Love Them

Doing the Right Thing...It's Hard

Sometimes it's hard to make the right choice... and it seems to be even harder when you are nine! A few days ago Tanner found a money clip on the sidewalk as he was walking home from a friends. He was so excited when he got home to show me what he had found, not only did he think the clip was cool but it had just about a hundred dollars in it. Tanner was so excited, he had already planned out what he was going to buy. Unforuntaely, I sat him down and explained to him that keeping the money wasn't the right thing to do. That he had to try and find the owner of the money. We bundled up and went out to have him show me exactly where he had found the clip. I had him walk up to the house that he found it in front of, ring the door bell and ask if they had lost a money clip. The young guy who answered the door said it wasn't his but that maybe it was his roommates. Sure enough it was. Tanner gave the money back, wished them a Merry Christmas and turned to walk home. He was so disappointed. He wanted so badly to keep it for himself. He kept telling me that people need to be responsible for their things and if they weren't it wasn't his fault.

I hope that someday Tanner can look back on that day and realize that he did make the right decision. There are going to be so many times in life when making the right decision is not always the "fun" thing to do. I just hope that small lessons like this will help him to make good decisions when he is older and on his own. I love you buddy... and you did make the right choice!

Christmas Season

Putting the tree up every year starts out to be one of my favorite things... but it seems like it always ends up being a big ordeal! Again this year Papa from the Ranch brought us down a huge assortment of trees for us to pick from. We decided on the perfect one and got it into the house (that was the easy part). It was several days before we got it decorated because Cole was so busy at work and we weren't about to decorate the tree without the whole family! The night finally came when we had time for everyone to help put the decorations up. We started by getting the lights all untangled and plugged in to make sure they were functioning. Cole and I got them wrapped around the tree, plugged in and NOTHING! Are you kidding me? They just worked when they were in the wall? I was so frustrated, why can't things just work right the first time. We were just about ready to pull them all of and run to Target to get new lights when "wala" on they came. The kids were laughing so hard. We got all the decorations put up and the star placed on top. It was beautiful. I was so excited because last year on clearance I bought an extenstion cord so we could just "step" on the button without having to reach back behind the tree and plugging them in. So I took the lights and plugged them in to that and into the wall and again NOTHING. Seriously? I couldn't beleive it.... I walked away, cursing and was ready to throw the tree out the door. Instead, my awesome hubby kept it together sat down and played with the cord, took the new extenstion cord back out and replugged them in... "wala"! They have worked great since so hopefully that was it... only six more days that they have to work! Next year new lights for the Willford's!

Of course we had to make a gingerbread house too! Cole and I put it together several days before we decorated it in hopes that it would hold up! Thankfully it did. The kids had so much fun decorating it! I had bought the actual house from Bountiful Baskets so we got to buy all sorts of candy to actually decorate it with. I think the kids and I ate more than we decorated!

Red, the faithful Elf, has returned. He has been keeping a close eye on the kids and thankfully they have been behaving well since he is around. This year Peyton is all about the Elf. Every morning the first thing she wants to do is find Red. She thinks its "hilarious" where he hides. Tanner is still engaged in Red but even more so after we watched the "Elf on the Shelf" movie that tells the story of a boy about his age who stopped believing.

Day 30

I know I have mentioned family in other "thankful" posts this month but I can't end this month of gratitude without going back to the core. From my husband, to my kids, to my parents and sisters, to my cousins and my in-laws and closest friends.... there are so many people to be thankful for. Tonight I am reminded how much each of these people mean to me. I ask that God wrap his arms around each and everyone of them, keep them safe, lift them up through the difficult times and guide them through this journey we call life.

Day 29

The sound of a little boys voice singing the lyrics to any song that comes on the radio... Tonight his choice was "that's what you get for waking up in Vegas". Love you Tanner Seth!

Day 28

Moments of relaxation in my bathtub.

Peyton's belief that all the "kings" we are seeing on peoples lawn nativity sets are the same "kings" that were in the Ceasars Palace show!

Turning the t.v. off at dinner time to talk about our days.

Spending thirty minutes looking for the remote that went MIA during dinner.

Red "the elf" who has come back to watch the kids and report to Santa... They will do whatever it takes to keep Red happy.

Crockpot.... Dinners ready when we walk in the door.

Day 27

Last night was a difficult night... it was hard to feel thankful when I knew someone else was hurting so badly. My heart was broken for an acquaintance whose husband was killed in a head-on-collision in North Dakota while he was there working in the oil fields. It was an ugly reminder of how fragile life is. Tragedies are difficult events that make it hard to see exactly what God's purpose is. It is through these events that I am reminded that God is in complete control and we have to trust in him. I just have a hard time understanding why he takes these good men and women... life is not fair.

At the same time that my heart was feeling heavy and broken I couldn't help to feel blessed. Thankful for all of those that God has given me in my life. Thankful for my husband who puts his life on the line everyday to provide for his family. Thankful for my kids who I was able to tuck into bed. Thankful for all my family and friends that I know I can lean on in times of tragedy. Thankful for the power of prayer as I spent the night praying for this wife and mother who has a very difficult journey ahead of her. Thankful for any sense of peace that God can grant to her.

Day 26

Retail therapy! I can't believe I of all people am saying this! I am usually so frugal and cheap especially when it comes to buying things for myself. It's easy to buy for the kids but most of the time I feel guilty spending money on myself. Today though I had such a great time shopping with Jess and Jamey. I bought a few things but more than that just enjoyed our time together. Today I am thankful for "girl" shopping trips!

Day 25

Thankful for naps the day of Black Friday. Today Peyton and I took a two and a half hour nap. Curling up next to her and just soaking in "vacation" is the best feeling ever.

Day 24

Happy Thanksgiving! So many things to be grateful for my the most important of all is family. I am so thankful to be blessed with such an amazing family, both immediate and extended. God has blessed us. Through our ups and downs we always stand by each other. Today I am grateful for every person I call family.

Day 23

Aunties! The love an aunt has for their nieces and nephews is irreplaceable. I am honored to be an auntie to six great kiddos and one more on the way! Even more so than being an aunt I am so thankful for the wonderful roles my sisters and sister-in-law play in my kids lives. From hanging out, watching them play sports, painting nails, make up sessions, sleepovers and lots of long chats. Thank you Jenn, Jess, Jamey and Megan for being the best aunties ever, for you I am thankful.

Day 21 and Day 22

I got a day behind while on vacation so today I have two thankful posts.

Day 21
I am so thankful for my two healthy beautiful children. They bring a smile to my face everyday. Although there are days when being a parent can be difficult I wouldn't change it for the world and I am so thankful for them. During our family vacation we got to a lot of fun stuff. Swimming, arcades, shopping, enduro cross races, eating out and just hanging out!

I am also thankful for my two amazing "nannies" Jaye and Amanda who went with us. It was so much fun to have them along, and have all the extra help!

Day 22
Today, I am thankful for our home! After being gone on vacation it was SO nice to come to our house. Bring away for a few days makes you realize how enjoyable it is to be in your own house... A place where you feel safe, warm, comfortable and loved, our home!

Day 20

Today I am thankful for the opportunity to attend Cirque du Soleil's "O" show. It was absolutely amazing to see what these performers are capable of. The choreography, costumes and music were so well done. There were acrobats, synchronized swimmers and divers, fire performers, dancers and singers. There was so much going on all the time. It truly was amazing.

Day 19

Friends.... old, new and yet to make! Being in Las Vegas with Keith and Aubrey was really fun... I couldn't help but think of all the good times we have had with friends and family over the years in that city. Being there with a different group made me realize how precious the "oldies" are, how great it is to make new friends and leaves me wondering who will yet come into our lives!

Day 18

iPods, Nintendo DS, Dramamine, nannies, headphones, snacks, rest stops and good music. Tonight I am thankful for all of these things as they have made our eight hour drive to Las Vegas very bearable. We were lucky to have great roads and smooth sailing! I am so excited for this opportunity to take a vacation with our family and of course our two favorite babysitters Jaye and Amanda. They have given us plenty to laugh at tonight!

Day 17

Being a working mom can be bitter sweet... Sometimes I feel like I am missing out on too much of my kiddos childhood, not giving them the attention they deserve, not volunteering in their classes, visiting them for lunch, dropping them off at school.... the list could go on and on. Tonight, at parent teacher conferences I was reminded why I chose this path; because at the same time I am raising my own family I am making a difference in the lives of my students. It is such a blessing to know that what I do is affecting their futures, it makes it all worthwhile. So tonight I am thankful for a job that not only helps to financially support my family but makes a difference in the lives of my students.

Day 16

Today I am thankful for our dentist who took such great care of Cole after he passed out in the chair as he was getting a tooth pulled. It was a rough afternoon but I am so thankful he is okay.

Day 15

Can we watch a show? Tonight I am thankful for television, I know it sounds crazy, right? However I absolutely love nights when we all curl up on the couch to watch some of our favorite shows together. The kids love to watch Survivor, Biggest Loser and Amazing Race... There are others we watch sometimes too but these shows always bring us the little bit of down time we need before bed.

Day 14

Eight days seemed like two weeks... and for the kids it felt like two months! Today I am thankful that my hubby made it home safely from his trip to North Dakota. It was a great reminder of how thankful I am that he has a job where he is home every night and can tuck the kids in to bed. So many times I take our relationship, his help around the house and his time with the kids for granted and this was a great reminder of just how lucky I am. Thank you Cole Ross for always being by my side and being the best father I could ever imagine! Welcome back home....we missed you!

Day 13

DVR, electric blankets, remote start on my Yukon and heated leather seats! Materialistic? Probably, but four luxuries that I am thankful for!

Day 12

It has been one long week for everyone involved... Cole was sent to North Dakota on short notice for a job that was supposed to last just a day and he would be back within three. Well, things never seem to go as planned and he has now been gone for a week and we still aren't certain when he will be back. Tonight we got the chance to FaceTime with him and it was so great. So, tonight I am reminded that I am thankful for all the technology available to us.... Even though sometimes it can "take over" tonight it was a great way to make "missing" hearts feel a little bit better!

Day 11

I am thankful for all the men and women who have served, are serving or will serve for our country. What a remarkable person it takes to put their own life on the line while defending our countries values. Today I am thankful that I am a citizen if the United States of America.

Day 10

So many times our kids say something that we find so cute. We laugh at it and think I gotta remember that but so many times we forget. Tonight I am thankful for listening to my daughter talk about how she wants to be a teacher when she grows up, just like Grandma Jane, mommy, Aunt Jess and Aunt Jenn (although she said we need to babysit for Aunt Jenn so she can teach again!) Tonight I am thankful for the dreams my kids have and pray that one day they feel as though they accomplished what the set out in life to do.

Day 9

In-laws! I am so thankful for the wonderful in-laws I have. I feel so blessed to have them close by. The kids love spending time with them! They are always willing to watch the kids so I can hit the gym, run errands or whatever I need to get done!

Day 8

Today I am thankful for my kids teachers and schools. We spent the evening tonight at Tanners Family Dance night. I love the feeling I have when the kids are at school.... I know that their teachers love them and want the best for them. I know they are getting great educations but I also know that they are in a place where they are safe.

Day 7

Spin class.... I am thankful that I can go the gym and leave a sweaty mess. It makes me feel so much better and I know that I am a better mom, wife, sister, daughter,friend and teacher when I take care of myself!

I am also super thankful for my inlaws who always agree to watch the kids while I hit the gym for an evening class!

Day 6

Today I am thankful for my mom... For a million reasons but tonight for helping me fold and put away away a billion loads of laundry!

Day 5

Today I am thankful for sports. Tanner has learned so many life lessons through his participation in sports. Hard work, determination, passion, team work, dedication and in the process he has made a lot of really great friends. I am also thankful that Cole was able to coach him in his first ever competitive game and the new rule "what happens in the gym stays in the gym" was created!

Day 4

Today I am thankful for surprises! My best friend Jamey surprised me at school before she headed back home! I was do thankful that I got to hug and kiss her babies one more time. It reminds me that we always need to absorb every minute we have together even if it is just to say goodbye.

I am also thankful for Starbucks! The carmel salted mocha Jamey brought me gave me the caffeine boost I needed to get through the day!

Day 3

Tonight I am thankful for goodnight kisses!

Day 2

Today I am thankful for the lessons that pets teach us. Clover you will be missed by so many people. Thank you for putting up with my two little rascals over the years.... We all love you!

Thankful - Day 1

30 Things I Am Thankful For
November 2011

I love November... Don't get me wrong, I could probably find a reason to love every month of the year but there is just something about this month that I love. Maybe its the idea of shoving my face with great food in a few weeks, black Friday, the change in weather, basketball season, anticipation about the holiday season... I'm not sure exactly what it is but it is just a great time of year.

My goal for the month of November is to remember to be thankful, to post everday a reminder of the great things in our lives. Obviously I am most thankful for my family but I want to work at recognizing all the little things that I should be thankful for everday... the things that so many times I take for granted.

***Family - I feel so blessed to have the family that I do. Both immediate and extended. I have been given a great support system. We have definetely been through our share of ups and downs but we always stick together.

Happy Halloween

Another successful Halloween. The kids always look forward to Halloween. This year we were some sort of scary guy in a black costume with face paint and a a mermaid princess! Needless to say they both looked great! We continued on with the tradition we have made (not always by choice) to carve pumpkins on Halloween Eve! Halloween night started with a "spooky" dinner. Brains, mummies, swamp monsters, and ghosts. The Smith's, Meyers, and McKinleys were all able to join us. After that it was off to trick-or-treating. First in our neighborhood with all of the kids and then off to Vista Valley to meet up with all of the Sting boys. It is always so much fun to let them trick or treat in big groups. The older boys get to be together and the little ones can do their own thing... and of course us adults always enjoy hanging together. The weather was beautiful and we now have enough candy to last until next year!

On the Edge

It's nine o'clock and I am on the edge.... Of the bed! This little stinker is hogging the bed and snoring, but I wouldn't change it for the world!

Live in the Moment

Yesterday was a day for the books... one of those days when you have to stop and remember what is really important in life and not get caught up in the negative. Things could always be worse... right?

I was completely overwhelmed at work on Monday because I stayed home Friday with Tanner since he had the flu. Monday afternoon when I got the call that Peyton had pink eye I decided to call Cole and ask him to get her... I made her a doctors appointment and he headed into town with her. About a half hour after her appointment was supposed to start I got a text that said "Just got in accident Pey and I are okay. My fault ran into car totaled front end of truck". My heart sank.... I was still at school and was supposed to be picking mom up from her last reconstruction surgery. I was totally frantic... didn't know which way to turn or what to do first. I ended up going straight to the accident and to my delight it wasn't as bad as I was expecting. Everyone was okay... and that's all that matters. Vehicles can be fixed, tickets can be paid and lessons can be learned.

Manic Monday reminded me that sometimes life doesn't always go as planned. However, I am BLESSED beyond words. I have a healthy family (for the most part...my mom just beat cancer), we can provide for our chidren, I love my husband and don't know what I would do without him, we have stable jobs, we have an amazing extended family, great friends, a roof over our head... and the list can go on and on and on... sometimes though it takes a day like this to be reminded to live in the moment... you never know when you might not have another.

Labor Day Weekend

We didn't go anywhere for Labor Day but instead enjoyed a weekend at home. It was by no means a quiet weekend, we had plenty planned! We started Friday night off with dinner at Texas Roadhouse and dessert at our favorite place Red Mango! I always love having dinner out as a family.
On Saturday we worked around the house, did some laundry and picked up. We took the kids over to Aunt Jenn and Uncle Dan's so that we could go see the Help. What a great movie... I had already read the book but it was amazing to see the stories and hardships these people faced. I can only imagine what life was REALLY like during the Civil Rights movement.
On Sunday morning we packed up at went to Eagle Rim Park and let the kids play at the skatepark. We met up with the Meyers and the McKinleys.... the kids had such a great time! Then we all headed to moms for a BBQ and some quality family time. We really are lucky to be so close to the kids aunts and uncles... Someday I know the kids will appreciate the fact that there were able to grow up with everyone around! Who better to watch your games, have sleepovers with, hang out with, and just have around then your family!
The boys (Sam, Dan, Tanner, Cole and Nate) headed out Sunday night for a hunting trip! The end of 18Rd was their destination... their prey; doves! Yes, doves! They ended up shooting several and Tanner brought their meat home and had dad cook it. He ate it all... I couldn't believe it! Every last bite, and he said it tasted like elk steak. I wasn't brave enough to try it. I stuck to the s'mores that we were making on the firepit!
Labor Day also brought with it cooler temperatures, especially at night. We can now sleep with the windows open and have a need for the comforter that has been kicked off all summer. This means it is time to take down the pool. The kids enjoyed one last swim before we took it down until next summer. After taking the pool down we had another BBQ this time with the Willford side of the family.
It was a great three day weekend. It really made me wish that I had a four day work week everyweek, but unfortunately that is not the case. I guess the lesson to be learned is to remember to enjoy every minute we have together!

Too Long

I can't believe I have waited this long in between posts. I really am going to make a conscience effort to more blogging. I want so badly to capture all these memories that are happening everyday right in front of me.

Yesterday Tanner started 4th grade and Peyton pre-school. I can't believe how quickly they grow up. It seems like just yesterday Peyton and I were walking Tanner to kindergarten (I was on maternity leave for Peyton). They both enjoyed their days SO much. Tanner was ecstatic about 4th grade and his new teacher Mrs. Hoffman. He was so excited that he gets to earn money (even though it is fake) to purchase prizes. It is amazing what a little bit of incentive will do! Peyton got to move room at DKLC too... she is now in Mrs. Dawn and Ms. Alex's room. She was super excited to tell us about the game magic rock that they learned to play!

After school Tanner got to go to Maverick to celebrate with Grandma. Boy does he love that place! Then it was off to baseball for a t-ball game and Tanner's game. It was so amazing to watch these two kiddos play.... they are such hard workers, are focused, and truly always want to do their best.

Peyton was down on her knees wiping dirt on to her pants so she could look tough! She had the biggest smile as she walked up to the tee! Its so fun to see the joy in their eyes as the participate in things.

Tanner did great... he had 2 RBI's but he struck out once. It broke my heart when he struck out cause he came back to the dugout, put his hand on the chain look fence and just watched the game. He was so disappointed in himself...he is so hard on himself. We were SO proud of him though... he always does his best and NEVER gives up!

My Mom Kicked Cancers @$$

She did it....

I have always known my mom was tough.... always knew that she could do anything she put her mind too... always knew that she doesn't let anything keep her down.... but today she let the world now all of that... she kicked cancer's ass!

It seems like just yesterday our world came tumbling down as we learned of her diagnosis. In the short amount of time since that we have been on a roller coaster ride of events... but I am proud to say that through it all my mom kept her spirits high and her attitude positive.

I listened today as she visited with another cancer patient who still has a long road in front of her. Mom inspired that lady to keep going, to keep a positive attitude and take it one step at a time.

I know that our cancer "road" is not over... that it will never be officially "over"... but for now she has kicked cancers ass... taken chemo by the horns and kicked the shit out of it! And I couldn't be prouder of her. I am so honored to call her my mom!

"Summer" Time Flies

I can't believe that it has already been a month since I posted last. I can't believe how quickly time passes... especially once summer is upon us. We have been extremely busy since school got out. ... everything has been kind of a whirlwind and I am actually excited for the rest of summer to slow down!

The week after school got out Tanner participated in the FMHS Wildcats baseball camp. He really emjoyed himself and really seemed to learn alot. He is constantly improving on all his sports, it's really cool to see how much effort he puts into his athletics. While Tanner was at camp P and I just kind of hung out... we did the Fruita pool one day and on the last day of camp Tanner had a bunch of his friends over to hang out! We also celebrated Presley's first birthday that weekend. She is such a cutie and is so gorgeous... so happy that we get to have them close by and watch them grow up!

The following week Tanner did the Mesa State Basketball Camp.... well lets just say he tried to. It was such a poorly put together camp that two days in Cole and I let him quit.... something I always telll Tanner we don't do... quit. It was just unbearable how terrible it was.... standing in line... sitting and watching... so little participation. Needless to say Tanner was not disappointed in being done with it an actually spent the next couple of days working one on one with Beck in the backyard. This turned out to be much more fun and much more benficial for him! The same week that Tanner started basketball camp was the same week that Cole and I left for Italy (more to come on that later).... and at the end of that week Tanner headed to Vernal for his first competitive baseball camp. Cole and I were disappointed that we missed it but Tanner had a blast! He spent the first night in the KOA with the Hightowers and the next day Aunt Jess, Grandma and little P were there to cheer him on. He really enjoyed the whole weekend but mostly the bonding time with all of his friends... such a great experience for him and I hope that he gets the opportunity to continue to grow up with these boys! While Tanner was in Vernal Peyton got to spend a few days with Grammy and Beck.... and did she love that! She was Grammy's little shadow helping to do whatever work she needed done... but her favorite was watering the flowers. Grammy and Beck also took her swimming at the rec center... that girl is a fish! She has no fear of the water, it is great but it can be kind of scary sometimes too, you have to watch her like a hawk.

After Vernal the kids spent the next five days with Aunt Jess and Uncle Nate until we got back from Italy. They had a great time there and showed Aunt Jess what it would be like with three kids... not sure there will be more than two at that household! Needless to say it was great to know that our kids were so well taken care of as we were touring Italy. There is alot of love for those two little munchkins.

Since we have been back we have just been hanging out! There has been several trips to the library, swimming EVERYDAY in the backyard, a FMHS Wildcats basketball camp, shopping, reading, napping, a new dance class and lots of working for daddy. Peyton started a new dance class at Absolute Dance. I didn't know if she would like it or not but the girl NEVER stopped smiling the entire time. She absolutely loved it! I am so happy that she is involved in something... it usually revolves around Tanner so it is great to see her involved in something that she loves. We leave next week for the lake and are excited to spend some time relaxing there. Both of the kids will enjoy that time for sure!

Mother's Day

A new perspective....





I've always loved mother's day.... even before I was a mom myself. I have the best mom and it is always fun to celebrate everything she has done for me... I truly don't know where I would be today without her. She has been by my side through so many events, both and good and bad and she always reassures me that "this too shall pass."





I am also thankful for my mother-in-law who raised the man that I love. I realize that every quality, belief and trait he has is somehow related back to the woman who gave him life. What an amazing job she did!





Of course since I have become a mom the day has meant something else to me. I realize how truly blessed I am to have the two greatest kids on Earth. They make me smile everday! I hope that they feel blessed to have me as their mom and I hope that Cole and I raise them as best as we know how.





The kids woke me up with breakfast in bed... peanut butter and jelly English muffins! The brought me gifts in bed too... Buckle shorts, a great bracelet and a Ty Lawson jersey. I can't wait to sport it at a game next season! It was perfect! Then I decided that we should go on a little run... it was such a beautiful day. Remember I said "little". Well I think my husband thought I should challenge myself... run a little further... do something "extra" on Mother's Day. Well we did just that... 5 miles! Woah.. I am not used to running that far. Then we headed to Jenn's for a Mother's Day brunch... which we secretly turned in to an Adoption Party for Jess, Nate and Little P! It was a great time with the family! Lots of great food... biscuit supremes, pancakes and homemade cinnamon rolls! (thanks jenn and jamey) Then it was back home for a short rest and then off to the desert so Tanner could ride his dirt bike! After that we had a great dinner at Pablo's Pizza.





Then I started thinking about all the people on Earth who no longer have their mother's physically present on Earth to be with. Or the mothers who have angels in heaven looking down on them. Or the mothers who are battling for their lives. Or the mothers who are wathcing their kids battle for their lives. Or the women who have never had the opportunity to be a mother. Or the mothers who have given their babies to someone else to raise.





This day just makes you stop and think.


Be thankful for what you have.


I hope all women everywhere can somehow find peace and joy today... not matter what "mother" situation they find themselves in.

252

Jackson Hole
THURSDAY
road trip was long.. but the girls did great
aunt jess had lots of surprises to entertain
movies, candy, toys and colors
afternoon naps
Arby's for dinner
got there late and went to bed
FRIDAY
missed the first race...oops
weather was nice racing was good
one for two
played at the park
SATURDAY
racing was great
two for two
120 races
Peyton wants in
male bonding in the trailer
Cole, Tanner and Uncle Nate
a late walk through the tunnel
a new track and screws
several shots of crown
met Cole's RMSHA family
wish I could be there more
shopping for jess and mom
headbands, bread and fudge
Tanner rode the chair lift
again and again and again
only to slide down the mountain
SUNDAY
spittin seeds and nappin
finals didn't turn out how we wanted
he rode with pride
he did his best
what more can you ask for
he showed his kids how to handle defeat
not an easy thing to do
chin up there is always the next one
MONDAY
snowy roads to start another long ride
s outhbound 191 CLOSED
a new route hwy 540
Taco Time
naps and movies
We are home.... until next year! 252 CREW

A Good Break

Spring break has come and gone once again. We did our best to enjoy the time away from our normal schedules and just enjoy being together.

We started off the break with a quick trip to Glenwood Springs. Cole was in Lost Trail racing so it was just the kids, grandma Jane, the Meyers and myself. We headed over Saturday afternoon and checked into our hotel... Hotel Glenwood Springs. They had a great pool for the kids... it had a little kids slide, a basketball hoop and a big slide. The kids really enjoyed it and spent the entire afternoon swimming. After swimming we decided to grab some dinner at Chili's and then went back to the hotel where the kids played board games in the lobby. Nothing beats a hot game of Candy Land. The next morning the kids woke up late (only because of daylight savings) we ate breakfast at the hotel and then headed back to the swimming pool. We checked out around lunch time and headed to McDonald's before the drive home. It was a short trip but a lot of fun and a great way to start off the break!

On St. Patrick's day Tanner and I invited Papa Frank to go skiing. Tanner also invited Kamdan and Tristany. We headed up to Powderhorn early and got our rentals and tickets all ready. Unfortunately their snowcats had broken down the night before and so the runs hadn't been groomed... it started out being really icy. It got better as the day went on and we all had a great time. The kids stayed on the bunny hill all day and boy did they have fun! They only stopped twice, once for a quick lunch break and once in the afternoon for a quick snack and bathroom break. Other than that they never quit... I hadn't been on skis for almost ten years and I am happy to say that I did really well, never fell and even did a black diamond run... I was pretty proud of myself. We ended the day at Grandma Janes with a very traditional Saint Patrick's meal... corned beef, cabbage and potatoes... it was great!

The rest of break was filled with a lot of fun. Baseball practices, ice cream at I Scream U Scream, birthday dinners for Grammy and Aunt Megan, yard work at grandmas, lots of cleaning at home, several sleepovers with Grandma Jane, and Tanner had lots of friend time with Kamdan.

I am sad that it is over but it means that spring is here... and summer is getting close.

Valentine's Day

I really wanted to make Valentine's Day special this year so I decided to try and make the day as special as possible. Since it was a Monday we started off the same way as usual; getting everyone up and to school and Cole and I off to work. Once we were all home Cole and I surprised the kids with some cool Valentine's Day gifts.... he had them go upstairs so that I could set up their gifts. Little did I know that while they were up stairs they were getting my gift together. They came downstairs carrying flowers, chocolate and a Starbucks gift card... I was so excited! We hadn't planned on doing gifts for each other but Cole told me that Tanner was adamant that they get something for me. He has such a big heart! The kids were excited to see their gifts on the kitchen table... Tanner got a Nerf basketball hoop and ball and Peyton got a huge coloring book and glitter glue! They were both ecstatic...Cole did such a great job picking out presents. The kids played with their new toys and went through all their school Valentines. After gifts I started putting together our Valentines Day dinner... roasted chicked and lemon pasta with salad and pink 7-Up to drink! Jessy and little P were able to join us for dinner... as it was cooking we rolled out sugar cookie dough and made heart shaped cookies with pink frosting! It was so fun to spend the evening together and celebrate our love for each other. One of the best parts of the day was reading the Valentine's day card that Tanner had made for Peyton at school. Not only had he spent a lot of time coloring it and used his best handwriting but the letter he wrote melted my heart:

Dear Peyton,

I love you with all my heart. You have sparkle eyes. You look like a princess with your blonde hair. When I hug you I feel so warm and safe. Even though we get in a lot of fights I still love you!

Love, Tanner

I absolutely loved reading this... I am so happy that he cares so much for his little sister and I hope that is how they always are. What a great day... filled with love!

Sick Sick Sick

The last two weeks have been a roller coaster at our house... it started out last Monday when Tanner started crying about not feeling well. I automatically assumed that Tanner was feeling fine but just didn't want to go to school... I pressured him to get ready and eat breakfast and we headed out the door. The entire way to preschool Tanner sat in the backseat and cried... I realized when I got to preschool that he really wasn't feeling well. I took Peyton in and had Tanner "pretend" that he went into his room so that Peyton wouldn't be upset. We left daycare and I called Grandma Jane to see if she would spend the day with her oldest grandson. Ofcourse she said yes and we met at Starbucks to make the exchange. I felt as though he was probably a little sick but more than than I thought he just didn't want to go to school. Well.... I was wrong. He ended up spiking a fever that day and was very lethargic.

About half way through the day my phone rang and I got a call from Discovery that Peyton had a fever and was complaining of not feeling well. Cole went and picked her up and took her home for some Tylenol and a long nap. By the time I got Tanner picked up from Grandma's and got home we had two really miserable kids. Daddy was able to stay home with them on Tuesday and half day Wednesday... I spent the other half of Wednesday with them and then Grandpa Frank and I split Thursday. Grandma Jane volunteered for Friday and spent the day with them again. It took the entire week for them to get better... break their fevers and get re-energized. We were on the mend.... WRONG! Saturday when I went to Glenwood Peyton got another fever with Grandma Jane... this had been a week of off and on low grade fevers....

Sunday morning I took her to docs on call and sure enough she had an ear infection and a very red throat. I felt so bad.... I should have never have waited as long as I did. A few prescriptions later and a few more days of rest and we are finally on the mend.... I THINK. Tanner still has a really nasty cough and I probably should take him in too....

On top of all this Cole and I both ended up fighting off the same thing. It has been a long and exhausting two weeks! However I am very thankful that colds are all we are fighting off.. I know that our trials and tribulations could be much more difficult than a cold.... so I will take those coldsand be happy!