Earl & Company Established 1994

{NEW ArrivalS}

2011-11-26T19:03:00.001-08:00

Twas the Night Before Christmas, when all through the house, Not a creature was stirring; just a mini schnauzer pup ready for Christmas morning!

Can I just say I've never been so in love...except when my own children were born! How will we ever give up these cute babies!! We've had so much fun helping raise these youngins, so this may be the saddest Christmas in our household. Any takers? Only 3 left!

{SuRpriSE...it's Me AgAiN!!}

2011-09-04T10:07:00.000-07:00

YEAH!! Summer's already gone and I had NO time to post like I was hoping too; but that's good right? Means we were too busy having fun...or just too BUSY! Whew, I'm puckered out and the kids had the most boring summer ever; but we survived girl's camp, boys camp, Nath's summer military duties, and finished the rest of our basement/laundry room. Now we're ready for a break- oh, wait, school's back in? Yeah, the busiest times are here but maybe I can catch y'all up in a quick replay! I look at our last post and can't believe how much the kiddos have changed, so I've got to at least change the Christmas background and family photo!

Should I do this June or last June first? 6/2010

June is a great time for catching up with great friends/old roommates, camping, parades, and of course soccer! Just wish I could see you all...and remember my camera! Last June we got to see Ash's "sis" who is now so far away in St. George, and this summer too. Deb & Mike came up from Arizona & Jant'z Rage team did so well that they are moving up into the premier league.

And what is a summer without Park City and the annual pic by our frog & riding the Alpine slide.

And we had cousin Tyler's wedding...great to see Nath's family and spend our last few days with CP

Camping in Coalville had Jantz catching his first fish this year! and Ash her first caterpillar! 7/2010 Look at how much Hayden has grown in one year!

August brought family in town for Uncle Randy & Stephanie's wedding 8/2010!!

Snowbird with the Howards & Champions

Wedding Dinner @ Joseph Smith Bldg.

Granddad & his old roommates, or brothers, or is it the 3 musketters?

Me and my little, ok taller, brothers & sis. How is that for a fun summer...but that was last year. Here's a recap of this year-I promise, it's a lot shorter :)

Hayden's Jump Team in the Saratoga Splash Parade

{It's About Time...}

2010-12-31T22:09:00.000-08:00

I know, I know...it's about time you heard from us; but it's been one of those years of Life!! No new babies; just busy with our babies-and since ours is almost five and the last post is when she turned four, I figured I better hurry and catch you up on her brothers first.

January- Ashtyn turned four as you've been reading about all year now (sorry about the stretch of time in between; but for those of you on facebook, it's just easier to post pics and not have to write about them:) Oh yeah, and this was Jantz's year in 3rd grade where they have book reports EVERY month...it was wax museum this month so of course we were busy dressing him up as David Beckham (yes, notice his awesome shirt that mom made with vinyl!!). He rocked in futsol too!! Ashtyn started her first dance class with Teacher Candice (our next door neighbor). She now wants to dress for dance every hour, every day!

February- We celebrated Nath's birthday and ran kids to basketball practice & games. Ashtyn decides to cut her hair, again, and we're back to a short hairdo!

March- blah! Always the longest month of the school year for teachers. No breaks, and inside recess. We did get to celebrate Kalei's 2nd birthday (Ashtyn's "sister") with her. These 2 girls are inseparable and she is one of our family!!

April- My favorite sister got married!! We traveled to North Carolina for her beautiful wedding in the Blue Ridge mountains. That was fun being home in the spring and seeing everyone; and getting some good cookin's! Did I mention that Ashtyn got to be her flower girl...she did great! We got to head up to Grandfather Mountain and spend some time with my sis and her new hubbie Kevin at the end!

Here's the family picture updated...luckily Randy proposed to Stephanie after; and well, maybe Brian will propose to Claire??

May- TONS more outdoor soccer but Jantz is playing more offense and doing great, Hope of America at BYU with Hayden but it was more for the social event for him to be there, dance recital for Ashtyn (who's wiggles made her the star of her dinosaur dance), and then many tears on the last day of school as I lost my best teaching partner/sister of many years. If I say much more, I'll not finish the post and end up in tears again (yeah, after this long, still missing Sydney!) Bye, bye, bye...I really have worked with some great teachers and miss them all; but Syd was always good to stay behind with me. I'm so happy she gets to be home with her girls though; and I can be here to keep everyone informed on the gossip I guess!

{Our Four Year Old}

2010-06-11T16:40:00.000-07:00

January 18th Ashtyn turned 4 (even though sometimes it feels like fourteen with the new attitude she's getting!) We celebrated with family and she loved everyone thinking of her with princess's, horses, dance clothes, and her butterfly cake.

Some of Ashtyn's favorite things are books besides Fancy Nancy! She loves being read Green Eggs & Ham, The Three Little Pigs, and all the princess fairy tales. When asked what her favorite color is, she started to say pink; but stopped and said she loves them all...ALL the colors mom! Dancing has become her new love, and she got to start her first dance class at the Dance Depot in Lehi. She loves showing off for Teacher Candice (our wonderful neighbor too) and works hard to be the Star of the Show! This year she finally got to go to Sunbeams, and had a hard time at first, but now loves it and her newfound friends. The later schedule helped her fall asleep once during sharing time; and after falling off her chair, wouldn't go back easily. Now she can't wait to go and see her teacher Bro. Fautz!

Most of all, her new thing this year that we love is how she is always asking the funniest questions; like "how the roads are made". Where do kids think of these things? "How did Jesus make our bodies?" We were watching TV, and she noticed they were watching TV on TV...so she asks, "Is somebody watching us on TV mom?" And our favorite, she wanted to know where we could get India's puppies from...if they would be in a box, or at Walmart? Love this girl!

{Playing Catch Up}

2010-06-11T16:28:00.000-07:00

So, I'll apologize beforehand...this year has been one of our busiest, and most trying (but I can blame that on my dad since he warned me of that during a father's blessing earlier in the year); thus no posts since my last break at Christmas. And now once again, I get to play catch up over summer break. We have a few changes to look forward to next year; I will still be teaching part time-but am loosing my other half (literally). I don't even know how much I'll miss teaching with Sydney Tea...but I know once August rolls around, I'll be feeling it profusely! Nath is also changing positions due to "budget cuts". He gets to teach kids at the prison next year; and is SO looking forward to that! I'll try to keep updated on that...after I catch up from 2010 so far!

12 Posts before Christmas

2009-12-29T21:51:00.000-08:00

On the first day of school, my true love gave to me, two cute boys now in 5th and 3rd grade...and as tall as can be.

Back to school means we get Kalei back at our house! These 2 have missed each other, and are no longer as quiet as a mouse!

Then we were so proud of our "cousin" CP when he was baptized and chose the right; I sure love these kids with all my might.

Can you tell Ash is excited about her first day of school? She thought her Tink backpack, teacher Wendy, (and mom) were so cool.

September brought many new things, and finally Uncle Kelly gave Aunt Jena a RING! Well, that happened in April, but to celebrate with them in Savannah, GA mom flew with her girl. Gorgeous southern homes, rides on the ocean waters, Piggly Wiggly stores, and shopping on the boardwalk with Dad's daughters.

We headed to our Atlantic beach for some warm sunshine fun, then that night celebrated with new family at the boat docks 'til one. (Well, some of them stayed that late, but not us old folk). Oh, and did I mention the great BBQ and oyster bake...Uncle Kelly showed us how; but I just couldn't take!

Jena's family treated us to a delicious breakfast, and we all enjoyed being together 'til the next wedding celebration that Kevin & Amy better give us!

Here's the parents new beautiful place, but it's too big for them to retire in, so if you want to buy it, it's got plenty of space! I hurried home for Jantzen's ninth birthday, a soccer cake, and too many presents I must say.

Fall brought soccer for us all, as we cheered our niece Harley-where Lehi almost made it to State (except for some horrible calls!)

Halloween was dark and light, but tons of candy was had by all that night. With Starkiller, Darth Maul, and Belle this year, the little sister was full of fear.

November was 11 years old for Hayden, with an Alex Rider spy glass cake for boys, not men.

Randy finally brought a friend for us to meet, and we loved Stephanie...isn't she sweet? So here it all is, it flew by like a flash; now the year's almost over, and I'm as tired as if I took a dash. If you're waiting for me to post Christmas too, you may be waiting a long time...when you know how much I do! Sorry this took so long, but I tried to make it sound like the song! We hope everyone had a great Christmas holiday as we did, and hold on to each of your family members and kids!

2009-11-24T13:15:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

...and finally

2009-10-30T20:10:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know, this is still what we did over the summer, but I'm a little OCD so I guess that everything's gotta be in order and I need to get Halloween up before Christmas, so here's the last of the summer vacation in California with Legoland on the second day (which was just as fun as the first, if not more!) If you've ever taken a daughter to Disneyland to see the princesses, this is better than that for boys (although I wouldn't know since our girls never been to see the princesses because she went to Legoland)!! They couldn't wait to get back there...

and the boys were too busy building their own Bionicles to come out and get their pic with the real life one, so guess who got sent out for the picture!

Yeah, so here they're putting out fires against other families, and our team WON!! Even with Ash helping to drive!

Here's the LEGO family on their way into Legoland! Ashtyn ready for 3-D Bob the Builder, and the Lego pirate ride! Again cool creations!

And then the funnest, sickest ride ever from Knight's Kingdom that you can choose your level if the right size, from calm to high terror. Here the boys are being twisted all over, up & down.

No, not the NY city skyline, but the Lego city skyline! (Why won't my small images let me shrink them anymore to fit more on???)

Guess how many legos on this guy??? SOrRy, no idea! But too cool!

Recognize these famous sites? Yep, all Lego created right down to Pres. Obama at the White House. Now to mom's favorite place-the WARM beach! How nice that sounds as I watch the snowflakes falling outside right now at the end of October...we made it to Coronado Bay and the kids played in the CoLd (to me!!) Pacific waters. We buried Ash, saw dolphins, chased sea gulls, and relaxed. Then we headed inland for Nathan's reason to come back to San Diego-The Tin Fish. He's been craving sea food from here for 6+ years; and the place was still here next to the Padres baseball stadium!

We loved staying on the air force base and had to enjoy the airplane museum before heading back home!

Here They Come...2

2009-10-18T14:32:00.000-07:00

So, after much debating between the San Diego Zoo, and the Wild Animal Park, we ended up at the Wild Animal Park. Here's some of our favorite animals-most of the others the boys were bored with since it was so similar to our zoo in Utah (or maybe we have a really good zoo here)! We started at the bird show and right away one tried to escape up into a tree, so most of the show was spent watching them try to get the bird out...we kept waiting for more, but maybe the birds weren't cooperating...the one at the Utah zoo is fabulous, so I guess we expected this to be better being a big park; a little disappointing but at least there were PINK birds for Ashtyn!

Great views across the valley and park!

Hayden liked watching them feed the tortoise it's green salad! Then it was off on the safari ride! You have to notice Jantzen's moods in the first picture to the next. Boy, it sure switched fast once he was bored, hot, tired, AND hungry. He was such a joy on the ride (TOO slow for him anymore)!!!

Whew! Now everyone's much happier after cooler weather and food in our tummies, and some fun spinning turtle shells to play in!

The boy's favorite part was the gorillas. I'll spare the photo of what happened next, but let's just say we ran before the animal could throw it's _____at us! The kids couldn't believe that it "goes" in its' hand and then throws it! We ran quickly out of there with all the spectators!

And my favorite part at the end... HAPPY kids!!! or maybe they were just excited for the second day at Legoland tomorrow!

Here They Come...

2009-10-17T20:55:00.000-07:00

All right, here comes all the missing posts that I'm trying to catch up on from the summer. Now that we're on Fall Break, it's been nice not going somewhere and just having a break with the kids (well, getting them to help me clean the house anyways!) {Sea World August 2009}

The boys loved riding the water ride Journey to Atlantis that really had you surprised by going into an elevator first, dropping into a roller coaster, than turning into a water ride!! Of course, Ashtyn was too small for many rides here, but loved the little water area for toddlers; especially with the Sesame Street theme.

And guess who shows up to sing!! Yeah Elmo, Cookie, Zoey, and Grover!! This made her day!! I just had to post since it's not only my first blog video, but Ashtyn's favorite part of Sea World.

The best part about Sea World though is the shows!! They have a great pet show with trained birds, cats, & dogs. Then here, the seals sing and dance to the TV American Idol show!!

Off to the dolphin show, and not many pictures after being splashed in the WET ZONE by the dolphin's tail. I was just about to put the camera away, but didn't think we'd get that wet. They warned us though...and the camera didn't work the rest of the day. We got in a few more rides before closing and fireworks! Fun San Diego summer days, and cooler nights!

{LEGOland}

2009-09-18T18:39:00.000-07:00

We finally made it! After driving for hOURs with fighting kids; we made it to San Diego and got to visit with my Aunt Carolyn & Uncle Ron for a night. Thanks for the night's stay!! And then we made our way south to the long awaited LEGOland place of lego wonders and imagination! We were not disappointed and so bear with me with ALL the pictures of the amazing creations that we got to see, and that one day Hayden hopes to create. Thanks Nielsen's too for the free ticket!

We can't believe we're actually here! SO exciting!!

LEGOS everywhere you look!! The boys were in brick heaven...look at everything made from Legos; from the pirates, to their food, and even the silverware. Too cool!

Look at those legs!! Even the dog, the banana, and the cooler are out of Legos. What detail...and they just about look real (good thing he didn't wake up with my hand there).

All of our favorite heros/characters!! Bet you can't guess which one was the boy's favorite, and now Ashtyn just loves Bob the Builder, and plays with those Legos now.

We did enjoy a few rides too; but mom and dad had to take turns since Ashtyn was too short for most of the fun ones. She was not too thrilled about that.

Some more wonderful LEGO creations! From the details on the pizza, to the Lego figures-Now, the boys favorite Lego pieces right now, and they're LIFE sized!!, the boys loved every brick!

BiONicLE!

Ashtyn did get to ride the camel (well, Lego camel).

And the Neigh, neigh!! What an awesome Knight's Kingdom ride.

LEGOWOOD or mini town...this was our FaVOriTe!! The Thriller movie scene, downtown NY, the New York skyline with the missing twin towers, rodeo scene, NASCAR racing, Las Vegas Luxor, and only one toilet! Wish you could see the details better; just amazing. Such a dream for a LEGO fanatic like Hayden (and now Jantz is following in his footsteps).

Stay tuned, this was only the first day...

NC Belated

2009-09-18T15:55:00.000-07:00

So, I never got to finishing my posts about my NC trip; and still have lots more to catch up on of our vacation filled summer! We got to celebrate mom's birthday with her; and have more fun with Aunt Amy and getting to know our soon to be Uncle Kevin.

Then, we got to do our yearly pool trip with Jenn and the kids. So fun to see how much they've all grown each year! Wish y'all were closer!

Ashtyn was asked to be Aunt Amy's flower girl for her wedding this spring 2010; and she got a new princess crown that she would not take off. Congrats Amy & 'Tevin'-we're so excited for you!

{LiFE iS a HigHWaY 2}

2009-07-12T20:10:00.001-07:00

We made it down to South Carolina to North Myrtle Beach. The kids were so excited to get down to the sand and water. We forgot our "hip hops" and about burned our footsies off in the sand, but hurried to the warm waters to cool them off. You forget how warm the Atlantic waters off, but still cool enough to be refreshing. The boys didn't want to get out, and even Ashtyn went right in and wasn't afraid of the waves coming after her every few minutes.

After spending hours at the beach, we came up to the condo and got in their lazy river and rode the tubes with Granddad and Aunt Laura with the kids, relaxing. Then, we got to head to the pool and hot tubs to relax even more. Thanks to cousin Ann, she had dinner ready for us after with the yummiest fried chicken, ribs, and slaw. You can see that Ashtyn thoroughly enjoyed them!

Saturday was spent down on the beach again. It was Ashtyn's first time and she loved how well the sand could be manipulated into sand castles and moats. Here she is, queen of her castle.

The boys discovered the little sand crabs that come up with each wave, only to disappear back into the sand as they dig themselves in. They were so excited when they caught one, and then wanted to get a farm of them to bring back home.

Here's Ashtyn and Aunt Laura having a blast jumping over the waves. We about died laughing when one took Aunt Laura down and she just cackled and cackled!!

Working together on the sand crab farm!

Ok, so I tried to get some cool photographs with close ups and Ashtyn on the boardwalk. She wouldn't cooperate and only kept making silly faces!

My big boys and their sand castle! The best part was knocking it down.

Now, I tried to get a good vacation pic of all 3 kids, and wouldn't you know that in each one somone had to have their eyes closed or be making a funny face!!

Nice...Ashtyn would have to close her eyes on this cute one!

Back home in NC, and Ashtyn's calling her dad to tell her all about everything. She had to show grandma her princess hair. What a girl!

{LiFE iS a HigHWaY}

2009-06-24T17:05:00.000-07:00

So, we left Nathan behind and headed out at 4:30 a.m. on a flight home. We feel bad for leaving him behind, but someone had to keep Indi company! He's busy doing his summer military duty, keeping the house clean, laundry done, and cooking for himself. Thanks to all the neighbors who are feeding him and making sure he's even busier so he doesn't get too lonely with us all gone!

After arriving, we were on the road again to the most anticipated stop of the trip: the LEGO store. The boys had been watching for it's grand opening online, but we missed that by a few weeks; they were just glad it was open by the time we came out! They loved all the sets, but Hayden was disappointed when they didn't have the lego laptop computer he'd been hoping to find.

Even Ashtyn enjoyed building with the Legos with Grandmama.

Jantzen had to get the lego racer set that was complicated to put together. Love how he wanted to practice patience though, and keep building the set over and over until he got it!

Then Ashtyn got to go shop at Build-a-bear workshop for her dog Sara. Every outfit she walked by she had to pick up and carry in hopes of buying. Then we got to the shoes, and she liked each one SO much. Luckily, grandma got out of there with only buying one fairy princess outfit and shoes, and of course, bows AND undies to match.

She was happy with her purchases there and at the Disney store. We definitely have a shopper in the family. Doesn't she looked pleased?!?

Back on the road to go visit Uncle Kelly and his wife Jena (our newest member of the family) in Charlotte, NC. We played at the waterpark with them, and went to watch the Charlotte Knights baseball team play Buffalo. It was the kids first, real American ball game!
Everyone was cheering and singing "Take me out to the Ballgame!" Well, maybe singing, but it was hard to cheer and get excited when our team kept scoring 0 runs each inning. Don't we look excited! Time for some peanuts & crackerjacks...and snow cones (well, watered down colored ice).

Ashtyn had the most fun climbing over the seats.

She really took to her new Aunt, and clung to her instead of her grandma or papa. She was such a great aunt, letting her brush and style her hair, put on her makeup for her, and even paint her toenails. As you can see, Uncle Kelly thought he'd try that trick to, but she still stayed far away from him after painting his toenails all shades of pinks!
Looks like he even got his hair done too! The batteries were dead when she was dolling up Aunt Jena, but thanks you two for the great weekend and being the best host/hostess! We loved getting to know you more and are so excited to have Jena as an Aunt; and Kelly hooked finally!

{Viva 4th Grade Baile}

2009-06-05T13:53:00.000-07:00

Now that school's out, and one week is already gone and still not as much accomplished as hoped, at least I have time to get some updates on the blog! Hayden's fourth grade year was wonderful with Sra. Luiz. The spanish immersion did a dance festival and here are some pics from that. I can't believe all the work and time the mothers put into the costumes!!

Hayden is the one in back skipping. Have to get the video on here soon!

Hayden, our gentleman. He's really enjoyed his class and being together the past three years. They are all so good together, just a little "talkie talkie". He's made such good friends and we are so proud of him!

POKEMON VIDEOGAME FREAKS!

2009-06-03T08:28:00.000-07:00

All you Pokemon freaks, I have a cheat for Arceus on your Pokemon games(For Azure Flute):-)

94000130 FCFF0000
B21C4D28 00000000
B0000004 00000000
0000AA3C EDB88320
2000AA68 0000000A
D2000000 00000000

Go to Poke Mart in the fight area, and talk to mailman in green, he will give you azure flute. To use, go to Mt. Coronet, Spear Pillar, and it will say something like "will you play azure flute?" say "yes" and wait a little while. Then this staircase will appear. keep going strait until you see a weird looking guy. go up to it and press A. you will then battle Arceus. I would suggest you would pack a master ball.

P.S. Code is for action replay.
This post was from Hayden...thought he'd post something fun about our family; but now you know his fascination for the year!

{KiDs SaY tHE DarNDeSt ThiNgs}

2009-05-25T11:30:00.000-07:00

So we are laughing everyday with what Ashtyn comes up with!! She is so "silly". We're driving by a cow pasture and I point out the cows (she calls them moo moos) and she shouts out "HOLY COW" mom!! Then, we get home and she opens the fridge and notices a new package of hot dogs, "Mom, I so proud of you! You bought me some new hot dogs. Good girl mom!" Then the best is when I let her do my hair with bows and she holds my face in both hands to tell me, "Mom, I luv you so much mom."

{Hair do's and Snow don'ts}

2009-05-03T21:39:00.000-07:00

So, we did it and cut the bangs. Ashtyn looks so much more grown up now. She was scared to death of the sink and having to lay back to have her hair washed though. She wouldn't move or talk until we were all done and back in the car. Big girl!

Whew! Glad that's over...now my brothers better not make fun of the new hairdo (like my mom's brothers would!!) Now that she's such a big girl, she thinks she can do bigger stuff like throw snowballs with her cousins (until they all ganged up against her). She just kept wanting to hit her mom though!

Cousin Harley was such a good sport to gang up on the boys with CP. We got to enjoy the spring snow up at Tibble Fork in American Fork Canyon. Just don't get on Cip's bad side! We definitely need more snowball fighting practice.

{WhaT's MY FavRite ColoR?}

2009-03-26T14:10:00.000-07:00

Ashtyn is into pink(if you couldn't tell)-pink cake, pink shirt, pink bow, pink boots (thanks Aunt Amy) even though they should be too small by now. She has to dress herself; 10 times a day. Her outfits remind me of Punky Brewster (for those of you in the 80s!) I've given up on her laundry. We just now rehang everything up. But, I think all the pink makes her sweeter. I come home from my haircut and she cups my face with her hands to tell me how pretty my new hair looks, and that I need to show her daddy. Did daddy even notice though?

Now she's our fancy nancy ready to entertain with song & dance. Gotta get some video up so you can enjoy her version of "If you chance to meet a frown!" Good things my legs were crossed when we were all laughing! But if I hadn't, Ashtyn would've told me that it's "not my fault today, it my fault tomorrow!" Everything for her is "TOMORROW mom: I clean it tomorrow, i brush my teeth tomorrow, we eat the treat tomorrow???"

{Our Girl is 3}

2009-01-26T20:54:00.000-08:00

Here is our 'I Want Fabulous' girl! Grandma dolled her up with the glasses and accessories (purse, feather boa, fancy nancy tutu-more pics of that coming!) But here she is the night before her third bday.

Ashtyn loved opening up her presents all by herself; very carefully! Grandma wrapped everything for her so fancy and girlie. She loved it! And she couldn't wait to dress up!

Here she is in her new Cinderella dress up clothes (too bad those were the shoes that broke when she was dancing & stomping so hard on our tile floors, it broke right in half!) Dad got her a Sleeping Beauty make-up set with earrings, necklace, glitter hair gel; and Ash was wearing it all.

The Castle cake!

...and of course, it was pink inside too! Strawberry cake and strawberry ice cream.

We loved having everyone over for Taco, Taco Soup & Cake. It was good to see Caitlyn and get to know her hubbie Matt more! And we always love having Aunt Pam & Uncle Joe with cousins Zachy & CP over...Harley was in AZ playing soccer, but we know she was thinking of Ashtyn!
Happy, happy birthday Ash! We love how you keep us laughing and entertained with all your singing and dancing! Our favorite right now is when she gets in trouble, and Ash will you, "You not being nice to me!"

Guess who's a brace face?

2009-01-25T14:57:00.000-08:00

Yes, we're already paying for braces. Here's our cutie patootie looking like a teenager in his new braces! Beautiful smile Hayden. (Of course, it couldn't last long. The second night of having them, Hayden & Jantz bonk heads and are both in tears. I rush downstairs to find Jantz with the top of his head sliced open, and Hayden's top brace popped off. All Jantz can think about is if he's gonna have to pay for Hayden's braces to be fixed. Guess we enforce the 'you break it, you pay for it' theory a little too harsh sometimes :) They both survived.

Bowling Over with Laughs

2009-01-16T20:35:00.000-08:00

Over the Christmas break, we took the kids bowling finally. They'd been beggin for weeks, and we hurried over one morning before it got too busy. We didn't want their balls rolling into other lanes, and only one of us fell down over the line landing on her bum (no, not me, but poor Ash was running after her ball and those slick bowling shoes didn't hold her up once she crossed the line. Down she went in one quick swoosh-she didn't know what to think. Hmmm, maybe I should obey my mom & dad). Needless to say, we had many laughs that day; especially at my bowling score!

Stylin' in the bowling shoes! Even Ashtyn wore them when they weren't in pink. Must've been a good color for her though, since she's the one who kept getting strikes! I'm using the bumpers and kiddie rolling thing next time! The boys loved it, and Ash just loved her ICEE and playing with the pretty bowling balls.

We definately should've done boys against girls...at least we got the last of the tator tots.

Christmas Celebration

2009-01-09T21:54:00.000-08:00

OK, I better hurry and post some pics so my family can see. We spent the holidays away from them, and it was hard but we had the better end of the deal with having the kids excitement to see. Grandma and Papa had just the older 'kids' to watch open gifts, and their excitement wasn't much to get up for Christmas morning (sorry Amy & Kelly). I know you missed Hayden's waking us up at 1:00 A.M. when he saw Santa had brought Ashtyn a kitchen, so he has to go in and wake her. Then we make her go back to bed and her screams wake us all up (poor Uncle Randy had only been asleep for a few minutes anyways!) So glad you were with us though!! Even Indi was glad too!

Thanks everyone as always for spoiling the kids (and showing up mom & dad with your presents). Somehow, your gifts are far better than shirts and socks-NATHAN! Not to say I don't love meat grinders either!

We also got to act out the nativity the best we could on Christmas Eve, and then spent Christmas Day rocking out with Aunt Pam, Uncle Joe, Harley, Zach, and CP. Getting stuck in the fresh snow was fun too when we went sledding, but I was too cold to take pics then! Thanks for the memories Nath and pulling our car out Spiers!

December Snow

2008-12-31T23:59:00.001-08:00

We've been spoiled with a real Fall this year, and the snow has been just piling up and waiting to fall out of the clouds I guess, 'cuz this week we got pounded with 3 storms in a row! Luckily, it came Monday morning, our first day of Christmas break. So, we didn't have to drive in it (although I had made a trip to Toys 'R Us at 6 a.m. and I beat the storm by minutes!!) The kids are enjoying it and ready to get all the snow gear on. I'm not ready for the sore back though...you can see the shoveling was tiring as it goes up to the top of the mailbox behind Hayden (no, you can't see it because it's covered in snow!) More coming!

So, here we are enjoying the foot or more of fresh snow right before Christmas. It came so fast that we could only get up our street with four wheelers (and the neighbors all came out to help push everyone home into their driveways while the ladies shoveled the driveways). Glad Nath and I got our Christmas early so I could deliver goodies without getting the jeep stuck-like it would get stuck. That's only when Nathan's driving! We had to make a path for Indi...the snow was as tall as she was.

Indiana Hayden's Birthday Crusade

2008-11-29T15:51:00.000-08:00

The day was finally here for the adventure. Hayden's 10th birthday was celebrated in Indiana Jones style!! All was set up for our Egypt, India, China, and Peru destinations as they boys set out in search of the Holy Grail and treasures gallore! Hayden donned his outfit and awaited his guests out front...

Here is where it began; Dr. Jones's office. The brave boys received their adventure bag for collecting loot, and a compass to help them lead the way. The first clue was to be unraveled (from a roll of toilet paper) as the searched for where mummies knew best .What a brave bunch as they raced to be mummified, shoot darts at evil villians, and dig through monkey brains for the most eyeballs.

Then came a feast of monkey brains and racing boulders, alligator eyes, poisonous drinks (with antidotes of course) and chocolate covered beetles...or what was left of the chocolate covered raisins. Ashtyn thought she'd be nice and share them with our dog Indi...who was throwing up chocolate covered 'beetles' all night long through the party. After feasting, the boys practiced their whip skills...and started to get chilled!

Lastly, with torches in hand, the boys brave the spider cave and snake pit for the last clues. One by one, they searched the cave for the 'grail' and retrieved a ruby spider for safe keeping. Later the boys disclosed how spooky the cave really was; saying they heard things moving around in there too!

And of course, Indi's favorite; a diamond back snake cake that was pink inside so when cut open it was like a real snake. We sure love Hayden and are so proud of who he's becoming. He has great friends and we appreciate the neighborhood we live in where our kids can play and live so freely and safely! I hope this was a crusade to remember; because mom was sure tired after...

October Whirlwind

2008-11-08T22:01:00.001-08:00

Whew! Let's see if I can cover the rest of the month as it blew by way too fast! The annual ward Halloween Party. Ashtyn was all ready to be Little Miss Muffet, but due to a late nap, wouldn't wear that costume and had to be Minnie Mouse with a spider. Then here's the duo from Indiana Jones & the Temple of Doom! Here's the 80's couple rockin' out! (and no, Ashtyn is not eating toilet paper. She's waiting to wrap us up mummy style!)Then, of course I let Nathan go shopping alone at Wal-mart on a Saturday afternoon with the kids the week before Grandma & Grandad come. What does he come home with? A new addition to the family...yes, one that must be fed, walked, and potty trained (AND live IN the house!). Needless to say, the kids have fallen in love with India ("Indi" as in Indiana Jones). We almost loose her amongst all the stuffed dogs in the house!

So, Ashtyn had to change her costume AGAIN and be Tinkerbell (last year's costume!) You'd think after she wears this every day, that she'd dress up as something else...Boys are sure a lot easier to please!Then the day after Halloween, Jantzen was baptized. Granddad and Grandma had flown in from North Carolina; and my Uncle Waylon and Aunt Janet also joined us. Aunt Pam, Uncle Joe, Harley, Zach, and Grandpa Earl came also to support Jantz. We missed everyone else too far away who couldn't make it!We are so proud of Jantzen and his decision to be baptized! He was so handsome in white; and he says he wasn't nervous at all. Dad baptized him and granddad got to confirm him. He couldn't stop smiling when he stood in front of the congregation as the newest member of our ward.And the proud, happy family (yes, that's a growl on Ashtyn's face; she was having a blast running around the church and hiding from us! So much for the perfect family picture!)

Frightening Frightmares

2008-10-26T14:37:00.000-07:00

Three years ago we've started a tradition of going to Lagoon Frightmares over UEA/Fall Break. This year Ashtyn wanted to ride some of her own rides; and even tag along on some with the adults. Brave girl rode the helicopter ride first and was all excited and waving, but when it took off in the air, it was all she could do to lay down and hold on tight (of course the camera wouldn't work and get that picture). Even the ride conductor was saying, "Oh no, look at that poor little girl looking all sick." But that didn't stop our girl; she got off and half smiled then ran to the next ride. She's got the wave to the crowd perfected!

She had to ride the 'neigh neigh' on the carousel, but once that started moving, she was holding on for dear life again and trying to keep her food in her stomach! The best was the Lady Bug hop that drops you and bops you up & down. She barely made the height limit (thanks to her big hair bow) and the first drop really got her holding on to the bar and mom's hand. Then as it would go back up, she'd lift her head up to smile and wave at the crowd, then drop it again as the ride flew back down. This would continue the next 10 X she rode it. Riders in line would come to watch her ride it...it was the best laugh until it scared the poo out of her!

The boys braved the SPIDER and all the big coasters this year. Wicked was another favorite of theirs that mom couldn't fathom riding as you fall 90 degrees straight down!!

After getting wet on the log ride, everyone else continued to Rattlesnake Rapids. But I was smart and knew that as it got dark, it would also get cold. The boys rode it one more time without dad, and later told us it was 3 more times...they were nonetheless soaked and freezing by nightfall. Nath was sent out to find a Wal-mart and dry pants, socks, and undies!!

Now that everyone was fed and dry, we stayed to catch a few frightening shows and more rides in the dark. The kiddie rides closed early, so while we were waiting around for the boys Ashtyn had her first cotton candy...she wasn't sure about it going into her mouth!

The boys got the courage to ride the rocket near the end. They were scared but thought it would be cool to get so high up and see all the lights of Lagoon at night. They rode both rockets; one shoots you and then continues you up & down, the other slowly carries you up first and then you drop all the way back down like a free fall. I've never heard them scream so loud! Too bad I had to stay below with sleepin' Ashtyn.
We were going on adrenaline at dark but stayed until 11:00 P.M. and had some very tired children the next day (& tired parents)!

Lego Mania

2008-10-08T20:33:00.001-07:00

This year Jantzen wanted a LEGO birthday party for his 'Great to be 8' year. We searched for ideas and finally came up with some fun ones to keep 10 eight year olds enthralled with legos for 2 hours. Can you believe the favorite was making a scrapbook place mat page with pictures and lego pieces and letters? Of course, the treasure hunt for candy legos came in at a close second (even when they had to search outdoors in the rain)!

I know, I always have to get way into the party theme and have fun going all out with decorations! The flag turned out way cool though with the oversized LEGO...neighbors even thought the flag was vinyl!!

The kids played games from the Lego spoon relay, to building the tallest LEGO tower, to creating a LEGO creation. We had lego brick pizza for lunch with lego ice cubes (but no one touched the LEGO colored fruits or veggies to go with lunch); they just wanted to keep adding ice cubes to change the color of their drinks. We ended with an award ceremony for the best creations (Hayden was proud that his was the 'most creative') and Jantzen's won the 'silliest' award of course!

THE CAKE & LEGO chocolate candies! Yeah! Jantzen's 8!

I've Been Tagged!

2008-10-04T19:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Heather, I have to think above a second grade level this time. Enjoy:

3 Joys

Going home to North Carolina to be with family (and eat good 'ol southern cookin')!
Being home with my own cute kids.
A rainy night with a book in my hand and my hubbie next to me!

3 Fears
Losing loved ones.
Unemployment
Gray hairs (40 is getting too close for comfort!)

3 Goals
Enjoying the little every day things (even my piles of laundry as Pres. Monson stated)!
Drink more water (stay away kidney stones).
Start doing sit ups everyday- now that I'm home more, I'm eating more...

3 Current Obsessions
Stamps! Cards! More stamped projects!
Pulling out my gray hairs...
Blogging!

3 Random Facts about Me
I love the Carolina beaches- but can't stand seafood!
I once had my leg infected with cow manure from the Bear River!!
I love basketball and played in high school-but nowadays I can't school nobody but my 2nd graders!!!!

I am tagging Annie, Shari, Debbie, and any one else peeking-we'd love to hear more about you too! (and Sydney... again since she hasn't done it since Heather tagged her.)

Bear Lake Quick Getaway

2008-09-27T12:01:00.001-07:00

School had barely just started, but we were ready for one more last getaway before getting into the year full swing. So, feeling too tired to pack for camping, we looked north towards Logan to take the kids with their cousins for Labor Day weekend. We had to stop and show them the beautiful Logan Temple. A beautiful day!

The view from above Bear Lake.
The bluest water around (and coldest too.)

Waiting to go into the 40 degree Minnetonka Cave around the Idaho side of the lake. Throughout the cave there were over 800 stairs down and back!
Aunt Pam, Zach, Harley (looking for bats) and Uncle Joe.

Da Gurls!

The boys had a blast swimming in the downpouring rain. There was no getting them off the diving board and doing their crazy jumps!

After swimming, the Hayden and Zach tried drying off in the sauna. SIZZLE!Here we are at the Isle Condos. Thanks to Tonya and her Laketown family and connections, they hooked us up late Friday night with a place right off the lake. We were able to catch one day on the lake before the rain and 30 degree weather set in for Labor Day.

I just had to try this one out!

2008-09-04T12:03:00.001-07:00

You Are Snow White!

Pure and trusting. You are a gentle soul who can get along with just about anyone. Everyone you meet instantly falls in love with you. How can they resist? You have a pure, lovable nature that's irresistable. Just don't trust everyone who comes across your path.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

Our Princess

2008-08-27T12:56:00.000-07:00

Ashtyn was invited to my cousin Jeanine's daughter's bday-tea party at Dear Lizzie's this past week, and boy was she excited for a month after receiving the princess invite. She's even carry the invitation around calling it her princess book; taking it to bed with her every night. The day finally arrived and Ashtyn was all dressed up as Cinderella for the big day (thanks Alli for the dress)!

I was so nervous when they had glass dishes for the 'tea party'. But they did so well drinking Pink punch so daintily! Ashtyn loved the pretty, pink Cinderella cake. She of course thought it was "my cake" for her since it was pink I guess. Her & Ryleigh loved playing with all the little princesses and reading their princess books. Or Ashtyn was reading hers to us all. They played pin the glass slipper on Cinderella, and Ash had to got put all her princess stickers on there afterward too. The girl's giggles were aplenty!

The girls played outside the boutique running up and down the sidewalk to hear their princess shoes click, click, click. They were enjoying each other, and we were enjoying watching them. Ashtyn was worn out after the party and slept all the way home with her princess bag and goodies.

2008-08-12T21:25:00.001-07:00

Summer Fun

2008-08-02T07:33:00.000-07:00

We have been so busy this past month trying to fit everything in before we head back to school SO early this year, that I may just have to put in a slide show of all we've done! We've had a blast with summer concerts and firework shows at our city celebrations in Saratoga Springs and the Ryan Shupe & the Rubberband; then in American Fork with 'The Beatles'. We did make it camping with Aunt Pam, Uncle Joe, and cousins Harley & Zach up in Coalville, UT above Park City. Yes, there were bathrooms & showers, and even a swimming pool & hot tub. The boys loved the fishing pond but got frustrated with lots of tangled lines and no fish-although Zach caught one out of the river our last night. Then they braved the cold waters of the river on tubes, and couldn't get enough of that...even Ashtyn was jumping right in ready for her turn with dad on the tube! She screamed the whole way down...with delight!

Summer Trip to North Carolina 2008

2008-07-11T13:36:00.000-07:00

We made it home for a week while Nathan was gone to CA for some military schooling. Aunt Amy picked us up at the airport late one night, and we surprised grandma in bed! She couldn't go back to sleep, making sure it wasn't a dream, as we were celebrating her 60th birthday that week!
Hayden, Jantzen, & Ashtyn were excited to see Uncle Kelly again. He came up for the weekend from Savannah, Georgia to keep us some company & play with the kids.

Here we are at Uncle Walter's place in Creedmoor, NC. There was a lot of good food (boiled potatoes, hush puppies, deviled eggs, and fried fish, rabbit, & turtle) that the boys wouldn't eat...even if it would be a good story to tell their friends! And, a lot of Granddad's family! It was HOT and humid, but loads of hugging and laughter!

We had a blast swimming with the Laws clan at they YMCA in Wake Forest. All the kids are growing like weeds, but still loved playing together in the hot,
humid sun!

We made it out one evening for miniature golf and laser tag at Frankies. Of course, Granddad had to show off and beat us all; even though Aunt Amy & Grandma had some hole in ones. But, the girls beat the boys in laser tag!

Southern Utah Trip

2008-06-20T20:55:00.000-07:00

And of course, you can't leave southern Utah without getting a date with the cowboys! I think I got the cutest of them, don't you? Poor Mary Ann had to get the leftover drunk one! Or maybe he's sleeping with boredom? Where are their hands going?

Here we are at Bryce Canyon. Ashtyn sure liked posing, but she didn't care about looking at the sights, she just wanted to play with the rocks and hike around.

We couldn't keep up with Jantzen on the trail in Zion's...later we'll do the Narrows hike when the kids are older, but for now, they were tired out after 2 easier hikes.

Hayden beats Jantzen finally in climbing a Big rock
in Zion's Canyon along the narrows trail.

Hayden & Jantzen made it up to the top pool and got to

get wet with the Devries' boys.

Ashtyn posing for her dad in the canyon wall along
the Emerald Pools hike in Zions' Canyon.

We had a blast going down to southern utah to explore and hike. The trip was a whirlwind; as we had to get Nathan back to fly out to California for some military school, but we'll try to get some pictures on soon. Hayden fell in love with Les Miserables at the Tuachan outdoor theater, Jantzen loved exploring the mountains and playing in waterfalls, and Ashtyn loved playing "wock, papr, zizzorz!!" Nathan and I are just worn out and ready for a good week's sleep!

June 2008

2008-06-10T18:53:00.000-07:00

Well, here we go! I'm going to try to keep a little of our lives in writing since I've no time for long journals or scrapbooking anymore. Hope this keeps everyone up to date and we'd love to hear from you too!