GRATITUDE

 

Before this Thanksgiving season is completely forgotten, I want to express my gratitude for all of my blessings. Our blessings overfloweth!!!

First I am so grateful for our loving Heavenly Father. He hears and answers our prayers. I am so grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, and his sacrafice for me, and all of us. My testimony has always be strong in knowing that he lives, and loves us, but continually grows and grows. My family has been so unbelieveable blessed this year, that I am ever so indebted too our Savior and Heavenly Father. It is almost unfathomable to me how blessed we our. I have a testimony of tithing, fasting, faith, hardwork, enduring, obedience to the commandments, and the counsel of those that lead us in the church.

I am so thankful for my husband, my best friend! I love him more than anything, and I am so grateful that he found me, and for these most wonderful 16 years of my life with him. He is a strong man, has a strong testimony, he honors his priesthood, he takes care of and provides for our family. He is a wonderful husband and father, a hard worker,a good neighbor, he cares for others, he is a great example to me and our children. I love you!

I am grateful for the 3 beautiful children the Lord has blessed us with. They bring me great joy and happiness. They make me smile and laugh, they fill my heart with warmth and love. I am grateful to be their mother. I love them so much.

I am grateful for my parents and C's parents. My parents raised me well in the gospel, and provided a wonderful life and home for me, with love and warmth. I love them dearly. C's parents also raised him well in the gospel and provided and wonderful home for him too. I love them as well. I have enjoyed being a part of their family. I am very indebted to both my parents as well as C's. Thank you, thank you, thank you to my parents and C's for all that you have done for us. I love you!

I am so grateful for my brother and his wonderful wife, and C's siblings and their spouses. I have the best sisters in law in the world. I am glad to call them my sisters, and friends. They have blessed my life as well.

I am so blessed with a wonderful home, neighborhood, good friends new and old, etc. I am grateful for my calling in the church. I love the children, and I love the ladies I work with. Thank you all for being my friend.

MUCH LOVE AND THANKS!

Chili Cook off

For the past several years our ward has had a fall chili cook off at a near by park. Anyone interested can enter their chili to be judged, but it is also our meal. This year they also had a pie cook off as well, and I decided to try my hand at that. I had a good time making pie crust, and using the beautiful peaches given to me by a friend. I knew I would not win, but it tasted really good, and my family really enjoyed it. Along with the food and cook off, they usually have a few games for the kids, and they offer a chance for family picture.

Chicken Boy

Cutter is quite the farmer at heart. He loved to help me in the garden. He can harvest carrots like no other. He loves to help me and his dad with the gardening, and anything that has to do with the outdoors. The neighbors have chickens, and he loves that! He loves to look at them and visit the chickens any chance he can get. He LOVES the galoshes too, or in his words, chicken boots. (I so need to get him his own). So, back in September when the neighbors went out of town for the weekend, they asked us (Cutter) if we would gather the eggs. He was in chicken heaven. He wanted to go immediately. He wanted to go check the eggs every few hours. He was so excited, and he got to where a pair of their "chicken boots!"

Just my kids...and Kenzie's camera work

Ride of her life

 

Kenzie was invited to the birthday party of one of her friends this summer. She didn't know much about what they were going to do, other than going to Baskin Robins for ice cream, and that her friend would be giving her a ride, because the party was right after school. So the day came, and off she went to school, excited, and with the gift with her friend. I get a phone call around 4 o clock, and she "says mom, get the the camera and come out and take a picture. I'm riding in a limo." Sure enough, a few minutes later a black stretch limosine drives up our street, and parks in front of our house. The driver comes around and opens the door and out comes Kenz and her friend. The limo was the surprise. It drove up to the school and picked up 8 girls as all the other kids looked on. What a fun experience for her. She loved it!

The ice cream man cometh!

 

It is late in September, and there is a slight chill in the air. The kids are outside playing, it is coming up on 5:00 or so, and Cutter comes running in the house "Mom the ice cream truck is coming, I need money." Yeah right I am thinking to myself. "Cutter, I don't think so, it is too cold outside." Out he goes. Then comes Cassidy. "Mom, I hear it too, can we have ice cream?" Still thinking to myself, no way. "Fine Cassidy, go get your money, and if he comes, you can have some." Now, this has been a fun treat this summer for my kids, the ice cream truck has come every so often, but not so much to be a problem. It is so cute to see all the neighbor kids come running with there money. So, not to much later, sure enough here comes the ice cream truck. So, here are the neighbor kids, enjoying their treat...the ice cream man made a haul, and the kids are happy, in there jackets, eating ice cream...I even treated myself this time.

Labor (Free) Day

 

In years past we have gone on a camping trip over the Labor Day weekend. But, with our upcoming Disneyland trip, we opted to forgo the camping. Instead we decided to go for a bike ride down Provo Canyon, and roast hot dogs at one of my favorite picnic spots, Whiskey Springs with all the Jensen's. We had so much fun. My SIL and I dropped the kids and the dad's off at the top of the Canyon where the Provo River trail starts, and met them down at Bridal Veil Falls. We met up with C's sisters family there at Bridal Veil, and they rode down the rest of the Canyon with the group. C got to put his newly acquired bike to the test, and Cutter pedaled all the way. What a little trooper. Cass did great too, but both little girls decided they were done at that point. We collected everyone at the bottom, and headed up to Whiskey Springs, were we met up with Grandpa and Grandma J. We ate, visited, and did a little hike. It was a great day!

A Witch Hunt

 
When the kids are off track I try...try being the optimal word...to do at least one fieldtrip or activity. This off track we had success. We went with the cousins that are also off track to Gardner Village to see the witches, and have lunch. Every year they decorate for halloween with the most amazing stuffed, life size or bigger, witches. This year (Thanks Kami for the heads up) they added a "hunt." We printed off a paper with 12 witches to find, and their location. This was great fun for the kids, and at the end the "treat" was a cookie from the bakery. I think we all enjoyed it.

P.S. Cutter refers to this witch as his girlfriend!

First Snow Angel

 

Tuesday we had our first snow storm. I got in the car to pick Cutter up from Preschool, and it was just overcast. 10 minutes later as he comes out to the car it is starting to snow, and by the time we got home (less than an mile away) it was sticking to the ground. He was beside himself with excitment. "Mom I get on my bibs and play? I want to make a snow angel." So, I bundled him up, and out he went. He had a great time. He made his snow angel, and worked hard at filling up his snow brick. He even went out again after lunch with a friend, by then there was more snow, and the fun continued for another hour or more.

What a "dump!"

This cubby is usually filled with fabric drawers that are filled with toys for my kids, and babysitting kids to play with such as Cars, Little People, balls, magnets, dinosaurs etc.

There is another one in our laundry room also filled with Barbies and Polly Pockets. We also have a pop up hamper that the kids enjoy playing in, it can be a doghouse, or used over their heads like a ghost. One particular morning Cutter came up to me and asked if he could use the laundry basket for his Cars. I agreed, and said, "just don't make a big mess." He agreed and he and his friend that I tend went about playing with the Cars, and the basket. I went up to the kitchen and proceeded to go on with my routine. I could hear them having fun, giggling and enjoying themselves. I continued to work in the kitchen, and upstairs as well. An hour or so later I came downstairs to discover all the fabric drawers empty, from both the family room and laundry room cubbys, and discovered that their contents were now all together in the laundry basket. They certainly had not made a mess all over the floor, but had dumped ALL the toys, from every drawer into the laundry hamper. Now for those of you that are not familiar with Polly Pockets they are little dolls about 3 inches tall, and we have probably over 1000 little tiny clothes and accessories (little rubber shoes about 3/8" by 1/8" etc.) for them. They were now mixed in amongst the little people, dinosaurs, Cars, magnets, Barbies and all of their clothes and shoes etc. In the hamper......So we the boys and I spent the next hour sorting all the toys back into their appropriate bin. Needless to say, that was not nearly as fun as "dumping" them.

Good Neighbors and Friends...

We are so blessed to live in the ward that we do, and the street we are on. We have such great friends and neighbors here. On a usual day, someone is out playing or visiting. Everyone is so kind, and we enjoy them all so much. This summer we have been treated to ice cream parties, and campfire fun with roasted marshmallows, smores, and good conversations. We love it here!!!!

Arrrgggghhhh My PIRATE!

Every year the City has a musical for the children to perform in. Both girls were excited to tryout. Kenz has been in it twice before, and this year Cass was going to be able to be apart of it hopefully. They attended an audition workshop and loved it, but we realized that Kenzie would have to decide between a cousins trip or Pirates. She chose the cousins trip. Cassidy was excited, and nervous to tryout. But, she knew the songs, and she knew the dances they had taught them. So, she auditioned, and we waited. Then the list came out, and sure enough, Miss Cass was in and she was a wench. For the month of August she practiced Tuesdays and Thursdays for about 2 hrs. The house was filled with Pirate music, Cutter and Kenzie knew the songs as well as she did, and they knew the dances too, for we lived and breathed "Pirates, the Musical." It was so fun, we made arrangements with our Cousin Ellie to ride up with us, and Laur picked them up. The two girls grew close and enjoyed each other, and E kept an eye out for Cass. The last week was craziness, they had practice every night, and then it was here. Oh, the excitement, oh the nerves, but she was ready!!!!

Let me tell you, this girl is an actress, she got into her part, she made sure she was up front, she managed a few waves, the I love you sign, and lots of smiles our way. And, when I got the camera out, she was all over it. What a girl, what a star. Her costume was so cute, and she was just adorable to watch. A STAR HAS BEEN BORN!




King of the High C's

Ohhhhhh Cutter

This boy is my shadow, this boy is a crazy little kid, this boy keeps me hopping. This boy is a good little gardener, this boy loves to ride his bike, this boy loves school. This boy loves his sisters, this boy loves to bug his sisters, this boy loves his dad. This boy is good at minding his manners (most of the time), this boy is curious, this boy loves to play with friends. This boy can drive me up a wall, this boy can push all my buttons, this boy can find my last nerve and stomp on it. This boy gives the best loves, this boy has a smile that can melt an iceberg, this boy warms my heart. This boy.......I love.

A Wednesday Getaway

 

My house is often full with my own children, and others that I tend. Friends often say that I have a revolving front door and it is true. There is usually someone coming, or going. It fills my days, fills my pocketbook, and especially fills my heart. It keeps me busy. It is a rare occasion that I go anywhere other than to run an errand. Something I need to change. I have always loved to go for rides, go somewhere, see something. I remember doing it as a child, my best friend and I in high school drove all over this valley. C has indulged me in the past 16 + plus years, but they have lessened in number for various reasons, and I miss it. So, when my good friend asked what I was doing on a particular Wednesday, and did I want to go with her and her kids up to Midway, and places in between I jumped at the chance. I didn't have anyone I was tending that day, and Cutter and I were off on an adventure. We took the kids up to the Church Museum, and enjoyed every minute of it. We spent most of our time in the "I Am A Child of God" section, and the kids loved it. My friend and I got ideas for our callings, the kids did all the interactive activities including putting a few ties in the quilt they had up to give to the Humanitarian Center. After, it was up the Canyon to Midway and a delicious Mexican lunch, and then on to her cabin to do a little clean up. She hadn't invited me along to help her clean, but I was so happy I didn't mind at all. We changed the bedding on 5 beds, straighten the furniture and took the garbage out. It reminded me of all the business trips we took when I was little girl, and how I would follow the maids around and talk to them as they worked. (Sounds weird I know, but that is a great memory for me!). Once we finished, we headed for home, stopped for a drink and snack, (just like all the rides before) and back down went. It was such a great day, I enjoyed every minute it of...it was an awesome Wednesday getaway!

Back to School

Today Kenzie started Junior High. All three kids are back in school. The house is somewhat quiet on certain days now. What to do with myself?... Don't worry, I will find plenty to do to fill my time.

Kenzie was the last to go back. I have thoroughly enjoyed her this summer. She has been such a big help around the house, and fun to be with. She has helped babysit the kids, helped clean and keep the house straight, she has gardened, played with friends, gone to girls camp camp and St George, she took a summer reading class and survived. I think she even learned something from it. (She better, it cost us enough :)) She also got contacts, and is excited to not have to constantly deal with broken glasses. This morning, having us both up at 6:00 was kind of weird. I am usually alone in the morning. It is going to be a good thing. I am going to miss her.

 

Mr. Cutter Butter was the second to go back to school. I thought he was going to die because Cass was going and he wasn't. When school ended back in May, it was hard for him to understand that the "year" was over, and that he would start again in August. He still has no real sense of time as far as weeks and months are concerned. So we called it "off track" like his sisters would do throughout the year. But the poor kid after two weeks was missing it, and so was I, boredom was setting in. But, he has had fun though this summer. We have participated in the neighborhood playgroup at the park when schedules allowed. He has had a lot of play time with neighbors, and he is a big helper in the garden. He loves to pick carrots. When we had orientation he was really upset that I was coming in with him. "I do it myself mom!" I said that I was invited and that it was as much for me as for him. So, when his first day of class came, on the way he says "no moms right mom?" Right Cutter, believe me, mom will be doing the happy dance all the way home!

 

Cassidy was the first to go back. It was so weird sending her off, without McKenzie and having the other two at home. But, second grade is a great thing and she loves it. She rides her bike most days with her friends up the street. She thinks that is cool. Although her summer was the shortest we filled the three weeks with fun activities with the cousins. We had a picnic at the park, had a BBQ at a splash pad, went to Liberty Park to the Seven Canyons water feature (a summer tradition) and swimming. She also had the opportunity with Cutter to go to Kids Camp for a week. A young woman in our ward and her friends planned and did this week long camp for kids 3 - 9. They loved it. What a fun experience. Now she is a busy little bee with the Herriman City children's musical in which she has a part. She is a little wench in "Pirates, the musical." She is very excited to perform. She has had a great experience!

 

By the way, the corn stock next to Cass she grew from a sprout in 1st grade. We actually have 3 ears of corn on it.

I sure love my kids !!!!

An Old Friend

 

A long time ago our subscription to the Friend and Ensign expired. For a long time, I have been going to renew it. I would try online, and for one reason, or interuption or another it didn't happen. FINALLY I got my ducks all in a row, and got it renewed. Our first issue was the conference issue. I loved it, read it, enjoyed it. The next months I read it, loved it, cried over it, because it was that old friend, there to support me. It's pages touched my heart, filled my soul, strengthened my testimony, answered prayers...Glad to have this old friend back...for a long, long time.

Just my kids

 

Transformer Fingers

 

It is a well known fact that where we live, the wind blows...and blows, and blows. So, it was not unusual that the wind had picked up, and in Winnie the Pooh manner, it was a very blustery day. I had the back door open, and being the middle of the day, and the kids should be coming home soon, the garage(car door) was open as well. Cutter decided he wanted to go outside, and opened the people door to the garage. He stood there in the doorway talking to me with his hand on the door frame when a great vortex of wind grabbed the door and slammed closed on that cute little Cutter hand. He screamed, I had to pry the door open to get his little fingers free. I was so scared to look, I kept telling myself I wasn't going to throw up. It had torn the skin back on two finders, and he couldn't move them. I called the Doctors to see if we should come to them, or if I needed to take him to instacare. They said to bring him over, and they took us right back. He was so brave as they x rayed his hand. He just kept asking for a bandaid (the cure all for every owwie). Sure enough both fingers were broken, just small hairline breaks though. So, after bandaids, and two splints, tada.... Transformer fingers. He enjoyed showing the neighborhood his fingers, and the next day he told me they were better and didn't need to wear the splints anymore. Sorry buddy, 7 to 10 days. But, after the second day he was used to them, and for the most part kept them on. Then, when it was time to take them off, he wasn't so sure about that. He was worried about them hurting, and he liked transformer fingers! What a boy! :)

Ahh, Success...finally! (Videos of Dancing throught the Decades)

Yipee, they finally loaded. I apologize for not being the greatest camera person. I forget that I if I turn the camera, the pic turns too. Sorry.

Here is Cass doing the twist.


Here is Kenzie doing all kinds of eighties dances. She did a great job on the moon walk.

"Dancing Through the Decades"

Our Elementary school has a tradition that started about 4 years ago, they "dance through the decades." Each grade learns a certain dance pertaining to a certain era. Kindergartners do the hokey pokey, 1st grades do the twist, there is also line dancing, the hand jive, disco from the 70's and dancing from the good old 80's! It is a fun program, and I love to go watch the kids. This year was the twist for Cass and Kenzie got to do the 80's (my favorite dance era of course)!

Cassidy had a great time learning the twist, and as you can see in the video, she does quite well :). She got to wear her 1st grade class shirt, and she had a little speaking part before her grade danced.

Kenzie got to do several different dance moves from the 80's, and she seemed to master Michael Jackson's moonwalk. We had a good time picking her outfit, and doing her hair. It brought back a lot of memories for me, and I LOVED the music.

Hopefully in the future I can figure out why the video wouldn't work, and I will post it later.

Celebrating our Freedom and Pioneer Heritage

It has become a tradition on the 4th of July to go on a bike ride, and have a picnic in a park somewhere before we head off to watch fireworks. This year we had fun at Draper Park, and Cutter is old enough now, and so good on his bike that he kept right up with everyone, and doesn't complain. He is such a great little bike rider. We also have fun buying an ice cream cone from the the ice cream truck. He must remember us from last year, he certainly made a haul on our group of 15. At the park waiting for fireworks we play card games. It is fun to have C home and enjoying it with us.

For the 24th, we swim at the Kearns Pool. It is such a fun place, with all kinds of water features, slides, buckets, sprayers, etc. Even I got in my suit, and enjoyed the massive water bucket that spills down on you. All the kids had such a great time. After it is BBQ time and fireworks at home. Summer is such a fun time.

 

Volunteers

 

Saturday June 13th Cory and I were able to volunteer and help out at the Temple Open House. Cory's assignment was parking, and mine was an usher at tent 3. What an awesome experience we both had. It was a very stormy day, and Cory headed out to his assignment in the rain. Kenzie was a little worried. "Is dad going to be okay?" she asked me. I said he would be just fine. He is serving the Lord. As Cory's group got updated and ready to go and and work, they were told that Moroni had been hit by lightning. WOW!!! Moroni did his job protecting the temple. (see pics below) At our Thursday night orientation we had been encouraged to be kind and willing to accept all those that came to see the temple, reservation or not, church dress or not. There had been feedback given to President Monson that people were being turned away because they didn't have a reservation etc. It was sad for us to hear that that had happened, but our Stake President told us in that meeting that he knew that our Stake would not be that way. To go out and serve all with open arms and hearts. Because Cory was doing parking he would be the first person people entering at his location would come in contact with. He shared with me the neat experiences he had. There were several that drove in (he was assigned the main entrance to the temple)and didn't have a reservation. All asked, we don't have a reservation, is that a problem? Of course the answer was no. One family was late for there reservation time, and they had a van load of hungry kids. Cory said, don't worry, you go get your family fed and come back. We will let you in. Another car pulled in, they had just taken their daughter to Provo, were driving by and wondered if they could go through the temple without a reservation...absolutely. He had so many other great experiences as well, just standing there at the main gate, welcoming and directing traffic. I had the opportunity to be an Usher at tent 3. There are 5 tents showing a 12 minute video on temples, and a little history of South Jordan. Patrons go to the tents first to see the video before they walk through the temple. I was on the north side of the temple and posted at the first place people would come to from the parking lot. Tent 3 was designated as the Spanish Speaking tent, or if there wasn't a need for spanish, we would show english as well. We filled the tent 3 times with spanish speaking patrons. An entire spanish speaking branch came together to go through the temple. It was such a special experience, greeting all those that passed by me, welcoming them to the temple, and directing them where they needed to go, even if it was to the bathrooms. It was so fun to be there with other ward members, carpooling over, and working side by side. Cory and I look forward to serving again the end of July.

Birthday Girl

Cassidy turned 7! She had a great birthday celebration that lasted several day. The Saturday before her birthday we had a BBQ with Cory's family to celebrate both Jordyn and Cassidy's b-days. It is always fun to get together with the cousins. On her birthday she got to wear a birthday crown all day at school. Her class made her a giant birthday card. At home she opened presents and we decorated birthday cakes. She picked her cake and wanted it baked in a heart muffin tin, so we decorated those and cupcakes with Sara F, and friends from the neighborhood that dropped by. With the girls we have decided that even birthdays they can have a party, and odd birthdays you can take a friend to dinner. So, being an odd year, she invited her friend Ruby from school to go to dinner with us. Cassidy picked IHOP. We had a fun time with her and her friend. Ruby is a very nice girl. They both were dressed up and looked so cute.