First Day of School

And they are off! The twins started yesterday and today Ethan started. I am down to one child at home. I can't believe Ethan is gone all day. It was hard last year when the twins were gone all day. It is a big adjustment. Ethan was more than ready for it. I took some shots of him after arriving at the school. Yesterday when I took the twins David said, "Mom, don't take pictures, it is too embarassing!" So I didn't.

New Temple

They are building a new temple not too far from our house. We just happened to drive by one day as they were putting up the steeple and the Angel Moroni. It has been fun for my kids to see it go up, we should have been taking more pictures along the way.

Cousin Camp

We hosted Cousin Camp at our house last week. It was crazy! I knew it would be and it was, but all the kids had a blast! Grandma gave them all little matching shirts. It was a memorable 2 days.

Great Women

For the past couple of days I thought about using my camera and then forgot. So sorry for no pictures. I wanted pictures for myself more than anything, but oh well. A couple of weeks ago we went and spent time with my grandma. She has had some health problems recently and is not doing as well as she used to be. We took her to lunch and spent some time at her home. I love my grandma. I was her first grandchild and I was born on her birthday. And she lets everyone know it, to the point it can be annoying. But that is just the way she is. She has always made me feel so special. Growing up I was spoiled by her and I loved it. Every girl needs someone in their life that makes them feel so great. My grandfather passed away when I was little so I don't have very many memories of him. One memory I do have is him telling my grandma to take me shopping and buy me a new dress. So my grandma took me shopping and we got a dress. I am not sure where we bought it that day, but I remember many shopping trips to the Cottonwood Mall. Which is now gone. I was so sad to see it leveled. My grandma used to take us there as little kids so we could get a hot dog on a stick. Oh the memories. Anyway this is about my grandma, not the mall. She is just a great person and I am grateful for the role she has had in my life. It never hurts to have such a great cheerleader in your corner.

Also this week I had a visit from my best friend in Texas. We got to spend a couple of days together and it was fun. And oh the memories we have. We met in Provo during our 2nd year at the Y. She was super studious and driven. I was all about having fun. I like to think we evened each other out, but I still would like to have been more studious. I still admire her drive and self-discipline. And I would still like some of that. She is clean and organized and her kids are well taught. If only I had it that together. Maybe someday, but maybe not. I am grateful for her and her good influence on me. I probably never would have considered a mission if I hadn't of met her. And she always reminds me of what a good friend she is because of all the times I would wake her after my dates with Kirk so I could get her advice. She is great and I am glad she still has family in Utah so I get to see her too!

Fourth of July

We had such a great 4th of July as usual. Every year we celebrate the 4th in our small home town. They have a huge celebration. This year we started off on the 3rd with Kirk's 3 on 3 basketball tournament. He played awesome and it was such a treat to watch. He got to re-live the glory days with 2 other guys who played high school basketball with him. They made it all the way to the end and lost. They were also the oldest team there. The fourth started out with the kids 1 mile race, I can't believe I forgot my camera, it was great! They give awards out to all the kids based on their age. Jacob and Ethan both ran and they both got 3rd place ribbons. Ethan said it was the best day of his life. I ran the 5K that morning. It is such a hard race for me, I don't know why I do it every year. Probably because I feel good afterwards. Later was the parade, shopping for the girls and golf for Kirk. We went to the mountains on Saturday and ate yummy dutch oven back at home because we got rained out. Grandpa built a rocket launcher for the kids. They loved it! They each helped build their own rockets and then launched them. I think they liked the rockets as well as the fireworks. Sunday we went to church in the ward where I grew up. It is always fun to return and see everybody. I grew up in such a great ward. Now we are home and I am about 5 pounds heavier, happens every time I go to Richfield, there is always lots and lots of yummy food. And you know how good food tastes when you don't have to make it yourself.

Six Years Old

Ethan turned 6 years old! I can't believe it! He is such a sweet kid. We have enjoyed him so much. He spends most of his time shooting baskets and riding bikes. He is very social and can always find a friend no matter where he is. For his birthday Tyler gave him a package of Sour Patch Kids. They are Ethan's favorite candy. I love this picture of him.

One More Thing

Today I ran 9 miles! A little miracle. You may wonder how I did it (because I wonder too), but this gu is good stuff. We had heard how awful it was, but that it also helped. We decided to try it out. After 4 and 1/2 miles we ate it up and it wasn't bad at all. And it helped so much. We had enough energy that after we hit 9 miles we kept going for another quarter of a mile. My knees are quite sore, but I had all the energy I needed. I am no longer dreading these long runs ahead of us, all we need is gu! A new favorite thing.

Favorite Things

We recently had a Relief Society activity where we brought and told about one of our favorite things. This really got me thinking about some of my little favorite things. So here goes:

My new little Ipod Shuffle.
I love this because it is a clip itself. I do have an armband for my nano, but this is better. Also I love it because even though I have some great playlists, after a few runs, I know what's coming next. This little bugger mixes up my songs different every time so I never know what is next, love it!





















This is my new favorite hairspray.
Now I am not one who really uses any hairspray, but my husband used to, so I always bought it. I love Aveda products and usually bought theirs. Recently and finally, my husband switched to gel. Once in awhile I need hairspray so I bought this. My hairdresser had used it on me before. You will love the smell, it is amazing and it works great too! I also love their shampoo, conditioner, and other products. And the best part is I can pick them up at Smiths and they even go on sale once in awhile!





















My all time favorite mascara is Lancome. And they recently came out with this CLS booster that I also love. I have tried other, cheaper mascaras, but I have never liked them the same, not even close. I even bought one that had the white stuff and it made me eyes burn about 2 hours after I had applied it. I love this booster stuff and it makes my mascara last even longer. And you can usually find Lancome mascara at Costco!

















Jamba Juice. I love it. Kirk and I spend way too much money there. My favorite? There are lots, but I especially love the Pina Colada, which is not actually on their menu any more, but you can still order it!

My Garmin GPS running watch. I don't know the official name of it, but I love it. While I am running it tells me my pace, distance, time, and lots of other things that I still haven't even used yet. It also counts calories, tracks you on a map, and even has a virtual partner if you want one. It stores all your info and you can upload it to track progress or whatever else you might want to do. It is wonderful and has been a life saver because of all the running I have been doing lately. We can run where ever we want and never have to wonder how far we have gone.










Sugar-free Popsicles. They are great! My kids don't know the difference and I don't feel guilty about the number of Popsicles they consume in one day! They also come in cream-sicles and are only about 20 calories a piece!


What are some of your favorite things?

Manti Temple

This year I had the opportunity to speak at youth conference. It was actually kind of fun. I don't feel very comfortable around the youth because I haven't ever really worked with them. But I remember youth conferences and there was always such a fun energy in the air. It was fun to travel to the small town and feel the energy of all the youth who were there. Later I drove through Manti and saw floods of people gathered for the pageant. Another great summer activity. The temple was breath taking! I couldn't think of a more beautiful temple in the world that night. I love the Manti temple and hope to get back there soon!

Summertime

I love the summer and I am so glad that it is finally here! The other night I went to the grocery store. It was quite late and therefore dark as I went to my car. In the distance I could hear and eventually see fireworks being set off a nearby mountain. I love fireworks! I grew up in a family that always had a big fourth of July celebration with lots and lots of fireworks. And I thought to myself, "Summer has arrived!" Those are some of my favorite sounds of summer and conjure up wonderful family memories. Here are some of my other favorite summer things.

That's My Son

I have always known David was Kirk's son. They are so much alike. David remembers EVERYTHING! Just like Kirk. David can repeat stories nearly verbatim that he heard months or even years ago. It is amazing. I cannot hold onto information like that. He is also just like his dad because while he can remember a little detail, he cannot remember where things are. He misplaces and looses EVERYTHING! This afternoon Jacob found David's jacket which has been missing for months. David could not remember where he left it and supposedly looked "everywhere." Even I pitched in to help and could not find it. It was in the backyard behind the shed. He forgets his lunch, he leaves things at school, he misplaces shoes, etc....Well today we were driving home from school and I was trying to tell him about a hotel we had stayed in once. I was describing the swimming pool. All of the sudden he said, "Oh! The town with the Gap?" That is my son.

Today

Today I ran 5 miles, yeah me! I convinced a friend to run the 1/2 marathon with me. It is definitely a stretch for me and will be good. I am excited to have something to work towards. It has been fun to push myself and accomplish goals. And I am thankful for a good friend who agreed to do it because I know I couldn't do it alone. I am not worried about making a good time. My goal is to finish.

Today was Ethan's kindergarten dance performance. It is the best program ever! There is nothing better than watching more than 50 five and six year olds do the macarena and the chicken dance. Their teachers are absolutely amazing! Ethan looked so good, he wore his cowboy boots (they did lots of western dances) and knew all the moves! It was a treat to watch.

Today once again I heard Tyler begging to invite a friend over. My little Tyler doesn't have any boys his age in the neighborhood to play with. Last night we were out on the porch and met some new kids in the neighborhood. Tyler said, "I have girlfriends," very matter of fact and then started naming off their names. He is so social! I feel a little bad for him that there aren't any little boys for him to play with. Thank goodness for brothers. So today one of his girlfriends is over here playing. She is a really cute "girly" girl. Her hair is always done up so nice. Tyler said to her, "Lauren, why you have a flower in your hair?" In our world, there are no flowers in hair, in fact there is no concern for hair at all. Oh to have a little girl. I imagine it really is a different world!

Tagged Again!

I have been tagged again which is probably a good thing since I have been at a loss for words lately.

5 things I was doing 10 years ago:
1. Coming home from my mission
2. Learning my manners again
3. Working at Zion National Park
4. Looking for an apartment in Provo
5. Dating Kirk

5 things on my to do list:
1. Laundry
2. Shopping for kids shampoo and toothpaste
3. Deliver flags to ward members
4. Cleaning
5. Convince someone to run a 1/2 marathon with me

5 favorite snacks/food:
1. Chocolate chip cookies or brownies
2. Warm rolls or bread
3. Fruit that is cut up and ready to eat
4. Fresh vegetables
5. Soup and salad

5 things I would do if I was a billionaire:
1. Build my dream home and pay it off
2. Set up trust funds for all my kids
3. Help out family
4. Travel
5. And travel some more

5 bad habits:
1. Not saying "no"
2. Watching too much TV
3. Listening to "trashy" music when I run
4. Not finishing projects
5. Not mentally organized

5 places I have lived:
1. Provo, UT
2. Salt Lake City, UT
3. Richfield, UT
4. Florianopolis, Brazil
5. Rockville, UT

5 people I tag:
1. Jen
2. Ashley
3. Trisha
4. Amy
5. Anyone else who reads this and feels so inspired to answer!!!

Long Time, No Post

Wow, it really has been a long time since I have written anything. Mostly because I can't think of anything to write. Which is a good sign that I have probably been a little too busy and maybe even a little stressed. I think I am past that now.

I just finished reading 2 books this week and realized how much I love reading. It has been too long since I got lost in a book. When I first moved out here I helped start a book club. It was a lot of fun but kind of fizzled out after a couple of years. I admit I got a little burned out as well. But I am ready to do it again. Reading is one hobby I am not ready to let go of. It is a great way to learn about yourself and the world around you without ever having to go anywhere. Some things I have learned from my recent reads---Some adults never grow up and never will, I will probably be one of them. It is amazing how little we actually do change throughout our lives. Especially if we are not making a constant effort. You can make a change in your life if you really want to. But it is always hard and pushes your limits. Doesn't sound like a lot of fun. Education equals freedom, in so many ways. And lastly I have gained a better appreciation for what a lucky girl I am. I am grateful that I can read. I love it!

Twin Trouble

My twins are loud and rough boys, but they are really good natured. And they are obedient. As a parent, I love that. They really are sweet. They are not perfect, but they are good. Today we had a little twin trouble. It made me laugh a little and it also reminded me of what a special bond the two of them share.

It all started because Jacob told on David. David is lacking in sleep and completely over reacted. He went on to tell about everything mean that Jacob had ever done to him and how badly it hurt him. Jacob replied with, "I said I was sorry!" And David responded, "Sorry doesn't fix anything!"

David is so loyal to Jacob and was really hurt that Jacob would tell on him. Jacob lives in his own happy-go-lucky world without any cares. They are so different in their personalities. After a little discussion between the two of them, they were both upset. Eventually they hugged and ran off to play.

David will not forget what happened. He will store it for future ammunition. Jacob probably already forgot that we had the episode today. It is a hard lesson to learn that sorry doesn't really fix anything. We have to fix things ourselves and choose how to react. It is hard to explain that to a 7 year old and even harder to do.

Personal Holiday

Today is a holiday for me. My very own little holiday and I love it! Tonight my husband is taking all 4 of my boys camping. What a guy! I have the whole house to myself and no one else to take care of. It is a dream come true. And just like a true holiday it will happen once a year. You may have heard of it, it is actually called Fathers and Sons. I love it!

Tagged

A-Attached or Single?- Attached
B-Best Friend?- Kirk of course
C-Cake or Pie?- Both
D-Day of Choice?- The days when the sun is shining and my kids aren't complaining!
E-Essential Item?-moisturizer
F- Favorite color? Probably orange and blue
G-Gummy Bears or Worms?- Gummy worms for sure, preferably the sour ones
H-Hometown?- Seveir Valley
I-Favorite Indulgence?- SHOPPING!!!!
J-January or July? July of course because it is warm and the 4th of July is always a fun holiday for us
K-Kids? 4 boys
L-Life isn't complete without? My Family
M-Marriage Date?- December 19th
N-Number of brothers and sisters? 5 brothers, 1 sister
O-Oranges or Apples?- I like both, but would probably pick apples since you don't have to peel them
P-Phobia and Fears? Loosing all my teeth and a natural disaster that separates me from my family
Q-Quote?- Hmmm....If I had a good memory, I could answer this one
R-Reason to smile?- I really do have a good life
S-Season of choice?- Fall, the cooler weather always feels good after the hot summer and the colors are beautiful
T-Tag four people?- ???If you are reading this, consider yourself tagged
U-Unknown fact about me?- I am a little claustrophobic
V-Vegetable?- I love all vegetables
W-Worst Habit?-Not finishing projects
Y-Your favorite food?- warm bread and butter
Z-Zodiac Sign?- Virgo

Aftershocks

We are experiencing the aftershocks of our vacation. My boys slept in again today. I couldn't believe it. Tyler is still waking up early though. Last night Kirk and I were in bed catching up on Dancing With the Stars. It was about 10:00 and someone peeked into our door. It was Tyler. He said, "I make my bed and I get dressed. I already done sleeping." It was hilarious! Sure enough he was dressed in a shirt and shorts. I went along with him. So I told him to go ahead and play in his room. Eventually he put his pajamas back on and got in bed. He is a fun little guy and keeps me smiling.

Our Hawaiian Adventure

We just got home from the best vacation ever!!! Kirk and I actually bought a time share from Marriott last year. I know lots of people probably thought we were crazy, but we just had the best time ever. And we are soooo looking forward to returning in 2 years. We only bought a week every other year. With family and everything going on in our lives we figured that would be enough. Even though we would love to go every year. We arrived on Saturday and after luggage, car rentals, and check in, we actually made the trip to Costco to stock up for the week. We did take advantage of the $1.50 hot dog and drink. We were stoked that it was only $1.50 in Hawaii. What a bargain! After filling 2 carts (my parents and 3 siblings were joining us the next day) we made it back in time to go swimming. Which was about all the kids wanted to do all week. The next day was Sunday so we went to church with some friends. Kirk knows the nicest people in the world from his mission, who now live in paradise (Hawaii). It was fun. I envy people who live outside of Utah and get to experience more of the mission field. Kirk's friend got to confirm someone a member of the church while we were in sacrament meeting. It was neat and good for my kids to see too. My parents arrived on Sunday so we spent the rest of the afternoon walking around the property and enjoying the scenery. The next day (after swimming) we headed for the North Shore to get some shave ice and visit the Polynesian Cultural Center. There is nothing better than the shave ice on the North Shore, if you ever visit Oahu, it is a must. We ate at the luau in the Polynesian Cultural Center and stayed for their night show which is wonderful!

To tell you the truth, after that I don't really remember what we did on which day. We had a great time swimming and snorkeling at the beach. Kirk even saw an octopus along with lots of nice fish right in front of our hotel. We didn't even have to go very far for good snorkeling. I enjoyed sipping on pina coladas and shave ice at the pool and beach. Kirk got in a round of golf at the Ko Olina with his friend. We did a little shopping at the North Shore and Waikiki. The kids swam, and swam, and swam. We got to see sea turtles at the north shore. One waddled out of the water right in front of us, it was amazing. We went miniature golfing one night. The kids LOVED that. We went to the water park after hours to try out the flo machine (surfing machine thing). Kirk's friend runs the main water park on Oahu and let us in after hours and let us try the flo machine all to ourselves. I didn't try it (I know, I am a chicken), but Kirk, my brother, and sister all loved it! We went out to dinner one night with the O* family. They are the nicest people in the world who always go out of their way to make our trip fun whenever we come to Hawaii. Even better than that, they made us dinner the night that we left. And I have to say they served us the best dessert I have ever had. It was from Tom's Bakery (I think it is from the North Shore). We will definitely get some more of that when we go back. The O* family is the best. They have beautiful children and are amazing people. We feel fortunate to know and associate with such neat people.

So now we are home and for the first time in my life I had to wake up my children to go to school today. When I went downstairs to wake the twins, Jacob sat up and said, "I slept in?" He couldn't believe it and neither could I. Sleeping in means after 7 am. I woke them up about 7:40 this morning. Back to normal life again. It seems like a dream. Our vacation went by so fast. And might I add how much fun we had with my parents there and my 2 brothers and 1 sister. They left a day before us and when we woke up it was lonely. They helped make our week wonderful. We love them very much. Vacationing with all of our kids might not have been much of a vacation for them, but we sure loved having them there! One of our best nights was spent eating dinner with them at the restaurant on the beach. There was live entertainment and you couldn't ask for better scenery or company. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera that night. It was awesome. The guy played the Hawaiian version of Over the Rainbow as the sun went down. We can't wait to go back!!!

Hawaii