TaGGeD aGaiN

What's your husband's name? John Michael
How long have you guys been married? 6 years
How long did you date? 6 months
How old is he? 30
Who eats more sweets? Mike
Who said "I love you" first? I can't remember
Who is taller? Mike
Who is the better singer? Mike
Who does the laundry? Me
Who pays the bills? obviously neither of us or we would still have the internet
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Looking at the bed Mike does
Who mows the lawn? you're supposed to mow that thing
Who cooks dinner? McDonalds
Who drives? Me, even if I'm in the passanger seat
Who's the first to admit they are wrong? I would be if I were ever wrong
Who kissed who first? I don't know
Who asked out who first? I obviously don't remember stuff like that
Who wears the pants? He lets me and that's why I married him.

I tag Brandee, Natalie, Sam, I think Candi already did this but if not Candi and anyone else who wants to.

SaNTa iS NoT CoMiNG To Me THiS YeaR

Rhielyn decided to let me know that Santa is not bringing me presents this year. When I asked her why she told me it is because I am mean to my kids. Oh crap, if I knew Santa was watching I never would have told her to quit dipping her sucker in the sugar, to stop painting nail polish on the shower doors, to stop dragging Ryder around the floor by his arm, to stop coloring on the armrest in the car and last but not least I never would have taken away all of her beads so she couldn't stick them in her brothers ears anymore.
So, if you could all please put a good word in for me with Santa and just let him know I will be trying to be much nicer to my kids by letting them run wild for the next 48 day. If you see her driving down the road in my van could you please let her know she shouldn't be doing that because it's out of my hands now.

HaLLoWeeN FuN!

(Cooper-7 gangsta, Ryder-1 Dumbo, Rhielyn-5 Witch)

My kids had a lot of fun on Halloween. We started off the fun by going to Cooper's Halloween parade.

(Kiley, Rhielyn, Ryder and Shay waiting for the parade to start)

After Cooper got out of school we went to Trick-or-Treat on main street. They had a lot of fun, but it was so crowded we had to cut out after only going down one side of the block. They didn't seen to care though.
After that went to my moms for her wards trunk or treat. It was really nice, because I didn't even have to take Cooper and Rhielyn from car to car. They are getting so big they just went on their own and I didn't even have to worry about them getting hurt. Ryder wasn't feeling very well and also missed his nap so he wasn't in the best mood so we just sat and handed out the candy. He was so funny, he just sat and stared at everyone all day. You could see he was trying to figure out what was going on.

(Rhielyn and Shay at trunk or treat)

Every Halloween my grandma make dinner for all of her kids and grand kids. It is really nice because, we all just meet up there and all the kids can see their cousins without having to go to every house. After dinner Mike took the kids around my grandmas block and they got lots of candy.
^(Ryder, McClain, and Rhielyn)
(Layken & Rhie riding their broom)v

When we were finished there we went over to Mikes parents house. We stayed there and visited for a while. Cooper and Rhielyn were invited for a sleep over so they stayed there and Mike, Ryder and I went home. Ryder went to bed and Riley and Libby came over to watch a movie. We watched the Strangers. It was a pretty good show, except I did not like the end. All in all we had a pretty fun, but busy night. I guess that's what happens when you have lots of grandparents to visit. We didn't even make it to all of their houses.

(Rhielyn was raking leaves and I had to snap a picture. What's up with her face?)
By the way I made Rhielyns tutu so, if anyone wants one let me know and I can help you make it or make one for you. We can even make matching head bands with flowers, flower barrettes, or pony tails. I just think they are so cute.

TaGGeD- 4th photo in 4th folder

Brandee tagged me. This is the 4th picture in my 4th folder. Mike had taken Cooper to his fishing class and snaped this picture on his phone. Thank goodness the fourth picture wasn't that one of me naked!

I tag Brianne, Suzee, Lindsey G, and Candi.

WoRK NeeDeD!

Mike and I both need jobs. Does anyone know of anyone who is hiring? Please let us know.

HaPPY BiRTHDaY JoJo!

Rhielyn is now 5 years old. I can't believe it. Time goes by so fast. She is in preschool and loving every minute of it. She had the treat bucket today and the letter was C so she took cupcakes for everyone. She loves to color and do puzzles. She is always right, very strong willed, loves to dance, loves to tease her brothers and is quite the mother to all of her babies.
I don't think any of my kids look like I do, but one thing is for sure Rhielyn acts just like me. Oh, what a treat I'm in for.
Happy Birthday Rhie! We love you so much.

HaPPY BiRTHDaY BRaDY!

Today we had a party for my little brother Brady. Our whole family went to my mom's house for dinner. My aunt and grandma made yummy soup and for desert we had doughnuts and ice cream sundaes. After dinner we had a lot of fun playing Rock Band and just hanging out. I'm glad Brady let us all share this day with him and he wasn't too cool, especially since he will be going on a mission soon and this will be the last birthday we get to be with him for couple of years.

Happy Birthday Brady!
I hope you had a good one.

Since he turned 20 I'll list 20 reasons why he's the coolest.

1. He's super fun to hang out with
2. He can recite any line of any movie
3. He laughs like crazy while watching anything even remotely funny. Especially Funniest Home Videos
4. He's always willing to tend my kids
5. Not only is hair is always super clean and very nicely styled, but he is always clean shaven as well
6. He had to wear corrective shoes when he was little and they were awesome
7. He loves music and is always listening to it
8. He still sleeps with his baby blanket. Well, part of it anyway
9. He loved batman when he was little and probably still has the action figures
10. He can run super fast
11. He has the bluest eyes
12. He has very straight teeth
13. People usually think he's the oldest brother, probably because he's the biggest
14. He is a very picky eater
15. He looks just like my dad, only a bigger version
16. He loves to play video games
17. He had taught Cooper many many things
18. He had a very good singing voice
19. He loves to go to Chuck-E-Cheese
20. He is by far my favorite brother!

GeTTiNG CauGHT uP!

My laptop cord broke this week so I've been out for a while. So this is my attempt at getting caught up.

I've received an award. I'm really excited about it.

The rules are: Only 5 people for the award. 4 of them need to be dedicated followers of your blog and the 5th one has to be new and live in another state or part of the country. You have to link back to who gave you the award.


And the awards go to:

1. Brandee- She is a very dedicated follower, an awesome friend and a great mom. Just one look at her blog you can tell how proud she is of her family. We have a lot in common, but lost touch for a while, but thanks to this whole blogging business we have been able to get caught up and stay in touch.
2. Sam- She is also a very dedicated follower, a great friend and not to mention an awesome aunt to Cooper. She always is so sweet and nice and leaves the nicest comments. She is the wife to Riley, who everyone keeps asking if he's is my brother to which I answer no. Even though yes Sam is Cooper's aunt and Riley is Cooper's uncle. Let me know if you have this riddle figured out.
3. Tiffany- She always has time to leave me a sweet comment even though she has to be one of the busiest people I know. We have had a lot of fun times and I'm so glad we can keep in touch through our blogs.
4. Katy- She is the funniest girl ever. She is a dedicated blog follower. I don't know if it's just because she likes my blog, me, or just wants to keep an eye on me since I did date her husband. Oh you guys, stop they weren't married when I went out with him. I must say he did take a huge step up when he dumped me for her. Oh I must add she was an awesome co-worker when we both worked at Wingers. I must admit though I had forgotten about the whole Winger's thing until I had read someones comment on her blog.
5. Lindsey-She is a very strong person. She has gone through some difficult times and pulled through like a real champ. She is so sweet and caring. I have never met her, but I feel like I have gotten to know her through her beautiful letters to her son Gavin and all of her great posts. I'm really greatful that through blogs I have been able to meet people like her.

*If you received an award follow the directions at the top and keep passing it on. If you did not receive an award I am sorry. I guess you must try harder and leave me more comments instead of just stalking.

I've also been Tagged, twice!

Tag #1
Here's how to play:1. Link your tagger and list rules on your blog
2. Share 7 random/weird facts about yourself
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post leaving names and links to their blogs
4. Let them know they have been tagged by commenting on their blog

1. I dance all the time, especially in my kitchen and in my parents kitchen.
2. Once I've started a game that I know can be won I can't stop until I do.
3. I wear the same bra and shoes almost everyday.
4. I'm taking Chemistry this semester and got an 85 on my last test. (yes I am happy about that.)
5. When something is broken in my house I go straight to my dad and Mike hates it.
6. I have to wax my mustache a lot.
7. I have my ears pierced three times each. (two in the hangy part on each ear, one up on the top part and one on the little flap that covers my ear hole, that's my favorite one.)

I did this tag already, so everyone that didn't do the tag from the last time I tag you again.

Tag#2

*8 THiNGS*

*8 t.v. shows I like to watch:

1. General Hospital
2. Any CSI
3. Girls Next Door
4. ER
5. Without a Trace
6. Jon & Kate +8
7. Law & Order: SVU
8. House

*8 things that happened yesterday:

1. took Cooper and Rhielyn to school
2. exercised for a full 1 hr
3. watched T.V.
4. made three meals
5. walked Cooper home from school
6. took a shower
7. cleaned my house
8. helped Cooper with his homework

*8 favorite places to eat:

1. Wingers
2. Brick Oven
3. Lucky 5
4. Los 4 Amigos
5. Glades
6. Carl's Junior
7. Hunan City
8. Barry's

*8 things I'm looking forward to:

1. Nursing School
2. the end of my diet
3. Mike's paycheck
4. carving pumpkins
5. my siblings getting married
6. Christmas
7. the weekend
8. Rhielyn's birthday

*8 things on my wish list:

1. new boobs
2. veneers on my teeth
3. house
4. new car
5. another baby
6. win My Biggest Loser
7. cabin on Bear Lake with a nice new boat in the garage
8. four-wheeler

*8 people I tag
It doesn't matter. The people I tag never does it and it drives me crazy.

I think that's all and now I hope I'm caught up.

i'M MaRRieD To aN oLD MaN!

Mike is 30 and I must add he has never looked hotter. I never would have thought I would think someone over 30 is hot but, I do. Happy Birthday Honey! I love you!

FuNNY KiDS!

The other night Rhielyn was supposed to be in bed, but she came down to talk to me. She asked me to look in her ear and see if anything was in there.Our conversation then goes like this.
Rhielyn: will you wake me up really early
Me: Why?
Rhielyn: Oh, Cooper has a bead stuck in his ear and I want to hear him cry while you're trying to get it out.
Me: How did Cooper get a bead in his ear? (I was really questioning his intelligence since just last year he got a popcorn kernel stuck in his ear)
Rhielyn: He just put it in there.
Me: Okay, just go to bed.

So, in the morning I ask Cooper and he said he did not have know what I was talking about and there was no bead in his ear. I believed him and took him to school. Later that night I was reading with him and I noticed he did indeed have a bead stuck in his ear. I proceeded to yell at him because I couldn't believe he would do this again. He was crying telling me he didn't do it and has no idea how it got in there. I then look at Rhielyn and she has this funny look on her face. You know the face that she did something naughty and somebody else is getting into trouble for it. I then ask Rhielyn "Did you put the bead in his ear?" She says "no." "Rhielyn, tell the truth." "yes I put it in there while he was asleep." Cooper says, "Oh, no wonder my ear was hurting all day." I bet it did hurt. After I got the bead out of his ear I look in there and it was dented and had a cut where the bead was lodged in there. I felt so sorry for him. Rhielyn is such a little stinker. I don't know what to do with her.

I do not follow the elections. Mostly because I don't believe anything either candidate says and also I get sick of them just saying bad things about each other. Apparently Cooper feels differently. This morning he is leaving my room and just says out of the blue "I hope John McCain wins." I ask him why and then he proceeds to tell be. Because people say he goes fishing a lot. Then looks at me like, DUH! I start laughing. I guess I need to pay a little more attention to what is going on, especially if my 7 year old know more than I do.

THe BiGGeST LoSeR uPDaTe!

So, some details are set and if anyone wants to suggest any changes that would be great nothing is set in stone.

1. We will have weigh in and measuring Tuesday October, 14 in the morning. My uncle will do it all and keep everyones measurements private so we don't have to share the exact #'s we'll just share our weight loss.
2. We will all put in $100. I'm not sure on the prize amounts yet, since I don't know for sure how many people will be doing it.
3. I though it would be good to do final weigh in's and measuring in December so whoever wins can have the prize money for Christmas. That puts it at about 8-10 wks. How does that sound.
4. I thought we could set up our own private weight loss blog with recipes, find workout partners and share our progress. In that case we will need everyones email address.

I did have a question if we were allowing anything other than plain old diet and exercise. For example the HCG injections, diet pills, and anything else. How does everyone feel about that? I'm not really for it, but let me know what you think.

I'm really excited and can't wait. Please get the word out to all of your family, friends and even blog stalkers. Also please leave a comment and tell me for sure if you are in and if anyone else you know is in as well.

HaPPY LaTe aNNiVeRSaRY MiKeY!

It has taken me a while to post about it because I was waiting on pictures. Our anniversary was on September 6 and this year Mike got the absolute best present ever.ME.....for all eternity. Now who wouldn't want that. Our family had the opportunity to be sealed in the Provo temple on our 6th wedding anniversary. It was such an awesome day. We had been wanting to do this for a while and things finally worked out. Here's the whole story it's pretty neat. I think anyway.

Mike and I were going to temple classes in 2005 and we decided to go through the temple. As many people know I had Cooper from a previous relationship. We found out Cooper had to be sealed to a mother and a father and they had to be married, so that means in order for Coop to be able to be sealed to us Mike was going to have to be able to adopt him. I had the really hard conversation with Jake. I thought Jake was just going to say no and not even consider it. I told Jake I still wanted him to be in Coopers life and that would never change. I explained the situation and he had an open mind and said he would talk with his bishop. He lived in another state so I didn't know when that would happen. About a week later I received a terrible phone call from one of Jake's sisters saying Jake had passed away. I didn't know what to think after that. I took Cooper up to see Jake's family and one of them told me he had come home for the weekend to talk to his bishop and his parents about what I had asked him. I never got to talk to him about his answer, but I just knew in my heart Mike adopting Cooper was what he wanted, so we could be sealed. His family was all very supportive and they all knew it was also the right thing.

It took us a while and a few trials later, but we made it. One thing making it even more special was that not only did our parent, grandparents, aunts, uncles, home and visiting teachers, bishop and his wife and our friends make it, but Jake's parents and a couple of his sisters made it as well. I'm not sure if they know how much their being there meant to us, but it meant the world to us. I can't even imagine how hard that day must have been for them, but they have always showed their support and love for us and with out that this day could never have happened. Thank you.

These are just a few people that were still around after we got out of the temple. We had over 4o people who were able to join us in just the couple weeks notice we gave them. Most of my family was able to come, but not many of Mikes were and that was really hard for him. I've always taken my families faithfulness for granted, but not anymore.Seeing my beautiful kids all dressed in white, looking like little angels, my unexpected and totally inappropriate giggle fit that I passed off to some as crying, our very passionate kiss that we were asked if we would like to redo because it was THAT good and all of the support we received from our families and friends all combine made up the most important and memorable day of our lives. Thanks you so much to everyone who shared this special day with us and to those of you who missed out. Get you act together and get to the temple!

FuNNY STuFF

I found this blog and thought it was so funny. Check it out if you want, but I must warn you there a a couple of f-bombs dropped as well as just a couple more choice words. She is a labor and delivery nurse talking about some funny stories and she gives some good tips for those of you who are expecting.

CLeaNiNG FaiRY?

In sharing time we had a lesson on the power of prayer. One of the stories was about a little boy who prayed that his room would be cleaned,so when we had family prayer that night Mike said to Cooper "should I pray that the cleaning fairy will come to our house?" Cooper looks at Mike and said "Dad, the cleaning fairy only comes to hotels." I only wish there was really a cleaning fairy.

oH HaPPY DaY!

I have my husband back. The hunting season is over. Well, at least for a little while. I'm sure he'll be going out again when my family hunts, but at least he will not be gone EVERYDAY! He didn't get a deer, but I'm not really sad about that.
Mike's hunt ended Friday and Saturday he was out hunting again with my dad. My dad drew a big bull tag so they were out hunting everyday they could until they found the right one. Mike had so much fun and got to feel like a real tough guy when he had to help pack out that big animal.

BoNe MaRRoW DoNoRS

Mike and I received our kits today. We did them and sent them in ,so in about 6 weeks we'll know if we are a match for someone. I am so grateful for this opportunity and I know that it is a long shot, but at least there is a shot. I also wanted to say thanks to everyone who was willing to help out.

In rememberance of September 11th

I was home in bed. Cooper was only a few weeks old I had been up with him all night and so my mom was taking her turn. When I got out of bed my mom said "you're sleeping through the end of the world." I looked at her not knowing what she was talking about then I saw the T.V. and all the coverage over and over.

How lucky are we? To live in such a wonderful place. I saw this video and it's so sad, but it is real and I think everyone should know what happened and remember.

While I was heading to school tonight I was riding with my kids in the car. A remix of songs and people talking was on and it was so sad. Cooper was listening and all of a sudden I hear in a almost crying voice and he says "mom, I'm so sad for all of those kids" I was so proud of him. He knows right from wrong and has compassion for human being. If only all people knew this.

DouBLe TaGGeD!

I was tagged on the same tag by two different people so I'll do them both at the same time.
1.Link to the person who tagged you.
Jenny
Kim
2.Post the rules on your website.
3.Write 6 random things about yourself.
4.Let each person you tag know by leaving a comment on their website.

Here are the 6 random things:

1. I love to stay in my pajamas all day long and if I do have to get dressed I usually throw on something comfy like shorts/sweats and a t-shirt that usually has something on it about softball/baseball since I get them for free.
2. I get buyers anxiety buying anything, especially clothes for myself, so the only time I get new clothes or big ticket items Mike has to buy them.
3. I don't mind cleaning, but if my house is clean I get so uptight and cranky, because I don't want anyone to mess it up. So, my house is always messy.
4. I often find myself wondering if people who don't know me or my family think I'm a lesbian, because I always wear softball t-shirts, play a lot of softball, and I don't look very girly. Not that that's what all lesbians look like, but I just wonder, because sometimes I do get hit on.
5. I stress out about all my posts, especially after people have told me they think my posts are funny or they like to read them. I personally have never thought of myself as funny and I just write what I think and I'm just trying to journal my happenings. I am really flattered by the comments. I just don't want to disappoint my fans. j/k
6. I HATE listening or watching Mike eat. (he's eating an apple while I'm trying to type this so it's all I could think about.)

People I tag, Elise & Heather.

HaPPY BiRTHDaY!

Today is my mom's birthday. So Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear mom, Happy Birthday to you! You are such a great mom and grandmother I don't know what I would do without you!

**WaNTeD**

Bone Marrow donors needed. My friend has recently posted on her blog about her neighbor who is in need of a bone marrow donor and how we can help. My family knows all to well the need for a match. My uncle was lucky enough to have a sister who match and was willing to donate to help save him, but not everyone is so lucky. We now have a special opportunity to join and possibly be a lifesaving match for someone we most likely don't even know. NASCAR is sponsoring an event where you can get the kit needed to do all the testing for free and you can join and possibly be a match for somebody. Click HERE it find out more. I encourage all of you to join. Well, I'm more or less telling you to do this. NOW! I can't possibly see any reason for anyone who reads this not to help out, one way or another. Just try to put yourself in their shoes. Just think, if this were someone in your family wouldn't you want everyone to do such a small little thing that will possibly save them?

LaBoR DaY

A few years ago my Gordon family started a tradition of going to the Skyline Mountain Resort for a small family reunion. Even though most of our family lives in the same state/city we don't nearly get together often enough, so we decided to start this tradition to spend some quality time together. This year was fun, but not quite as great as years past. I was having a little bit of a hard time while we were camping, because I just kept thinking that this year was the first year we had the camp out without my awesome uncle Kim and my wonderful grandpa Ted. It made me think that life is going by way to fast and you never know what's going to happen. While I did miss my Grandpa soooo much we also had the most awesome and unexpected experience to welcome my cousins 2 year old triplet boys. She had just found out earlier in the week she was chosen to be the loving mother to these sweet boys. We put together a toddler shower a the last minute and we were so lucky to welcome these sweet little boys to our family. It was so awesome to see how they fit right in and the were the perfect fit to our family. We also had some fun on Cooper's new motorcycle. Ryder wanted to ride it so bad, but this was as close as he actually got. Ryder was really cranky this weekend due to the fact he decided to get 4 new teeth. The only time he was really happy was when he was on the four-wheeler or the motorcycle and we couldn't really ride the four-wheelers after this cranky lady (she was like in charge or something) told us we weren't supposed to be riding the four-wheelers in the park. You would think they would have a sign or something, oh yeah that's right they did just across from our camp, oh well it was fun while it lasted and at least I got a kick out of that lady getting all huffy and waving her arms in the air. The weather was crappy, so the kids didn't get to swim much, but they had fun doing other stuff, especially at night when they all got to make SMORES! I know they didn't really like the smores, but they really liked making them. I wish I knew of some other treat to make with a camp fire besides smores. I think they are so gross. I have seen some people roast starburst which is just way too dangerous for my kids so that is definitely out. We also got to bust open some Pinatas. My grandma Maxine bought 5 of them and she insisted one was for us old hags and one was for the old hogs. We had so much candy. I wish I would have gotten some pictures of this grand event, but for some reason I was stuck in the war zone pulling the end of the rope. I was sure I was going to be killed. I don't suggest being between anyone and their candy. When I was released from duty with honorable mention I must add my borrowed camera was nowhere to be found. Mike had decided to pick it up, the only thing he as ever picked up without my asking, and put it in an undisclosed location and then he left to go hunting so I was left with no way of documenting this wonderful event. Oh, well I will get over this I'm sure. Anyway all in all we did have a fun camping trip/reunion and hope we can make it again next year. I will stop my ramblings now after one last thing I must mention. I sure hope everyone, especially my Aunt Leslee and all those out of their mind crazy little kids, who were catching those awful little spawns of evilness washed their hands, because I'm sure that even just 1 grasshopper can burn you skin right off. and yes, even just thinking about the awful sound of the grasshoppers jumping in the water bottles makes my skin crawl and yes, that was with out a doubt the grossest/worst part of the weekend and no, I didn't let my kids see me acting like a scared little baby, because I would never want them to be scared to death of something so stupid and I would like it on record I am working on this and if anyone knows of a good therapist I could really use their name. Oh, one last thing I must add is I am very upset with my Uncle Bruce because he is under the wrong impression that he has become too good to share his very special singing talent with his favorite niece and her family and I will be holding a grudge until he decided to put on a very special concert just for us. Thank you THE END!

HaPPY 7TH BiRTHDaY CooPeR!

I have now become officially OLD. As of August 22 my first born is now 7. How on earth did this happen? I have always heard people say how "time flies by" or "they're growing up so fast", but I always thought they were wrong. It seems as though time doesn't move so fast while I think about things day to day, but when I look back at things, especially now I'm blogging and I always get behind, it seems like those things happened just yesterday, but it's really been a lot longer. I'm so thankful that I have gotten into blogging for the mere fact it's like keeping a journal or making a scrap book and now I can remember all the things that have gone on in our lives. Anyway, back to the birthday. On Thursday, the day before his birthday we went to the new Payson pool. It was so much fun. Some of our family joined us. Since the summer is almost over the pool isn't crowded and it felt like we had the pool all to ourselves. We all had a lot of fun playing in the water, going in the lazy river and going down the water slides. The pool was awesome and a lot of fun. After we were all done swimming we ended up going outside to eat the cake and have ice cream. I had seen a cake on my cousins blog about fun snack for kids (thanks Rach). I made the cake with my own little twist. Since, Coop has been more than obsessed with fishing I decided to add to the addiction and make him a fishing cake. Don't look too close you may see Cooper in a speedo. I think I'm most proud of that little guy on there. I was pretty mad when Walmart wouldn't sell me one of their cake toppers so I had to make my own and I think it's way better than the one from Walmart. Isn't it funny? He thought his cake was pretty awesome even though the cake was really soggy since the blue part of the cake was Jello and it had been in the sun and the jello started to melt.
This is everyone outside of the pool after eating the cake. I also made cup cakes that poor little Cooper didn't even get to eat because I was too worried about getting a picture of him with his cake for the blog. (please click on the picture above and take a look at the face my niece pulled just for this picture. She is always pulling faces in pictures and this one is my favorite by far. I crack up every time I look at it.) Okay, now focus and quit laughing so I can tell about the rest of his day.

The day of Cooper's real birthday he had to go to school. It was the 3rd day of school and he was still getting to know his class, so when they all made him a card and he found out two other kids in the class had a birthday the same weekend he felt bonded and he made some friends. I was worried he would hate going to school on his birthday but he loves it. After Mike got home we took the kids to Walmart and got his birthday present. We took him to pick out some fishing stuff and while he was distracted we bought him a MP3 player. After we left Walmart we stopped by the house and got my laptop. I started up the music player while we were heading up the canyon and I was asking Coop if he liked all these different songs, which he said yes to all of them, and I put them on his MP3 player and when we got to our destination we gave it to him. We went to visit some of our friends and they got a kick out of Cooper. We were all just sitting around the table talking and Coop was off in his own little world singing. I promise I will post a video of this a little later. (I can't show all my good stuff in one post or I won't have anything left in my bag of tricks that keeps you coming back.) We soon left and took Cooper down to the stream by where my grandma was camping. Coop had gotten a new fishing pole, the rocket fishing launcher, to paint a picture for those of you that don't know what this is just picture a gun with a capsule shooting out of it with a little tiny hook of death in it. I know what you're all thinking is where can I get one. Well, there at Walmart of course, is there anywhere else to shop. The only thing bad about this awesome pole is you can't really adjust how far it goes, so when you're trying to fish in a tiny stream it's not the ideal pole of choice, so needless to say the fishing wasn't that great and it didn't last long. My aunt and her two kids ended up meeting us at my grandma's camping site and Cooper was so excited because he loves to play with his buddy Trayven. They rosted some smores or should I say they burnt some marshmellow and ate chocolate and grahams. Oh well, they had fun doing it. After a little visiting we headed home.

When we had the party at the pool I had invited all of Cooper's Scott family to come, but because of my poor party planning they couldn't come. They ended up having a party for Cooper the Monday after his birthday. When I call it a party that may be an understatement. He is so spoiled by them, or shall I say well taken care of. When we went to pick him up it was like Christmas. He got a new motorcycle (which Coop soon found out contrary to what you may believe it DOESN'T exactly go/float in irrigation water), Mario Cart (which I must add makes you feel like you're back in the day of old school nintendo and you're watching that nerdy kid or possibly you are the nerdy kid that thinks by turning the controller or yanking the controller up makes you actually go in the direction you're moving), and he got a ton of money and clothes. They are always so great, every time a holiday or his birthday rolls around they always ask if there is anything he needs and they make sure to get it for him.

Cooper had an awesome birthday and I just want to say thanks to everyone who shared in his special day. He is so lucky to have so much family who loves him so much . He is such a special boy and I just want tell him how much I love him and how thankful I am that he chose me to be his mom. I must have done something pretty special for him to have chosen me or maybe he just felt sorry for me and new I needed a lot of help. I'm pretty sure it's the second one!

I love you Coop and I hope you had a great birthday!

1ST DaY oF SCHooL!

Cooper and Rhielyn both started school Wednesday, August 20. Cooper is in first grade and he likes it okay. He is a little mad at me because I made him change schools from last year. He was so sad because he doesn't get to see any of his friends from school. Another reason he doesn't like it he tells me " I have 3 recesses and I am so tired, but atleast it's good excercise." He has to be the funniest kid ever. We went to back to school night the night before and to my surprise COSTCO gave every kid in the whole school a backpack along with a few items. I thought that was awesome. The only downfall is every kid in the whole school has the same backpack. I wonder how long until Coop losses his backpack. We also got to meet with his teacher and I had to fill out some papers while we were there. While filling out a paper all about him I asked him "What is something special about you" I'm expecting some really cool thing to come out of his mouth. His answer was "my tongue". Now that got me thinking what on earth is so cool about his tongue, he can't roll it and he can't wistle with it. I still can't figure it out and when I asked him he just laughed and changed the subject. I guess I'll never know.

Rhielyn loves school. She went right in and left me at the door. She was so excited and had the best day. She has a new teacher this year. She is the same preschool teacher Cooper had. My kids love her. Rhielyn had her meet the teacher day on Monday but through a little miscommunication we missed it so we had to go on Tuesday. While we were on our way Cooper and Rhielyn were talking about her teacher and Cooper says "Rhielyn you are so lucky. You have the best teacher in the whole world." And I think she might be. Rhielyn thinks so too. The other day when I was getting her ready for school we got to talking. Our conversation goes like this:

Rhielyn: mom you have to do my hair in french braids.
Me: why
Rhielyn: a girl in my class had her hair like that last time.
Me: so
Rhielyn: well, Miss Leslie called her sweetie
Me: so
Rhielyn: I want her to call me that
Me: maybe she just forgot the girls name so that's why she called her that and not you.
Rhielyn: No, so do my hair in a french braid.

Well, she didn't get her hair in a french braid and the teacher didn't call her sweetie, but all was not lost, she did call her cutie pie. I think that one fits her a little better than sweetie, because she may not be sweet, but she is cute. Anyway, all in all the first day of school was awesome and I love all day school. I wish Rhielyn could start already. I guess I'll just have to wait. They are growing up way too fast and I know I will never get this time back, so I guess I'll just enjoy it while I can and they're not teenagers.

BeST VaCaTioN eVeR!

Bear Lake was awesome! We had the best time. We have made our Bear Lake vacation a family tradition with my mom's side of the family. We have had so much fun in the past years, but this year was the best by far. I don't know what exactly made this year more fun than the years past, but I'm sure the awesome tube my dad bought to pull behind the wave runner was a HUGE part of it. I thought the tube was going to be totally lame and not much fun, but when I got on and I saw my dad behind the wheel of the wave runner I must have had the look of fear in my eyes, because as my mom always does she reminded him I am a mother of three and I can't take care of my kids if I'm in a full body cast. He started out really calm, but Shay and I decided we needed a real ride instead of this kiddie stuff , so we gave him the thumbs up and he turned it up and that's when the fun started. I was a total spaz. I couldn't quit laughing. They could hear me from the shore. I must say I would totally recommend it to everyone, but I also must add, I rode in the tube in the sitting position and my butt and hands were sooooo sore. Everyone who rode on the tube had many many bruises so if your a big fat sissy don't take my recommendation, or I guess you can just ride it really slowly. Also, I must add I had the hardest time getting on this thing once I fell off, but that was also a lot of the fun. I'm sure it was quite the sight.

We stayed in a cabin right on the beach and it was the best place ever. We practically lived on the beach. I'm actually really surprised after we left there was any beach left, since Ryder could not keep the sand out of his mouth. I thought when I changed his diaper I would find a sand castle inside. We was a wild man. We loved every minute we were there and so did my other kids. My kids were in the water almost the whole time. They didn't really care for the wave runner or the tube, but they loved playing in the sand and the water. We had to keep them lathered in sunscreen and I must add I

think the spray on sunscreen is well worth the extra money, because usually when we go to the pool I spend half my time rubbing on sunscreen and with the new stuff all you do is spray and go. The only time I had any complaints from my children is when Cooper told McKayd he could bury him in the sand. Big mistake. McKayd dug a hole and had Cooper sit in it, then he proceeded to fill the hole with all of the wet mud he had just dug out of the hole. I think the picture speaks for itself. He didn't have much fun with that activity. I don't think he will be letting McKayd do this again anytime soon. Since we were right on the beach we were able to bring our four-wheelers to ride to and from the beach. Cooper's four-wheeler wouldn't go very well in the sand so he didn't get to ride it much, but we were on the big four-wheeler plenty going to and from the cabin. We just had to drive kind of fast so we wouldn't get stuck in the sand. One time Brady was taking the four-wheeler, along with a small trailer loaded to the brim and then some with life jackets and lawn chairs, back to the cabin. My uncle made the mistake of telling this 19 year old boy to "drive it like you mean it!" needless to say the trailer and the four-wheeler did not arrive back in one piece. It was so funny.

While we were there I found my true calling in life. I was born to be a ROCKSTAR! One night we stayed up until about 3 a.m. playing Rockband, singing, dancing and just taking a million pictures. We had so much fun. I think this vacation has brought our family so much closer. We usually just hang out at family birthday parties and such, but having this time together and getting to know each others true personalities was a great experience. My aunt even made the comment on how she never knew the real me. That really got me thinking how we don't really just hang out as a family. We definitely should more often because we had so much fun! I'm so excited for next year. I just can't wait. This was truly one of the best vacations I have ever been on. Thanks everyone for all the fun.

**8 THiNGS**

8 things I'm passionate about

1. Mike
2. doing everything for my kids
3. my family and friends
4. helping others
5. making a difference
6. raising honest and good kids
7. having fun
8. not missing out on a thing

8 words or phrases I say often

1. stop it
2. quit fighting
3. I'm hungry
4. how did you get to be so cute
5. be quiet
6. No!!
7. go outside
8. I love you

8 things I want to do before I die

1. sky diving
2. buy a house
3. get life insurance
4. see my grand kids
5. get old
6. lose weight ( I would hate to see anyone get a hernia from lifting my casket)
7. clean my house
8. get sealed to my family (yes we've gone through, but we put it off until Cooper was adopted and then one thing after another. Hopefully next month)

8 things I've learned from my past

1. I can get through it
2. my mom may know a thing or two
3. you can get pregnant even when it's not planned
4. family is everything
5. I am a little crazy, but that's not always a bad thing
6. I have to watch my temper
7. people can forgive and move on
8. drugs are bad bad bad, but the people who use them aren't always

8 places I'd love to go or see

1. Hawaii
2. Italy
3. Florida
4. heaven
5. St. George
6. with Mike to a Jets game
7. anywhere alone with Mike
8. Caribbean

8 things I currently need or want

1. money
2. more time
3. my RN degree
4. house
5. a Pepsi
6. new car
7. less blubber
8. maid

8 people I tag

1. Brandee L
2. Jalyce R.
3. Brianne C.
4. Breanne B.
5. Suzee A.
6. Chanel P.
7. Natalie R.
8. Rach G.

Have fun and Git-R-Done!

I'm Back!!!

So, you may have noticed I have not been blogging for a while. I now have my Internet up and running again and I have found it an overwhelming task to get caught up. Everyone has been so busy with many interesting and exciting events. While catching up I have found people have had some pretty crazy things happening from cars getting stolen to dramatic crashes with life threatening injuries. My life has been quite boring, but I guess I better document some things that have been going on since my last post. Where do I start? I've missed so many things, but I'll start with Fiesta Days!
*CaRNiVaL*

Cooper's favorite ride "The Spaceship".

He would go on this ride over and over all by himself. He really surprised me.

When did he grow up?

Rhielyn's favorite ride "The Magic Carpet".

She would go on this ride with Mike and they would scream and scream just for fun.

Ryder's favorite ride "The Stroller".
That's right I don't know where this kid came from but he hated all of the rides.

Even though Ryder hated all the rides I still made him go on a few just to see if he would grow out of it in the few minutes we were there. We went on family night, but unlike others we were smart and got there just as it opened so by the time it was getting busy we were done and out of there. Therefore, the carnival was really fun, cheap and not crowded. Here's more cute pictures.

*aDDiTioNaL FuN*

We didn't get to go to the rodeo and the kids were really disappointed, but I don't think they would have had much fun anyway considering they will not sit still. We did do the baby contest, but we didn't win. Mike took the kids to the fish rodeo and the fun things in the park. I was at a coed softball tournament, so he was a real trooper to take all the kids while I was off having my own fun. Anyway, that's why we don't have any pictures. We also went to the movie in the park. I had a softball game that night and we went as soon as it got over. We were supposed to go with a bunch of our friends, but most of them ditched out. I won't name any names (Jalyce, Josh, Taylee, Steven, Brianne, McClain, Brandee, Jeremy, Cheyanne, Rylee and Stetler). I really have a complex after that night. I don't know if we are just not fun or if I had some really offensive body odor, I'm not sure of the reason, but we had fun just the same thanks to our true friends Chanel and Aurora. Rhielyn kicked Cooper in the nose before the movie started and his nose bled through almost the whole movie. Ryder kept grabbing the guy sitting in front of us and Mike kept freaking out because believe it or not out kids were being loud, but we had fun anyway and I think we will do it again next year.

*PaRaDe*

On the day of the 24th we went to the parade. We sit in the same place every year with our Averett side of the family. This year my good friend Brandee, yes the ditcher from earlier, came with us. I was really glad they did. I got to bond with her little trouble maker Rylee and I'm pretty sure were now friends ,since I shared some chocolate with her and then she wanted to sit on my lap. I thought for sure I got some pictures, but I didn't. I know of my family did so hopefully they will share. Cooper rode in the parade with his grandpa Butch. I didn't get a picture, but this is basically what it looked like. He thinks this car and his grandpa are pretty dang awesome, so he was pretty excited. He also got a new shirt from Deseret First Credit Union, the reason they were in the parade, it's red for the Utes vs. BYU duel but he still likes it even though it isn't blue. Rhielyn saw the princess' in the parade and you would have thought she was in Disneyland. She was so excited and kept telling me "they're coming to my birthday" I just don't know where I'm going to send the invitation.

*PiCNiC*

After the parade we went to a picnic at a church pavilion with the Jex side of the family. It's been a tradition for as long as I remember and even after my Great Grandma Jex's passing her daughters have kept the tradition alive and it's really important to them. Grandma Myrl took this picture. Do you think she has something against the Utes or Cooper? I think it's the Utes. This is the kids with their Great grandpa Kaye.

Ryder enjoying a Popsicle. Why do they have to squish everything in their hands first before they'll put it in their mouth?

Kami, Me, Shaylie, Lindsay, Rhielyn, Libby and Layken in front. I actually think this is a really cute picture even with me in it.

*BiRTHDaY CaKe & FiReWoRKS*

After the long day we went to my aunt Kathy's house for cake and ice cream for Crystals birthday and the fireworks. The cake was great but by the time the fireworks started Ryder was ready for bed and the kids had left with my mom for a sleep over so. We headed for home before they were over because Mike didn't want to get into the traffic. He's getting so old! All in all we had a pretty busy and FUN week. It is my favorite time of the year.