every year for the past three years someone in our family has been sick on Christmas. I woke up middle of the night on Tuesday and started the stomach flu, Cole and Bryan followed on Wend. and Thurs. Cody and Dan had a stomach ache and they are grateful that's all they got! We are finally feeling better today and may venture to the park later today. The kids had fun on Christmas, it was my sisters year to host so I took the kids out to her house on Christmas afternoon, they had a ball playing "Santa" and handing out all of the presents. The real fun part was when Cody kept giving himself everyone's presents, we caught in when he opened my Dad's gun club membership from all of the kids and Mom! For a brief moment Cody thought he had made out really good with that stack of presents! Well, all in all it was a great Christmas! I am looking forward to the new year and all of new adventures it holds!

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-12-25T10:42:00.000-07:00

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Maughan!

Nanny's House

We went down to Mom's house last night for Christmas Eve, the boys had a blast! They opened presents from my Aunt Donna, my Granny, and my Mom and Dad. I really think they would have been happy if that was all they got this year! I was very proud of how appreciative they were for all presents opened. My Granny gave the kids each a gift card from Target and Cole was so excited he said "this will be fun, I can get whatever I want!". Such good kids! We opened up Santa, and Dan's families presents for the kids early morning today. We will open up the presents from Dan and I on Wednesday morning (Dan has to work today and tomorrow) the kids haven't complained once about having to wait, in fact they are so excited to have "two" Christmas'!!! We feel so blest and loved by our families, thank you.

Santa Time!

2006-12-20T10:29:00.000-07:00

Santa is so cool, he gives hi-fives!!!!

Poor Santa, he looks thrilled!

We went to see Santa last night and boy did he get a earful! The boys asked for about 100 things each! After we left Santa I made sure they all knew that Santa can't bring them everything they asked for, Cole made me aware that they were "just giving him options", I said that was very smart!

Sleepy Heads!

2006-12-17T18:29:00.000-07:00

Dan and I had the pleasure of attending a Christmas party at my Brother and Sister-in-law's house last night. We had a blast! A very fun babysitter babysat the boys for us. To our suprise when we got home, at 11:30pm, the kids were still wide awake! They were a pain to get out of bed at 7:30am today to get ready for church. After playing outside all afternoon they wanted to watch a movie in my room, so I let them. When I went to tell them it was dinner time I found all three sound asleep!!! Well, my evening just got a whole heck of alot easier!

Christmas break is here!!!!!!!!

2006-12-15T15:51:00.000-07:00

Bryan and Cole are so excited to be home for Christmas break, Cody on the other hand just can't believe it's possible to live for two whole weeks without seeing his teacher and friends! I on the other hand have been counting down the days for them to be home with me!

Christmas decorating!

2006-12-13T16:50:00.000-07:00

Well, the kids have asked everyday since Thanksgiving to get a tree, we finally went and got them one today! This is the first year we don't have ten ornaments on one poor branch! Decorating took FOREVER! The boys were so picky about where all of the ornaments went. The kids are all getting so much older!