Sum-Sum-Summatime

I'm so excited it's finally getting warm. I can't remember the last time we had cabin fever in June. The kids were getting tired of all the jobs I was making them do when they came to me with their "I'm bored" and "There's nothing to do"'s. Finally we have something to do!

We set up the WTP yesterday. Our climate really doesn't justify the real deal so we have the white trash version...and we LOVE it! It's such a summer saver. We haven't been able to set it up the last couple of years for various reasons. Last summer we had no yard and visions of a mud swamp convinced us otherwise. The year before, we were in a rental knowing we would be moving mid-summer, therefore not making the hassle worth it. (And with the threat of June snow showers a couple of weeks ago, we weren't convinced this year would be the grand-reopening either.) But alas, with the 90 degree days this week, the WTP came out. And it fits. It's nestled nicely in the white trash corner of our yard. While our front yard is looking beautiful (thank you, honey) our backyard continues to be a work in progress thanks to the basement excavation project earlier this spring. Bless his little heart, Hubby works day and night on it and it should be gorgeous by fall.

Back to the WTP, it takes HOURS to fill up and #3 and #4 could hardly stand it. They got their little inner-tubes out and waddled around in the 12 inch 20 degree water until their toes turned purple and rigid. Now that it's full this morning, they won't go near it. It's going to take another week or so of these 90 degree days to get it a tolerable temperature.





#1 and 2 had a sleepover last night and played a little midnight baseball by the full moon. I LOVE summer! This morning they couldn't wait to be the first in the full pool...until...their little toes touched the icy surface and they started shivering. They all took turns jumping in, hoping against hope that they would warm up once submerged. No such luck. They hardly dared let their arms touch the water! We'll be getting that solar cover on it today and hopefully get to actually USE the stupid thing now that it's set up!





Once they gave up on the idea of chillin' in the pool (no pun intended) they donned headbands and jerseys for an old skool game of hoops. My guess is it won't be long before they're back in the swim trunks and ready for a dive.




Ahhh....summertime.

I love XM

I'd like to meet the chap that thought up XM radio. Seriously. What a cool dude. Granted, he was probably just out for a little extra cash but for those of us living in "lesser populated" corners of the world (aka "the sticks"), having endless musical options is truly a gift.

Case in point:
This evening, on my way to work, I was flipping through all of Hubby's presets in his truck. I paused for a minute on a Daughtry song on the Hitlist channel, singing a little line, then flipped through and air-guitarred with Bon Jovi on the 80's channel before coming to a screeching halt on the 90's channel and Bobbie Brown. Oh baby! I haven't heard a Bobbie Brown song since, like...oh my gosh, the 90's! I didn't even realize I was such a Bobbie fan until I started singing along to "Good Enough" and realized I knew every word. I had a serious 90's throw back jam session all alone in my truck and got to work in the best mood ever. I'm actually contemplating downloading a little BB for the ipod. If it can get me that excited on the way to work, it could do wonders for me on the treadmill!

So, thank you XM and the brilliant creator behind it...thank you Bobbie. You all made my night! (Now please enjoy a little "Good Enough" for yourself!)

Sunday Synopsis

Yes, I know the date says Monday. But in the world of night shifts, it's not officially Monday until I go to bed later this morning. Therefore, this is my Sunday Synopsis.

Friday we finally had #3's birthday party. He was so excited! At five, it was officially his first friend party and he was feeling pretty big time. I have to say, it was the easiest party ever. I gave him all the typical options of the bowling alley, swimming pool, park, etc. I threw out the movie as a last minute option and that was the winner. We took the group to Kung Fu Panda (which I thoroughly enjoyed, by the way) and a good time was had by all. He invited five little friends, two cousins and three siblings (mandatory invites). All but one friend came and I'm sure there are a handful of moms out there thanking me for the new karate chopping moves their kids are sporting by now (I know #4 is impressed with her new skills).

blowing out the candles on the Dale Oonhauwt Doonier cake #1, cousin Leah, friend Keegan, #2, cousin Lindsay, #3, cousin Austin, friend Carson, friend Janessa, friend Carter (#3 refused to be in the group photo so she gets her own...spoiled little devil)

(Yep, she's sporting a tat...nope, she didn't get the idea from me...)

Immediately after dropping all the kiddos off after the movie, we headed to the ballpark for the Coke Classic Allstar Tournament. #1 plays on the 10-11 year old team and #2 plays on the 9 and under team. Our 10-11 team has struggled to field kids at appropriate positions so #1 tried his hand at catcher the first day. He did okay, considering he usually plays 3rd. We played until nearly 11:30pm the first night and he was ready to quit squatting by the end of the night. He was quite happy to get back to 3rd on Saturday morning. He had some solid hits and enjoyed himself. Stealing home

right before a big hit...

#2 thoroughly enjoyed himself all weekend. As a barely-8-year-old, the fact that he was chosen for the team was a pretty big deal...the fact that he plays is HUGE. He was fully prepared to be a bench warmer and takes his role very seriously now that he's realized he's actually going to play. He started the tournament in centerfield and ended it at shortstop. He's a solid little player and did really well in the field. He struggled hitting a little and I had to include the last picture of him walking off the field after one at bat. His body language has frustration written all over it. It's so classic. (thanks to uncle Josh for the great game pics...but no, I'm still not buying you that lense!)A little late on the swing...

a little less than pleased with his performance

To wrap up the weekend we got to spend Father's day with our great dad/hubby. He does so much for our family and we're truly blessed to have him. There's nothing he'd rather do than spend time with his family - a trait I'm discovering is rarer than I thought. Anyone that knows me knows he's something special...you'd have to be to put up with me for 13 years! (and not have your bags packed by now!!) I've tributed him on here before but had to emphasize what he means to me again today. He's my best friend, the love of my life (and everything here after) and the best dad four little kids could ask for. We love you, Happy Father's Day!

Happy Birthday "CoCo"!

I know I'm a day late posting this but I can't miss this chance to tribute my youngest son!

Yesterday you turned five and as I was looking back through pictures for this post, I couldn't believe how fast the time has flown by! I never thought I'd use cliche's like this but I remember the day you were born like it was yesterday! We were scheduled to be induced on the 10th of June but got bumped due to a busy day at Cottonwood Hospital. I remember being so stressed about it that I got a migraine, and I only get maybe one or two a year. Not to worry though, you made your grand entrance the next day.


I had worried a little about your delivery since #1 had been on oxygen for several hours then sent to Primary's with a heart murmur and #2 had been early and flown to the NICU for a week. My only wish was for a smooth delivery and a baby I could actually hold without interruption. You didn't disappoint. You made your grand entrance a short 4 hours after our arrival and have been an easy going angel ever since.


I remember hoping you'd wake up in the night when you were brand new (which didn't happen very often...)so I would have an excuse to cuddle you. I'd lay on the couch with you on my chest and spend the rest of the night that way. You have always been a lover.


Today, five years later, you're not much different. You have endless patience with your pesky little sister and the sweetest admiration for your older brothers. And most of all, you love your daddy. You came to me as my sweet little angel and latched on to your dad the first chance you got. You're still his shadow, obsessing about Dale "Oonhauwt Doonier" and the Dodgers as much as he does. You'd rather watch anything on ESPN (including the WNBA) than something on the Disney channel. Even at night after a bad dream, you walk around to dad's side of the bed for comfort.


And even though you still love your thumb and blankie first thing in the morning, I'm amazed at the kid you're growing up to be. And I couldn't be prouder! You really are the sweetest little guy I ever could have asked for and I love you! Happy Birthday, "CoCo"!

Funny HA HA

So, after working the last two nights then running up to Provo after a very short 4 hours of sleep, getting this email cracked me up. Had to share...

A very tired nurse walks into a bank,
Totally exhausted after an 18-hour shift.
Preparing to write a check,

She pulls a rectal thermometer out of her purse
And tries to write with it.

When she realizes her mistake,
She looks at the flabbergasted teller
And without missing a beat, she says:

'Well, that's great....that's just great....
Some asshole's got my pen!'

Welcome to my life! But, on a happier note...look what Mommy got at Costco! (Happy Late Mother's Day to me...or Happy Father's Day to Hubby...)


Now a quick sad note, too. We just looked outside and saw the nest we've been watching for over a month now on the GROUND! A wind just blew it off the beam it was on and two of the four baby birdies died on scene. This is a pic of the last remaining two. I scooped them up and put them back in the nest, so now I'm afraid the momma won't take them. We just put it back up, so we'll see. I'm just glad the boys found it and not the little girl. She'd be traumatized!

Sea World Pictures 2008

Disneyland Pics