125 days to go

all my girls went to see the new Twilight movie last night. They love it; I don't get it. Well, it is a good excuse to spend some time together. Maybe some day I will read the books, but not right now. It is good enough to see how much they enjoy it!

126 days to go

good night!

127 days to go

When I was little my dad would create the most wonderful toys for Paul and I. He made us a large metal slippery slide and whirly-gig. You had to pump with your hands and feet, pushing back and forth, the faster you pumped the faster you would go. We had kids from all over come over to play with our fun toys. He also made us a swing that hung from a high frame. so it could go real high. Once he rigged up a swing that hung on a circular clothes line. He attached a motor so that it would go around and around. What a creative dad!

128 days to go

Skinned knees! That is what my baby Addy has. She was playing in our back yard and fell down. She got up quickly, then with the saddest look on her face she said "knees". Sure enough the red tinge started seeping through the scraped skin. Quick as a wink all our family members jumped up to come to her rescue. I ran to get Band-Aids, Migo got the Neo., her mom scooped her up and comforted her. Before you know it she was good as new. I am so glad that no matter the "ouchie", we rush to our loved ones rescue. We love each other and want to make each other feel better. We have had some big hurts lately. Bless the ones who accept our feeble attempts and allow us to feel even more united. Bless those who drop everything to help (get a telephone, mow the lawn, comfort the sad, share a book, share an exciting moment, share a meal, etc. etc.) I love you guys!

129 days to go

A sad World Cup day...

130 days to go

I am so excited for tomorrow.

- Chelsea comes home again!

-The USA plays in the World Cup again.

-We are going out for breakfast at the Red Rooster (super yum)

-Sleeping in!

-All the fam is coming over for the game.

131 days to go

Date night ...

132 days to go

Today the USA won their game against Algeria thus winning their group. The game was one of the most exciting games I have ever seen, scoreless and in stoppage time. Then Landon scored; I was screaming and the kids thought I was crazy. In pre-school we are learning about the flag and our country so I cleverly had them look in the crowded stadium for American flags. They thought it was great and made a competition of it, and I didn't feel guilty for sneaking a peek at the game. win, win, win!=me , kids, the USA

133 days to go

Chelsea leaves for girls camp tomorrow, dang I just got her back. I know she will have a ton of fun and grow spiritually while she is there. She is in a wonderful position to impact the younger girls there. She loves them and puts in many hours of work and preparation on their behalf. Many thanks to the older girls and leaders, in the past, who helped make her the person she is. When she was a little beehive she looked up to you guys. Isn't the church organization wonderful?

134 days to go

Tonight we went to Desert Star. This something Chelsea, Miguel and I have been doing for years. We all agree it is fun and look forward to it. There are many other thing we enjoy together and I am so glad we enjoy each others company.

135 days to go

Happy Fathers' Day to all the good dads out there. Heaven knows it doesn't take much to be a father, but to be a good dad is another matter. God bless the ones who love their children and sacrifice for them daily. Bless the ones who work hard to provide for their loved ones. And lastly, bless all those who put aside childish things and step up to be a good dad.

136 days to go

Today our extended family all went to Wheeler Farm for a picnic. It was a lovely time and wonderful to see people again. I hope we can continue to create loving family friendships that will last a lifetime. I know that is a lofty expectation, but one worth striving for!

137 days to go

I like Crystal's idea for today...

TODAY'S ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Blew away all those annoying little seeds that our Locust tree drops every June.

Watched Abby so Crystal could sub.

Vacuumed the patio

Swept the outside, basement steps

Had lunch with Chelsea

Treated our cat's acne

Visited with my dad

Conducted a parent interview

Watched the USA tie their game

Tended 6 children

138 days to go

I am very sad tonight. I am not sure how I feel about the death penalty in general, but I am sad that a man will be put death in a few minutes. I know he deserves this punishment and these consequences are fair. What events in a person's life bring them to this point? As I was talking to my big brother, he said the only cruel thing about it is that they make the person wait so long. He is a police officer and has strong opinions about it. I don't know; I am sad.

139 days to go

I wonder how baby birds got blown out of their nests today during our "huricane"!

140 days to go

The best part of summer vacation is having another adult around during the day. Chelsea does her thing and I am busy with mine, but it is nice knowing she is here. Sometimes we have lunch together or watch a movie while the kids are sleeping. I love summers with her and always feel sad when school starts again. When Crystal and Andrea were little I felt alot of pressure to keep them busy with chores and jobs during the summer. Looking back I don't think it was necessary, sure they may say they are bored etc., but that is all part of summer vacation. I treasure all those summers I got to spend with my kids.

141 days to go

Chelsea spent the day at Crystal's house today. It made me remember the many summer days I spent at my sisters' houses. I would catch the State Street bus at 1700 South and ride it out to Danna's house about 7800 South and 3rd east. One summer she sewed me a beautiful purple swim suit. We always had fun with my niece and nephew. Sometimes we would set up a summer Olympics complete with metals. Sometimes we would ride our bikes out to Danna's ( Paul and I). I can remember doing that a few times. We also loved to ride our bikes to Diane's house in Glendale. Oh the many summer days spent in her lovely home watching the Price is Right. One time she let us set up a Cool Aid and cookie stand. We actually made a little bit of money from it. We also spent summer days at Shonnie's house. Big sisters are wonderful, don't you think Chel?

142 days to go

Chelsea is home- finally. It feels so good to have her back in our house. I guess this may have been a little taste of what is to come shortly. As I read Kristen's blog she is getting ready to leave for collage, I get a little sad. All these girls were pre-schoolers yesterday it seems. Time goes much too quickly. Oh well Chelsea is home now, I think I will go find her and give her a hug.

143 days to go

World Cup fever is running rampant at our house. The USA tied England today,what a great game. All the fam was here and we got a little bit rowdy, but the hooligan was Abby (of coarse). Can't wait for the USA to play again on Friday 7:30 am.

144 days to go

Tonight's date with migo: movie-Killers (good)

dinner- The Red Tea House (yummy)

evening alone together- (we'll see)

145 days to go

I am happy I have a little brother. When I was little I didn't always feel that way, but now I do. We have been through alot together, our family had some hard times in our late teen years. He and I don't ever say " i love you", but I do. Some things go without saying...

146 days to go

Tonight we went to the Real soccer game with the Family B's. Our team beat the L.A. team, and they have only had 3 goals scored against them this season. Way to go RSL!

147 days to go

The plumber is coming to put in our soft water machine, blog ya tomorrow.

148 days to go

Chelsea is in Cedar City for Girls State. She was selected at school to be one of two students to attend. She was a little apprehensive, but in true Chelsea form she was willing to tackle a new challenge. I miss her already. The good news is, Miguel will be taking me on lots of dates while she is gone!

149 days to go

Back home to reality. I have laundry to catch up on, dogs to bath, a house to clean.....

150 days to go

A day of cleaning and chores. Lunch in Heber city: TRAIN BURGERS! Miguel worked on the dish, chels and I napped and read. Steve grilled for dinner. Then an evening of Buzz Quiz.

151 days to go

Today we went for breakfast with everyone at Yolk in Kamas. Bought some flowers from the nursery on Main to plant at the cabin. Then some groceries at the Food Town; we will have a beautiful pork roast dinner with all the trimmings. Abby has done so well without her parents, she didn't even cry at bed time. She did let Chels share "her" little bed.

152 days to go

Off to the cabin with Abby, Chelsea, Miguel, Andrea's family, and Diane. Crys and Jon will come up after work tomorrow.

153 days to go

I am not a prolific reader. The books I have read are dear to me. My kids put me to shame, the three of them are readers. In another example of being miscast as their mother, they tell me all the time I should read more. Some time I am sure I will connect with my inner reader, right now there are just too many other things that need doing. Some of the books I have read and loved are: To Kill a Mockingbird, The Once and future King, The Scarlet Pimpernel (thanks Kristen) and my all time favorite... STAR GIRL.

154 days to go

I have never been the CEO of an important company, but I love my little job. I spend my days with genuine people.

When they like me, they really like me. When they don't they tell me, not a co worker. I get hugs all day without the concern of "harassment". When I punch out at the end of the day, I am tired but I wouldn't trade jobs with anyone!