and the Wii-ner is...

Wow! We have had an action packed week. It started last week with our neighbor (right next door) getting their house broken into during the day (11:00 in the morning). She had gone to the gym and during that time two punk kids, who were raiding the neighborhood, broke their back door (it had a glass window in it) and ransacked their house. It was crazy that it happened in broad daylight on our busy street. There was a guy in our ward who had driven by and had seen two kids, one with a backpack and the other with a full pillowcase, and was able to give the police a description of the two kids. Not to mention, they left muddy footprints in the direction they went and dropped other jewelry from other houses they had robbed and their phone. The police caught them both and our neighbors got back EVERYTHING that was stolen. It shook us all up, though. It's not the stuff that we care about, but the violation. Anyway...it was crazy.

Then there was a 12-hour flu going through the boys. Scott and I didn't get it. Scott is fighting me that there is no such thing as a 12-hour flu and that it was just food poisoning...so if there are any others that think like he does...please inform me. Anyway, it started with Dallen, then hit Ashton, then Calvin, then Alec and Derrek. I had gotten home from going to the store around 12:00 am and Derrek and Calvin were up because they couldn't stop puking. It was great. So, I cleaned things up and just waited until they were able to get back to sleep. Calvin was doing the worst and Scott gave him a blessing and Calvin didn't throw up again after that. Calvin seems to have experiences like that. He must have unshakable faith when it comes to the power of a blessing of healing.

The next morning we were to all eat breakfast with the Steurer group for Christmas Eve day. Needless to say, we didn't make breakfast. The rest of the group was nice to wait for us to re-group and let us play the "Wii Bowling" tournament. I hope no one else got sick...of course if it was just food poisoning, then there is nothing to worry about. The boys were funny because they would just sit on the couch and flick their wrists and get a strike, and the rest of us were playing like it was real life...practicing our spins and making sure our follow-through was just right! It was fun. Derrek won the whole tournament, with Ashton in 2nd place, Geoff's son, Andy, in 3rd, and my sister Julianne in 4th (yeah Ju!). My mom gave gift cards to all those who participated and Scott even got a bonus $10 for getting the lowest score out of all the games and not breaking 100! He needs to practice. Then my dad said "let's do a winner takes all game". So those who wanted, threw in their $5 gift card to play for the pot. My dad won. Derrek thought he had it in the bag because he had just beaten everyone...not so! Derrek played a few more games, but was losing them and was not as confident. My dad talked him into doing another "winner take all" game and he would put in the money he had just won and Derrek put in $5 and play for the pot. They did a "practice" game and Derrek decided he could do it. The next game was for the pot. Derrek and my dad were neck and neck and then my dad pulled ahead around the fourth frame. We totally thought my dad would win, even with Derrek getting three strikes right at the end of the game, but we looked and Derrek had beaten him by 5 points. It was exciting and Derrek walked away that day with $60.

We had a good Christmas. It was quiet. The kids got stocking and traded brother gifts. They were so cute because they wrapped things that they had and gave them to the brother they knew would want it. Derrek gave Calvin some jeans and Calvin gave Derrek a shirt that he had wanted. Dallen and Ashton had wrapped stuffed animals for each other. There was actually a lot they had given each other. It was great to see. The gift that Scott (and I) was giving them, we weren't able to do because it rained all day. But Friday was great weather and also yesterday. We cut down the half-pipe and the kids got to paint it with some sealer and hopefully it will get used a little more and last better with the coating on it. I have attached a picture of the old (it's not the best picture, but gives you an idea of what was cut off) and the new. There is also a cute picture of our dog, Shep, with the biggest bone we could find him...he loves it. And, here is also a picture of the boys on Christmas morning before they "opened" their stockings. And one of Derrek with all the gift cards that he had won. We spent the rest of Christmas day with family and had a really good time and lots of great food.

Well, we hope that everyone else is well and having a great Christmas break.

Let it snow...Let it snow...Let it snow...

Well, I haven't blogged for a couple of weeks because there really isn't much to blog about. We are doing the same old, same old. Today, though...it snowed/is snowing here in St. George. I think this is the first one that we have had before Christmas. I can seriously get in the Christmas spirit now! I have attached a video of how much fun the kids and the dog are having in the snow. I am glad we get it every once in awhile, so that we can enjoy it from the comforts of our home, but I am also glad that we don't get it on a regular basis.
The only other thing that I can think of that has been going on is that Derrek's voice is changing. At first I thought he had a cold, but it doesn't seem to be going away! It is pretty funny to hear his voice crack. Another thing about Derrek is he is becoming just like his ol' man. He is quite an accomplished wood worker. He lathed out a small baseball bat, a pen and he has also made a skim board and other things. He is also like his ol' man in the fact that it has to be done perfectly and so his projects sometimes gets his grade in trouble because he ends up taking a little more time than most people do, just so that it is perfect. It's fun watching him grow up and find his little talents and things he likes (that goes for all of them, for that matter).
Well, I am sure I will have more to share on Sunday. Hope everyone is doing well...

Grand Prize!

Well, we finished...last night at around 10:30. It went smooth and we were able to transport it just fine. That was one of our biggest worries. There was no competition, though. There were four others and there was some imagination, but I knew that people would not take it as far as Scott did. I sure wouldn't have! But, we both can't believe that we all did it. Rod and Mary and my parents came over to help put all the candy on and do the "landscaping". I think my dad really liked tinkering with it. We had all the old cake decorating stuff out and it is always fun to play with (for those of you who don't know, my dad had this cake decorating kit that I think was given to him by an aunt of his that decorated cakes and then he passed it on to me...it's something we like to do on the side, sometimes. All my brothers and sisters tinker with cakes as well. It is fun!). Ashton thought of the trees, and everyone had their little input. It was great and I am so glad the others from "Sunwest Development" were able to help us, even if they couldn't believe that Scott would take it this far! Anyway, we were able to raise a good chunk of money for Habitat for Humanity and we are proud of that. They called the owners of the original house and were trying to get them to bid, but I never heard the outcome. The pictures my dad took are way better, but I did this little video so that you could kind of see the whole thing. It isn't the best and you get to hear some great conversation!

We had a great time in Phoenix for Thanksgiving. I don't know who did it, but they set up the primary room, at the church of my sister-in-law, like a family room. They brought in the couches and chairs from the two foyers and then had tables and chairs for games, puzzles, etc. It was really cozy, I thought. The adults hung out there most of the time, and the kids made a play and watched movies, and played. We ate in the Relief Society Room and it almost looked like a Ward Dinner! We have a lot of mouths to feed. Scott and John (Scott's brother) made up the game "Human Foosball". So, imagine a foosball table and blow it up to real people on the basketball court in the church. They had a great time. Had to work some of that turkey off!

It was mine and Scott's 16th wedding anniversary the day after Thanksgiving. We always go all out to celebrate our anniversary. We went and saw a bad movie and ate dinner at our favorite spot! This year though, we decided to mix things up a bit and NOT take a trip to Wal-mart...even if it was Black Friday. We saw "Four Christmas'" and it had potential, but bombed in our opinion. We went and ate at Outback, and that really is one of our favorite places.

Well, on to cleaning up the gingerbread mess and on with bringing out all the Christmas Decorations. I love this time of year. Hope everyone has a great week.

I love my husband!

This week has been pretty crazy. The reason I say, "I love my husband" because he can't do anything small. I keep telling him that he can do quality without the quantity. The Southern Utah Home Builders Associations (SUHBA) is putting on their first "Gingerbread Parade of Homes" trying to raise money for Habitat For Humanity. So, they gave Scott (as well as the other builders that are participating) a boxed gingerbread house kit. So, then he started showing me his ideas and I said, "Um...we can't get that house from that box", because the houses that he wanted to do were big and intricate. So...I knew where this was going. There was no talking him out of doing something big...I just didn't know how big he was going to go. Mind you...this is our FIRST gingerbread house we have ever done. I don't like sounding non-supportive, but I knew what a big project he was getting himself into and he really has thought that it would only take him like four days...Well, the four days have come and gone and it still isn't close to being done! Well...to continue the story...Scott called our architect and asked if he had designed a house that would be great for a gingerbread house. The one he sent him is being built in Spanish Fork canyon (I think) and so he sent Scott the plans and everything. Our gingerbread house has PLANS! Then, as he has been putting it together, he has been using the table saw, chop saw, and our framer for ideas. Alec has been helping him make the 25 batches of gingerbread (yes, our house smells good!). I did rice krispy treats, and it has worked out pretty good. It actually has been pretty interesting to watch him work and come up with ways of tackling the problems. This has been great for his brain...keeps it busy and out of trouble! Anyway, he is truly talented and it's funny because I do these same kind of projects and so I know why he does them. So, here are some pictures. We don't have it done yet, but we be done in a week and a half (it is due on the 2nd of Dec.). Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving...we'll be in Phoenix and we are so excited!

I need at least one more set of hands!

Last Sunday I was somber because I realized I had a VERY full week ahead and was really freaking out because I knew that I couldn't do it all, but felt that I had to. Scott could see that I was not my normal self and told me to list everything I had to do. When he saw the list, he realized why I was stressing. So, he automatically crossed off things that he was willing to do to help. It started with making dinner every night and two other big things...taking the kids shopping and cutting all the card pieces for 168 cards for Enrichment night (the cards are shown above because I wanted to show how cute they are!). We then worked on how the rest was to be accomplished, and it ended up a really good, productive, week. I must say, though, I think the kids ate more when he cooked than when I cooked. And...I really could get used to him doing more cooking. Needless to say, he collapsed yesterday and is ready for the break. But, I am so grateful that he was willing to help.

On top of all that, Scott and I teamed up and taught our Sunday School lesson in total Sign Language! It was nerve-racking and VERY simple, but we did it and it was a great experience. We only have a few more lessons with this class and we are thinking of joining the Deaf Branch for their Sunday School...no interpreters! A lot of the people know who we are, and so I am sure they will be gentle on us! We do temple sessions with the Deaf Branch and so we are learning so much. It is really a cool experience.

Movin' right along...

Sorry once again for the "no post" last week. I am first counselor in the Relief Society and the President had fallen and really hurt herself, and so I had to take over all her responsibilities. So, I was out doing food orders and meetings and other things that she gets to do. This Sunday is a little more quiet, even though she is still not able to come. Hopefully next week she will be back and all will be back to whatever normal is...

Halloween was fun. We ate soup/chili at Rod's and then went trick-or-treating around his neighborhood. I noticed that with bigger houses, you have further to walk, than in my neighborhood where the houses are small and as soon as you take a couple steps, you are at the next house. It wears the kids out faster and they get less candy! Dallen and Ashton are the only ones allowed to trick-or-treat. I have issues with teeager coming to the door in their low voices "trick-or-treat". So, after the boys enter Young Men's, they get to find other activities on Halloween. Calvin had a friend that did a spook ally in his backyard, and so Calvin went and helped him scare little kids. Derrek and Alec wanted to hang out with all the adults at Rod's. Derrek had a party he could have gone to, but he just didn't feel like it. Ashton's costume started out a Ninja, but then he kept adding to it. This is the final product. After the third house, he was done with the mask, but kept the hands and feet.

I do have a cool story, though. Tuesday (I think), we were in a hurry in the morning and Ashton needed to get to school because he does Safety Patrol and I couldn't get him there on time. So, I went against my better judgement and let him borrow Derrek's $300 bike. He got done with Saftey Patrol after school (it takes about a half hour after school gets out), and went to get the bike and it was gone. He, of course, didn't tell anyone. So, we are getting home for the evening and Derrek is walking through the garage and says, "Where's my bike?". Panic went through me and I said, "Yeah, Ashton, where is Derrek's bike?". He quietly said "it got stolen". I was sick. Derrek handled it REALLY well and just said, "Mom, it's OK". I was freaking. Anyway, we said prayers and went to bed. The next day, we got ready, got the first shift going and sent Calvin off to the bus stop. About 10 minutes later, Calvin walks in with Derrek's bike. We were in SHOCK. We have never been able to find a bike after it has been stolen. Calvin said that he had prayed about it in his morning prayers and on his way to the bus stop, he saw out of the corner of his eye bike pegs in an ally. Calvin said he never goes into that ally because there is usually someone there doing drugs or something, but there was no one there that morning. So, he went down the ally and looked and there was Derrek's bike. So, he just took it back. He and I talked about it and realized that it's those little "practices" we get on listening to the Spirit. He was happy about the experience and I think he realized what really happened. Anyway, we were glad to get the bike back and the school was notified because they have people there to prevent this. I just thought it was a great experience.

Well, have a great week...we are getting rained on and it is finally cold today.

Not Shy...

Ashton has always been our quiet one. Last year, on Christmas eve, we went to a Chinese restaurant because we didn't want the kids to see what was in the backyard (half-pipe and trampoline). We got done and came home for a little Family Home Evening about Christmas and looked around and realized that Ashton wasn't with us. In a panic, we called the restaurant and Ashton was just waiting there in the front for us (we're saving for therapy on that one!). He is always so quiet, especially in public. Anyway, the reason I bring that up is because he had a concert this last week and in one of the songs he was the "announcer". He had no problem getting up in front of people. I would show that video, but it is really long! Here are videos of him playing the drum and violin in the same concert. For the drum group, he signed up to be in that, but the violin group, he was picked (as well as the others that played) out of all the fourth and fifth graders to play. That means he is one of the better ones. We love seeing him "blossom", for lack of a more manly word! Anyway...that is all for this week. Hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween!

Life moves on...

Today is Calvin's 13th birthday (my third child). Another teenager in the house! The boys were all commenting how they think he should be turning older. Derrek thought he was turning at least 14. Calvin just tries to keep up with him...always has.

Last week I didn't write anything, well, because I was able to take a nice long nap! I love those Sundays. So...this is what has happened for the last two weeks...

Derrek received his drivers' permit. I included a picture above, just so that you can grasp with me that this is for real! I have found that I have never wanted $90 more than I do now to pay for the drivers' ed teacher to teach him and not me! To his credit, he does really well in our big, 12 passenger, van. I am just waiting, though, for the day he parks it in the garage and accidentally pushes the gas instead of the break and crashes into the water heater that is right there! As long as I am prepared for it, then when it happens it won't be a big deal! I just hope I don't let out a cuss word! I am more worried about that!

This last week, we (Alec) have taught our dog, Shep, how to shut the door. We usually leave the door open for him in the mornings so he can just roam in and out while we get ready for the day. It has been quite cold, in the morning, and so I mentioned to Alec that we should teach Shep how to shut the door. So, he grabbed the bag of hot-dogs and started teaching him. Within a day, Shep knew the word "close" and as proof, we video taped it (shown below). I told Alec, the next thing we need to do is teach him how to throw his trash away. When he is done chewing up a toy, he needs to pick up the mess and put it in the trash! I haven't been able to teach my kids that, so why do I think the dog could? Hope, I guess!

Third, we can't go on without something crazy happening. Two nights ago, Alec was out with his brothers and some kids from our ward. The dad bringing them home (12:30 am), was driving "crazy"...stopping, starting, moving side to side. He just lives around the corner, so the kids were in the back of his truck. So, when he got to our house, he pulled up to the curb, and at that moment, Alec stood up, and the dad driving accidentally hit the gas instead of the break (his foot slipped off the break) and Alec fell out of the back of the truck onto his back. Scott and I were asleep and Derrek and Calvin run in "Dad, Alec got hurt and there is blood everywhere". So, Scott ran outside, and there was a nice puddle of blood where his head was, and so they checked to see how bad it was. Thankfully, it was just scraped up...enough to bleed alot, but not enough to worry a doctor. We took him in the house and had him shower (blood everywhere on his head, hands, etc.). When he took off his shirt, the above picture shows what we saw. He is a little scraped up, but he is good. We are just grateful that he was being looked after. The poor dad driving the kids home is just kicking himself about it. He has called a lot to see if Alec is okay. I keep telling him that Alec could have just done this himself! Anyway, never a dull moment.

Good times...

We had a great time at Disneyland. I can't believe how crowded it was, though. We were sure that Monday and Tuesday would be quiet, but they ended up being worse than Saturday. It was great seeing family and playing with them, even though it was hard to spread ourselves between them. Here is a picture of the boys as we were leaving our trip. All the other pictures, I accidentally erased...so those that went with us, could you please send a few my way that include my boys. I am not sure I would have gotten very many of the older three because they were able to go around the two parks by themselves. That was weird for me. I felt I had to keep Dallen and Ashton near me so that I would know what to do with myself. On the last day, though, they wanted to all go together (no parents), and so I let them. I realized I could do whatever I wanted...so I went and hung out with those I hadn't seen very much during our stay there. Dallen is a pure adrenaline junkie. He could not get enough of Tower of Terror, California Screamin' and Maliboomer. We mostly rode the big rides and on one of the days, got fast passes that we could use any time during the day at all the places that took fast passes. That was good, because it ended up being one of the busiest days. All in all, it was an exhausting but great trip.

But, things don't change and getting back into the swing of things is like hitting a brick wall. Thank goodness for Sundays to recoupe! Speaking of Sundays, last Sunday when we were in CA, we went to a Sacrament meeting and I walked in and there were my three oldest getting ready to pass the Sacrament. I was very grateful to them for their service. I think they loved feeling needed. I just love that no matter where we go to church, all over the world, it is the same and we can go to any Sacrament meeting and be able to enjoy and participate just as if we were in our own ward. Then we went to Seal Beach to walk along the pier. We saw a couple of seals, a man accidentally caught a big bird and we watched him unhook it and let it go, we went under the pier, and the kids found crabs and starfish and "accidentally" got wet. Funny how it is always an "accident". It was fun to enjoy, though. I love the ocean and the smell and the sounds.

Other excitement this week...Dallen stabbed Ashton. They were messing around, punching each other, and Dallen had a knife in his hand and when to block Ashton's punch and ended up stabbing his arm. I can't get the picture off my phone to show the before...he had to have three stitches. Dallen goes around calling Ashton, "Stitch". I think Ashton is a little proud that he came away from it. Like most things like this that happen around our home, it could have been worse! Scott took him to the insta-care, and I think that was the first time he has ever had to do it. He made it and we were proud!

My sister Debbie and her husband, Mike, had their first baby this past Monday. They named her Davney. She is so chubby and cute and can't wait to see them in December. My parents are in Germany to visit and help. But, Davney won't be coming home from the hospital until after they leave. She had a slight infection in her lungs and they kept her in for anitbiotics and observation. We haven't heard much else, other than that she was born.

Well, we are having a great day enjoying General Conference. The boys loved the priesthood session. Scott said that one of the talks was about women and it must have hit something with the older ones because they came home and instantly started helping me clean without asking them to. It was nice. We had aeblskievers this morning and that is another reason we love conference.

Every year...

Sorry I didn't write last week. I was cranky and had nothing nice to say about our week. Scott had been gone all week to Montana for a "Builder 20" meeting (where builders from across the nation are put into groups of ten or so to help each other better their businesses, among other things). By Sunday, I was tired and didn't want to think about the kids or anything for that matter! Here is Dallen with one of his many catches. He would just carry the butterfly around the house like that. Every now and then it would just fly away, and then we would re-catch it later. It was pretty funny.

We just got through parent/teacher conferences. I don't understand why it is the same thing every year...how do I get my kids (one in particular) to change their habits? I have one that his grades in his classes were either an A or an F...depending on whether or not he wanted to do it. It is frustrating! It wears me out! Derrek and Calvin are steady with their studies. They get it done early and know what needs to be done and just do it. They have always been that way. As for the other three...ARGH! I blame Scott :).

We have taken on a construction final clean job. We have basically 34 apartments and a clubhouse to be cleaned. We are trying to help the boys earn money for their National Scout Jamboree that they are going to attend in July 2010. We are seriously squeezing it in our free time.

We went to go and get Derrek his permit this week. I had a window of about an hour and a half to do it. So, we got there, and as we were getting out of the car, I realized I had forgotten his birth certificate! We had to go back home (it is a 20 minute drive to get there), and we weren't able to do it this week. He was so mad at me and wouldn't talk to me the whole day. I don't blame him really. So, hopefully tomorrow we will be able to accomplish getting him his permit.

We get to go to Disneyland this week and are so excited to be able to go. I won't be posting anything next Sunday because we will still be in California, but I will the next week. It is my birthday on Friday, and so what better place to spend a birthday? Can I eat with the Princesses? That would be fun!

Football is still going great. Calvin was proud of himself this last game (that they won) because he made one of the biggest kids on the other team cry! It's a little disturbing how much enjoyment he gets out of that!

Well...until we get back from Disneyland...

Excitement continues...

Wow! Another eventful week. Derrek had his 15th birthday this week. He is really maturing into an amazing young man. We were watching home movies today, ones that we haven't been able to view for a long time because we didn't have an adapter, but I bought a new one. In the videos, he was still leader of the pack, but it was all about him, and as I watch him now, it seems to be changing into seeing other people. Yesterday, he knew I would be gone most of the day and the house was a pit, and while Scott was taking a nap, he and Alec decided to start cleaning up. That is huge in our house. Anyway, for his birthday, we went to my mom's for pizza, pie, and a swim. He just wanted to be around family, and then Scott took him home and stopped in a BIG, VACCANT, parking lot to practice his first real chance at driving. We are going to California at the end of this month and he asked today if he could drive down there if he got his permit before we went down! I am really not sure I am ready for this. Anyway...I have control issues, and I am thinking this is really going to help me get over them quickly! Sorry there aren't any pictures...they are on another camera that has to be downloaded on Scott's work computer! Anyway...
It was also Calvin's first football game. In the clip below, he is #95 (on the line). He told me he wasn't hitting hard because he was very tired. Anyway, it is a good video. His team won, 30 to 0. He LOVES it though, and I am excited for him. Scott even enjoyed the game, and he is not the biggest fan of sports, so for him to say that...it must have been a great game!
I just have to toot my own horn today. Scott and I have been learning sign language because our ward is paired with the Deaf branch in our stake. So, we have been taking a class during Sunday School. Today the teacher taught us how to bear our testimonies and then challenged us to bear them in sign language during their Sacrament meeting, which was right after our block. So, I did! It was definitely short, but I was excited I could do it. She bribed us with her blue ribbon cookies! That's all it took :) I still cried, because I cry whenever I bear it anyway, but I was grateful for the challenge. It has been a great experience. So...toot, toot!

Whew...this week is over!

As you can see...we had a couple of birthdays this week. Thanks goodness they are on the same day! Scott and Alec had their birthdays. Scott turned 37 and Alec is now 14. We tried to make it special. We started the day out by opening presents. The kids bought Scott a present..."UGLY PILLS". They thought it was the funniest thing in the world. They spent their own money on it and wrapped it up for him. They were almost jumping out of their skin to give it to him. On the side of the bottle, it gives directions and part of it said, "two words...PAPER BAG". Alec got three pairs of shorts and two shirts. He didn't think I could pick things out for him, but I didn't do too bad. Sunwest took Scott to lunch (that he was late to), and Alec got extra money for his school lunch. We went to Jumpin' Jacks, where they have all these bounce houses set up in a warehouse and you pay money to go play on them all. The kids love it. I actually fell asleep on Scott's shoulder for about a half an hour. We came back to the house and had some cheesecake and sherbert ice cream. This week is Derrek's birthday. He's a little excited.

This week was also my first PTA "assignment" for the teachers. It was S. E. P. week (basically parent/teacher conferences and the kids are out early) and it is also the end of the month and so I had to do birthdays. My job was basically to "spoil" the teachers. They needed snacks or food or something like that so they could take it to their room and have it there to eat in between the parents coming. I couldn't pick just one snack, so I loaded up a basket full of different snacks (granola bars, fruit leather, ritz bits, etc.). I just set it on the table each day and would go and pick up the empty basket the next morning to be re-filled. Thank goodness for Costco. It worked out. Then on Thursday, I took in a cake (from Costco, of course), and eleven goody bags full of a "movie night" (popcorn, Hollywood Video gift card, and candy) and handed those out to those who had a birthday this last month. Then an hour and a half later, when I went to take the basket of goodies in for the SEP's, the cake was GONE! I couldn't believe it. Anyway, I made it through and don't have S. E. P.'s until November.

Saturday rounded out this week nicely. The three older boys went with their Scout group and hiked the Narrows in Zions National Park. They had a blast. I went to work at the temple, and came home to Scott mopping the kitchen floor. He and Dallen and Ashton cleaned the whole house except the older three kids' bedrooms and the two bathrooms. What a treat! All I had to worry about was laundry, so I grabbed the book "Twilight" (because I have been told I must read it), and started it. I had about three or four hours to just sit and read. It was great. Those moments are rare for me. It's a good book and easy to read. I am pretty sure I am like the last person to read it. Oh well...

Wow...how fast things change!

This is the only picture of Ruth I could find on this newer computer. She is with Kathie (and her husband/kids) and Jennie, Scott's sisters at their favorite place...Disneyland! I have found myself in much reflection over the past week, since we have found out that Scott's mom has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma cancer. I find myself happy and sad at the same time. I am sad, for the obvious, that Ruth has to go through this and the chances of her returning to our Heavenly Father are great. But, I find happiness in the thought that she gets to go. I guess it was a good thing that I saw "Saturday's Warrior", no matter how cheesy it seems, it still has truth in it and hope. It also reminds me that the Lord watches over us and allows us to always be connected with our families. It has been interesting to see that even though we are sad by the news, there are constant "tender mercies" that the Lord gives to us. The kids and Scott and I have been in awe that we could feel peace in times of sorrow. Our frustrations of "not mom!" have changed to understanding and peace. We are excited that we get to go to Disneyland in September with her (a tender mercy). I know that there is a bigger picture here and even though I do not understand it at times, it always works out for the best. This has pretty much consumed our week. Scott is in Phoenix this weekend with his siblings and parents. What a great experience and memory. I heard a talk yesterday about wasting our time, and how we don't know when we will leave this earth, but that we have about 72 hours per week to put our time to work so that we can return to our Heavenly Father. I have reflected on what I have been doing and found that there is always room for improvement and thank goodness I have time!

We made it!

We made it through the first week of school. Here are pictures of them. We have three different shifts in the morning because we have three different schools. Calvin was first, then Derrek and Alec went, and then Dallen and Ashton. The anticipation was almost too much for Ashton. We got to the school, and the first bell rang, and he froze knowing he needed to get to class, but didn't know what class he was in. I saw panic in his face. I told him it would be just fine because it was the first day. So, we found what classroom he was in and he wanted me to take Dallen first. They are literally on opposite ends of the school! So, Dallen saw some old friends and was happy to be back. We went to Ashton's class and right as he got to the door...he froze and crocodile tears were streaming down his face. His teacher bounded out the door and said, "Are you in my class?". I said, "yes, but we need a minute". I am not sure this was a good way to start, but it happened, non-the-less. After about 15 minutes, trying to get over being embarrassed and scared at the same time, I gently pushed him into his class. It was horrible. I just wanted to take him home and say we would try again tomorrow, but I knew it wouldn't do either one of us any good. He made it through the rest of the day just fine. The others did too. There were some new rules at Calvin, Derrek and Alec's schools that bothered the kids, but other than that, they are glad to be back. There is one rule that floors me, for Calvin's school. They have two stairwells for students to go upstairs. This year, they have changed it so that one of the stairwells are only for those going downstairs and the other is for those only going upstairs. So, if you had your last class by the stairs that goes only downstairs, and your next class is on the same side of the school, just up stairs, then you have to go all the way to the other end of the school, go up the stairs, and then go to the other end of the school to get to your class. They have a new principal, so I think she is trying out new ideas. I don't know why...the old ones were working just fine. Derrek doesn't get to go off campus this year for lunches and he is upset about that. Next year he can. Derrek LOVES seminary and looks forward to it every day. All of his friends do too, which is great.

The only other thing that happened this week is that Scott's mom has been in the hospital, and they have ruled everything else out except Cancer...they just have to find where it is. We are praying very hard for her in our little corner. We love her tons and even though we can't be there physically, Scott can still give her a phone call and ask when she wants to be taken out behind the barn (the loving son that he is!).

This video attached is actually to show you the creative outlet for the week...so not to spoil it, read over there and watch over here.

School is in the air...

I am pretty sure I have a couple of kids that are going to die before school starts. Not from me! What kind of mother do you think I am! The anxiety that they are feeling from starting school is enough to kill them. I went and bought wood and stuff for Alec to make a dog house. The poor boy needs something productive to keep his mind off school. We got their schedules on Wednesday and I about died...Derrek and Alec have the same math class. The poor teacher. Let's just say that they feed off one another, and I just pray that the teacher will survive this year! Derrek goes to seminary and he is excited because he has our bishop as his teacher. I really think this is a blessing for Derrek. It's not easy to go to seminary, but our bishop has a way with kids and he gets the boys to listen to him at church, and I am sure that will carry over to the seminary. Calvin starts football Tuesday. He has been wearing his gear around. It is pretty funny, but I told him I wouldn't post any pictures...yet! Ashton got the one teacher that I haven't heard anything good about, so we'll see how this goes. She is really mean (so people say), but the way people parent now days, I could see how being stern is translated into being mean. Dallen...well, let's just hope that he won't run away from this teacher!

These pictures are what the boys work on when they are bored. Alec doesn't want to spend money on tech deck ramps, so he decided to make his own "park". And these are Lego creations that Derrek and Alec did. Alec's is the "fatter" ship and Derrek's is the other one. They are both great at creating.

Derrek got back from Timberline this week. All day, yesterday, he just kept thanking us for sending him. They are starting meetings for their Scout Jamboree in 2010. They get to see historical and church sites while they are there. It is definitely an opportunity we couldn't pass up. All but Dallen get to go. We'll have to plan something special for Dallen. The boys will be gone for 3 weeks!

I just signed up to do teacher appreciation this next school year for the PTA. I am pretty sure that I am not sure what I have gotten myself into. Let's just say, that it is a big deal considering my budget is $2,100.00 for the year! I didn't even know the PTA had that much money! So, any ideas on birthday gifts or appreciation gifts, let me know. Any input is welcomed.

I went and saw Saturday's Warrior and The White Star. They were celebrating the fact that it has been 35 years since Saturday's Warrior was first done. They have written a continuing story called The White Star, and the music is by Janic Kapp Perry (one of my favorites), and written by Doug Stewart, who wrote Saturday's Warrior. It was pretty good. I am probably the wrong person to give any critique because I am not a huge fan of theatre. But, it was well done and the acting was decent. If you loved Saturday's Warrior, then you will love The White Star. I just was never a huge fan of Saturday's Warrior. I know that is blasphamy...but, it's true.

The Joys of Camping!

First of all...these pictures are of Derrek learning to drive Grandpa's boat, and pull a skier (Calvin). Derrek was so excited and I guess this is a little better than letting him out on the road...not much longer!

We went on a Ward Campout Friday through Saturday. It was a cool 100 degrees (it was 110F in St. George) where we went. We were having fun and someone came up to me and said that the "flies were following Dallen around". So, I went and checked him and somehow he had gotten poop on the outside, back of his shorts. He couldn't stay like that the whole time, we had just gotten there. We only live 30 minutes from where we were camping, so Scott took him back and got him all cleaned up. Then, we only put up a tent for me and Scott and let the boys sleep out on the grass, under the stars. After dinner, we played games and such and talked with everyone there. One of the moms came up and said "just so you moms know, the bathroom on the otherside is clean and there are flushable wipes in there." She said, "I just shut the door on the other one because there is poop all over the toilet and there is poop on the ground in the other bathroom, and I draw the line on what I clean." So, we were grateful to her that she was willing to clean the other one.

Around 3:00 a.m., Scott and I woke up and I thought the sprinklers had gone on (we were on a grassy patch). No...it was raining! We didn't have our rain tarp on, because, well...when does it rain in St. George? It didn't last too long, so we were drifting off to sleep again and ....yep...it started raining again. Mind you, my kids are out in the open! So, I told them to gather their things and go sleep in the van. Dallen was in with me and Scott and the other four went into the van. It died down and then had one more little spurt for the rest of the evening. We were very tired. The coyotes were howling, the dog in the neighborhood was howling, babies were howling, rain was falling, Scott and I were snoring...it was noisy. The funny thing is that we has some of our deaf brothers and sisters come up and I was wishing I was deaf really bad!

We all woke up the next morning, not too early...7:30 am, and it all of a sudden hit me that the reason Dallen had poop on his shorts was because he was the reason that the other toilet was condemned! I rolled over and asked Dallen if he was the one that made the poo mess in the bathroom and he said, "yes". Then I told him that I needed his help to clean it up. I walked in the bathroom and the toilet is full of poopy toilet paper (not much new in dealing with kids), but in the corner by the trash can was a nice big pile of poop...did I mention big! I asked him if that was from him and he said "I came in here to go poop and the toilet was like this and I didn't want to go in there and I didn't know we could use the other bathroom because I thought it was just for girls and so I just went over there." So, luckily there was a hose in the bathroom and a drain. I made him take the pile and put it in the dumpster, and then he hosed down the rest. There was no plunger, so we cleaned off what we could for the toilet and just closed the door. I hope someone isn't too mad about that whole thing. If they had known what they could have walked into...I am sure they would have appreciated what we had done. ARGH...kids!

Then we get home and go to leave again, and the keys are locked in the car...both sets. So, we waited for the locksmith. $50 later...we are going again. We went to pick up our dog and he had run away the night before. Poor Kent...I would have been really worried if Angel had escaped. But, I didn't think Shep would go too far. After about an hour we still couldn't find him. We were pressed for time, and I finally said a prayer to have some help. So, I had this thought to go back to Kent's house, and I got out and started walking toward the tamaracks. All of a sudden I heard some jingling behind me. I turned around and there was Shep running full speed. He was definitely happy to see me. We got him home. He won't be doing any escaping for the next few days because he managed to burn his paws from the hot asphalt and if a dog has tippy toes, well, that is what he is walking on. It looks pretty funny.

We also celebrated my Grandma Steurer-Nyquist's 80th birthday. I really love that my children are able to know so many of their great-grandparents. We also picked up Calvin's football equipment, so that excitement is in the air. Derrek heads off to Timberline tomorrow. He is nervous, but I know he will have a great time. Anyway, until next week...

A Quiet Week...

All I can say is that the kids are BORED! We shut off the t. v. during the day because...well...there isn't anything on! It's funny, I can find plenty to do. They think that we have to go somewhere to have fun or be entertained. Where is the imagination? So...I decided yesterday that we would do all these little projects that I have been meaning to work on, but can never find the time. Alec is the one who is the most bored (and then trouble follows!). So, I taught him how to fill all the holes in his walls with the spackle. Our playroom looks like it had the measles and now has calamine lotion all over it!

This picture is of a quarter-pipe that Alec pretty much built. This was during the Fourth of July. His brothers helped (and cousins, Charity and Emily), but Alec was the mastermind behind the designing and supplying the materials. For his next project, he wants to build a dog house! Shep would probably like that.

I think this next week I will show him how to paint! I don't know if this would help lessen his distruction ratio around the house. This could backfire on me and he would want to create holes just so that he could repair them! But...painting could keep him entertained for hours! We'll see how this goes. If you have any other ideas on keeping the kids going until school starts (only two more weeks), let me know. Have a great week!

All in a week...

Well we started off the week with a death...

We were watching Angel, a golden retriever (pictured below and to the left, with Dallen), and she slept in Dallen and Ashton's room. In there are the gerbils (Lillian and Harriet). Angel loves the gerbils and would sit and watch them for hours. It's pretty funny. Anyway, I heard a loud thud about 4:00 am and just thought that it was Dallen falling off his bunk bed (it happens sometimes), but I didn't hear any crying. I heard another couple of thuds, but since no one yelled for me, I just went back to sleep. In the morning Dallen came in crying and saying that Harriet was dead and Angel killed her. So, I went in the bedroom and they said, "we haven't been able to get Angel out all morning". She was under their bed and wouldn't come out. I couldn't tell if she thought she was in trouble or that she knew something had happened to her little friends. Ashton then proceeded to tell me what happened...The cage fell off the table it was on and the gerbils were loose. Ashton woke up when this happened and tried to get them back in the cage. Amidst the commotion, the gerbil got nipped by Angel (I think because it was dark the gerbil ran up on Angel and it probably freaked her out...who wouldn't be freaked out if a gerbil ran up on you in the middle of the night?!). So, Ashton put them back in the cage, but Harriet didn't make it through the rest of the night. We shed a few tears, flushed her down the toilet and went on with our day. Jenette came and took Lillian because she wanted her to have children...so in about a month we should have bouncing little baby gerbils! This isn't the first gerbil we have had die (obviously by the sentimental laying to rest!), and I am sure it won't be the last...they don't live forever you know!

Dallen did dinosaur camp this week. For those of you who live in St. George, it is highly recommended. Dallen loved it and I couldn't get him to leave...every day it was a struggle. The first day he "excavated" chocolate chips from a cookie, and whoever was able to get the most, got a prize. Dallen said he got 36 choc. chips. They made fossils and put together dinosaur things and talked to a paleontologist. He was in heaven. The rest of the kids went to the skate park (with their helmets) and Derrek learned how to "drop in". After Ashton learned, he just couldn't stand it anymore. This video attached is of him working the half pipe in our backyard.

Then at end the week...Dallen comes home, almost out of breath..."MOM! I JUST CAUGHT MY FIRST SNAKE!". He has finally entered the Boy Hall of Fame! This actually is a common occurance in our house and so we always have a cage on hand for whatever critter gets brought to our home. This is a picture of Dallen with his snake. He's so proud of it. I just love having boys.

I think that was all the excitement. Scott and I saw Mamma Mia! Scott really didn't care about ABBA music (I love it) before we saw the movie, but he loved the movie and the music. It was done well and I was impressed how they could incorporate the music. It was fun, and it was a fun crowd that we saw it with. I heard it was cleaner than the play, which is good. So...if you are in the mood for something like that, go see it.

What's new?

Heidi (Scott's sister) has finally accomplished the goal of getting me to "blog" by posting not-so-desirable pictures! There is a picture of us that I want on here, but it is on another computer...so until then, this will have to do. This is SHEP (because that is the name he came with). He is about 9 months old and obeys better than the kids!

This week was exciting in the fact that Dallen got a really good concussion on Monday. He and Calvin collided at the skatepark and Dallen went down. He didn't have a helmet, and I KNOW...so I don't want to hear about it! It was a little scary because every five minutes or so he would ask me what happened and I would tell him and then he would just ask again. He was fine, though, but the lesson sunk in.

So, because we have provided helmets before and the kids let the dog use them as a chew toy...they have to now pay half for one or they cannot skate on the half-pipe or at the skate park. They also have to wear them because there was a kid life-flighted from the skate park about a month ago due to head injury. I didn't worry about it much before, but now they are doing more dangerous things and just the fact that they collided and it happened made us realize that it's better just to have them on no matter what.

Other than that...not much is happening. Just four more weeks until school. It's a bitter/sweet thing. I do like being able to sleep in until 7:30! But, having a set schedule is nice. We will be keeping busy. Dallen has a dinosaur camp this week and then Derrek is off to Timberline Scout Camp (he's really nervous about it), and then Calvin is going to be playing football. Nothing like watching football games in 110 degrees, or playing in it for that matter. I am hoping, though, that he will like it. We shall see! Between the rest of the camps/activites, swimming, and shopping for school stuff, we will be busy.

Amy has a blog!

Actually, Scott has a blog! ha ha.