Happy Father's day!

I just want to tell my sweet husband that you are an AMAZING father and husband and we thank you for everything that you do for our family. You are such a loving and caring person and I love everything about you. I love the way that you help people and how carefree you are. You keep me grounded and you make me a better person. You have taught me so much and I love how you love me and our children.

I want to tell my grandpa how much I love you too and how much you mean to me. You are such a wonderful man and I look up to you so much. I want to tell my dad that I love you and you raised such an amazing man and I appreciate all of the life lessons that you taught him. I thank you for loving me and accepting me into your family and loving me like one of your own daughters.
I also want to tell the other "DADS" in my life that I also love each and everyone of you. This includes my mom. You did a great job being my "dad" and I love you so much.

lacking on the posts...why???

Ok so I have been such a slacker on this thing! I really need to keep up on whats going on with my life since I use this as kinda my own personal journal.
So here is whats been happening.....

Jon had another surgery on his back at the end of May. He has been in a lot of pain and could not stand it anymore. So he met with his neurologist and they decided that the best move was to remove all of the hardware he had in his back. Well it worked. Jon said that he felt better a week after this surgery than he felt after a year from his other one. I would feel better too not haveing 2" lag screws and big bolts inmy back next to my spine. So I am excited to get my old hubby back. A happy one. One that is not consumed in pain all of the time.
Next-- it was our city's celebration time! Pony Express Days are a pretty big deal to our family. There is so much to do and we try to be a part of as much as we can. This year was a lot of fun. The city did a scavenger hunt that took us all over the city to find clues. We had to know who the first mayor was, and the current mayor (thank goodness they didn't make us say the ones in between because if you watch the news around here or read the newspapers-- you know our "MAYOR" situation!) Then we had to go to the new bike park and find the teeter totter and take a picture next to it. There was a lot more including visiting some of the local businesses and getting little rewards! Hey we got a free new toothbrush from Dr. Gardiner! I love Family First Dentistry! After all of the clues were found-- we went to the park where the city had a FREE family fun carnival. The kids played games and we waited to see if we won something for the journey we had done that day. Well we didn't but it was fun anyhow!
The next day there was an animal show at the park and Jon took the kids over. Tukar got to go up and help the hnadler with a HUGE 10' python. It could have swallowed my kid in one gulp! He had fun though and he thought he was pretty cool!
Then it was time for the CARNI's to come to town. It is really nice not living RIGHT NEXT to the park anymore. I forget how bad I hate the parking situation when the carni's come. We got the kids wristbands this year and it was worth it! I think they made a mistake with the advertising though because they were too cheap!
One of my favorite things about PED is the FIREHOUSE GRILL!! I actually have a love hate relationship with it! I love to eat the yummy burgers and scones but my husband thinks he has to help in there every second of every day. Sometimes I just like to spend time with him and go do fun things like watch our kids ride the rides. This year, PED fell on the first weekend of June. That means about a week AFTER Jon's surgery. I thought, "YAY! I will get to spend time with you this year!" NOPE!! All 3 days he was behind the grill cookin some yummy burgers. We didn't even get to watch the concert because he was working. Oh well.... I respect him so much for STEPPING UP and doing the job.
One of my other favorite things is the parade! Every year, all of the fire department kids load up on the rigs and we all ride in the parade and throw candy. Jon got to drive the new Heavy this year and we threw out SO MUCH CANDY!!! I love to see the little kids who don't expect anything and aren't the stingy ones get candy thrown to them. At least these are the ones I try to throw the most candy to. Plus we are always at the first of the parade so after we get to the station (where the parade ends) we unload all the kids and finish watching the parade!
This year while we were at the Carni~ there was a Helicopter Company that took people for rides. a 6 minute ride for $30 or something like that, well Jon made a deal with the guys that own it - 4 burgers for a free ride. So Kori, Leslie and I went over and took them up on their deal. They took us on about a 15 minute ride and even gave a few "extras". The pilot actually took us up as high as he could go then turned off the engine-- It scared the #$%^ out of all of us! It was an amazing experience to see Eagle Mountain from that angle!
The whole weekend ends with the concert. This year was Daryl Worley and Josh Gracin. It was good but not as good as when Sawyer Brown came. I love his shows and we even got to go backstage and meet him-- (thanks for the hookup Jeff!) Then we all sit back on the grass and watch the fireworks. At least I get to watch them with Jon now-
before the city was big, he was the one that got to light them off. He said there is nothing like it.

What else....
Brekyn and I went to Girl Scouts Service Day Camp for 3 days and it was a blast. I became the Brownie leader recently because I have a problem saying no to people. I like it though. I really got to know the girls in the troop those 3 days. We did a lot of fun projects including ridding the park of poisonous weeds that hurt the animals. We also played games, I loved being able to spend that time with Brekyn and watch her have fun and meet new friends.

We also had a fun night at our friends house (Dave and Kori's) doing Karaoke. I haven't laughed that hard in such a long time. I was a little nervous at first but after I loosened up- I didn't care what a bad voice I had. We sang until 3am and It was so stinkin much fun!!!

Quick trip to Denver!

Jon, Tukar and I went on a quick trip to Denver to see our nephew Bryce graduate from Horizon High School. We flew out Monday night with Jon's sister Angie and her 2 girls Charley (3) and Justice (5 months). Wow.... traveling with 3 small children is a lot of work. It was nice that Tukar had someone to play with the whole time though. Him and Charley got a long so good! That made it really nice. They got to be buddies!
We started out by almost being late for our plane. We gotstuck in traffic on I-15 for about 30 minutes to some girl could do a news report. They had 3 lanes of traffic blocked off at rush hour just for her. I wish I had that much influence. Anyways...we got to the airport and got on our plane. Tukar was so excited because this was his first time on a plane (I lied- he went on a plane when he was 12 days old) But this time he could remember. He was so cute. He had his little back pack full of things for him to do. He carried it around like he was all that! He had such a big smile on his face and could not wait til he could go through the clouds. After we got there, we got our car and headed to find our Hotel. Usually when we go out there, we stay with Jon's other sister, but she already had guests coming to her house. Mom and dad were also going out there. We met up to eat at Old Chicago. The kids were so exhausted from such a busy day and we had another busy day coming up! Tuesday was the big day! We all met up at D's house and took some family pics. D had a few surprises up her sleeve for the graduate! As we were all sitting there waiting, the first surprise showed up! A limo! I had never ridden in a limo before so I was excited. Jon was as well. My cute little MIL was more excited than anyone! She cracks me up. When it first pulled up, she thought it was somebody famous coming to see us! So we all loaded up and took off! Our next surprise was where we were eating. CHEESECAKE FACTORY!! I had never eaten dinner there before so that was exciting as well. My dinner was deelish! I will definitely eat there again. Thank goodness we have one in Utah now. Bryce thought he was all that and that was the point I guess. So after the graduation (CONGRATS TO BRYCE BTW!!!!) we all headed back to the house for some yummy cheesecake! We had another long day ahead of us and the kids were so tired so we headed back to our hotel. The next day came and we had to pack up and get ready to go home. We had breakfast and headed over to D's. We all sat and played cards for a bit until it was ready to leave. If you know my MIL- you know that it is standard to sit and play cards with her. She loves her games! Then it was back onto the airplane and off for home. We got back, got our luggage, and found our car. I could not believe what we found when we got going though.....SOMEONE HAD SIPHONED OUR GAS! Jon is really anal about having gas in the car at ALL times so we knew we had at least a half a tank when we parked to leave. Now we were so below empty that it took all the fumes we had to get to the first gas station! It was a fun trip, but too short. I wish I could have spent more time with my sister and nephews while we were there. That just means we will have to go back soon!

My Teenager!

I cannot believe that 13 years ago today, our lives changed forever. It was the day I became a mom for the first time. I remember how happy and scared I was at the same time. There in my arms, was the most beautiful baby girl who I loved unconditionally. Some say love at first sight does not exsist, then they are obviously not parents, because the first time I looked at that little girl, I was in love. Sydnie was such a fun little girl. A girly girl. She loved to play dress up, and play with baby dolls and loved to be with her daddy. She is such a daddy's girl.
You always hope that as your children grow up, they develop into good human beings. That they are honest, true, kind, smart, sincere, trustworthy, and helpful. Sydnie is all of these things. Now I am not saying she doesn't have faults, but overall, she is a pretty dang good kid. She is the kind of girl that I can trust to babysit and do a good job. I know that I can take off for a minute and run to the store and things will be good when I get home. She is the kind of girl that will work hard to get what she wants. She brings home perfect grades, and applies herself at school. She cares about the little people too. She knows they way people should be treated and doesn't stand back to watch others get hurt. She sticks up for them.
I love this girl with all of my heart. She is a wonderful daughter, sister, and friend. I love how she feels like she can talk to me about anything. We have a very close relationship and I cherish that more than anything. We can always work out problems together. She is there for me as well. She listens to me and loves me too. She makes sure that I am taken care of and help me so much (well most of the time)
So we just want to wish my beautiful 13 year old daughter, Happy Birthday! We love you so much and hope you have a wonderful day!

Happiness is....

• when I get to sleep in my bed all night long without the interruption of a little man.
• when Tukar comes crawl in bed with us in the middle of the night and snuggles up to me and rubs my skin.
• when my kids do their chores without me having to bark at them 100 times.
• when my kids do other chores that isn't even their job.
• when I crawl into bed with my freezing feet (they are always freezing) and I cuddle up to my hubby and put my cold feet on his warm legs (he doesn't even complain!)
• when my hubby just calls me to see how I am doing. It's even nice to get a sweet text.
• when my house is clean.
• eating a good tart apple!
• when I find out how good my kids are doing in school. How did they get so smart???
• when I get a random call from a friend saying hi!
• when I go to Bunco with no expectations of winning and just have fun!
• when my kids get into their little giggle fest.
• when Tukar grabs my face and kisses me (even when he is sick)
• when I get to see my Papa and he is freshly shaven and dressed up for church and smells like Stetson.
• when people leave comments on my blog!
• when I used to crawl on my grandmas bed and we would watch tv, eat candy, and talk.
• when I get to sit down with my mocha and toast in the morning and write in my journal.
• when you get into a pair of jeans that haven't fit for a while! YEAH!
• when my house is clean.
• when you find out that you are truly loved by people.
• Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate!! DAMN DIET!
• when Tukar uses his imagination.
• when I get a special note from my daughter telling me how much she appreciates me and how much she loves me.
• the feeling you get when you FINALLY get to wear shorts after a long cold winter!
• when my husband comes home from a fire- and smells like smoke!
• when my kids come and talk to me about their problems and we come to a solution.
• when I get to talk to my mom and she gives me loves.
• when I get to spend time with my large family and we all play games.
• when I get my MIL's yummiest rolls EVER!
• when I get a new pair of shoes.
• Heck... when I get a new shirt, new jeans, new shorts, ANYTHING!
• being pregnant and feeling your baby move for the first time!
• when I watched the reaction of my kids faces at Disneyland!
• watching my children play in the ocean for the first time.
• when I get to sit down and watch my shows. I have a show for EVERYDAY!
• DVR-- enough said
• a good dream and when you wake up and remember it.
• did I say when my house is clean?? I really like that!
• when my kids are healthy and happy (although I know this is mean, but I do kinda like when they don't feel good cause then they are cuddly :(
• when I get into my car after it has sat for a while in the hot sun and it feels like you are climbing into a sauna! LOVE IT!
• $$$ PAYDAY $$$$! and knowing my bills are paid!
• going camping and just sitting around the fire making bickuts and schmoes!
• finding an awesome deal and saving money! I love to wait until after everything is scanned before I put in my Fresh Values because the sight of the total falling is Orgasmic!
• having extra money.
• when Tukar takes a nap without a fight.
• when I get to scrapbook without being disturbed.
• letting go of all the negativity in my life and realizing that I am someone of substance and I am important to people.
• being truly happy :)

Set your own mood!

I am about possitives now in my life. I saw this on my friends blog and fell in love with it. It is so true. We choose the way we are. We cannot blame our bad attitudes on others. If you see yourself as beautiful-- you are beautiful and you will protrude that to others.

Recipe Book Class

Here is my fun class for May at Roberts in American Fork. Call to sign up or just stop by- This would make an awesome gift for Mother's day!

Hope to see you there!

(the cost includes EVERYTHING!!)

catching up!

Blogger slacker is what I am . Actually busy lady is what I have been. A lot has been going on since my last post, so here's a quick catch up!

Easter Sunday was a lot of fun. We woke up to Tukar telling us that the Easter Bunny came and give him presents! So we got up and The kids found their eggs. They were a little more challenging than the eggs they found the day before at the Easter egg hunt. Then we got ready to go to Grandma's house for our family dinner. As always, it was delicious and I got my rolls. That is what's the most important.
The next week was Spring break. There wasn't much spring to it since we ended up with about 6" of snow and a lot of rain. We did a lot of what you would call...SPRING CLEANING. I know- what a mean mom to make your kids clean on spring break. Well they kids did get to enjoy themselves a little. They got to have a sleep over with their friends then the next day, we went to the BYU MOA and went to this fun exhibit from Walter Wick (He is the guy that does the I SPY and Can you see me? books) It was a lot of fun and it was FREE!!!! Yes I said FREE!!! If you get a chance, take your kids to this. Even Tukar had a blast. They have giant I SPY pictures and the models and you have stuff that you have to find. Also--stop by the Trash exhibit next door-- what people think of to make Art out of.
Something I learned to do over spring break was sew. I had this idea to MAKE all of my Bunco prizes. So I went and picked out fabric, got some patterns from my mom, and enlisted her help to make these fun and flirty Aprons! After breaking 2 sewing machines, We finally got them all done. I was pretty proud of myself. Now I keep thinking of all the fun stuff I can make now-- I will just have to use Sydnie's sewing machine. So here is a pic of all of us at Bunco with our aprons on. I also want to say THANKS to ll my Bunco girls! I love playing with all of you and you make the night so much fun!! Can't wait to see ya'll next time!
On the more humble side, during the same week, I received some horrible news that one of my longest friends, who I have not seen in some time after a falling out, lost her husband. He had been suffering with an infection that he caught in Iraq serving in the military. I wanted so much to be able to comfort her, so after a lot of thinking and praying, my mom and I attended his funeral. I am rally glad that we went so we could let her know how much we love her even after all the time had gone by. It really made me stop and think of everything that is important in life and how precious life is. He left behind a wonderful wife and mother and 2 beautiful children ages 4 and 7. You could tell how good they have been raised because they were so strong. My mom said it is because they are still close to heaven and they have the comfort from our Father in Heaven to know that everything will be okay. There was a lot of kind words spoken about him from his friends and family. He will be deeply missed by so many.

So that brings us up to speed on my life. Thanks for checking out our blog! Don't be too busy to stop and leave a message.

Exhale and be Happy

There has been a lot going on in my life and a lot I was having a hard time letting go of. But after having long talks with the peole who really do love me-- I took their advice and just LET GO!! It was like I have been holding my breath waiting to pass out from not being able to breath, but I decided to EXHALE! The feeling is invigorating. I am sitting here like a babbling bawling idiot with the tears coming down, but they are all happy ones. I know I am of self worth. I know I am important. I know I am loved and I am NOT going to let anyone make me feel any different. I want all of you who read this blog to know that I truly appreciate all of you and am very greatful to have each one of you in my life. I know this is a little bit of drama going on here-- but this is the ONLY drama I am letting in my life. So to all of you-- Thank you.

Eagle Mountain Easter Egg Hunt

So most of you know that I have a little project that I do each year. Don't ask me why, or how, I just do. I do not get paid by the city or anyone else. It is voluntary. The city supports me every year and does what they can to help. It is my little baby that consumes my life for a few weeks before Easter. Every year is a new year and I am always trying to find a way that it will go better for both me, my family, the people that help, and the children that come. So this year I have decided to eliminate the under 3 age group. It was a very hard decision. but year after year I try to make it a safe and fun environment for those kids and year after year, parents seem to ruin it for them. I have been very surprised by what some parents will do for a cheap plastic egg with a 5 cent candy inside. So for the safety for all, I felt like this was the best way. It takes a lot of countless hours to fill eggs (thank goodness I have help with that now since we have over 15,000 eggs) mark fields, make posters (and hang them) buy prizes, buy candy, organize, and so much more. I want to say THANK YOU to all of my family and friends that help me year after year. I could not do it with out you. Also to my husband who sacrifices a lot of his time too. I have a wonderful support system and I appreciate all of them so much. Anyways, I hope that you can all come out and have fun.

Here's the INFO
It's that time of year again for the Eagle Mountain Easter Egg Hunt.
When: Saturday, April 11th at 10:30 am SHARP!!! This is important because if you are not there early, it is over in about 30 seconds.
Where: Nolan Park in the Ranches
This is a free event for the children of Eagle Mountain.
A couple of changes this year........
There will only be 3 age catagories
Group 1 is ages 3-5
Group 2 is ages 6-9
and Group 3 is ages 10-12

**DUE TO PROBLEMS IS THE PAST, THERE WILL NOT BE A YOUNGER GROUP**
After some long thought, we have decided that this is the best decision for safety the of all of the children. We have had children get hurt because parents would come into the roped off field.

Things to Remember:
*Bring a basket or bag to collect your eggs.
*Please check your eggs for a specially marked paper. If you receive on of these....please come to the tables and claim your prize.
*Also-- PLEASE EMPTY YOUR EGGS AND RETURN THEM TO THE LARGE BOXES PROVIDED. This helps us keep down the cost every year so we can get more prizes!
*This is a free event and a lot of hard work goes into this event and we hope you have a good time. Just please be courteous to everyone involved.
*Parents will NOT be allowed in the hunt area except to assist children with disabilities.
*HAVE FUN!!

Do you know 41-6a-1401-1-b-2?

Did you know Utah parking violation code 41-6a-1401-1-b-2 states that it is illegal to park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant? It is a $40 citation. You would think I would know this being a fire fighters wife and all, but come to find out, a lot of fire fighters didn't even know this. Well I found out first hand after receiving a PARKING TICKET from some sad and unhappy officer of the law in Centerville last Saturday. After a super fun day of shopping at the MM warehouse sale, I walked out to get my car to go load up all of our goodies. That is where I found him. Sitting in his car parked along the side of mine. I was a little confused because I was completely clear of the fire hydrant and even the poles that were placed beside it. I motioned to him with a very confused look on my face...."are you here for me???" He nodded with a scowl on his brow. I approached his car and asked him what I did. He stated that I was parked within 15 feet of the hydrant. Then with a snide attitude he said "and you would think you would know that having fire plates on your car." I was a little taken back for a sec. Now I may not have an eye for measurement, but I was CLEARLY out of the way of the hydrant. I know that at some time in my life I knew the law (back when I read the drivers handbook to take my test) Well, now I know.

California dreamin!

Although I am very glad to be home-- we had absolute BLAST in Cali. It was one of those trips where we all got along (very little fighting from the kids) Jon was even a good sport about all the picture taking. We got to do so many things that made such fun memories for our family. I took so many picture so I am going to post them in slide shows according to the day.

So here is day one.

Day two: we were off to Disneyland

Day three we went to have some California Adventures!

Day four - back and forth

Day 5 Universal Studios and driving through town!

Day 6 San Diego Wild Animal Park

Day 7 Sea World and San Diego

I am so grateful to my sweet hubby for making this trip possible and I hope that my family enjoyed it as much as I did. Also Thank you mom for going with us. I hope you had fun and I know we will cherish the memories forever.

California, here we come!!

Ok so the day has come when my kids finally get to use their christmas present! We are leaving for California tomarrow for a funfilled week of Disneyland, Universal Studios, Sea world, the zoo and hopefully the beach and the thrill is in the air! We have been busy for the last couple of days passing out cookies and now it is time to go and relax! I dont know if my kids will even be able to sleep tonight! I know I won't!

We will think of all of you while we are away! Also--big thanks to Brian and Layne for taking care of Trauma!

Stay tuned for pics from our trip!!

trying to catch up!!

I am in serious need of catching up on my blog-- this whole FACEBOOK thing has me all screwed up too.! plus...... BUSY BUSY BUSY!! I want to give everyone a huge {THANK YOU} from Brekyn for supporting her and buying cookies from her. You all helped her reach her goal and she has a huge sense of pride in herself. I am very glad that the pre-order sales are done for now an now we just have cookie booths to look forward too.

What else has been happening.... well I may have mentioned before that I got a new camera for Christmas and i have been learning how to use it-- here is a couple of pics I took learning some new things...

Well Jon has been working hard at both jobs this last couple of weeks trying to earn some extra cashola for our trip coming up. We are going to Disneyland in less than a month now and my kids are not excited AT ALL!! Neither is my mom! (such an exaggeration!!) We have a lot planned while we are in California including going to a Clippers vs Pacers game-- ROW 4!!!! I am super excited! We are also going to Universal Studios, Sea World, and San Diego Zoo. I have not been to any of these places since I was 10 years old (wow that was a long time ago!!) So if any of you have any suggestions about any of these parks-- anything like where to eat, what to ride, anything, please let me know! I want this to be an amazing trip for my kids and I cannot wait to see their faces!

I have been kinda busy lately too making new projects for myself-- here is the latest project Jon and I have both been working on (oh and u too Scott- Thanks!)

I have found new passion of turning trash into treasure! I love it! Sydnie has even jumped on board and loves to help me. I love that we share this passion. This last Saturday was spent with us running around from store to store (DI-- yes the DI) and finding not so beautiful stuff and turning it into art! So take that UGLY picture of a dog and his dead pheasants-(a $5.00 picture- I think the glass and wood alone are worth more than that) sorry to the guy that painted it BTW- take the picture out, paint the frame and for the heck of it, use the same UGLY matte, put in a beautiful picture given to me by my friend Jon because he knows I love Aspen trees and ......... WALLLLAH!!

WOW!! What the difference a little paint makes! And all under $10!! Keep posted for my other finds from my most recent TREASURE HUNT!!!!!