Sweet Saddie

I had to write this before I forget. Saddie has always said the most thoughtful prayers and always surprises me with the precious words that come from her mouth during prayers. Tonight she said, "thank you for Heavenly Christ and thank you for Mom and Dad," So this was our conversation after.
Me: "Saddie, there is no Heavenly Christ, just Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ."
Saddie: "But who is that other guy?"
Me: "The Holy Ghost?"
Saddie: "Yeah, but does he live with Heavenly Christ?"
Me: "No, there is Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost"
Saddie: "Do they all live in the clouds?"
Me: "Well, they all live in Heaven"
Saddie: "Do they get to sleep and eat there?"
Me: "yeah...." (I just wanted her to go to sleep and knew she wouldn't understand otherwise)
Saddie: "But does Jesus get to sleep on the top?"
Me: "The top of what?"
Saddie: "The top of the bunk bed?"
Me: "I don't know honey" I was laughing and kissed her little face and said good night.
It was so sweet! I love the way they think! Oh, the innocence of the little ones.

Happy Anniversary!!

Jason and I have been trying to decide which anniversary to celebrate. We had both planned on the new one in November but feel like our original one is equally important. So, we're kind of doing both I guess... Today is our original. Jason had to go to Cedar City to work so we'll celebrate tomorrow and then we'll do something in Nov. too. How fun is that? One more reason to celebrate!! I love you more than anything babe, happy anniversary!!!!

She caught the cleaning bug!

Mikayla woke up yesterday and started cleaning. She has always been a really hard worker and a really good cleaner really paying attention to detail. They've all had their chores everyday too but today she did exceptionally well!! She pulled out one of the little toy bins and made it into her 'cleaning box' and I found this note inside of it.
*clean your room
*When everyone wakes up clean their room and every part
* Clean Den and front room
*Then go to living room and clean
*Clean kitchen, dishes and counter top
*Laundry room, organize
*Vacuum everything you think of up down and side to side
*Then mop, toilets, windows, then counters, then floors
*Just in case check everything again
*Go outside pick up dog crap
*Clean up back yard and front yard
*Turn on waterfall
*Then the car
*Then the basement
*Check everything again
*When your done you can PLAY!
And she did!! She cleaned this house, I mean deep cleaned from 10 am to 4 pm non-stop she scrubbed all the bathroom, shower and toilets and mopped and vacuumed the entire house! She cleaned every ones rooms, bed, toys, and dusted. She picked up, wiped and scrubbed everything in sight, It was amazing! I actually felt a little guilty a few times because I sat down to watch the news once and to read a book to Saddie while she worked so hard around us. I did help keep it clean and I did all the laundry. She was so cute and so sweet! I kept debating if I should reward her. She did this this amazing service without even being asked and it was interesting because we are talking about this in class, about how not to reward your children with food, or money, or gifts, they should be rewarded with your positive attention and self reward of feeling good and knowing they did their best should be reward enough. So I really debated this with myself. So I sat her down and told her how amazingly happy I was with her and how it is such hard work and asked how she felt about her work, she said she felt really good and happy inside. I told her I was so proud of her and then let her get back to work. She beamed with pleasure and seemed to work even harder. She didn't seem to mind not getting paid, or getting a toy. But, I gave in, about 10 min later I called her up and gave her some fake nails that I had bought forever ago, she's wanted some for so long! They were just the little press on ones, and they're really short too. She was so excited! I think they only lasted a day but it was worth it! So sweet! I was so proud of her hard work!!

Scouting Adventures

Jason and I took the Bears and the Wolff's up to Kennecott coper mine. It was really neat, I've never been there before and the boys loved watching the big trucks down in the pit. I actually was very disappointed in their visitor center. With how much money they bring in I think they could make it really neat. They also had a really really old couple running it and they kicked us out 10min early and we weren't even done with our work sheets, I wish I knew what time it was cause I would have put him in his place! Him and his little wife that was on oxygen! Okay, I know I'm being a little hostile but seriously? They knew we weren't done and he was pretty ornery with us... Oh well, we had a great time and the little scouters love it, that's all that matters, right?

Yes, Jordan is growing his hair out to look like Zack Efferon. His hair is so super straight that it's taking on a style of it's own, it has been trimmed since this picture but it is still very long and he loves it!

Catch Up

I don't have any pictures for my week but life is crazy! I really wonder what happened to my peaceful days of soap operas and babies. School is going great. I love my professor and really enjoy listening to her talk. I was concerned about sitting in a class for 3 hours and being able to focus but it has been great. I think I really enjoy learning... The kids have been having so much fun on their time off track just hangin' out and playing. Jordan has a neighbor friend who comes over everyday at 11:00 and stays till 6:00. They have put so many hours on our trampoline! Saddie has loved having the kids home and she and Brinley are hooked at the hip. Mikayla has also had a friend over quite a bit and they too have added to the endless hours on the tramp! Jason has been busy at work, yeah for him but not for us, and it seems like we NEVER see each other except for on Wed. nights for scouts. I was able to go down town for the General Relief Society conference with some neighbors. It was so peaceful to be sitting in the same room as the Prophet and to listen to these Women who have such amazing faith and love for the gospel. I was so grateful I could go! Well ,I need to go make lunch, again, for the kids they eat so much when their home!! Only one more week off!

"OUCH"

We went to the dentist the other day and had all four kids teeth cleaned. We hadn't been in a year and I knew I would never be lucky enough to get away with no cavities. Unfortunately, I was right. Jordan had 4, Brinley had 4, and Saddie has 7! Mikayla had 0. What a good girl! So after all the cleanings and cavities filled we owe over $2,000.00. Obviously we don't have insurance and that's even with a discount of 1/2 off! If anyone has any ideas or knows how to get a good dental plan please let me know... It would be greatly appreciated! Jordan and Brinley did great at getting their teeth fixed. Today it's Saddies turn.... Keep your fingers crossed for us please!

Girls Night

Jason took Jordan dove hunting this weekend so I decided it was the perfect time to have Mikayla's 'girl party' I promised her when we moved in. I thought it would be a good way for her to get to know the girls around here better. After activity days she invited Destiny and Kathrine over for a late night. She planned the whole thing. First they played board games, and jumped on the tramp.

Then we ran to Hobby Lobby to get a craft and then to pick up pizza. After dinner I let them make chocolate chip cookies, by themselves.

Brinley and Saddie watched with envy and even got a taste.

Then while the cookies were baking they started their craft. They picked out marble magnets.

They ended up having such a great night. They are all in ballet together too and Mikayla and Kathrine are also in the same class in school. Such cute sweet girls!!

Sweet Dreams...

We put the kids to bed last night and came in our room and started getting ready for bed. I had just gotten out of the shower and I walk out of the bathroom and saw little fingers sticking out from under the door and I hear Saddie say, "Mom, I want you to sleep with me" So I told her I'd be there in a few minutes. She waited a few seconds and called again, and I told her just a minute. Then I got preoccupied and didn't hear her again so I figured she just went to bed, because she's done that before. So about 15 min. later I go out to check on her and this is what I found.


Sweet little Saddie had bundled herself up in her 2 favorite blankets right outside my door and had fallen asleep. It made me sad that I had missed out on my opportunity of laying in bed with her and cuddling her to sleep. I get so impatient with them at bed time but time just goes by so fast and I'm usually not even home at night and pretty soon she won't need me anymore. They grow up way too fast! I had read her a story and said prayers and tucked her in so I don't feel too guilty but I know one day I will miss her asking me to sleep with her!

The secrets out!

Mikayla lost a tooth the other day and put it under her pillow for the tooth fairy. She stays up and reads after she goes to bed and I've told her she can read as long as she wants as long as she gets up in the morning. Some times I go to bed before her. Well, this night was the case. There have been many times that the tooth fairy did not come and we figured it was probably because she stayed up too late. Well morning came and I woke her and she got in the shower right away so I figured it would be a perfect time for the fairy to come. She never said a word about it and I figured she had guessed what had happened, or was suprised that the tooth fairy came in the morning cause that was a first. So, two nights ago Jordan lost his tooth and as I reached under his pillow for his tooth there was a note and a pencil. The note read, "To tooth-ferry your the best ferry ever please give me 1,000 dollars and I will give you a crystal and if you do I will love you. And can you sign your name________. Are you my Mom? Yes or No." Jason and I debated what to do. I wanted to save the note so I hid it in my closet and gave him $2.00. The next morning Mikayla and him eagerly looked to see what was left and instantly started asking questions. I denied every accusation but the little sneaks went in my room and found the tooth the note and the pencil and confronted me. So, I told them. I was ready for sheer disappointment and saddness but they were pretty excited, or maybe just happy that they solved the mystery. They promised to keep the secret from the little girls and are anxious to play along. So funny!

Back to school!

Ok for those of you who don't know, I started school... again. It has been almost exactly 12 years since I've been. I decided I really don't want to be working in the restraunt business for ever and it's looking like I'm going to be needing to work for, well maybe forever. So I figured I need to get my degree. I'm going to finish what I started 14 years ago which is Elementary education. I'm starting out slow so I don't overwhelm myself but I'm hoping to have my degree in 3 years. Keep your fingers crossed for me! I was so so nervous to start. I had my first class tonight and I think it's going to be pretty good. My teacher seems super laid back and easy to work with. She is also a 2nd grade teacher and has been teaching for 20 years. WoW. I'm actually pretty excited and although I know every semester won't be as easy as this one (at least seems to be) I think it's a pefect beginning!!

This is me and Jason with my $156.00 book. Yes you read it right. $156.00. I forgot how expensive school is.... So crazy!!
I got home early from class so we walked down to the pool for an evening swim. Jason hurt his back at work so he wanted to sit in the hot tub..
Mikayla Jordan n Saddie

Saddie

Jordan

Jason, trying to stretch out his back... Poor guy.

Now he can relax..

Brinley was there too she was just too busy to pose for the camera. I'll catch her next time.

For those of you concerned...

I did clean my house... It was actually very clean but unfortunately it only lasted a few hours. Oh well, that's how it goes right? Over the weekend the kids had a blast at our annual neighborhood Oquirrh Park days. They started out with Friday night movie in the park. One of our sweet neighbors has a big blow up screen they put in the park and they make popcorn and have punch too. Then Saturday morning they had a 5K walk/run and muffins and donuts at the clubhouse. Only the elite few ran and the kids all raced around the neighborhood on their decorated bikes. They loved it. Then that evening they had a Luau with a catered dinner, swimming, a big slip-n-slide, a clown making balloons, and a movie in the club house. I had to work so I didn't get any pictures but the kids had a blast. I have been so impressed with the unity in our neighborhood. We are so lucky to have lived in 2 such GREAT neighborhoods!! We definitely hope we can stay for good!!

I don't wanna...

So yesterday I spent 5 hours going through the basement. Cleaning, organizing and geting rid of all our "junk". I'm still not done! But, while I was focusing on that part of the house ......

The rest of it went to pot! And I don't want to clean today!! So, this is probably what it'll look like until tomorrow when I'm forced to do laundry because I have nothing else to wear... And then while I'm doing laundry I'll stop to go to the bathroom and notice the toilets need cleaning and well you can't clean one and not the other and then since I have the cleaner out I'll most likely do the showers too, which then I'll have to clean the rugs which will lead to vacuuming and then mopping, and well, you know how it goes... Tomorrow...

I actually really do enjoy cleaning my home and organizing. It gives me a rush and a sense of confidence knowing that I'm all 'caught up', and things just run smoother that way. But, today I'm feeling sluggish and lazy and all I want to do is lay here and do NOTHING! So if you need me, you'll know where to find me:0)

Swimming days gone wrong...

So I thought I would be the nice Mom today and finally said yes to swimming after school. (My kids ask everyday). So we packed up and headed down to the clubhouse. The kids were so excited when they saw that they had the pool to themselves. We'll a few min. later a single older man shows up. He immediately looked annoyed that we were there. He shot me a few dirty looks but didn't say much until Saddie and Jordan got into the hot tub with him. I was sitting pretty far away but I could hear part of what he said. He first told them they weren't allowed in the hot tub, then said something about them screaming too much and diving when they weren't supposed to and being rude. At that point another family showed up with their little boy. I had thought my kids were being just fine. Ya, they were a little extra loud and hyper but there was no real problem. So, I think because he pointed it out, I started paying more attention and they actually were very loud and when I asked them to stop doing something they actually did the complete opposite. Everyone lets the little ones in the hot tub but this guy was following the rules to the T and he was having it no other way! So when I agreed with him and told the kids to get out they all complained and Jordan even mumbled something rude about the "old man" under his breath. Mikayla was showing off for some boys on the other side of the fence and she was really starting to get on my nerves along with this "old man" so then I started yelling a littler more and a little more firmly. The other family then started giving me the look. I wasn't sure if they were annoyed with my yelling or my naughty kids! Then Brinley jumped in right next to their little boy and ya, she was mad about it. So I yelled at all of them to get out and we headed home after only 20 min of swimming. I was so furious with them and grounded all of them. Now I'm sitting here thinking they really weren't that bad and I think I was really just making it into a bigger deal because of these other people. They were having fun. No one was crying, no one was endangering anyone else. I hate that I let them influence my behavior and the way i discipline. The guy even said to me, "I can't believe how kids these days don't listen to their parents!" I calmly told him my kids do listen their just excited. But then after that it seemed like everything I asked they ignored. So, here I was thinking I'm going to be a great Mom and take them swimming today and I left feeling like the WORST Mom!! So now we're all grumpy and sensitive. I think I should thank the "old man"...

Saddie's first day of pre-school

She was so excited to start and now can't wait to go back! There are 7 kids from our neighborhood that go there and she was just thrilled that she knew so many kids.

This is Saddie and her little friend Skye.

I took Saddie the other day to buy her a new outfit for school and that is what she picked out. I was long sleeved thermal and cotton pants but she insisted. I gave in because it'll work just fine for winter. Luckily the first day of school was pretty cool too. When she got ready to go today she was frantically looking for her "school clothes" I explained to her that she didn't have to wear that one outfit every time she went to school. She just looked at me and I could see her little wheels working and she smiled and said, "OHHHH!" So funny! Oh, and yes, blogging is what I'm doing in my spare time today...

Her strength and testimony are such a blessing to me!

A friend from my old neighborhood was in a horrible accident. (Sorry Connie) I hope she doesn't mind if you linked onto her blog to read her story. Just go to My fellow bloggers and click on the Robinson family. I read her story today and I have been so at peace all day. I of course cried for most the day but her testimony and her strength have been such a blessing and have really hit home to me at a time in my life when I really needed it. I am so happy that her sweet little family is doing well and all OK. She really is an inspiration!

Saddie going to school

makes me anxious to even just think about.... The house has been so quiet since the kids started back to school and Saddie wakes up every morning asking "where are we going today?" I took her the other day for Preschool orientation. She wanted me to hold her and when I refused she insisted on keeping one hand on me the entire time. She also refused to talk to her cute teacher. She didn't say one word the entire 25 min we were there. I'm afraid this one on one time with Saddie is making her shy. She is excited to go though and there are 6 kids in the neighborhood that are in her class. She got homework to trace her name so we were working on it yesterday and she said, "Mom, this is so weird, it's like these are the same as the alphabet!" I thought it was VERY insightful and clever, in fact she may be part genius:). Albeit I am a little bias.

Such is life...

Jason and I were just called to be Wolf Cub scout leaders. Yes, I was a wolf leader for 2 years in my our old neighborhood too, I guess it's my destiny...ya, uh hu... Any ways, Jason was really reluctant but before he had the chance to say no, they sustained us in sacrament and then after church set us apart. Both of our blessings were so sweet and touching that we knew we were meant to do it, well at least I knew... It's pretty time consuming but we only have 3 boys and we're excited to be able to work side by side in a calling and it should help us with learning how to better communicate with each other. Right?? I keep thinking my life can NOT get any more crazy than it is now, and then it does!!! Well you know what they say, "such is life".