Jens turned 9!

Wow! Do all 9 year old boys act this way?!? Jens decided for his birthday, he wanted to have a "Late Night" with his closest friends. (I have to say that I love the trend that at least our neighborhood is gravitating to...Late Nights instead of Sleepovers. I know that sleepovers were the thing when we were growing up, but this is the way to not have it drag into the next day, not to mention keeping kids in a more controlled environment.) Anyway, they had lots of fun with pizza, video games, a movie projected big onto the wall with popcorn and candy, not to mention ice cream cake. I definitely admire all you Cub Scout Leaders out there, though. All they wanted to talk about when they were eating or sitting around together was burping, farting or something disgusting! Aaah!!! I guess if they had fun, it was a success!

On Sunday, we had a family dinner and had more cake and ice cream. I attempted a lego cake, which my Grandma said looked nothing like one. (So tactful at 86) It looked more like a blob of frosting. However, the inside was a hit! I put legos in the cake and if you found one, you could exchange it for a quarter. Growing up, my mom would boil money and put it in the cake and the cousins always loved it and there was never any cake left. You have to preface it with a choking warning, but the kids love it. So, it was more of a lego cake from the inside than the outside!


On a sentimental note, we are so proud of Jens and what a great kid he is turning out to be. He is so sweet and considerate to friends around him. He could be a little more of that to his siblings, but he is improving. He loves to watch out for them and play with them. His only fault would be watching out for them too much in a controlling way. We were so proud when we went to his last parent-teacher conference. The teacher said that there were some parents that came in and said "Who is this Jens kid?" He has changed our lives. Their son was quite awkward with no friends and didn't want to come to school everyday. Jens befriended him and introduced him to some of his friends and now the boy loves school and has many friends. I was in tears. If there was anything I would want my child to excel in, that would be it. Reading, Math, Sports, etc. are great, but being a Christ-like friend is most important. What a proud parent moment!

Oh, I almost forgot...Jens talked his teacher into letting me bring his bearded dragon lizard, Flames, to show his class for his birthday. They LOVED it as they always do. We bring crickets for him to chase and eat, and worms for him to jump up and eat. Flames is getting used to putting on a show with all the pet days they have at preschool and we have brought him into 3 of Jens's school classes now. (Jens got him for his birthday 2 years ago. I have since become a much braver mom when it comes to this reptile!)

One Step at a Time

The other day I was listening to Jordin Sparks new hit song, "One Step at a Time" and all I could think was , "Exactly!" Lately, most days are so crazy that to prevent hyperventilation or a stress attack, I feel like I need to just think of it one task at a time. I joke that sometimes I can only think 24 hours at a time, but most of the time, I can only handle one hour, or even one moment at a time. While these feelings of being overwhelmed often dictate my daily schedule, at other times I just want to hit pause and make my kids grow up slower. Every milestone they cross is so cute and sweet and my heart strings want so badly just to hold on to those moments. Drew is crawling everywhere and is so entertaining for the family. He is quick to laugh, smile and do many raspberries which only causes contagious laughter in everyone else! Tate wants to show me a new lego creation or just snuggle up and read a book all the time. Ellie is learning so much in school and she writes me at least 6 notes a day that say, "Mom, I love you! To: Mom From: Ellie." She stays right by my side most of the day and wants to help with everything I do. Jens is growing up so fast and just wants to spend time together doing quality talking or snuggling watching a movie. I just love them so much! I need to take more moments to stop and soak in the joy they bring!

Christmas Tree Cutting in the Rain

Every year, we enjoy a winter picnic in Kamas with cousins as some of the family cuts down their Christmas trees from the mountain. They stand in line (sometimes sleep out) for their permits in early Nov. Then we go up around Thanksgiving and BBQ, go 4-wheeling, sledding and have lots of fun. Tim and I gave up the real tree several years ago and go with the fake one and a pine scented candle. (It was a compromise that eliminated unnecessary conflict in our marriage at Christmas time...worth every penny!) However, we still join the family for the tradition. It's usually a lot of fun. This year, the kids spent about 10 minutes outside and then sat in the van and watched a movie. Snow or no snow we can handle, but rain was not my idea for a fun picnic. I think we'll watch the forecast a little closer next year:)

Thanksgiving in Tremonton

Where? Tim's brother, Lance, is a co-owner of a Hampton Inn in Tremonton. So we all decided to go and stay at the hotel at a discounted rate for a couple of nights. It was the perfect way to do it. We set dinner up in the Conference Room, all bringing our portions of the meal. We then used the Conference Room as a playroom, movie room, game room, etc. for the next couple of days. We could put children down for naps with monitors in our rooms, have our own space if we needed it, play in the pool with the kids a couple of times a day and leave the mess behind. It was great! Thanks again Lance! We had a great time.

Bittersweet Changes

Over the last several months, Tim's brother Doug and his wife, Emily, have been going through a divorce. Doug has been living with our family since the end of June. This past weekend, we helped him get moved into his own place. Tim's 2 sisters and 2 of us sister-in-laws helped decorate and get him settled. We love him and hope this helps him make the difficult transitions ahead. We have enjoyed the extra time we've had to spend with Doug and his 3 kids. I'm sure we'll still get together a lot, but it will be nice for everyone to have their own space. We've been lucky to have the opportunity to help him through this difficult time.

Ellie Lost Her 1st Tooth!

She was a champ! Tim sat there and twisted and wiggled and pulled it right out. She opened her mouth wide, bled and didn't flinch once, just said, "Get it, Dad!" She was ready for her visit from the tooth fairy. She has pushed her tongue through the hole nonstop and smiled a huge grin for everyone she meets.

Happy Halloween!

Halloween snuck up on us this year partly due to the sicknesses that just kept getting passed around the house. We had a lot of fun with costumes though! We enjoyed carving pumpkins, eating soup and getting lots of candy! Everyone had parties at school and I got the privilege of planning Jens's class party. We had a lot of fun! Tim caused quite a hoot (or TOOT) around the neighborhood as he blew his special flatulant whistle!
L to R: Drew-tiger, Tim-Whoopie Cushion, Ellie-darling witch, Tate-Spiderman, and Jens-Boba Fett (from Star Wars), Sara - devil (not shown)

Buckin' Bronco!

Drew loves his Exersaucer and will buck and buck in it until you think it might tip right over. He is such a happy kid and his smiles just melt us!

Mixed Feelings about Voting Day

I have been working very hard over the last few months to stop 5 bonds that our city put on the ballot to complete several projects. One imparticular would complete our road adding a considerable amount of traffic. The failing economy was definitely our friend as the tax increases were very unfavorable to most American Fork residents. We were glad when all 5 bonds failed in the vote forcing our City Council members to spend the tax money more responsibly. And I need to remove one more thing from my my very full plate. The disappointment, however, came with the presidential outcome, but we expected it.

Ellie Turned 6!

I can't believe it! She is growing up way too fast! Ellie was so spoiled this year and had a whole birthday week!


Tim was out of town on her actual birthday so we made a cake at home and her brothers gave her presents. Then 2 nights later, she went out to dinner with Tim and I and we gave her our present. Then on Saturday, she had a few friends over for a Pony Party. We were going to go to Thanksgiving Point's farm and ride ponies, but the weather was bad so we improvised and Tim was our pony!

Tate Loves to Sing!

Everyday, the whole family "enjoys" Tate's rendition of several new songs he has discovered. I was laughing on my way home from kindergarten carpool as he sang these songs over and over again:

#1: I believe I can fly
I got hit by the ice cream guy
All I wanted was a popsicle
But I ended up in the hospital!

#2: Happy Birthday to me
I'm a hundred and three
I still go to preschool
And I want my mommy

My mommy's at work
She fired a jerk
She hired a monkey
To do my homework!

#3: I'm Popeye the sailor man
I live in a garbage can
I eat all the worms
And spit out the germs
So I'm Popeye the sailor man!

Just thought I'd share the joy!

Jens's Piano Recital

This last Thursday Jens performed in his 2nd ever piano recital. He did very well and we were very proud of him. Grandma Smith came up to see the recital, go to Wendy's (Jens's pick) and then we went to the Elementary School's Pumpkin Walk. Every year, each class comes up with a theme to show character values and put them on display for 2 nights. It was a fun night of accomplishments. Jens's class theme was "Walkin' on Sunshine" and they all listed what having a positive attitude means to them. He said "keep on trying and be kind." Ellie's kindergarten class theme was "I Love Me!" and they each painted pumpkins to look like themselves. (My camera battery died at the Pumpkin Walk so we took pictures the day after.)

Better Late than Never!

I need to repent and catch up on my blogging! Check out the new blogs I've added (about 10). I've changed the dates so that they are in chronological order. Enjoy!

Hamburger with Buns!

This last weekend Tim, his brother Doug, and friend Ty Hopkins did a Triathalon Sprint in St. George. For Tim and Ty, it was a virgin voyage. For Doug, it was his 2nd go around. His first was in May of this year. They all had a good time and want to try to do more in the future. However, Tim had a bit of a rough 1st race. He started out the swim with an unexpected bad reaction to the washing machine effect(created by all the swimmers starting at the same time in the open water) with a bit of a panic attack. In training, the swim had become his best leg, but I guess the adrenaline or something got to him. He was able to recover and ended up finishing that swimming leg just ahead of Doug and Ty. He then began the bike portion only to slide out on his bike at the bottom of a big hill. Getting used to your legs locked into the pedals is tough! That's where the "Hamburger with Buns" comes in. He ended up with a lot of road rash on his hip and BUNS after the fall. (I thought I'd spare you the visuals by NOT including a picture!) He picked himself up and continued on only to have the chain on his bike come off 1/2 way through the bike. He came in ahead of his goal time, but hopes that next time will go a bit smoother! We were very proud and it was a great example to the kids of perserverance and finishing the race! (Thanks for the heading idea, Bee!) Plug this website into your computer to see more pictures: http://www.zazoosh.com/members/viewGallery/989

Soccer Season

Jens, Ellie & Tate have all enjoyed soccer this season. Jens has really improved and enjoys the team he is on with his old scout leader as the coach. He is playing positions more and has started to see more strategy in the game. Ellie & Tate are also having a blast with the neighborhood kids. Our street alone makes up a team of preschoolers and kindergartners. Tim helped coach the team since we have 2 kids on the team. He is a natural. They are cute and Ellie has been getting aggressive with several goals. It is pretty much "magnet ball" at this age and they often fight for the ball from their own teammates, but they've got to start somewhere. Treats are always the highlight of the game!

Don't Eat Brownies for Breakfast!

Tuesday morning, I woke up to a half-eaten pan of slightly burnt brownies from the FHE treat the night before. So, of course, that sounded and looked like a perfect breakfast bite to begin my day! I proceeded to enjoy those ever so chewy brownies for breakfast and after swallowing my last bite, realized that something was very sharp in the back of my mouth! Half of one of my back teeth was missing! So...after 1.5 hours in the dentist chair yesterday and $300 later, I have a temporary tooth soon to be a crown! Moral of the story...think twice before eating brownies for breakfast!!!

Tate's 1st Day of School

Tate is attending preschool at the school Ellie went to last year, ABC Preschool. (He goes on MWF in the afternoons.) We loved it last year! The teachers were awesome and so positive. We are carpooling with a neighbor kid, Kai Brown. Aaah! Four kids, each on their own schedules! Hopefully I survive the year!
Tate had a rough summer filled with tumbles. He slightly fractured his foot earlier in the summer and had his fair share of road rash, the most recent one being last week when he went over the handlebars on his scooter.

The brothers go to Michigan!

Tim and 2 of his brothers, Lance & Doug, decided to take a trip to Michigan to visit Bam & Josh. They moved out at the beginning of August to start attending Medical School at Michigan State. Tim, Doug, Lance, Josh & Bam all enjoyed the intense U of U vs. Michigan St. game. The went and rooted for the Utes and got a lot of jeering from the hometown crowd, but had a lot of fun together! (See Bam & Josh's blog for pictures)

Ellie's 1st Day of School

Ellie is at the big school now! The kindergartners started a week later than the rest of the school so they could do assessments. She has Mrs. Park, a veteran teacher, in the afternoon. Jens also had Mrs. Park. We liked her! Most of Ellie's friends are all in the AM class, but she is so laid back and I think she'll enjoy meeting new friends.

Drew's Photo Shoot

So my amazing, brilliant, and favorite sister-in-law Bam came over to the house and we played with Drew for awhile! Isn't he a doll? (posted by Bam:)

Ellie's 1st Gymnastics Recital

Ellie has been taking a Level 1 Gymnastics class since January at All-American Gymnastics. She took some tumbling classes last year, but this has been much more structured, She loves it! It is so fun to watch her learn these little moves and practice them at home. She is very limber (Look at her double-jointed elbow in the picture)and we've always known she was a monkey from the 1st time she climbed up the pantry and cupboards. Her best little friend, Abby, has been taking it with her. This was her first recital and she was so excited to get a medal, just like the Olympics!

Jens's 1st Day of School

Jens is excited about his teacher this year, Mrs. Allphin! We've heard awesome things about her. He has Jackson, his best friend, in his class, as well as 3 other girls from our ward. It looks to be a good year!

More Bear Lake with the Cousins!

We had so much fun at Bear Lake again! It's always a blast! My family (except Ben...we missed you!) all had tons of fun! We had fun with the 4-wheelers Tres brought as well as the usual beach and swimming fun. Aaron & Tres got really serious about a sand castle after they found a huge sandstone that they broke up. We enjoyed some Sunday afternoon croquet and visiting with the Cloward clan who were all up at the lake for the week as well. Jodi returned from her summer of EFY medical counseling to announce that she plans to move to AZ with friends to find a nursing job. Uncle Matt taught us all some sweet dancin' moves and we all had the pleasure of enjoying Mom singing along to AC/DC's "Back in Black"! That was very unexpected and HILARIOUS! We love you Mom! Tim went and enjoyed a day of Scout Camp with our ward in Montpelier while we were there as well.

Fireworks for the 24th!

We enjoyed a day at Seven Peaks. It was awesome! We asked Tim's sister, Bam, to watch Drew. My sister, Lish, came with us as well as Tim taking the day off work. The ratio of kids to adults was awesome...3 to 3! It's all about the ratio, folks! We then enjoyed the evening with neighbors and Doug & the kids. We had some good ole' KFC, a children's parade of bikes, scooter, wagons, strollers, etc. and then shot off fireworks. They were so pyro-struck that they even burned the garbage! I remembered the night for a good week or so after enjoying dinner sitting on top of an anthill!!! Ants in your pants do make you do the boogie dance!

Drew's Baby Blessing

On July 6th, Tim gave Drew James his baby blessing. Tim was out of town during June so we had to wait a little longer than usual. Little Drew was an angel all day, as usual! He slept for quite a while and was awakened with a startle from the cousins. Other than that, he was so happy and content. We were so blessed to have so much family support. Thank you to those who made the trip! We missed those that were too far to attend (Grandma & Grandpa in Norway, Ben & Tanelle in Grenada, Jodi at EFY somewhere in the country, Jeff & Jamie in Boise and Bam & Josh on vacation in Hawaii!) We missed Great-Grandma Smith as well. We hope she feels better. We love you all and felt your support in spirit! We hope that the slideshow of pictures will help capture the experience.