1 2 3 !!!!

Grandpa Great had a stroke last Saturday, December 5, 2009.  He passed away today, December 12, 2009.  We have had some chances to go and spend time with him while he was in his home.  On Thursday Jon delivered the DME and I had the chance to hold Grandpa's hand.  He was more responsive that day and when I would try to get up he would grab my hand with force and try to pull me back down.  I will treasure that time forever that I was able to sit by his side.  I didn't talk much, manly just let him know that I was there, but I was able to tell him that I loved him. 

Kynlee was able to say I love you and Krayden was able to wave.  Kynlee just sat on Grandma Greats lap and they made up funny stories and funny songs.  Kynlee had Grandma laughing so hard, it was fun to see. 

I hope that Jon and I can have the same kind of love that Grandma and Grandpa have.  To hear Grandma talk about Grandpa there was a twinkle in her eye that I want to have, one that I hope I have when I talk about Jon. 

Gramps you did a great job.  You have a great son that raised a awesome son and now the kids and I are reaping those benefits.  The gospel is strong and present in our lives and with that comes the knowledge that we will see you again.  We will miss you and your icecream and belly wash but will await the day that we can stand together as a family again.

Grandpa we all love you so much!!

p.s. say hi to Jo for us.

"Do You Want to Hear a Funny Joke?"

Kynlee:  Once there was a squirel and he climbed up a tree, but he really didn't know how to climb so he fell down and cracked open his head.  He was brave so he didn't die.

Krayden:  One, two.  Actually I don't have a funny joke.

I personally think they should write a joke book!!

Friends

Tonight was a wonderful reminder of what great friends I have.  Jon and I were supposed to go out tonight but work became busy and we were not able to do so but I still had gotten a friend to watch the kids a few weeks ago so decided to still drop them off.  I dropped them off and before I could leave Kynlee and Krayden were downstairs playing and she had Trevin in arms and he was happy.  I left to go run some errands without the kiddos and was excited to do so.  It's amazing how much faster things get done when you don't have three little ones in tow!!

About an hour and half later I went to pick them up but was told to go do something else and come back later, Kynlee still had not eaten, she had been having so much fun so that was still on the list.  The boys were fine and happy so here I am updating my blog and thinking how blessed I am to live here and be surrounded by so many wonderful people.  This ward has been the best ward we have lived in since we have been married! I feel accepted and loved here. 

Well I'm off to try again to pick them up...I guess it's great knowing they are having such a fun time and that they don't want to come home.

Trevin is ONE

My little Trevin Dude,

You turn one today and I can hardly believe that you have blessed my life for a whole year. You are an amazing baby...you rarely cry (really only when Krayden takes his frustrations out on you), you are quick to smile and give loves. You are a true JOY.

You are by far my busiest baby. You have mastered going up the stairs, coming down not so much. Actually when you come down you do somersaults the WHOLE way down. Yep you have fallen from the top of the top to the bottom of the bottom. I was in doing the dishes and thought the gate was up. I was wrong and reached you a tad to late. You were so brave you cried until I picked you up and then you just laid on my shoulder. You climb on everything, empty every cupboard, re-organize every drawer, turn the hot water on in my bathtub and you never stop moving until you are ready for bed. But when you are ready for your bed that is what you want. I want to rock you, you want your blanket and your bed. It makes it easy for putting you to bed if we are home but you taking your nap at church you want nothing to do with that.

You had four teeth until about 3 days ago when you decided to get two more, so on your 1st birthday you have 6 teeth. I was wondering when those pearly whites were going to make an appearance. I am not used to having a baby without teeth, Kynlee and Krayden had a mouth full of teeth and could pretty much eat anything. You little man I still have to mash and mash your food so you can eat. You do like pancakes, waffles and I think your all time favorite is a grilled cheese sandwich. We had pancakes for your birthday dinner and you loved every bite.

Trevin you make my heart sing. I am so happy the Lord allows me to be your mother and you to be my son. I love you so much and I hope with all my heart you know and feel that. I hope that I can teach you of the gospel and it's teachings so you can gain a testimony of your own. You have brought so much joy into our home it's indescribable. I love you baby boy!!

Love,

Mom

My Plan

I can almost see it

That dream I'm dreaming

But there's a voice inside my head saying

You'll never reach it

Every step I'm taking

Every move I make feels

Lost with no direction

My faith is shaking

But I gotta keep trying

Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain

I'm always gonna wanna make it move

Always gonna be an uphill battle

Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there

Ain't about whats waitin on the other side

IT'S THE CLIMB

The struggles I'm facing

The chances I'm taking

Sometimes might knock me down

But NO I'm NOT BREAKING

I may not know it

But these are the moments that I'm gonna remember most

Just gotta keep going

And I got to be strong

JUST KEEP ON PUSHING ON

Keep on moving, keep climbing

KEEP THE FAITH

It's all about, it's all about the CLIMB

KEEP THE FAITH, KEEP YOUR FAITH

Lately this is just how I have felt. Not knowing the direction that the Lord wants me to go. I have felt that my faith has been shaking and I hate it. I have been wondering what my "plan" is here on earth? I have prayed about and never seemed to get an answer. One day the whole family was in the car and my mood hadn't been that great that day. The kids were all in their carseats in the middle row and were laughing and having fun together. Jon looks back and then turns to me and say's "honey, there's your plan." In one simple statement my prayers where answered. Yes the trials that I am facing are still here but now I move foward with faith unwavering. I know why I am here on this earth and what I am supposed to be doing. I am supposed to be a mother and a wife and I am loving every minute of it. Like the song says it's not about how fast I get "there", where ever I think "there" is but it's "the climb."

From Kynlee's new favorite movie

"Life's a climb, but the view's great"

Boys, Boys and More Boys

Kynlee: "Mom I was just playing with Ethan. He likes to hold my hand and I like to hold his hand."

Then that night it was her turn for family prayer...

Kynlee: " Please help us to have good dreams, like ponies and boys and handsome things."

So there you have it at five years of age boys no longer have coodies and they aren't gross. Little girls like to hold their hands and have handsome dreams of them.

Heaven help me know what to do with her when she becomes a teenager.

FREE Therapy....

RUNNING WORKS FOR ME!!! All of it...the sweat running down my forehead (not to mention other places) the sound of feet hitting the pavement, the routine breathing... when I say everything I mean everything. I normally run at night and it is so peaceful. I am alone with my thoughts and nature. A lot of people say they can't run because they get bored, it is a release for me.


Take tonight I was out running I ran (literally) into the biggest spider I have ever seen. At first I ran right past it but had to turn around to make sure that what I thought I saw was what I really saw and holy moly it was. This thing was huge, to huge for me to step on it. The thought crossed my mind cuz I did not want that thing in my house (side note I kill spiders in my house with the wasp spray that can shoot 20-25 feet and that has a caution to not use indoors. But I have to be able to stand 20-25 feet away from the dang thing and then I have to vacuum them up no toilet paper for me). But then common sense came into play and that dang spider was not even close to my house so I side stepped the spider and continued on my run. Then around the corner was the biggest praying mantis I have ever seen. Those things are creepy during the day just think what they look like at night. And why do the biggest of the biggest have to come out at night anyways? Oh well it is good for me it makes me pick up pace (even if it is only for a minute). But that is not the best part the nights are perfect the moon is shinning and the slight breeze make for the perfect running weather.

My thoughts take me to many places from what happened in the day to what will my life be like in X amount of years, will I still be running, will I still want to run marathons, why do I put myself through the training for a marathon, will my body allow it, friends and the lack there of, but the friends I do have I wouldn't ask for better, my family and how I can be a better wife and mother, the sacrifice that Jon made to return to school, how moving here has been a great blessing and the biggest trial we have ever had together but how it has strengthened our family, or marriage, and has taught many life lessons. Those are just a few of the thoughts that ran through my head tonight and I only ran about 2.5 miles and was out for twenty minutes.

I love the feeling when I first start out of fresh legs and stretched muscles, the air hitting my face, then comes the feeling that I am getting into the groove of things and I am in my element, then no matter how far I have run 2 miles or 10 rounding the last corner and seeing my house my thoughts turn to I can't make but the competitiveness in me comes out and I will my body to run faster telling myself that in the race there is someone on my hills and no way in heck are they going to pass me now with such a short distance to go. Then I finally make it to the steps muscles aching and the best part...I finished what I had started.

I have the motto of "Why start something you aren't going to finish?" I have lived by those words for the last two years and it has helped in more ways than just running.

Can't wait for tomorrow's run, I need to start getting a little more serious about my training for the Marathon that happens in 2 months. This summer I have been a little side tracked but I think I now have the mind set that I need to accomplish the goal I have set for myself.
ST. GEORGE HERE I COME!!

To WIPE?...or not to WIPE?...that Seems to be the QUESTION

Krayden comes running out of the bathroom all excited. And the conversation goes like this:

Krayden: "MOM I JUST WENT POOP AND PEE!!!"

Me: "Good job bud, you are such a big boy but you need to use your inside voice." (then something goes off in my head) "Did you wipe?"

Krayden: (laughing) "oh ya I forgot!!" (while running back in the bathroom)

Me: "I thought you were supposed to let me know when you are done."

Krayden: (now pulling down his shorts) "oh ya I forgot that too."

Let's just say I wish he wouldn't have forgotten.

My Best Friend

My heart still flutters when I see his name on my

phone when he calls or sends me a text message.

I can't wait for him to come home at night and

hate that he has to leave in the mornings.

Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House

Krayden

Trip To Chelsey's

Just the way we like them
WHERE?

Thanks Papa for all your help

This is how Krayden came in and out of the backyard...EVERYTIME!!

Phil ran me till I puked. Literally

Had to dress up like monsters again

Then Phil made us all cats.

The baby kittens got thirsty




The reason we drove the 11 hours

Chole was blessed on June 28. Chelsey came out of her room ready for church and she matched my kids perfectly.




Reason #2

Krayden really needed a haircut. Chelsey did GREAT!!

I found a frog and made my Dad catch it. The boys loved it. Trevin wanted to hold it but my dad let it go once it peed on him.

Only In Utah!

Why is she dressed like this in June???

And why does she need an umbrella???

Only in Utah do we get FREEZING TEMPS and HAIL that POURS out of rain gutters!!
In JUNE

Happy Birthday Kynlee Babe

My Dearest Kynlee,

You are such a big girl now... I know because you keep telling me once you get to be five how much bigger you will be. You can run faster, jump higher and reach more things. You have brought so much love into my life. When I think back time really starts for me the day you were born. You gave me a whole new outlook on life...I was now responsible for yours. At times I wondered if I would be a good mom. I of course had a very good example of what a mom should be. You are named after both of them, Nana and Nana Great. You share the same middle name as both of them. They are very special to me and hope they become special to you to.

I think I spoiled you too much when you were a baby. You were rocked and sang to every night. I can't sing but that didn't matter to you, you loved it anyways. And things, my sweet girl, haven't changed. You are too big to be rocked (but would if you could). I still have to lay by your bed and sing you songs. Your favorite ones are "I Am a Child of God" and "I Know My Father Lives" I love that those are your favorite and I hope that as you grow older you will remember those two truths, that you are a child of God and that our Father lives.

You can make friends anywhere and everywhere. We go to the park and before I know it you are off playing with "friends". You are an example to me, I try to be more like you and put my guard down. I try to make friends as easily as you. I work on it everyday. You make me so happy that you have so many friends and that you take Krayden along with you EVERYWHERE you go. You are the best big sister ever. Not very many sisters want their little brothers tagging along, but you make it clear if your friends want to play with you then Krayden comes to. Trevin smiles at you when you walk into the room, you make him so happy.

I couldn't have asked for better big sister than you. Krayden and soon Trevin will look up to you and you are the best example ever.

I love you so much Kynlee Babe and look forward to more songs with you tonight.

I hope you have a great day, you just turned 5 and I can't believe it.

Kynlee Loves Everything About

DANCE. The costumes, the makeup, the studio, her teacher and everything in between. I have no idea where she came from I did not push her to go into dancing she did it all on her own, I wanted basketball and volleyball. My sister-in-law actually laughs (she and all her girls dance). I was very anti dance when we met, I played sports, quit dance when I was young, hated every minute of it. But my sweet girl has a new passion to say the least. Every morning she would wake up and ask if I had signed her up for dance, every morning I would have to tell her no. Well I finally did it and it was the best thing ever. Once I did she would then wake up every morning and ask if she has dance. Dance is now over for the summer and she cried her last day. Now every morning she wakes up and asks if her break from dance is over and when does she start next. Now I too am liking dance, maybe even loving it.

Carrots? Not So Much!!

Nope I wasn't blindfolded, he just didn't like his carrots. This was the first time we tried them and I should have used a bib. Maybe one day I'll learn!!

Friday Night Movie Night and...

CAMP OUT

Every Friday night we have movie night where we either go to redbox or we just watch one that we own, on the wall of course. Jon hooks up the projector and we are set. The kids love this (treats are usually involved)! And if the kids are really good during the day and if they sleep in their beds without coming down at least for two nights that week then we get to have a CAMP OUT. Probably the best part of the whole thing. We get in our comfy's, grab our blankets and every pillow in the house and watch the movie on the most "cozy" bed. The kids minus Trevin sleep here while mom and dad go to their bed. Kynlee of course doesn't understand this and begs and begs for all of us to sleep together. We try but there is only so much room. All in all we have great time and the best part for mom is we are spending time as a family. Hopefully the weather will be better and start acting more like summer so we can have movie night outside and watch it on the house under the stars.

SNAKES AND BEETLES....SICK

Kynlee and her friend are screaming in the front yard. I come running and to my surprise they are yelling becuase a snake is making it's way into my garage. I fratically call Jon and ask him what I should I do. He calmly tells me to pick it up. Yeah, I don't think he rememberd who is was talking to. I see some neighborhood boys coming home from school, I call for them to come over and they of course think it's the coolest thing ever. They pick it up and once Kynlee sees there is no harm she decides to hold it to. Much more brave then her mom.

We come home from chruch and there is this HUGE beetle on the entry way from the garage, I again call for Jon's help but need before I know it Krayden is picking it up and letting it crawl all over him. I am trying not to freak out, I don't want him to be as scared as bugs as I am. But still it was gross, Jon was even having a hard time touching it. (when it would crawl to place on Kray that he couldn't reach. He is so brave.

Kynlee's VIP

Kynlee was the VIP in her pre-school and loved every minute of it. She wore the crown for the next two days. She helped my make her poster all the while she kept saying "mom i'm so cute, huh?" With every picture we added. Her teacher wasn't there so Kynlee made me bring the poster back the next time so she could see it.

Kynlee Babe you are a VIP in our family. You make it so fun, you are always wanting to play games, color, watch movies. You hate to hold still, you always want to be on the move. You pray for energy for you to be able to run and have fun friends, I promise your prayers are answered.

Love ya tons

mom

Becky, Nana and Papa Great Come for A Visit

We had such a fun time when Nana and Papa Great and Becky came for visit. Chad and Katie blessed their baby so they came from Texas. Kynlee could always be found sitting right next to one of them. I think she can feel how special each one of them are.

We love you guys (y'all) and wish you lived closer

Cinderella

On Tuesday's Kynlee goes to dance and she has to put her dance clothes on first thing in the morning (so she is pretty much in them all day since dance doesn't start until 1:45) She tries to find the most fluffy outfits that I will allow her to wear. She would love to wear the dress ups but I think they would just get in the way. On this particular Tuesday she was wearing one of the more full tutu's that I allow and was helping me clean the floor. I must say she is our little princess and we wouldn't have it any other way.

You Have Made It Big When.....

YOU DANCE AT LAGOON

Kynlee and Brynlee both take dance from the same studio, they are in different classes but still have fun with one another. This was Kynlee's first competition and her class took first in their age group. She did so well...all the other girls where a little nervous but not our little girl, when the music came on and the other girls weren't dancing she made her way up to front and center and didn't miss a beat.

Bubbles, Bubbles and More Bubbles

"Mom can I turn the jets on?" He asks me this everytime right after we wash his hair and clean him up. He has figured out the jets make a perfect bubble bath with the shampoo and soap that lingers in the tub. The only problem is when he wants to get out...there are so many bubbles washing them all off poses to be a problem. We really can't seem to shake them all. I guess that's what towels are for. Love you little Bubble Boy!!!