What a difference a year makes!

I am sure I have put this first one here before, but I really want to show it to "Ben's Mom" and I also thought it would be fun to see what a difference a year makes! This first video is a year old, and just a quick interview I did with Sage. Then I will post a recent one from today.

We have been very busy lately!! The beginning of December, my sister flew in from Texas for a weekend and we had a wonderful visit. We had our annual family Christmas party, and the kids have been skiing. This was Sage's first year and she loved it! We also have been baking a TON and the kids love helping me in the kitchen (though Kyson needs to remember that when he cracks his egg to open it OVER the bowl, not over the dishwasher!)

We are excited for Christmas and all the joy that comes with that.

Happy Holidays!

A Heartbreaking Story

This awesome family has kids that go to our school. Please read their story, post a comment on their blog, and take whatever steps you feel is appropriate. I can't imagine being charged and convicted of exposing minor children to a dangerous cult for taking them to the LDS Church. If you have a blog, I ask that you please post their story and ask others to do the same. No one deserves to be forced back to a country where, because of unique circumstances, they can not freely embrace their chosen religion, and fear persecution from those who should help them most. Their family.

http://www.keepourfamilytogether.blogspot.com/

A Love Hate Relationship

I have a Love-Hate relationship with laundry. I Hate doing it, but I LOVE what it represents.

I hate the endless cycle. I always have a ton to do. If it is all washed, I still have to fold, iron, and hang. It never ends. Tonight I was sticking yet another load in and suddenly started singing. (Yes, I do that sometimes, just burst into song like my life is a musical. Kyson's teacher's wife caught me singing to my nephew as we were grocery shopping. An embarrassing habit to say the least, especially since I can't sing worth a darn)

Anyways, I started singing "The Song That Never Ends" from Lambchops. I don't know why that one popped into my head, but, if you think about it; Laundry is the song that never ends. Those are the things I hate about laundry. The endless cycle. It isn't like cleaning a room. You can shut the door and keep people out so it stays clean. You can't keep people naked so you don't accumulate more laundry.

But, there are things that I love about laundry. I love what it symbolizes. It shows the growth of our family. I remember the very short period when Farren and I were first married, and I had two piles of laundry. One for me and one for him. It was so simple, maybe one load a week and we were good.

Then Kyson came along and our pile grew. Soon (very soon) afterward, Aspen came and once again our pile grew. Our piles stayed that way for almost 2 years before Sage added another pile of laundry. Now we are 5. 5 stacks of laundry. I love to see how much we have come since the days of two meager piles of laundry. Hopefully within the next year or so we will have 6 piles of laundry.

Running With Angels

So this post has been slow coming. Every year since we had Savannah, we attend the Annual Walk To Remember. It is a wonderful way to remember and honor our Savannah Grace. My Mom attended, getting there just in the nick of time. She went to the Larkin where Savannah is buried, in Sandy, instead of the one where the walk was, in Salt Lake. She got there just as the speaker was finishing up.

The speaker wasn't particularly good this year. The first year was the best speaker so far, and last year they had the man who designed the Christmas Box Angel Statue. This years speaker wasn't very interesting, but it has played a role in my life lately, which I will get back to.

After the speaker, they did a musical number. A man sang "Glory Baby" which happens to be the song that we played at Savannah's service. Of course that brought on the tears. This is the one day a year I let myself be sad. Her Birthday we always do something fun and happy, go to the cemetery and sing her Happy Birthday, and this is my sad day I get each year.

We did the walk and I was honored to be able to release a balloon for my dear friend Jenn and her son Coco Paul. We also released Savannah's balloons. It was really nice.

I saw a woman who I had met once at a SHARE meeting and we figured out that our babies are buried right by one another. Her son Maddox died shortly after birth. It was so nice to see her, and I was THRILLED to see they have another baby boy who is the picture of health. I'm so happy for them.

Now back to the speaker. This woman spoke about needing to DO something with her grief, and get it out in a positive way. So, she started running. Through this she started a 5K that is held each year at Thanksgiving Point called Running With Angels. I knew as soon as she mentioned it, that THIS is something I want to do. Anyone who knows me knows I am not a runner. I struggle with my weight and I am just not a runner. At all. But I AM going to do this. I know I can and I have a darn good reason.

So I started by Googling the race. It will be in May next year, so I have a good chunk of time. Yea! Then I wasn't sure how to get started. I had tried to start jogging a gazillion times, but nothing has stuck, the motivation just wasn't there. So, next I Googled Training for a 5K, and I came across a site called Couch to 5K and it breaks down the running into 9 weeks, and it says that in 9 weeks you should be able to do a 5K, running the whole thing.

I downloaded some pod casts, but the music that went with the timing you need for the program just wasn't my style. Minus some 2pac, I can't stand rap for the most part, but I pushed through it, but couldn't finish the program. I was walking through runs and it was killing me. The next time I made it a bit further and a bit further. I did week one for two weeks. At the middle of the second week (so my 5th time) I could make it through the whole program. I was so proud of myself. Yea!!! Then this last week was busy busy and I havent ran in over a week, so I will start again tonight.

I WILL do this. I know I will. And I would love you guys who are local to run it right there with me.

A whole bunch of stuff.....

Because sometimes it can be a hassle to upload new pics from my CF to the computer, I don't do it very often!! So, I have quite a few things to tell about!

First, Sage started Kindergarten. She loves it, and we are in so much trouble with her. She always tells us what boys chased her that day, and there is one little boy in there who often tells her that if he walks past her just one more time he might have to hold her hand and that would make Sage his girlfriend. Oh boy she is 5. Here are some pictures of her that day with her best friend Jesi.

My sister Kristine planned a "family reunion" to plan future ones. She and her husband Joe brought up their rock climbing gear, and both girls climbed up the mountain in their harnesses. They did such a great job. Aspen wanted to go much higher, but we were worried since she doesn't weigh much that she wouldn't be able to repel back down. Kyson was too busy playing with Jaden so he didn't climb, but my cousin's kids climbed also. It was lots of fun, and I think we settled on Jackson Hole next August for a big family trip.

Kyson and Jaden

Aspen

Sage

Jasmine

Tri and Sage

Saturday night is usually "Family Movie Night" at our house (today is an exception) Sometimes we switch it to game night, but lately it has been movies. 2 weeks ago we decided to watch Pirates of the Caribbean. So I surprised the kids and for dinner I made pasta that was shaped like shells and homemade cheesey garlic bread. I cut the bread into slices and turned each slice into a sail boat. They were really cute. We drank Matey Milk, all on a bright blue tablecloth so we could be in the ocean. After dinner I gave Aspen a clue, and off they went on a treasure hunt. They were SO excited to figure out where the next clue would be hidden, that when they got to the treasure (snacks for the movie) they grabbed the paper out of the treasure and ran off to read it. No one even noticed the treats. It was hilarious, however, as Farren reminded me, now the kids want fun creative family nights each week, and watching bedtime Stories in jammies isnt going to cut it anymore. So, I will have to get creative and see what I can some up with!

The next morning I got up bright and early and started making applesauce again. We went to the Farmer's Market and bought 66 pounds of apples. This time I had an attachment for my Kitchenaid and it made it SO much easier!! Aspen was a trooper and stayed in there the whole time, feeding the apples into the machine, while I cut and cooked them, prepping them for Aspen to do. We have a LOT of applesauce. Even though it was easier, it was still a lot of work and very time consuming. However, with how fast we go through applesauce, it was well worth it. I also love the feeling of accomplishment that I get when I know I made something. Silly I know, but I still feel like I accomplished something.

Kyson cutting apples

Aspen feeding the machine

Sage feeding the machine

Cooking apples. See all that dark around my burner?

Well, that is all over now from the big pot you do the canning bath.

I have tried bleach, Mr Clean erasers, everything and I can't get it off.

HELP!!!!!!

All done! Red apples make for pink applesauce!

Today was the Walk To Remember, and I will post more about that later. Hope this catches us up a bit!

Catching Up

So I realize that I have been slacking on updating our family blog. Things have been SO busy, I guess it took a very small accident on my part to slow me down. I dont have any pictures because my camera is up in my closet and I just can't climb the stairs one more time today. However, we have been very busy and had lots to do.

Kyson is doing very well in school and LOVES catching all sorts of bugs to bring to his teacher. Tonight they found a snake, but when he came back from getting a jar to catch it, he was gone. Im sure Farren is VERY grateful that they didn't find the snake. He isn't too fond of them! Kyson had a sleepover with his cousin Jaden, and they had a blast.

Aspen is such a great helper and I just adore her. She excels at all she does, and always wants to try more things. At our Family reunion a few weeks ago, she rock climbed up the side of the mountain in a harness with her Aunt Kristine and her Uncle Joe. She has such a crush on Joe, it is adorable, and he is so sweet with her. I think it started at DisneyLand when she decided she wanted to hold his hand, ride things with him, and have him carry her when she was worn out. I just love this picture.

Sage is doing very well in Kindergarten and is beginning to read more words. She loves to help with the babies I have during the day and have tea parties. Her tea set is the best thing the Easter Bunny ever brought!!! On Thursday I took her and a lil guy I watch to the pool, and they had so much fun! She was so very proud of herself that she has grown enough to walk all around the pool (they have a separate lap pool) without her head going under. She loves the monkey bars, and her hands are torn to bits to prove it!

Farren is still looking for a job, and we hope the interview he has this coming week goes well. However, we are well aware that he is competing with over 6,000 other applicants.

I am doing well also. PTA and kids keep me busy. Thursday I had a small fall and badly sprained my ankle, but I can finally walk again. Kind of. It finally made me sit and do nothing for 3 1/2 days, though I read a good book and cleaned out my DVR. Thursday night my dear friend Tiffani kept the kids while we were at the doctor and also made us dinner. It was SO yummy, and as soon as I get a recipe from her I will share it. She says it is SUPER easy. All the kids were begging us for our portions. The kids also had peas, which I have never made because I don't like them. I need to be better about serving my children foods even if I don't like them. Sage apparently loves peas. She says Tiffani makes the BEST peas ever because she adds a little bit of salt. She also said she ate them with her hands because Britton (tif's adorable toddler) was. Tiff, I promise she has table manners!!!

I am starting to prepare for the Holidays, and they will be like no other we have ever had. Something tells me that will be a GOOD thing though!

I have also been more "domestic" lately. I made and canned strawberry jam (which is SO yummy a jar only lasts a couple days) and I also made and canned Applesauce with my Mom. She has all the pictures of that though. We had SO many apples, but they sure didn't make very much applesauce. We are going to pick more apples and make more sauce hopefully this week. It always seemed like so much work, and it is a lot of work, but the feeling of accomplishment when you hear your jars pop is so worth it!! I also am anxious to try a few other types of jams, and possibly canning my own spaghetti sauce. We shall see how adventurous I get!!

Ramblings

Last week Kyson and Aspen started school. Both are loving it, and their teachers. Kyson's teacher has two class pets. A snake and a tarantula. Yikes! So now the boys in class spend their afternoons catching things to feed it. Friday Kyson had two friends sleepover, and they were out catching all sorts of things for hours. Of course they would bring each catch in to show me. Yum! Good thing I have a full stash of baby food jars!

Aspen is loving second grade. She has all her friends back in her class, but this year she is separated from Kyson, which I am excited about. With them being in the same class last year (it was a split) they never got a break from one another, and the amount of fighting went from hardly ever to numerous times a day. She is so fun and quite the little lady. She loves to bake and made her first batch of brownies with no help (minus the oven) yesterday and they turned out great! I love that girl!

Sage enjoyed some Mom time this week, and also loved having Jesi back over to play. Those two are too cute together, the best of friends. We are so sad that Jesi and her family are moving away. Sage had her Kindergarten assessment on Tuesday, and did very well. She is SO excited to start school this Tuesday. I always sing silly songs with Sage, adding her name to the mix. Her favorite is the "sageycakes song" but I will make up silly songs and add her name in, or well known songs and slip her name in so it is about her. The other day I was singing with her and she smiles at me and says, "Mom, I don't really believe that every song you know has Sage in it" Busted!! She is such a joy and I can not believe she is in fulltime school now.

Last night I mashed strawberries, and this morning I tried my hand at making jam. Minus a burn on my finger (my pot wasn't deep enough) I think it turned out pretty well. I love hearing the POP that means you were successful! The kids were disappointed that all they got to help with was washing and cutting the stems off the berries, but it was just too hot for them to handle the jars or cook the jam. We will have to find another canning project they can help with. They all love being in the kitchen and helping with whatever they can. Hopefully in a few years they will still love it and they can each take a night cooking dinner!

It was all good til I hit the floor!~End of Summer Fun!

Yes, I know Summer isn't over, but school starts tomorrow, so things will definitely be different.

We have been having so much fun spending time together as a family. It isn't that often that EVERYONE in the house is available at the same time.

Thursday we got up and I packed a picnic lunch. We hopped in the car and headed to Pineview Reservoir for the day. We all swam in the lake and had a great time. It was a bit cooler than when we went about 2 weeks ago, so the water was cooler, but nothing to complain about. Kyson seems to think I am THE coolest Mom ever because I swam out to the buoy. (It wasnt THAT far)

Aspen made a new friend who swam with us and played ball with us. The BEST thing was that this time, our keys didn't get locked in the trunk and we didn't have to get a tow. (Last time Aspen locked them in the truck and we had to get towed and the kids hadn't had lunch and it was awful, BUT, we met some very nice people who fed the kids)

Over the weekend we had Game Night again and of course played Blokus. That is the favorite at our house! We need to add some variety so we are hunting out new games for this Christmas!

Sunday morning we were at Sams and our friend Bill called. He invited us up to Snowbird where he works so we could enjoy the activities they have to offer.

The kids had so much fun!!! They rocked the rock wall, and the Alpine Slide. We rode the tram up (which I HATE, I dont do heights) and then hiked a short way down and rode a ski lift the rest of the way down. I was NOT planning on hiking and had dressy shoes on. Oops! Oh well!

We got back down and Bill and the girls went to the bounce houses, and Farren Kyson and I went to do the zipline. I was SO not sure I wanted to do this and I almost chickened out, but once they opened the doors, I had no choice I was sailing. It was AWESOME and I am so glad I did it!!!

After we did the zipline, Kyson wanted to do it again so I sent him, Bill and Farren up while I kept the girls. They wanted to do the bungee trampoline. We stood in line FOREVER. I was standing there, and next thing I knew my vision was kinda orangish. The next thing after that I hear a lady saying are you okay? are you okay? then yelling We need some HELP over here.

Yes siree I fainted. My hip is killing me today! But the good news is my camera is no worse for wear which I was worried about. As soon as the girls jumped we left. We had SO much fun and hopefully can go back again!! Thanks Bill!!!

Today is a slow day, doing laundry and getting ready for school to start. Its going to be a BUSY week!!!!

Its a Beautiful Life

Its a Beautiful Life


Kyson was having a rough morning and chose not to participate as much as the girls, so you wont see him as often. (Click the picture)

Our Week So Far

Late last week we went up to Park City. Farren and the kids went up the Ski Lift and rode down on the Alpine Slide. Its these cement tracks you ride down the mountain while sitting on these little plastic car things. Aspen wanted to do the Zero Gravity Trampoline instead, so I hung with her while she did that. I dont have any pictures of Farren, Kyson or Sage coming down the track because the line for Aspen took FOREVER!!! But here are the pics that I do have! On the way home we drove through Guardsman's Pass.

Sunday we went back to Park City and did some shopping and drove up Lambs Canyon (waste of time)

Today we packed a picnic and Headed for the Alpine Loop (despite the name, its not near the Alpine Slide and actually is a scenic drive from Alpine to Heber.) On the way up, my Mom had asked that we stop by the campground we have reserved for Saturday, just to check it out. She was a bit worried since that was the ONLY one unreserved. No worries Mom, it was great. Right by the water and restrooms, clean and fun!

We continued up, my mistake though, was we drove the van. My plan was that we should drive the van so the kids couldn't touch/lean on each other. They have been getting a bit annoyed with each other, and lately it seems it is the end of the world if one happens to fall asleep and leans on another. However, the brakes on the van didn't like my plan, and the car would have handled much better. Chalk that up as a lesson of what to do next time! (Or rather what NOT to do)

On the way down we stopped by Sundance, and just walked around for a bit. Then we continued on to Heber and had our picnic at the park. It was lots of fun, but the equipment was too hot to hold too much enjoyment.

We haven't made it to bear Lake yet, the day I had planned other stuff came up, but we will go soon. This Saturday everyone is hiking up Timponogus and then we are cooking out and doing smores. Yummy! I will definately remember my camera (I hope)

I just noticed Sage is wearing the same shirt in both pictures, and so is Aspen. I promise it was washed in between, they just have certain outfits they really like!

here is video from Aspens track meet!!! She ROCKED it and took 3rd overall in this race out of 8+ heats! GO ASPEN!!!!!!!!! (She is in the bright blue)