Garden 6 weeks later

Here is our garden boxes 6 weeks from planting!!! It's exciting to see everything so happy and healthy!!! :) I especially can't wait for the cucumbers and cherry tomatoes.

Cousin's Camp 2009!

Matt just posted a WONDERFUL write up and video of our Cousin's Camp adventures this past week. Check it out!!!

http://mattsbigadventure.blogspot.com/2009/06/cousins-camp-2009.html

Ever have one of these nights?

Tanner @ 8:21pm: Oh yeah...Mom, I need to make a masquerade mask for English tomorrow. We're having a party!

TA DA!!!! Mom's are magic.

~~Garden Boxes for Mother's Day~~

I dropped a subtle little hint two Sunday's ago that I would sure like a couple of garden boxes and a gift certificate to fill them for Mother's day! I even found how to build them and put the instructions on the counter, just in case "someone" might be interested in making them.

My Mother's Day wish came true!!!!

Matt built me two boxes and I went today to use my gift certificate at the USU greenhouse.

Oh what joy that playing in the dirt can do for your soul!!!

I think the hardest part what trying to determine what kind of dirt to buy! As you can see we got quite a mixture. Landon dug little trenches in the dirt ...and then we made sure they were level before filling with dirt.

Aren't they so pretty?

The newspaper to help with weed control --- and it's "going GREEN" biodegradable friendly.

Filled to the brim! Clover is going a little nuts because we mixed in manure with the dirt. ewwwww!!!!

First we transplanted Landon and Tanner peas that they started in little cups. Aren't they so cute? They've already doubled since taking this picture on Saturday.

Today we bought and planted some tomatoes, cucumbers, squash and one little cilantro plant. :)

Thanks Matthew and boys!!!

I love my garden boxes!!!

Junior Prom

....and so here we are! Big milestone.

Joshua at Junior Prom. Josh is wearing Matt's tux, one that Matt bought when he was in high school. Pretty nostalgic!

Man, I can remember going to my Junior Prom!!! I'm going to have to get out those pictures and share, eh?

Josh's date is named Micail. They started out the day bringing the girls to our house for a little breakfast, cartoons and games. Then picked up the girls later in the day for dinner, the dance and dessert!

Loser Blogger

Sorry I'm such a loser Blogger!

I've just lost a little interest and to tell you the truth it's easier to catch up on peoples lives through facebook. It doesn't seem to take as much time and as it does to blog. :)

I was thinking updating once a week was good, but now I'm thinking once a month. ha!

Just a few quick highlights:

• Josh went to Prom on the 25th. I'll have to post some pictures later.
• Had a FABULOUS sister day last Monday. Took the day off from work and went to my Mom & Dad's store and got to pick out a few items. :) THANKS Mom and Dad!
• I'm being trained to be a House Manager for the Old Lyric Repertory Company. Had my first training this past week.
• I finished CERT! (Community Emergency Response Team) We had our final hands-on test Thursday. Whew -- what a whirlwind of info! Glad to have that done.
• Matt and I attended a wedding on Saturday. Cody's daughter, Hannah got married. Cody is one of Matt's hangliding buddies. Her dress was gorgeous!

Till the next time. Totally a lame-o post.

The week at the Shoes

It's been quite a week!!!

Mostly the family has been recovering from being sick this past week. I ended up taking the week off from work...a few days sick.....and a few days vacation for Spring Break. The boys and I had done most of our recovering by Thursday -- with lingering cough's. Unfortunately, Matt came down with the family cold on Friday. :( Hopefully the cold bug has made it's rounds and won't be visiting again any time soon.
During the week we had a few visitors. Amy, Matt's sister visited from Seattle for a few days. She was able to go with us to Josh's Jazz concert ---- which was excellent. The guest artist was Byron Stripling. Matt did a blog write up of the evening: http://mattsbigadventure.blogspot.com/2009/04/get-jazzed.html The music was amazing and so fun to listen too. Mr. Stripling was a great entertainer. A very enjoyable evening, which also ended with a parking ticket. Whoo hoo!! (I wasn't driving that night!)

We also had my nephew, Justin, visiting during the week. Lot's of swimming, fort making, game playing, a little sleeping, lot's of eating, and movie watching (however Landon, Josh and Justin did not participate in the sacred watching of Twilight -- wha?). The only brave boy was Tanner.

Josh's Prom date answered yes! Prom is in two weeks. We are hoping that Matt's tux fits Josh! :)

Landon gave his first talk in Sacrament on Easter Sunday!!! Both Matt and I are very proud of Landon for his accomplishment. Landon had to have a lot of courage! This is something that does not come easily to his tender heart.

Landon also is working on getting his Eagle Scout paperwork finished up. Another Eagle Project is in the works at our house!!!

The boys have one more day of Spring Break....then it's back to school on Tuesday. For me, it's back to work on Monday.

I'm thrilled!!!

Today I was informed that I am an offical member of the American Festival Chorus!!!

My first practice is tonight.

The Chorus is under the direction of Craig Jessop, former Mormon Tabernacle Choir Director.

I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY!!!!!

I feel really honored. Mr. Jessop informed me just prior to a meeting in which we both were involved with today and I had to pinch myself 20 times to make sure of what I just had heard him tell me! I was all smiles....I don't think I remembered too much about the meeting actually.

I sure hope this isn't an April fools joke!!!! :)



Here is a link if your interested in reading more about the Chorus.

http://www.americanfestivalchorus.org/

Coupon Binder give-a-way

I've been following this blog for a few weeks now. It's called "Making life sweet one deal at a time". I have a link to the blog on my blog list if your interested in checking it out. This blog is filling my "bucket" with the thrill of coupons and bargins!

On the blog they are giving away a Coupon Binder! Part of the deal to enter the drawing is to post the give-a-way on your own blog. Here is a link if you'd like more information: http://wantitall4free.blogspot.com/2009/03/coupon-binder-giveaway.html

* 3-ring Binder
* Document "How to Save LOADS of Money with Coupons"
* 50 Coupon Pages (9-slots per page)
* 30 Pre-defined Category Tabs (set by the general layout of grocery store)
* 5 Customizable Category Tabs
* 1 Pencil Pouch
* 1 Highlighter and Pen
* 3 Store Envelopes
* 1 Set of Coupon Sorting Mats
*Bonus* Stylish, Reusable Grocery Bag*
*Bonus Budget Document*

Double Coupon Frenzy

I've been getting into the coupon scene lately. Saving a little money on groceries and household items seems to be a way I can help our family....s.t.r.e.t.c.h our budget!

Today Kmart offered double coupons!

I have to admit my heart gets a little excited hearing the possibilities of bargins! I have to be careful to only clip coupons and buy items that we will actually use. I think it's easy to get caught up in the "savings" on an item that you won't actually use - just because you have a coupon or it's on sale!

Here is my bargins for the day!!!

The following items in the picture would have cost $36.65. BUT -- TODAY with the double coupon offer I was able to purchase all the items for $15.88! That's a savings of $20.77. All these items we will use and I've put them in our family storage for a rainy day!

...a little pay it forward

Today -- my plan was to stop by Old Navy to see if I could pick up some jeans for Landon. He was down to 2-3 jeans that fit ...and even those are getting a bit worn. I had a $10 gift coupon that I've been saving that I wanted to use.

It's difficult for me to pass up $10 free dollars on clothing!

As I was in the store, I had a gathered a few items that I wanted to buy. A young lady, maybe 26ish with 2 small children approached me. She asked if I had the 30% off reusable coupon which was only valid for a 4 day period. I knodded "no"...and she said "wait here, I'm going to go and pay for my items and I'll bring you back the coupon."

She did just that. Bonus baby! I was so excited!

So...I decided to do the same thing. I went and paid for my items and then found a nice lady and gave that same coupon to her. I told her the only stipulation was that she had to give it to someone else before she left the store.

For all I know...that 30% coupon has been floating around from person to person all day!

Nice thought isn't it?

Life is precious........

Yesterday, as I was going about my daily routine…and my life stood still for a moment because of another.

My son, Tanner’s best friend Bryon was at our home spending time with Tanner and doing their hang out “thang.” They are together a lot, he’s a great kid and Tanner and Bryon have been best friends since kindergarten…which has been since we’ve moved into our home in North Logan.

I had just arrived home from taking Landon to piano lessons and preparing for a 6:30pm CERT (Certified Emergency Response Team) meeting. I heard Tanner and Landon talking to each other saying things like, “Bryon, are you joking around?” “Landon -- come look at what Bryon’s doing!” This immediately got my attention and I rushed into the front room to find Bryon having a seizure on the front room floor. I quickly went to his side to assess the situation, then ran to the phone and called 911. I still can see my fingers dial ……9…….1……..1……… it was like it was in slow motion. That was the first time that I’ve had to dial that number. I really can’t tell you what I said on the phone, but I know I was talking as fast as a race horse I’m sure! Thanks goodness for 911 dispatchers (which my sister, Kristi, is one - she's always got a great story to share and I'm sure I've been added to her story list) who can talk you through a stressful situation. Yes, I just about lost it several times while trying to get Bryon’s attention, hold him down (as he was trying to get up …but his body was not in control), listening to the dispatcher talk to me on how to keep him safe and not hurt himself. I remember seeing Tanner pacing back and forth, worried sick, not really knowing what to do….and I wasn’t able to say or do anything for him at the time because my attention was fully on Bryon. It seemed like forever before the police officer arrived, then seconds later the ambulance arrived and the EMT walked in my home. I could have kissed them, I was so happy to see them! I’m sure that only 3-4 minutes has pasted since I made that call, but time stood still and it felt more like ten. Bryon started to come around a bit about the time the EMT arrived ….they’d ask him a serious of questions and his only answer was “what?” to every question. At this time I managed to finally get a hold of Bryon’s Dad ….. who was with Bryon’s Mom. They were on an errand and immediately changed course and went to the hospital to meet the ambulance. I later found out that they had pulled over for all the passing emergency vehicles…not realizing they were coming for their own son.

By the time the ambulance left, it was 6:26pm and that’s when the after math of the situation like this hits you! I was a bit of an emotional mess…and I could not get a deep enough breath. I quickly comforted the boys and reassured them that Bryon would be ok. (By the way, Joshua was asleep downstairs and slept through the whole thing!) I was due to pick up my friend, Sandy, to head to the CERT meeting. I gathered my thoughts the best I could…and headed out the door.

The meeting was the best things for me! I was so focused and ready to learn. I came to terms that I was not emotionally, physically or mentally ready for an emergency and I want to be that person!

Bryon and Bryon’s Mom came by the house to see me later in the evening. I was so glad! All the test came back normal. That’s great news!! They are also going to do a CAT scan or a MRI just to double check. I really needed to see him myself to see that he was physically ok. I gave him a hug, which he wasn’t expecting (he’s 14..and I’m not his Mom..lol) …but I didn’t care!

I honestly believe that I was at home when I needed to be for Bryon. We were both being watched over. You just never expect a thing like this to happen….and the timing was just so unbelievable….I had a 45 minute window that I was planning to be home…and I was there, but it wasn’t for me.

I love Landon.....he loves drums

On Thursday Landon had a mini concert at their school. They performed for the 6th graders in hopes to recruit them into playing band their 7th grade year.

I was able to get off work to attend. I like to go to this concert (as I have for Josh and Tanner as well) as it is an inimate setting and I'm able to actually see them play -- instead of on a stage hidden behind 75 other players! =)

I think Landon will hate to admit it, but having had 5 years of piano experience has really helped him to be able to catch on quickly and be an asset to the band. Of course knowing Landon's nature.....he's always helping someone else learn too. These students starting playing in September, yes there are a few squeeks -- but not bad for 6 months since they started learning! The teachers do a great job!

Landon is really the cutest thing out there! Yes, I know I'm partial -- it must be the little drummer sway that he has goin' on!


Landon The Drummer Boy! from Matt S. on Vimeo.

Sweethearts Dance

Last night was Sweethearts Dance.

Joshua went with a girl named Joanna. This is the "brief" report that I received:

They went to to breakfast...

"the breakfast was good."

then he came home for a couple of hours.

then went to a church to play games with the group....

"the games were fun."

then he came home for a couple of hours...

{I ironed his "duds" and sprayed them with good smelling stuff}

then they went to dinner....then the dance...and a friends house afterwards.

"we had a great time"

Does that sound like a typical report from a teen boy?

Yes, indeed it does.

Guess I better get used to it.

Free Running or Parkour

Josh and a few of his friends (Chris and Cory) . . . . . . . . . .

have been into doing what they call "Parkour" or Free Running. The three of them were up at USU campus practicing and were stopped by a few college students and asked if the were free running. The students had started a free running club at USU for and asked if they would be interested in joining. They were pretty excited.

The first time Josh and Cory went (about 2 months ago) we got a call from Josh later that night.... "ummmmm, Mom........someone put a boot on my car and I have to pay $70 to get it off!"

I am happy to say that all partee's involved have learned their "parking on campus" lessons...and I've been paid back the $70. :O)

Josh and his friends have continued to attend the club weekly. Last week Landon went with Josh and filmed some of the maneuvers that they are learning. This is an edited video that Josh and Matt made. If you watch closely you'll see Josh doing a few of the tricks. It's amazing how far they climb up what they call "The Wedge."

Yes, I am a little worried about broken bones.... but, what's a Mom to do when their children find something they enjoy? It could be worse.....It could be hang gliding. Oh wait....they do like that too!!!

Please don't let the "whitey tighties" sign distract from the talent.

PARKOUR - FREE RUNNING CLUB. from Matt S. on Vimeo.

Lazy Pants....and Birds.

SO.................

yesterday, I signed up our family for memberships at the Sport Academy and Raquetball Club! I've been putting it off because of my job situation. Feeling a bit more secure, we decided to go ahead.

I'm tired of being Ms. Lazy Pants...and need to do something about it. I really feel like my physical health is dragging me down.

The boys were very excited. We even had our first workout last night. Tanner and Landon went swimming and Josh walked and ran on the treadmill next to me while I walked. Pretty cool to spend that time together. I can see this as a good thing spending many family hours together staying fit.

Wish us (and me) luck. Getting back in shape after a few years of inactivity is for the BIRDS!

One Year Ago

One Year Ago ...... I made a job change. It was surly a difficult decision then, but now looking back my life is much more simpler. I appreciate that! I've really come to enjoy the associations that I've made in Theatre.

Things are still a bit stressful with the possibility of job losses, but for now I'm feeling pretty good that it won't effect our department in the immediate future. We are still waiting for a final word from the legislature on the % of budget cuts. Things still may change a year from now.

I was able to have a "one on one" with Craig Jessop, who will be taking over the Theatre Department as new department head. It was a very uplifting and insightful conversation. He knows the direction that he wants to go and he will be great to work with. I've only been in awe and admired him from a distance as the former conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I tried not to act like it was a big deal. ha!

Happy one year Anniversary!

new carpet AND baseboards.... somebody pinch me!

Ok, so after that last blog entry.......I'm kinda feeling bad about posting my latest purchase.

Three years ago we remodeled our kitchen and part of that big undertaking was putting up new baseboards. We knew we were going to re-carpet the frontroom, so we didn't put up any baseboards.

so...three years no baseboards in the frontroom.

For Christmas 2008 I decided I wanted the frontroom carpeted! So we did it! ....and Matt did a beautiful job on the baseboards. I just love it! It feels so complete, done and homey!

The first thing we did while there was no furniture in the room was make snow angel's in the carpet. =)

Here's the transformation ~~~~~~~~~

Nice carpet guy! however, Clover didn't agree.... yap yap yap!

Primed baseboards --- ooo la la!!!

The finished product!

Thanks Matthew, honey (the Dad) you did a super job!!!

Unsettling Times

I'm sure I'm not the only one who is feeling the uncertainty with the economy in the world today.

I've tried to keep optimistic and positive. I've caught myself turning off the television just so I don't have to listen to it any longer. It seems to heighten the anxiety level.

I double think every purchase -- is this a want or a need?

My job is on the line.

I don't like it.

I've always felt secure at my job and working for a University; reliable income, good atmosphere and great benefits. This month marks my 10 year anniversary. Wow! I have a feeling I won't be getting an Aggie shirt to celebrate this momentous occasion. Perhaps a coupon for a free Aggie ice cream? One could be hopeful. =)

It was recently announced, depending on the Legislative cuts, that the University will be forced to layoff 300-600 employee's in the next 6 months. Those numbers are huge to me! These aren't just numbers, these are families. The trickle down effect of this will surely be detrimental not only to the families but to the vitality of the valley.

In today's newspaper it was announced that the Theatre and the Music Department will be merging under one Department Head because of the current financial need. The departments did have first hand knowledge that this was in the works - just seeing in print makes it more of a reality and that change is surely coming! Since I work for the Theatre Department as their business manager.....it's very concerning. Joining the two departments creates duel role responsibilities. I can't help but feel a bit of a lost soul.

This has been a good time for reflection and prayer. Ultimately, I'd love to stay at home and be a full time Mom. Financially we would drown. I keep thinking how I could be creative enough to make it work? Wouldn't it be nice to just have that "perfect" something that you could do...and wouldn't have to rely on other's for your income? Sometimes I have a difficult time thinking outside the box. I'm better at stealing ideas and "tweaking" them to make them my own.

In the mean time.....I wait and wonder what opportunities will present themselves for my future and the future of my family. I always know in my heart that things will work themselves out...it's just having the faith during the uncertainly to rise above it all.

Today I keep smiling.....and a little chocolate on hand doesn't hurt either. =)

Too much cuteness for one room!

I just had to post these most darlingest pictures of my youngest Neice. Her name is Charlee.

Could she really be any cuter?

New Years Baby!!

I remember the day very well.

It was December 31, 1993...New Year Eve!

I was 8 1/2 months pregnant and pretty much uncomfortable and miserable in any position. Three weeks prior I had fallen on the ice (direct hit on the hinny with Joshua on my lap) and could hardly walk I was so stiff. It was a joyous holiday for everyone as I remember (sarcastically said!). Joshua had barely turned two years old.

We lived in Orem in an apartment. I remember not feeling well and my back was in terrible radiating pain. I decided to take a hot shower which only intensified the pain. At this point I wasn't sure what was going on, but was feeling so horrible that we decided to drive to the hospital. I wasn't due for another 2 weeks, so I was a bit nervous that my falling on the ice was causing other issues with the pregnancy. We left Joshua with our good neighbors and headed to the hospital.

At the time the only vehicle that we had was our yellow "bouncy" Toyota pickup.

I remember bracing myself with my hand between the seat and the door through every bump or corner and getting a little cross with Matt because it hurt so badly! (Like it was his fault!?? Pregnancy hormones!) I couldn't even sit down!

Now please realize I didn't know what labor really felt like. With my first baby I was induced and had my epidural before I felt any intense labor pains.

We arrived at the hospital about 8:00pm and sure enough to my surprise I was dilated to a 5 and was staying to have this baby on NEW YEARS EVE! The nurses were all excited as it was a contest between hospitals who was going to have the New Years baby for the State of Utah. Until my pregnant self arrived they didn't have any hope. =)

This birth seemed more like a party to me. Everyone was rushing in and out of my room checking on my progress and trying to prolong the inevitable. By 11:30pm, I was fully dilated and panting like a dog to NOT push every time I had a contraction. It was the total opposite of what your body wants to do at that particular state! Seriously, I think it hurts worse NOT to push, than to push. I held off the best I could but by ten minutes to midnight....I was pushing!! I remember looking around and seeing my family and the nurses in New Years Eve Party hats!!



Tanner was born at 12:00am...and 06 seconds.

There was another hospital competing for the New Years Baby and phone calls were being made back and forth on the progress during the evening. The other hospital claimed to have had their baby at 12:00am...and 04 seconds! I still sometimes wonder about that to this day!!! ?? :)

Even though Tanner wasn't the New Years Baby for the State of Utah for 1994, he was the first baby in Utah County. The next morning the newspaper came and interviewed us and took a few pictures. We also received wonderful gifts from the community and as a young struggling family we were very appreciative!!!


It was an exciting time.

Tanner was the sweetest, mostly cuddliest baby!!!

He was also a little shy.....but oh, so so sweet!! What I wouldn't give to just hold him again at this age!

Tanner (2) with his older brother Joshua (4).

This picture made it on KSL Channel 5 for the Outdoors show!

As Tanner is getting older he still has that shy side, but we are realizing he has a silly commical side...that not many get to see.

This has got to be a classic!!

Tanner (14) with younger brother Landon (13)

Tanner's Eagle Scout Picture!! Yeah for Eagle Scouts!!

Happy 15th Birthday Tanner. We love you and have decided to keep you too!!!