Endless Sunshine

Vote For McKenzie

2011-10-04T07:26:00.001-07:00

Samantha

2011-08-24T08:43:00.000-07:00

An Angel Left Her Wings
Tina M. Marascia

I have this little angel. For me she left her wings.
She has no idea how much happiness she truly brings.
She brightens up my days with her smiles and her laughs.
She helps me to remember all the blessings that I have.

Her face, it is so perfect, she's sweet and soft and pure.
Sometimes she can be willful and sometimes she is demure.
She tries her very hardest to please and do what's right.
She gives the greatest hugs from morning until night.

Every person that has known her sees this light within her soul
I know that in this whole great world, she has a special role.
She's helpful and considerate to everyone she knows
This light in her shines brighter as my angel grows.

When she sees someone is sad, it opens up her heart.
She wants to do all that she can; she wants to do her part.
She'll squeeze away the sorrow and make me forget about my pain.
She shows me where the sun is when we're hiding from the rain.

I know that God must love me, He showed me with His Grace
I knew just how completely when I saw my angel's face.
And in that very moment when she came into my world,
I knew that she was so much more than just my baby girl.

She would be my sunshine, with a sweetness that won't end.
And when she grows up one day she would be my closest friend.
She would be the reason I would always try my best.
For my little angel baby girl would be my greatest test.

When God entrusts to you an angel, who has left her wings for you.
Encircle her with love with everything you do.
Let her know God made her, and that He trusts you with her care.
Be sure to make time for special moments with her to share.

And when at night she finally says her prayers and goes to sleep
I Thank Him for my angel, and ask for him to always keep
A watchful eye and hand to protect her from this world.
Protect my little angel; protect my baby girl.

CAP

2011-05-02T11:08:00.000-07:00

McKenzie has joined the Civil Air Patrol. She is pretty excited about this. She participates once a week on Thursdays and then once weekend a month. She also has weeklong encampments that she needs to attend. She says this is the first step toward her dream, gaining acceptance into the US Air Force Academy.

You Tell Me

2011-04-13T22:14:00.000-07:00

Last night could have been a scene straight out of a horror film or comedy, you pick. It started with me telling Dylan to please take his glass FULL of juice into the kitchen. Once he is in the kitchen I hear the glass hit the floor and shatter. First thing I say is "Damn not another one". I had just dropped a plate 30 min earlier and broke it. I look in the kitchen to see Dylan staring at his foot as a pool of blood gathers under it. I pick him up and set him on the counter as I apply pressure and yell for Ryan to come in and help. The kitchen is starting to look a little scary. Dylan is freaking out because he thinks he is bleeding to death. Ryan comes into the kitchen and doesn't know what is going on. I ask him to start cleaning up the broken glass as I continue to try to stop the bleeding. At this time Dylan tells me his stomach is starting to hurt and a few seconds later he is gaging. I am now trying to hold pressure to his open cut and grab a bowl out of the cupboard for Dylan to throw up in. If you know Ryan then you know that he doesn't handle blood or throwing up well. He turned his back to us and has his head in the corner gaging. He is trying not to throw up. McKenzie has ran off to grab Sam because who would want to miss this scene. I finally get Dylan calmed down and with that Ryan is now doing better. I now have a chance to get a good look at the damage. Dylan has 2 different cuts on 2 different toes. The top of his big toe has a long cut down the top and he has managed to slice the top of his middle toe. GREAT!!! Now I have to tell Dylan that he needs stitches. Once that word leaves my mouth he starts to worry again and we start all over again with the gaging. I finally get everyone calmed down and Dylan and I are off to Instacare.

Random Facts

2011-04-07T11:44:00.000-07:00

Smelling bananas and/or green apples (smelling, not eating) can help you lose weight!

The average person spends three years of his or her life on a toilet.

President George W. Bush was once a cheerleader!

Due to the angle at which the optic nerve enters the brain, staring at a blue surface during sex greatly increases the intensity of orgasms.

The human brain has the capacity to store everything that you experience.

Women have a better sense of smell than men.

Ice Cream is chinese food!

Hippo milk is pink.

More than ten people a year are killed by vending machines.

In the average lifetime, a person will walk the equivalent of 5 times around the equator.

The numbers '172' can be found on the back of the U.S. $5 dollar bill in the bushes at the base of the Lincoln Memorial.

The 57 on Heinz ketchup bottles represents the number of varieties of pickles the company once had.

The first known contraceptive was crocodile dung, used by Egyptians in 2000 B.C.

When you die your hair still grows for a couple of months.

The sound of E.T. walking was made by someone squishing her hands in jelly.

A skunk's smell can be detected by a human a mile away.

The average person makes about 1,140 telephone calls each year.

Flying from London to New York by Concord, due to the time zones crossed, you can arrive 2 hours before you leave.

The largest number of children born to one woman is recorded at 69. From 1725-1765, a Russian peasant woman gave birth to 16 sets of twins, 7 sets of triplets, and 4 sets of quadruplets.

Science Project

2011-02-07T20:45:00.000-08:00

McKenzie and Dylan have science projects due this week. There is nothing worse then science projects. I HATE them!!!! They have worked hard on them (when I say "they" I mean me). Dylan wanted to know if he could inflate a balloon using baking soda and vinegar. He was excited when he saw that it worked.

REALLY!!!!

2011-02-06T16:14:00.000-08:00

The best part of the Superbowl was when Christina Aguilera botched the National Anthem. Dylan kept saying "It looks like she is trying to poop". There were a couple good commercials. I liked the Darth Vader boy and the Doritos commercial, "Are you done with that?" Other then that I could care less about the game. I did enjoy the food we ate and probably ate too much. Actually I am sure I did eat too much.

Myra

2011-02-05T12:09:00.000-08:00

We went to Violet's baptism today. She didn't stay in one spot long enough to get a picture. Myra on the other hand loves to get her picture taken. She let me take several of her. She is such a cutie.

Photo Editing

2011-02-04T10:01:00.000-08:00

I have been playing around with editing some of my phots. I think I need to find a better photo editing program so I can do more. But I am having fun doing it.

Procrastination

2011-02-03T08:07:00.000-08:00

Procrastination and perfectionism often go hand in hand. Perfectionists tend to procrastinate because they expect so much of themselves, and they are scared about whether or not they can meet those high standards.

I know that I have procrastinated getting my daily picture done. The first day I missed I thought to myself, "I will do 2 tomorrow". Know I am a week behind. This is harder then I thought it would be. I have a few things I will be doing this weekend. I should be able to take some good pictures.

OUCH!!!!!

2011-01-26T17:40:00.001-08:00

Today I went to the Dr to have the 1st cast taken off and the stitches removed. I didn't know that I had 3 different incisions. 2 small ones for the scope, where they removed a bone spur and then the big one to repair the ligaments. Now I understand why my foot hurts so bad. The top picture shows my cankle and the 2 small incisions.

Back To Work

2011-01-24T14:32:00.000-08:00

I went back to work today for the first time since my surgery. I get some funny looks from people when I am on my scooter. My co-workers thought it would be nice to add a flower pinwheel to my scooter. This doesn't make it less embarrassing for me.

Pinewood Derby

2011-01-22T10:38:00.000-08:00

Dylan participated in the Pinewood Derby today. He worked hard with Grandpa Jensen to make the fastest car. It was a close race and Dylan ended in 2nd place.

B rad

2011-01-20T19:30:00.001-08:00

The kids got Xbox Live for Christmas. It's crazy to think that they can play with friends from all over. Tonight while Sam was playing she kept saying that "B rad" killed her. After being killed by "B rad" a few times I looked up to see that Brad is the one that is killing her. lol :)

Wish I Was At Disneyland

2011-01-19T20:44:00.000-08:00

Uncle Dale, Uncle Roy and Ryan at Disneyland. I want to be somewhere warm and sunny.

Movie Time!!

2011-01-18T20:56:00.000-08:00

Since my surgery I haven't been able to do much with the exception of watching TV. You would think with 100's of stations and Netflix I would be able to find something good to watch. I have watched Transformers 3 times. Dylan loves this movie and there is nothing better then sitting next to that kid and watching Transformers with him. Although I wouldn't complain if he wanted to watch a good "chick flick".

My New Wheels

2011-01-17T18:53:00.000-08:00

This is what I will be sporting the next 6 weeks. Don't be jealous but I think my new wheels are better then yours.

What Do You Do When You Are Bored???

2011-01-16T15:50:00.000-08:00

McKenzie has many ways to entertain herself when she is bored. Today she thought she would try and scare Samantha and Dylan by dressing up as a doll. This is how she came out of her room.

Visit From Trevor

2011-01-15T17:49:00.000-08:00

Brynn and the kids came to visit me today. It was nice to see Trevor and Lola. Lola is getting so big. McKenzie and Dylan took Trevor over to the school to go sledding. I don't think he knew what he was going to do but he was excited to go.

Thanks Brynn for helping me with dinner.

Lateral Ligament Reconstruction

2011-01-14T09:07:00.000-08:00

I was told that everything went well. My Dr said the ligaments looked like spaghetti noodles. He was able to salvage enough to make the repair and didn't have to do a graft. I get to wear this pretty cast for 2 weeks. Then I will get my stitches out and get another cast for 4 weeks. After 6 weeks I will start physical therapy for 2 months. It will be a long recovery.

Guilty Pleasure

2011-01-12T20:05:00.000-08:00

I have 11 days off before I have to go back to work. What will I be doing?? I think I will catch up on some reading. I might be able to finish a few of these.

Hunter Library

2011-01-11T18:12:00.000-08:00

This is Sam's favorite place to go. She will check out a bag full of books a week and read them all. She loves reading. She asked me tonight if I can take her so she can stock up for when I can't drive for a while. I don't think the books she got will last her very long.

A Parents Prayer

2011-01-10T20:08:00.000-08:00

Thank you God for

The children of mine

Who teach me things

That blow my mind.

They entertain themselves

In the funniest ways.

I pray that the innocence

They possess never goes away.

I pray they will

Grow up and be smart,

And I pray that they will never grow apart.

I pray that they will call home

Whenever they are near a phone.

I pray that they never feel alone.

I hope they turn to you

Through guidance and prayer

And know that you and their parents

Will always be there.

Althea A. Anker

Nana Rae

2011-01-09T16:35:00.000-08:00

We visited with Nana on Saturday. She is doing so much better. I could hardly keep up with her. She can't wait to go home.

Abram

2011-01-08T15:55:00.001-08:00

Today my nephew Abram was baptised . I am so proud of him for his choice.

Before

2011-01-07T17:16:00.001-08:00

This is the before picture. The countdown has began. I am starting to get a little nervous about my surgery. Every time I think about the little things that I won't be able to do for 6-8 weeks I start to talk myself out of it. Like how am I supposed to shower? Or how am I going to get to the car if it snows? My biggest concern in the not driving part. I like my freedom to go where I want when I want. I might need to hire a driver. Well this is the before picture of my ankle. You can kind of see in this picture that my right ankle is still a little swollen. I guess that isn't going to go away for a while. I got a pedicure today so that my toes will be pretty for surgery. Not that anyone will care, but I do.

BOYS!!!

2011-01-06T20:51:00.000-08:00

I remember the excitement as a kid when a boy would show any attention to a girl. The notes passed in school that said "Will you go out with me? Check Yes, No, or Maybe". Well McKenzie is feeling that excitement now. I didn't think the day would come when I would have a daughter old enough to experience this excitement ,well I now have 2. This is the dog that McKenzie got for Christmas from her "boyfriend". When I say "boyfriend" I mean a boy who is a friend who McKenzie can't stop talking about.

She might kill me for posting this!!

Sammy

2011-01-05T20:17:00.000-08:00

My gorgeous girl. Love you Sam!!!

Work Work Work

2011-01-04T19:16:00.001-08:00

This is where I spend most of my day. Someone really should clean my desk for me.

Monday Night and The Bachelor

2011-01-03T18:47:00.000-08:00

I think I have brainwashed my kids. After years of watching the Bachelor my kids now enjoy it as much as I do. Lets hope Brad doesn't screw it up again.

Bionicles

2011-01-02T16:07:00.001-08:00

Dylan got sick a couple days before Christmas with a bad cold. He hasn't been able to play outside much. This is how he spends his time when he isn't bugging his sisters.

Picture A Day

2011-01-01T16:56:00.000-08:00

Ryan gave me a pretty nice camera for Christmas this year. I am going to start blogging more and do a picture a day. My goal is to do this all year. We'll see how long I make it.

My parents take us out for breakfast every New Years day. This tradition has been going on since before I can remember. It started out at Coachmen's Pancake House but we have finally outgrown that place. We went to Denny's this year. It's always great to get together with everyone for breakfast. This is one tradition I look forward to each year.

2010-12-27T01:23:00.000-08:00

Christmas at Grandma Jensen's

2010-12-27T01:05:00.000-08:00

Christmas Morning

2010-12-27T00:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve

2010-12-27T00:39:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve with Nana

One Year Later

2010-06-20T17:29:00.000-07:00

Holy Cow!!! It has been a year since my last post. I can't believe how fast time flys. I was going to go back the last year and post what we have done but that was going to take too much time. I will just sum it up. Dylan played football for the first time last summer. He was pretty awesome and his team came in 3rd in the playoffs. McKenzie went gliding for the first time with Grandpa Ross and loved it. She now can't wait until the next time she gets to go up. Samantha is 14 and a typical teenager, always texting and on facebook with friends. The kids are all getting excited for their trip with Nana at the end of this month. I will post pictures when they get back. This last week Dylan went to BYU football camp and had a blast. He learned a lot and had the opportunity to be coached by some of the best.

Coach Mendenhall with one of the BYU players

Dylan warming up

Cosmo

Playing a scrimmage game.

Coach Mendenhall and Coach Grant

Jamie Hill- BYU Defensive Coordinator

Finally A New Post

2009-06-12T16:30:00.000-07:00

I have had a crazy few days. McKenzie woke up Wednesday morning with a fever and throwing up. I took her to Primary Childrens to get the great news that she has Swine Flu. YUCK!!!!!!! I have spent the last couple of days trying to make her comfortable while trying not to get it myself. Her fever has broke but she still doesn't feel great. She is starting to get bored and wants to be out playing with her friends.

Memorial weekend Ryan and I went to California to visit his family. We went with Brynn, Chad, and Trevor. We drove through Lake Tahoe on our way there. We stopped at Uncle Roy and Aunt Leslie's house in Roseville before we went to Santa Rosa. We went to Armstrong grove and then froze our butts off at the beach. We had a great time visiting with all the family. Thanks Uncle Dale and Aunt Janice for letting us stay with you.

Saturday At The Range

2009-02-21T16:09:00.000-08:00

I think I found a new hobby. We took Dylan shooting at Lee Kay with Grandpa Ross. We shot the new AR15 and Grandpa's 308 Varmint. I must say I was a pretty good shot. I shot a 3 shot group under a dime size with the varmint at a 100 yards.

Ryan and Dylan shooting the AR15

Ryan

Me

Maybe a little room for improvement

WOW!! What Can I Say...

2009-02-17T20:43:00.000-08:00

Sleigh Riding

2008-12-30T19:45:00.000-08:00

We decided to take the kids sleigh riding on Saturday. I think we picked the coldest day of the year. We froze our butts off.

Feliz Navidad

2008-12-24T13:45:00.000-08:00

We had the annual Andrew Christmas party at our house on the 22nd. I had to work all day so I left all the preparations to Ryan and Cadie. Ryan made sure the house was ready and Cadie cooked all the food. I should work every time we have a party. All I had to do was show up. We had everyone show up. Ryan's Uncle Darrin and Aunt Melissa and their kids, Uncle Dean, Ross and Kerlyn, Brynn and Chad, and Cadie. Cadie made an awesome Mexican dinner. After dinner we played American Idol karaoke revolution on the Wii. We had a lot of fun seeing everyone and was glad that you all could make it.

Grandpa Ross and Trevor

Chad, Cadie, Ross, and Trevor

Darrin and Melissa

McKenzie

Darrin and Dean (Blue Steel and Magnum)

Dean, Ross, and Trevor

Myra, she loved dancing to the singing.

Brynn and Chad trying to sing.

You will have to check out Brynn and Chad's blog to see video of Ryan singing. I promised him I wouldn't post it but I never said that I wouldn't say where it is posted. www.brynnandchad.blogspot.com

Dear Santa

2008-12-22T11:50:00.000-08:00

I stole this from an email I got. I thought it was way cute.

Dear Santa,

I've been a good Mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children
on demand, visited the pediatrician's office more than my own doctor,
and sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade
tree on the school playground. I was hoping you could spread my list out
over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son's
red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room, between
cycles.... and who knows when I'll find any more free time in the next
18 years.

Here are my Christmas wishes: I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache,
(in any color, except purple--I already have purple) and arms that don't
hurt or flap in the breeze, but are strong enough to pull my screaming
child out of the candy aisle in the grocery store. I'd also like a
waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last
pregnancy.

If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like shatter/fingerprint/drool-resistant windows and a radio that only plays
adult music, a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing
talking animals, and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the
crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.

On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, 'Yes,
Mommy' to boost my parental confidence, along with two kids who don't
fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the
use of power tools. I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks
chanting 'Don't eat in the living room' and 'Take your hands off your
brother,' because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing
range and can only be heard by the dog. If it's too late to find any of
these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my
hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room
temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.

If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten
the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare chocolate a
vegetable? It would clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful
if you could coerce my children to help around the house without
demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime
family.

Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is calling and my son saw my feet
under the laundry room door. I think he wants fed or hauled somewhere.

Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the door and
come in and dry off so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to the
cookies on the table but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the
carpet. (BTW, you promised me last year you would lose some weight with
me so next year you and I could be a cute size six... Okay, some
requests go too far.....)

Yours Always,
MOM

P.S. One more thing...you can c ancel all my requests if you can keep my
children, healthy, safe, and of course, young enough to always believe
in Santa.

Update...I have no idea what to title this.

2008-12-11T22:23:00.000-08:00

We have been very busy the last month. I will try not to bore you so I will just show the pictures.

I went to dinner with my BFF'S from high school Amber and Heidi. We had a lot of fun seeing each other after so many years. We need to get together more often (thanks for the picture Amber).

Ryan rockin it playing Rock Band on Thanksgiving. We had a lot of fun with the family that day.

We did a tree for the Festival of the Trees. It was titled "Remember When" and it is a 50's malt shop theme. This is something I look forward to doing every year.

Last weekend we went to Cedar City for Kary and Donna's wedding. Congratulations.

Ryan dancing with Tom at the wedding. Don't they make a cute couple?

Me and Jodi at the wedding having fun taking pictures of ourselves. I look like a deer caught in the headlights. I must say that I do like my new hairdo.

Ryan drew out for a special Elk hunt this year. He went up the weekend before Thanksgiving and the weekend after. He took Dylan up the 1st weekend and he had fun being Dads helper.

Ryan and Chad the 2nd weekend. He finally got his Elk. He was so happy.

Halloween

2008-11-04T22:07:00.001-08:00

Samantha and her teacher at the Halloween recital

About half of the grandkids at Zoie's B-day party

Dylan as a Bobble Head Reaper

Dylan on his way to school

Dylan and McKenzie dressed for the school Halloween Parade

I am going to get the award for Mother Of The Year. I didn't get a picture of Samantha in her costume. But I bet everyone could guess what she was. I think she took a picture of herself on her phone so I will try and find one. Lets see how many can guess right.

100 Things To Do

2008-11-01T10:58:00.001-07:00

100 Things to Do

62 out of 100...Things I've done and Been to (Mine are in BLUE )
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris (Talouse, France not Paris)
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon (5k)
28. Ridden in a gondola
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible (& Book of Mormon)
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating eewww...
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Deer Hunt 2008

2008-10-24T20:46:00.001-07:00

Ryan went deer hunting last weekend with my Dad and brothers. They always have a good time and look forward to it every year. Ryan has 3 tags this year for 3 different hunts, 2 down 1 more to go. He is leaving in a couple weeks to go on the Elk hunt. He drew out for some special hunt so he's pretty excited.

I don't think my Dad should call that a Buck.

Kamron finally got one this year.

My brother Kary

I love this man!!

My Dad dreaming of the big one that got away.

My other brother Kamrom

Trevor LaVon Eastman

2008-09-20T21:01:00.000-07:00

Brynn and Chad had their baby. He was born September 20, 2008. He was 8 lbs 2 oz and 19" long. He is a cutie.

Skate Park

2008-09-06T18:57:00.000-07:00

I took Dylan, McKenzie, and Carson to the skate park. Here are just a few of the pictures.

July & August Update

2008-09-01T20:47:00.000-07:00

We have been keeping busy and I haven't had a chance to update my blog. I will catch you up with some pictures.

My parents took the family to Lagoon on July 24th and we had a lot of fun. Dylan went on most of the rides this year.

We spent Labor day weekend in Gunnison with Jodi and Mark. Jodi and I spent hours playing Rummikub. I kicked her butt. Ryan, Mark, and Connor went golfing at Palisades. I guess they didn't do very well but they had fun. Drew wanted me to know that he lifts weights so I think he put on Connors shirt so it would show off his muscles. You have to love that kid.

The kids started school last week. Samantha is in the 7th grade, McKenzie is in 4th, and Dylan is in 2nd. Dylan was excited to go back to school and see his friends. Samantha and McKenzie didn't want summer to end. Dylan also got his new glasses and thinks that he is pretty cool.

They Can Really Move!

2008-08-08T20:49:00.001-07:00

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Check Out Those Legs!

2008-08-08T20:47:00.001-07:00

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Disco Baby!!

2008-08-08T20:43:00.001-07:00

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Canada EH!!!

2008-07-12T11:20:00.000-07:00

We spent the last week in Canada for a family reunion. We had a blast. We went to the Calgary Stampede and Waterton. I will let the pictures tell the story.

McKenzie relaxing on the way to Canada

Samantha, McKenzie, Dylan, Christian, and Rachel

McKenzie in a Military Helicopter at the stampede

Dylan loved the horses

Dylan was in heaven when he went to the BMX show in Calgary.

Dylan, Ryan, and Kamron

The opening of the Chuckwagon Races

Chuckwagon races

Steve and I went on the Skycoaster. I didn't think that I would ever see Calgary upside down.

The family at Waterton

Dylan and Kamron

Steve and Bob (This reminded me of Dumb and Dumber)

Ryan

We are tough bikers!!!

Samantha and Rachel

Christian and Dylan

Samantha's first dance

Fathers Day Weekend

2008-06-18T20:01:00.000-07:00

We had a fun full weekend. We had a BBQ here on Saturday with the Andrew's. Ryan made hamburgers, hot dogs, and deer stake. I must say that the deer meat wasn't bad. This is the first time that I have tried deer meat and liked it. We set up a little pool for the kids and they had a blast with Violet and Ashton. Thanks for the pictures Brynn.

Sunday we had a BBQ at my parents house with everyone. We got my Dad some flip flops. This is his first pair and it was funny watching him walk in it. He will have to get used to that. We also took a picture with everyone that turned out pretty good for that many people. I can't get the picture to download but as soon as I do I will post it.

My nephew Mitch went to the MTC today. He will be serving a mission in Puerto Rico. Doesn't sound bad at all but we will miss him.

Boys And Mud

2008-06-09T22:37:00.001-07:00

Samantha was watching McKenzie and Dylan for a few hours today when Dylan and his friend decided that it would be fun to turn my front yard into a mud pit and ride there bikes through it. I have a little garden in my front yard that I had recently pulled the bushes out and I haven't had a chance to replant anything yet. Well Dylan turned on the water and proceeded to get it as muddy as he could. He then started to ride his bike through it. Not only was that a complete mess but every time he rode his bike in it he would track it all over the lawn. When Ryan got home he was not to happy to see the mess. When I got home from the gym Ryan had already cleaned mud off the house, lawn, bikes, and Dylan. But don't worry Samantha was such a good babysitter that she took pictures of all the fun. I don't think Dylan will do this again but he is pretty happy that we have it on camera.

Memorial Weekend

2008-06-01T22:14:00.001-07:00

I finally got my new computer so I guess I have to keep my blog updated. Memorial weekend was a very busy few days. Ryan and Dylan went camping so I decided I would update a few things in our house. I bought carpet for all 4 bedrooms and had that put in on Saturday. After that was done Nancy and I went shopping for some new couches for our living room. After going to a few stores we found some at RC Willey. I wanted to get this all done before Ryan got home so I decided that I would pick up the couches. It was not easy getting them in the house but Nancy and I did it. Dylan also got a new bed for his birthday so we had to set that up also. By the time Ryan and Dylan got home everything was done and they were pretty surprised.

Dylan has found a new hiding place and loves it.

I think I need some practice!!!

2008-05-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

50 words

Speedtest

McKenzie's celebrity look-a-like

2008-05-12T13:36:00.000-07:00

Dylan's Celebrity look-a-like

2008-05-12T12:52:00.000-07:00

This one makes me laugh!!!

Samantha's Celebrity look-a-like

2008-05-12T12:44:00.000-07:00

April Fools

2008-04-03T07:37:00.000-07:00

Sorry Janice, it was only a joke. I meant to change it yesterday but I have been so sick.

I guess I wasn't done

2008-04-01T14:57:00.000-07:00

Well it came as a big surprise and I'm still not sure how. I guess getting your tubes tied doesn't guarantee anything. We found out last month that we are expecting twins. We are excited but a little freaked out.

2008-03-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of Samantha, McKenzie, and Dylan in there Easter clothes. We had a good Easter with both families. The kids like getting together and playing with there cousins. We went over to my parents house first and had lunch and then the kids had a Easter egg hunt. After the Easter egg hunt my mom always has a pinata for the kids to break open. They had a lot of fun doing that. We then went over to Nana and Papa's and Nancy's house. We got to eat again. I was sick by the time I went home that night. The kids had another Easter egg hunt at Nancy's house. Nancy went a little over board with the candy. My kids have enough candy to last until next Easter.

Tag-O-Rama....This ones for Jacki

2008-03-25T13:07:00.000-07:00

A: The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.

B: Each player answers the questions about themselves.

C: At the end of the post, the player then tags 3 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

#1 What was I doing 10 years ago? I was pregnant with McKenzie and working at Regis Hairstylist. We lived in Ryan's moms basement. Samantha was 2 and I was very busy with her.

#2 Things on my To-Do List today: I have so much to do at work today that I thought I would do this stupid tag. I also have to call Samantha's Dr. and get a note faxed to her school letting them know why she isn't there. I have to go home and help McKenzie with her report on Indians. And last but not least I have to watch American Idol.

#3 What would I do if I were suddenly a Billionaire: I would build my dream house and go on a cruise that lasted the entire summer. Ryan would quit his job and we would spend a lot of time with the kids.

#4 Bad Habits: I Tivo everything and then I spend half the night watching t.v. shows. And then I want to know why I am so tired the next morning.

#5 Places I have lived

1.West Valley City, (the hood) Ut

2.Gunnison, Ut

3. Salt Lake, UT

#6 Jobs I have had

1. Regis Hairstylist

2. Elite Dental Lab

3. Discover Card

4. JetBlue

5. Department of Workforce Services

#7 Things that people don't know about me

1. I don't think there is anything that people don't know about me. If there is something it is because I don't want anyone to know so I am not going to put it on my blog for everyone to see.

I tag Brynn, Cadie, and Kary

Birthday Surprise

2008-03-14T18:35:00.000-07:00

When I got to work on Wednesday I walked in the back doors and everyone was waiting for me with water guns. I then went to my cubicle and they decided to shred my office. The mean part of all this is that they made me clean it up. I am still finding little pieces of paper everywhere.

It's A Holiday Everyday For March

2008-03-11T13:22:00.000-07:00

11. Check Your Batteries Day
12. National Workplace Napping Day
13. Ear Muff Day
14. Save A Spider Day
15. Absolutely Incredible Kid Day
16. Everything You Do Is Right Day
17. St. Patrick’s Day
18. Forgive Mon & Dad Day
19. National Chocolate Caramel Day
20. Big Birds Birthday
21. World Down Syndrome Day
22. International Goof Off Day
23. Near Miss Day (On March 23, 1989 a mountain sized asteroid passed within 500,000 miles of earth.)
24. National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day
25. National Sleep Day
26. Robert Frost’s Birthday (I went to Robert Frost Elementary)
27. Urinal Birthday (Andrew Rankin invented the urinal in 1866)
28. Eat An Eskimo Pie Day
29. Love Your Children Day
30. National Hot Dog Day
31. Coloring Crayola Day

National Napping Day!!

2008-03-10T13:47:00.000-07:00

Today is National Napping Day!! I thought that I would let you all know so that you make sure to get your nap in. I will be sure to do that when I get home from work. I know that I could use one now, that's for sure.

Ryan and I went out to dinner with Darrin and Melissa on Saturday to celebrate our birthdays. Melissa's is on the 11th and mine on the 12th. I hope that you all remembered to put my gift in the mail j/k. We met in Provo and had dinner at this Italian restaurant that I can't remember the name. But it was pretty good. We then went to Baskin Robbins for ice cream after (Thanks Aunt Leslie).

Last weekend Ryan and I celebrated our 13th anniversary. I can't believe that it has been 13 years already. Time flies when you are having fun. He took me to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner. I must say it was pretty tasty.

Dylan lost his 1st tooth last week. It's about time. I thought he would never loose them. He is excited that the snow is melting. He is skating all the time now that it is a little warmer.

I am finally updating my blog

2008-01-21T14:48:00.000-08:00

I am finally updating my blog. A lot has happened in the last couple months. We had a good Christmas and New Years. I started a new job on Dec 31. I now work for the State at the Department of Workforce Services. Its nice to get out of the house and work. I'm not going to bore you with my writing so I will just show pictures of what we have been doing. Jayne likes President Bush so much that she is turning into him. Preston, Austin, Dylan, Carson, and Cadren skating before Thanksgiving dinner at Grandma's house.

Samantha at her Christmas recital. She wanted to play this song for Grandpa Ross.

Ryan and I took the kids sleigh riding today. They had a blast. Dylan wanted to try snowboarding, he did pretty good for his first time. He also had fun when he got a little push from Ryan.

Snow Day

2007-12-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning Ryan was meeting a friend to go duck hunting. I had to wake up at 6:45 am to take him to Tom's house. When I walked outside there was 6 inches of snow on the ground. YUCK!!! I cleaned the car off and took him over to Tom's house without to much trouble. The main roads weren't that bad. On my way home I was OK until I got to the driveway. When I went to pull into the driveway I slid and missed it and ended up on my lawn. Well let me tell you now, I should have stayed there. But oh no I couldn't do that. I just had to try and get back in the driveway. Well I was STUCK!!!! I finally got myself off my lawn only to get my front tires stuck in the gutter so the rest of my car is sticking out in the street. It is now 7:30 and to early in the morning to wake the neighbors and of coarse Ryan isn't home to help me. So what am I going to do? I sat there and tried to go forward and backward for about 15-20 min. I thought to myself what do I do when Ryan isn't home and I need help, Call Dad. Well that doesn't do any good when their power is out and their cell phones aren't turned on. Finally my neighbor across the street walked over and scared the crap out of me. He started to dig me out and then another neighbor came and started to help him. After about another 15 min. they got me out and I was back in my driveway. I got my snow blower out and got the snow cleared away. I vowed not to leave my house for the rest of they day when Samantha came in to tell me she had to go to violin lessons. Oh crap is all I had to say. I now had to drive her 3 blocks up the street in the snow that hasn't been plowed. I got her there just fine but on the way home when I was turning onto my street I slid and almost ended up on my neighbors lawn. It wasn't quit so traumatic as earlier and I was able to get myself out after only a few minutes but I went home and I stayed until the plows came through the neighborhood. By the time it was done snowing we had 9 inches of snow. Thank goodness for snow blowers. I would hate to shovel it all.

Thanksgiving

2007-11-28T21:03:00.000-08:00

Well this last weekend was very busy but a lot of fun. Ryan started it out by going duck hunting with a few friends on Thanksgiving morning. He was successful and got a few ducks but he knows better then to bring them home. He has a couple friends that don't mind taking them off his hands. I don't think that I could eat them. He says I should try but I can't bring myself to do it.

Later that day we went to my parents house for dinner. It's pretty crazy there when we get everyone together. There was 27 of us for dinner and most of those were kids. We had a good time cooking and setting everything up before. After dinner it was nice to sit down and laugh with my sisters. We can't get together without laughing so hard it brings us to tears.

The next morning we were going to go to the West Valley Christmas Parade with my family but about 5am I woke up with the worst headache of my life. So I called my sister Jodi to let her know that we weren't going to go and she told me she was in the same boat.

Later that day we decided to go to the Cheesecake factory for lunch. We went with Jodi, Mark, Jayne, and the kids. It was a pretty good place. I would have to recommend it. After I still wasn't feeling so hot so I went home and took a much needed 4 hour nap. That was the best. I didn't have any kids home to bug me. They were all off to friends or at Nana's house. After my nap I went with Nancy, Cadie, Nana, Papa, and the kids to see the movie Enchanted. I must say that I liked it. I wasn't sure that I would be it was good.

Saturday morning Ryan woke up early to go duck hunting again. He has a lot of fun doing that. I don't see the fun in sitting in the duck marsh and getting wet waiting for a duck to fly over so you can shoot the poor thing. How is that fun? But whatever floats his boat. That night we went to dinner with Brynn, Chad, Cadie, Kristen, and Kamron at Red Robin. After dinner Ryan and Chad went to the Tool concert and had a pretty good time.

Sunday we went to Payson for Myra's blessing. It was nice to see everyone again.

The Marriage Castle

2007-11-18T14:03:00.000-08:00

Last week Ryan worked on President Oaks house. On the last day that he was there Sister Oaks pulled him aside and asked if he was LDS. Ryan told her yes and then she asked if he had any kids. Ryan told her that he had 3. She then gave him 3 testimony gloves for the kids. They are white gloves with one picture on each finger of God the father, Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, the Temple, and President Hinckley. Dylan was showing Nancy his glove. She asked him what each picture was. When he got to the picture of the Salt Lake Temple he told her it was a picture of the marriage castle. And then he continued to say to me "You know mom the one you got married in". Needless to say Nancy and I had a pretty good laugh. At least he knows what we do in there.

Crazy Hair Day

2007-11-14T11:58:00.000-08:00

It was "Crazy Hair Day" at school today. This is how Mckenzie went to school. I don' think that it gets crazier then this. She was very worried that today wasn't Wednesday. I had to promise her several times that it is Wednesday.

Quiz Time!!!!

2007-11-04T16:07:00.000-08:00

1. Height? 5' 9"
2. Have you ever smoked? No
3. Do you own a gun? Yes Ryan does
4. Favorite kind of music? Rock
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Sometimes
6. What do you think of hot dogs? YUCK
7. What's your favorite kids movie?
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Neither, I would love a coke if I didn't just give it up
9. Can you do push ups? No
10. Is your bathroom clean? It could be cleaner
11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My ring
12. Do you like painkillers? Yes
13. What is your secret weapon to lure in the opposite sex? The only person I lure is Ryan and that doesn't take much.
14. Do you have A.D.D.? No
15.City and State you were born in? Salt Lake City, UT
16. Middle Name? Lynette
17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? I wish dinner was done, 2 more hours until Desperate Housewives, I really don't want to work tomorrow.
18. Name the last 3 things you have bought? Gas, Food, and Spiderman 3
19. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink: Water, Juice, Water. (I wish I could list coke)
20. Name 3 of your favorite restaurants: Cafe Rio, Barbacoa, Chili's
21. Name 4 friends that you can talk to about anything: Ryan, Jodi, Melanie, Jayne
22. Current worry? Can't think of one
23. Current hate? Bad drivers
24. Favorite place to be? With my family
25. How did you ring in the New Year? I think I was working.
26. Where would you like to go? Paradise Island, Bahamas
27. Do you own slippers? Yes
28. What shirt are you wearing? White with black jacket
29. Do you burn or tan? I burn.
30. Favorite color(s)? green
31. Would you be a pirate? No, that's a dumb question
32. What kind of car do you drive? Honda, Accord
33. What songs do you sing in the shower? None
34. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child? I have always been afraid someone would brake into my house while I was sleeping. It's even worse now that it has happened.
35. What's in your pockets right now? Nothing
36. Last person that made you laugh? Dylan
37. Best bed sheets as a child? Can't remember
38. Worst injury you've ever had? Broken thumb and Broken ankle
39. Last person to send you an Instant Message: Someone at work
40. How many TVs do you have in your house? 3
41. Who is your loudest friend? I don't think I have a loud friend
42. Who is your most silent friend? Melanie
43. Does someone have a crush on you? I don't think so
45. Favorite book(s)? Twilight series and Knight in shining Armour
46. What is your favorite candy? Laffy Taffy
47. What did you eat for breakfast this morning? Nothing
48. What song do you want played at your funeral? I don't care, I wont be there.
49. What were you doing at 12 AM last night? Reading
50. What was the first thought in your head when you woke up this morning? Yes, I get to sleep another hour. (It was day light savings)

Hannah Montana

2007-11-03T14:09:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday Brynn and I surprised McKenzie, Samantha, Dylan, Christian, and Rachel by taking them to the Hannah Montana concert. They had a blast. They got there picture taken with Miley Cyrus's grandma. Mckenzie and Rachel knew every word to every song. I don't think that they stopped singing and dancing the whole time.

McKenzie's Birthday

2007-10-28T17:07:00.001-07:00

McKenzie had her birthday party on Friday night and she had 4 friends sleep over. She had a lot of fun. She has been planning this party for awhile. I think that I survived the party also.

Deer Hunting

2007-10-28T16:48:00.000-07:00

Ryan got his deer. After spending 3 tiring days in Northern Utah seeing nothing. Kary and Ryan went up to the North slope of the Uintah Mountains and shot 2 deer the first day. He got a 4 point and a small 2x1. He was pretty excited about the 4 point. This is the biggest he has ever shot. He thinks that I am going to let him mount it and hang it on the wall in the living room. He is going to be very disappointed when I take it down. Mckenzie was pretty worried that he was going to still have them hanging in the tree in the backyard for her birthday. But he got them out in time.

A Few Pictures

2007-10-21T15:57:00.000-07:00

Samantha, McKenzie, and Dylan

Nana put Samantha to work. She loves clean floors.

Dylan after he won his 1st BMX race

Dylan skating

Dylan 4 wheeling, this is just after he drove it off the trail and got it stuck in the trees.

Ryan 4 wheeling

Samantha, McKenzie, and Dylan at the Zoo

Nana showing Ryan how its done

Dylan thinks he's pretty cool

Memorial Day-Mckenzie and Dylan

Cadie giving Mckenzie a massage

Cadie giving Dylan a massage

He loves his chocolate

Just A Little More.....

2007-10-16T09:18:00.000-07:00

Well Brynn and Melissa are telling me that I need to update my blog. I really haven't done anything to exciting in the last couple weeks. So I will try not to bore you.

Ryan went on the Elk hunt and came home with nothing. I Can't say that I'm to upset about that. He had a lot of fun. It was cold and snowing the entire time. He said that at times he couldn't see 5 feet in front of him. I don't know how that could be fun but what do I know. He leaves again on Friday for the Deer hunt. This time he will be gone a week and I can usually count on him getting something. Darn it...

On Friday my Mom and a couple of my sisters and I decided we would go and pick some grapes and make grape juice for our food storage. My Mom has a friend that she works at the temple with that has A LOT of grapes and let us have some. I'm not sure if we knew what we were getting ourselves into. We went and got us a good amount of grapes and took them to my moms house to start the canning process. About 12 hours and 70 bottles later we finished. Apparently we didn't think that we had enough work for ourselves so we made our own. What a mess. But we did have fun doing it.

Samantha is getting ready for her Halloween program at school. It sounds like its going to be fun. A lot of work is going into it. Mckenzie is still counting down the days until her birthday. she is trying very hard to make me tell her what she is getting. She will flip out when she finds out. Dylan is up to the same old stuff. SKATE! SKATE! SKATE!

A little while ago Ryan and I were watching a few videos on youtube and we found one that was pretty scary. McKenzie was standing behind us watching with us and when she saw this she fell back and started crying. I don't want to sound mean but it was pretty funny. So I thought I would share the video with you. Needless to say she wont stand behind us anymore when we are watching videos. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fg4c0B5IGqE

A little about us

2007-10-02T13:13:00.000-07:00

Well I am getting on the band wagon and trying this blogging thing. I really don't know what I am doing so I just hope that it's right. I don't know if I am even interesting enough to keep one going but I will try. I can always talk about the kids they will keep this going.

This is Ryan's favorite time of year. When the leaves start to change and the temperature drops then you know that Ryan is getting ready for the hunts. He is going on the Elk hunt this weekend with my Dad and brothers, Kary and Kamron. And then they will take off a couple weeks after that for the deer hunt. They look forward to this all year long. While I am at home praying that they don't get anything. I really don't like the meat. I guess if I had a choice I would rather him get an elk.

The kids are all in school this year. Samantha is in 6Th grade and she is working really hard to get straight A's this year. She is also in her 2ND year of orchestra and plays the violin. She is really enjoying that. McKenzie is in 3rd grade and right now all she can think about is her birthday that is coming up at the end of the month. I think that she has been planning her party since August. And then there is Dylan. He is in 1st grade and really working on reading right now. But when he is not at school all he can think about is skateboarding. He would skate all day if he could. As soon as I figure this whole think out I will put some pictures on. I didn't think the day would ever come that I would have all 3 kids in school at the same time. So when they started school I decided that I would change my schedule and start working days. I am still doing reservations for jetBlue and I guess I'm enjoying it. I am done with work by 1:oo and then I get a couple hours to catch up on things before the kids get home.