The Muir Family

Beautiful Boys

2012-01-17T19:58:00.000-08:00

Wow this new camera is fun. I have been waiting for an overcast day forever. I grabbed the boys and headed outside on a busy busy but cloudy day. This is in an old Truck that grandpa Ray plans to take apart.

These two pictures were takem right next to our house.

...One sunny day

2012-01-15T20:06:00.000-08:00

Here are some cute robot jammies I made Rawlin, I lined them with flannel to keep him warm.

Oh Dear. Rawlin and Kasia, these two are attracted to dirt and mud like kids to candy. If I turn my back I can be sure to find them covered in it. Especially Kasia, who is Rawlins little friend that I babysit a few days a week. I think if you gave her the choice to play in the mud or meet the disney princesses she would probably choose the mud. These pictures were taken in the May of 2011, they said they were making chilli. They were even so sweet to offer me some. I love their imaginations. There has been several days I let them play in the dirt the whole day, its hard to stop them when they are playing so nice, having so much fun, and being so darn cute. Besides if I did stop them, I would need to bathe them and if I turned my back they would just end up right back in the mud again,

Fun Photos/Camera Practice

2011-05-30T15:05:00.000-07:00

I got a new camera in April, it is so awesome, I have been wanting one for so long, so I waited and waited for nice days to take some awesome pics.
One day I grabbed Rawling and my friends girl Kasia ( who i babysit for 4 hours a day) dressed them up, swung by another friends house and kidnapped her brand new, well, 6 week old chihuahua's threw a whole bunch of stuff in the back of my car like the wagon etc. and drove down town.
---oh, and we had a blast! If you could enlarge this you would see they are in HEAVEN!!!

the next day we stopped by a neighbors house who raises pygmy goats, this one is 5 days old and was the runt of the litter, she almost didn't make it but Sister McBride nursed her back to health and was bottle feeding her insed the house. Her name is Suzy Q and she was SO stinking FUNNY to watch.

Ruby and Rawlin enjoyed the Trampoline at the McBrides house too.

Another shot of Rawlin with the Puppies.

Here is a great on of Rawlin in Photo crazy day, I made that tie the day before and happened upon this store with a yellow wall out front. I Love it.

a few days later he was finally getting tired of the pictures. haha.

Rawlins 2nd Birthday

2011-05-30T14:45:00.000-07:00

Chase is always good for a laugh! he found some huge googly eyes and stuck them to his eye. W about died laughting, he looks mad but he's just holding really still so they don't fall off. Some funny things Chase said recemtly. on May 4th he said (going out the door for school) Bye Mom, love you, may the fourth be with you. I laughed the rest of the day! a couple days later he said, I can stay under water for two minutes, here mom time me, he said setting a glass of water on top of his head.

Rawlin and Casper his kissy fights, Casper always wins.

He got lots of Toy Story and Thomas stuff for his birthday.

grandma made a cake and he opened presents at her house.

weeeee look who got a new slide for his birthday. Out swing set at the Burley house didn't have a slide is was a metal frame and just had swings and monkey bars. So we bought the slide and Jeff made this.

Here is the Teddy Bear cake I made For Rawlin and Ruby. They had a combined birthday party at the Bowling alley, it was so cute!

Ruby turned 5.

We had a big blizzard in March, so I used the 4 wheeler to pull the kids around on the sled before it melted, which took a few days.

Easter 2011

2011-05-30T14:31:00.000-07:00

Easter was so fun in Burley, the weather was chilly and windy, but not as bad as most Easters. We had a ward breakfast and easter egg hunt at the church which was so fun. Rawlin got the hang of it pretty fast. on sunday the Easter bunny hid eggs at our house. a lot of them had loose change that the kids think is awesome. but some had gum in the shape of eggs. This is probably not a good idea since Rawlin leaves his gum in places he shouldn't.

We had a big lunch at grandma Muirs with everyone but Hannah and Brody there.

Kate is the brave one in Brians family, the boys won't go near the dog, but Kate thinks animals are great.

Kyle, aunt Holly, Nathan, and aunt Raquel

Aunt Lisa and Aunt Alicia. Just thought I woudl post pictures of Aunts this time. since I am so far behind in the blog. I really do't want to give it up though. I really do think it is the best way to keep a history! maybe someday I will print a copy!

Where has the time gone???

2011-02-23T09:39:00.000-08:00

McKinley had a Birthday party the week before Christmas, she wanted it to be in Idaho Falls, so we had it at Leo's place, I think she has never had more fun in her life, and I am really glad, because it cost me and arm AND a leg, we will not do that again.

I got a kitcheaid for Christmas, Holiday baking was much funner, and Rawlin is fascinated by the mixer, he loves to help.

WE GOT A DOG. Let me repeat that because I still don't believe it. WE.... GOT A DOG. His name is Casper and he was around 9 or 10 months when we got him the beginning of January. Jeffs cousin has had him since he was a puppy, someone abandoned him at his house. But he is a truck driver and when he found out my kids REALLY wanted a dog, he and Jeffs aunt Suzy really started pushing us to take him. He was house trained and obeyed several other commands.

He is SOOO sweet and has Jeff wrapped around that little wagging tail. Rawlin is constantly bossing him around and jumping on him, Casper seems to know Rawlin is the boss, it is SO cute. He has already proven to be very smart and SUPER fast.

The holidays were exhausting, I htink this was on New Years Day..

Twas the night before Christmas and they wanted to see how many Christmas storied they could get in before Santa's arrival.

Rawlin and his puppy from big sister.

Westin with his guns from Chase.

Geography bee, Chase made the top 9 of the Jr. High. It was HARD.

Went to Boise to see Josh's mission farewell and got to hold my brand new great Neice, Dru. Here I am with my sisters,

Had a great getaway in Island Park with my fried Vivian and her friends/sisters. L to R. Colleen, Michelle, Vivian, Mindy, Kristy, Haley.

Snow machine time.

Rawlins bday, we had cake and presents at Grandmas, and then drove to Idaho Falls to get McKinley. Katie made awesome cupcakes.

December.... so far

2010-12-06T19:10:00.000-08:00

This is all the family that came for Westins Baptism

He was so proud. I think he has grown up a lot in the past few months.

He wasn't thrilled with all the picture taking however.

Hereis McKinley in the 5th 6th grade choir. they sounded pretty good, and were very cute.

Rawlin did not want to get too close to santa, just close enough to get the candy cane.

Westin decorated the tree mostly by himself, but he helped Rawlin hang a few ornaments, it was so sweet! Westin loves to decorate for any holiday, and has been showing a lot more patience for Rawlin lately.

October went by TOOOO fast

2010-10-31T15:25:00.000-07:00

These are two of McKinleys BFF's Brynlee and Cammy, there moms are my Bff's too. What an awesome way to have it, our boys are super close too, but this weekend was about GIRLS. they came down to see us and our new place, we stayed up most of the night and made jewelery. It was so nice.

McKinley and I met up with these two (Dana and Katie) for a girls night in Pocatello, it was lots of fun, we ate too much and then worked it off at Costco!

Grandpa has been working the sugar beet harvest right next to the air strip where this crop duster lives, Grampa wanted to take a picture of it, so we got to go out and see the beet dump.

p.s. When ever you try to get Rawlin to do something he will stick his finger inhis mouth and look down like this, its his pretending to be bashfull look.

At the last minute Westin decided ot be an Army man, I think he is a pretty cute one, He bounced out of bed first thing and put on his costume. I thought he was never gonna take it off.

McKinley just wanted to be something that involved this tutu that i got at the D.I. so she decided to be frankenstines girlfriend. She did her nails herself and they were very cute, I was bummed that her black tiara broke when we put it on.

This pumpking Mckinley has her foot on is from a start she did in 4th grade we planted it and one other at Grandmas, and only got one pumpkin off of each, this one is 75 lbs, and the on one Rawlin is sitting on below is about 67 lbs. They each weighed more than Westin.

All of my Halloween dreams have now been fulfilled. I have always wanted to dress up one of my babies as the monkey that they really were. I bought it at Old Navy almost 2 months ago, and he hated it, and refused to wear it. I worried for a long time, but he pulled through for me in the end, ahhhhh. I just can't stop squeezing that little Cutie. Who by the way says oooh oooh aaah aaah. very well.

I accidently uploaded this picture of my little friend Kasia, who says Rawlin is her besest fwend. How could I delete that, I will just have to include her in the post, she was THE cutest princess at the whole ward party.

As for Jeff and I..... I am getting ready for the grand opening of a little Holiday Boutique I am doing with my friends here, it is looking AWESOME, and this weekend is going to be NUTS!!!.

Jeff.... Has taken to country life in complete full swing, he is now living off the land, (meaning eating the veg, his parents grew and eating birds that fly over our house.) He has convinced the children geese is delicious. Even though McKinley nearly broke her tooth on a bb........TWICE! HELP ME!! I LIVE WITH A BUNCH OF HICKS!!

Fun times in the country

2010-10-05T16:03:00.000-07:00

WOW, I had completely forgotten how beautiful the sunsets are, I wish I were a better photographer or that I could find my camera the other night when it was purple.

SO SILLY!!! Kasia, and Jackson are Rawlins two new buddies. Its all he talks about all day. I watch Kasia everyday for about 3 hours, and sometimes her brother after kindergarten. She is so funny, and sweet to Rawlin. She is one year older than him and such a tomboy. She loves to play cars and trains with Rawlin. It is nice to have someone around to entertain the little stinker part of the day because he gets SO bored. These two have cool moms too. We like to do crafts and act goofy together, they have really welcomed me in with open arms.

Jeff got sick of me asking for a horse so he got me a 4-wheeler. He wanted to get me one with power steering and manual shift so I can plow the driveway in the winter. He got a plow attachement too. Then we bought the 2 4-wheelers that used to be my parents and now we are ready for some family rides. Chase is thinking he is prety dang awesome. first a cell phone and now a 4-wheeler. He is really moving up in the world, and I think it is making junior high seem a little bit cooler.

Chase tearin it up.

Q-T- PIES!

We especilaly like to ride them to grandmas house for hugs and kisses, Family home evening and apple pie. --- Let the good times roll.

UP to DATE

2010-09-20T11:03:00.000-07:00

Here are the kids catching the bus on the first day of school

Here are the boys after school, McKinley missed the bus, so grandma went to pick her up.

This post will catch everything up (fwew 3 posts in one day) Mom asked me 100 questions in an emial so Hopefully this will answer them.

It is still really warm in the day and cools off at night, it hasn't frosted yet but probably will soon, it still gets into the 70's.
The kids all like school a lot. Mckinley the most of course since she is teachers pet as usual, and Chase has a couple of teachers that he STRONGLY dislikes but a few he really loves, he is taking band again playing the trumpet. Westins teacher might as well be a comedian. he loves it though. Westin is very used to being teased.

The bus comes at 7:12 in the morning, and brings them home about 4:00 so I have been dropping them off in the morning, and sometimes I pick them up after school. The really really don't like the bus driver, he really yells a lot. I can't force them to ride it all the time, it really ruins their day. They all have a couple of friends now, I will get to that part in a minute.

Our ward has got to be the most friendly ward ever. it is not what I would expect from a small country ward where everyone has family in the ward, but it is kind of the opposite. They don't get new people very often, and their primary is SOOO small, and we bought the stake presidents house, so everyone knew we were coming and was very excited to see new faces. Its so funny to see people in town and they recognize me from church but I don't recognize them becuase well there is a lot of new faces to remember. It is great though. there is not very many couples our age but everyone is really close, Ray and Kathy joke that they finally fit in because they have kids in the ward now, it is SO normal here.

We spoke in church and I think every person came up to us and either introduced themselves if they hadn't or wanted to talk to us. Within the first 5 days we were here we had been visited by the bishop, primary presidency, relief society presidency and 2 families that brought treats to us. One of the brothers told Chase he was going to be his science teacher and this was the night before school started. He told chase to come see him if he needed anything. This was so great because Chase was really stressed out for the first day of school, and this helped immensely. He has made a good friend that I haven't met but this kid is in like 3 of his classes. He does a/b days and has to walk a block and a half for band and again for p.e. He is really starting to take responsibility for his school work, I really hope it sticks, but he has less classes per day to remember, he has a couple of fun classes and he even checks his own grades on-line frequently.

McKinley has been moved up to the advanced reading class, and honors math was too full so her teacher took it upon herself to challenge McKinley. Her teacher knew uncle Brian in High school, so I think she expects McKinley to also be a genius. But I told her teacher to do whatever she feels and that McKinley loves homework.

Westins teacher teases the way Jeff does, which Westin likes because Westin has the same personality as Jeff. His teacher told him to read 20 minutes a night even if its just the tags of his underwear, well guess what he read that night.

I have already been taken in as the new girl and accepted by a bunch of really fun girls here in the ward. I was invited to a girls game night, where we all laughed until we peed a little. (inside joke) then invited to ride horses and take a digi scrapbook class, and Sat. we went to watch the BSU game with some of the same girls and their families. It was the best thing for the kids, Westin has 2 buddies his age in the ward, already and ther ear emore boys his age to get to know, McKinley has made a couple of friends younger than her, that are in her promary class, and she is excited that I was made Activity days leader. There are only about 5 girls total between 8-12, I am excited. One of my new friends has an on line bead shop in her basement and the beads are cheap cheap cheap. oh wow, I think I mihg tbe spending a lot of time over there. :)

As far as being out in the country, we love the peace and quiet, and all the space. When it gets too quiet aroung grandmas house she will walk down and borrow Rawlin for a bit, he LOVES this. When we are driving poast their house he will cry for me to stop at grandmas. I am going to have to start going the long way to town so we can avoid grama's house.

I think that about covers all of us. Hope all is well with you.

Farewell Party / First Weekend Visitors

2010-09-20T10:28:00.000-07:00

but not in that order. well our first official visitors were everyone that came to help unpack and then Kayla who stopped on her way to college. Thanks so much Meri Kay, Don, Clara, Danielle, Bethany and Jeremy, and Hollyfor coming ot help me unpack I can't believe how much got done that day, it was so awesome, they all worked for about 6 hours straight. thank you thank you thank you.

Then for Labor Day the Larsons came !!! YAY !!! we had a blast, and Katie helped me decorate. I love her, Rawlin and I still look our the front door for them and then get sad.

We took them to City of Rocks and had a picnic there. They were having so much fun.
Rawlin and Lucas took a break to play in the sand pit there.

Easton and Conner loved exploring, I have to say that their highlight was looking for stick shaped like guns, which I now have a box of in the garage.

making s'mores. was fun. But the best part was Rawlin and Luc's reaction when the first saw each other there was runnifn screaming and laughing..... oh wow it was priceless.

OUR FAREWELL PARTY

There are a few families that we do a lot with. they threw us a barbeque on our last night there. Our kids all love each other like family, they are all close in age and treat each other so well. I love them.

Here is the men making small talk, I am pretty sure Jeff was telling them about how he was going to get to shirt birds all around our house. and when they come they should bring a gun. Brooke and Saige just moved in last winter but we totally clicked and we will always be friends, she is so sweet and loves to give my kids candy.
these four girls are so tight, its just awesome. They also had Brynnlee's birthday party that day before McKinley could move and she gave these three best friends necklaces. It was really sweet. (Saige, Mck, Brynnlee, and Cammy) with Morgan in the back. Chase and his friends all in thier BSU hats. Chase, Jeremy, Hayden, and Westin, they hung out all day on our last day
Cammy pushing Rawlin on the Rocket.
Okay Brooke left before we thought to snatch a pic at the bbq, but here is Katie, me, and Melodee, with Bryn in the front.
LOVE THESE GIRLS. So glad I got to know them, they will always be my friends, and I will always do anything for them.

Better late than never summer recap 2010

2010-09-18T16:37:00.000-07:00

Tauphus park. we went to the parkwith our really good friends to use the tickets the kids earned in teh summer reading program.

OcToPuS !!!! Cammy McKinley and Brynnlee.

The three stooges. at Tauphus park

Chase and Westin insisted on Mini golf even though it was Way too hot.

Rawlin and Hallee, ahhh first Love, he misses her like CrAzY. She is the only one who can boss Rawlin around and he will just take it. haha

I put together a Craft Camp for all of McKinley's neighborhood friends, it turned out awesome. Every Tue, and THurs in july there was a class, and they could choose which classes they wanted to take , we made cinnimon rolls, sewed tote bags, beaded watch bands, mini scrapbook albums, snow cones, painted t-shirts and homemade jam were the favorites. Except for the marshmellow shooters this class we invited boys. and we had about 18 kids. it was a blast.

Jeff and I took the kids to the zoo one last time, it was just before we sold the house.

CHUKARS GAME!!
I am not sure what we were thinking but Katie and I took the kids to a chukars game.... They boys had such a blast. after the game the kids are allowed to run the bases. How many times do you think they ran the bases? Well Westin had to be drug off the field after 10 times.

Katie and I --- just trying to have fun with all the rowdy boys.

This summer was such a blast. I know the last few summers I have said this was the best summer ever. But I think this was the best summer ever. We got to squeeze in a little of everything. Not pictured... Westin played machine pitch baseball and LOVED it. okay so did I. I was sad when it ended. Also Jeff and I took the kids to Roaring spring in Boise, the kids saved thier money all summer, and it was worth every penny.

When we put our house up for sale I said, "it would be perfect if we sold our house at the end of the summer so we could enjoy, our friends and all that we love about I.F. and then move when school starts". I am so grateful we got to spend this time in the place that we have loved to call home and enjoy our friends there before moving and starting all over. It was definately the BEST SUMMER EVER!

The BIG MOVE

2010-09-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

First of all can anyone tell me why I have all those comments onmy last post with chinese characters?? How can I stop that. Maybe I will go private I don't know.

well I haven't posted in 6 weeks, but it wasn't until 3 weeks ago that we got an offer on our house, made an offer on the one we wanted, took the kids to roaring springs and Boise, ran home and started packing my brains out. BUT HERE WE ARE just in time for school to start.

this is the view from our drive way, I think Jeff knows the name of that mountain, They just cut the grain. I think the bales are so pretty.

They pile them high behind our house, and I can't keep the city kids away from them, they think its their own playground.

Here is the view of the walk to our front door. You can't see the cute porch very well but its there and I love it.

Here is the fron tview if I stand on the road.

our Barn/shop. Its actually a barn, with horse stalls and saddle room etc. McKinley and I will probably only ever dream of having a horse.

Here is our roping arena. We are thinking about making it pasture for a cow.?? We will see. Right now its great for playing rodeo with the kids, building sand castles and riding bikes!

THis is my favorite room in the house...... ahhhh.....

Here is our back yard. Its is so much fun to let them run and run, and not worry about them annoying any of the neighbors.

That is all I have time for right now, the inside is well..... not quite ready, I have unpacked with a lot of help and I am so grateful, however its not cute yet. Rawlin has really gotten curious since we moved and the kids got into school. He is into everything. ruining VcR's and DvD's messing up the dishwasher, washer and dryer in the middle of a cycle, ruining the cd player in my car, coloring the brand new washer and dryer with permanent marker. pushing the water button on the front of teh fridge with out a glass to catch it. Turning OFF my computer in the middle of a post! anyways we have only been here a week, I hope he gets it all out of his system and goes back to my normal calm child.

July 2010 - summer update

2010-07-17T13:58:00.000-07:00

keeping busy on a rainy day,the kids built a fort and had movie night in it.
They tried to sleep in it but I think the ended up in their beds. They are happy as clams if I let them stay up late.
We went to Burley for Grandma Ruby's Funeral, and then stayed a week for the Family reunion.I made the kids get all dressed up and pose for Pic's I even got Grandpa to pull the car out. I spotted so many good photo taking spots on the farm, Then after this pic, the battery died. oh well. I took a few with Grandmas' camera and it was still fun. The kids didn't think so though. They look so cute with their hands in their pockets? The main reason I took them is I finally got photo shop and I really want some good pics to play with but so far it seems so hard. Mostly because I don't know the terminology.
We LOVE camping at Warm River.
Westin LOVES acting like a wild animal.
They all LOVE catching snakes, (and fish)
I LOVE cooking with my dutch oven and hearing them all gobble up their food like its somehthing they have never even heard of before. HAHAH. Its the same things i put in the slow cooker at home and they complain. But somehow its better when yoru camping.
The kids took a little hike until they got to this dock that ws across the river from Jeff and I. I was freaking out that they let Rawlin sit on that step. He is TOO CLOSE to the water, and those steps look like they are falling off.!!!
The kids LOVED tubing!
But Rawlins most favorite thing was sitting in this spot and thowing rocks in the water, he could do that all day.
look, I learned how to blur stuff with photo shop, THat is all I can do.
I had to run to town and find some water shoes for Mck. and I found this OLD building. I am constantly looking for places that would make cool backgroundsfor picture taking, I took a couple of Mck, so I can play with the photoshop. But I really don't know what to do with them?? Help,

What is your favorite ADOBE Photoshop E8 tool?????

good times...good people

2010-06-27T07:51:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was awesome! It was the first nice weather and my brother Don was in town for work. Josh hung out at our house and Rawlin became attached quickly. He calls him Josch. Emphasis on the CH. It was so cute. and I had a break from the pulling on my shirt tails for a couple of days. Josh would say "can I help with something"? and I would say "oh, YOU ALREADY ARE!

Friday Don took us to Cave Falls. :( now referred to as "Caved IN Falls, but it was fun anyway. you used to be able to go into a cave along side the falls and see behind the water. We had fun hiking around anyway. Mental note: next time take mosquito spray, poor chase, WHY do they like him so much? :(

We were getting wet standing here the kids followed Don to see how close they could get to the falls.

My little mountain boy. He wanted to hike around all day. He was excited when I told him he got to pee in the bushes.

aww nice picture.
Then we went to warm river to feed the fish. They were starving when we got there.

But we had a loaf of bread and a package of hot dog buns that took care of that. Rawlin was so HAPPY. He thought it was his duty to feed them. "here go fishies, eat fishies, yum yum fishies." he was happy and we were all thouroughly entertained for quite a while.

On Saturday my two sisters made it, and we went to my dads family reunion, mom and dad are on their mission in New Orleans, but I had two aunts that made it and... well lots of cousins. I think its been a few years since I have gone to the Matson reunion. It was So great. My (2nd)cousin Amanda, put together a packet for each of us. with maps of exactly where our ancestors lived, which was all in the area near this church we met at. Then we all caravaned around to see the sites and to the cemetary. It was so cool.

I don't know how many 1st cousins I have but its in the 30's. This is my very very favorite-est. Devirl. He is so nice and funny, and always gives me the biggest bear hugs. He reminds me a lot of my dad. Maybe because they grew up together? hahaha. But He Married an awesome gal who brought me my GINA!!! I have so many good memories of them. I cherish those memories among my most valuable treasures. I love them so much! (I couldn't find Mary when I was snapping this picture?)

I had to take this picture of my aunt Evelyn at her home where she and my dad of course grew up. She was litterally beaming. I haven't seen her in years and it was good to see and in such good spirits too. I get so excited whenever we come here, I couldn't even imagine how she felt. It made me miss my daddy, usually I hang on his arm and he tells me a funny little story about ever tree, barn, and corner of the yard.

I snapped a picture of my gorgeous neice AnJeanette in front of the barn where my dad milked cows everyday almost 60 years ago. I am going to play with it in Photoshop because I am trying to learn it and its killing me! Every where I looked there were awesome places for photo backdrops. I wish so bad I could have a nice camera and take cool pics of my kids on those old tractors and old barns, and my cousins horses. My Aunt and Unlce still live here and I hope this place stays in the family forever!

Another Shot of Rawlin, he sat next to Josh and copied him then he said "Don, Sit here". When he sees them he will look at me and say "funny Don, Funny, Josch" He is right they are a RIOT!

I took this on our way to cave falls I think. We are so lucky to live one hour from sights like this. ahhhhhh.

Since everyone left I have painted the kids rooms and their bathroon back to boring plain colors. I decided I can't force my house to be sold but I can make it as apealing as possible. Now I have a huge mess to clean up and I am exhausted. I am going to go take a nap now.

2010-05-26T10:08:00.000-07:00

Here is McKinley at the Wax Museum. They 4th graders learn about a person of their choosing who did something great, who is no longer living, Most of the kids chose really famous people. McKinley insisted on doing her great grand mother, they study, write a long report and then a short report that they memorize for their speech, they have to hold still and look like their person. Then when someone pushes their button they recite the speech like a wax figurine. It is pretty cute, and they say their lines like 100 times. She was pretty excited about it.

one in a million

2010-05-09T21:16:00.000-07:00

One in a million, is one way to describe my Westin. He is not a typical first grader. I am not bragging, I am just saying that he does things his own way, on his own terms. Reverse phsycology does not work on him, neither do ANY tactics I learned with the first two. He needed his own complete set of rules, instructions, punishements etc. He likes to be OUTSIDE, and if there is a ball involved he will play for hours. He is really really really hard to describe, which is frustrating because NO one understands him but me, and I can't expain it to you. His teacher was so worried about him. He is one of the top readers of his class, reading on a third grade level, but he is not motivated to take his AR tests or hand in his homework, sometimes there will be a stack in his backpack, and I will have to take it to his teacher. She really thought he hated school, and wasn't having any fun, just taking it too serious. I explained that he really really likes school, he is just quiet. He is kinda like his dad that way, when its business time he is doing his business and when its play time he is well... looking at the rest of the first graders like they are big fat babies.

He likes to think he is 10 or 12. sometimes I have to cuddle him and remind him that I need him to be my little boy, he tries to hide his smile when he says okay. He is filling our craving for sports. He is currently doing soccer for the 4th time. He has also played one season of basketball, and we just signed up for summer baseball. He is really competitive and likes to play. But, He usually drags his feet about practice, because he thinks he is already good at it so why does he need to practice? He is mostly doing this for attention, he LOVES mommy's attention, he will drag this out until I have to put the clothes on his 7 year old body. He can manipulate us quite well, and its pretty frustrating when I don't have Jeff here to back me up.

He is constantly making up his own games, He can almost always get McKinley to play along. This was a sunday morning, when he woke up and decided he was going on a scavenger hunt. He asked me what he should look for..... Well then maybe I can manipulate him into cleaning up the toys that have been burried under the snow all winter.... So I got him to see how many toys he could find. He found something like 12. He wasn't satisfied, he wanted more, So I got all excited and said I wonder how many pieces of garbage you can find. By now he has a huge smile on his face and knows I am manipulating him into cleaning up the yard, which he thinks is cool because he has my attention. What a fun day that was.

I also took a picture of him cleaning out the fridge one day. I had made a list of things they could do to earn money. The older kids started folding laundry and doing whatever sounded easiest. He looked on the right hand column for the largest amount of money. Next to clean fridge it said 1.00, or more depending on how good you do... He got so excited and jumped right into it without saying a word, I heard him mumbling how he was going to be so rich. One shelf into it and I was SHOCKED, he was doing as well as if it were me doing it. I looked at him and thought for amoment... They have been learning to count money at school. and how to write out the dollar amounts. and it hit me. Westin did you think this job was for 100? and he looked confused. uh no? How much did you think it was worth? uh, I don't know. Well it was so cute, I could tell by his reaction what he was thinking. I said it was worth a dollar, but the job he was doing was going to be so great it would be much more than that. It was just so cute, I am sorry to bore you if you are still reading this you must be a good friend or Westins future wife 20 years from now. HAHAHAHA

This kid just makes me think hard. I love him to pieces.

My mom requested pictures

2010-05-06T07:53:00.000-07:00

Well mom here you go, he is changing everyday, and he is definately 2, TWO. T-W-O...

No don't let those dimples fool you. He's got a temper... It reminds me a little of my oldest..... yep.....YIKES....

On this particular day he was furious. After he demanded, yogurt, peanut butter puffs, then rice crispies, chocolate milk, and ummm, well cheetos from the looks of it, he was STILL mad. He is just not a morning person. I think was pushed him over the edge was when he got some milk on his lap from his cereal. So he dumped it....

and threw his bowl on the floor as hard as he could... well.... this led to his first time out.

He only uses plastic bowls now, He did feel a little sad about breaking the bowl. Next time he does something like this I will just take him here for punishment. (by the way, it is not a horror house, its just the car wash)

Rawlin and company

2010-04-18T15:54:00.000-07:00

Rawlin is so into friends. Apparently it is pretty boring being home with mom. He is used to spending the Mornings on MW&F at the babysitters. I have 3 friends whose kids are in my preschool class. They rotate taking Rawlin and Hallee (above). Each of the 3 has a three year old. Hallee just turned 3 and Rawlin just turned 2. First of all, I can't believe I have this picture of Hallee, it must have been a long tired day. Seriously I don't think I even remember ever seeing her this raggedy. HAHA. He talks about ""Hayee"" First thing every morning. I go Hayee? Hallee is Melodee's (one of my very best friends and my pre-K partner's) little girl. On the days he isn't going, on Tues and THurs. He just will not except no and He absolutely must get his shoes and go to Lucas's house.

This Rawlins Bestest Friend Lucas. They were born a month apart and live across the street from one another. Oh they have their good and bad days but they always want to play.

It is such a good thing Rawlin can't open the front door because he would never come home. He pronounces Lusac' name Bookuth. Its hilarious. Today at church they sat in front of us, so of course Rawlin sat with them the entire time. SO stinking cute side by side, exept hearing Rawlin say. Bookuth- Payer... BOOKUTH- PAYER. over and over. So funny.

They find ways to share and take turns, it is good for them to have each other. otherwise they might get too spoiled.

well now lucas has a puppy. So now he is always asking about the puppy. I can't get anything done. AS WE SPEAK he is pulling on my arm, and shirt, to go see Bookuth because he just saw what I was doing.

To make Lucas even more popular with Rawlin, HE HAS twin 5 year old brothers to entertain him almost all day long. Except when they are HERE at pre-school. This is the reason for matching tricycle's.

One more thing, Rawlin is in that cute phase where her repeats everything you say. I measn Everything! Here is one from this morning.

Westin - "Chase, did you know in Kansas there is a city called Tupika"?

Mom - "I think you mean Topeka"

Rawlin - "Topeka"

Spring Break

2010-04-07T20:10:00.000-07:00

Ever since we moved away from Pasco (and especially since Christmas) My kids beg to go for a visit. Christmas cards from friends there make them very homesick. I told them maybe for spring break. Then it came time for spring break... well... I decided since the house was completely clean from top to bottom and in every nook and cranny (for the realtor showing) we'd better get outa here. I don't think I could handle a week couped up trying to keep it clean, besides it might be nice to go somewhere where it was spring.

well the bad weather followed us. Here we are at the top of the Blue Mountains, a sight I love to see. I am so good at multitasking. I can drive,take a picture, pass out snacks, put a baby to sleep, and... yell, all at the same time. :)
we saw Stephanie and kids while we were in Boise. I don't know what it is, but every time we go there Mckinley and Ashley thinkit is their duty to build mud pies??

My siblings in Boise, they know I am the baby, and I love how they make a big deal about it when I come. They are so awesome. But I don't get that game.
Rawlin (my #4)and Colton (Kristens #4)

The whole entire time we were there it was miserably windy, and cold. I was longing to visit all of the awesome parks there that I used to take my kids to.
Westin (my #3) pushing Porter (Kristens #3) good buddies
My friend Jody and Rawlin got really attached in the short time we were there. It was so cute. She snuggled with him while we watched American Idol.
I brought popsicles back from the store, but it was too cold to eat them outside. I taught Kristens kids some great eating habits while I was there. Cookies right before dinner etc. I thought she was gonna kill me, but everyone needs to break the rules once in a while.
seriously these girls.... well the first night there was no sleep. So the next two nights they were out before they hit the pillow.

I wished I had remembered my camera when we saw the Purdue's, and Porters, and when I met up with Kim and Shannon and their kids. I wish I had more time and could have gone to see Rhonda and her new house. I wish, I wish, I wish, I wanted to cry most of the way to Boise. But by the time we got to IF I was happy to see my home, friends, and the town I love, and am going to enjoy it while i still can. It was a really great Spring Break. It would have only been better if it had felt more spring like.
on the way out of town I thought I would take a pic of our old house, the kids really miss it, I don't. Its gets me a little sentimental though. Jeff built this house mostly by himself, it was a happy home. and the bonus room ROCKED. Westin always tells me how much he misses living there. I say why, he says because we never had to clean up our messes. HAHAHAHA. He was and is the hardest kid to get to pick up after himself. He just doesn't remember because he was 3 when we left.

What?? A camera giveaway. NUHUH!!

2010-03-15T13:34:00.000-07:00

Thanks Mary Lyn, I hope you win this, well actually no I don't (teehee) I want this SOOO bad. I have been looking at the NIkon cameras for a long time. ALl I have is a little point and shoot pocket camera. I wish I could take amazing pictures like some of you, but I just can't afford to. SO I am blogging about this to get one more entry, and also to beg you guys to enter and then if you win you can give it to me right?? I am holding my breath until she draws a winner!!

http://phototips.alexismiller.com/2010/03/nikon-d80-camera-giveaway.html

My Birthday party.

2010-02-28T21:34:00.000-08:00

My Birthday is Tuesday, but we celebrated it on Sat with Jeff. I really wanted to take the kids to Leo's place (like Chuck E Cheese) We haven't been there in so long I can't even remember when it was. So I knew they would really be excited. I didn't feel like I needed to go to a fancy dinner or anything we have been on a date every weekend for at least the last month or so. We sat back and pigged out, played games and laser tag until we were too tired to do any more. Then they put up with me going into the Fabric store while they all went to Fred Meyer to pick out my present. I told Jeff I wanted them to get me a door mat for outside the front door. We've been needing one for a long time. They picked out EXACTLY what I would have gotten. Thanks sweetie.

Rawlin ruled at skee ball, but his favorite thing was watching the toy train go around the ceiling of the restaurant. He would get so excited each time it came by. Each time he would point excitedly and make us all look as if we hadn't seen it before. It was great to have something to keep him busy. We could have lost him because he wanted to follow it all through the restaurant.

The big kids liked the laser tag the best. I wish I would have taken more pictures but the place was packed!

Gross

2010-02-23T21:36:00.000-08:00

okay... I was wrong. But at least I got her to the vet. Those hairless cats freak me out. I hope it grows back. She still won't eat much but I think she is okay. she loves the attention anyway. Also she is enjoying being an indoor cat temporarily. Get better soon Misty!!

Cutest thing I ever made!!

2010-02-20T16:29:00.000-08:00

Well here he is. The little man of the hour. He was born only 2 years ago today. He is a silly, smart, and busy little guy. Over the past couple of months he has tried to master the art of the tantrum, realized it wasn't working and then began to speak very well instead. So I guess I don't have to tell you he has found out that being cute gets more attention. If you watch this video you might feel sorry for the cat, but just know that she has 4 legs and can walk away at anytime. She knows the pecking order around here and that he loves her and how lucky she is to sneak into the house. She has developed a routine for getting in whe the preschoolers are coming in in the morning and hiding. The top picture is him in the shirt I made him for his b-day. The little tool/car belt is also something I came up with and will have them up in my Etsy shop soon. And by the way that is why I have been a bad blogger. I have been sewing like a mad woman and totllay loving it. I have had several jewelry and apron orders.

Jeff is really liking his new job, We went over to Twin for a work party (they gave everyone nice gifts, I think it was a belateld holiday party) and I got to meet everyone. Everyone was pretty nice, and we got to visit all the in-laws for the long Presidents day weekend. Westin was miserable with an ear-infection. and McKinley got the Stomach flu when we got home. Misty (the cat ) was attacked by our neighbors parents crazy dog that they were dog sitting for a few days today (I mean really he is crazy and has some problems?!). McK, is REALLY worried, she isn't bleeding but she is having trouble walking. Misty got the dog though. His face was bleeding where she dug in her claws (as he was biting and flinging her around) I didn't see it but my friend ran out of her house in her bathrobe to save her. Sounds like it was quite a site. We hope she will be allright. poor girl. I think she is about 11 or 12 years old???

lately......

2010-01-14T12:43:00.000-08:00

He must be going through a growth spurt, because I found him sleeping in this wierd spot. Which has NEVER happened before... not to mention he has been eating non stop. What he asks for all day; Nana - Banana, nacks - Fruit snacks, gucker - sucker or any other candy, and Jush - Juice. I was so frustrated one day when he had eaten so much and all junk. Then it dawned on me uuhhhhhh duh, that is the only food he knows how to ask for, so now he eats lots of stuff.

Eating a 10 pound bar of chocolate. This was actually on christmas morning, One of Jeffs vendors gave him this giant candy bar and Rawlin knew just what to do.

These glasses are not Chases new glasses that cost $250, that he got today. But they are the ones he got in a practical joke kit.

My three sons. wrestling.

He wishes he could come to preschool so much. He loves to look at books and write at the little tables.

***I have been up to a lot of crafting, if you are interested just click on my sidebar.

McKinley's Birthday.

2010-01-06T12:17:00.000-08:00

I can't download the pictures from christmas or birthdays yet. But McKinley had a nice day. It wasn't her turn to have a party, but she had friends over a lot, if was christmas break afterall. She had Rawlin help her open her presents. I think she got more than she expected between their Birthdays and Christmas We were setting them up for nothing much. But we got something exciting for each of them, that they knew they wanted, and some other things either made by me or REALLY cheap. It always makes me laugh at how their favorite present is usually the cheapest one.

Christmas Break was great. I think school started just in time. They were really starting to fight a lot.

Some things I learned this Break were-----

That Westins favorite food is whatever he can convince me to make that will make the other kids miserable. HE is THE definition of "pesty little brother". But he is not afraid to admit he likes to give me cuddles and kisses. In other words he has 2 moods, Sweet, and rotten.

McKinley, loves to laugh, and loves to get a laugh. She will do almost anything to get her brothers to crack up. This is about the only time she get into trouble. Well that and she NEER picks up after herself and walks around the house all day leaving whatever she has picked up in a wierd place so she can't find it.

Chase... Well he is the one I haven't learned anything new about..... Sound wierd? he did just turn 12. But I think that is why. I DO NOT understand 12 year old boys. I don't get it. We get into a lot of arguments because he gets mad at my constant questions. But I am really just trying to figure this out?? Once he's done I still have 2 more boys. ....... aw man, this might kill me. However Sunday he passed the sacrament for his first time. I can't believe it. all day people kept saying. What???? he's too young? I am hoping that our wonderful Young mens leaders will help him to mature a little.

Rawlin is SOOOOO funny. I learned that he can get into the expo markers, but doesn't know that they are only for the white board. I learned that he can sit and watch a whole movie!!!! JUDGE ME, I DON'T CARE. He loves Elmo, Cars, Toy Story, anything with a train in it and Most recently Monsters Inc. It is so fun to watch him laugh and his face light up just like the other kids did at his age. He has learned so many new words I can't really list them all but most of the day he walks around asking for his "good guys, deedee (blanky) juice, gucker (sucker) cars or choo-choo. oh yah, and he also says MINE a lot. The other day in the store he and I were a ways ahead of Jeff, and he was upset and kept calling out Bumpa, (grandpa) until Jeff caught up. When I corrected him and said that was daddy, he laughed so hard like he meant it. What a stinker.

That is our update. I better use nap time to take down the tree, because I really don't need his help. haha

New Pictures winter 2009

2009-12-16T20:38:00.000-08:00

We convinced mom and dad to come to town one last time before they left on their mission, it was daddy daughter date for Activity days and our daddy was out of town. So we talked my daddy into it. Of course we squeased in a QUICK photo shoot. THey turned out so AWESOME. The photo manager at Walgreens asked me about a copyright. But I told him its just my moms hobby.

I can't believe this kid turned twelve on Monday. I get dizzy when I think about it. Actually one of the young men called to say they had changed plans for young mens, and I really had to think for a while why they were calling my house.?? CrAzY! Birthdays are really just all we have been up to. I've been sick a couple of days. Why are they angels when I am sick? I don't know but it makes me want to be sick more often. they did everything I asked and even packed their own lunches. I am already feeling better dangit. I love the holidays. We have been done shopping for qute a while, since we hardley bought anything. Almost everyday I remind the kids of our trip, and how it was so expensive... They all agree it was worth it though...

Birthday Boy

2009-11-30T14:06:00.000-08:00

Westin Turned 7 today. Even though it seems like we spent no money he is still super spoiled. He went shopping with Grandma Matson on Wed. and with Grandma Muir on Sat. So he got to pick his favorite things. We took him on THE trip, and wrapped up one of his souvenirs. The other kids got him dollar type stuff. He also got some more hot wheels for his new track. We are having a major "sharing war" between him and Rawlin for the first time the past couple of days. Recently his teacher asked me if he was the youngest child. I said "oh no, does it seem really obvious. Cause he was but now he is not. So now I have 2 BIG babies. hmmmmm. We are having a party on Friday, so I will post more then.

Universal Studios HOLLYWOOD

2009-11-21T21:32:00.000-08:00

This is the Jurassic park ride. It was one of our favorites of the whole week. I just wish Kris Allen had been on MY boat. Jeff is SO lucky.
Jeff went with the kids while Rawlin and I watched (Rawlin was napping, and I didn't see their boat come down or I would have freaked when I saw who was on it) Then I went with the kids while Jeff waited.
We saw so many characters there, and it was fun because there were no lines for ANYTHING.
Their second favorite ride was the Simpsons ride, but it totally made me want to puke.
Jeff and I. I think I will blow this one up and fram it next to our wedding picture. (kidding)
The tour was almost an hour long, but the kids had their jaws on the floor the whole time. They had watched the GRINCH on the way their so imagine their amazement when we drove right through the set. They had a whole city built. Chase has said he wanted to be a movie director since he was in Kindergarten, and the behind the scenes details have always fascinated him. So this tour was SO up his alley. We learned a lot about special affects and stuff.
Ever since we saw Spongebob, that is Rawlins new word. He gets really excited and says bobob.
This is one of the special affects. We were in this building that looked like a subway station, and we experienced a fake earthquake. This Semi, came through the roof and slid towards us, There were fires and floods, etc. pretty dang cool.
We are thinking about using this one for our Christmas card. THe Shrek 4-D movies was AWESOME. The chairs even moved.
Here is McKinley on the Red Carpet.

Saturday we spent packing up and checking out of the hotel, then Jeff went to the USC game with Jack and Tyler, and Kristen and I attempted to take the kids on a few rides, it was too crowded and wasn't nearly as fun as tuesday and wednesday when we had dads to help and there were no lines for anything. When the guys got back, Jeff and I hit the road and we got home Sunday morning aroung 9 am. Jeff had to sleep most of that day, it was really nice to be home. but the trip went by WAY too fast.
Back to reality.......

Sea World

2009-11-21T21:13:00.000-08:00

I am really in the mood to finish posting about this trip. I hate when I accidentally load the pictures backwards, and I don't feel like redoing it. Somewhere in that splash is Chase and Tyler, getting wet with Shamu. However the girls seemed to end up much more wet.
Can you see the trainer on Shamu's nose? Did you know her name is not really Shamu? There has been something like 20 ish Shamu's. So it must not be too hard to train a killer whale.
I thought the kids looked so cute watching the Dolphin show. Left to Right is Chase Tyler, McKinley, Sydnee, Westin, and Porter.
McKinley really wanted to see the Flamingos.
There is a big Sesame Street Playland. I wish we could have met Elmo. Rawlin HATES rides, even if the look like Elmo. (who is his idol by the way). THere was a REALLY cute Sesame Street 4-D movie too. He HATED that as well. But really he normally loves Elmo so much???

Disneyland FUN

2009-11-19T07:29:00.000-08:00

We posed with all kinds of characters. No, I am not talking about my 4 little monkeys, but actual Disney characters.
Rawlin would NOT sit on an animal, not even with me. He was terrified of most rides, he would hang on for his life, I htink it didn't help that the first ride he went on was Pirates. He would usually stop crying before the ride was over and he realized that he wasn't going to die.
I think this was the only "Disney"character the big boys would pose with and smile. I think they like Handy Manny because dosn't talk like a baby. Rawlin thinks he is COOL.

Rawlin liked the characters as long as they didn't try to touch him. It looks like he is laughing but HE IS NOT. There would be no way to post all of the pictures Mckinley and Sydnee posed with, this was kinda their goal was to see how many they could get.
Once Rawlin realized they train was really JUST a train, he LOVED it and said "choo choo" over and over. I am glad he finally liked something.
HE LOVED the stroller, that is a very good thing. He and Colton are the best babies, they woudl just fall asleep whenever they got tired. here they are napping. It was nice to have several adults so someone could sit out with the babies, and someone else could go on rides with kids.

If you know of anyone taking the trip to Disney land I HIGHLY recommend the City Pass. The pass we got was for 220. you get 3 days at DL, and one day at EACH of these; San Diego Zoo, Sea World (which we did) and Universal Studios (we did this one too). THat is a KILLER deal, Gourley's went to Lego Land too. in the free lego magazine you can get a coupon to get kids in free. (one per paying adult) I think this saved them $100. Also November was THE perfect time. We were never HOT never COLD and hardly any lines except on Saturday. Apparently Saturdays are NEVER good.

Tune in Next time for........................ Sea World and Universal Studios.

Vacation CA 2009 --- AWESOME

2009-11-17T08:59:00.000-08:00

We couldn't believe it was actually here!!!
The day we had been planning for many months. We left sunday night at 7:00 and my superhuman husband Jeff drove all night. We decided we totally could't afford to fly all 6 of us, but we still wanted to go. It was a 13 hour drive. We stopped twice for gas and got to Anaheim at 8:00 Monday morning. Dude, I think he might be a vampire. cause we played at the beach most of the day and he never once said he was tired. Well you know how it starts right, your playing in the sand, the waves are calling your name you play the little game where you try and run away from the waves, until you trip and fall, then its like. HECK I am jumping in. A storm was blowing in and it was packed with surfers. My kids were pretty entertained. However... Now they were covered in sand and water and we couldn't check in til 3:00. ( we talked them into letting us check in at 1:00) Soon after that the Gourley's came and we spent the rest of the day chillaxin.

I will write more later. These days I can only post when Rawlin is sleeping he is a button pusher!! But before I go I will tell you about my favorite picture!...

Guess who's album came out today. Well my new buddy Chris Allen, you know the superstar American Idol winner from last year. Well, buddy isn't exactly what he wanted to be, but since Jeff was right there and was like dude... thats my wife, and I could take you out with my pinky. So we snapped a picture and shook hands. I am sure he will get over it, he is married afterall. I had passed him before and I knew who it was, but Jeff didn't believe me, so the next time I saw him I asked for a picture. It was so embarassing. After the picture Jeff was like... That dude was on the same boat as us on the Jurassic park ride. I was all WHAT!!!! you should have bought the picture!!! And we would have, but you have to take about a mile hike along with another 2oo miles of escalator back to where we were. Chase kept saying mom can we go back to that comic book store. I kept saying. "huh!! dude. I met Chris Allen..." Then he would say, "mom you are so annoying. " My reply was "GOOD! I deserve a turn too. " Then he would ask again and It would go the same way. So I got him to leave me alone for a little while.

Halloween 2009

2009-11-01T07:12:00.000-08:00

We couldn't get Rawlin to keep any of the costumes on. But the one thing I knew he LOVED was Jeffs hat, so he dressed up as baby Jeff for Halloween, instead of a tool belt he had a Home Depo apron that said Hello my name is Jeff. He would wear Jeffs hat and sunglasses 24/7.

October

2009-10-25T08:29:00.001-07:00

ITS WORKING!! Here is the only cute pics I ended up with at the pumpkin Patch. I was too busy trying to find the perfect pumpkin. Above is most of teh Boise Neices and Nephews.

I found something that took me way back......

I remember posting about my bro. a while back. I think it was when I was posting my Hs days stuff. I had mentioned a poem he wrote for me in HS. He was a senior when I was a freshmen. I guess we had kind of a funny relationship. A few of his friends had little sisters or bros that were my friends so often I woudl get to hand out with them on the weekends. I don't know if my mom made him take me? Or if he actually wanted to? We didn't always get a long, we had some fights that would make yoru eyes bug out. But after learning what other families were like (Em)I guess we were just pretty normal. Also Many of my family members have a gift of writing, but if you read my blog, you can tell that I do not. I do not enjoy reading or writing. I have a HUGE love of Childrens books, but I haven't even read twilight. OH believe me I gave it a very big effort, but seriouly its just not for me. Besides doesn't that ruin the whole movie experience?
I found that poem yesturday as I was cleaning out my closet. (Yep I cleaned out the closets yesturday. I guess its been a LONG TIME. over a year, but I like to put away summery shoes and make room for cute bots and slippers etc. I need more cute boots.) Anyway here it is, it totally takes me back to two decades ago.

Rebecca Pearl, Rebecca Pearl
thoughts of you in my head swirl
Thoughts of all the times we've had
the good, along with the bad
All the times I've given you a ride
When people saw us you would hide
THe quality of your which I admire
Is not yoru critique of my attire
It's not because your tall and pretty
But it is that you put up with me
You all ways greet me with a hug
When ever I come home and stand on the rug
Rebecca Pearl for all you do
I love and appreciate you.

I LOVE it, I know my grandma wrote a poem for me when I was born, but I don't think I have it. Other than that no one has ever wrote a poem for me. I Love the songs he has written for his kids, He is pretty darn talented, and I miss him. Love you bro.

Another note: I love my Mother in Law, I love to brag to people about how lucky I am to have the greatest in laws EVER. They must think I am so whiney sometimes. I would like to point out that I cleaned out all the closets, therefore I am not as busy as my previous post must sound, its more like I just have to stay busy ALL the time. That WAS two months worth of blogging you know. AND IF I was so busy would I have made aprons two months before Christmas? I love you Kathy and I am sorry I am bad at returning messages,but now it is published for the whole world to read and you will KNOW I am not just saying it to make you feel better. hahaha You are the best! I am so happy She will be retiring!! but kinda bummed I won't have the honor of making all your Christmas gifts for work.

so much to say, where do I start?

2009-10-20T16:10:00.000-07:00

Why did I think life would get easier when the kids when back to school????
I haven't blogged in two months and I seriously don't even care, but anyways, here is the list of what I have done in the last two months.

sorry no picture at this time, my computer is not feeling well.

Here we go

Went to the State Fair!! Loved it. Started Pre-school. SO fun! Planning lessons every other day. Took them on Field trip to Fire Station Yesterday. I still can't stop talking about how cute they were!!! Made more Jewelry than I can ever count. Sold them at 2 of Kate's shoe parties, made a bunch of $$$ Spent all the $$$ on stuff for more Jewelry. Had a beaded watch class for my ward. 26 ladies came. Ran out of beads, bought more beads. Planning one for another ward....Kinda stressed. LOST 16 lbs. Had to buy some new clothes. Bummer! Planned Super Saturday combined with another ward. Had Super Saturday where I was in charge of 2 of the crafts. I will not do both of those things at the same time ever again! Made a quick trip to Boise, (can you say HUGE PUNKINS) smoeday I will get a picture posted. Had two sick kids almost positive it was Swine flu, but thats a long story. Doctored like 100 nosebleeds. Not even exagerating. I was sure he was gonna bleed to death a couple of times. Westin and his Freaky nosebleeds. He even missed school. Soccer Practices, Soccer games, end of year celebratory swim party and dinner tonight. Rawlin finally walks, it is SOOOO cute! Rawlin talks, his favorite words are Uh-Oh, and Thank you! He has also mastered the tantrum, it is HILARIOUS!!!! Canned more salsa and peaches than I can count. I am letting the last of the tomotoes turn into compost. I never want to see the canner again! Chase started Piano on Friday, McKinley started guitar again. Grama Matson helped me make a Joker costume for Chase, and we found Iron Man for Westin, now I still have to work on McKinley's. SPILLED A HALF GALLONOF PAINT IN MY VAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I left it in there after the the Super Saturday, and it spilled, I shampooed it for about 4 hours. but you can hardly tell it ever happened. That was exhausting. Met with the Principal and several teachers more than my share of times...... (thats all I want to say about that) Finalized plans for Disney land, 18 days left and counting !!!! Sewed 10 aprons for my mother in law to give at Christmas. Mckinley started Ball room dancing. Chases started band on trumpet. Westin will start Basketball any time now.

Well blog, is was nice to see you again, don't count on seeing me very often from now until the end of the year.... Your just not on the top of my priority list. Not that there is a list, but if I make one I will try to put you on there somewhere? In the mean time I will be in the kitchen looking for some advil for this headache. uhgg.

suma-suma-summatime

2009-08-28T14:57:00.000-07:00

In the Summatime.......We like to kick our feet up and relax.

pick lots of berries and sell some of them.

put on a concert for the neighbors

Set a goal and learn something new. with our BFF's.

Try something we've never done before.

Make lots of JAM

With Berry good friends from far away that we miss so much

and meet their new family member

and by the time we've done all this along with some camping and back to school shopping... well it must be time to go back to school. HALELUIAH

Understanding Rawlin

2009-08-19T20:42:00.000-07:00

I am impressed that even my kids can understand him, here are his words, he turns 18 months in a few short hours.

mom
dad
fish - ishy
elmo - memo
kitty - deedee
Misty (our cat) -ihteee
Westin - esi
McKinley - kiki
Chase - day
meow - mow
makes gun sounds when shooting people
makes car sounds when playing cars

Muah ah ah ah - witches laugh

ouwwf is his dog sound - which is for every animal that is furry and bigger than a cat. for example horses. funny kid.

he is just at that cute stage where he will try to do or say anything you say. Except walk, however he can totally walk great holding on to just one hand but the moment you let go he is on all 4's and crawlin. He just thinks its so much faster for some reason.
I can't count how many times a day I have to pinch him to see if he if for REAL???? what a cutie.

Daddy Day Camp

2009-08-17T06:35:00.001-07:00

Long time no blog. Actually things here are great. Jeff had a week off and we got a lot done, picked raspberries a lot. got the preschool ready, I think its pretty cute too. Jeff did all the honeydo's on my list, and we took an overflowing truck load to the D.I. Swim lessons are over, we got all our school supplies, we've eaten lots of Zucchini and Loved it, (except for Westin).

I talked Jeff into taking the kids to Burley for a day and a night, so I could get a bunch of stuff done without being interupted. He is the best, although I would like to flush his Blackberry down the toilet. AAHHHHH!! I was glad he spent that time with the kids and he says he didn't do any work while he was with them. Did I mention I HATE that Blackberry. I've thought about telling his boss that he needs a cheap phone. I liked it better when he had to sit down to the computer to do any work. The problem is it distracts him and he can't Focus on..... well other stuff, he can't multitask so it bugs me. (hahaha J/K love you honey) I got a lot of stuff done and it was so peaceful and quiet. The kids had a blast, he took them to the fair in Burley, and they went to their first rodeo. I wished I could have been there, I love rodeo's so much. I pretty much grew up at the rodeo. My older siblings all did rodeo and my dad was a rodeo announcer for rodeo's . Here is the proof. Me and my Bro. Rob at the Rodeo. Then he took the Boys Fishing Friday morning. I love how Rawlin can't take his eyes off that fish. hahahaha. Hope everyone else is enjoying whats left of summer.

Benefit

2009-08-02T18:41:00.000-07:00

http://lindablakesleecancerauction.blogspot.com

Here is a link to an AWESOME AUCTION. Especially if you are in Boise. Pass this on. My friends mom has terminal cancer and her care has been very expensive. She only has a short time left with her family here on earth. Good Luck Blakeslee's you are such good friends.

Our Campout at Warm River

2009-07-19T15:22:00.000-07:00

We didn't get there until about 7:00 - it was a miracle they had a no show, and had this awesome spot on the river open up. We were so excited we wanted to stay longer. BUT we soon realized SOMEONE who was responsible for putting the diapers in the trailer.... well must have put them down somewhere else. = we only had one diaper. Early Sat. morning Jeff went to Ashton and bought a couple more for $2 bucks a piece.
The first thing we did was roast hot dogs, and s'mores.

Then we played Apples to Apples Jr. We laughed pretty hard. These kids are funny. We went to bed late.

After breakfast we went for a little walk, and then got ready for tubing.

These guys had never been before, but we stayed at this place a lot when I was a kid, so I was excited to see how much they loved it.

McKinley loved it the most she didn't want to get out. Jeff would walk them down to the other end of the campground and get them in the river. Then he would walk back to the campsite, and we would wade out to make sure they didn't go to far.

This is how shallow it was. But DANG its cold. Now I remember wondering when I was their age. "Why is it called warm river" its like it runs straight off an ice berg.

We saw a lot of Fish but Jeff didn't catch any, (he didn't really try too hard)

We had better luck with minnows.
Jeff schooled the boys in how to trap them, they thought that was pretty fun.
We walked around Upper Mesa Falls since Jeff missed it a couple weeks ago.
No, he is not walking yet (he is only 17 months tomorrow, sheesh) At least he is getting closer.

Shoshone Falls

2009-07-13T19:33:00.000-07:00

Our little weekend trip to Burley, Twin Falls, and Shoshone falls. It was so gorgeous, we had a picnic, with G&G Muir, Brian, Lisa and kids, (it was Tylers Bday YAY) and Brad and Raquel were there with their 3 girls. It was GORGEOUS!!

S8/s1600-h/July+09+076.jpg"> If you've never been to Shoshone Falls You HAVE TO GO. They call it the Niagara Falls of the West.

I've never been to Niagara Falls but I hear its amazing, I'll settle for this beautiful spot instead. I had to get pretty far away to get this shot. There are a few small trails to hike around, but it was way too hot and humid for me.

Next we went over to Dierkes Lake, it is right near Shoshone falls, and it is a very popular place for Cliff jumping, I couldn't wait to get out of there, the have at least one death a year there, and I really didn't want ot be there when it happened. Westin jumped off the dock, it seemed like it was only when I turned my head.

It was such a hot day, there is Westin, Jeff, Rawlin, McKinley, Raquel, and Brad, in the water is Chase and Olivia.

Chase thought it was pretty fun jumping from a diving board into a lake. Now all he can talk about is how much he regrets not jumping off the cliffs that were right behind me when I took this picture. I begged him not too.

Mckinley like it a lot too.

It was HOT and we were tired!

more...

2009-07-13T19:24:00.000-07:00

the boys thought the clouds were really cool.

McKinley, Westin and Tiana, watched the fireworks from the hot tub, so lucky.

Mckinley and Westin at Old Faithful, they were just about to give up, on the old "unreliable"

Cool Dude in daddy's truck.

The Sisters - Meri Kay, Becky, and Jeny Lyn,

more.....

2009-07-13T19:11:00.000-07:00

We were stopped to wait for the Buffalo forever, and Meri Kay got bored and ran out to pose by this sign, it was funny. Probably one of the funnest parts was waiting for the buffalo and being silly, yelling between the 3 cars.

Chase, Westin, and Jeramy, their favorite cousin. They were working on a scavenger hunt Tiana had made for them to do on thei way through Yellowstone. Which Westin kept calling "The West" it was so cute I didn't correct him for a few days. He was SO IN TO the scavenger hunt he really looks up to Tiana, it was sad that she, Rawlin, and Emily, all had the stomach flu that day and couldn't go through the park with us.
Jeny was getting ready to snap and awesome picture so I got one of my own, I think that is a stranger behind her.
This is just a bonus, picture I ended up with when I downloaded my pictures. hmmm, The hard hat just is not your look sweetie. And how long since you shaved?

more reunion pics

2009-07-09T15:32:00.000-07:00

Family Picture Time -- We stayed at Stonefly Lodge ubove Ashton, but not all the way in Island Park. It was SOOOOOO Nice.

Bethany (Dons), Kendra,(Kendalls) McKinley and Kennedy,(Robs) at Lower Mesa falls

feeding the fishes

Sarah McKinley and Kennedy with their snowcones. (Robs Girls)

Why come all my words are not showing up in the places I put them.

Warning Picture Overload. G & G Matsons 50th aniversary/4th of July reunion

2009-07-08T07:21:00.001-07:00

nightly night in the trailer with her Ipod , the lodge slept 30 but since there was 40 of us we brought our trailer.

The "young adults" in the hot tub

Tianas Band was a BIG hit.

Josh taught some ballroom dancing. Westin danced with Kristin

But he liked the air hockey most of all.

much more to come. But we are settling back into our daily routine fairly quickly. booo

Benefit Blog ends Friday.

2009-07-07T15:30:00.001-07:00

26 year old Brad was killed in a motor cylce accident recently and left behind his expectant wife and 2 young boys. On top of the horrible trajedy they had no life insurance. I can't even imagine the burdens they will face. If you have a chance PLEASE visit this benefit blog. There are some GREAT things found here. You might even be able to help out a family while getting a cool deal.

http://bradallenfamilybenefit.blogspot.com

So far this summer

2009-06-28T20:25:00.001-07:00

Well since I always have to write about someone being sick, I will try not to let this post be any different. This week Westin had Strep throat. He wa such a trooper, his throat looked horrible. But he wouldn't miss out on a minute of soccer camp. M-f, from 9-12. everyday this week. I was shocked that he didn't get tired of it. He loved that their coaches were real semi-pros from the UK. He took it so seriously. I've never seen him act so grown up. It made me very proud of him. He likes sports so much, it is really fun haveing 4 kids who are all SO different from each other. He was a little mad that there was no trophy at the end. I took this on the last day while he was waiting for his certificate.

This was the same day, just a few hours later there was a nasty hail storm. Jeff took this shot of our deck.

Here's my boys.

Today the kids decided they wanted to blow bubbles. I love this part of Sunday. just simple family fun time. (and of course my silly McKinley)

And the award for "Worst Momy ever" goes to....

2009-06-21T18:25:00.000-07:00

I am finally ready to blog about McKinleys incident. She was getting sick, and I was pretty sure it was a sinus infection, since I am queen of those. So I gave her the antibiotic the Dr. had given chase for strep. thinking that might be good enough, he had switched meds so we had these left over. I also gave her airborne (eww). A half hour later she game to me with an itch on each elbow, it looked like a spider bite, we have hobos a lotta hobos. But remember she is QUITE the dramaqueen. So I went to get some ointment, and turned around and her arms were both covered, in red bumps. she also had a bump on each cheek, uh oh . So I went to get teh Benedryl, and turned around and her whole face was red and her ears doubled in size, and she was hyperventilating. I quickley gave her the recommended dose of Benedryl and ran to The Urgent Care. Yes, the same Urgent Care I had Chase at 2 days ago, 5 days ago and 9 days ago, and Rawlin a few days befor that. I think they kinda laughed when they saw us come in. McKinley was on my back crying "I don't wanna die....wahhhhh, I cant see, I am going bling". "I don't want to have surgery mom please make it go away...." "this is the worst day of my lige". I was sorry for her but I was laughing so hard as I filled out the papers that my eyes were watering. Another lady in the waiting room, thought I was wierd, I just kept saying "sorry she is just a little dramatic." The Dr. listened to my story and thought that was a really fast allergic reaction and that she may need to go to the hospital for a steroid and observation. By the time we left his office she had calmed down a lot and he cheeks were looking better. I was not happy. My friend went and got my boys and fed them (Thanks Bryn, I don't know what I would do without you!)
By the time we pulled up to the ER, (5 minutes later) I went to get her out and she said she felt better and begged me not to take her in. I was shocked, every bump was nearly gone. and she was covered head to toe when we arrived at the Dr. I was not about to traumatize her ans spend a thousand bucks for nothing. So we turned around and went back to the Dr. Where we went straight back for him to take another look at her. (Luckily we are the only family sick this time of year, so the Dr has been very attentive to us) He was shocked. He said the Benedryl kicked in so fast, I should just watch her really close and make sure to give her the Benedryl every 4 to 6 hours.
Well as soon as we got home she started throwing up, she didn't keep anything down all day. The Dr. called at 5 and was worried about her, he mentioned maybe she had too much benedryl and when it wore off maybe she would feel better. Then I started to feel so bad. I remembered that she had probably never had a full dose of Bndryl. I know that stuff knocks me out for a hole day so I had only ever given her 1/2 doses. Sure enough by 9 she was feling better, and the bumps didn't come back.

And The award for Worst mommy ever goes too.

--Update--

2009-06-15T19:10:00.000-07:00

Chase - The dr. from Urgent care called both Saturday night, and Sunday to check on Chase, then his partner that had the monday shift called Monday morning to check on him also. Saturday night was scary but the medicine really started working after that. I told him Chase was doing so much better, and he asked if I could bring him in so he could take a listen and check his oxygen level. He was very impressed and said Chase should be in Guiness book of W.R. for have Strep and Pneuomonia at the same time. Chase felt pretty cool about that. I never thought I would be happy to see him sitting in the computer chair stairing at the screen, and fightin with his bro and sister. But is beats the last two weeks that he was FLAT in bed.
My eye - almost better, at least I can wear makeup again.
McKinley has a sinus infection and MAN is she dramatic.
The iside is it has been raining the last couple of weeks and isn't supose to stop anytime soon, so we aren't missing out on much.

the sickies

2009-06-13T22:03:00.000-07:00

Hmm. I don't know what to post that won't sound like complaining. so sorry you can stop reading if you want to.
Well school has been out for two weeks yippee, I had so much stuff planned its just crazy. I should be posting about 50 cute pictures by now. but no. sadly I think the only pics of lately would be Chases chest xray today.
First Rawlin had Strep and an infected molar, Then Jeff got strep. THen Chase got it. Rawlin and Jeff are all better, but Rawlin poked me in the eyeball several days ago, now it is all infected and disgusting, red puffy and oozy, I have drops now. Chase just hasn't gotten any better so today I took him back in and found out he has double pneuomonia. nice..... This isn't suposed to happen in the summer??? The dr. thought he might need to be admitted to the hospital. But, we are watching him closely tonight to see how things go. I will let everyone know if we have to go to the hospital. Dr. Brian is on speed dial for now. poor kid. It is sad.
Somehow McKinley and I managed to make it to Boise for Bethany's baptism, it was sweet. She is pretty special. Then McKinley got to stay in Boise since my parents have to come down this weekend. She has been living it up. I hope she is ready for some down time when she gets home, since we are pretty boring around here. I can't very well take all the kids to the park or movies and leave poor Chase home sick. Even though I don't think he'd care, its just not right, right? I hope everyone else is having a better summer than us.

McKinley's Recital

2009-05-30T19:41:00.000-07:00

McKinley has been playing the guitar for 5 months, they had their recital last night. It was very nice. (short and sweet too) We are so proud of her. Keep it up kiddo.

Memorial Weekend

2009-05-28T21:20:00.001-07:00

We managed to get lots done even though Rawlin has been pretty sick. He really just has a little fever and a runny nose, but he won't eat or sleep. We had Dr. Brian (its official now) come look at him, we think he is probably teething or he may have a virus. I am getting tired of this. Nothing will get him to stip crying except holding my camera. I am so glad Jeff is on duty this evening, it is awesome having him around at nights for a change. We took a picture of Grandma and Grandpa Rawlins Headstone. I took the big kids and Left Jeff home with the crying child. THey seemed to enjoy it more than in years past?? Not sure why. McKinley picked these little flowers and tied a pretty ribbon around it and I didn't even know til we got there and she pulled it out. She is so thoughtful. She was only 3 when Grandma died, but they had a VERY strong bond. McKinley wanted to sit on her lap all day every day and just give her hugs and kisses. It was precious.

Here is the sad little man I am talking about. I wanted to take his picture with this tie I made. you can see more on my craft blog. tThe nerve of me holding the camera in front of him and dangling it like it were candy. sheesh.

Oh Yah, Congrats. Dr. Ancle Brinan. This is a nick name he had way back when all the neices and nephews were little. Now they are all grown and so is Brian. We are glad he Lisa and their 3 little cuties aren't moving too far away. Poky is just around the corner.

craft blog

2009-05-22T11:15:00.000-07:00

i have been beading away, Check my craft blog if you like chunky jewelry or Watches.

Kindergarten program and a Goalie.

2009-05-22T11:07:00.001-07:00

She has been dying to play Goallie all season. Goal for it Girl!! We probably won't do soccer next year. :laugh:

Westin was the cutest tortoise EVER!! he went so slow while McKyla (who was in my preK last year and I love to death) ran around him then took little naps etc. so cute. I love these kids so much, I actually cried during the program. The picture is so blurry because Rawlin got his sticky fingers all over my lens, he was not having fun during the program. After about a half hour I finally took him out.

Beautiful day to work in the yard. Or play Soccer

2009-05-17T16:58:00.000-07:00

We could not have asked for a more beautiful day here on Saturday. Yep thats right, it didn't snow and it didn't blow. So we all worked in the yard together. It might even be a first for us.
This is Rawlin's thinking face.

I will help you pull the weed mommy.

I haven't eaten for hours, mmmm chocolate? We are wondering if this is why he has had diahrea and been throwing up all day.
Yes, proof they actually helped a little. I wish I could say it was without complaining.

Westin Loves playing soccer, and any other sport. I was glad it was a nice day so I could watch from the side lines instead of the CAR!

2009-05-17T13:49:00.000-07:00

I had to do a book review on this one. (probably my first and last) I have been woried about how to teach my kids the values I want them to live. Chase is going on 12 so he pretty much understands a lot of what is said on tv or at school. I can't believe some of the conversations 5th graders have. sheesh. In searching through Deseret Book for something to help I found this little gem. It is AWESOME. It talks a lot about the For The Strength of Youth Pamphlet. Which if you haven't read you must! I worry about some of the youth not taking it very seriously. So I wanted my kids to know that it is the guidelines we use in our family for all things concerning. language, dating, modesty, etc. etc. This book has about 18 FHE lessons. Each lesson starts with a fun game, that the kids love, and always has a story, and suggests a treat that will relate. For example. The first lesson has a little scripture scavenger hunt that takes them where they will learn the topic of the lesson. Then there is a story, and we stood Jeff on a chair while he preeched like a prohet of old, we threw marshmellows at him to reinact Samuel the lamanite. Then we talked about prophets and how it felt to disobey. We read from "For teh Strength of Youth" then there was another game that demonstrated keeping our standard and not letting anyone take them from you. Its called keep your socks on. you crawl around trying ot steel everyone's socks and at the same time keeping yours on. We laughed SO hard, and they want to play that game a lot. For the treat is suggested making a better use of the marshmellows, but I decided to make this Muffin tin thing. There were some choices in there that weren't so good, and others that were very delicious. I hope that this will benefit some of you who might have kids the same age, with the same goals as us. It is suggested for age 5 to 12. however when they get 12 it doesnt' mean their too old.

2009-05-06T09:57:00.000-07:00

Yep, The secret is out. My good friend Katie has officilally launched her new business. Its all about the SHOES!! and handbags of course. So I am going to have a party, even though I am the worst at having parties. But seriously, She has fabulous taste in shoes and has handpicked these especially for her shows. She plans to eventually sell them on line. You wouldn't believer her prices either. she pretty much has no middle man so they are totally affordable we are talking Nordstrom type shoes for Payless prices. I hope she won't mind me saying that. Well if you would like to come to my party on Saturday, it is at Kates from 11-1. Open house style.

This week....

2009-05-03T11:27:00.001-07:00

Womens Conference was great I had a blast. I spent a little time with Jennifer, who was there with all of her sistas.

and lots of time with the Waite Sistas. They are so sweet. No we did not all plan to wear green. I guess great minds think alike. I really did not want to go home. But I really did miss the family. However I quickly realized that I had learned a lot but applying it would take a whole other womens conference. Hopefull I can go back next year. and while I am gone the kids can have a conference on being obedient and helpful too.

I had to get home friday night to fo to the mother daughter Activity on Saturday Morning. The girls pampered us with a nice brunch, sweets, nice letters, and manicures. It was so cute.

YAY the snow has melted and the bikes and scooters are out. Chase is obsessed with basketball and Rawlin LOVES his swing. We are so glad for spring.

Mostly just complaining

2009-04-26T18:44:00.000-07:00

I feel like life has really been kicking me in the behind lately. I can hardly find time to breath, between, two soccer games a week, never having a clue where they are being held ( but I am learning about a lot of different parks) and two soccer practices a week. Piano, guitar, getting ready for recitals that a certain little girl is totally not ready for. Planning enrichment activities, and keeping a little man out of the toilet and garbage can, two new fascinations for him. lugging the 20 pounder every where I go, while he squirms and tried to get a way. He is at the Hall way stage at church, He want down and he wants tobe noise, so Jeff and I have to take turns following him around, or lugging him around. He has a really high pitched scream that he lets out in the car and grocery cart, or basically when he is forced to be somewhere he doesn't want to be. Planting a garden, and all that other spring stuff. Trying to make the Yard look like it hasn't been burried under snow for the last 6 months, why do I bother. Feeling like a failure because my kids don't even know what a home cooked meal is. But just glad that they will eat the frozen chicken nuggets or frozen burritos, or frozen pizzas. I haven't seen the floor of my family room all week. I won't mention the kids' rooms. It was so nice this week I made them stay outside whenever possible, but sometimes that means I forget other stuff. So nice that is, until this morning when we woke to a few inches of SNOW. ughhhhh. By the time we left church the sun was shining and it was almost all melted, whew. I feel like I am doggy paddling and my arms are getting tired. I gained weight at Weight watchers this week. only 2 tenths of a pound over two weeks, but I am mostly worried about this week. I have worked pretty hard for only loosing 4 pounds in a month. I hate getting old.
Well I nearly had a nervous breakdown this week so I let my SIL Emily talk me into going to Womens conference. I can't believe I get two days and two nights off. I have never taken a break from being mommy to go hang with the girls overnight, Ever. I hope I will come home with a better feeling. I am a little worried it will overwhelm me even more and show me how much I have messed up my kids or all the things I need to change and do better. I am trying not to think about that part and just think about the relaxing part. I love my bestest neighbor ever and my AWESOME Mother in Law for helping me with the kids and not even letting me feel guilty about it. Thanks so much you guys I owe you MAJOR.

**A sweet moment at church today when Chase (11 1/2) bore his testimony for the first time. I am still in shock, he has always been so self conscious and I would have never expected it from him. He fasted for the first time today, I kinda had to force him or he never would have tried it. We prayed together and fasted together, I am the worst at fasting! but since we were helping each other it was so much easier. Jeff said he didn't know who he was more proud of... me or chase. As we finished up the sacrament McKinley (I was between them as usual,) wanted to draw in his notebook, I knew he would get mad but told her I would ask him, He was just staring into space. I asked if she could use it and he said "I don't care" I said "ok thats fine, Wait, what did you say? you don't care? Are you sure?" "whats wrong, I asked him"? He said "nothing, I am just thinking about bearing my testimony". I told him I thought that would be great. He got a little teary and said "I don't know what to say, I don't know if I have a testimony". He and I have had this conversation before I don't know why we have to keep having it. I asked him "how he felt inside when he was at church", He he feels about Joseph Smith, and the Book of Mormon. and if he has prayed about those things. Then I asked him about his friends baptism on Saturday, and asked him how he felt at his own baptism. When he felt better I told him how awesome it was that Jesus was baptised in exactly the same way, and that Jesus and Heavenly father were so proud of him. He asked me if he could write it all down, so he wouldn't get scared up there. As soon as he finished writing, there was a pause in the meeting, I said it must be your turn. I could tell how nervous he was, but he got a little tear in his eye, and when he was done he smiled so big, and two of his best friends followed his example in bearing their testimonies. It was a big day for him.
Its moments like this one that give me a little hope, I must be doing a couple things right.

2009-04-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

Early Easter in Burley

Here is Rawlin with the Easter Bunny. Thanks Danielle.

This is Danielles dog "Chloe" who loves my boy almost as much as I do. He followed Rawlin EVERYwhere and everytime Rawlin stopped Chloe was there to lick his face. Rawlin thought it tickled.

Randy thought Rawlin would be pretty cute in his hat. So Anjeanette thought he needed her sunglasses too. COOL DOOD.

Our Boise Trip

2009-04-21T20:50:00.000-07:00

TJ and Tiffany. I think they look like a cake topper.

WOW.... so much to blog.......

We had a great time, but I do have to say, I don't think I have ever needed a vacation so bad as I do right now.

SO when I got there I found out that my camera battery was dead, so I will have to steal pics from everyone else. We had a fun Easter at MK's and went to our cousin Matt's (Matt and Janet) house for an easter Egg hunt. The teanagers hid so many eggs the kids were looking for quite a while and ended up with more than they knew what to do with. Then we went out to Kuna for a few nights at the Johnsons. It was fun, the kids stayed up until the wee hours in the morning for the three nights we stayed there. I had to play school teacher, the kids each brought a ton of homework. I tried to help Jennifer a little since she is very sick, as in PREGO. YAY! We did a little shopping. and took the kids to the movies. We spent an afternoon with Stephanie and her kiddos. I always hate to leave their house, not to self... next time I need to stay longer with Steph, and PRE-plan some Jody time. I spent a whole day cookin for the after wedding luncheon with my sissies and Kristin. Other than the wedding I think that was my highlight. I was fun to just talk (although, I was also yelling at the kids to get back to their homework the whole time) The wedding was great. It was fun to watch them take so many cute pictures afterwards. Kayla was sweet to watch my kids during the ceremony. The lunch was so delicious it makes my mouth water to think about it. and the reception was fun too. SO MANY SWEETS.... I mean so many that between it and finishing off the easter candy I am actually going to use my no weigh in pass at Weight Watchers tomorrow. Now I got some serious make up work to do for that. But I think I walked about 4 miles today.

We really missed Robby. But I am so excited for our reunion this summer where we will have EVERYBODY THERE.

L to R-Kendall, Meri Kay, Jeny Lyn and Tom (b.i.l.) Me, and Don.

Foto Friday I mean Thursday

2009-04-09T09:52:00.001-07:00

I know what your thinking, how did I make these pictures of Rawlin look about 21 years older than the present. hahaha. This is TJ. The first Matson Grandchild to #1 go on a mission, and #2 GET MARRIED?????? It is really freaking me out.

I took all of thes pics in 1988, when they were living with us. I was 11 or 12. I had my own camera and a nephew to spoil. Yes, he was a cutie,

I even used to try to sew him clothes like I did for my dolls. (rolling my eyes)

He is kinda like a little brother, because I used to go stay with Tom and Jeny in the summer and take care of him and his siblings as they came along. This week has been crazy busy since I decided to go spend a whole week and hang out with my sissies and hopefully get to help out too. The biggest reason I decided to stay a whole week was so that I would be able to have Kristins help to get there and back, Seriously she is a life saver!! She is so excited (as an only girl) to finally be getting a sister (in-law) Tiffany is one lucky girl to mary into this family (lol) What I really mean is she will get to have Kristin for a sister and THE BEST MIL EVER. I love Jeny Lyn she is amazing, sweet, gentle, happy, smart, generous, and well I am lucky she is my sister, and I can't wait to see her! (not to mention those silly Thornton boys!) AND I will get to have Easter at MK's woot woot

Food Storage Giveaway

2009-04-04T21:24:00.000-07:00

Click on the Pic on the right that says I know Low. She is a hosting an awesome food storage giveaway. Hurry cause it ends on Monday!!

New Tricks

2009-04-02T09:31:00.000-07:00

This is how we stayed entertained durning spring break.

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2009-04-02T08:53:00.000-07:00

Well Spring Break is over, every one is back to school and I thought I would try to blog about it while Rawlin is sleeping since he is obsessed with the keyboard! and Mouse! Next trip to the DI I will pick one up for him for SURE!

It is still snowing like crazy the sky is white and the trees are covered in white stuff. how depressing, I nearly went insane with kids cooped up in the house all week, I don't know why we need such a long break?? I THOUGHT MARCH WAS SUPOSED TO GO OUT LIKE A LAMB!! It was SO nice to have Jeff around for most of their break. He got a lot done for me. "He started with babyproofing, first off the SPICE cabinet". It was great, and we were sure glad he was here when Sundays Blizzard blew at least a dozen shingles off the roof. Then we he got up there he discovered we need new roofing, not sure how we'll pay for it. I guess there goes any thoughts of a summer vacation, Yellowstone will have to do. It really frustrates me as we have to keep fixing things on a house that is only 10 years old. We should be done by the time our house is like 30 years old, then we will have to start over cause the house is too old. I guess we just have a very strong belief that when your building a house you should do it right the first time. We do love our house thoug, SORRY FOR VENTING. Just remember this is my journal and that is how I treat it.

We finished it off by spending the last day with the "C"'s. they have some "sweet" connections and we got a tour of Florences Chocolate Factory, Florence was so nice, and we definately ate too much chocolate, but wow, it is THE best stuff EVER!!!! not kidding either.

Her place is absolutely adorable, its like a little swiss village. and the have a hot dog pretzel shop with fresh made pretzels, and homemade frozen custard. The kids had a great time. But they weren't too bummed to go back to school today either, maybe cuz I am so crabby.

Happy BDAY Gramma Matson

2009-03-25T21:05:00.000-07:00

Today is my moms Bday, The kids wanted to call her but I told them she is on her way to AZ. What and awesome Birthday present, Eh? I have had 2 dreams that I found a way to go with them, so I guess you could say I am jealous. It is always fun at Rob and Em's house.

Hope you have a fun Day Mom.

Those Big blue eyes

2009-03-25T20:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Blog,

I just know I won't be able to sleep tonight unless I say something about this little man of mine.

I have to tell you how Westin has been going through so many new phases, since starting Kindergarten. Some of them not so great. A lot of them have been actually quite trying for me. The thing about this kid is he has the wit of a grown up. He is constantly keeping us on our toes. I have to reasure peole when he is just kidding or trying to mess with them. He especially loves to torture his older brother and sister. He can be so stubborn and set in his way that I can't get him to do anything. I am pretty sure his teacher thinks I am an idiot because I can't get him to do his homework. I have tried every trick in the book and then I tried them again. Its a battle with this kiddo, and he has us all outsmarted. But I love how sweet he can be. About two weeks ago he came home and pulled out a book and read the whole thing to me, no help or nothing. It was all overnight and he is LOVING it. He is a different little boy. He can't stop giving me hugs and kisses. Which make me smile and even give me goosebumps sometimes. That makes him laugh and so he keeps kissing me. I love it when he will just sit there and let me hold him. He is BY FAR the cuddliest of all my kids. (Mckinley being the mushiest, but that has a different meaning and is for another post) It has changed his attitude completely about school, he now loves to go, doesn't complain and even does a little bit of homework here and ther ewhen I can find the right bribe for the moment. I asked him if he wanted to go on a date with me and noone else around. I guess its been a VERY long time since we had special time together. I totally can't wait, he is such a little sweetheart and totally has me wrapped around his little finger and he knows it.

DA concert

2009-03-21T21:09:00.000-07:00

WOW the line was long, I bet you can't tell that we were at the end of this line that went for over 2 blocks. At the end of this line is the Civic auditorium, thats right for the first half hour we couldn't even see the building. It was all general admission, and people got there at 8 am. we got there at 6:45pm right before they opened the doors, (7:20) our seats ended up being the next to the last row. We could still see great, and we actually let the girls go sit on some steps from teh front row of the balcony. That is where we shot the video of him playing. HE DID SO GREAT. Cant' believe he is only 17. C R A Z Y, he was VERY entertaining, funny, cute, grateful, and polite. The I heard some lady scream I WANT TO PINCH YOUR CHEAKS. WHA???? that is my line. NO ONE IS PINCHING HIS CHEAKS UNLESS ITS ME!!!!!
Kristin and I took the little Divas.

Look the sun has set and we are finally in front of the Civic.

waiting.....

2009-03-21T21:02:00.000-07:00

SO WORTH IT

2009-03-21T19:48:00.000-07:00

Here is D-A. Thats what we, his close friends call him.

Get this that is my Bff Melodee's cousin playing the violin, and she also sang back-up and played keyboards. It was such a great night, I have never witnessed in person so many screaming girls like this. My ears hurt really bad for almost 24 hours afterward.

Excellent advice

2009-03-16T07:40:00.000-07:00

Since everyone is sharing good money saving tips. I thought I'd share one too. I am still trying to get the hang of it.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/1389/saturday-night-live-dont-buy-stuff

Rules

2009-03-15T11:22:00.001-07:00

"My" (Becky's) Blogging Rules.
{just fyi}
1. Blog only for "yourself ". Don't blog to impress others. Don't blog to complain. Not that you can't complian or brag, but too much of one and none of the other is just not fun to read.
2. Blog your happenings and your Feelings, the good, the bad, the ugly. anything else, isn't really "you". The stuff you want to remember years down the road. The cute things the kids say. The crazy mess they made. New information that maybe helpful to other friends.
3. In my case its for my posterity and also to keep in touch with long distance friends. If I want them to know about it, I am gonna put it in. If I don't want them to know about it I am gonna put it in anyways, because thats the real me.
4. Don't let blogging consume you. If you are spending so much time blogging that you can only blog about other blogs---you might need some therapy for that. There are lots of peole in the same boat as you and we can start a support group (via blogger) so don't worry. I will not judge you. ♥
5. Judge not, lest ye be judged. Don't read other people's blogs if it makes you feel negatively. No one is forcing you. Stick with friends families and other uplifting blogs.
6. Blog for support. It can be the easiest and cheapest therapy. You can find others in your situation that will share their feelings and experiences with you. Or if you need a new crafty idea. or instructions on how to do something.

MoSt ImPoRtAnTlY
#7 - THERE ARE NO RULES FOR BLOGGING.

Rawlins Week

2009-03-12T20:05:00.000-07:00

Saturday I made Jeff go to the Dr. He just is not getting better, only worse. He has pneumonia, he got some GREAT antibiotics and cough syrup with codeine. He was pretty much out the rest of the weekend. So the kids and I left him at home durnig church so he could rest.

Sunday we had game night, Rawlin had to be right in the middle of things.

"Yay! Its time for my monthly bath!!! I am so lucky. "

But most of all he wants to play with the stinkin' camera. GIVE IT TO ME MOMMY.

Then Grandma and Grandpa Matson came and tickled me til I almost puked.

After that Rawlin got a terrible cold. His poor little nose is running like a fawcet. I asked one of my neighbor girls to watch him so I wouldn't have to take him with me to the RS Bday dinner, which I was kinda in charge of. The whole evening went great, I just ♥ my ward. But Jeffs pneumonia isn't really any better than it was last weekend.??

The Cootie Flu?

2009-03-04T06:46:00.000-08:00

All three boys have been throwing up for the last 24 hours. I said see McKinley, I told you boys have cooties, it must be the cootie flu. If you look up cootie in the Dictionary will you see a picture of a 10 year old boy??

I asked Westin (6 yr) what he wants to be when he grows up.
W: nothing
me: are you sure? Don't you want to go to work like daddy?
W: No, I'll just stay here with you.
me: oh, you are so sweet. You mean even when you are grown up you are gonna stay here with mom all day?
W: Yep, but sometimes I will go to the store for you.
me: Oh how nice. Are you going to get married?
W: No.
me: Are you going to go on a mission?
W: No, well yah, yah I want to go on a mission.
me: Wow, that will be so cool. Are you gonna have kids?
W: Yah, I want to have kids.
me: So are you going to have a wife? Cause you need a wife to have kids.
W: hmmm, I think I will probably have a wife too.

Then he changed the subject, what a cutie. I love hearing exactly what kids are thinking about the BIG stuff.

Becky gets old.

2009-03-03T08:55:00.000-08:00

hmmm. I think for journalling purposes I will recount the whole day, since it was so unbelievable. Actually I will rewind to Friday.

Jeff got home from WY on Friday afternoon, sick with the flu. He had a horribel fever and could hardly move. He wanted to go out, but he was sick, but he got enough medicine in him to take me out to dinner. First, We Went to Carinos since we had a gift card, but the wait was 45 minutes (not enough restaurants in this dang town) we ended up at a little Mexican place that is one of our new fav's and there was no wait at all. Maybe that is why its out new fav. The food was SO good and there was SO much of it. We came home and Jeff was about to pass out, he hit the sack and didn't move. Saturday, I was beginning to think man this is just my luck, he has been sick so much this winter, he hadn't been able to do anything from my honeydo list in as long as I can remember, and the list is getting VERY long. He actually likes having the list though, it is necessary for our lifestyle,( just so you know I am not such a mean wife. )

I told the kids on Friday that all I wanted for my Bday was a CLEAN house, and no fighting. I could see this was not going to be a dream coming true for me. I was really bummed and trying to just be glad I didn't have the flu. Besides I know Jeff will make it up to me right? Jeff thought I should at least go buy myself something nice. I really liked that idea of course, But I also wanted Jeff to spend a little one on one time with each of the kids, He managed to take McKinley to Carinos, then she went with me and My friend Sunnie and I, we decided to bring out girls SHOPPING (McKinley and Paige are good friends), where we all found cute stuff of course. We also love to go to the craft store together.... Good Times.

I bought these {Big Star} jeans my fave (I just wish I was as skinny as this model) and a Bright Red shiney purse. Jeff got Ice Cream for the boys and tried to watch a movie with them but he slept through it, poor guy. Anyway, the kids kept telling me they would clean the house and then they would fight and go to their rooms and slam the door every time they tried. By Sunday morning, I was starting to feel SOOOO sorry for myself. THe weekend was almost over, Jeff still had a way high fever and the kids were not being very helpful, add that to the fact I was pmsing and well I was pretty crabby. I got everyone ready for church by myself and made it there only 10 minutes late. Aww man its fast and Testimony sunday. not my favorite, like I said I was not very chipper. Our ward goes clear into the gym, and we still managed to have a huge pause at the beginning. I think I really needed that pause. I was thinking is anyody ever going up there? Cuz I'm not. What in the world do I have to be grateful for..... oh well actually a lot of things. I was clear back into the gym so I was able to look around and see, all the sweet people in my ward who I think so much of. I thought of the dear sister who just got out of the hospital, who has been through so much she needs a blog of her own, we can all learn a lesson or ten from her and she is a very recent convert. Which you don't often run in to here in ID. I remember the week I had Rawlin and she was having her foot amputated. Rawlin was in the Nicu, and her handicapped son approached me in the cafateria one day and told me he was praying for US. How sweet he was to think of me in their time of trial. When his mom Marsha was learning to walk on her new foot she was so positive and would sing I'm walking on sunshine, that is what she named her foot. I will never ever forget that story. I looked a few rows in front of me and saw a couple that was unable to have children and has endured a lot of sadness, I don't know their story but it must be heartbreaking. The other family whose son has been in and out of jail breaks my heart. This awesome family whose father, even though they aren't very old, has many health problems, and they know he won't be around for a long time. They are so sweet. I thought about the lesson I was preparing to sub for Westins primary class, about the restoration of the priesthood. How amazing a gift we have been given. I have felt the blessings of the priesthood countless times in my life, and am very gratefull that I was born to my special family.

I realized I am quite spoiled as far as blessings go, as far as anything goes really. I am glad I made it to church in time for testimonies, because after that long pause, the testimonies of my fellow ward members meant so much more to me.

After church I tried to forget about how selfish I had been and first of all take a nap, to see if thatwould make me feel better. It did. Jeff made a cheesecake from a box, grilled cheese for the, kids and heated me a can of my favorite progresso soup, (chicken with wild rice) that was good enough for me. Then he took off for WY. My bday weekend went Okay. But it hadn't actually even been my bday yet. I pretty much thought of it as over since Jeff left.

Well the SPOILING WENT OVERBOARD ON MONDAY. the phone didn't stop ringing, so many e-mails and notes on my FB wall. I appreciated it so much, it really overwhelmed me because I really don't go to that much trouble for anyone elses bday. These girls (Katie, Me, Bryn, Melodee) took me to lunch at the NEW Red Robin, none of us had been yet and oh man did we PIG OUT.

Its a good thing I was able to squeeze in a really good work out because I had, the rest of the cheesecake for Bfast, Ice cream sunday with lunch, coconut cupckes from Sunnie for my afternoon snack and after dinner, Bryn brought over a bday cake with ice cream. THen she totally did my dishes. She is so funny. What would I do without good friends, Seriously, I would not be as happy that is for sure. I was really overwhelmed with the post on Kristens blog, she is too nice to me.

Lets just say the night ended there and it was AWESOME.

Even though it didn't and MCkinley cut her lip open at her ice skating lesson causing lots of drama at the rink, Rawlin started puking right before bed, all over the place, (he is better now though) and not to mention I totally tought Jason the bachelor was such a good guy and him and Melissa would live happily ever after in fairytale land. THEN I found out he was a psycho and now I am so mad at him. I never watch that show until this season, because I thought he was so awesome. but, I will never again waste my valueable time on that dumb reality show!!!

Rawlins 1st Birthday Party

2009-03-03T08:25:00.000-08:00

We had sort of a rushed evening, but Brian, Lisa, Tyler, Zane and Kate were able to make it over for some caterpillar cake. It was yummy, and Rawlin loved it.

He wore his Birthday suit, (just cause like I said we were rushed) and got spoiled. puzzles from G&G Matson, a learning tool bench from G&G Muir, some other cute little random toys books, and rattles. Jeff and I picked out a race track and a wagon with megablocks. He was pretty happy with all the toys and attention. I am so sad that my baby is one :sniff, sniff:

Foto Friday -Glamour Shots

2009-02-20T04:52:00.000-08:00

A while ago there was a call out for some glam shots. Well I had gotten rid of all of them. Which I actually do regret a little.

Here is why I am so excited to find this particular photo. I had a friend in HS named Amber. She is SOOOO funny. She is even a bigger airhead than me (no offense Amber cuz thats why I luv ya) But she is way smarter than me too so that makes her really hilarious. Anyhoo we really hung out a lot when we were at Ricks. We did some of THE craziest stuff. I don't know if I want to share any of those stories? I will think about wether I want my posterity to know that much about my crazy days..... We met our husbands at the same time, and kinda went different ways since I moved to Logan and she stayed in Rexburg. We kept in touch a little and then lost touch when I moved back east. Over the years we have looked for each other but no luck. We searched for each other on Facebook several times, I even asked people who I thought might know where she was. Then about two weeks ago we finally both got a friend request on facebook from the same person. We have been screaming ever since. She has been 5 minutes away from me this whole time. We just keep wondering how many times have we almost ran into each other in the last three years. Oh frustrating. hmmm. Oh well we are having fun now. She has a sone one year younger than Chase and a girl one year younger than McKinley. We just stare at them and laugh. They are the same, these kids are so much alike its scary.

Here she is with 2 of her kids. Her third and youngest is named Averi. Aver has Osteopetrosis, which is a very rare rare condition that has left her blind and with lots of other challenges. I don't know how they do it, bit its amazing and she is so sweet, I love it when I show up ans she has to feel my feet, I wonder if she is thinking... hmm this Becky person has HUGE feet. she cracks me up. So that is what I have been up to lately is catching up with an old friend.
And the other day Amber said, look at this picture I have of you....

My baby is One year Old !?!

2009-02-17T20:54:00.000-08:00

This is Rawlins very first picture, it breaks my heart and makes me so grateful at the same time. He is our little miracle. I posted about our little miracle right here - miracle.
I won't re post all of that but I am so happy that he decided to get better and make us the happiest family ever!!
My mom made the cutest smilebox of him right here. - Rawlin

Rawlin got his name from my moms maiden name.

At one Rawlin can;

walk along the furniture (barely)

crawl up the stairs

sits at the top of the stairs and yells "GAH". This means "guys". Cause parently I do that a lot. He says dad and mom and ball and nonono while pointing his finger at the cat.

He is so much fun, We are SO excited to celebrate his Bday today. I am sure I will have pix to post later.

Happy Birthday sweetie,

Long weekend

2009-02-17T10:26:00.001-08:00

I have so much I want to post about it has been so much fun the last week and a half. First I will explain. We were married on a Friday the 13th. People thought I was crazy, because I was a little bit afraid of the spookiness when I was in H.S. For reall some scary stuff happened, but really now that I ponder on those silly things... I can plainly see it was silly boys playing tricks on some VERY gullible girls. THe most spookiest of all was one dark friday the 13th we decided to pay a visit to the well known haunted house in our area. There were 3 guys and 3 girls packed in a minivan, us girls got all scared and wouldn't get out of the car and these boys were like we'll be right back then. Well we saw them go around the back of the house, but only seconds later we heard howling and spooky noises and the van was rocking. My frind and I start humming "I am a child of god" and laughing because we we figure they were trying to trick us but we totally just saw them go around the house? Then ha ha they were fooling us, so we finally convinced them that we should leave cause I was so scared I needed to find a potty!!! Well no joke the car wouldn't start, (or was it a joke) I was in the front seat and decided I would jump out and run flag down that car that is coming. BUT the doors wouldn't open. AHHHHH. When he thought I was about to cry, the car started. We were so silly.

Once in a while I let my nerves get the best of me. So on Friday, Me my neice and the kids headed for Boise, I kept thinking I really hope this trip goes well, the last few trips to Burley Rawlin cried the whole time. Well this woudl turn out to be no different. He screamed and screamed , Kristin made me pull over and let her drive because she couldn't make him happy. Well neither could I. We decided we needed to let the kids out for a while. After all the 3 older kids had already eated ALL of their Valentine candy and needed to burn it off. So we went into Old Navy in Twin Falls and the rean around while I shopped and shopped. We also needed gas, but I couldn't find my wallet ANYWHERE, I thought we were going to have to go back to Old Navy for a while, but I finally found it, we got gas, and Rawlin cried for 2 more hours. Ughhhh it was awful. But the rest of the trip was a blast, and the ride home went much better. Here are some pix.

What the heck is this???? ITS HUGE.....

I am so talented look how much jewelry I can make in one night!

lean back really hard, and then when I count to three you move and I will hurry and close the trunk. This seems to be a habit of ours. (Goodwill Hunting) I am ready for a new year of Pre-school now.

don't let this picture fool you, there was NO sleeping going on.

They always make stuffed french toast with caramel syrup at the Johnsons B&B

Rawlin and Macey were hilarious together I really should have videoed them trying to share and feed each other.

THe ride home was so peaceful.

Except that Chase

NEVER...

Stopped...

Talking...

"Hey mom did you know..."

Chase spent 3 days with my nephew in Meridian, while Westin went back and forth between them and me out in Kuna with my friend Jen. We stayed up til 2 or 3 each night, beading and making Jewelry.

Happy Friday the 13th

2009-02-13T07:57:00.000-08:00

I want to be the first to say HAPPY friday the 13th. I LOVE FRIDAY THE 13TH. I will tell you why.......
......to be continued...........................................

Friday Foto's

2009-02-13T06:09:00.000-08:00

I have lots of cute, sweet, funny neices. Lucky Me, I get to live so close to where 2 of them are going to school. :)

Meet Kristen who is so sweet, warm, caring, thoughtful, cheerful, smart, and is such a hard worker!...I could go on and on, but I will spare her the embarassment. I hope to be like Kristen when I grow up. She is so mature, and thoughful. She makes really good choices and is even putting herself through college. She calls me often and asks me if she can come visit. I hate taking her away from college life to spend time with litle old me, but how can I say "No?" McKinley loves her so much and is always looking for ways that they are similar. I hope she knows how grateful I am to her for being a good role model to McK.

Kristen asked if I would want to go to Boise for the long weekend. It will be fun. We haven't been in a long time,

Along with visiting my sister, and brothers families, and hopefully a couple of other friends We will be chillaxin with these good friends, I love that they have a special room just for me. At least that is what I call it. I let other people borrow it sometimes too.

The only problem is that they have 3 gorgeous and OH SO girly girls, so sometimes my boys end up looking like.....

2009-02-08T14:20:00.000-08:00

I started typing this on Sunday which was his birthday so it still counts right!

Well me sweetie is 37 today. hmmm. How about I do the traditional 37 things that are so great about my beloved 37 year old husband.

1. I know he looks smokin riding a horse up a volcano in Costa Rica. Its the helmet that gives me goosebumps. 2. He is a smawty pants, 3. He can fix anything! 4. He is possibly the most patient person on the planet, 5. He lets me do whatever I want, I totally mean it too. Yesturday, McKinley and I did the puppy dog eyes until he almost bought us a puppy. Then when he was about to cave, I let him know I was kidding. It was awesome. 6. He is so good lookin its insanulous, 7. He is THE hardest worker I know!!, 8. He plays with the kids every chance he gets, even if it is pet shops, 9. Totally does his own laundry, and I don't even ask him too, 10. He loves his mom and dad and loves and respects them so much, 11. He even loves my mom and dad and respects them so much, even after being their neighbor for 6 years. 12. He can get a tan like its Nuthin, (actually so jealous about that one). 13. He give me DANG cute kiddos, 14. Ever since our first date we could finish each others sentences, 15. He is so funny, 16. He keeps me in check, 17. He doesn't take me too seriously, 18. He loves kids and says we can have as many as I want, 19. He has street smarts along with book smarts, 20. He is quiet, 21. He thinks he is allergic to x-rays, 22. He was Valedictorian of his graduating class, but doesn't like me to tell people, 23. He has to drive a truck, 24. He is not embarassed to drive a minivan, 25. Humble, 26. He would rather stay in a camp trailer at work than in a nice hotel, 27. He never complains, I don't think he has ever taken a sick day, he will be at work no matter how sick he is, 28. He is by my side when I need him, 29. He tries to eat healthy and excercize. 30. He will never eat the last cookie, Ever, 31. ALways has to have a little project to work on in the house, 32. He loves hunting, and to say that he is doing it to provide for his family, ha ha , 33. He is TALL, 34. He has a strong testimony, 35. He likes to do yard work (but sometimes he gets carried away with the chainsaw, 36. He always makes me feel so safe and protected, 37. He always asks me what I need him to do that weekend.

Rawlin loves to play catch

2009-02-08T08:50:00.000-08:00

Rawlins new favorite word is ball. He finally said for the camera at the end of this clip

Missing my sweetie

2009-02-02T20:48:00.000-08:00

Just missing my man today. Look how red we are. I was definatly the most burned out of the WHOLE bunch. It faded and I looked really tan for two days. But Two weeks later and you can't tell there was ever a tan. NOt that it matters to me being here at the north pole.

Just the S.O.S.

2009-01-29T13:37:00.000-08:00

What we've been doing... well mostly is just the Same Ol' Stuff - Different Day.

Jeff - Totally sick as a dog With Strep Throat, eww janky, but working hard anyways. We babied him a lot last weekend. Gotsta be the haterade hes been drankin. Wha???
Me - Where to begin, besides the daily rituals I've been trying really hard to get my day-care/home business liscence squared away so I can do a pre school again next year (keeping my fingers crossed). I am so excited, but there are a few moms that are going to be so sick of the pinch marks I will leave on those cute little faces. ::Stevie, and Brynlee:: especially. My friend Melodee is the one motivating me to get it done we are going to teach together this time. Oh but mostly I've been gettin some sunnie time. No the sun hasn't shown its face here for a long time. Sunnie is one of my bff's she is going to be movin far away :( so sad, sniff sniff) and so we are trying to get really sick of each other so we will be like not so sad when she moves and stuff.
Chase - practicing the piano, he just started back up again. and hes been gettin lots of babysitting time.
McKinley - hounding me about the David Archuletta tix, I got them now, don't frett. oh and she is still the biggest turophile EV!! I think Memz looked that one up especially for me, cuza my McCheesley daughter, I mean who names their blog after cheese?? am I write?
Westin - making huge messes and playing with Rawlin, and other neighbor kids. He things mom is boring. and wants to drive me nutso! that is until we got digi cable the other day, now he is a total couch potato, won't move, the neighbor kid is like Why doesn't westin wanna play with me anymore??
Rawlin - has been trying to climb up the stairs and saying "Mom". He loves to be around other babies, he is pretty cute with them, except when he tried to rip out Kaislyns hair at the RS lunch today. He just gets so whelmed around cute girls!?

K -Memz whats my prize. Whasat? oh are you gunna rub some of your coolness off on me??

2009-01-25T21:07:00.000-08:00

FYI - I caved and let Chase and McKinley start blogs, if you want to view them they are
http://talesofchase.blogspot.com/
http://mckinleylovescheese.blogspot.com/

Snow much fun & a haircut

2009-01-25T19:02:00.000-08:00

when we got home from Costa Rica the snow was pretty much gone. I was actually a little bit excited to wake up to snow a few times this week. I don't know why, I think it is mostly that I really wanted to wear my cute boots and sweater a few more times cause they hide my baby weight that I still haven't lost. Also it was nice because we haven't yet gotten to use the sleds the kids got for Christmas. One more thing. Just before it snowed I was noticing how disgusting the piles of snow look. You know the piles in the cornere of every parking lot. They get all gray and nasty as the snow melts and the dirt collects. The kids had a blast sledding at the park near our house. It brought back a lot of childhood memories. We had a sledding hill. It seemed awesome at the time. It makes me laugh to see it now, its so much smaller than I remember. Here is a picture of it that I posted last year. Its a classic. Love you MK

Rawlin got his first haircut this week, on his 11 month b-day, I thought it would be cool to wait until his 12 month but lost patience. He was pretty clueless. McKinley kept him entertained so he would kind of stay looking in one direction for a while. it was hard, but at least I got it so its all the same length now. He is so handsome (and skinny).

2009-01-20T13:49:00.000-08:00

Can you see the two upside down monkey? They were swing ing threw the trees with us as we flew by on the zip lines. SO COOL!!!

Here we are covered in Volcano mud. There is a legend of the healing powers in the soil of this ACTIVE VOLCANO. We had to ride horses forever to get there. I just know the natives were laughing their butts off at all the dumb tourists who pay money to come play in there mud. There are some natural hotsprings to sit in afterwards.

Tis is Jeff on the rocks on the Beach right outside our room

Out the other side of our room was another beach. Since it is a peninsula. It was so amazing.

Some other things we did were; Jeff went on two different deep sea fishing trips with his boss and the other guys. One of those times a bunch of us girls got our tour guide to take us to town to all the souvenir shops and out to lunch at an authentic Costa rican restaurante. It was a BLAST. The other time he went fishing I stayed back to do some snorkeling, which wasn't the greatest but, I still saw several pretty fish, and a pufferfish. Then I sat next to the pool and read some of the twilight.

One night we went to the beach with flashlights and found a huge momma sea turtle laying her eggs. HOLY COWWW!

The food and entertainment was great. but the best part was that it was all paid for. Jeffs Bosses were praising the guys a lot and telling them how much they are appreciatted. It was great to hear. We made sure that they know how much Jeff likes his job, and how the traveling isn't so hard when you really like what you do.

Earthquake in Costa Rica

2009-01-09T13:18:00.000-08:00

10 confirmed dead, dozens still missing. hmmm.... well as far as I know we are still leaving on Monday for Costa Rica. and I know all the grandparents and Aunts and Uncles will be totally fighting over the priviledge of bringing up the little Muir Children in the even of an untimely death. But .....Well just so everyone knows, Brian and Lisa have agreed to raise our kids if we don't make it back from the jungle. First of all Brian will be a Dr. In June and Live in Pocatello and he and Lisa are the youngest of all our siblings and they have the most energy, and lets face it, There have been other willing contestants but they were definately the MOST willing.
Thanks guys WE LOVE YOU. Let this be for the record, since we have no time or $ to draw up a will. OK rock'nrollerengineerattourneybrotherrob :) I am assuming he will know how to take care of the legal issues, including money & inheritance etc.

jokingly serious, but loving you all - - Becky

Pinch me, this has to be a dream!

2009-01-07T06:35:00.000-08:00

Jeff really likes his job, he likes what he does, and the people whe works with. Except that he is gone 5 days a week. For a lot of families this wouldn't work, but we do fine. We are good at adjusting to wierd circumstances, The kids don't love it, but I don't think they realize that they end up spending more one on one time with their dad than most kids I know. So The owner of Premier decided he wanted to make a tradition of taking a few select employees that work hard and demostrate the core values of the company on an end of the year trip. This Year (last year was the first year and they went to Hawaii) he invited us to go to Costa Rica, with him and about 20 other employees and their spouses. (there are around 250 employees overall). This is like the biggest pat on the back you could ever receive. I had to find a map, becaus I really wasn't sure where Costa RIca was, apparently it is below Nicaragua and above Panama, and has become a huge place for tourism in the last several years.

We are going to be staying at the Four Seasons at the Peninsula Papagayo.

Here is an aerial view of our hotel and the very famous golf course designed by Arnold Palmer. I doubt we will go since it will be about 200 bucks a person for 9 holes. The company is paying Our airfare, hotel, one day of activities, and two of the dinners, and Breakfast is included. So Hopefully we wont come home with a big credit card bill. There is no way we would ever splurge on a vacation like this so we are so grateful for the opportunity. Oh and the kiddos will be in high heaven with G & G Muir here to spoil them rotten. We leave on Moday night the 12th. So I probably won't be posting much for a while.

Take care

Its my party and I'll cry if I want to.

2009-01-06T16:12:00.000-08:00

I believe in involving the kids for New Years Eve, (mostly cause you can't find a babysitter anyway)
Girls Rule and Boys Drool, Paige, McKinley , Cammy, and Brynlee. BFF's
Here is Kasey and Gage, SAY CHEESE.

There were 5 family's here. 4 of us have 4 kids. Chad and Kate only have 3 and they were able to put the baby to bed.
American Idol was the game of the night. Chase was winner of the junior division.
The winner of the adults...Bryn, Bruce, and Mel rocked the mic like you wouldn't believe it. Even Simon liked them. But in the finale it was chad and me head to head. We had decided to pick each others songs. I chose staying alive for him, after a few kicks to the kroch he did pretty good. He chose WHitney Houston I am every woman for me. IT WAS SO AWESOME -- Simon like it so much he told me it sounded like something from a nature documentary. That is a compliment right? Well Chad won in the end anyway...... I smell a rematch.!!! It is not fair because he is a profesional singer. Thats what I call it when you get paid to sing, even if it was a hunerd years ago.

On a much more serious not, I have decided to set Resolutions, I usuall think about it but never write it down, So I wrote it down I will share a couple of them with you.
***I WILL not be so hard on my self, and I will compliment myself at least once a day. Today I am SO GOOD at making excuses. I really am, especially if I need an excuse to spend money, I can find a reason for almost any purchse.
***This is why I am resolving to be better at budgetting, I am going to get 5 sunday papers and my coupon crazy friends are going to teach me how to shop and I am going to save hundreds of money so I can spend it. OOOOh yaH!!!
***I WILL NOT be so hard on myself about my messy house. I will delegate more. For example, I will leave the sweeping to Rawlin, He LOVES to take care of the breakfast mess of cheerios on the floor. It really makes the little guy happy, and I don't want to take that away from him.

...anyway I have many more, and some of them I will keep. I hope you all had a happy New Year and see ya in 2009.

2008-12-28T22:15:00.001-08:00

I hope you like the little slide show below, Is it messed up to you guys? I don't know what I am doing.
Christmas was the best ever. No whining, or complaining, or pouting, just shiny happy poeple holding hands. They think they got tons of presents because I wrapped up a bunch of stuff that they needed bad. LIke for Chase, pants and socks. and Mckinley a backpack was a MUST, she also needed winter clothes. I got American Idol, and my new camera. Westins favorite was a package of face cards with Star wars Characters on them. McKinleys was her MP3 player and her guitar, Chases was the new Indiana Jones movie, and my old camera. I am looking forward to 7 more days of having the kids and Jeff home and all to myself. Jeff well he likes to play all the new games with the kids, and Rawlin loves all the pretty paper and pieces of tape he keeps trying to choke on.
We took so much video with my new camera I can't post them all, but vote on which I should post, if any.
Rawlin helping to wrap presents.
Rawlin saying dada.
McKinley singing American Idol.
Rawlin eating and being silly and making the rest of us look like a bunch of wierdos.
There are a few others that just aren't as entertaining, but we are having fun with the camera. It is nothing real fancy, but it is small and will be great for the trip to Costa Rica---EEEK, ohmygosh I have butterflies!!!

A Verry Muiry Christmas in 2008

2008-12-28T22:12:00.000-08:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Baby, its cold outside!

2008-12-22T21:34:00.000-08:00

< Look who found a candy cane! and LOOOOVES it.

Look who got so sad when mommy found out He had it and took it away. sniff sniff

It is really cold and the snow just won't quit. I think we might have a repeat of next year. luckily Jeff didn't have bad roads until he got to IF. It has been blowing so hard my windows look like I sprayed flocking on them, its so pretty.
Now for the really sad news. You might recall the story of me leaving my camera in the rain a little over a month ago. Jeff was nice enough to give me the one he was using for work.
(sung to the tune of "Grandma got run over by a reindeer".
My camera got runover by a honda,
walking home from Katies Sunday night.
You might say that I should get a new one,
but I believe my luck is not all right.

yah let me say it again, I didn't inferit the same literary skills that many of my other family members did.

Also I apologize for any future picture that will be posted (if there are any) because all I have left its this big old dinosaur camera, which my family and friends are probably making bets on how long it takes me to destroy it) :(

Going Private

2008-12-16T09:13:00.000-08:00

I figured it was only a matter of time before I decided to go private. I figured it would take something major. A woman who lives on the street behind me (which I can totally see her whole house from my window) was robbed at gunpoint yesturday. I am not too much afraid of whoever did it... But it has set me into a whole big new phase of paranoia. I will spare you the crazy details.

I would love to send you an invite to my blog, just email me with your address, if your not sure if I have your address, just send it to me anyways "ok"?

Thanks, my craft blog will still be public (which I am aware I haven't upsated in a while, I've just been busy, but I have a lot to post eventually, also if you like my craft blog, please leave some comments in there, I can't decide if I should still keep it???)

Chase is 11

2008-12-14T11:07:00.000-08:00

Chase loves calling himself a "pre-teen", and likes to inform others who are still just "kids". I made a slide show of his current favorite pastimes, or characteristics. When Chase was younger I thought he would never learn to take a joke. That is pretty important to be able to do in this house. Jeff is the worlds biggest tease, and has rubbed off on the rest of us. Chase seems to be more like his dad all the time.
example: Katie: (neighbor across the street, she and I work out together most mornings, trying to burn off some baby poundage) walks into the living room, Chase where is your moms scale.
Chase: Why? With a smile he said, "Are you trying to break a world record for Worlds Heaviest Woman"?
Katie was SPEECHLESS, and trying not to laugh. if you know Katie...is she ever speechless? I walked in and found out what he said and BURSTED into hysterics, I know, I know, then I commented to him, he should apologize and that was very disrespectful.

2008-12-14T09:56:00.001-08:00

2008-12-14T08:04:00.000-08:00

I've been busy doing Christmas Cards, if I don't have your address and you want to get one, ya bettah send me your addy! Thanks.

Where to begin??

2008-12-07T16:37:00.001-08:00

This is what Jeff just finished working on. Our garage has 16' ceilings(I think) Jeff has been wanting to do this for a long time. The stairs are up in front of my car, still leaving tons of room in front of and behind my car. Now we have an extra 400 square feet of storage space. Someday we might sheetrock and insulate it, we could even make an entrance from the laundry room if we got real excited about it. My brain is spinning with all the ideas.

I found this idea on a blog some where, but couldn't find it to give her credit? I wrapped up every book we had that was a little bit christmassy. Every night one of the kids gets to unwrap one and we read it together. This has made the bedtime routine so much more fun. Chase's first comment was "umm... mom we already have this book." So I re-expalined the process, it makes the old books come back to life again, and some of them might not have gotten read. It is going really well.

McKinley had her Birthday party 3 weeks early. she will be 9 in 3 weeks. It sound so young. She really is 8 going on 14, and I mean that because I have taught a lot of young women. There were 17 girls there (most of them are in the picture) plus 3 boys. It grew so big we had to take it to the church. They are making their gang sign "Cheese" is what it stands for. I don't know if I've mentioned Mckinley, I mean McCheesly's (that is what EVERYONE calls her)obsesion with cheese. She doesn't eat it that much, but she has a big reputation with everyone she knows as the cheese lover. McKinley says "my moto is, I like cheese, and you should too, oh and babies are cute!". She and her friends have a club, they have written skits and songs, and she wants to be cheese next Halloween, and a birthday cake looking like cheese. I suppose she will outgrow it, but right now everyone thinks she is so funny, even her teachers, so I guess that is ok.

This is the card they made with their thumbprint.

and this is the ornament we made, they turned out SO cute.

These are the toys all of her friends brought for us to donate to Toys for Tots. I am so proud of her, All of these parents have commented on how grown up she is and how sweet it was. I guess I didn't think of it that way, i though of it like. McKinley lets not have a party you don't need more toys, but she really wanted a party and said something like "its ok if we give the presents to kids who need them". I hope I can be just like her someday. I sub'd her primary class today and they learned about charity. I think she has the pure love of Christ. I am getting teary again and I will try not to do any more McKinley bragging for a while I promise.

I love my boyeez

2008-12-05T17:00:00.000-08:00

Mom did a cute little slide showy thingy, I LOVE IT. it is in honor of the boys' bdays coming soon. Grama's house

Check it out, I love the saying at the very end. When they placed you in my arms you slipped into my heart. ( so sweet I think I got a cavity).

ALSO THANK YOU KARMEN FOR TELLING ME ABOUT THE COOL GIVEAWAYS AT GIVEAWAY TODAY! THANK YOU KRISTEN FOR CALLING ME TO TELL ME, AND TIFFANI FOR ALSO NUDGING ME TO CHECK ON THAT, I PROBABLY NEVER WOULD HAVE CHECKED I NEVER WIN ANYTHING. NOT TO MENTION THERE WERE 900 COMMENTS!!!!

$100 CAN YOU BELIEVE IT, WELL I CAN'T. THIS WILL HELP ME REPLACE MY RUINED CAMERA!!!! YAY