Happy Halloween!!!!

I know that it has been awhile since I have updated my blog. Between my surgery, the kids in school, Ryan's new job/old job (new company) and getting back to work it has been a mad house.

Last week I got to enjoy spending time with my sister Jennifer. It has been so long since I have seen her and we had so much fun just being together.  If it was playing cards or just talking it was so worth it!

Tonight I had the great joy of having my sister Lisa, her husband Keith and their 1 year old little man, Alex, join us in trick-or-treating.  Sara and Alex were the only ones that dressed up.  Sara was a Zombie Princess and Alex was a football player (Sean Alexander).

Sara choosing her meal!!

Sara and Mr. Alexander

First house for Trick-or-Treating

Waiting for the next house!

I know, just shake your head, it's Ryan being Ryan!

My favorite picture of the night!!



 I am so glad to be home!! I am also so glad to have spent this time with my family!!!

First Day of School!!!

I can not believe that it is the kids first day of school!!  Last night we set all of the alarms, put the timers back on the TVs, got all the school things ready and made sure we were all in bed early.  Sam got up at 5:30 to get ready (even though his bus does not come until 7:00).  David's alarm goes off at 7:00 but Sam was great and made sure he was up before he left. Sara has the joy of still being on vacation in Wisconsin and will not start school until her new little brother Brody is born (hopefully soon).  When she does her and David will be leaving the house at the same time and just walking in different directions.  Sara will walk to school and David to his bus. 

Sam had two classes he does not like, Ballroom and Drawing! I think they are great classes but he is not looking forward to them.  Our schools are A days and B days so they only have 4 periods a day.  I think it is nice since they get over an hour in each class. Hopefully he will take the time to do all his homework in there instead of waiting.

David's only class that he is not looking forward to is Drama.  I think it would be great for him, he is scared.

Sara has the best teacher ever!!! At least that is what she said.  Her name is Mrs. Patin.  When I went to her school yesterday her teacher had former students from 2 or 3 years ago come and visit her.  Even though Sara will not be in school right now I will be meeting with her teacher next week to get all of her assignments. So she may be missing school but not her work! 

I am now going to enjoy the silence of having no one at home.  Hoping to take it easy but we need food and I am going to try to find all food under 10 pounds (since I can not lift anything more than that)!!  Ryan started his new schedule with DOD (Department of Defence) and is now working Tuesday - Friday.  So I get the house to myself for the rest of the week. 

The Wind!!

Yesterday after getting home from church we got a frantic knock on our front door. Next thing I know David come running into our room and tells us to look out on the balcony.  I get up and look to see that our 15 foot Trampoline had decided to visit our neighbors.  Yesterday we were having very strong winds with gusts over 50 mph.  I could hear the house as it shook and never thought that the trampoline could take off.  The trampoline went thru our backyard, took out their fence, thru their backyard and took out a tree and landed in their front yard/street.  Luckily everything was fixable, thanks to my amazing husband and we didn't have to make our first Homeowner Insurance call.  After they had gotten the trampoline back in our yard (with the help of our other neighbors) they collected some pretty big rocks and put them on the legs of the trampoline. It was then that I thought I should of taken a picture. We then went back upstairs and opened the balcony door and watched the storm. Ryan and I got to see a grocery bag go on an adventure, up and over the mountain.  We called the boys in and as we were watching the storm we told Sam he better be careful or we may see his Elmo PJ (that he just so happen to have on) flying away.  He looked up and said "you mean like those" and low and behold a pair of pants were flying in the air dying to get back to school.  At least that is where we some them land. 

When we were outside I was paying attention to the boys and not where I was going and tripped over our patio.  As I was falling I caught myself and I felt a sharp pain.  I now believe that I maybe ripped some stitches and am now back to day 3 where I could get up but it still hurts.  I had a really hard time getting to sleep because of the pain.  I am now really taking it easy and updating my blog. Ha Ha!!!

I wonder what else this time off will bring!!!! Now... I am going to check to see if the kids are ready for their first day of school. This will be the first year that all the kids are in different schools.  Sam is going to Westlake High School and is not looking forward to being a Freshman.   I am not looking forward to him getting a permit.  He has it down to the days., I believe it is 1 month and 24 days (just ask him)!!  He is looking forward to Seminary (yes I said looking forward to). He believes it will be one of his classes that he will excel in since he already reads his scriptures every night.  David is going to a brand new school Vista Heights Middle (Jr. High) School. This year they are only doing 7th and 8th graders and next year they will add 9th grade. 7th grade starts tomorrow (with no 8th graders) and Wednesday only the 8ht graders will be there and then on Thursday it will be all.  David will be the top dog for two years in a row (I think he needs that).  Sara is going to be top dog this year and is 6th grade at her Hidden Hollows Elementary.  She is so looking forward to all of the fun things that they plan for them.  I of course can not believe that they are so old to be facing all of the challenges of school.  Why can't we keep them safe from all of the unknown.  But knowing my kids they are ready to face it all!!!

Seven Peaks Resort

The kids have had so much going on lately that I have felt that we have not done anything as a family. So Ryan and I planned a day trip to Seven Peaks Resort.  Sam, David and Ryan each got to bring a friend.  Most of my friends I work with and could not get off the same day so I kept company with a great book!!! Knowing that I will be out of commission for 4 weeks I wanted to do something fun with the boys before they start school. We had so much fun!!!

Tired and Content!!!!

I am finally home after a long day and am so tired but very happy.  Tonight I got to meet my mom's friend. A friend who was able to get me some insight to her that I never have had before. I have always been told that I look like her but I didn't know that I had her humor.  It was great to meet her and her family.  I am looking forward to seeing her and her family and learning more. Now I am going to bed and wait for my husband to come home!

The Carnival!!!!

Jordan, Sam, Sara and David

After watching the parade we went and picked up Sam and his friend Jordan in Centerville and brought them back home. I did not realize how burnt I had gotten while sitting on our deck. So by the time I had gotten home I looked like a lobster. I told the kids that we needed to wait until later to go to the carnival. One to wait for the temp to go down (it was currently at 83*) and also because I did not want to have my skin out in the sun anymore.

After a couple of hours I decided that if we were going we better just go. We walked there and let me tell you it was so far (maybe 1/4 of a mile)!!!! :-). When we walked into the park it looked so amazing! All those rides, food, games and people, it reminded me of the Spring Fair in Puyallup, but on a bit smaller scale.

As soon as we got there Sam and Jordan took off from us, big surprise! So David and Sara were with me and I had told them that I would go on any ride that they wanted (big mistake)!!

We went on a couple of rides (teacups, octopus, swings, etc) and then Sara wanted to go on a fast swinging one. On that one there were four seats, two together back to back. I let Sara and David sit together and I sat behind. I remember going on it when I was 16 but now it was a bit different, this time I immediately started feeling dizzy. Every time that I tried to focus on anything I got more and more dizzy and sick to my stomach, part because of the speed and part because I was going backwards. I finally found that if I just looked at the kids in front of me and took really deep breaths I could handle it. Just then the ride started to slow down and I was grateful to be getting off, wrong! It was just changing directions. Now I was going forward! It was easier then going backwards but I still felt dizzy! Once the ride ended I almost kissed the ground, I was so grateful to be off. I was also glad that I had not lost my cookies. Before I could recover David wanted to go on to the Gravitron, and since I promised to go on any ride?!?! This is a ride that you go into a space ship, stand next to walls and spin so fast you stick to the walls as they go up and down. Now going from one ride that made you feel sick to another was a bad idea. I got off of it and felt like I was going to pass out.

I told the kids I did not think I could handle another ride and they then wanted to play some games! Something you should know if you want to get prizes have a cute little girl play all the games. The one running the games kept on feeling sorry for her when she missed that they would pick up the dart, ball or sack and have her get it in. We walked away with a prize every time!!!

We finally decided to go home. I wanted to stay because Tracy Lawrence was coming and giving a free concert in the park. But I really needed to get home because I was still feeling sick. I do not know if it was just the rides or the rides and the sunburn but as we got closer and closer to home I felt sicker and sicker. Just as we made it to the door and I made a beeline to the bathroom. I guess I was glad to not have eaten that much before we left but I hate throwing up.

Now the great thing about being so close to the carnival is that we were able to hear the whole concert that went on with out having to deal with the crowd. We also got to sit on our balcony and not only got to hear it, there were fireworks. Concert and Fireworks!!! It was a great way to finish this very long day!!!

Pony Express Days!!!

Today was the Pony Express Parade and we had the best seat in the house.  Yesterday I saw people out there putting down blankets and reserving a spot for this mornings parade.  All we had to do was go outside on our deck off of the master bedroom and sit down!  It started at 10:00 and went until 12:00 and we got to sit and relax in the rocking chairs and enjoy all of it.  It was great to see all of the things offered in and around our city. 

The Firing Squad (there was even a cannon)

Sara loved the horses

Miss Eagle Mountain

Yes we even got music!!!

This was one of 10 groups that played in the parade!!!

And look at how close we were to the action.  We didn't even have to fight for a spot!  When we got hot we went inside for a little (we got hot, it was 83*).  We really enjoyed it!  Every so often I am amazed by this place, and reminded how blessed we are!!! Now tonight we are going to go to the carnival that is only about 1/4 a mile away and with in walking distance.  I will let you know how it goes!!!

My Yard Is Done!!!!!

It's Done!!!!! It's Finally Done!!!!

Front

Weeping Cherry Blossom

Back Yard

A Little Piece of Washington!!

Grass!!!!!

I have grass!!! Yes Grass!!!

Compare the two!!!!

Now if you have ever moved into somewhere that there is no grass. No place to grab a blanket spread it out and read in the sun!!  You know what those little words now mean.  Now I can't be on it for two weeks but to be able to sit on my balcony and look down and see green instead of brown, it is so great!!!

I can't even mow it for two weeks which is just great since Ryan won't be home until then and then HE can mow it!!??!! Well I guess first we will have to get a lawn mower. The things you do not think about when buying a house. Hoses, Lawn Mower, Patio stuff, Weed Eater......  But all of those thing make this place feel more like my home!!!  What an amazing thing!!!

Let it Snow!!! Let it Snow!!! Let it Snow!!!

Not words that you thought you would hear or see at the end of May, but it happened. Not a small little dusting a full fledged coming down hard, bad visibility and people forgetting how to drive.

This morning I work up (rather Ryan woke me up) at 3:30 because his car would not start. I went downstairs to help him and of course could not go back to sleep. I stayed awake which was ok since I was able to watch as the snow starting outside on my balcony. I needed to take Grandma to the airport so I needed to be up earlier then normal. While on the road I was so grateful that we had told grandma that we would take her to the airport.  She was planning on driving and park her car for a week. Even though Utah drivers should know how to drive in the snow, a lot of them forgot. Grandma got safely to the airport (yes even with me driving, dad) and off to see Peg and I got to go to work.

Now if any of you know when it is snowing not everyone likes to go out, so our branch was quiet. I got to catch up on paperwork so I won’t get anymore “nasty grams” that I have files missing. Then on my way to lunch what do you think was playing on the radio??? Any guesses??? Any one??? That is right, remember the title (Let it snow). Can you believe that they were playing it??

Well now there is a twist. I left the office today and after snowing up until 2:00 pm I got into my car and low and behold the temp read 65 degrees. The temp went up 32 degrees in less than 4 hours and now the weather forecast is showing 70 all week!!!

So I guess the moral of the story is!! No matter how much you want it to be Summer, mother nature may have other plans. So don’t pack away those winter clothes just yet!!!!

Family Night Out!!

What a wonderful weekend!!   Today I did not wake up until 2 pm.  I have been so tired for so long that I needed a good rest.  Ryan then took the boys target shooting and then we got home and got to wash our cars.  I did not know how great it feels to wash your car in your own driveway.  We then went to the movies.  Sara and I wanted to see "Last Song" and the boys wanted to see "Clash of the Titans".  So we keep everyone happy.  Then on the way home with us talking about really nothing we started laughing so hard.  And then Sam said "guys, guys!  I want us to remember this and look back at it in ten years".  What a profound thing to say.  That he wanted us to look back at this time that we were spending together laughing.  What an amazing child and what an amazing night.

By the way "Last Song" is a tear jerker.  Both Sara and I were brushing tears away for the last half of the movie.  Lady's be prepaired.... Bring tissue!!!

The Skateboard Accident

Tonight Sam and his friend went down to Cheveron to go get some sacks.  On his way down he fell off his skateboard and hit a ruff patch of gravel.  He came home and asked if we had any band-aids.  Well if anyone knows me I HATE blood!!! So as soon as he lifted his shirt I started shaking.  Not only because of how bad it was but because I know he was in a lot of pain.  I wanted to take him in to the hospital but he said No way.  So Ryan got the supplies and we started cleaning him up.  This is what it looks like after we cleaned it.

His elbow is so deep you can see meat!!! He has road rash on his side and hip!!

What a way to start April!!!

A New Family Member!!!

I have a friend that works at the Kaysville Branch.  Well I was up there for training and she was telling me about this Cat (not a kitten) that she found at The Maverik, Red Box.  She was there with her husband and saw this stray that kept on going up to people trying to get attention.  Well she bent down and said "Hey Kitty, Kitty" and this cat jumped into her arms and started her fire engine purr.  As she was telling me this she got her phone out that and showed me a picture of this Pure White Cat with one Blue eye and One Green Eye.  And I fell in love!!!

Katie is a dog person and knew that she could not keep her and after going thru all the steps to find her old home she then started to find her a new one.  As a joke she asked if I wanted her.  Well we at one time had promised Sara that as soon as we got a house she could then get a cat of her own.  So I called Ryan on my way home and asked him what he thought (thinking he would say no).  WELL we now have a new cat and since she looks like a Egyptian Spinx, she needed a name to fit it, so her name is Isis.   

When we got her home we knew that the other cats would not like that she was there.  Elle ran up to Sam's room and hid under his bed. Isis then ran under the bed with her and started talking to her (she is a talker). I imagine it went something like this! Do you think we can be friends? I lost my home and am so glad to now be in another one.  I love this place and I am needing a friend. After this Elle ran out of Sam's room and into my room, under my bed.  So Isis followed her again and again started talking to her.  Elle then went back to Sam's room and then back to mine.  Back and forth for a half hour until Elle finally looked like she just gave in and said, Fine Fine I give up! We can be friends and they no longer are fighting. Now Sayuri (the Siamese) still has not gotten over having Isis here.  She is still hissing at us and Elle.  But I hope she will soon get over it.

Well I am now going to try to get some sleep.  I feel like that is all I have done for a week.  I have been so sick for over a week and have missied two days of work.  At least I am getting my voice back!!! Sorry Ryan not more silence.

Happy Birthday Sara!!!

What do you get when one Birthday Girl

And Seven of her friends

get a hold of one of Sara's present

And they get a hold of Ryan

That's Right Make-Up Time!!!!

\

It all came off in 2 seconds!!!

 (I can not belive he let them do that)

Today is Sara's 11th Birthday and I can not believe that she is that old!  When did I get old enough to have my youngest child be 11?  Luckily she was able to get some of her really close friends to help her celebrate.

Sara and her BFF Hailey!!

(Hailey, Sara, Marissa, Kiara & Mckennah)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARA!!!!

Family Time

I am sitting here waiting for my sister-in-law to get ready so we can go get some great Mexican food for lunch.  We have had Ryan's sister here since Thursday.  She flew in so that she could attend her grandma's funeral this last weekend.  Even though the reason she is here is so sad it has also been wonderful to catch up with family.  We also got to spend some much needed time with dad, Diana and his other sister Elena (7yrs old).  I have learned that even though funerals are so sad it brings family together and old wrongs are righted and pasts are forgotten.  Lossing a loved one like Ryan's grandma has really brought him closer to his father and sister and also gave me a chance to meet some really great people. 

Ryan, John (Dad) and Meghan

Now you see where Ryan gets his looks!!!

I love this shot

Ryan, Grandpa, Dad, Diana & Elena

The kids with thier Aunt Elena (ha ha)

Diana, Dad, Ryan and Meghan

Grandma and Grandpa with the kids
David, Sara and Sam

Work

I have been given the chance to move up in my job and become the New Accounts Officer. There is a lot of responsibility with this job. It has all of the things that an Assistant Manager does without the title. I believe it is my works way of seeing if someone is a good fit and can handle the pressure of all that they want. I went in to interview for it on Wednesday and will find out with in the next two weeks if I got the job!! I will be at the same branch so that much will not change.

I am loving my new branch!!! My co-workers are so friendly and made me feel right at home as soon as I started. My new boss is amazing and has helped me to feel like I am not only wanted there that I am needed and appreciated.

I also got the great news that I will be an aunt again today!!! The great thing is it could not of happened to a greater couple. Adam and Lindsay are the best parents I have ever seen and I am glad that my new niece will be in their family. I know that they don't know what she is having but that is what I am hoping for them and for Sara. She is feeling a little out numbered by all the male cousins. Congrats Lindsay and Adam!!!

The Small Blessings

I know that I have been talking about the small blessings that I get everyday. Well I decided that everyday I will share what small blessing I got that day. I want to start looking for them everyday and on those days that I feel like everything has gone wrong, I can come back to this and read of all the ones I have already been given. I would also love if any one that is reading this to comment and share one that they got that day too. That way we can all see the wonderful ways that we are blessed everyday.
My blessing today...... well let me get you some background. I had an interview today for a position at my branch "New Accounts Officer" and Cody from Provo branch also had an interview today for the same position at his branch. We were told that we HAD to carpool up to the Corp branch for the Interviews (in Ogden). I got the chance to work with Cody while I was in the call center so I did not have feel awkward about the drive. While we were talking in the car on the way up there he was asking about our new house and how we liked it. While we are talking about the ups and downs of buying a new construction home I mentioned that I didn't even have blinds (just sheets and towels) in the house. It just so happens that Cody's father owns his own business selling and installing blinds and drapes and his cost is less then I found at Home Depot or Lowes. What an amazing thing that as we are now just in the position of being able to get blinds for our home, I just happen to HAVE to car pool with someone that could not only help me with it but for less then we were going to pay and they will install them for me. Which if you have ever worked full time, raise a family and tried to get a new home in order you know that it takes a lot of time, that you have very little of. So to me that was a wonderful blessing, not only is it saving me money but it also saves me time!!!!

The Routine

We are finally back to a routine. Since moving in we have been trying to get into a routine but with so many changes we have had to change things again and again. Now the kids are back at school, I am on a pretty set schedule at work and getting up at the same time everyday and all us able to be together every night. I get to start work every morning at the same time, which is great!!! I am able to get up at 6:00 get ready, then get the boys ready at 7:00 and Finally get Sara up at 7:45 just as I am leaving the house to get the boys to school. Once I drop them off I then get to take my time to get to work (no more rushing)!!! My day varies on when I get off (depends on if I close or not) but I am home by 6:30 every night around the same time as Ryan. We get to have dinner every night together and then have Scriptures and Prayers. Ryan and I get to spend our time together before we go to bed to share our day. Not only do we spend more time as a family we also feel closer for it.
Now this Saturday we get to spend sometime with our family. We are so grateful to be so close to family and plan having some fun with them. I am looking forward to building my friendships with them. I look forward to building a lot of friendships now that we live in our house and have wonderful neighbors. I look forward to all that my lay ahead. I am grateful for all the small blessing that continue to be shown to me everyday. I am even grateful for the challenges that continue to happen (even when I want to scream). Because I know that to have true happiness I have I have to earn it. So I will continue on with a prayer in my heart and my arms open wide for what ever life may bring.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Last night was very quiet since Sam and Sara were spending New Year's Eve at their friends house and David wanted to play games.  So Ryan and I went to bed early.  While I was laying there watching tv trying to stay up I came across a movie I have heard a lot about but have never seen "An Affair to Remember". It is metioned in "Sleepless In Seattle".  Now I know what all the hype and crying was about.  While I was watching the movie Midnight rolled around and I could hear all the Fireworks going off.  I got up and went to the balacny and saw how wonderful our view is.  I could see all of the fireworks from across the valley.  Up and down the mountain were beautiful bursts of color.  It makes me feel like everyone should come to my house for the 4th of July and we would have a great time without having to drive anywhere. 

I think that is the great thing about a new house.  All the little things that you did not know you had.  Like a view that shows you all the firework displays, neighbors that come over and shovel your drive and being so close to family!!  What a great way to start the new year, thinking of all the great blessings that are in your life.