Lady Wildcats Basketball

Woo Hoo - Carlin made the West Hills Lady Wildcats 7th/8th grade A team again this year!  She is super excited and loves to play.  It keeps her busy - she practices at least three times a week after school and then plays one game on Saturday.  Her coach is also putting the teams into another league starting in January so she will play another game during the week.
So far, the team has won the two games they have played.  The first game she scored 4 points and the second game she scored 7 points.  She really hustles!
We love this cutie sooo much!  She really is a wonderful daughter!  I don't know how she manages her time because between her practices, games, and friends she manages to get all of homework done and keep her grades up.  Good job sis - we love you!

Decorating the Tree . .

Just had to post these pictures even though we put our tree up the weekend after Thanksgiving . . Dustin does not like pictures and his faces just crack me up! :)  -

Sub for Santa

Every year, at Christmas time, my office helps out needy families that live in the surrounding area and whose children go to the local elementary school.  This year the school gave us six families who were in need.  The families varied from a single mom with a small son to a very large family who had six children.  It breaks my heart every year because their situations are so sad and it really makes me realize how fortunate I am.  One family has a two year boy who has brain cancer and this will probably be his last Christmas.
The parents fill out some paperwork for us such as the names, ages, and gender of the children.  They also give us ideas that they would want or need and any clothing sizes.  Some just want groceries to make a holiday meal.  We make up paper ornaments with the information on it and post them in our lobby.  Employees can take as many as they would like, buy the items for the children, and then bring back to the office unwrapped. 
We have our kids save a portion of their allowance throughout the year so they can specifically use it for charity.  I picked out eight ornaments and let Caden and Carlin each pick four that they wanted to buy for.  Dustin and I took them shopping and we told them that they could pick out the item listed and that we would help them find a size if needed.  They really took the time to try to find something that they thought the kids would like and when we checked out at the register they did it all on their own paying with their money.  We are very proud of them and we always want them to realize how lucky they are to have the necessities and luxuries that some families can't afford.

Do you ever . . .

Do you ever just want to pull your hair out during the holidays?  During December we always have work, Christmas shopping, wrapping, baking, family and holiday parties, and the start of basketball.  Oh, and don't even get me started on the expense of it all!  I really try not to go overboard.  I also make the kids do something charitable whether it is Toys for Tots, a Secret Santa family etc.  They save some of their allowance during the year.  Then we all go together to pick up the items needed and deliver to said party.
This year I have been determined to enjoy the holiday season and try not to stress!  So far so good but it is only a week into the month . .   I am very excited because:

1.  My Xmas shopping is almost done!
2.  My presents are half wrapped all ready!
3.  We have some fun family functions planned!
4.  Everyone has stayed sane - so far!

** The only downside (or goodside? - I can't tell from him) is Caden and his girlfriend are no longer together.  He said they are better as friends.  I think that is a good choice for a 15 year old. :)

So if by some chance you don't hear from me after the New Year - feel free to check in.  I could be getting treated for exhaustion or maybe I will see you there . . .  Happy Holidays!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving Family and Friends!  I am very, very thankful to have all of you in my life.  You are always there for support, love, laughter, a listening ear, and a shoulder to cry on.  I am grateful for everything I have when I know there are less fortunate people in the world.  I wish all of you a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday!

Just have to brag for a minute!  Carlin received a 4.0 G.P.A for the first Qtr of school and Caden received a 3.5 G.P.A.  They both made honor roll! 
I know they get sick of Dustin and I constantly on the watch to make sure they do their homework, turn the assignments in and checking Skyward on their grades but it is worth it to see the report cards at the end of the Qtr.  AWESOME!

Happy November Birthdays!

Birthdays galore in November!  I love them all!



My Cool nephew Austin - turned 22 (with Caden)
He was a baby when Dustin and I started dating! I am old! 




My great MIL Kathy (on the right)





My sweet niece Hailey!





My awesome SIL Heather (Who is turning 30 not 36 by the way but my brother did not have a "0" Candle - Nice . . .)



My cute nephew Camden!

Surprise for Mom and Dad

My parents celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary a few weeks ago!  They are such good parents and a great example for all us.  We had family pictures taken in September and we had been waiting for them to come back from the photographer. (* Just a note that Highlite photography, located in Gardner Village, are just way awesome!  They were wonderful to work with.).
In my parents living room was our last family portrait and grandkids pictures surrounding it on one of the walls.  But only half of the grandkids were up because when more came along my mom didn't have anymore matching frames.
So as a surprise Anniversary present, the siblings decided to makeover my parent's living room while they were in St. George last week.  I worked with Mindy at Highlite to see if the portraits would be done in time and told her our secret plans.
The pictures came in while the parents were gone so Tara and I re-arranged pretty much everything in the room and a big thanks to Brian (Tara's husband) for helping us hang the pictures.  My parents came home and were sooo thrilled to see everything hung up on the wall.  They have done so much for us that it made us happy to do something for them in return.  We love you Mom and Dad and here is to many more great years together!

(My pictures below aren't that great but they give you the general idea)

Halloween part two

Carlin and her "nerd" peeps except for Taylor who I guess didn't get the memo - J/K.  She was an 80's exercise girl.  They are all such great girls!  My son pretty much ran out the door to go with his friends before I could get a picture.  I know he did it on purpose :) . . . . anything to get out of a picture.

Taylor, Morgan, Kenzi, Nicole, Carlin

Birthday/Halloween Party

Since Halloween can be hectic every year my Mom has a cute Halloween party for all the grandkids so we can see everyone in their costumes.  We order pizza and let the kids play Halloween games, paint pumpkins, etc.  Caden and my sister Tara both have birthdays in October so we celebrated at the Halloween party too.  As usual, all the kids looked really cute.  My kids are getting older but they are good sports to dress up and participate in the party with the smaller cousins.



We have top: Gangster Girl Maddie, Nerd girl Carlin, Punk rocker Hailey, Baseball player Caden, Little Lamb Easton
Bottom:  Frankenstein Zane, Robin (Bridger), Power Ranger Hunter, Cop Camden



And . .  Minnie Mouse Hannah who doesn't like her picture taken :)

The next day we had another birthday party for Caden with Dustin's family - Geesh multiple parties, multiple presents - Lucky!!

Fifteen!

Fifteen years ago today I gave birth to my firstborn - Caden!  We waited almost five years to have kids after we were married.  Dustin and I were nervous but excited!  We couldn't wait to meet the little guy.  When we look back on the pictures that were taken after Caden was born, the nurse was weighing him and checking him over, there is a picture of Dustin looking down at him and Dustin looks like he is about to pass out!  He remembers thinking "What the he%* do I do now?  I haven't ever taken care of a little baby"!  We laugh everytime! 

The years have passed so fast!  He was a very good baby.  He didn't really go through the terrible two's - he just liked to discover things (mostly touching everything in the house).  He was always smiling and happy - He hardly ever threw a tantrum or got into trouble.  He was a shy little boy who has grown into a confident young man.  Here are "15" things you should know about him.

 

1.  He was born on Friday the 13th but we have always considered him good luck! :)

2.  He loves to play baseball!  I think Dustin pretty much put a glove in his hand the day he was born.  He is a pitcher and plays first base.

3.  And, he loves to watch almost every sport on TV.  You will always find Sports Center on when he is home.

4.  Also . . . You can ask him a question about a sports team, player, any kind of statistic and he knows it.  He is walking sports book!

5. His dad's nickname for him is "boy".   When he was younger and starting playing baseball seriously Dustin could never get his attention by calling his name.  One day, Dustin yelled "boy" and he responded.  The name stuck and all the parents laugh when Dustin calls him "boy" at the games.  They know exactly who the name is for :)

6.  He is left-handed - just like his dad.

7.  His FAVORITE foods are cheeseburgers and doughnuts hands down!

8.  He is good with kids - all of his younger cousins just adore him!

9.  He wants to go to Dixie College.

 10.  He is very mellow and laid back.  He hardly ever gets angry but when he does watch out!

11.  He has great friends!

12.  He likes to go fishing.

13.  His favorite place is San Diego.

14.  He LOVES to tease his sister!  Boy, does he drive her crazy!

15.  He is an AWESOME person!

                            HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

The day has come . . .

 . . .  Caden has a girlfriend! 
To the mother's out there I am sure, at some time or another, you have had the same feelings I am experiencing right now.  Ever since my firstborn came into this world I have often thought of the day when the wonderful woman in his life (me!) would be replaced by another wonderful girl in his life.  NO this is not an announcement of marriage - LOL but since he is turning 15 in a week - I knew the times would be a changing on the home front!

I started having continual discussions, at an early age with Caden, on how to treat girls when the time came that he might start to like them.  I would usually get the eye roll, a sigh and an "ewwww Mom".  If Dustin was home he would chime in with his Dad insights.  Dad's thoughts are always a good thing but I wanted to make sure Caden heard the discussion from a woman's point of view. 

When he started 7th grade two years ago, I took a deep breath and came to terms with the fact that the interest in girls would raise a level.  I kept having the discussions with him and this time the reactions were different.  He would mention a girl he thought was cute but then it would be a different girl a few weeks later.  He would tell me that the girls were just friends and he promised me that he would tell me if things were ever to change.

Things changed last week!  Caden told me, with a laugh, he had a girlfriend.  Since I had prepared myself for this day to come my reaction was not only with happiness for him but I had a proud moment for myself because he had actually came to me and confided that to me - even before he told his dad! He was a little hesitant though to answer the questions we asked him - what was her name?  what did she look like?  Does he have classes with her? etc. He knew he would probably get some teasing from his dad.  We pretty much received the standard one word answers that usually come from 14 year old boys.

Of course, the discussions will still go on as he gets older.  I am sure more girls will go in and out of his life as he deals with this next chapter in his life.  As always, I will try to deal with my ever roller coaster of motherly emotions but I will forever be there for him if needs me.

Now, I just have to meet her :)

Old friends, good times, future memories

During his school years, Dustin had a group of friends that were pretty much together 24/7.  After graduation, Tom joined the Marines and kept in touch as often as he could.  Dustin, Sterling and Kevin started dating their future spouses (which was soooo lucky for them - haha!) and we all became very good friends.  We kept in contact for about five years.  Then, life intervenes - moves to different cities and/or states, babies, job changes, etc. and we all lost contact except Dustin and I were able to see Kevin and Brooke off and on but not as much as we used to.
Fast forward to now and what do you know - the wonders of Facebook were able to re-connect all of us together again!  Calls were made, emails were sent and plans were in place to get together.  A special thanks to Sterling and Char for the invitation to their home and the wonderful dinner they hosted!  We were able to reminisce and laugh until our sides hurt!  Our kids also got a good laugh listening to all of their parents crazy stories!
It is so sad that time has to pass too fast and that we don't have memories together as our families have grown.  So now promises need to be kept to keep in touch - which I know they will be.  Here is to future memories!

Gratitudes

  Reflections from 9/11
1.  I am grateful to live in the United States and have the freedom to live my lfe as I want.
2.  I am grateful to the men and women who serve to protect our country.
3.  I am grateful to have my family and loved ones in my life when there are people who do not.

On a more upbeat note :)
4.  Date night with my husband - It has been nice to have him home this weekend.  He has been working hard.
5.  Sleeping in . . . .
6.  Beautiful Fall weather

Gratitudes

1.  That my kids made it through the weekend without bickering, they did their chores without complaining, and Caden did all of his homework!  Wonderful!
2.  My mom and dad - words can't express my love for them.
3.  That I have a job - I am lucky to have one even if I don't want to go there 5 days a week. :)
4.  My husband - he is my rock!
5.  Farmer's market produce - Yummy!
6.  There is nothing better than getting my hair cut and colored - such pampering!

First Day of School!

Yeah!  School is back in session!  I really thought the kids would whine and complain over having their picture taken but no complaints were issued!  First day of school pictures are a tradition and I wasn't about to stop today!

CADEN - THE COOL 9TH GRADER!

CARLIN - THE SWEET 8TH GRADER!

READY FOR SCHOOL!

WOW - I still get teary!  They have grown up so much!

Tibblefork

A few weeks ago, my sister Tara called all of us on a Saturday morning saying we should go up American Fork Canyon to Tibblefork.  We could get a picnic spot, BBQ and let the kids fish and play.  We were all able to make it except my brother Matt and his family.
Dustin and I used to camp all the time, with friends, up at Tibblefork and we hadn't been up there in years.  It was nice just to sit outside and talk, laugh, and eat!