My Baby Turns Eight!

What a fantastic day!

 It's no secret that Ammon is a special spirit.  We are so thankful to have him in our family.  

He always has a welcoming smile and -lately- some goofy comment.

 Justin baptized and confirmed Ammon.  The only snafu was the font doors were locked.  We were told that has not happened.  Ever.  Someone quickly brought keys.

 Dax and Jude.  The Thomson side.  The Dittmer/Eagle Crest 1st Side.  Kevin.

Bishop Turner.  Justin's drawing from his talk on baptism.  Ammon being silly.  Dyany.

The day was perfect.  We had great family support.  Sandwiches and salads (thanks Mom!).

Played a fun game.  More sandwiches.  And to top it off, Nacho Libre.  

One of my most favorite family days.

June Randomness

6/12  I LOVE LOVE LOVE google.  It just saved me a couple grand and/or hours on the phone.

I thought my aperture dial was broken, but alas, it wasn't.  Yippee!

Got home from Minnesota yesterday afternoon.  Great trip.

Justin, Jacob, Isaac, and Allison are gone Wednesday through Saturday on Trek.

It's just me and Ammon.  He's likes having the computer all to himself.  

He had a tick IN his side this morning and I'm thanking the Heavens above 

that Justin was here to get it out.

Shivers.

I've been freaked out all day.
6/13 Great day with Ammon.  Seven Peaks in the morning (first time for both of us).
Mount Timpanogos Temple grounds and picnic.
Shopping at WalMart for produce, Father's Day BBQ stuff,
and candy bars to make a Father's Day poster.
Watched Mary POPpins, ate POPcorn, and drank POP at our POP party.
Bought two sets of snowshoes WITH poles for $50.  Justin is going to be ecstatic.

6/18 The Endrizzi's came over tonight to take their family pictures.  They turned out pretty cute, if I do say so myself.
The wedding I photographed last Saturday was HARD!  So glad my sister in law, Sienna,  was there to help.
Upgraded to lightroom 5 today.
I am so happy with our new grass and backyard.
Made Justin a candy bar poster for Father's Day and had a bbq with brats stuffed with saur kraute, wrapped in bacon.  My parents were able to spend Saturday night and part of Sunday with us.
My lips hurt real bad.  They need to get used to the dry Utah weather after Minnesota.

May Randomness

May 1 Snowy and cold on the first day of may, but the rest of the week has great possibilities.

Sold a 30x40 print on Etsy.  This one.  It's going in a doctors office in Florida!  

I saw deer prints in my new grow box/raised bed the day after it was assembled.

My new next door neighbor to the south didn't want his fruit trees.  We took a grafted pear tree and a cherry.  My dad took the other two back to Logan.

The youth are learning square dancing tonight (for Trek).  I loved square dancing when I was a kid.

My kids are rolling their eyes.

May 3  Have I mentioned how much I detest HOA's?  AVOID!!!
Going to Logan with the kiddos this weekend (Justin is in Vegas) to help Grandpa in his yard.
Jacob has yet to get his contacts in by himself.  He has gotten them out twice.
I love LOVE getting packages in the mail.  I always forget what I order, so it's like Christmas!
I need a haircut/trim - desperately, and to repaint my toenails - not as desperately.
Although, I am liking my long hair lots.
Went to a craft show last night with Tina.  We have a business idea we may hatch.
I hate HATE getting bills for things that happened ages ago.  Especially ones that were unexpected.
Ha!  Just got a package!  A new compact flash card.
I need more space for my upcoming sessions: wedding and Ashyln's dance group.
I have a fear of failure with my studio, so I'm dragging my feet getting it finalized.
It's so close!  Just need some gentle shoves.
5/8  Just had a tooth pulled today.  It's that pesky tooth that has been bothering me for about a decade.  I guess there was a large amount of infection that was eating away the tooth tips.
Justin is such an amazing husband and dad.  I called and told him I couldn't take Jacob to his dr checkup and that he needed to come home to take him.  Of course, he did with no complaints.  He's even going to get my antibiotics for me.  Maybe I can talk him in to staying home with me tomorrow to baby me.
Ha!  He just texted to see if we needed anything at Smith's.
5/19 Wowzas.  Spent lots of time (and cash-o-la) on out backyard this weekend.
$170 topsoil.  $260 sprinkler parts.  $300 trampoline.
We sold our last trampoline and promised Ammon we would get him one when we moved.  It took us awhile, but we got one!  The kids used to never go outside to play.  Now they've been out several times already.  Of course, we've had several hurt kids and even one bloody nose.
5/20 Booked my car rental and set up my standby airline tickets last night for my Minnesota trip.
Getting lined up my sessions and where I'm going to stay.
5/29 Tomorrow is the day!  The day Allison and I fly to Minnesota.
Allison is a recent addition to the trip.  She is going to be staying mainly with her bff, Grace.
Grace is furious with me because she thinks I won't let Allison come, but we're trying to surprise her.
Poor girl.  I hope she's not mad at me for long.
Went to field day and saw Ammon and Allison.  Chilly!
I took Isaac with me and made an outing of it.  We walked around Smith's for awhile and ate lunch at Burger King.  He was excited to get an Icee. That kid loves special drinks.
Our sod is supposed to arrive this afternoon.   It rained about 5 feet yesterday so it's muddy.
Justin might be on his own with the boys for help.

Field Day!

School is almost out!  Only one more day, and that's only about 1.5 hours long.  

It was interesting to me to see the difference on field days, from MN to UT.  

Our school district must have a lot more money or something.  HUGE bounce houses?  

They rented three types.  Okie dokie then.

Ammon asks for a bounce house for every birthday and Christmas, so I always go out of my way to get him to one.  I can only imagine his face when he saw it.  Actually, the picture on the bottom right with the freeze pop might have been what it looked like.  His teacher was Miss Natalie Bristow.  

 I love that 6th grade is in elementary school here.  It lets kids be kids longer.  Allison finished up the year with straight A's (one A-).  What a fantastic kid and student.  If only she could keep her room clean.

Her teacher was Miss Jessica Rose.

Logan Weekend

Justin had to work in Las Vegas from Wednesday through Saturday night, so I decided I'd drive the kiddos to Logan and spend the weekend helping Grandpa in the yard.

We left at a new record time of 3:30, which I KNOW was because Justin wasn't with us, and made it to North Logan by 5:15.  

As usual, the kids made a bee line to the basement, moments later I heard squeals of joy.  Corinne and Tyler left their Foosball table, and Isaac LOVES Foosball.

Since we made it to Logan early, the kids spent a couple of hours outside.  Reunited with a trampoline and excitement over rhubarb, made for some happy kids.

 The next day consisted of picking up prunings in the apple orchard, raking pine cones, starting bonfires, and roasting hot dogs over the bonfire.  The kids didn't last as long working as I would have liked, but  I'm glad they are learning how to do some hard labor.  

 

(Jacob checking out the root cellar *shivvvvvers*)

Dad and I (mostly Dad) worked on cleaning out his fish pond, which has had a bad leak the past couple of years.  He shoveled out the muck in the bottom *stinky!*  and then with the help on Ammon, Jacob  and Grandma we got the liner put in as best as we could.  We should have taken a picture of how the flagstones were laid out - oops!  Dad still has lots of work, but it's coming along.

The last job for the day was planting corn.  

Autumn used to be my favorite season, until I had a few winters in Minnesota.  Now it's hands down Spring.  I get such a rush out of new blossoms and tiny leaves poking their way out of the dirt.  I love the fragrance of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.  

I sat in my favorite swing for a few moments before I was called away on Saturday.  It is under the gigantic spruce tree in the backyard.  When I was a little kid, I used to sit and swing under that tree for hours.  I remember singing out loud to myself.  As I sat on this swing and looked up in to the large boughs, I took a deep breath and smiled, thinking what a balm it is for my soul.  

On Sunday, I looked outside and saw Ammon on that same swing.

I wonder if he was singing to himself.

April Randomness

4/8  Snow.  A big snow storm.  A big windy snow storm.  A big crappy windy snow storm.

I made several phone calls and received several phone calls today.  

I clean when I'm on the phone, then I can never find where I put stuff.

Allison has been working hard on Medieval projects for class.

I love having my face washed and clean, I just hate doing it.

4/14 Made a yummy dinner.  Teryaki chicken, chicken rice pilaf, and broccoli.
Allison is suddenly obsessed with maxi skirts.
And wanting to shop in a mall.
I told her she needs to get a job so she can buy her own expensive clothes.  She took it in stride.
Jacob scored a 29 on his ACT.
Tucked in sheets = tent made with feet.
4/15  Allison got her wish with a maxi skirt.  She bought one at The Gap today.
She put it on as soon as she got home and wore it the rest of the day, proclaiming she was going to wear it tomorrow to school.
I am having a large case of U-suck-itis.
Going to watch the news tonight.  No, this doesn't happen often.
4/22 Justin and Jacob (probably) have strep throat.
They're taking z-packs from Mexico.
I finished sewing two aprons, made a skirt and pantaloons, and three haversack bags for Trek today.
I'm on fire!
We had a family home evening lesson tonight visually showing the kids how much money we earn in a month, and taking out expenses.  Always a rude awakening, but especially so this time.
It would be great if Jacob got a job.
4/24  Sewed a cute little pin cushion for my sewing machine.
Finally had bananas last long enough around here to make banana bread.
Ammon is going to be so happy.
I'm getting a sore throat.
Ammon won their soccer game last night.  2/3 games.
4/29 Registered Isaac for 10th grade classes today.  He didn't get any of the fun electives he wanted, BUT did get in floral design.  Ha!
Had a super great weekend with family.  My parents drove down three trees for me.
Went to Roman's one year birthday celebration.
My sister (and her family) came to visit me!  This was a huge highlight for me.
My sister is so beautiful.  People always tell me we look alike, which makes me feel great, but she is way prettier than me.  I miss spending time with her.  She's amazing and can always make me laugh.
Went to fantastic garage sales with my mom and Allison on Saturday.

March Randomness

3/3  We bought two "love sack" bean bags from some neighbors up here for a whopping $60, which is a fantastic price.  The kids are in love with them.  

Well Justin and I decided we'd put one in our room to watch movies on our computer monitor.

We were taking it up to our room and he stopped at the landing.  "Ammon, jump from the top of the stairs on to the bean bag!" egged Justin.  

So yes, Ammon jumped, missed by about 6 inches on one foot and really hurt his heal.  

It was so horrifying to see his little face.  I could read what was going through his mind by his expressions.  It went from shock, to "oh it hurts," to "I don't want to cry," to crying his little heart out.

Long story, but a good ending.  He's walking around fine today.

Jacob on the other hand is having a major depressive episode.  This is totally uncharacteristic of him and I hope we can get him the help he needs.  Prayers are always appreciated.

3/12  Fun family filled weekend.
Corinne got married to Tyler Bradshaw.
One thing that I missed until my heart would squeeze was spending time with family.
I craved sitting around chatting about everything and nothing, reminiscing about past trips and trips down memory lane.  This weekend was no exception to what I've been missing.  It was great!
I guess an exception could be that Ammon was sick with a fever and a sore throat which he shared with me.  I'm still sick.  He's still sick.  Justin is getting sick.  Poop.
He did a spur of the moment family night out to Trafalga square to use our passes.
Two rounds of laser tag.
I made Ammon ride the hopper, which he hated and grimaced in pain the entire time.
It was a test to see if he might be able to cope with Disneyland.  He didn't pass.
I've been finding some fabulous props at thrift stores and at my mom's house.
It's moving along    s   l    o      w       l           y    but surly.
3/14  Allison woke up with a 100 degree fever and a VERY sore throat.  Fingers crossed it isn't strep.
I'm starting to feel cruddy again.  Thought I was on the mend yesterday, but feel slow again today.
Justin is in Vegas through Saturday night for work and a bike race.
I have a sty in my eye.  Again.  Haven't had one in months.  Wish they'd go away forever.
Jacob has been working on getting in all of his late and missing assignments.  There are many.
Isaac is having this problem as well, but not  as momentous as Jacob.
Ammon is still sick.  Runny nose.  Cough.  No energy.  It's been 8 days for him.
Do you ever feel like there was supposed to be something going on, but your calendar day is empty?
Talked with some great friends yesterday and it's making me feel lonely and homesick.
I'm so glad that I made friends that understand me and my quirkinesses; and even like some of them.
I had two neighbors ask why I was shoveling [some] snow back on to our driveway.
I thought it was obvious.  But for those who are wondering, it was to melt the snow faster on our lawn.
It was over two feet tall, but not anymore!
3/15  Allison woke up at 5am with a 102.7 fever and a very sore throat.  Uh-O.
3/20  One of my besties from MN has been in town (Lyea) and I've been able to spend LOADS of time with her.
Salve for the Soul.