New Beginning

Jocie turns 13

2011-02-22T22:42:00.000-07:00

Today Jocie officially became a teen. She is such a beautiful young lady. She is so talented and beautiful. Happy Birthday Jocie

We do it as a team

2011-01-15T05:37:00.000-07:00

I am going to go back to a subject that I really believe in. I really truely and honestly believe that if we reherse the positive we will get just that. If we constanty reherse the negative that is what we will get as well. I have had a couple of really rough days and I want to share with you how I got on the possitive path I am on. I may not be seen as "mainstream" here in Utah but I still have a spirit as we all do that grows and learns along it's journey we call life. In the last few days I have seen tragedy turn into peace. People are there that truely care and only want the best for us to be happy , healthy and succed. There are those that need a large friendship circle filled with many people all very similar that seem to be all on the same ground. I choose to keep my circle open to new thoughts, ideas, loves, and gifts that we can all grow from and help eachother. It is hard to find very genuine people but when you do .... KEEP THEM! Serve them because it all comes back around.

So as most of you know that I love my CVR machine. It keeps me focused and on the path of personal empowerment and success. I remind you all of a fall that I took many months ago when my blood pressure dropped and I passed out and hit my head. I did need stitches, but felt there were other options. That info is in a previous post.

Well several days ago I started to get very lethargic, my appitite was decressing and a headache started behind my eyes. Within the next day I was in a full blown EDS attack. I was like a limp noodle. I had a very supportive team that was there for anything that me or my kids would needs. I slept and cried. The pain in my joints and muscles was so bad. I just tried to sleep through it and not move.

It finally became more than I could bear and I was taken to the ER. EDS is not usually a common thing seen by ER doctors so they spend some time looking it up. The Doctor asked me what he should do?..."Doctor that is what I am asking you for help with" Immediatly the narcodics were offered. I said " Doctor I am here in so much pain. I have been absolutly 100% clean of narcodics for pain for a YEAR. I have come to far to take a step backwards!" He was puzzled. I think most people come into the ER to get pain meds and I insisted there had to be a different way. I was not going to even entertain the thought of narcotics. After much research and thinking two VERY VERY big shots were given to me to help the inflamation in the joins and to help me sleep through the rest of the attack.

So if anyone out there doesn't think they can stay strong even in their weakest moments, I will happily introduce myself to them! I am proud of myself. The rehersal process that the CVR sessions have taught me are priceless.

Once again I proved to myself that anything is possible if you put your mind to it!!!!

I mentioned on my other blog that it feels embarassing that I have to wear stabilizing braces on many joints. My Daughter saw them and asked me why I wasn't wearing them. I told her I get embarressed somtimes when people look or ask me what is wrong. She then said "MOM WEAR THEM!!! THEY HELP YOU> PEOPLE AREN"T LOOKING AT THE BRACES, THEY ARE LOOKING AT YOU!

Change can be a good thing

2010-10-28T19:39:00.001-06:00

They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.
- Andy Warhol
Change your thoughts and you change your world.
- Norman Vincent Peale

Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me.
- Carol Burnett
In order to change we must be sick and tired of being sick and tired.
- Author unknown
Resolve to be a master of change rather than a victim of change.
- Brian Tracy
If you don't like something, change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it.
- Mary Engelbreit
Happiness comes of the capacity to feel deeply, to enjoy simply, to think freely, to risk life, to be needed
- Storm Jameson

2010-10-27T20:00:00.001-06:00

May this be a tribute to lifes lessons

2010-10-22T21:46:00.002-06:00

I was sent a text not long ago... In fact many texts, "That one day you will thank me for all of this" Since we do have the Constitution and freedom of speech therein, I feel the right to express myself.

So Thank you! May this be a tribute to the many text messages and emails

When I, thought I knew you
Thinking, that you were true
I guess I, I couldn't trust
'Cause your bluff time is up
'Cause I've had enough
You were, there by my side
Always, down for the ride
But your, joy ride just came down in flames
'Cause your greed sold me out of shame, mmhmm

After all of the stealing and cheating
You probably think that I hold resentment for you
But, uh uh, oh no, you're wrong
'Cause if it wasn't for all that you tried to do
I wouldn't know just how capable I am to pull through
So I wanna say thank you

'Cause it makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
It makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
Makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter

Oh, ohh

Never, saw it coming
All of, your backstabbing
Just so, you could cash in
On a good thing before I realized your game
I heard, you're going around
Playing, the victim now
But don't, even begin
Feeling I'm the one to blame
'Cause you dug your own grave, uh huh

After all of the fights and the lies
Yes you wanted to harm me but that won't work anymore
Uh, no more, oh no, it's over
'Cause if it wasn't for all of your torture
I wouldn't know how to be this way now, and never back down
So I wanna say thank you

'Cause it makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
Makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
It makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter

Where do I go from here?

2010-10-14T20:44:00.002-06:00

A lot is going on and a lot has changed. I find it incredibly sad how quickly people can act like they hate you. My mind swims at all that happens and I am really affected on how mean and nasty people can be.
I have always found that expressing myself in words has been very helpful. I will just say what is on my mind and really I am at the point in this misery that I just don't care if people are offended. I am really having such a mix of emotions and frankly I am really hurt.

The only way I know how to explain my first feeling is sadness. I sit in front of my computer holding back the tears for fear that my children or others will see my emotions. I am supposed to be made of stone and I feel like the tempered piece of glass that could shatter if touched. How am I supposed to feel when a family that claimed to love me has turned on me and now all believes total LIES!!! I thought that I had great relationships with these people come to find out that they would rather destroy me than love me. I actually worry about them and am genuinely concerned. They would never know because NO ONE has asked. All of the sudden I am the enemy. What ever happened to treating others the way you would want to be treated. No one has called. No one has text. They would never know because they are all so consumed with keeping their stories straight and making sure they are all on the same page that they would never know how I really was. Aren't we supposed to treat other like we would want to be treated. So Do they want me to call the police every time they turn around? Or never apologize for unkind treatment or disrespect? Or for casting judgment on a situation that they only hear one side of. THERE ARE ALWAYS TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY. There is always a lier and there is always someone telling the truth.

Aren't we supposed to act like Christan's as we claim we are? What ever happened to the phrase " What would Jesus do?" Do you have to follow a set of rules that others have designed for us even if it doesn't work for us? There are wonderful people in this world that don't all belong to the same church. It is possible and wonderful to have diversity and different opinions in our lives. I have always chosen to love the person for themselves and not try and mold them into the cookie cutter mold that makes all of the exactly the same sugar cookies comfortable. Who said that we all need to dress a certain way. Eat and drink the same . Do the "approved" activities, etc. That makes people so boring. I choose to be creative and design my own path of happiness. Not what someone say because it is their opinion and it works for them. It just might not work for me. Does that make it wrong? I darn well know that I am a good person and I have a lot to offer. It saddens me that the sugar cookies are trying to make me feel bad about wanting to be the chocolate chunk with the frosting and sprinkles. Heaven forbid I be unique.

My feelings are hurt that people are shallow and scared of what others will think of them. That even if they have an opinion they keep their mouths shut and never really let people see who they are or what they think. I have had a very close group of friends for many many years. Now they all support such disgusting behavior in fear that they would get in trouble or that their voice might be heard. How do they think it makes me feel knowing that they either don't give a crap about me now, are acting like they don't because they are scared, or are so incredibly selfish that they never really did???? WELL I HAVE FEELINGS TOO. APPARENTLY YOU DON'T CARE

I feel like the wolf being devoured by it's own pack. Because I left the pack I need to learn a lesson. So they have all banded together and are eating me alive and seem to be enjoying the taste of my blood as they all smile in their twisted victory. Well this wolf has nine lives and she WILL NOT LAY DOWN AND DIE!!!!! So go vegetarian and eat tofu.

Currently

2010-08-13T13:48:00.002-06:00

I have really gone back and forth alot whether or not to post on this blog. This was a family blog scrapbook for me. I used it to journal about life, family, and motherhood.Now all of that is being questioned.
I don't realy understand how a family that claims they loved me as one of their own would turn on me. All of the sudden I am looked at as the bad guy.
I have feelings too. I am a good mother. I have devoted my life to my children. Children that have blessed my life and inspire me.
What does a mother really do......

Well let's start at the begining.
WE GAVE BIRTH
we devote the first year of their lives night and day to nursing, nurturing, loving, feeding, changing, making scrapbooks, writing down all of the firsts.We spend our lives worrying and wanting to protect our children. We look out for them with every situation and problem they might have. We loose sleep. We watch them sleep. We comfort. We teach. We want nothing ut the best for our children and we will do what it takes to help guide and direct them in a positive way.

Even when I was sick I always made sure that the children were cared for and had what they needed. Never once did they go without what they needed. Now I feel like I am being put on display for all to see and judge.

What is expected from us mothers. So many things we do go completly unoticed.
I have been reading a book about motherhood and I found a page that I found very interesing. It talks about the expectations of mothers.
- be a good mom
- Prove to husband that I am a good mom
- Go back to work ASAP
- Go back to work after spending a year or two with the kids
- Stay hom and not go back to work
- Raise kids to be as perfect as possible
- Have smart kids
- make sure kids have good manners, obediant, well structed, and prepared for the real world
- Have fresh flowers in the house
- Be the kind of mother my mom was
- Feel lucky for all my options
- Have regular love life with husband
- Be the person I was before kids
- Make gifts for fathers day
- Deal with most, if not all baby duties
- Plan activities, classes, and play dates
- achieve balance
- have well adjusted, socializd kids
- look healthy and fit
- look sexy
- Be happy or look happy
- feel fulfilled
- be admired
- have it all
- spend quality time with kids
- spearhead household chores
- make all doctor and dentist appoinments
- garden
- maintain car
- oversee homework, go to confrences, and keep up on school activities
- buy birthday presents
- organize birthday parties
- write thank you notes
- decorate for holidays
- buy kids clothing and shoes
- pay bills
- throw dinner and holiday parties
- fix household things
- bathe kids
- brush kids teeth
- put kids to bed
- Arrange and manage child care
- pick up kids from school
- manage relationships and gatherings
- take care of pets
- make sure grandparents regularly see kids
- help friends with relaionship problems
- keep the house in order for drop in friends and guests
- help friends out with their kids

Well that is just a few of the things we as mothers feel expected to do.
Then when I have done all of these things and do more than this list all of the sudden I am being evaluated as a parent?

This is completly unfair and absolutly uncalled for. I have been nothing but a good mother. I learn from my own mother and other mothers constanly. I learn from my own father and other fathers. I learn from my own children and other children.

I 100% support my children. I have supported them in all aspects of their lives. I have enjoyed dance recitals, music lessons, soccar games, gymnastics meets and practices. I have peaked through windows at rehersals to catch a glimpse of my children. Watching them grow and progress and develop their talents. I have driven by their schools at lunch time to hopefully see them having fun on the playground at recess. I have honked and waved when they got excited to see my car.
Simple things that only other mothers understand.

I am very hurt and saddened by all of this. I love my children.

Update

2010-05-01T12:56:00.001-06:00

Since the phone and email are constantly going off and people are asking..."What is going on?" I will just say this. The Sipe's Journey is taking a different path. It is not happy and it needs to be fixed. So Please rest assured that everything will be fine in time. So no more worried phone calls and emails.

Poor Snakey

2010-03-30T22:48:00.001-06:00

We have had "Snaky" for about two years. I personally took a while to warm up to the idea of having a boa constrictor in our house, but I did. Sterling always had really strange and cool animals around his home growing up. I remember seeing his brother feed one of his own snakes and it broke my heart. But nature is nature! Rats are their for a reason. We usually have feed her frozen rats, but gave her a live rat this time. She had changed environments and apparently snakes can get stressed. She started to act really strange and we called our snake friends. Kara is my emotional snake helper LOL!(thanks Kara). I always tried to help in keeping her cage clean and happy.
Well this rat was EVIL!!!! It attacked her. Poor Snaky :-(
I went in and found that the rat had eaten holes in the snake. She was still alive. Poor thing...
Mason's heart was broken, but Sterling was great at explaining nature to him and that sometimes these things happen. Snaky was just weak and the rat ate her.
How strange that I didn't even realize that I really cared about a snake. Don't get me wrong... she freaked me out a little sometimes, but she still was Mason's pet.
So the rat was evil and Snaky is in Snake heaven now.
Sorry Snaky.
Sorry for the pictures, but Snaky needed a proper snake memorial.
I actually cried about a snake, but Snaky made Mason happy and that made me happy.

A Mother's Love

2010-03-26T01:32:00.000-06:00

A mother's love! What can compare with it! Of all things on earth, it comes nearest to divine love in heaven.

A mother's love means a life's devotion-and sometimes sacrifice-with but one thought, one hope and one feeling, that her children will grow up healthy and strong, free from evil habits and able to provide for themselves. Her sole wish is that they may do their part like men and women, avoid dangers and pitfalls, and when in dark hours come, trust in Providence to give them strength,patience and courage to bear up bravely.

Happy is the mother that when her heart's wish is answered,and happy are her sons and daughters when they can feel that they have contributed to her noble purpose, and in some measure, repaid her unceasing, unwavering love and devotion.

Happy 10th Birthday Mason

2010-03-26T00:49:00.001-06:00

Why God Made Mothers

God knew that everybody needs
Someone to show the way,
He knew that babies need someone
To care for them each day...
He knew they needed someone sweet
To soothe their their baby cries,
To teach them how to walk and talk,
And sing them lullabies...
That's why God made mothers

He knew small children need someone
To lend a guiding hand,
To answer all their questions
And to smile and understand,
Someone to read them storybooks,
To teach them wrong from right,
To show them wonderful new games,
And hear their prayers at night...
That's why God made mothers.

You are such a special boy. I am so proud you are my son. Thank you for the privilage of being your mother

Love,
Mom

Happy 74th Birthday Dad

2010-03-20T20:31:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday to the greatest dad ever! You are an inspiration to so many. You attitude is amazing. With all of your challenges you keep your head held high and still smile through it. I love you with all my heart and am so proud that you are my daddy.

Love people for who they are

2010-03-14T03:51:00.002-06:00

If I have learned anything in life it is this.... Never judge another. You never know where that person has been or what they have been through. Be a listening ear when needed and give uplifting advice if asked. Follow your heart. Be a good friend. Allow others to serve you. It might seem hard to let them serve you, but it blesses both of you. Be of service to others. You will be blessed also.

Moms get stuck with all the crap!

2010-03-11T16:10:00.005-07:00

So it is over 30 degrees today so I figure I will venture outside and clean up a little bit of winter. OH MY GOSH IT IS A WAR ZONE!!! The yard has melted and I see the aftershock of the quake of winter before me.
Mason and his friend are building a "hut" and Jocie and her friend are writing messages on the side walk with chalk. I figure all is OK... WRONG
2 dogs all winter.. one yard...snow has melted. Yes I am a trooper. I cleaned up bags and bags of that crap. LITERALLY.
Then I tackle the dog hair.
I go in the house to find Mason and his friend washing a gigantic piece of slate rock covered in mud in the bath tub.I had just hung the cleaned curtains that are now covered in mud. The carpet has mud on it, and they are trying to clean it up with disinfectant wipes.
I don't think I have ever asked for snow, but I am tired and I don't want to tackle any more crap! I need some great boy scout to need a project and come help me.

Moms are tough. We changed diapers. For years and years. Nothing phases us.

"But MOM that rock is now my most prized possession I have to keep it in my room"

Who are your heros

2010-03-09T00:07:00.004-07:00

Who do you gain strength from and why? I ask myself this question...Several people come to my mind for different reasons.I have been thinking about one a lot lately.
My father

Let me just put it this way. Have you ever known that person in your life that would literally do anything for you. Since my father's heart attack I am very protective of him. My father is that man that every man should aspire to be like. I find myself seeing things in him that are incredible.

I was given a violin when I was 9 years old. I love this instrument. I love the way it looks, the way it feels, but most of all I love that it was given to me. It was passed down to me from my father.

I am very free spirited but also very logical. After my fathers heart attack My violin was broken. I know that my father will not always be here, but that little piece of him will always be with me. I will always have it.

My husband always jokes that he fell in love with my dad before he fell in love with me. I can understand that... I have been in love with him my whole life. What a good man. What an honorable man. What a kind, giving, friendly, special person he is.

To many scares, to close together that I worry about him. I have no idea why I have had this on my mind so much lately, but you know what... this is my journal and I can express myself anyway I want.

Sleep

2010-03-05T13:52:00.002-07:00

Since I use the CVR everyday I have noticed several things. Things that might seem normal to someone else are HUGE to me. Imagine for years and years not sleeping for more than an hour at a time, and going for days and days without any sleep at all. My children beg me to put them on the CVR before bed. In fact they ask several times per day. Mason is sleeping completely through the night! I haven't heard any cries or "mom I need help" for several nights.
I slept from 9:30 pm-9:30 am last night. I woke one time in the night, but rehearsed the words that were spoken in the session I had listened to before going to bed. IT WORKED!!! I fell back asleep and awoke refreshed.
When you deal with chronic pain, you also get insomnia, anxiety, and depression. As I am going through this process I feel like I am getting back my life. A life I have never experienced fully before. I haven't felt like this EVER! On the outside most people would never know that I was crumbling inside. I don't feel that way. I can never go without this system. It is now the power tool for my home.

Happy Birthday Jocie

2010-03-01T22:46:00.000-07:00

Jocie had a fun sleepover 12Th birthday with really fun girls. There was a lot of laughing, giggling, and barely any sleep. I had to remind the girls that three of them had a dance competition the next day. I am glad they had a fun time. Happy Birthday Jocie

Jocie went into young womens

2010-03-01T21:49:00.000-07:00

As Jocie's mom I got to introduce her into young women's on Sunday. There are three Jocelyn's so fortunately she goes by the name of Jocie most of the time. She was happy and it is exciting to see her growing into a lady.

Amazing Experiance

2010-03-01T16:31:00.003-07:00

I know that God puts people in our path at the right time for the right reasons. I had an amazing experience today that for the first time in so many years, I have hope. I have lived with chronic pain for all of my life that I just figured that that was how it would be. I randomly went to a salon and met a man that said that he had a system that could help. I try to remain positive and outgoing. So I thought that I would give it a try. As most of you know, I have been in serious opiate withdrawal for about a month. It has been very challenging, but I continue to read, educate myself, and keep a positive frame of mind. I really feel like I have learned that from my father. To see all of his struggles, he gives me strength.
So I go into the salon and they wrap me in infrared blankets and put earphones and dark glasses on me. The room is calm and soothing. I close my eyes and see small blinking lights in the corners of my eyes. I hear the most beautiful voice and music with inspiring words. I realized that I was crying. I followed all of the directions and felt the most peaceful feeling I have ever felt. I read a lot, and try to always enlighten my spirit with good things. At times I slip but I try to get right back up. This was an experience that I feel hard to explain. All I can say is this.... I felt hope. Our brains are so powerful that we can train them to be our strongest healer. If you have questions about this please email me. As I sit and think about this experience today I tear up. It was beautiful and inspiring.

The new blog updates for Alyssa and Mason

2010-02-25T21:22:00.002-07:00

I am creating a blog so that those of you that have wondered what has been going on, and why I might have apeared to be so distant. This blog will explain my personal thoughts as well as give information on the studying that I am doing regarding Ehler Dan-Los syndrome. I am finding strength in a difficult time through many ways. If you are interested in understanding more please click the link at the top of your family blog. There is also a lot of really helpful and interesting information if you search Ehler Danlos Syndrome on youtube. I will continue to update and get back on track with family updated and exciting events. I have so many people ask questions about EDS so I thought that I would create a blog to help people better understand and continue to increase my knowledge on the subject.

Some Catching up to do

2010-02-23T22:01:00.002-07:00

I know that it might seem like I have dropped off the face of the planet, but for a while I sort of did. I will take some time soon to catch people up on all of the wonderful family updates.
I also will be starting a personal blog. I feel it is important that people understand why I have been so distant. I will post that link soon.

Attitude is EVERYTHING be HAPPY

Jocie

2009-09-16T18:03:00.002-06:00

So Jocie is blooming in her love for dance. She has started Center Stage, and dances everyday for about 4 hours. It is exhausting I am sure. She has got to come up with a plan to help pay for this wonderful experience. She thought she would make a flier and give it to our family. She wants this so bad it is awesome! I see what my parents did now to put me through so many music lessons, camps, teacher, ect. Exhausting. Bless Sterling's heart for being such a good man and doing all of this. I feel like a useless slug half the time. It kind of stinks when you start to feel better ( you think). If anyone needs a cute blonde dancer to pick weeds, babysit, pick up dog poo, LOL! IDK, she'll do it! hey a dollar is a dollar right.

Honestly....

2009-09-16T18:01:00.000-06:00

So when you think you have it all together , somehow life throws a curve ball right at your forehead. I don't know...

Hard Adjustment

2009-08-04T14:27:00.002-06:00

I am finding this move emotionally harder than I had thought that it would be. I miss my friends. I miss my kids friends. I miss all of the busy crazy activity that always buzzed around our home. I miss Mason, Tallon and Jordan playing games and running through the house. I miss Jocie, Mckennah, Taylor and Morgan making creations in the kitchen and doing their nails in the back yard. I miss Elizabeth randomly stopping by to see how I am and talking to me. I miss the treats from Angie and our fun talks. I miss the neighbor kids stopping by asking if they could have something to eat.

Our first week in our new ward was great, and really hard at the same time. It is so fun having my in-laws around the corner. They are in our ward. The door rang bright and early and it was Claudia with her sweet voice asking if the kids were ready. We sat with them. All three meeting I had to keep taking deep breath to keep from crying. I never realized how attached I was to the people in my old ward. All of the sounds, kids crying, the people you know are going to get up and walk out with their kids, ect. Sterling was right at home. After all he was raised in this ward. But I felt very odd. I always seem to feel odd where ever I go, so maybe that is something I will have to figure out.

So all in all.... I am happy we are in Orem. I do know that we should be here. It is a great situation. I just feel a little out of place and don't quite know where I fit in. It will take me a while.

Even though I am a fairly quiet reserved person, I still miss all of my outgoing friendly neighbors. All of the little things I was so used to everyday, I really do miss.

We Moved

2009-07-21T15:30:00.002-06:00

Well it kind of happened a little sooner than we had planned.... But we moved to Orem. I know there are some very good friends and neighbors that feel like we are moving to China, but it is only Orem. I thought we would be moving around the first of August, but we moved the middle of July. The house became available sooner and we thought it would be good for our kids to have a chance to feel settled a little more before starting their new school. The house is just my style. It is older and full of character and charm. It is really big. At least for us. We have been living in 3000 sq ft. with only 1500 finished for 8 years. This house is all finished and is 3900 sq ft. I see a big project but I see a lot of fun. We have plenty of bedrooms and bathrooms and room to grow. It is in the perfect location. Sterling family lives around the corner and my sister Dottie live just a few blocks the other direction. I actually have a laundry room I can work in and a kitchen I can cook in. Now there are no excuses... I have got to cook. The medication that took away my appetite is gone and I finally can taste food again. I feel rather weak, but that is normal. I had just better get my buns back over to the gym and kill this pain and get me some energy and strength! I walked in our Spanish Fork house today and looked around. The only reason I was so attached to it was because of what was in it. Well all of those precious people are in a house in Orem now, and it is going to be home.
I will miss the youth in our ward so much. These kids are great. We feel so blessed that we were able to be a part of their lives for so long. Our friends are great here.

Just remember that we are always friends. Orem or Spanish Fork. That should not matter. We still have cell phones and email addresses. Now we have more room to hang out. So don't forget to call and write and stop bye anytime.

Mother's Day

2009-05-14T17:33:00.000-06:00

Mother's day is everyday. Not just one day out of a year. With kids like this and a cutie pie husband, it seems like everyday is mothers day. I admit that sometimes there is screaming and yelling about silly things. But kids are kids and there has to be at least one breakdown a day. LOL!!! Sterling makes his famous french toast, and he writes me the best cards ever! I have every card he has ever written me back to high school. Jocie and Mason always do just the right thing. Straight from the heart. Little Mason goes to the neighbor having a yard sale and uses his own coins to get me the cutest surprises. He made me magnets also. Jocie wrote me the cutest poem, and Sterling bought me beautiful flowers. Zoie the dog ate them the next day. She is awful!!! They were beautiful :( I do love mothers day. Family is beautiful.

Go Airtime Boys Team

2009-05-12T20:00:00.000-06:00

It was a fun season for Mason and his team. One of them made it to regionals. GO JARED! He took our very own coach Shane as support. Mason loves gymnastics. It is fun to watch him learn and grow and find confidence in himself. He is always so proud when he achieves a new goal. How fun to see the boys in the news paper. Keep up the good work. We are proud of you.

You are the worst mother in the world

2009-05-06T14:45:00.002-06:00

Exhibit A ... Chocolate cake and soup

OK OK... So I might not love cooking, and find times where I forget about food altogether, but come on.. Yesterday seemed to be the grumpiest day out of my children I have ever seen. All day " MOM WE ARE SO HUNGRY. THERE IS NO FOOD IN THIS HOUSE. " Now please do not judge me on my cleanliness of the fridge, but on the items found in it. Mason was starving the entire day. I had made soup, peaches, pears, cake, top roman, celery and peanut butter, apples, oranges, scrambled eggs, sausage etc. These were the words I heard about 300 times.

"YOU ARE THE WORST MOTHER IN THE WORLD. IT IS YOUR JOB TO FEED US. JUST BECAUSE YOU DON"T EAT DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULD STARVE YOUR CHILDREN!"

So two little people went off to bed grounded for the week and banished to their rooms. Looks like you are going to enjoy our jail cell meals children. I am just kidding!

Exhibit B... A Fridge. I understand there are not many items to choose from but give me a brake. MAKE A SALAD!!!!

Exhibit C... A pantry WHAT IS THIS IS THAT FOOD? ARE MY EYES PLAYING TRICKS ON ME?

Exhibit D... Baskets of fruit

Off to your prison cells children. You are banished!

Follow my favorite inspiration

2009-05-05T15:36:00.004-06:00

Lately things are changing. That is something exciting and something scary all wrapped up in one. When your world is changing it doesn't necessarily mean it is bad. It is just different. I have my favorite inspirational quote on my fridge, by my bed, in my journal, downstairs and in my office. I read it multiple times per day. I am finding it very helpful. I tend to be the kind of person that loves change but I find myself emotionally attached to objects. But things like houses I have a hard time with. It is even hard for me the times I have been back to where I grew up, to see my childhood home. Even though I know I don't live there, it is like those people are living in my memories. It is as if they are changing them. In reality they are creating there own and I take with me what I have in my heart. Where ever this journey may take us at the moment, no matter where... Home is where you make it as a family. The only thing that matters, even if you live in a barn, are the people inside. They are who your memories are made with. They are love. Those friends you make along your journey become some of your best. Some even soul mates. You grow together and learn together. So even though my favorite inspirational thought is already here for you to read, I will put it here again. I need to put these words into action.

Allow Your Own Inner Light to Guide YouThere comes a time when you must stand alone.You must feel confident enough within yourself to follow your own dreams.You must be willing to make sacrifices.You must be capable of changing and rearranging your priorities so that your final goal can be achieved.Sometimes, familiarity and comfort need to be challenged.There are times when you must take a few extra chances and create your own realities.Be strong enough to at least try to make your life better.Be confident enough that you won't settle for a compromise just to get by.Appreciate yourself by allowing yourself the opportunities to grow, develop, and find your true sense of purpose in this life.Don't stand in someone else's shadow when it's your sunlight that should lead the way.

2009-04-30T09:07:00.001-06:00

I think this is a great quote for today.
"Live life fully while you're here. Experience everything.Take care of yourself and your friends.Have fun, be crazy, be weird. Go out and screw up!You're going to anyway, so you might as well enjoy the process.Take the opportunity to learn from your mistakes:find the cause of your problem and eliminate it.Don't try to be perfect;just be an excellent example of being human."
- Anthony Robbins

Have a great day. I sure will.

- Alyssa

Who wins the practical joke war? You pick

2009-04-28T12:10:00.000-06:00

Sterling and I are always playing jokes on each other. Always something to give you a fresh heart attack around here :) So if you remember my joke a while back where we made cookies and had extra batter... you know the poop cookies in the bed. I thought I did a great job. Those things were very convincing and then when I ate one you should have seen the look on his face. Priceless!!! Well he got me back. Yes that is our boa constrictor "Snakey" HE PUT HER IN OUR BED!!! She is real. Not a toy. Holy Cow!
Sterling VS Alyssa..... you choose

mom we are bored can we go swimming?

2009-04-28T11:32:00.001-06:00

Since mother nature is in a really bad mood lately here in Utah and she can't decide if she likes winter or spring, we improvise around here. When kids see the sun they automatically think SWIMMIMG! They forget that it is 30 degrees. OK kids grab your suites and the dog and a can of shaving cream. Have fun! So they wash the dog, and draw lovely shaving cream pictures.
Dear Mother Nature,
We are really cold here in Utah. You are confusing all of us. One day it is snowing then the next flowers are blooming. It hurts our bones. Will you Please pick a season and stick with it. Thanks We would really appreciate it.

My funny days......

2009-04-28T11:21:00.000-06:00

Well I see it like this..... my day starts at 4 am. I am kindly greeted by Pam at the gym and off with Shane to do our work out. There is a group of people at the gym that are absolutely hilarious! I can even get some visiting teaching in on the elliptical if I catch Annette at the right time. LOL! Oh and by the way I own the exact same shirt in every color. so chances are if you see me I will have a new color for every day. I just always write about our family, and the kids, and don't stop to think about me. So here it is folks. I wear the same outfit (in a different color) everyday, wear no make-up, and now that i cut my hair, have a little tiny pony tail.

BUT SOMETIMES..... you get to go to classic skating with the kids and have fun acting like you are ten. I have to laugh at myself. I have a great life.

Happy Birthday Taylor

2009-04-17T11:46:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to our super cute friend Taylor. We had the greatest time at Classic Skating. They had the DJ room and Shane was jamin' out the hits for the ladies. They were so cute looking at ever boy that skated by. We all danced, ate tons of pizza and cake, and had a great time. Thanks for having us at your party Taylor. It was super fun.

Beautiful Little Dancers

2009-04-11T20:09:00.005-06:00

The three amigos Jocie, McKenennah and Taylor had a great time at their dance competition.

Swimming and sleepovers and lots and lots of dancing .

We ran from gym to stage to see all of their dances. Mckennah did the cutest solo.

Jocie's team took first place in their lyrical dance. We are so proud of all of you beautiful dancers.

Happy Birthday Mason 3/25/09

2009-04-01T13:57:00.000-06:00

Mason is a tender and loving little man. We love you Mason! Time is going so fast. You are 9.

M - makes me smile
A - ambitious
S - Spiritual
O- optimistic
N - nice to everyone

Mason is a special spirit in our home. He is not a morning person, but definitely entertaining. He is a romantic. He will hear a song and start dancing with me. He always wants to hug and love you. He loves gymnastics. He loves to play outside and jump on the trampoline. I love that his eyes smile. He cares about other people and their feelings. We are blessed to have him as our son.

Dance Competition

2009-03-31T18:51:00.000-06:00

We had such a fun time watching all of the dances for the competition. Since gymnastics competition season is over, now it is Jocie's turn. Every day she works so hard. All of these girls are in our neighborhood. They all did a wonderful job. Esprit De Corps took first and second in Jocie's division. You can tell they gave it there all and love what they are doing. We are so proud of McKennah... She did a solo and got second place. Way to go girl! It is so fun to watch your kids and their friends doing something that they love and really put all of their heart in. We are proud of all of you girls.

totally tired

2009-03-20T17:10:00.002-06:00

So I am always tired and feel like crap. Hopefully the sun will stay out just a little longer. There is nothing this time of year that makes me happier than some sun. I feel like the monster of the messy house is winning and completely taking over! It is like the storm of toys, shoes, everything has piled up because of all of the days I feel useless. The other issue that is really getting to me is food. I mean really... who wants to eat when everything tastes like metal. I have absolutely no desire to eat, but know that I need to. I even resorted to getting blueberry protein bars. They are actually metal flavored protein bars I come to find out. So I need 3 ingredient meals people. I have to feed my family. Quick, easy, and something I can do. I hate cooking. So help a sister out ladies and throw me some ideas.

What a few weeks we have had

2009-03-20T12:52:00.003-06:00

The mystery of the bruises. Where do they come from... nobody knows

Well we have had quite a few weeks of interesting events around our house. First I start getting sick, and being the very private person I am I do not reveal this to many. So most people just think I am obsessed with the gym and am loosing a lot of weight. That is not the case at all. I'll just let you friends and family know that as I am getting older ( yuck I hate getting older ) that a condition that I was born with called Ehlor Dan-Los Syndrome is getting worse. So we are in and out of Doctors offices trying to find the best treatments for me, one of which is exercise so my body stays moving. It's a fun word, try "GOOGLE" you can learn a lot. It is interesting. Then there is Sterling.... OH Sterling, you silly boy. So he was spending a little time with Mason on the tramp, while I was inside preparing Jocie for the dance she was performing in the Miss Spanish Fork pageant. I hear the laughter, see then jumping. Then I see Sterling doing flips. Mason runs into the house, To support our little gymnast I walk out to watch daddy do his back flip. Oh he did it all right. He also landed breaking his foot in 2 places, hyper extending his knee, and spraining his ankle. Good trick Babe! So he falls down trying to keep his language appropriate for the kids, but obviously in some serious pain. I run to the tramp and look at his ankle and foot. HUGE! Totally swollen, black and blue. This is not good! I get my neighbor. Sterling tells me it's just a sprain and to go to the dance recital. When I get the call it was definitely not just a sprain. We go see the specialist 2 days later because of the weekend. He resets the bones. I thought Sterling was going to punch him in the face for sure!!! He went in the next dayand nowhas a very large Home Depot Looking screw in his foot to hold it together. So our family has been through the emotional blender this week. I think we need a vacation when this is all done.

Inspirational Thought

2009-03-09T09:36:00.004-06:00

I love anything optimistic and fills me with inspiration. I post things all over my house, mirrors, walls, doors... anywhere. This is one of my favorites

"Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it."

- Groucho Marx

Love lives

2009-03-08T22:53:00.004-06:00

Sometimes I just randomly can't stop thinking about Sterling. He is so handsom, works so hard for our family, and is there for anyone that needs him. I am a lucky lady to have him as my husband. I get excited when I think that I get to spend eternity with him.

I love you forever and ever. You are my prince charming.

Fun family dinner

2009-03-08T22:38:00.001-06:00

We love to spend time together as a family. Sometimes Jocie and Mason can't figure out if they love each other but in the end they are buddies.

We love when Uncle Shane comes. He brings sunshine. Our kids have adopted him as their Uncle Shane. We love him and are glad he is a part of our family.

Mason is working on his manners, but hasn't quite mastered the concept yet.

Boys and Huts

2009-03-08T22:28:00.000-06:00

There is a room in my house that I choose not to try to win the battle. LOL!!! It is "snakey's" room. She is a lovely 2 1/2 year old boa constrictor that has taken over our extra room. So what ever happens in there i just close the door. Mason and Tallon asked Shane if he would help them build a "hut". They told me I had to leave because this was a boy thing. Well a few sticks, blankets, and air mattresses later we have a castle. Mason sat in the hut for hours playing games and insisted on sleeping in the hut. Right next to "snakey" the boa constrictor. Boys will be boys.

thought for the day

2009-03-05T16:16:00.002-07:00

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. And today? Today is a gift. That's why we call it the present.

- Babatunde Olatunji

Girls just wanna have fun

2009-02-28T21:45:00.000-07:00

Since our little girl is now becoming a little lady she decided a "girls night out" would be the best idea. So she just had two of her best girlfriends spend the night. I have not had that much fun in the longest time. Mason was at gymnastics from 4pm-10pm, so we decided to go to Classic Skating. I tried to give them their space and just sit in the corner and watch. It brought me back to the days when I would go to "Golden Skate" with my friends in Jr. High. The boys went gaga and all the girls snowballed with the goofy boys. They made Jocie stand in the middle of the rink and sing happy birthday to her with a spot light on her. She was a trooper. When we got home we got Mason and Uncle Shane and moved all of the furniture. Since the girls are all in a dance competition coming up soon they all did their dances. We made up dances and had such a fun time. We ate anything we could dip into our chocolate fountain and acted like silly kids.

Girls just wanna have fun ( and Mason, but he fell asleep LOL! Long day at the gym for him)

We love Uncle Shane. He has great dance moves.

McKennah you go girl! She was off to snowball with a cute boy.

mom tried to cook bad idea!

2009-02-28T21:22:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid my mom made cracked wheat cereal all the time. We loved it. It was healthy and warm. We would put brown sugar and milk on it and eat it for days. So I thought that my family would love a good healthy breakfast. I called my mom and asked her how to make it in the crock pot. So all night I cook this stuff. I wake up and have a delicious bowl. Then the troops wake up. I don't think I have ever made something that made us all laugh so hard. They took the first bite and I think the expressions on their faces say enough.

Jocie actually finished the whole bowl. Mason saw it and BOLTED as fast as lightning to school. He wouldn't touch it with a ten foot poll.

I personally love this stuff. I did it just like my mom did and I think it is great. I guess they can just eat cheerios.

Going to miss these kids!

2009-02-26T14:44:00.003-07:00

Alex.... super smart ! Aways willing to help, and smiles at you when you need it.

Even though we are finishing the basement there was still lots of fun down there. Gage and Riley in the championship :)

Tanner and Kyler. Goofballs but really fun kids.

Sorry I don't have pictures of you all. You are special kids. Be nice to your new teachers.

Well I guess it was time, but I wish it was longer. Sterling and I have been teaching ( well Sterling teaches and I take the roll) Sunday school at church. We have had these kids since they were 12 and 13. Now some of them are married and leaving for missions. I have grown very attached to their special personalities. I loved that hour we got to spend with them. You get to know their parents and really establish a trust. One Sunday Alex made us the cutest plate of brownies. She saw Mason on the trampoline and handed them over. She wrote that we were the best teachers ever. That little note meant so much I kept it in my journal. I have seen the smallest of testimonies grow into very strong members of the church. I love when they randomly knock on our door and want to chat or need a sandwich. When they said that they were releasing us I couldn't even go back in the room. I had to go to the car and cry. Not only are they the best group of kids ever, I love the hour I get to listen to Sterling teach. He is such a spiritually Strong person. I have learned so much in these years. Thanks kids! You mean so much to Sterling and I. You are like our extra 30 kids. I'll make you homemade brownies anytime you want them.

Happy Birthday Jocie

2009-02-22T23:10:00.003-07:00

Today Jocie turned 11. She is the most beautiful, wonderful, friendly, happiest, kind spiritual girl in our lives. She brings joy to our home and a beautiful spirit. We look at her and see beautiful talents, and a special heart. She has so much potential. She loves to dance and being active and busy. We are proud to call Jocie our daughter. She is growing up so fast. The time is flying by. I still remember the look on Sterling's face when he held her for the first time. We knew our lives were changed forever. She has brought us so much joy and happiness we could not imagine our world without her.
J - Joyful
O - optimistic
C - Caring
E - energetic
L - Loving and full of laughter
Y - Yes, to do good, yes to be a friend, yes to serve
N - Nice and fun

Things that make moms CRAZY!!!

2009-02-17T20:05:00.000-07:00

While yes, I do realize children are children and messes do occur, I am kind of a clean freak. I feel like when things are not clean and orderly around me I go nuts. So I completely broke down the other day and started to take pictures. WOW!!! This is a job for Super Nanny. Where is she when I am sitting in the office trying to get some work done. Where is Nanny Jo to cook the meals and wipe down all of the sticky hand prints. Now we are talking 2 kids. Only 2. Great kids don't get me wrong, but do not like to clean. It is partially my fault because I do not go into the basement where they sleep. At least not very often. It takes me all day to clean up the dang dog hair upstairs, let a lone make it down stairs. So I just have to laugh at this point. It is winter. All of us feel cooped up, and the ones of us who have an outdoor dog are really feeling it. It is like a blanket of white hair covers everything. Plus it is tax time. So if you see me I will probably be in gym clothes and a ponytail. That seems to be my mental sanity time. LOL!!!

The gift that keeps on giving from Zoie the dog all winter long! She really loves to sneak into to beds while we are sleeping. I just love the laundry mat. So many exciting things to do while you wait for 3 hours washing oversized bedding.

"Oh yah mom I totally put that away"

Jocie

2009-02-05T18:37:00.000-07:00

Jocie's cover is having some trouble. I don't know why random pictures of me and Sterling keep appearing. Oh well. It is a work in progress.

Mason

2009-02-05T18:26:00.000-07:00

Mason is such a fun kid. Just making scrap book covers.

Our life always expresses the result of our dominent thoughts - Soren Kierkegaard

2009-02-02T11:45:00.002-07:00

We need to be aware of what we think - for as we think, we are. Our minds are like extremely powerful magnets pulling the reality of our lives into place. Whatever the dominant thoughts may be, they in effect create the quality of our day-by-day living.If we allow our thoughts to be consumed with the fearful, negative, and defeatist ghost of the past, then we have decided what our present shall be since our thoughts determine our reality.

Attitude

EVERYTHING...

Be Happy

New Hair

2009-02-02T11:04:00.000-07:00

I know people love long hair, but I have had it long enough. It was time for some change. It probably would have been a good idea if I told Sterling I was cutting it. I told him it was a trim. Yeah.... like an 18 inch trim. OOPS! He likes it. I think he was just a little shocked. I always do crazy hair things. I am a gypsy at heart.

Once I accept things as they are I can create things as they might be - Mike O.

2009-01-25T23:54:00.002-07:00

Nothing so ties us to the past as regret. Think about it. It is almost impossible to venture forth while facing backward.
But today's reality is what we must accept and work with. What was is gone. All we can do in the here and now is to accept it as it is without rage or blame, without regret or resentment. All the voting has already been done that made today be what today is.
Ah, but the future! Tomorrow! That's quite a different matter. Today we vote for what tomorrow will be. Today's seeds are tomorrow's harvest, today's struggle is tomorrow's victory.
When we accept today as it is without regret, we shuck off the terrible burden of self-pity with all its "shoulds", "if onlys", and "what ifs". A thousand "ifs" don't equal a single "is". When we build on accepted reality, we build on solid rock.

Mason got 1st place

2009-01-20T15:27:00.004-07:00

We had a great time watching Mason at his gymnastics meet this past Saturday. It is really fun to see him interact with his team and coaches. He loves gymnastics. He thinks the world of Coach Shane and Coach Sam. He says that his favorite event is the rings. He did a great job! As they called all the kids names to come and get their ribbons, they called Mason's name for the 1st place trophy in the "all around" category. He stood on that stand so proud. Gymnastics is so good for him. It really builds his confidence and teaches him about team work. We are so proud of you Mason!!!

Tagged

2009-01-10T19:18:00.003-07:00

I just got tagged....
10 years ago I was....

1. Married and living in an apartment.

2. Had my first baby Jocie

3.working to help so Sterling could be in school

5 things on today's "to-do" list.... ( I already did them all so this is what I did today)

1.went to the gym twice today

2.did all the laundry

3.cleaned the floors

4.cleaned the inside of the car

5. Made dinner and am currently going crazy with the level of noise in my house!

5 things I would do if I were a millionaire.....

1.Invest

2. pay off all debts

3. college funds for the kids and a mission fund for Mason

4. expand my business, and Sterling's business

5. take a trip to Italy

5 places I have lived..... ( only have 4)

1. Pleasanton California

2. Orem Utah

3. Mapleton Utah

4. Spanish Fork Utah

5 jobs I have had....

1. Upper crust Pizza ( first job)

2. Western Watts ( every teenager works there )

3.Merry Maids

4. Pizza Factory waitress Loved that job!

5. Furniture refinishing and interiors. Love this. This is what I was meant to do

I won't tag anyone. You can just read about my groovy life :)

30 days to make a habit

2009-01-10T14:23:00.002-07:00

So I challenged myself to establish good habits. My first was TV. I challenged myself to not turn it on for 30 days. Except the music channels. Those are my company during the day. Well I did it. Now I really don't care to watch TV. I would rather read. Then I challenged myself to wake up at 4 am and hit the gym until 7 am at least 5 days a week. With the help of the best work out buddy. I did it! Now I automatically wake up at 4 am. Love it! My next habit is LAUNDRY. For the next 30 days I am going to try to establish a habit to not let laundry build up. I hate laundry and really need to tackle this one. Might seem like a silly thing but it is big to me.

It's COLD!!!!!!

2009-01-05T06:49:00.002-07:00

This morning as I got up at my usual 4 am, I threw on my gym clothes and head out the door. WHAT IS GOING ON??? Do we live in Antarctica? Our street is swirling with snow. My ears go numb, then hands, then the pain of my arthritis hits me like a brick. I back the car out to quickly find I am stuck in a mountain of snow. Oh my goodness it is cold. I quickly get inside, put on a snow suit and hat and jump into bed. Gloves and all. I do not do cold weather very well. I think next year I need a ticket to a sunny destination January 1st. It is 4 degrees. That should be illegal!

He's on his way Home

2009-01-02T14:22:00.002-07:00

I am so excited. Robbie is on his way home. Elder Robbie Jones is on his way home from Mexico. My sister Dottie, Mike and Holly went to Mexico to pick him up. He called this morning and I thought it was a prank call. It will be so fun to see him. He is such a fun person. We get a long like 2 peas in a pod.

Resolutions

2009-01-01T18:36:00.003-07:00

It is funny how when New Years day rolls around we give ourselves this huge list of things that we want to improve on or accomplish in the year to come. Some logically obtainable goals. Most completely over the top, completely not going to happen in a million years, types of things. Each year I do give myself goals, and things I want to improve on. One of my personal goals was to learn more about my self. Become the person I really want to be and be proud to be her. I have struggled with myself for so long, but realize at this point in my life that it is time to take care and learn about me. I tend to be more of a quiet person. I like to sit back and take in all the action, but not be in the spot light. So as I am thinking about this and the list that I put together for myself... Did I keep my resolutions for last year. How can I improve on them in the year to come? You might remember a while ago I had a list of things that I wanted to improve on. A few of the things were these. 1. Be a better wife
2. Be a better mother
3. make a new friend /improve on my existing friendships (my hardest resolution... I thought)
I feel like Sterling and I are at a whole different place in our lives now. We might be up down side ways and backwards sometimes, but we definitely love each other. Together we are a team. Our children are growing so fast. I love being involved in what they love. I am so proud of them for what they do. They try really hard and do their best. They are good children. They are kind and honest and bring a sweet spirit into our home. When I stated that I wanted to improve my existing friendships, and make a new friend, I thought... OK how am I going to do that? Most people would know that I am kind of a "stay to herself" kind of girl. I have a few really good friends. I would rather have a few really good friends than 100 people that don't care. I didn't set out to do this consciously everyday, but hoped that if the opportunity came I would see it. I won't list their names, but they know who they are. I thought this would be my hardest resolution. To make a new friend and to improve on my existing friendships. I love when my " funny friend", "E" calls me panicking because spray paint is all over the kitchen, and knows that I can help. I love babysitting her kids and playing hide and seek. I love all of the random phone calls at the funniest times that say, I love you and am thinking about you. "S"... you are one of my oldest and dearest friends. You are always there when I need to talk. You always know exactly what to say. I love watching old 80's movies with you and talking for hours. We are like sisters. Last but not least "SS". You are my new friend. A friendship that fell into my lap, and I am grateful I have. I am so glad I got the opportunity to get to know you. I feel like we have been friends forever. You have become like family.

So for this year I am not going to make "New Years Resolutions". I am going to just be me and be happy.

Good Sports

2008-12-18T10:36:00.003-07:00

Jocie and Mason are good sports. We were invited to go play some games, see friends and sit on Santa's lap. As a mom you want your kids to believe in Santa for as long as possible. We do everything we can to keep the secret and the story of Santa alive. Sterling and I still will not say a word. Well Jocie, the old soul she is, was a good sport. She told Mason, " come on buddy let's just do this so mom can get her picture", as she is smiling and gritting her teeth. On the other hand I think this is officially our last Santa year for Mason. He told me this... " Seriously mom, this is not the real Santa, you know they rent these guys off the web".

Just a little sad

2008-12-18T08:25:00.002-07:00

So I have been so busy and so overwhelmed these past few weeks. I could really use a 40 hour day. The holidays, work, family, house, cars, and just life in general really sneak up on you sometimes. Our kids left for Arizona to go to the baptism for their cousin. I am glad that they went but I miss them the second that they are gone. I for one love routine. I like waking up at 4am, going to the gym, home by 7am, get kids up. They are cute and friendly. I love our little talks over breakfast. 8:15 kids off to school and I get to work. The day is filled with gymnastics, dance, scouts, achievement days, homework and many other things. Even though it is hectic, I love it! I have a very busy schedule this weekend. One day at a time. That is the best I can do.

Daddy will you hold me...

2008-12-07T14:52:00.004-07:00

I know that I am a cheesy mom and I record about every second of my kids lives, but that is what I love. This morning Jocie had a sick tummy. She crawled into Sterling's arms. "Daddy will you hold me?" I have to tell you even as an adult I still love to randomly show up at my parents house and give my dad a big hug. I know I go on and on sometimes about Sterling, but he really is a great dad. Jocie and Mason are such wonderful children. I just love when I get to sneak and capture moments that touch me and bring back tender moments I had with my own dad and see Jocie having with hers.

Thoughts of Thanks

2008-11-25T16:58:00.002-07:00

As I have been working today I find myself now sitting in thought. A lot has gone through my mind today. We had a beautiful lesson on Thanksgiving last night for family night. During that lesson my brother-in-law told us a story that really got me thinking. What are we truly grateful for... of course we are greatful for all of the things we have and probably take for granted each day. A home, clothes, food, ect... Then my mother in law said "but look around this room" this is an eternal family. For that I am truly greatful. So many things have happened in our lives and continue to happen each day. Some challenges, some exciting. It all depends on how we look at it. Our challenges can become our biggest strengths if we allow ourselves to learn and grow from them. I have seen and felt heart ache and felt joy. Experienced some very emotional things as well in my life. As I reflect on this year I think about many things. Many things I took for granted and now find to be some of the most important aspects of my life. I have a wonderful family. I have wonderful friends. I am greatful for all of the things that each and every person brings into my life. For that I feel truly blessed.

It makes me want to marry you all over again

2008-11-22T11:31:00.005-07:00

Both Jenny's brothers are on missions. So they had the funniest cut outs of them so they were still in the line.

Jocie and Mason loved their "jobs" as book signing girl, and present arranging boy

Yesterday we had the privilege of attending the wedding of my niece Jenny and her new husband Tanner. What a wonderful feeling to be in that room and to hear those words. The look on their faces were so happy and peaceful. I know that they will have a beautiful life together. Jenny is one of my very favorite people so it will be hard to have her move away. I love our talks and fun times together. I have to say Tanner is perfect for her! What a gentleman. He comes from a family of all girls so he defiantly knows how to treat a lady. At the lunch after the ceremony I got to play a duet with a very talented cello player Elliot. We played "Over the Rainbow". It was so nice. The reception was so beautiful and elegant. I just love weddings. I love seeing the bright smiles on everyones faces and the happiness that fills the room. It makes me think about my own marriage and the excitement I have for Jenny and Tanner. I truly married my prince and I love him so much. Weddings make me want to marry him all over again.

What is my view on Halloween

2008-11-06T19:43:00.005-07:00

Notice the fake blood, ax, and spikes. The days of zip up animal costumes are over. Now he is a dead biker?

Jocie and some of her friends.

The candy bowls... Tools of the devil. Just remember GREEN BEANS!

A bowl of cute little pumpkins. Aren't I festive LOL!

I contributed the bone guy this year.

Marley from the Haunted Mansion

The Grim Reaper

I will have several entries on Halloween in the days to come, but I wanted to express my thoughts on this bizarre holiday. So in a women's perspective it is so fun to dress your kids up for Halloween and see them so eager to walk door to door saying "trick or treat". At that point in their lives you can control how much candy they really have. 10 houses and they are done and they eat a piece and go sweetly to bed. You can dress them up like animals, fairies, or any other whimsical character. Well the age has come upon us where they are much to "cool" to trick or treat with mom and dad, for fear that someone might see them. LOL!!! So now we get to spend $50 on a costume they will wear one time, and then they are so over it. It has to be perfect in all ways or they will die of humiliation. Of course every boy costume now involves fake blood. Not my favorite part. Oh, and heaven forbid the cute boy down the street sees you without the cutest costume on the block. Then you have my style and Sterling's style of Halloween decorating. You will laugh but mine in very "Tai Pan" and his is very "Nightmare on Elm street." He really does have quite a touch for scaring the crud out of every 2-6 year olds that walk past our house. We are taking music, black lights, ghosts, strobe lights, and don't forget the GRIM REAPER... As for me I put out cute place mats and cute little witches at the table. So Sterling goes to the store to find scary music. When we got home we popped it in and could not believe what we were hearing. It was quickly put back in the bag to be returned. You can't listen to them so how did we know it was the devil inviting us to hell. Oh my gosh!!!! Around 3 am the next day my insomnia kicks in. I decided there was no better time to go to Wal-Mart to complete the costumes and return the "music". I ended up with 50 spooky sounds for kids. PERFECT! Oh and Elmo says BOO. More appropriate for our neighborhood. It did look great and the kids had a great night. This is the #1 reason why I hate Halloween. It is the ENORMOUS Tupperware of candy that speaks to you in the night. EAT ME!!!! EAT ME!!!! Especially for about one week a month when all you can think about is chocolate. So I had a mental talk with myself out loud. "Alyssa, ( I say) remember your goal. You are doing so well. only a few more pounds to your goal. That is great!" Then the force of the freaking chocolate walked my body into the pantry. I stared at it for a while, and then thought about how many hundreds of crunches are involved in that tiny little bite size Kit Kat. I over came the force of chocolate and ate a bag of steamed green beans. It was so exciting! NOT!!! So if any of you need to over come the force of the ridiculous chocolate bowl just remember green beans are sooo delicious.

Does she have to live in the house?

2008-11-06T15:43:00.005-07:00

"Hi Boomer this is Zoie can you hear me, wanna hop the fence and go play with our pall Charlie?"

Just another day for a very spoiled dog. Napping all day. Eating, playing. Oh yeah she is so suffering LOL!!!

So I love this dog... don't get me wrong. I have stated that before, but DOES SHE HAVE TO LIVE IN THE HOUSE????? I have made her a wonderful little "doggy world" outside. She has a $250 dog house, a play set that she climbs everyday so she can talk to her friend dog Boomer. She has a garage, a heat lamp. What more does an OUT DOOR DOG NEED???? I get so much flack from the kids. "But mom she is sad, she is a part of our pack." Well I clean up her poo, feed her, and play with her every day. I also buy her the biggest bones I can find. So tell me this from these pictures.... Does she look sad? Does she look like she isn't enjoying her doggy life? LOL!

Good Bye Mr. Sun

2008-11-06T11:19:00.008-07:00

Mason and Tallon on their daily club house adventure

My garden was huge this year. Can't wait to try new things next year.

When it is warm enough that the garden hose doesn't give you hypothermia :)
Blue skies mean SUN, HEAT and FUN!

My get away from the world and read a good book spot.
I want to grow 100 of these next year. They were so beautiful.

So it is officially snowing and I am COLD. I hate the cold. I do not find snow exciting in any way. Nothing about playing in this dreadful stuff makes me happy. Plus your floors are sick and dirty ten times faster. That just means more work for mommy. I spend most of the time in front of the fireplace trying to burn my body and get hot. Lately for the past month or so I go to the gym and lay in the sauna for 30-45 minutes. Just to feel heat. It is now time to get ready for back breaking snow shoveling. Oh don't get me wrong I am not that big of a baby... Just a little bit of a baby. Maybe if I was into winter sports it would be different. I just never had a really cold day as a child and have never gotten used to this thing they call SNOW! So good bye Mr. Sun. Good bye for a few long cold months. I took pictures of some of my favorite things so I could look back at the warmth, and beauty. I love gardening, yard work, hiking, walking outside with the kids. Watching kids play, that's a biggy. I baby my plants and they were so beautiful this year. So I will go put on my boots, thermals, tube socks, scarf, hat, and jacket for now. Winter brings a lot of beauty, it is just to cold to touch it!

Doggy Beauty Parlor

2008-11-02T19:45:00.002-07:00

So after a while of healing Emerson was given the "OK" from the vet to be groomed. Emerson is a grumpy old man, but still likes to show off a good hair do. So here he is in his little carrier off to the beauty parlor. He actually likes seat belts. He can tell he is going somewhere special so he gets all excited. I saw this "Do it yourself" dog grooming place so I thought I would give it a try. Since he about bit the last groomers face off LOL! I was going to attempt it myself. Well, at this place you can bring you dog and bathe them, shine them all up and make them pretty for a fraction of the cost. The people felt so sad for Emerson and his sad little abused past that they took him in for a professional groom. He was showing off like crazy. When he would get nervous he would jump up and put his paws on my shoulder like little sad kid. So while Emerson was at his spa day I thought I would run back home and get the huge dog, that barks at anything that moves, so she too could get a bath. The kids had such a fun time bathing her. It is the perfect doggy shower. I should put one of these things in our house. It is defiantly a lot easier than me running around like a crazy person with a garden hose in the backyard to get the job done :)

Since Halloween was coming up I couldn't resist the "grease lighting" look. It was so good for Halloween.

Mason, Jocie and Tallon giving Zoie a bath. It was a little difficult transporting them all home that is for sure.

No wonder Zoie was running all over the yard trying to stay away from me. The hose is freezing! This place had warm water, and special doggy shampoo. I can't put her in our shower or we go through 2 bottles of Drano .

Sleep Walker

2008-10-27T08:50:00.000-06:00

Apparently I am a sleep walker. Last night I guess I did a really weird thing! Let me start out with this. So I have been having to take some medication for a month or so, and it has KILLED my appetite. So last night I am woken up by Sterling. He has a strange look on his face and asks me, "Honey, why does the house smell like burnt meat?"
"I have no idea babe." I reply. Then he starts laughing and I was confused. Here it is about 4 in the morning and I have cooked veggie cakes ( burned the crud out of them), and had a bowl of frosted Minni wheats in our bed. I was sleeping next to an empty bowl of cereal and had veggie cakes cooking in the microwave. Maybe my body is trying to tell me to eat. What do you think?

RIP Kitty

2008-10-25T16:00:00.003-06:00

Mason and his best friend Tallon came to me and told me that they saw a baby kitty that had died on the side of the road. They felt very strongly that they needed to bury it so that it could make it's way to Heaven the right way. My heart melted! They told me that they felt it in their hearts that it was important to make sure this was done. So they filled up a 5 gallon container with dirt. They also made a head stone and picked flowers. As they were putting the dirt on the kitten they made sure to do it gently so that if it wasn't all the way to heaven it wouldn't hurt it more. Once kitty was properly buried they placed the head stone. Then they both held the flowers and bowed their heads. As I write this and reflect on this moment today it really makes me think about these special spirits that were saved for this time. To come into the world and bring us peace and joy. Their spirits are so tender and I am so grateful that the Lord has put these children into our lives. The joy that comes from being a mother is something that you just can't explain. It is a feeling inside your spirit. When we really understand the gift of having children, and how they build our testimonies and spirits it is amazing. When we got home they both gave me a hug and smiled so brightly. They told me that they felt like Heavenly Father was proud of them.

2008-10-25T15:26:00.000-06:00

Jocie and McKennah had such a fun time at the witch festival. They decided to be fashionable witches. We used 3 cans of colored hairs spray and glitter spray. They got home so late and had to shower to get their hair clean. Jocie was a grump, and just wanted to go to bed. The whole bed would have been black, white, and blue if she slept like that. So We used
A LOT!!! of shampoo, and a whole bottle of conditioner. She actually slept with the conditioner on her hair. We wrapped her head in saran wrap and rinsed it out in the morning. Good trick! It worked great. They had a great time and were the most fashionable witches I have ever seen.

Our Fashionable witches

Letter from Mason

2008-10-20T14:43:00.000-06:00

All I can say is my children brighten my life and make me feel so happy! What blessing they are.

Dog Soccer Becomes Pumpkins

2008-10-20T12:03:00.000-06:00

So I love gardening. I had been growing some squash and was just about to pick them when our DOG decided they were better suited to be used as soccer balls. She tore them from the vines and played dog soccer all over the yard. She even ate a few as a little snack. What a strange animal. The boys are always working on a project or having some sort of adventure. They went out and found squash all over the yard. So of course they asked if they could carve them into pumpkins. So cute! Well I guess that squash soup isn't really going to happen any more, but the boys and the dog sure had a great time, and that is really all that matters to me.

Spoiled Rotten Salon and Day Spa

2008-10-20T11:33:00.000-06:00

Jocie and her friend Taylor were SO bored the other day. There was no school and all of their chores were done. Most of their friends were either doing chores or out of town for the UEA weekend. I had to go to work and had heard the phrase "MOM WE ARE SO BORED WHAT CAN WE DO!" I figured I would send them to the new day spa in town. I had heard from other moms and Jocie's friends who had been there that is was so fun and so cute. They were right! After work I picked the girls up and couldn't resist taking pictures. There is a special room for little divas like Jocie and Taylor. There was a runway with costumes. They had pedicures and manicures. They ate scrumptious cupcakes, drank pink hot chocolate, and relaxed and talked girl talk for hours.

Jocie enjoying her pampering

Taylor relaxing after doing chores

What a fun day for two fun little Princess Divas

Girl Day

2008-10-20T10:58:00.001-06:00

Jocie love, loves, loves, painting her nails and always begs me to do designs. So the other night he had a fun time. We got out the paints and did swirls, flowers, dots and sparkles. She is so fun to hang out with. She is turning into such a little lady.

The cleaning Kangaroo

2008-10-14T20:36:00.002-06:00

Mason's version of cleaning
Jocie's version of cleaning

Since our basement is under construction to be finished I thought I would make some extra little bedrooms for the kids. Jocie and Mason were definatly at the point that they needed their own rooms. So I went to Wal-Mart and bought a cart full of white sheets. I filled my staple gun and began making the funnest "staple gun sheet bedrooms" ever. So as you can see... Mason has a little harder time staying focused on the task. I could hear him talking and having a great time. In my mind I hoped he was cleaning and talking to some imaginary friend. So I snuck down to check on the kids progress. Jocie is cleaning and organizing while Mason is dressed up like a kangaroo hopping around his room. I ran to get the camera. I couldn't miss this moment.

The cleaning kangaroo

If you remember that part on Sesame Street where they have the little boxes of kids dancing, and they sing "one of these kids is doing the wrong thing" All the other kids are calm and organized while one is bouncing around and being goofy. Sometimes I have to laugh because I feel like my days are like Sesame Street episodes.

Jocie the organizer

All Danced Out

2008-10-14T20:17:00.000-06:00

Jocie has really been enjoying her new dance team and classes. She is working so hard to make sure she does the best she can. She loves to open the front office window and blast her music. She dances on the front lawn to the songs she is dancing to in her competition. She worked so hard the other day she fell asleep on the grass. Good thing Emerson was there to keep her company :)

Practical Joke

2008-10-13T21:12:00.002-06:00

I am always up for a good practical joke.Don't get grossed out, this is NOT real poop. I have to write about the practical joke I played on Sterling. Since we have two dogs. I am the dog poop picker upper at our house. I have the big dog live outside and the little "person dog" lives with me. He is like my little baby. I love this dog. At the beginning Sterling was not to fond of Little Emerson. Over time he has loved him and doesn't even mind that he snuggles and sleeps between us in our bed. So the other day we had so much fun! The entire neighborhood was over. Even kids I hardly know. The kids were all making a haunted house in the basement. I was up in the kitchen making cookies with Jocie's friends mom Angie. How fun! We laughed and had a great time. We had all of these little pumpkin shaped cookies all frosted and cute. There was a little dough left over. Since it was the perfect color I formed them into tiny little cookie poops. They were perfect. I put them on our bed where Emerson sleeps. Hoping Sterling would freak out. Maybe I am just getting him back for all of the practical jokes he played on me when we were first married. It looked so gross and so good, but was by far my best practical joke yet!

Mission Accomplished

2008-10-07T11:41:00.001-06:00

With the request of $20 from the tooth fairy for the previous event with Mason.... I improvised. I was like, " uhh $20 bucks " Kids think our mouths are ATM machines I think. I went purse diving hoping I could rummage up some cash so I would not have to take a trip to the ATM at midnight. So I have this thing with purses. They are pits of no return. If it enters the purse, chances are it has fallen into the abyss and it is lost forever. Quietly, not to disturb the children ( or the tooth fairy's husband), I go into the extra room and unload the closet of purses. It is like a garage sale in this room. Everything from golf clubs, back massagers, air mattresses, and a closet full of the dreaded PURSES. These are not empty purses. They are FULL of CRAP. Here is a list of just a few Items that can be found in the purses....
1. tanning lotion
2. planners ( that one makes me laugh out loud, since I obviously don't use them but keep buying the stupid things!)
3. CD's ( the back street boys WHAT???) obviously that purse is from a while ago
4. a mickey mouse pin
5. pirates of the Caribbean pin
6. nail files.
7. lotion.
8. bandaids
9. tooth picks
10. phone covers
11. erasers
12. a broken piece of our front door
13. clean and clear oil absorbing pads for your face
14. earrings
15. rings
16. empty gum packages
17. GI JOE men
18.swimming goggles
19.Disneyland napkins
20. ear phones ( 4 pairs all broken)
21.race cars, Lego's
22. school calenders
23. homework
24. receipts
25. Utah Valley Adventure coupon book ( sounds like super fun)
26.hair clips
27. diapers ( uhh my youngest is 8 has it been that long since I cleaned a purse?)
28.Flip flops
29. My all time favorite, get ready for this one...... A STUN GUN!!! Don't mess with me in a dark alley I beat you up.
Mission accomplished!!!

30. $18.00 ( a lot of quarters, but there was $18.00) How is that for dumpster diving :) The tooth fairy completed her mission . Children are smiling. There is peace in the land once again. Until our next facial injury.......

Tooth Fairy take 2

2008-10-06T21:09:00.001-06:00

Oh what a day we had today.... It starts like this. Around 5 AM Sterling and I get up for our day. Everything is going smoothly until Jocie wakes and tells us, "you are the loudest people on the planet!" When she wakes up she has a really hard time getting back to sleep so she decided to go play video games. Sterling left for work and Mason comes and slithers his way into my bed. I was so tired from my uneasy sleeping that night that I asked Jocie if she minded if I go lay down for a bit and then I would get up and take them to school. "No problem" she says. I reset my alarm on my cell phone. I knew Mason doesn't take long to get ready so I thought I would give him a few extra minutes. Like I have said before, and for anyone that knows Jocie, she is very independent. I didn't realize my alarm was on the lowest volume. I had ear plugs in and never heard it. Mason and I slept for hours. I had mentioned to Jocie that I wasn't feeling well because of lack of sleep. She showered, fed herself, and got a ride to school. She was gone before I knew it. So I think that was the biggest DUHHHHH..... Where is my brain, mom moment so far. Mason wakes up and tells me his tooth feels loose. He did loose one just barely so this one was probably the next to come out. He went in the bathroom and just wiggled it a little. Oh his tooth came out all right!!! Along with a huge chunk of his gums with the tooth still attached. It tore all the way down to the bone. YUCK! My parents always show up at the perfect moment. Thank goodness for grandma. I went to go get some clothes on while grandma got the ice pack. When we got to the dentist he took an x ray. He said they don't see things like that very often. Mason was as calm as a kitten. He sat in the chair with his gums torn and a tooth sticking out of it ready for some business. The nurse gave him a game controller and the ear phones. While he was getting 5 shots of Novocaine he didn't even flinch. NOTHING!!! He calmly played his skateboarding game. The dentist removed the tooth, that had a bit of bone on it, then he stitched the gums back together. I have never seen a braver kid. He has had stitches, without making a sound. He has had 5 deep muscle shots, not a peep. Also a blood draw, not ever a whimper. I wish I had his pain tolerance. In my last post about the "Tooth Fairy" he wrote on the bag that his tooth was worth $2.00. He asked me if this one was worth $20. At this rate I will have to take out a loan to pay the tooth fairy. The kid knows how to bargain.Good thing we had just had family pictures the day before. We want Mason to loose teeth but not need reconstructive surgery every time OK :)

OUCH!

This is right after. He was jumping around at grandmas and wanted to eat

He wants to know if this one is worth $20 LOL!!!

The Pebble and the Penguin

2008-10-03T13:23:00.000-06:00

At our house we love the nature channel. Recently we watched a show about penguins. It was so cool to the kids how penguins choose their mate. If you didn't know, this is how they show their love and devotion. First the male penguin finds a beautiful pebble. He shines it, and gets it prepared to present to the girl he loves. He then rolls it to her and presents her with it. If she excepts they are mates for life and will live happily ever after. This warms my heart because when I was little I thought there was no greater man on the planet than my dad. We are still very close and have a wonderful relationship. My dad and Mason have a special friendship. They love to fish together and go see movies. My dad took Mason to see the penguin movie when it first came out. He thought it was cool but didn't realize it was true. When he saw the Discovery channel the other day and that this was true about the "pebble and the penguin" he was amazed. So the other day He came home from school with a rose for me and told me I was the most beautiful mom and the greatest mom ever. As I was picking up all the things that accumulate on the floors during the day I noticed two small perfectly painted pebbles placed at the door of my bedroom. What a sweet boy. He has such a wonderful heart. I hope all you mothers get pebbles of love from your kids :)

Class Time

2008-10-03T12:58:00.001-06:00

The world is Jocie's classroom. She loves to take any opportunity to teach. Last summer Jocie and her friend decided that they were goingto make a summer school in our neighborhood. Without any help, they made fliers, passed them out and had a sign up sheet. They were so organized. Making a role sheet, lesson plans, etc... There was snack time, playtime, reading, nap time and all of the other things they needed. So this year being that Jocie is in the 5Th grade she thought it would be a good idea to make an after school class for Mason and his friend. She made a list and went to the dollar store. She stuck to a strict budget. Got all of the things they would need. She found one of my books about fun crafts for kids and set her lesson plan around at least one fun activity per day. They really take this seriously! The boys listen to her and follow all of the instructions. They have a reading calender at school, and she makes sure they read the time required. The other day she read them a story about monsters. So they made clay sculptures of monsters. If you were wondering.... this is the back storage room in my basement. I am not really that messy :)

There is nothing in my backpack mom

2008-10-01T15:49:00.001-06:00

Mason is 100% all American boy. I tell you, that kid is hilarious. I have notice him complaining about how sore his back is lately. I figured it was all the trampoline and gymnastics he has been doing. I went to go get his backpack for him the other morning and it felt like a 40 pound bag of dog food was in there. I open it... and what did I find??? Not homework that is for sure. Funny kid :)

School pictures

2008-09-29T16:16:00.000-06:00

I Love school picture time. It is fun to get out the last year and see how your kids have grown and changed. So this is Jocelyn's 5Th grade year and Mason's 3rd grade year. There is a big difference from last year to this year. Jocelyn's plan this year is to get straight A's ( well straight E's in elementary school) so she can convince her dad she is responsible enough for a cell phone. Holy cow! Mason on the other hand is more interested in the girls in his class and thinks his teacher is sooo cute. He made a comment about her cute curls in her hair. He got a red faced and embarrassed. Hopefully he will put as much effort into his homework as he does into his thoughts about the ladies :)

The Tooth Fairy

2008-09-25T15:39:00.000-06:00

Mason finally lost a tooth! So for the past few years we have been waiting and waiting for Mason's teeth to fall out. I was getting a little concerned so I took him to the dentist to a see if their was a problem. Sterling had the same problem at that age and had to have 8 teeth pulled at once. The dentist said he would be a few years behind with his teeth. But that they would start to fall out. Mason was always so sad that he was the only kid that hadn't lost a tooth in the second grade. Now being in the third grade he really wanted to loose one. So last night I was at the gym ( that is another post I will tell you all about that) LOL!!!. When I got home Mason was proudly standing with a tooth in one hand and a huge smile. Since Mason is 8 he isn't quite sure about the tooth fairy. So he said to me, " Mom, you know that you are the tooth fairy so why don't you just take my tooth and give me the cash. I saw you once putting money under Jocie's pillow. So I think this tooth is worth about 2 bucks." So of course I am not the tooth fairy.... But I did notice the zippy bag with the words written on it.... Mason Sipe, bottom left tooth, worth $2.00

My 30th Birthday

2008-09-21T21:35:00.003-06:00

Most normal people like birthdays. They like having everyone gather sing to them and give them gifts. I must be really weird! Even as a little kid I always shied away from the attention a birthday brings. So on Sept 1 st I turned thirty. I was very insistent that no one give me anything or bring recognition to this dreadfull day. I think I kind of took turning 30 hard. One neighbor told me she thought it was great because now I would be at an age that people would take me seriously in life. Well if that's the case, fine by me. So I thought this was cute so I will share it with you... My kids decided that while I was at the bank really quick they were going to make me a party. I was going to have one. They scrambled for gifts in the 10 minutes I was gone and made me the cutest stuff. Jocie whipped up a batch of about 100 pancakes, using an entire bag of pancake mix, while Mason got the gifts together. They also made a banner and a sign for the back of "mom's birthday chair". So earlier that day I was upset ( not abnormal for me. I am working on that OK) I threw my cutting board and it broke. Well Mason knows how we are not aloud to cut on the counters, and how important cutting boards are. So he, in his scavenge to make me a gift, took the broken cutting board and wrapped it up. He wrote on it and made it my present. So I came into the kitchen and sat at "mom's birthday chair". I was presented with 100 delicious pancakes and my cutting board gift. We had a dinner tonight at my parents for those of us born in September. It was really nice. My sister who loves any reason to have a party, made us a cake and a delicious dinner. We sat around and told funny stories about our childhood and visited for hours. It was really nice, thank you!

Emerson is alive and well

2008-09-18T17:21:00.000-06:00

Just a little update on Emerson. Since people have been asking me how I am doing ( like there was a death in the family) EMERSON IS NOT DEAD! He is alive and back to his daily routine of watching cars and harassing other dogs.

Husband of the Year Award

2008-09-18T14:00:00.002-06:00

So I was in the best mood yesterday. Sometimes you just have to give the husband a little recognition for all of the great things that they do. So here is my husband of the year award to Sterling. Here is how it all started. I am a little weird about cleanliness. I actually clean bathrooms everyday, mop and vacuum every day as well. One of the biggest reasons would be our lovely dog Zoie. Oh no... not the little one( I let sleep in my bed dog) but the huge, hairy, slobbery one that thinks she is a cat. I love her, don't get me wrong, but in that I would love her even more if we lived on a farm kind of way. So since I vacuum many many times a day I wore out my $1,200 vacuum. This vacuum is great. It will suck up anything! Love it! Well I burned it up BECAUSE OF TO MUCH DOG HAIR!!! Bags of this stuff. So I bought a crappy "pet hair vacuum". Piece of junk. Horrible! It got clogged every 5 minutes. So my cutie pie husband said "hey, I can fix the good vacuum". Well I get home and he has the entire thing taken apart to the last nut and bolt. He fixed it. YIPPEE :) It works like a charm. Back to my vacuuming obsession. Since a vacuum made me so happy I thought I would tell you all some other really great thing about Sterling.... here is my short list
1. Sterling is the cutest, nicest husband alive
2. Sterling can and has fixed everything in our home. I brake everything.
3. I think the list might be a little to long so I will put it this way
I just love this guy

Dancing under the Stars

2008-09-07T18:28:00.000-06:00

The kids really enjoyed the "Dancing under the Stars" performane. It was fun to see some of our favorites from "So you Think you can Dance". We really enjoyed Gev. He was one of our favorites. Every time he was on TV Mason would bust out in his break dancing moves. It was neet that so many talented dancers this year came from Utah.

Welcome Back Kids

2008-08-22T23:01:00.001-06:00

The summer was fun and very busy, but it is now time for school to begin once again. YIPPEE!!! All of the homework, after school activities, carpooling, and early morning are now in session. Jocie and Mason had a fun summer filled with friends, cousins, vacations, plane trips, swimming, and countless other fun things. Jocie is starting the 5Th grade, and Mason the 3rd. Have a great year kids :)

That darn wasp

2008-08-22T22:40:00.000-06:00

Mason is a trooper. He has no fear of any bug he comes in contact with. The other day he got stung by a wasp on his eye. He never even came home and told me. I saw it that night several hours later. He said it was no big deal and kept on playing. When he woke up the next morning his eye was sealed shut. His eyelashes, which are about an inch long, were completely covered my his swollen eye. It got so swollen it started to spread to the other eye. Thanks to the herbal concoctions from my friend the swelling started to go down and he can finally open it.

Then and Now

2008-08-17T01:21:00.001-06:00

Then

When Sterling and I were married we had some pictures taken at an old castle in Provo. It is so fun to have a picture of just the two of us then, and now a picture of our family. So many years later, standing in the same spot.

and Now

Poor Emerson

2008-08-14T23:38:00.005-06:00

My little doggy Emerson is like a member of our family. He has the cutest personality of any dog. I dress this dog in the cutest clothes and treat him like a person. I know I spoil him because he has his own drawer in our dresser. My neighbor called tonight in a crying PANIC!!! So the neighbor ran over our dog. She was so sad. She was freaking out saying " OH NO! I RAN OVER ALYSSA'S DOG! ANY OTHER DOG BUT EMERSON, NOT EMERSON, SHE IS GOING TO KILL ME! My poor neighbor saw him in his little shirt laying on the ground crying, and bleeding. She called me right away so worried. I took him to the vet. He is limping, has a lot of road rash and some cuts and bruises. The vet says be probably has a fracture in his leg or hip. Poor Emerson. So sad.

Grant's Farewell

2008-08-14T13:38:00.007-06:00

On Sunday we all got together to listen to Grant speak for his mission farewell. Grant is one of my sister Dottie's boys. His brother Robbie is also on a mission. He is serving in Mexico City and will be coming home in December. Grant was called to serve in Ukraine. He will be speaking the Russian language. Dottie and Mike have raised wonderful kids. We are proud of the decision that Grant and Robbie have both made to serve full time missions. They are great young men and we love them very much.

Family Picture Time

2008-08-04T14:10:00.001-06:00

All Grown Up

2008-08-04T11:41:00.008-06:00

This past weekend we had our good friend Karen take pictures of our family. She takes beautiful pictures especially of children. As I was looking through the pictures I came across some she had taken for us about two years ago. Since we look at our children everyday we don't recognize all of the changes that are happening. I can't believe how much our kids have grown and changed in such a short time. They are really growing into such wonderful little people. Thank you Karen for capturing beautiful moments of our children and family.

Jocie the Babysitter

2008-08-03T20:18:00.004-06:00

Jocie and Mason asked me if their little cousin Gracie could come and spend the night. So no problem. She is almost two. How hard could this be. I guess I forgot how hard it is! Gracie slept for about 1 hour the whole night. She wasn't sad just wanted to play. Jocie was so funny because of some of the tings that she said not even realizing they were cute. So it was about 4 am. Still no sleep. Jocie had jumped on the trampoline with her, played games, cooked, watched a ton of Sesame Street, and much more. Jocie turns to me as Gracie is jumping and laughing on the couch... " MOM SERIOUSLY!!! Do babies sleep? " I will be passing off the babysitting badge for Jocie. She is a trooper.

Fun with Family

2008-08-03T19:53:00.003-06:00

We have had a wonderful time this past few weeks with Sterling's family in town. Marty, Shannon and their girls came to stay with us. It is fun to have the kids play together and share that time. It was a nice break from the Pheonix heat for them. Our kids had been at there home for a week swimming everyday. While they were all here we got together with the whole family for some fun at Lagoon, BBQ's movies, and more. They brought their funny dog "Jack" to play with our dogs. It is fun listening to kids and how excited they get to go to Lagoon. To kids Lagoon is HUGE! We had a place to picnic and rest right next to the "BAT". Aliya, Brooklyn, Aspen and Brenden were tall enough to ride some of the bigger rides this year. They were so excited to ride this big rollercoaster. They bravely stood in line and got on. As their fear turned into joy laughter started. You could hear them the entire ride. Aliya asked me if I could be her partner. She lead the way and told me everything would be ok. "Don't worry Alyssa, I have been on this ride like one million times". As we sat down she told me to watch her the whole ride. So I did. I look over and she is holding her eyes open with her fingers. "Look Alyssa! I don't even be scared. I can keep my eyes open the whole time". As she is screaming at the top of her lungs. One of the big croud pleasers was the Rattle Snake Rapids. We thought we were just cruising along until we get to the waterfall. The boat slows down and in slow motion I am drenched under the waterfall. I was absolutly SOAKED! I was still wet when we got home. So here are some random pictures of our little mini family reunion. We are glad you came. We had a really fun time!

Boys and Bugs

2008-08-03T19:20:00.004-06:00

If anyone knows me, they know that I am scared to death of bees. I think evey bee is going to sting me even if they are a mile away. So Mason and his friend Talin are big into catching bugs. They use every Tupperware container and glass jar we own. Mason has no fear. He went right up to a "Bumble" Bee. You know... those huge man eating bees that can barely fly because they are so big, and captured it in a jar. With the flower and all. Then he gets more jars and Tupperware and captures honey bees and wasps. My front porch is covered with bees, spiders, earwigs, ants, and all other creepy crawling things. Sterling does not have the heart to let the miserable creatures die so they are given air and then released. One less bee in my yard can only do good things for me. I have a very brave bee killing friend Stormi. She is my bee protector. She will grap any wasp or bee in mid flight and crush it to save me. She is so funny! So here is a Mason moment for us all. If you know Mason, you know that bugs and dirt are very important things in his life. I think it is so cute that I have no Tupperware or jars until the snow melts each year. Then I find all of the things Mason has created something with.