coopers

Snow Canyon

2010-01-20T09:04:00.004-07:00

While we were in St George we went to Snow Canyon. My kids were a little confused because it was more like the beach.

Family Pics

2010-01-20T08:51:00.004-07:00

So I have these amazing friends in St George that took our pictures while we were down there this past week.

2009-08-17T15:27:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Lava Hot Springs

2009-08-17T13:50:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Introducing...

2009-04-03T18:52:00.002-07:00

Lydia Esther

She is so beautiful. She has her own little look about her. A mix of her brothers and sister. I was lucky enough to be there when she entered the world. Each of Kirstie's kids births fit them. Henry took a long time getting here. He had to think about it and decide when the time was right. He really made his mom work. Then there was Lucy. Spunky and silly yet a worrier. She wasn't going to wait for anyone. I can just imagine her inside Kirstie worrying about how she was going to get herself out there. She knew she was going to have to do it somehow so she just closed her eyes and went for it! Then there was Frank. He just kind of took his time. Didn't take as long as Henry, yet he was not in for all the work Lucy went through. He was just swimming around enjoying himself in all the fluid he has produced. The doctor said he dad never seen so much! It splashed. Maybe this gave Kirstie some padding from all his punches, "do this lady know how to punch?"

If all this is true, little Lydia is in for quite a life. She came into the world a lot like her big sister. Kirstie is just made to have babies. I have not seen or heard of too many babies come out without pushing. Lydia came out not breathing. She took a while to even give us a little grunt. When she did make a cry it was just a little cry to let us know she was trying but just couldn't breath on her own. The nurse took her away from her mom before she could even see her. No one could go with her. She was all on her own with swarms of strange voices, sounds, bright lights and tubes all around her. She still wasn't breathing on her own so they called for back up. We weren't sure of she was going to be life-flighted or go by ground but she was going to NICU. The calls were being made for an open bed at any NICU in the valley. Primary Childrens had a bed and would take her. The transport team arrived at the hospital and they were going put her on a ventilator so she could make the trip. Well as little Lydia heard all this she decided this wasn't what she wanted. So she started breathing on her own. She faked everyone out. No transport. No breathing machines. No hospital stay. She was fine. So I'm not sure what all this means, but I think she might be a pretty amazing little girl!

I love you sweetie!

papa goes to school

2009-04-03T18:37:00.002-07:00

Syd's class is studying South America so papa went to tell about Argentina!
Sydni wan in heaven helping pass out the papers papa brought for the kids. They got to do a word search, a map and a fill in the blank. They had a chance to try on a "poncho" he brought back. The kids loved the money he brought for them to look at. They couldn't believe how much he had. They were a little confused when they found out they couldn't buy much with it. Papa gave everyone a coin to take home.

Valley of Fire

2009-04-03T18:19:00.003-07:00

Cory and Melanie and their family went to Valley of Fire with us. It was wonderful to get away from the snow and feel the SUN! We had such a great time.

Here are the kidos. I love the color in the pictures.

Cory took us on a couple of hikes. He told the kids if they didn't whine the whole hike he would give them a dollar. Ya know, it worked. Owen and Dani were in front the whole time. We had to tell them a few times to slow down.

The camp sites were great. There was plenty of room for tents and the tables were covered so you can get out of the sun. (but who would want to do that?)

This was the entertainment for the trip. The boys found a cup and they collected rocks to throw at it. The one who knocked it down won.

Guess who.....

2009-04-03T18:00:00.001-07:00

Guess who came over for a visit?

Time....

2009-03-10T20:44:00.004-07:00

I was at work last night and we were talking about how fast time goes by. What is it that catches us every once in a while and makes us stop and think about this? The past few months so many things have happened in my life. A lot of changes. Some my choice and some not. Some that effect my day to day life and some that make me stop and reflect on what is important.

Maybe it's because I don't want my kids to get any older. It's hard enough that I no longer have babies, toddlers or preschoolers around. But then I look at my kids and love the ages they are now.

Maybe it's loosing an uncle and realizing once again how quickly life can change and what a miracle the plan of salvation is.

Maybe its starting a new job and worrying about leaving my family. Will my kids be ok? Will they remember my working or will they remember me being home with them?

Maybe it is becoming a nurse and realizing that time goes by no matter what you do. The five years it took me would have gone by either way.

Maybe it is having a birthday and turning "thirty-something". I remember my parents at this age.

Maybe it is the anticipation of becoming an aunt, again!!

I just want to look back at my life no matter how long or short and think wow that was great. What makes you think........Time, where does it go?

I made it.....

2008-12-14T22:00:00.008-07:00

This blurry picture is of me being pinned at my nursing graduation. I graduated on Friday from SLCC's nursing program. It has been a long road for my family and I could not have done it without them. I decided to go back to school just before Owen turned one. I took a year to do the prerequisites and then waited two years to start the nursing program. During those two years I did general classes and did take one summer off. Needless to say my kids don't know much different than me going to school. During this time we have moved from the home we became a family in.....

and started a new adventure........ nursing school and slowly remodling a new home.

Well we made it through this part of our lives. It was such a growing experience for me. I learned more than I thought possible and made some new friends. I just keep telling Ken that I've spent two years cramming as much information as possible into my head and then recalling it for test after test after test. Then they give you a little pin and say, "OK, go keep people alive."

I'm not sure I'm ready for this but here goes!

Thanks to everyone who helped me get here. Everyone who took my kids for me while I studied took tests and went to clinicals, I couldn't have done it without you.

kids temporary bedroom

2008-12-14T21:30:00.003-07:00

So here are a few before and after pictures. There are still many finishing touches but it is a huge step for our family to be sleeping in our new rooms after 2 1/2 years! The kids will be in here until we finish the attic (hopefully sooner than later) then it will be an office.

how was your halloween?

2008-11-03T16:12:00.004-07:00

We dipped apples......(do you want to try)

We carved pumpkins.......

We had a fun day. These pictures were taken on Halloween. Who's heard of 70 degree temps on Halloween?

(These kids don't know what Halloween in Salt Lake really is....... Wearing parkas under your costumes or freezing your hands off carrying your candy around the neighborhood)

Monthly update...

2008-11-03T15:23:00.006-07:00

Here is a little update since it's been a month...

We had a crazy birthday party. Thanks to everyone that came and celebrated with us.

We invited this poor little child in for the party...(hee hee)

When Owen found out that I had to do a clinical rotation on his birthday his little eyes filled with tears. So I got up and made him his favorite breakfast.....Cinnamon toast with sprinkles and a glass of pink milk

The kids started gymnastics. This is Sydni in the black. She tried both a tumbling class and an all round class. She settled on the all round which is more fun to watch. (Yes I said the kids which includes Owen, however it has taken a little time and tears to get him out there so I will try to get some pictures now that he likes it a little more)

The kids had crazy hair day at school.

Ken and I had the opportunity to take his mom and aunt Mabel to the choir broadcast. It was amazing. There were two guests performing with the choir. President Monson was there to thank them for singing with the choir.

....and who could forget little Lucy had a birthday too!!

Oh the things Owen does...

2008-10-05T14:26:00.005-07:00

Owen has done some pretty cute things lately. I have told some of you about them but I wanted to write them down.

Owen comes out of his classroom with a bag of candy

Ken: Were did you ge theat candy?
Owen: For my birthday from my teacher.
Ken: It's not your birthday though.
Owen: I know.

I get home from school later that afternoon. Sydni came up to me saying Owen wouldn't share his candy with her.

Mandy: Owen where did you get candy?
Owen: From my teacher.
Mandy: Why is your teacher giving you candy?
Owen : For my birthday.
Mandy: Owen it's not your birthday.
Owen: I know.
Mandy: Didn't you tell her it wasn't your birthday?
Owen: No.

So I thought about this for a while and then went to his backpack to see what was in there. My instinct was right. There in his folder was a packet of birthday cards from all of his classmates. I took these over to Owen and asked, "what are these?"

Owen: Birthday cards from my class. They gave me cards and sang "Happy Birthday" to me.
Mandy: Owen it is NOT your birthday. When is your birthday?
Owen: October 23rd.
Mandy: Today is October 2nd

He just smiled and looked up at me.

When we went in to talk to his teacher the next day he told her it wasn't his birthday yesterday. She looked at me and said, "He told us it was his birthday and I just believed him. I did think to check."

I don't thing he was truly trying to tell a lie. I like to think he was so excited for it to finally be October he just figured it was time for HIS birthday.

Parker and Owen had a sleepover a few weeks ago and when they got up in the morning they wanted pancakes. So I was making them breakfast and as I listened to their conversation. It went a little like this:

Owen: Parker what is you favorite Number?
Parker: I don't know. What is yours?
Owen: 3000
Parker: Oh...well mine is 136. Is that bigger than 3000?
Owen: No
Parker: Well what number is bigger than 3000?
Owen: I think that is the biggest number
Parker: Well that is my favorite number too.

ok it's time....

2008-09-30T14:45:00.003-07:00

So it's been a while since my last post. I can only say that I have barely survived the last 6 weeks and only 9 more to go. I've been on survival mode since I started school again. Survival mode for me means the only things I get done are those that are a matter of life and death. So.......can my family live with toys all over the house, yes, but we do have to eat.........how clean does the bathroom really have to be, not very, unless the kids ask if they can clean it.......will anyone really notice how long it's been since I mopped the kitchen floor, yes, but can I live with that?????

These are some of the things I have to try to ignore while I sit and try to study. I am crossing the weeks off like I was pregnant again and counting down to my due date. (except I've been pregnant with this baby for about 5 years now) Everything else is going well. My poor family is just as excited as I am to be done. Ken is great. He gets the kids up and off to school when I have to leave early. He asks how my tests are each week and doesn't take it too personally when I get overwhelmed.

When I look at my life though I realize how blessed I am. I have been able to go to school and get a degree in an area I never thought I was smart enough for. I have an awesome husband and two great kids (that only drive me crazy some of the time :). We are all healthy and happy and that's all that counts at the end of the day!

The Fair

2008-09-10T20:41:00.002-07:00

Make a Smilebox postcard

My mom invited us to go to the fair last weekend. The kids were very excited and it was a great way to spend a Friday night. We had a Navajo taco and the kids had corn dogs for dinner. I am happy just watching the people walk around the fair. It is better than people watching at the airport. I discovered that scrapbooking is quite popular as a fair entry and canning is becoming a lost art.

Labor Day Bowl

2008-09-10T20:31:00.004-07:00

So we decided to take the kids bowling for labor day. It was a great way to spend the afternoon. We started out heading for a movie but the one PG movie was sold, so we went to Fat Cats to go bowling. Well it was an hour and a half wait and we didn't want to spend an hour and a half worth of quarters in the arcade to wait so we found this little dive of a bowing ally and surprise.....no waiting! It was Owens first time and Syd hasn't been for a while so we all had a great time.

Family Home Evening

2008-09-01T19:09:00.002-07:00

Monday night for FHE we practiced the kids parts for the primary program. Each of the kids has to sing part of a song with a group of other kids. So I was having them sing along with the songs and I noticed that Owen's changed the words to "I Love to see the Temple". You know the first vs that goes, "For the Temple is a house of God" Owen sings "For the Temple is a house of FUN".

Anyone up for some fun?

Fish Lake.....again!

2008-08-27T21:12:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

So we took papa with us to fish lake last weekend and just relaxed with the kids and Cosmo. Here is a look at the trip.

Happy 32nd!

2008-08-26T16:08:00.005-07:00

I just wanted to tell Kirstie Happy Birthday!

We had a fun party for her that Jeff gave. He BBQ'd chicken that was delicious and everyone brought something to share! All the kids ran around having a great time. There arn't many of Kirstie's Birthdays that I can remember where there was school the next day. So we did have to cut the party short (but i don't think Kirstie minded at all...........hee hee)

..............anyway Happy Birthday to the best sister!

frankie and florence

2008-08-20T22:37:00.004-07:00

Stay at home mom....

2008-08-20T21:44:00.002-07:00

I've been looking forward to these past two weeks for a while. Mostly out of curiosity. This is my first year with both kids in school all day long. I had grand plans as to what I could get done with all this time to myself.

I have to say I've not done any of the things I thought I would be able to get done. Last week I was able to take my grandma on some errands a couple of the days. This is one of my favorite things to do. I feel so lucky to spend this time with her. I get to know things about her like what movies she likes (she bought a few new ones at Shopko) and what kind of socks she buys!

I have been running around everyday trying to get the carnival organized for PTA, the incentive store up and running for the kids school, selling those *@#* t-shirts everyday after school, back to school night organized (where the teachers out numbered the families....ughhh) and trying to get ready for my last semester of nursing program. Need less to say this time has flown by too quickly. I haven't accomplished what I thought I was going to, but the trade off has been worth it. I love being at the kids school getting to know the kids in their classes and seeing their cute smiles when they see me in the office and say "Hi Mom!" and then all the kids around saying "Hi Owen's Mom!" I get to spend time with my grandma without the kids and I can just talk to her without interruption.

The ironic thing is I've had two other mom's say to me, "I don't know how you just stay home all day I would be so bored, aren't you going back to work? I could never stay home." I quickly reply that I am going to finish nursing school this fall, but why do I have to feel like I have to justify myself just because I stay home?

I've thought about what I would do at this point in my life. I love being a stay at home mom. I love being able to be at my kids school. I love taking them to school and picking them up. I like getting laundry done during the day and going to the grocery store. Why is it that being a stay at home Mom doesn't qualify as a job? Why do I have to feel like I have to justify not having a job in addition to being a stay at home mom? Do people really think a stay at home mom has nothing to do?

I don't know what the answer is. All I know is that I have the constant struggle within myself about this topic. Let me know what you think.

First day of School

2008-08-14T15:43:00.002-07:00

So this post is a little late but I wanted to post it anyway. Sydni started school on Aug 4th. This is her all ready to head off to 3rd grade. She's in Mrs. Bergen's class. So far she making it through. The first week was hard because she was the only one in school since Owen didn't start until the following Monday.

Owen wanted to get in on the pictures even though he wasn't ready for the day. (I think he was just glad it wasn't him going to school!)

So now there should be a picture of Owen on his first day right?..... Well it was sad around our house on Owen's first day and I didn't get the pictures. I was lucky to get him to school and get him to stay. There were tears (No, not me they were all Owen tears) and many promises that had to be made, including a promise to not leave the house while he was at school, in order to get him to stay. When I went to pick him up he was all smiles. So I guess it was a good day. He did say it was a looooong day but he had a good time.

Mom's Birthday

2008-08-12T15:47:00.002-07:00

Happy Birthday Mom!

I am so glad we finally got to have a party for you. Thank you for being such a great grandma to all these cute kids. They love you so much. I'm so glad to have you as a friend. It's been fun to spend time with you this summer. I hope it's a great year for you.

Happy Birthday!

Meet Chip....

2008-07-27T20:49:00.002-07:00

We added a new member to our family

Meet chip

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Sydni had a run in with the side of the pool wall. I think the wall won. She ended up with this chipped tooth. Wouldn't you know it was a long holiday weekend so the dentist was out of the office. We are trying to get in to see him tomorrow. I'll let you know how it all goes.

Kids

2008-07-26T21:19:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Here's a look into our July....

2008-07-25T17:24:00.008-07:00

An afternoon in grandma's backyard

Brett took the boys under the house for a tour! None of the girls were brave enough to go with them.

Ok, I love the 24th of July parade. I loved being in it in high school. It was so fun to see all the people who had come to see the parade and to go by my family and hear them cheer! I took Sydni to it when she was 2 but hadn't been back since. So this year I really wanted to go. Well, Dad called and asked what we were doing so I invited him to go with us. Caryn called and decided to go with us too. I'm so glad she did because the kids had a lot of fun together.

The picture just above is President Monson and his wife

Sydni got out her bonnet and we had to iron it. She decided that it was hot though. I think it looked pretty cute while she had it on.

Have I said....

2008-07-25T16:59:00.002-07:00

I love July!!

Well I do.

No bed times

It's Hot

Kids are tan

Sleeping in

fireworks

parades

grandma's backyard

BBQ's

camping

dirty kids

tired kids

playing at the park

swimming

sandals

less clothing=less laundry

What have I got myself into?

2008-07-23T21:52:00.003-07:00

SO I have just spent the past two days at registration for Syd and Owen's school, 11:30-6:30. Another lady and myself are PTA co-presidents, vice president, secretary, treasurer and whatever else there is on the PTA board. I knew I was crazy when I took this on.

Oh was I right!

After 14 hours in the school gym I have 7 people signed up for PTA (all spanish speaking except one, she's the principal) and we sold 12 out of 300 school shirts.

I just needed to get that off my chest. Thanks for reading.

A walk home from the park...

2008-07-16T12:13:00.004-07:00

So I usually only post about events. I'm not very good at just journaling. I'm always worried about how I sound. Today though Owen and I had one of our deep conversations. If you don't know Owen very well we have these often. It usually has to do with a story he's heard about someone getting hurt. He is very concerned about a person's well being both physically and emotionally. Anyway this is our walk home from the park today.

As we walked home we came upon a homeless man. By the looks of him he had been living on the street for some time. As we passed he mumbled, "Do you have and spare change?" We just proceeded on our way and passed by. (not that this is the right thing to do)

Owen looked up at me and said, "Mom he had long fingernails." I told him it was because he didn't have a home and he had no way to clip them. He proceeded to ask why he didn't have a home and where did he live. We walked down and crossed the street.

As we continued on he came to a stop.

"I'm going back," he said, "I'm going to ask him to live with us." At first I thought, how can I answer this without sounding too harsh. I told him we would have to talk to Dad first because it wasn't safe to invite a stranger to come home with us. "We'll ask him his name first and then he won't be a stranger. Jesus would want him to have a home." (He always seems to fit Jesus into conversations like these. How can you argue with reasoning like this?????)

As we continued talking and I told him we couldn't have him come live with us he said, "Well he is trying to get back to Jesus anyway."

"Oh, ya. What do you mean?"

"He was smoking a cigarette so he could get back to see Jesus sooner. Then Jesus will help him get a job so he can buy a house and have a family."

So now we will be talking about the homeless man for the rest of the day. It takes a day or two to move on and find something else to analyze!

Happy Birthday Papa!

2008-07-08T19:05:00.005-07:00

We got to celebrate papa's birthday on monday night. It was a great party. He requested a pizza party which was a hit! Then we went to Mulligans to hit a bucket of balls and pratice in the batting cages. Papa was very patient and worked with the kids trying to teach then to golf, while Ken helped in the batting cages. I hope he had a great birthday. We love you papa!

Syd's Baptism

2008-07-08T17:12:00.005-07:00

Syd was baptized on Saturday. It was a perfect day. She was a little nervous but she did great. I feel old now that I have an 8 year old. I've enjoyed 8 so far. She is more independent than ever. She'll help Owen whenever he needs something. She loves little kids so she's great if we have any around. She jumps right in and takes charge. As I sat in church on Sunday and listened to a baby blessing I thought back 8 years ago to Syd's blessing. Time goes to quickly.

The 4th

2008-07-07T21:41:00.007-07:00

As I sat outside on our front steps and watched fireworks on the night of the 3rd, it occurred to me that July is my favorite month of the year. It was a warm night. Owen was asleep on the couch in the house. Sydni and Lucy stayed up and watched fireworks, standing with bare feet on the step covering their ears and watching in awe. The kids smelled of outside from playing all day long and there was no hurry to do anything else at that time.

For the fourth I spent the day working on my house. It wasn't very fun for the kids but they were very patient. In the evening we went to Kirstie's for a BBQ. It was so fun. We had great food to eat and then the adults played Scrabble and the kids did the slip and slide. Ken and Jeff slipped away to get the fireworks for the show.

P.S. Have you ever been this tired? This was after staying up to watch the fireworks.

Isn't summer the best?

Fish Lake

2008-07-05T21:22:00.006-07:00

On our way home from the reunion we decided to pick a place on the map and stay there for a night. We headed north and ended up at fish lake. Ken had been there as a scout but I had never been there before. It was perfect. We were able to pull right in and get a really nice spot. After getting set up we went for a walk down to the water.

The kids and Ken got in I just watched and took some pictures.

Then it was time for dinner. Syd had wanted stroganoff since her birthday so I packed the stuff to make it for her. After dinner we broke out the marshmallows and somehow the polish sausages made their way out also. I wonder who brought those???? These two pictures are my favorite.

The one of Owen depicts how little boys camp. He is sooooo dirty. He knelt in the dirt and roasted this hot dog with the help of Ken. I can't even imagine how his feet must feel in those sandals. He was just so proud of himself.

The picture of Syd is a reminder why we bought the trailer. Ken has wanted one for a while. (A long while) I've just been giving his excuses why we shouldn't. He told me at the beginning of the summer he needed a hobby. Something he could enjoy. Well he gave me his two options he was thinking of, 1. a motorcycle or 2. a trailer. Can I just say how happy I am we ended up with #2. I asked him after we got the trailer if he was sad about the motorcycle and he said he was glad we got this because he could spend time with us!

This little weekend we did just that. There was no cell phone service, no TV, just us.

Cooper family invades Orderville, UT

2008-07-02T22:11:00.008-07:00

Ready......Set.......

Smile!

two grandparents

11 out of 12 of their kids

(we miss you foster family!!)
a whole grundle of grandkids

a few great-grandkids

one huge lodge

two trailers

who knows how much food

lots of smiles

only a few tears

come from three different states to visit with each other for the

Cooper Family Reunion!

This year we went south. It was fun to head in a different direction. Caryn and Steven were in charge this year and did a great job. (Thanks you two!!) It's not an easy task to coordinate such a group of people. They had planned for a day of hiking in Zion followed by a dip in the pool. Saturday Caryn brought crafts for the kids to work on before everyone left.

Here are a few pictures of the reunion.......

Sydni's Birthday

2008-07-02T18:44:00.003-07:00

For Syd's birthday we headed up to This is the Place state park. It was a surprise for her. I'm not sure if she was excited at first, but it ended up a hit. The kids got to ride a horse, pet the animals, go on a train ride, make butter, learn the Virginia Real (This was my favorite part. All the kids dressed up and learned a dance. 9 kids 8 and under all learning to dance!), ride in the wagon, have a tea party and make a candle. It was a lot of fun and the kids were entertained for 3 hours! The best part was at the end of the party the ladies who did the party gave Syd a pioneer bonnet. She looked so cute! Now she has two.

Happy Birthday Syd!

2008-06-22T19:03:00.007-07:00

Sydni loved to dress up from very early. Her great grandma made her this beautiful princess dress for her third birthday. She wore it out. I'm sad because it no longer looks like this but I know how much it was loved!

From the time around 3 years old until she was about 5 Syd would only wear a dress. The dress she's wearing in the picture is the dress I wore after my baptism. She loved it! My mom gave it to me and Syd found it. Isn't it funny the things kids play with.

Syd and Gabby had many fun days dressing up! Oh I miss these days.

Happy Birthday Sydni!

I know everyone says time goes too fast but with kids I think this is especially true. Syd was born on a hot summer day. It was a very long day. She made her grand entrance around 11:30 p.m. on June 20, 2000. What a lucky girl to have her birthday on the longest day of the year. Syd was a fun baby. She could throw a fit like no other baby I've ever seen. One memory Ken often shares of Sydni has to do with a long car ride home from Bear Lake where she screamed the entire time. Sydni hated the car. Looking back maybe we're lucky she got it all out at such a young age. She is pretty even tempered now.

Syd loves to laugh. She has a great laugh when she gets going. She loves to be silly. When she was 18 months old she would hold her breath, clench her fists and her teeth until she was bright red and shaking. She soon learned that people thought this was pretty funny so she would show off her trick just to make people laugh.

Happy Birthday Syd. I love you and hope you have many more great birthdays!

We're Back

2008-06-21T10:34:00.029-07:00

After spending 11 hours in the Atlanta airport with these two crazies we made it to Tennessee for a summer visit!

Sharon, Me and Owen watching Coopers game

Mabel and Jonah watching the game
Thursday and Friday we were able to go to Coopers baseball games. It was fun to watch. The kids had a great time. Owen decided he wants to try it out this fall.

Jonah showing his new nails

Sydni taking care of the boys
I was a little worried about Sydni because she was the only girl there with 4 boys. I was wrong. She entertained those boys all week. There were manicures, pedicures and make-up for everyone. Cooper had his toes painted a lovely shade of pink which was alright until we went out to the water park and he had to take off his shoes!

On Sunday afternoon I took the kids for a walk. At the top of the street we found a field of goats. The kids were thrilled. Luckily the girl who lived at the farm with the goats was out and told the kids they could pet them. She told them the names of the goats and which ones were nice and which ones to watch out for. They loved it.

Owen got butted a little by one of them through the fence!

The kids picked grass to feed to them through the fence.

The girl told the kids the goats would chew their hands because they liked the salt on their skin. Annabelle loved to chew on them. They found one named Dorothy who was the youngest and really sweet.

We did a lot of shopping. More than I've done in a while. Sharon took us to downtown Knoxville on Monday. We started out at the General Store. The kids had a blast. Owen and Bryson found red cowboy hats and stick horses and road around the store calling each other "partner". I'm sure all the employees were sad to see us leave!

A little cafe had hoola hoops for the kids to play with.

The Sun Sphere

Us at the top of the Sun Sphere. It over looks the Tennessee River and The University of Tennessee.

Bryson, Jonah, Sydni and Owen at the water fountains at the Worlds Fair Park

Cooper, Jonah, Mabel, Bryson, Owen, Sydni

The Knoxville Zoo.

They have a beautiful Zoo. This was Owen's favorite day. We spent the whole day at the zoo. We packed a picnic and bought a few souvenirs.

These are pictures of the kids holding Giant Hissing Cockroaches from Madagascar. The girl said they are very sweet and make great pets! (and she was serious)

After the zoo we went for ice cream. Sydni decided to get a little banana split!

Cooper, Sydni, Owen and Jonah

Bryson, Owen, Me, Sharon, Mable, Todd, Cooper and Jonah.

Sydni grabbed my camera and took some pictures at dinner one night. I'm glad she did because this is the only picture I have of all of us.

Sorry it's been a while...

2008-06-03T22:26:00.002-07:00

Sorry to the few of you that actually look at my blog. Please don't go away. I know I haven't kept up very well but hopefully you will enjoy these few posts. It's been a busy few weeks. I'm still working on my room. There's not much new to see yet. We ran all new electrical, put in a sliding door and new studs. It's almost sheet rocked but not quite done yet. So I'll put up some new pictures when it's a little more exciting to see. In the mean time enjoy these........

Carnival

2008-06-03T22:15:00.004-07:00

I am probably cheating a little bit by not letting Kirstie post these pictures, but they are too cute. On Friday we went to Henry's school carnival. It was so much fun and the weather was perfect. Each grade puts on a dance for everyone to watch. This is the second grade. Can you spot the cutest 2nd grader out there?

Birthday Boy!

2008-06-03T22:02:00.003-07:00

Friday I got to take Kirstie's kids and my kids to the store while she and Jeff set up for the carnival. We went to Target to pick out Frankie's Birthday present. He went right over to the ball rack and choose a big pink ball. Perfect! We just had to keep the ball in the basket because 5 kids and a large ball in Target may not amuse some people, if you know what I mean. Then he found a bin with rubber creatures in it. He looked through for some time and then showed me a black and red rubber snake. He said, "Look at his sharp teeth. He has two of them. Can I get it?" Well, how do you say no to that? Soooo now we have a large bouncy ball and a long rubber snake which doubles as a whip! What a great aunt am I? To top it all off.......a box of side walk chalk.

Awards Assembly

2008-06-03T21:48:00.002-07:00

Monday afternoon we went over to Sydni's awards assembly. It was fun to see all the kids get their awards for the year. Syd got her awards but my favorite was the chess tournament award. She tied for 5th place. Not too bad. She got a little medal and was pretty proud of herself. She has worked hard all year ong learning how to play, what all the pieces are worth and how they can move. She has had a great year with an amazing teacher. I couldn't have chosen a better teacher. She just can't leave until after Owen's through 2nd grade. I can't believe another school year has come and gone. Next year both my kids will be in school all day long. (This makes me feel a little old)

Graduation

2008-06-03T21:31:00.003-07:00

This week has been full of all the end of school fun activities. Owen graduated on Monday. The program consisted of three songs including "We're Going on a Bear Hunt, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and Days of the Week." The day was full of both excitement and tears. He's not thrilled about kindergarten and keeps asking how many more days until school starts again.

After graduation I told him we could go to lunch and he could pick anywhere he wanted to go since it was such a special day. He thought and thought. I was hoping we wouldn't end up at McDonalds but decided it was what ever he wanted. As we drove he was having a hard time making up his mind and it was quiet for a while. Then he said, "I know. You have to guess. It's noodles," (I'm thinking Spaghetti Factory sounds awesome!) he goes on, "It starts with a 'T'."

(Have you guessed it?)

Yeppers......Top Romen!! Leave it to Owen to choose a $0.10 Lunch date. Watch out girls.

Summer time...(almost)

2008-05-22T07:41:00.004-07:00

I just wanted to post these pictures of Josh. They were taken last week when it was so warm outside. The kids put the sprinkler on for the first time this year.

This is what I feel I look like when I go to try on my swimsuit for the first time every year, just a little squishy in places. But there's nothing cuter than an almost two year olds body.

Sydni found a bag of Skittles and asked if she could have them. I told her she had to share. So these pictures are of her handing out the Skittles. It looks like ducks gathered around her for a taste of old stale bread.

Owen's Field Trip

2008-05-20T12:52:00.004-07:00

19 4 and 5 year olds invaded Wheeler Farm on Monday. They all got to ride the school bus, which I think some thought was more fun than the farm. Both the morning and afternoon went together. Miss Trista and Miss Valle are the best teachers. They love the kids so much. It has been a great year for Owen. Do you love the visors they made for the kids with the name of the school on it. Great idea.

The tour guide told the kids not to stick their fingers in to pet the animals. Owen was wondering what would happen if he did.....

This is Owen and Lily. She has been his friend this year. We'll miss her.

Pioneer children......

2008-05-14T21:17:00.002-07:00

So this cute picture is one I just happened on. It's Syd on Christmas morning when she put her new bonnet on. She really wanted two, one for play (this one) and one to wear to church. Santa couldn't find one fancy enough for church though. I don't know where she got the idea for a bonnet but she was set on it. I tell you she was born about 150 years too late. She would be in heaven to wear a dress and hat every day.

My first TAG

2008-05-14T20:32:00.002-07:00

How to play this game of tag. Post these rules on your blog. List 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 goals, 3 current obsessions/collections, 3 random surprising facts about yourself. Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

3 Joys....
#1 A brand new baby. (So why don't I have 6 kids by now?)
#2 Finishing any project. It could be as big as graduating in December
(Yahoo!) or just getting all the socks matched (which I think only happens in heaven)
#3 Summer!!! I love tired, dirty kids at the end of a summer day.
I know it's summer when the dryer lint has grass clippings in it

3 Fears....
#1 Being PTA President next year. What have I got myself into? If any of you out there would like the job, I am willing to step down. (I just copied this from Kirstie's but I think I am more scared than she is.)
#2 Having Ken die and leave me alone with two little kids, a half done house and a landscape company to run.
#3 Graduating and having to decide where I want to work and what I want to do. I am scared to death to have people lives in my hands for 12 hours at a time. (Sometimes I think, am I sure this is what I want to do? Can I really do this?)

3 Goals....
#1 To finish my main floor
#2 To finish my attic
#3 To finish my basement
(should I go on??????)

3 current obsessions/collections....
#1 I used to be obsessed with a lot more than I am right now. I have given up with trying to keep my house clean. I just pray people don't talk about me too much or they don't keep their kids away because they are afraid for their health. (One day I will try again when I don't have construction to fight with.)
#2 Ken thinks I am an obsessive worrier. I know I am. If there is something to worry about I will. (So let me know if you need my to worry for you. I'm good at it) It's good I have him around to tell me to relax
#3 Right now I am really trying to be more patient with my kids. I'm trying to be more patient at bed time. I want to make the most of the time I have with my kids. I know they grow up so fast and I will only be putting them to bed for a few more years.

3 Surprising Facts about me....
#1 I love math
#2 I love to watch a JAZZ game
#3 I love to read about people on their blogs. It is a little like snooping. (Is this wrong?)

My first tag is done. It is harder than it looks. I tag those who are reading this and have never done a tag. (caryn, melanie, danielle......anyone else?)

Where am I?

2008-05-14T09:43:00.004-07:00

As I sit eating my breakfast (no one else home) I hear a noise upstairs. I didn't think much of it at first but then it didn't go away. As I stood at the bottom of the stairs I noticed I had a visitor.......

(I hope he doesn't hurt his little feet. Can birds hurt thier feet?)

I was brave and called Ken, luckily he was right outside, to come and rescue the bird and me. Well I guess he didn't learn the first time and came back again.............

This time I had to go open the window for him. Luckily I talked him into staying on one side of the room while I opened the window for him.

I guess I have another little project because he didn't come in through an open window!!! (and yes that is sunlight coming in through under the window.

This is why I love Mother's Day

2008-05-13T07:50:00.003-07:00

I love the cards that come home from school. Don't they just make it worth it? I love the "gifts" that come inside them too. This year I was blessed with Owen's "Do the dishes" gift certificate, and Sydni's card that said she would feed the dog, give me a massage and bring me a cookie and a magazine. Not too bad! Sydni also gave me my own paper weight painted up like a little ladybug. (If you look at earlier posts you may be thinking this girl needs a bolder for a paper weight....I know) The thing I love about Mother's day is that I get to look at my family and just think about how blessed I am. I know it is cheesy, but I really am lucky to have an amazing husband, who no matter how big of a mess we get ourselves into we still can work through it and look back and laugh, and two beautiful healthy kid-o's! I am also lucky to have an amazing Mom. There are many times through the week when I think back to when I was kid and try to remember how my mom handled things. She did a great job raising us. It was so fun to have my mom involved in our school. I remember her spending many hours there. I hope Sydni and Owen will have some of the same memories. I am also the luckiest sister in the world to have Kirstie as my sister. I miss her a lot (I know we only live twenty minutes from each other!!!). She is fun aunt to my kids. We didn't get along very well through some of the early years but you'd never know it now. I am also so grateful to have Caryn next door. There would be some long days for my kids if they didn't have playmates next door. She's so willing to help on all my projects even if she has one of her own going.

These are some of the women who have made me the person I am today. I love them. It was so fun to get together for Mother's Day. (Beth, McKenzie and Katie where are you?)...and we missed you Jen, Kari and Andrea.

Swim lessons

2008-05-08T16:31:00.004-07:00

I do try to do things besides work on the house. Mostly for my kids sake. They are pretty patient with me when it comes to projects around the house so I try to do something that's just for them every once in a while! Right now we're doing swim lessons. We haven't taken them for a while because of my school so I decided to have the kids try them again. Syd does great. She's the only girl in the older class with 4 other boys. (It's a little rowdy) She keeps telling me she needs prescrition goggles because she can't see when she's swimming. (This make me think of the movie Notting Hill.) I don't know if I want to make the investment now because her eyes have changed every year so far and not for the better. Has anyone invested in presciption goggles before?
Owen is hanging in there. He is working on not being so nervous in the pool. He's not nervouse about being in the water but that I am going to leave him. (which I've never done and can't figure out why this is.)

Update....

2008-05-07T20:05:00.006-07:00

This is what we started with yesterday

This is as we started to peel away at the walls. After we took all the panel and sheet rock off we found that they wall papered the brick wall. (I don't know when wall papering a brick wall would be a good idea?)

Now we are down to the brick. What do you think? I like it and I think it's growing on Ken. We have a little electrical to do since we are going this far. Caryn loves a project so she is kind enough to hang out and give us a hand!

This is the awesome ceiling we uncovered. I think I am just going to re-stain it put a coat of polyurethane on it. Since we now have a brick wall and a dark ceiling I don't know what color to paint the other 3 walls. Any suggestions? I love color.

Project anyone?

2008-05-07T08:55:00.006-07:00

So I am really good at getting myself into projects. I thought since I'm out of school for the summer I would really get going on the house. So we have been trying to get ready for the carpet. This includes getting a room ready for the kids. Above are pictures of the room I cleared out. It's a really nice room with cute square windows on two of the walls.

So I cleared all of this out (I know it looks like we are moving....it feels even worse than it looks!!) and got the room ready. Well as I started to take the panelling off the wall, low and behold, water damage! So what was going to be a texture and paint job is yet another home improvement project!

As we peeled away at the wall we also discovered there is no insulation in the exterior walls, (studs and a few layers of wood panel should keep these kids warm, right?) and the studs are 32 inches apart in stead of 16 inches. The carpet is coming in 9 days and I still have to get the basement ready! What do you think? Does anyone have a magic wand handy I could borrow?

Grandma Lu

2008-05-04T22:43:00.003-07:00

I have to say that my kids are so lucky to know their great-grandma as well as they do. When we go to visit they get her attention the whole time we're there. She will play several games of war with Owen (I have a hard time with one) and tells him he's the best war player and she doesn't think she can win. She let's Syd set up a school room in her sewing room and tells her she will make the best teacher when she grows up. Maybe after watching three generations grow up you realize how fast time goes by and how quickly they grow up.

I know a little hike......

2008-05-03T19:29:00.008-07:00

Ken and I had the chance to go to Hawaii this past December with some friends James and Amber. It was a last minute decision to go but I am so glad we went. Well, I was going through pictures on our computer trying to get them organized and came upon the pictures of our trip.

The last day we had to be out of our hotel room in the morning and our flight wasn't until that night so we had some time to kill. James remembered a "little" hike he had taken on one of his earlier trips. If you have been to Honolulu you may know the hike he is talking about. The pictures show views as we made our way to the top. Needless to say ended up being a little longer and steeper than he remembered. When we got to the top we were hot, thirsty and tired but we made it right?

When we got the the top we were taking some pictures and thinking "Wow we made it!" Then we noticed the lady who is standing next to Ken in the last picture...........She was celebrating her 80-something birthday climbing this mountain. She didn't even brake a sweat.

Do you think we need a gym membership?

Do you just love this age?

2008-05-02T07:39:00.009-07:00

You know the days. You are a novice potty trainer so you are on your second pair of pants for the day. You started out in shorts and are now in pants. It's a Saturday so your brother and sister are home to play with. Dad is home so you are doing a little work on the yard which means you get to play in the front yard and whatever tools he happens to leave within reach. Papa will probably stop by to say "Hi" and see what going on. Does it get much better than this?

Choose or not to choose?

2008-05-02T07:14:00.003-07:00

I was having a conversation about whether or not you let your kids wear character clothes. As you can see from this picture I let my kids wear them. The boots in this picture are the second pair Owen's gone through. He wears then everyday (they go with everything!!) and gets quit a few complements on them. On the other hand he has a pair of Thomas shoes he was wearing one day and his cousin told him "Owen those shoes are lame" to which he shrugged his shoulder and continued to put them on and go about his business. If someone told me my shoes were lame I don't know if I would have the confidence to keep wearing them. The shirt also has a large picture of some huge monster truck with flames on the side of it. This outfit would not be "My" Choice, I would love for him to have a cute little polo shirt, khaki shorts and some leather sandles on......but that's me and I'm not a five year old little boy. I think kids are told what they have to do, what they have to wear, where they have to go and when they have to do it so why not let them choose once in a while. It won't matter in the long run what shoes he wore when he was five. Will it? Especially when you know they will grow out of it before you know it. I know they day is coming when he won't want to wear his boots anymore. So I just enjoy him now. What do you think?

PS: I know the bike is a whole other post! (heehee)

Here goes.....

2008-05-01T12:26:00.005-07:00

It's been about nine months since I was first asked the question, "Do you blog?" To which I answered "What's that?" So here I am done with finals (yahoo!) and ready to set up my blog. I have to say I love to look at other blogs and don't know if I will be able to keep up with some of them. Here's what we are up to around here.......

Ken's busy as always at this time of year. He has one guy who is working with him so far this year. He has been trying to build a new trailer for himself but its hard to find time. He also is trying to polish up on his jump rope skills with the kids. He bought a set of jump ropes at the store and has been teaching the kids. Syd was already pretty good but Owen has learned to jump in and out. I do have pictures of Ken jump roping but I was threatened not to post them.

I just finished my third semester of nursing school. I have one more left and will be done in December. It's been a long time coming (5 years!) but will be worth it when I am done. I hope to get a lot of work done on the house this summer and maybe move out of the cave we are living in. We are supposed to get carpet on the 16th. They said they could come today and install it but we had to push it off a few weeks. I wish we were ready!!

I was released from my favorite calling in the world (primary chorister) and put into the Young Womens about a month ago. It had been a change. I relate a lot better to little kids than I do to teenagers. I am out of my comfort zone and can't just say, "let's stand up and sing a wiggle song" even thought I know I need one.

Syd and Owen are growing up too fast. They are into playing chess and webkinz. They are also taking swim lessons. Sydni is learning to dive (remember learning to dive?) and Owen is working on his backstroke.

I will end here and try to post often!