Messes

Today it seems like I have been cleaning up mess after mess after mess. You know, there have been so many, I really should make a list.

1. Paint on new clothes. When you buy an easel for kids, it should have washable everything, you think? I guess the manufacturer doesn't have kids.
2. Flood at the church. I was doing primary stuff and the kids snuck off. They went into the nursery bathroom, loaded the sink and toilet with toilet paper, turned the water on, flushed who knows what, and flooded the place. They both looked like they had jumped into a pool with their clothes on.
3. More poop in the tub. Need I say more?
4. Food on the floor. Wyatt throws everything. He isn't into eating much, but he does like to throw it. Tonight it was apples. They sure make the floor sticky.
5. Pee on the wall, floor, toilet, cupboards, ceiling, door, etc... Okay, not the ceiling, but it seemed like pee was everywhere. UGH!
6. This one is my fault. And I am still mad at myself. I was cleaning up the pee (#5) and accidentally left my bucket (#4 & #5) from cleaning the kitchen and bathroom floors out in the hall. Wyatt dumped all of the dirty water on the carpet in the hall right in front of Carson's room.

Now they are in bed yelling "MOMMY". I have clocked out for the day because I am done. Plus, I need to gear up for tomorrow.

Christmas Eve

I

I love Christmas Eve at my mom and dad's. It is probably one of my favorite things that I look forward to each year.

First, you've got the food. Delish! I hope to someday cook as well as my mom.

Then you have the entertainment. Wyatt did a great job on his original composition. Carson was an awesome Joseph in the retelling of the Christmas story. All you sweet nieces and nephews did super too!

You can't forget new pajamas!

(It would be inappropriate for me to model mine for ya. ;) ).

The company has got to be the best. I am so grateful that Grandma and Grandpa are able to share this special time with us. I love them so much! I am also grateful for my wonderful parents. They always do too much for us. I have the best parents ever! Thanks for making my bedroom look so pretty with the new comforter set! We love it! And of course, my awesome sista's and their families. They are my best friends and my day is not complete unless I have talked to at least one of them. I even had to bump up my cell plan to a 1400 minute plan for December, girls. But, hey you're worth it! Thank you for always being there for me! I love you!

We ended the night with homemade ice cream. (Again, YUM!)

I am so thankful we were able to have such a great Christmas eve with all of us together. Thanks for such a fabulous night. Sure love you, and I hope we can carry on this tradition for a long, long time.

Christmas 2008

I was so excited for Christmas that I woke up before the kids. I was in the shower and I hear "Mom!" I look over and Carson has wheeled his new bike into my bathroom to show me what Santa brought him. Scared me to death, but he was sure excited.

Wyatt got this four-wheeler and loves it! I guess 1.5 mph feels fast to him!
Getting bundled up to go sledding. We went up to an amphitheater in Eagle Mountain a couple of days after Christmas. It was so fun! I took out a couple of people that were walking up the middle of the hill. That was pretty awesome. Even made one boy cry... He was a teenager. And he was fine. He could stand.

Carson on his first bike i.e. "motorcycle". I hope this is the only kind of motorcycle he ever has. :) I thought it would be great to send them down to our unfinished basement to ride this winter when they are driving me crazy, but then Wy started taking the insulation off of the walls. Carson isn't the best babysitter...yet...

They got a jeep to share. Now we have something to get around in when gas prices rise again.

I was determined to surprise Ryan this year and I was successful!

He knows I am not the biggest fan of gaming, and heck, he has me, what other kind of entertainment do you need? But then, I saw the Wii fit. I changed my mind and let Santa bring Ryan a Wii so someday we can buy a Wii fit.

We had a great Christmas morning.

Merry Christmas!

P.S. Thanks for the very cute Christmas cards! I should have ended my boycott with USPS and sent one too. Maybe next year. :)

Sexy boots!

I went over to my neighbor's house last night to scrape her driveway for her. She is such a sweet lady and is quickly becoming an "adoptive grandma" to the boys. She saw that I didn't have any boots, so she went down to her basement (I imagined G.F.'s) and came out with some boots for me. Man, do I look hot! Do you want to know the best part? I don't even have to worry about putting them on the wrong feet.

Now, don't be too jealous, okay?

"These boots are made for walkin..." (feel a song coming on? go ahead, click it!)

Carson and I built a snowman. He helped a little then decided to go inside because it started blowing snow and getting so cold. Due to my OCD (self-diagnosed), I couldn't leave it unfinished. While I was finishing up, my neighbors drove by, honked, waved, and were laughing at me. I didn't quite get it.

Today was a day of craziness! I was out running around finishing up a few things. I had to go to the grocery store and Peerless for Mom (of course). Don't forget those hair supplies for Christmas! I got home around 6:00 and in four hours I:
made dinner and fed kids
did 1 1/2 loads of dishes
folded two loads of laundry
cleaned bathrooms
mopped all my floors
made my salad for tomorrow
wrapped presents

made cookies for Santa
bathed kids
put Wyatt to bed once
put Carson to bed four times
updated the blog
Wow! What a day! Didn't I tell ya I'm a little/lot OCD?
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Why Snow is So Fun!

I just had to share this 'cause it was so funny. Yes, I am easily entertained on a snowy, Monday afternoon.

CHALLENGE:

Dodge Ram pull huge Econoline Ford van out of snow. Who knows what Van was doing to get stuck like that. It was sure a nail-biter. Nothin' beats a Ford, except for a Dodge (today)!

Family Christmas Party

Yesterday, we had our family Christmas party with Ryan's side. Wyatt started out the festivities by puking all over Ryan's plate of food. He also lost it again this morning. Maybe it's morning sickness. Poor Wy Wy.

Both of the boys were running fevers and just not feeling too well.
We ate breakfast together, played games and opened presents.

And of course, the annual retelling of the Christmas story. Yes, there is really a baby in that basket. Our new niece, Dakota was a trooper being portrayed as Baby Jesus. Brandi is Mary. Justin is the angel. Dylan and Jake are shepherds. T.C., Carson, and Adam were the three "wise guys" as they call 'em.

We had a fun time together. Let's hope our next party is just as fun, minus the sick kids!
Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for everything! We had a great time as always!

All I Want For Christmas...

All I want for Christmas is to stop putting my foot in my mouth. Really, it doesn't taste great, it happens all too frequently, and it is quite embarrassing.

Today, I was loading the kiddies up to head off to work. I ran out to the road to throw a stinky poopy into the garbage can and glanced down the street and saw my neighbor shoveling snow. I thought it was our friend, and I thought he was shoveling the elderly couple's driveway, so I yelled out and waved, "You're such a great neighbor!" He looked up at me, didn't say a word or wave back, then went back to work. I then realized it was a different neighbor and he was shoveling his own driveway. Oops!

It took me a little over an hour to get to work today, so I got to think about this lovely story the entire way here. I came to the conclusion that either this dude thinks I am hitting on him, or I was trying to get him to come shovel my snow. I guess if my driveway is clear when I get home, I was successful! :)

Mints

Today was such a fun day. Michelle, Teresa, and I got together and made Mom's famous mints. She use to make them all of the time when we were growing up. They are so so so good. This was the first time any of us have done it on our own, although it would have been even more fun with Crystal and Mom.

Teresa is giving them to her very lucky neighbors for Christmas.
Michelle holding Preston.

Stretching the mints. You cook this stuff up to 250 degrees then you start pulling it. We made four batches and they turned out great!
Thanks, girls for such a fun day! Let's do this more often.
Love ya!

Let it Snow!!!

Carson was so excited that he ate the snow off of his shovel. Yes, this is the same shovel he has been digging with in the dirt all summer.
Wyatt would run out, then hurry and run back inside the garage for cover. He seems to prefer the "no" from inside.

Ryan is now asking Santa for a snow blower.

I love it! Can't get enough! Bring it on! More, lots more, please?

The Latest

Monday: Had our work Christmas party at Los Hermanos. So fun & yummy!

Tuesday: I got to help in preschool. Teresa, my sister is the teacher and does a great job, I just wish she was a little closer to us. Man, those kids are cute, but they sure are a handful.
That night, I had a meeting with my awesome presidency. We were able to get all of the Christmas gifts together for the kids and teachers. We gave the teachers a king sized candy bar and a picture of their class. The kids got a bag of goodies that had m&ms, a candy cane, and a picture of Christ. They turned out awesome because my counselor's and secretary are so crafty and made them look so pretty.

Wednesday: I started getting sick again with flu-like stuff. I honestly can't remember much more than that.

Thursday: Loaded up on medication and went to work. Pregnant women do not like it when they think they are finding out what their baby is, but then the receive a call telling them they have to reschedule. I wonder what they were thinking while I was coughing up a lung and sounding like a chain-smoker when I talked.

Friday: Repeat of Thursday. Just a lot more medication to keep my fever down. Got home and crashed on the couch while kids tore the house apart. I didn't even care. See I am sick!

Saturday: Ryan made "Mother Goose Popcorn" all by himself and delivered it to the neighbors. Thank you so much! Carson went to a birthday party for his cousin, Bailey. He had so much fun and loved playing with his friends. I am so glad our kids are close and they love playing with each other.

Sunday: Still sick and the boys also have fevers today. Wyatt has an ear infection in his other ear now. I think we need to go somewhere warm and tropical to get feeling better. It's amazing how a little ibuprofen can make kids feel so much better. One minute their cheeks are bright red and they are laying around; then after that fever goes away, they seem fine.

Carson is getting so into Christmas this year. It's so fun. He sings Christmas songs all day long and counts everyday to tell us how many days are left. He told me that I wasn't getting any presents from Santa because I am not nice to him. I asked him why and he said because I make him clean up his toys. I guess I'll have to work on that so I can get presents next year. :)

A Few of Ryan's Favorite Things

According to me...

First and foremost, being on my blog.

Muscle cars. But he does NOT like me in the pictures with them. So, why can the lady in the green tank top be in there?

Going to car shows.

Collecting cars.

Scaring me while he drives the car.

Motorcycles, pretty much anything that has wheels.

Pulling the kids with his bike.

He loves it when I put the kids in bed with him.

Sleeping in.

Yelling at inmates.

Giving inmates the "evil eye".

Tools.

Spending the holidays with the inmates.

Vacations!!!

Playing games.

Oldies music.

Ice cream.

Steak.

Dr. Pepper.

Me!!!

Giving me massages.

Teasing.

Dating. (hopefully just me)
Buying his own Christmas presents.

Movies.

Being with his kids and having fun!

Trying to bowl like a professional with the curve ball and everything.
Skater shoes.

Camoflauge.

Guns, guns, and more guns.

Comfy clothes with tight necks that do not show the underneath shirt.

Family and friends.

Confused?

So, the boys have either:

a. Started celebrating Christmas in their own special way because they are so bright and know Jesus was a Jew.

b. Feeling the economy crunch and are trying to save money where they can.

c. Wyatt started wearing their bowls as hats and Carson joined in because after every meal, Wyatt dumps the rest of his food on his head and says "hat"!
Let's see your guess....:)

Me and My Brother Part 2

I wanted the silly face pictures together and the smiling ones together, but it didn't work out that way. I just thought it was so funny how I took these pictures on separate days, but their faces and poses are about the same.
This is one of Carson's favorite shirts. It is a "Tuffy Toothclub" shirt we got for free at the dentist. It reminds me of the days when I used to wear my "Where's the Beef?" night gown I got for free from Wendy's. Now there's a picture I should dig out and post. Ha ha!

The boys have been playing trains a lot lately. This picture shows them playing nicely, but a few minutes later, Wyatt got the "beat down" for taking the track apart by his older brother. Then the trains got put away. :(

Does this picture remind anyone else of "Home Alone"?

I hope you boys will always look out for each other and stay close. I love you both so very, very much!

Me and My Brother

I was going through some pictures the other day and found some cute pictures of the boys together. Some days I feel like I am constantly breaking up fights, so this will remind me that sometimes they do play well together and love each other.

New jammies!

Playing in the dirt before we finished the yard this summer.


Super cool fire man hats we got on a "field trip" with some friends in our last neighborhood.

Already starting to wrestle. I think Wyatt was probably about four months old. I was telling Teresa today that the doctor always asks me if I am giving my babies formula. Nope. I just make straight cream. :)

Lunch with My Best Friends!

Thursday, my mom, sisters, and I went to lunch to celebrate Michelle's birthday. We went to Paradise Cafe, which is one of my favorite places lately. It is quite tasty... Then, I had to rush back to work while they all went shopping. I am so glad we have started this "tradition" of going out to lunch together for our birthdays! Love ya, girls!

No one brought their camera so I had to use my phone. The first picture makes me and Mom look a little blurred. Sorry, I had to post it as proof we were there too! ;)

And Happy Belated Birthday, Michelle! We love you!

I love Henefer!

When we were up at my parent's house last week, I was running an errand for my mom and all of the reasons I love Henefer (yes, it is really a place...you should google it!) started popping into my head.

1. You get to drive down the road and try to dodge cow pies.
2. Everyone knows your name and they're always glad you came.
3. At first when you drive down the road, you think everyone is flipping you off, but it is really just the way they wave.
4. You can drive four-wheelers on the road, now that's just cool.
5. Not much traffic--you can ride your bike, run, or walk--as long as your not afraid of dogs.
6. No one locks their doors; you don't have to knock, you just walk right in.
7. Everyone is family. Literally.
8. You can leave your car unlocked, alone and running while it's warming up cause "It's Henefer".
9. Grumps....need I say more?
10. Joan's Jazzy Cuts....why hasn't that ever caught on?
11. The post master can tell you what's in your mail before you even check it.
12. Everyone has a nickname.
13. No dress code at church.
14. You can borrow anything you want and never worry about returning it.
15. And much, much more!

What a great place! I need a bumper sticker. :)

Million Dollar Idea

Ryan is always trying to think of something he can invent to make life easier and earn some extra cash. Well, I've thought of it! A self cleaning toilet! Living in a house full of boys, cleaning the toilet is my least favorite chore, especially when Carson has to go so bad that he runs in there without turning a light on.

Last night I got Wyatt out of the tub then put him on my bed. He ran away from me as usual. Then he says "poop". I told him to get over here so I could put his diaper on. He then started to pee (standing up) all over my bed. He also loves sitting on the little potty. I wonder if this is a sign he is starting to get ready to potty train. Teresa is the pro at that, so I am sending him your way. Good luck!

What a Weekend!

Wednesday started our weekend with a bang. Wyatt got tubes back in January and it is very rare to get an infection. He woke up Tuesday night screaming and arching his back. I wasn't sure what was wrong, so I gave him ibuprofen and got him back to sleep. That morning his ear was oozing. The doctor couldn't see the tube so either his tube is still there and he couldn't see it because of the goo or his eardrum burst. Poor little guy!

Thursday, we went up to my mom's for Thanksgiving. We had a delicious feast, especially the pie! Ryan had to leave early to go to work. I started getting sick with a sore throat, chills and body aches. I must have gotten the placebo flu shot. ha ha.

Ryan went out at 4:30 to hit the Black Friday deals. Thanks Ry!

Saturday we had an interesting family party with my mom's side. You just had to be there to understand. There was vomiting, pants splitting out, unique entertainment (I can't find the right word for it), and complete chaos, you name it--it probably was there. :) I also had quite the dye experience with my mom. My hair had blond highlights, then bright red (just imagine a Christmas tree ornament), then back to brown. It was probably the first time I have cried over my hair. Thanks, Mom for doing my hair and trying so hard to please me. It's a tough job, just ask Ryan.

Today, we went to church. I had to post these pics of the boys today. This was the first time Wyatt has posed for me and said "cheese". Obviously, Carson didn't want his picture taken, but is loving taking pictures all by himself. He took the one of me. He is becoming a good little photographer. Carson got the tie and belt for his birthday. He has to wear the belt every day and the tie every Sunday whether it matches or not. :)

Another Bike Story

Yesterday afternoon I decided to hook up the kids and take 'em for a bike ride. Ryan usually hauls them, but I figured I'm a tough chick and I could do this. I started out around the neighborhood and thought, hauling 100 pounds of kids and trailer isn't too bad. So I asked the kiddies if they wanted to go to the park, of course, they did. So, I picked a great time when the road was the busiest with people picking up their kids from school. It was great because I had an audience. The park is in a neighborhood not too far from us, but there is a hill up to the park. It's a pretty steep hill, I mean, when you are in a car, it doesn't even seem like a hill, but gosh, on a bike with 100 pounds behind you, it feels like freakin' Mt. Everest!

Cars were backed up waiting for me to get up this hill, so I was trying to pedal as hard and as fast as I possibly could. My legs were about to give out. I started having chest pains, and I swear I may have had a mild myocardial infarction (heart attack) even though Ryan says I didn't. I was praying no one would recognize me because I was in disguise with my hat and sunglasses. We finally made it to the park. I threw the kiddies up into the swings and laid down in the bark hoping to not vomit. After about five minutes, the spots I was seeing, the ringing in my ears, and my chest pains resolved. We did have a fun time at the park and the ride home was actually fun (because it was downhill).

I told Ryan this story and he laughed then told me I need to haul the kids more often. Is he saying I am out of shape? How rude! :)

Projects

We were at my parents house last month and Ryan offered to fix up my much much older sister's bikes so the grand kids could ride them. Sorry, Teresa, the old pink one is now red. We took them out for a test ride on Saturday around the neighborhood. It was so fun! They sure don't make bikes like they use to. I should have take before pictures. Ryan really did a great job! Here's to the vintage Schwinn banana seat bikes. Groovy!

Sick! Sick! Sick!

Warning: This may make you queasy!

Dear Wyatt,
Tonight, you were playing in the tub and I was sitting on the floor reading through the mail. You started drinking the bath water, like always. I told you to stop. Then you started climbing out of the tub. I got up to catch you before you ran away and noticed you pooped all over in the tub. Your poopies were floating all over. Then I noticed you had a little bit of poop on your forehead. I really hope you didn't eat your poop. Forgive me for not paying more attention. I'm sorry! And please, don't poop in the tub ever again!
Love,
Mom