Too funny not to post.

 I hear Will  - mom Jed is spraying white stuff all over the floor. My mind goes to shaving cream. Oh really that is so expensive. . . 

I come out to this. He is cleaning up. He says to me "It's ok mom. I'm cleaning"

Look mom there is more in it. 

The culprit. . . thankfully this is not a staple in our house and is just a loss to the kids ;)

10 on tuesday . . . with photos!!!

Don't die of the shock but I found my camera and actually uploaded the photos. they are not all from this week so sorry.

1. here is Will wearing the suit the Chris wore for his baptism when he was 8. Will is 6. . . nice

2. Here are before and now shots of our garden.

3. Here is the only shot I got of all the kids while we were in UT. Here they are facing the conference center and have their backs to the Salt Lake Temple.

 4. Jed trying to be a helicopter pilot at the childrens museum in UT. the kids loved this place.

 

4. Annmarie getting her ears pierced. She did awesome! she actually had to have her right ear pierced twice. One earing fell out within a week of them getting pierced. 

5. They boys waiting for Chris to be done with the Watsach Back Ragnar. They found huge spikes and started using them as swords. of course.

6. Jed with his partner in crime. . . Cole. These 2 are 2 peas in a pod. They follow each other everywhere and they both "die" together. They are just so funny to watch

 7. Proof of Annmarie and Jeffrey riding without trainging wheels.

 8. I finally finished the top of Annmarie's quilt!!!! only a year plus in the works. If only I had not been so lazy. . . 

9. the kids after we picked them up from the sitter, after we saw Harry potter. 

 Jed has a problem. . . . he loves popcorn

 I guess we didn't read the memo about returning the 3-D glasses. oops. The boys keep asking if they look like Harry

10. Saturday chris had the whole day off. we went to a farmers market and then to the science center. My kids loved having him there. 

 making rockets!

trying to make an arch with only 1 adult. . . the kind man to the left took pity on Chris and helped him out

we did it

 playing in the bubbles. what kid would not like this place

 Chris's message in the giant board thing. you know the ones that you can hold in your hand and rods drop down to show what ever you have behind it. well this is the same it is just 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide.

10 on Tuesday

1. ER. yesterday I got to go to the ER with Jed. He thought he could jump from the couch to the stool. not sure what he was thinking but his upper right cheek lost to the stool. It was a great gash. After calling our Peditrition and going to Urgent Care we found out the The pediatric ER at a local hospital somewhat sedates the child so there will be little to no movement when the stitches are placed in. Since Jed is NOT a sit still kid of kid in any way we went with that option. They were so wonderful. He got to watch a game on the IPad (they have a group of people in the ER who are there to help the kids feel at ease and give them things to play with. LOVE LOVE LOVE this.), be swaddled in a sheet. He did awesome. The Nurse told me the Medicine would make him get loopy, kind of like drinking a couple beers. Jed was so funny to watch the rest of the night. He struggled to walk. His voice was even louder than before, and he jumped from one thing to the other. He is doing great and remembers nothing.

2. The camera has been found. . . no new photos have been taken. I think I need to work on that.

3. Our Anniversary was last thursday, 10 years. We went on the most amazing date ever. . . er we hade some great burgers and great ice cream. Then watched a great movie at home. Thanks to our friends for watching the kids. What a great 10 years it has been.

4. So the USA played Brazil during church on Sunday. I had called my mom and asked her to call and let me know what happened. Then I said hey wait I have a friend in Vegas who could text me the scores. Well The last text I got was USA lost 2-1 in ot (I'm assuming he had to go to church). I didn't listen to my mom's voice mail because I didn't want to hear the bad news again. So much to my surprise I looked online and found out that the USA won in pk's!!!! That was awesome. We later watched the game on ESPN3 and almost lost years of our lives even though we knew what the outcome would be.  Wonderful goal in OT by Abby. now I'm bummed because I have an appointment tomorrow right during thee middle of the semi-final game.

5. Annmarie got an awesome bruise on her right eye last week. She and another kid ran into each other while playing in the water. . . she said to me. "I didn't even cry mom." what a tough kid she is.

6. Last Tuesday night we went and played at a splash pad/mini pool (zero depth to 1 1/2 feet deep) The kids had a blast. I discovered 2 very interesting things. 1 why do people bring their kids to a water type park then yell at them when they get in the water? 2. I heard a Grandma calling your grandkids by name. The older child was Chance (OK that's becoming normal) then the younger child was named Random. No joke Chance and Random. WOW is all I could think.

7. we have been limiting the Wii a lot ( the wii has  been having issues and most of our games will no longer play) they have played maybe 2 times in a month. The other day I was listening to Will play Tennis. he was grunting so loud every time he went to hit the ball. I thought there were a few women that played tennis while I was growing up. Such a funny thing to listen to.

8. I made my Mom's cinnimon rolls and dinenr rolls this last week. I have forgotten how good they taste and how easy they are to make. I think I will be making them a little more often.

9. Kris (my sister) called and we set up tentative plans to meet up with them when they will be visiting The Midwest in a few weeks. I'm so excited. Sometimes you don't realize how much you love your family until you don't get to see them very often.

10. Harry Potter. Hopefully next week I can finish my obsession of posting about these movies. The plan is to see it Friday but who knows if that will happen. CAN'T WAIT!!!

10 for 10 wonderful years

About this time 10 years ago I was sealed for time and all eternity to the love of my life in the Mesa Arizona Temple. What a wonderful 10 years it has been. Here are 10 random thoughts about Chris.

1.  I have to start with our wedding day. I guess I was late for our 7am photos, come on I had to be photo ready at 7am. I was there by 7:15 at the latest. I remember our lunch in, it was at Chris's ward building and it was taco salad. I still love Taco Salad. Our sealing (marriage) was at 4pm (or 4:30). The 2 things I truly remember was Chris and being so excited and the 2nd was my siblings and their spouses. They were all across from me in the room. Smiling and looking so happy for me. A moment I will never forget ever in my life. That evening was crazy. I remember being very picky about what I wanted at the reception. Why because I got to eat about 2 things.

2. Ragnar Relay's - This is a recent thing for Chris and I but my most favorite one I have done was my first one. It was him and I with 4 total strangers.  None of the rest have compared, It has created a passion in us to run. Not just to collect the cool medals but to be healthy. I have only been in a van with Chris 2 times in the 3 we have run together and I refuse to be separate from him again. We look forward to doing many more Ragnar's (just not for 2 or so years dang law school)


3. Our Children - Chris is one of the Best Dad's I've ever seen. The love he has for each of our children the moment they enter our lives is amazing. He is the most sensitive dad when our kids are in the hospital. He has changed all of their diapers in the hospital. I think I maybe have changed 1 or 2. but that was only because He was at home with the other kids. He worries about our kids and only wants the best for them. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful father for my kids. He has spent every night in the hospital with me. I am so lucky.


4. Date nights - we have been so lucky in our marriage to have these. It was much easier at the beginning when we didn't have kids. Then our dates would end up in arguments over what names we were going to name our kids (this was before we were ever pregnant). As we have had kids and our lives have gotten busier He has realized how important this is to our relationship. We do so much better as a couple when we have even a hour outside the house without our kids. I love how strong our marriage has gotten in the lst year because we have to be a little more creative on our dates (less cash = more creativity). I look forward to date nights so much.

5. Moving - we have moved 5 times to 4 states in our marriage. With each move we knew it was the right decision to make and have been so blessed with each move. We have loved the area's we have moved to and loved the people as well.

6. Iowa - Most of you know how we came to be here but it was mostly because of Chris's willingness to heed the council of the spirit. Ever since Texas Chris kept saying I need to go back to school. I need to go back to school. I brushed it off hoping a good job with good pay would make him forget that. He never did. And I am so glad he never forgot about it. Moving here, getting accepted here, was a miracle. Neither one of us can ever deny the fact that we are supposed to be here in this house, at this school, and in this Branch. I am so grateful that Chris listened to the spirit and still does as he leads and guides this family.

7. Laughter - Chris brings this into our home. The kids never laugh and scream so much as they do when they are playing with dad. He always knows how to make me laugh especially when I need it.


8.  If work were supposed to be fun it wouldn't be called work - This has always been Chris's attitude. I think this might be changing a bit with what is is learning now, and that he likes it helps too. Chris has always been a hard worker. It amazes me what he will do to make sure things get done. He believes that the whole family should help with work as well. The kids respond so much better to him then they ever do to me when they are asked to help clean up. I'm hoping his next career path will be more fun than work for him.

9. The Spirit - Chris has always had an amazing ability to feel the spirit. He is such a great example to me in this way to help me feel it better.  He wants his kids to understand it as well and works hard to teach them the things that will help them.

10. He treats me like how my Dad treats my Mom. I remember we would never get yelled at (unless it was sports related) by my Dad unless we disrespected our Mom. Chris is the same way. I never see him more upset with our kids when they hurt me, or speak unkindly to me. Chris is wonderful to me and treats me like I'm the most important person in the world. I could not have picked better for myself.



Thanks Chris I love you raised to infinity plus infinity

Ten on Tuesday

1. I've decided that Camera's need a ringer button. So when I lose it, as I do all the time hence no photos, I can cal it to find it.

2. Grandpa Scott and Aunt Michelle visited us for the 4th. We were so excited to have family around.We had a great time and I had a major chimichanga craving yesterday, so 3 of us ate Mexican on the USA's birthday. . . I almost felt a little unpatriotic until I ate the chimi and I had no regrets. We were so happy to have them visit us and as we live further away from family It gets harder to see them go back home.

3. Annmarie and Jeffrey both learned how to ride their bikes without training wheels this past week. Annmarie taught herself (like she does with everything) and Jeffrey got lots of help from his dad. They are both happy to have passed this milestone

4. On Friday I was feeling great so I said hey I think I'm going to take 2 classes at the YMCA. Well that was not the smartest thing I could have done. I was so tired the rest of the day I took naps and watched TV with the kids for a long time.

5. Thursday and Friday were hot days here (110) with the heat index. So because it was soooo hot (hahahaha how funny is that) We went and played at a park that  has a splash pad and a little pool (2 1/2 feet deep at its deepest)


6. Our friends the Hills have a slip n slide and a pool. We went over there last week and my kids had a blast. Then when they babysat our kids on Friday night one of their neighbors had on of the medium inflatables up that had a slide into water. My kids were in heaven! so glad for great friends who are willing to share their cool toys with us.


7. Women's World Cup - I am so glad we have ESPN 3 here because I can actually watch it. Love watching the USA and saying you see that girl Abby Wambach yeah I played basketball against her. I also love seeing good soccer be played.


8. Movies - we rarely go to the movies. But this past weekend was a rare exception. Chris and I went on a date to see Transformers 3 which I loved (much much better than #2) then on Monday we took the kids to see Cars 2. It was a cute film. our last movie for the year will be in a few weeks. HARRY POTTER!!!!! I cannot wait and am so glad we have a movie theater that only costs 4.50 or 6.50 So much better than 9+ per movie. another huge benefit to living in a smaller area.


9. Chris - (there will be a whole post dedicated to him and our marriage on Thursday since it will be 10 years!) but I love how willing he is to help around the house and how much he loves playing with his children. I'm so thankful for such a wonderful man in my life.


10. Will took my exercising class today with me. He got exposed to suicides, springs, lunges, and fast feet. I'm sure this will not be the last time he gets to do these wonderful things ;) He did such and awesome job. So proud of him and his hard work.

Ten on Tuesday

1.       Annmarie got her ears pierced, then she proceeded to lose one. I tried to put my own in but it was already too closed up. We went last night and got it repierced. Had I found the earing it would have been free. .

.

2.      I have started reading again. I grabbed the new Brandon Mull book The Beyonders: a world without hero’s. I loved his fablehaven series. What I did not realize when I started reading the book was it was the 1^st of 3. I didn’t start reading Harry potter until book 5. All series I read are old enough I don’t have to wait for a new book to come out. Well guess what this book was new enough that I get to wait 1 more year for book 2 and another year after for book 3. I do not like having to wait! The book was pretty good though. I’d say 3.75 stars out of 5. As if my rating actually means anything

3.      My kids have been soo excited for summer to actually be here. Well our first few days of real summer I spent in long pants and sweatshirts because it was about 65 here. Have I mentioned how much I love this place? (later this week it is suppesed to get to the upper 90’s ask again if I still love this place.)

4.      Jeffrey has been a major handful lately. He is getting tantrums that has screams so loud I’m afraid for my ears. We’ve tried lots of different things but one that has actually worked for 2 days we shall see how long it actually works. We have him say a prayer after each one. It seems to help him calm down and make better choices . . . for a little while

5.      Thursday night I had a relief society meeting and it was about Charity. I was amazed that the aspects of having charity are all what seemed to me as spiritual gifts. It was a nice moment for me to realize that.

6.      Working out while pregnant – I dislike quickly my heart rate skyrockets and takes forever to come down. In my classes that remind me of High School basketball (mostly because of the suicides) I feel so helpless because I feel like I have to not try as hard because When my heart gets too high it takes a few min to come back down so I have to not do the next exercise. I hate feeling like I quitter, Chris keeps reminding me that I wanted this and I’ll be ok.

7.      I was able to talk to my mom on the phone for about 45 min the other night. It was so nice. My family is not the biggest phone talkers and so when we actually have stuff to talk about that long it is just nice

8.      Did you know not all Costco’s sell the most wonderful Chocolate (and also a lemon one) bunt cake ever. I was looking for one and was so sad when I went there that they did not have either one! Thankfully I found one at Wal-Mart (which who knows if it will taste good) but I really wanted the Costco one! 

9.      Will and Chris’s date last week was going running the loop at Gray’s Lake (2 miles) Chris said he did great and ran them at a 12 minute a mile pace. Love how Will wants to run and be healthy!! Love that Chris is willing to go and run with him.

10.  I think I’ve realized that I love blogs more than Facebook. You get a more complete picture of what is really going on with people other than just a random though as in “ESPN 3 is not working and I really need it to.” Yes that would be mine from today but all in all I think I am so glad I started blogging again and grateful for the chance to “remember” what happened the last week. Thanks to those of you who read about our oh so exciting life.

Ten on Tuesday

1.       Ragnar – Chris participated in the Wasatch back ragnar this past weekend. He had a great time and was glad to get to run with his friends again. 

2.      Awesome kids – our kids are great. We drove to UT on Thursday (16 hours) and did lots of driving in between and then drove home on Sunday (14:45hours). There was very little fighting and they did so wonderful un the car. I was so thankful for this huge blessing

3.      SLC children’s museum – My kids loved this place. If you’ve been there they spent most of the time on the 2^nd floor building anything they could. This place was great. 

4.      Not arguing – This trip was a monumental occasion for Chris and I, we did not get into any arguments while driving to or from UT. On most road trips over 2 hours this tends to happen. Yeah we are finally growing up :)

5.      Grandma Carmen and Angie – My kids had so much fun playing with these 2 on our trip to UT. It ranged from swimming in the pool to playing baseball or jumping on a tramp. I could not have made this trip without them. Thanks!!

6.      Conference center – My kids got a short tour of the conference center (where our church has its 2 times a year meeting that is watched on TV) It was so neat for them to be able to see where President Monson and others will talk to them in October. They also saw the outside of the SLC temple. They loved that as well.

7.      Exercising – I have had a little trouble in this area. Since becoming pregnant I have discovered that my heart rate rises really fast and doesn’t slow down as fast as usual. This has been very difficult for me especially when I am in class where we do suicides or are “racing” others in the class. I guess I will be learning some humility during this pregnancy. If I learn this lesson or not is what I’m trying to work on. Cannot wait for a few more weeks when my tiredness will be gone!

8.      Annmarie announced to the whole Primary that I was pregnant. While Will said form the background its a secret! It was really funny to see the leaders come out after and ask me if she was telling the truth.

9.      Dinosaurs at the Zoo – our zoo has some traveling dinosaur exhibit right now. The kids liked and were more than happy to get out of the house.

10.  Annmarie got her ears pierced on Saturday. We had told her once she stopped biting her nails for 2 weeks we would get them pierced. She looks so cute. Plus she picked blue earrings over purple. Pink was not an option.

7 for a super hero

My dad has always been one of my hero’s for many reasons. Here are 7 I could think of.

1.      He was my biggest cheerleader. He was always at my athletic events as well as many other events. He never told me what I did wrong or what I could have done better. He told me how great I did and that he was proud of me. I am so ever thankful for that! I still remember running around the track on field day and him yelling for me. GO KAREN!

2.      Our talks – We had many talks about various things sitting by the wood burning stove. It was wonderful. I don’t remember much but I remember he was interested in what I did and what I was learning. I remember feeling the spirit many times in our talks. 

3.      Listening – Dad has done this with many many people. He is a great listener and often has sound but simple advice. I am ever thankful for this. Hopefully I can be someone what close to him on this someday

4.      Spirit – My dad has always tried his best to have  the spirit in his life. He has done the small things that he preaches, prayer scripture study and FHE. It helps me to realize that it is the small things we do that effect our spirituality

5.      Small things – I think I remember hearing my Dad say at one point his favorite calling was being in Nursery. He had this calling when I was in HS so he was not a newlywed. I learned that no calling is beneath us. I also learned that it really is the small things that matter. My senior quote in my yearbook was  “People think they are too big to do little things, often they are too little to be asked to do big things.” This quote is my Dad

6.      Sense of humor – I will relate 2 of my favorite personal memories of my Dad in this area (which I’m sure I will suffer the wrath of later J )  1. The morning after my Junior Prom I came down stairs. My Dad was sitting at the kitchen table and he turns towards me and says smile if it was good. He was referring to the fact that he knew I got my first kiss the night previous. I smiled. 2. My parents were in the kitchen and my Dad says if I go outside and catch you kissing a boy like this (he pecks my mom on the lips) you’re going to be in trouble. If I go outside and see you kissing a boy like this (he French kissed my mom) you’re going to be in the same amount of trouble.  

7.      Love of my mom – I have never know anyone who loves their spouse more (hopefully Chris and I someday). Whenever my mom leaves to visit grand-kids, or anyone and is gone from the house for more than a day my Dad is missing her sorely. He never speaks unkindly of her and I have never heard him raise his voice at her. Only at us children when we were being disrespectful to her. She is the love of His life and anyone who knows them knows this. I love that this is the relationship my parents have. I was able to see an almost perfect marriage growing up. How spoiled I was because of this, I know that my parents love each other.

I am so thankful for the wonderful man my father is and was. I had many friends growing up who’s fathers were not members or inactive. I realized how lucky I was when a few of them came over and received a blessing from my Dad. How lucky I am to have a Dad who can give a blessing at a moment’s notice. Who supports me and my family in our dreams and goals. Who wants nothing but the best for his family. I am so thankful for a man  who knew that money was not the most important things. He realized that attending sporting events of his children was so much more important. It was more important because in the long run  I don’t care that I didn’t wear the cool clothes but I can tell you my dad was at every single one of my games for 3 years of high school. He let me know I was more important than money. Thank you Dad, thank you for the wonderful example you have set for me. Thank you for listening to the spirit, thank you for wanting to have 9 and not 8 kids.