Out with the old, and in with the new.

I don't know about anybody else, but there are times in my life when I just say, "I can't stand it anymore", and I HAVE to do something about it. This happened to me this past weekend. In the spring of 1996 we bought a blue sectional couch. It has gone through 4 moves and 4 children. And after these 12 1/2 years there are stains, legs missing, and part of the cushion sticking out. I chose this last weekend to say...I CANT STAND IT ANYMORE! So, we went out and bought a sofa and a love seat. I love them. We are planning on buying a recliner or two to match, but couldn't find one we liked at the few stores here in town.

These are not real leather, only a leather blend. Hopefully I will be able to maintain them better. I love buying new furniture!

Pictures at the Winery

Tomorrow is Picture Day at the kids' school and I decided that I am not buying them. They are getting way too expensive and the pictures always come out mediocre. So, instead, I took the kids to the Winery and took some pictures of them. Mason was uncooperative to say the least, but I did get a few of him that turned out okay. I would have liked a better one with all 4 kids, but that seemed like an impossible task. Here is a slideshow of the pictures I took. Just a warning...it is kinda long.

Labor Day Fun!

Today we spent a few hours out in the pool. With school and our busy schedules starting up, this may very well be our last swim for the season. Our pool is not heated, so even though it was in the 90's today, the water was only 75 degrees. COLD! COLD! COLD! Truthfully, I only went in about half way. Mason didn't join us because he was snoozing away in a delightful afternoon nap.

Visit with BFF Melanie

Last night we were able to briefly visit with Melanie, my best friend from High School, and her family. She was passing through Las Vegas on her way to Disneyland. We drove in to Las Vegas and spent a few hours on the Las Vegas Strip. Take a look:

Although we talk on the phone a few times a year, we haven't seen each other for 5 years. She has 4 adorable kids. I can't believe how time has flown. I was also able to visit with her sister Becky and her family. I miss them all. I had a great time and wished we could have spent an entire week together. Maybe we'll have to arrange something like that in the future.

First Week of School

We all survived the first week of school. Jordan and Kaylee started on Monday and Lexi started on Thursday. (They always start the Kindergarteners a few days after the rest of the school grades.)

Jordan-4th Grade

Kaylee 2nd Grade

Lexi-First Day of Kindergarten

My camera battery died after my first shot of Lexi and so this is not the best picture of her. I will have to take a better one of her next week.

The Mom Song

I came across this youtube video and found it hilarious. EVERY mom can relate to this video. Take a look:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPP0LK4S0KY

Doesn't it say it all?!

Happy Retirement Dad!

The day has finally come for my dad to retire. A day that we all look forward to for one reason or another. Since my mom retired last month, they both have the time to do what they want to do. He retired last friday and it only took 3 days before they were up in the mountains camping....a favorite for both of them. I have to say that I am extremely jealous. A few memories of my dad are:

• He has always had a good work ethic. He works hard and follows the rules without complaint...going the extra mile.
• He would do backflips to help someone in need.
• He gives good logical advice. He often uses his own life experiences as examples in sharing his advice.
• He has a heart of gold.
• He is a spiritual giant.
• He loves basketball, and more basketball, and more basketball, and then maybe some more basketball.
• He loves camping, fishing, and riding his ATV.
• He gives wonderful priesthood blessings.
• He hates pets (but won't deny that he liked Pudge(a past dog we owned))
• There's nothing like a good movie with a Hot Dog, Chips, and a glass of Milk.
• Games Games Games...with competition as good as me (tee hee hee). "Drawing the line" is a good luck charm that only worked in the good ol' days....luck like Yahtzee.
• "Hi, My name is Joe" I don't think I ever really understood this.
• He loves to read mystery Suspense novels and the newspaper.
• Poems at the pulpit are priceless.

I love you dad and I hope that your retirement years are as enjoyable as you hope them to be.

Summer Fun

We have tried to squeeze in as much fun as possible during these last two weeks of summer. Here are some fun photos with the Stones.

Yesterday, the kids and I went to China Ranch Date Farm with some friends. It was HOT. We would walk from one shady spot to the next stopping to drink water and rest. Take a look at some pics I took while we were there:

Overall, we've had a great summer. It's gone by too quickly. Starting on Monday it's back to our busy schedules of School, Tap Dance, Ballet, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Piano lessons, and HOMEWORK!

A Sanity Getaway

Last weekend I was able to go to St. George, UT for a "Sanity Getaway". My sister called me on Thursday and asked me what I was doing for the weekend. This is a weird question to ask because she lives in another state. The next day I was headed to St. George for a scrapbooking weekend. Stacie (my sister) was planning on going to Las Vegas with a friend when her plans fell through. Her husband had already taken Friday off of work and she had set everything up to be gone for the weekend...so she was extremely disappointed when her friend was unexpectedly unable to go. I had to make some arrangements, but I was able to pull it off. We missed having my mom come (she was visiting Marilee in Colorado). And last time we scrapbooked Heather came and we missed her too. We normally try to have these sanity weekends about twice a year. I was able to scrapbook 23 pages beating out my sister by 1 page. (This is always a big deal). She might argue that she came down with a cold while we were there and had to take cold medicine, thus giving her a handicap...but I don't take this into consideration. The reason I don't take this into consideration is because the last two times we have gone scrapbooking I was sick or in pain and those "handicaps" were not taken into consideration at that time. I have a wonderful husband, who despite his full weekend of a band performance and a final paper for his current Masters Degree class, took charge upon him my responsibilities as well as his. All I have to say is, "A happy mom is a happy home"..and after my sanity getaway...I am a happy mom. I took my camera, but I was so busy scrapbooking that I didn't take any pictures. Maybe next time.

Next Stage of Independence

I am normally very excited when my kids reach the next stage of independence. I love to see them smile, then laugh, crawl, then walk, etc. The more independent they become, the less dependent they are on me. They start sleeping through the night and feeding themselves...its' great. HOWEVER, I realized this week that I wasn't ready for Masons next stage of independence. He recently learned how to open doors (including the pantry), reach items near the edge of the table, climb onto the couch, and open top drawers in the kitchen. Last week he chased Doug down with the pizza cutter...scary!

The above pitcher of generic brand sugar free strawberry flavored crystal light was and is very delicious. I buy it on a regular basis as a treat for the kids. This week I learned that if a child leaves their cup of this yummy drink near the edge of the table, Mason gets a drink too. Not only does he get to drink in in the kitchen, but also in the family room on the carpet. Maybe after one more carpet scrubbing, it will come all of the way out.

This plant is one of my absolute favorites. The reason? This plant has gone without water for weeks on end, has been tipped over SEVERAL times, and has been through every kind of abuse you can think of........AND IT IS STILL ALIVE! This is my kind of plant. This plant sits on a ledge that separates our kitchen from our family room. As I stated above, Mason can now climb onto the couch, thus reaching anything on this "shelf". Yesterday he managed to pull this plant onto the couch with him. It was a day I was very thankful for my powerful vacuum.

This is an ink pad...black. I didn't even know that we owned it. I bought a similar ink pad for my scrapbooking supplies about a month ago. Apparently it was in the top drawer of a dresser (that we currently use for desk supplies). Are you curious why I am showing you a picture of this ink pad?

Yep, you guessed it. Don't let that smile fool you....he's evil. :) Just a note...black ink does not come off of the skin very easily! Maybe after a few baths he'll be back to normal again.

So, this week I will be safe proofing our house, because I, apparently, was not ready for Mason's next stage of independence.

Jordan's Braces

It all started about 2:30 AM. I noticed the bathroom light on and got up to inspect. Upon further inspection I found both Kaylee and Lexi in their bed reading books. They were so excited to go to the babysitters house that they both woke up and couldn't go back to sleep. I made them go back to bed informing them that we didn't leave for the babysitters for over 5 more hours. Luckily they obeyed. (I guess we don't get out much). We woke up about 6:15 AM to assure that all of us were ready to go by 7:45 AM. After dropping the youngest 3 children off and getting them settled at the babysitters house it was 8:15 AM. Jordan and I were on our way to his orthodontist appointment. His appointment was scheduled for 9:30 AM and it takes about 1 hour to get there. We were on schedule to arrive 15 minutes early to his appointment. This is very important because Jordan receives incentive tokens from the orthodontist to redeem at a later date...he gets 1 token if he arrives at his appointment on time. We drove about half way to Las Vegas when dread struck! Apparently they are doing construction on the Highway at the top of the mountain for today and tomorrow only. We ended up in a "parking lot" for exactly 1 hour...from 8:43-9:43. With gas expenses so high...I turned off the engine to conserve gas and read a book. Jordan watched "The Bee Movie" (One luxury in our van that I am thankful for). There were people getting out of their vehicles to stretch. I still had cell phone connection and called the orthodontist to let them know I was going to be late.



Can I just vent for a minute....I just don't understand why they couldn't let all the cars through every 15 minutes or so. I know that they are just trying to improve our roads, but why couldn't they do one side today leaving through traffic, and one side tomorrow. All they were doing is paving the little bumps on the side of the hwy that makes you wake up if you start to drift off of the road. In their brilliance, they decide to block both sides of the road, and apparently, let cars through every hour. I just love smart people. Okay...I think I'm done ranting.


So after arriving at the orthodontist at 10:15 (45 minutes late), Jordan finally had his braces put on. He is very excited. Here are some pictures of Jordan in his braces:

He is very happy with his braces and now home playing Guitar Hero III. What else could a kid want?

I want to play outside too!

Last night the three older kids decided to go on a bike ride with Dad. They got their shoes on and headed outside to the front yard. Soon, I found a sandal being hurdled at me. I looked down and saw Mason with a pleading look on his face. He had found his sandal, and since he can't talk yet, thought he would get my attention by throwing it at me. I put it on and asked him to go find his other shoe. He brought me his white tennis shoe instead of the other sandal, but he knew exactly what he wanted....to go outside! He's growing up too fast (16 months on Saturday). The above picture has no relevance to this story, I just thought it was a humorous picture of Mason.

Farr Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities - Collage - Morph

Farr Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Roots - Family name origins

Farr Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities - Collage - Morph

Farr Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Family tree software - Family reunion

Happy Birthday & Retirement Mom!

Today is a very special day for my mother. Not only is it her birthday, but it is the day she retires. Hopefully her friends at work are giving her an extra big party today. I thought I would share a few thoughts about my mom.

• My mom is ALWAYS there for me when I need her. I can call her any time of the day and know that she will take time for me.
• She is a spiritual giant. She is always in tune with the spirit and is a great example to me by following the Lord.
• She hates doing dishes, but always did the dishes for all 8 of us kids growing up. The laundry was also nonstop, but she doesn't mind folding clothes as much.
• I remember she rocked me to sleep even when I knew I was too old to be rocked. I love her rocking chair.
• One of her favorite hobbies is camping. She would go nonstop during the summer if she could.
• She loves buying new things. New clothes, household accessories, etc. She likes to stay in style and have nice things.
• She loves painting/crafts and is a perfectionist. She will paint something over and over until it is just right.
• She cares about other people and cares what other people think of her.
• She's the biggest worry wart I have ever seen (her and my sister Marilee).
• A Russell trait....any sniffle, it's right to the doctor.
• She has many talents (but is currently hiding her singing talent).
• She is social and likes it, but if you ask her she may not agree.
• She loves sweets (Peanut M&M's, Cheesecake, and Chocolate Chip Cookies are among her top favorites).
• She's the best Mom ever!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY & RETIREMENT MOM!

Stuck in the 90's

As I was adding songs to my music playlist, I noticed that almost every song I added was from the early 90's. The funny thing is...when I was in High School I told myself that I would not be one of those people who would be stuck in their time. So I am stuck in my time a little, but I know why I am stuck in my time. It's not that I wouldn't enjoy lots of music that is played now, it's just that I don't have the opportunity to do so. Whenever I am riding in the car I am listening to the DVD player or to Kids Songs on CD. And our radio at home doesn't pick up very many radio stations due to us being out in the middle of nowhere. So, there you have it...the reason (and maybe a little justification) of why I am stuck in the late 80's and early 90's. It's ironic that I am married to a Music Teacher because I am horrible about remembering the names of songs or their artists. In fact, I had to play an old mixed tape and ask Doug....what's the name of this song?...and add it to my playlist that way. Pretty pathetic I know. So if you don't want to listen to the 90's songs that are playing while you are reading this blog, you can always scroll down and click on "Doug's Playlist" or the "Kid's Playlist" for a variety. Are you stuck in your time? Or am I the only one?

Mason's First Haircut

I've known for a while now that Mason needed a haircut. My mom is the expert at doing these kinds of things, but since she lives in a different state...I just had to wing it. To give you a little background of my haircutting abilities......My mom asked me to just "straighten" her hair along the back (She cut all of her own hair, but just couldn't see in the back very well) and I just couldn't get it straight. We had to call in another sister to fix the mess I made to the back of her hair. I blame this on my cutting skills since Kindergarten. I have a progress report from Kindergarten where I received excellent on every ability except for cutting....I only received an "OK" on my cutting skills. I have to say that I have put in some great effort since that "incident" with my mom and have cut Jordan's hair a few times (but normally only in the summer when nobody really cares). Here are some pictures of Masons first haircut (I dare say that it turned out OK):

This is the before shot. He has been teething so you'll notice not only his long hair but the massive amount of slobber on his shirt, and red skin due to so much slobber.

This is Doug with the first attempt to cut Masons hair. :)

That didn't work too well, so I got out the hair clippers.

He didn't like it at all. I was trying to work fast. I intended to let him have a lollipop during this process, but one of the kids must have found it...because it wasn't where I had hid it.

Soon the whole ordeal was over and I got my smiley Mason back again. Whew...we all survived.

Highlights

This last month has been really busy and I thought I would share some of our highlights.

Jordan had his 9th birthday on June 12th. He invited 3 friends over for a sleepover. They ate pizza, played the Wii and watched a movie. He had a great time.


Fathers Day turned out to be pretty crazy and busy. We were able to throw some steaks on the grill and open a few presents. Doug is a wonderful husband and father. He always knows what to say to the kids to boost their self esteem and make them feel special. I couldn't have asked for a better Dad for our kids. We love you!

The Jensen Family came to visit the first week of July. The cousins played and had a great time. Some activities we did were:

• Lied Children's Museum
• Watched Wall-E in the theatres
• Swam in our pool nearly every day
• Movie night with popcorn and Pink Panther
• Walked through some local model homes
• Set off fireworks in the front yard on Independence Day
• Wii competitions (Tennis was fun...Doug and I against Stacie & Darren)
• Ash Meadows Reservoir (This wasn't as fun because it was closed when we got there)

Stacie, unfortunately, has been pretty sick with her pregnancy. She made it through all of our crazy ideas though. The cousins had a really good time together. It's too bad the Jensens went home with a flu bug. (It must have been a bug that we had already had because none of us got it and their entire family came down with it.)




Kaylee celebrated her 7th birthday on 07/11/08. The day before her birthday we went into Las Vegas and went Miniature Golfing. This is the first time our kids have gone and they thought it was so much fun. The Golf Course was decorated in black lights. We also went to the Mall and out to eat. The best part about her birthday is she lost her top front tooth. She, of course, wrote a note to the tooth fairy asking for something a little extra since it was her birthday.



This last week we had a great time with Doug's brother Kevin, his wife Pela, and their 2 year old Tui. They listened to a time share sales meeting and received 3 nights at the Stratosphere. We watched Tui while Kevin and Pela went on a date and spent the night at the hotel. The next night, Kevin and Pela stayed at our house while Doug and I spent a night on the town and slept at the hotel. Of course, we got the better end of the deal because they took our 4 kids while we only had to take Tui. (And we didn't have to sit through the sales meeting either :)) This came at a perfect time because it was my birthday. As a splurge, Doug and I went and saw the Blue Man Group. It was expensive, but TOTALLY AWESOME. I loved it. If you ever have the opportunity to go to a show in Vegas....this is the show to go to. So needless to say, I had a great birthday! I also went to a salon earlier in the week and got my hair done. This is a treat since in the past I normally only go about once a year.

Well...this sums up the highlights of this past month. I can't believe how fast the summer is passing us by.

Peaches

This year we actually produced peaches on our peach tree. Normally the bugs get to them.

Okay, Okay, so it's not a huge amount of peaches, but it was enough. The kids decided that they don't like peaches so I ate most of them myself. The neighbors gave us 3 gallons of apricots and I made some freezer jam. Yummy! Due to the high sugar content some of the kids will eat the jam.

Blogging withdrawals

Are you wondering why we don't have any new blogs lately? Our computer died and due to the incompetency of the computer fix it shop here in Pahrump, we haven't had a computer for one month and 5 days. We ended up buying a new computer and it is supposed to arrive tomorrow. I am at Doug's work using his work computer today. I can truly say that I have been going through computer withdrawals. Give me a few weeks to catch up on everything and hopefully you'll see more articles in our blog.