Speaking of the Tweens...

At 6:00 in the evening, she got mad, I heard the door slam (how could you not), and if my ears weren't mistaking me, I think she even proclaimed her undying hate for me! And then her dad followed her up the stairs, and very calmly informed her that if the door slammed like that ever again, he was going to take it off the hinges, and she will no longer have a door to slam! (Kind of clever if you ask me) An hour passed, and when I went in to check on her this is what I found...



She is dead asleep in this picture! But I decided I am a lot like Tylie in the sense that, I can go from being upset with her to totally, and completely in love with this girl in 0.5 seconds! I got a giggle out of this, and then crawled in next to her, smothered her in kisses and quietly assured her that no matter what she does or says in these difficult tween years...I will always love her guts! Personally, I don't even think this was about homework, but that she was so tired to begin with. Oh the hard life of a middle schooler! She had to have this sleep mask in Claires one day. I thought it would be another "junk" purchase, but she literally sleeps with it every night! And Milo too! Silly girl! I'm sure my mom loves to hear stories like these, because after all... I NEVER slammed a door in my life! :)

Tweens

I'm not sure what to think about the TWEENS! She can go from this.... To this...
In 0.5 seconds! Heaven help us!

Boot Camp

When Daddy went to Boot camp
Forty years ago
T'was Fort Hill Oklahoma
He loved to tell us so.

He talked about the courage
Of all the men he met
The food, the shots, the work routines
That you don't soon forget.

He pulled his book out many times
To proudly show us men
That represented USA
Some – not to return again.

When daddy went to Boot camp
Forty years ago
He wore his uniform with pride
And stuck his chest out so.

He slept in double bunk beds
Too tired for much sleep
And prayed to God each end of day
His humble soul to keep.

Now Daddy went to Boot camp
Just the other day
We're not sure what is going on
He didn't have much to say.

Instead of his old Army pack
He wore a Hello Kitty!
He asked us to take pictures
Must've thought it looked quite pretty!

He said his company asked him to
They sent him far away
Some secret “retreat” in the desert
Yet he didn't have much to say!

He works for JB Parsons
Construction – nonetheless
Now folks, why would they do this?
It just doesn't make sense!

Could it be age or even worse
Has he become delusional?
We tried an intervention
This behavior is so unusual.
He said it was his duty
And off he went no doubt
With Hello Kitty backpack
And his chest puffed up and out.

He said Seargent Hayes and Hadley
Might give him a bronze star
Oh daddy – we're so helpless
As we wonder where you are.

So if you read this message
And you think he's lost his mind
Please call 1-800 -lost dad
And help us – this man to find.

We've really grown quite fond of him
No matter what or where
Just bring him back in one big piece
And we'll take it from there!

We love you daddy!!!!!

Giving Thanks...

We stayed home for Thanksgiving this year. And although nothing is quite as good as family, and mama's home cooking on Thanksgiving! We did the next best thing...and went to the beautiful, and very yummy buffet at The M resort. The M is right by our house, and I think it is our new favorite place to hang out. And because everyone has to have "leftovers" on Thanksgiving, I still cooked a ham and some salads. Including pomegranate salad! Which is one of our favorites!

After that we came back and skyped in my family. Aunt Dixie graciously gives the kids her Christmas presents on Thanksgiving, and since we couldn't be there we skyped them in so they could all see the pure joy on my kids faces when they opened their gift! It is not every day that they get a Wii! And it was only fair to Aunt Dix to be able to see the smiles she put on their face! As most of you already know, I do have the best "Auntie" in the world! Her and Bill are simply the best! It was also fun to be able to see and talk to everyone...almost as if we were there! We spent the rest of the afternoon having Wii tournaments, and I kicked everybody's trash in bowling! Which is the only one I can win in I might add. We saw a movie, and just enjoyed each others company. It was nice having Cole to ourselves for 4 days. That doesn't happen very often. We had so much to be Thankful for! Oh and for those of you that have asked, Teigen is off track for quite a while, and decided to let the FRO GROW!





This picture is older, but I had to show you the cute faces of some of the most generous people I know! As is the case most years after Aunt Dix, and Grandma's and Grandpa's get through with them, it isn't easy for Santa to his job! Love you guys!

All things warm and fuzzy! Team Jacob all the way!

Not sure how I became such a TWI-HARD, especially since, SADLY I had not read a book cover to cover since High School! Pathetic I know! My mom sent me some copies and I was quickly taken away to another world! I thoroughly enjoyed my time "alone". And many nights as I would finally make myself put the book down so I could sleep, visions of Vampire's and Werewolves danced in my head! And as the laundry piled up, and my husband was ready to trade me in, and the kids became pro's at making top ramen and fending for themselves...I finally finished the fourth book! I loved them, and because I have always seemed to route for the underdog, I was team Jacob all along! Or maybe it's because before I met my soul mate, I fell in love with many boys who never loved me back, and had my heart broken countless times! I know this will make many people mad, especially you Ali, and Danielle! I hope this confession doesn't ruin my chances of being invited back! But I secretly hoped she would end up with Jacob in the end! Although Edward was perfect in SO many ways! But wouldn't you rather cuddle up with somebody Big, warm, and furry! Than someone strong, cold and half dead! I don't do well with the cold! And "real" men don't sparkle! Although I do think Edward and Bella are a perfect match! Funny how the movie comes out, and many of the Edward lovers are switching teams left and right! I have loved being able to read them again with my daughter, and the books are definitely even better the second time around!
So when Ali and Danielle said they were planning a huge event for the premiere of New Moon, I knew I had to be a part of it! And the invite was of course, only extended to Twilights BIGGEST fans! Well their list of 80 women quickly filled up, and I was SO glad to be a part of all of the fun! Our ticket in was a darling necklace to signify which team we chose. We had our own VIP theatre at the Rave at Town Square. With our own concession stand, VIP party room where we were served a very yummy Italian meal, topped off with gourmet cupcakes all while completely surrounded by all things "Twilight"! We then bought raffle tickets, and after the movie they raffled all of the wonderful prizes off! They had some darling jewelry, and the grand prize was huge! Complete with an original signed script from the movie! I didn't win that! :( But I won some beautiful roses, and some nice framed eye candy to hold me over until the next movie!We also all got darling gift sacks at the end filled with very creative, fun things! Thanks to Ali and Danielle for the wonderful night! Can't wait until June! They even promised it will be bigger and better! Not sure how! So for all my "true" Twilight friends let me know now, and I will try to secure you a spot!


Oh and just to clarify, for those of you who think I am to old to be dreaming of young, tan boys with killer abs who will do anything for their girl... well just check out that monstrous zit on my chin! That alone should pretty much tell you I could still very possibly be pubescent! And quite honestly... Mr G. has much more than the two of them together will ever have! And I hope to be with him much longer than the immortals could ever dream about! But I will always encourage my beautiful girl, to search as long as she has to in order to find her perfect mix of all things Edward and Jacob! Because I do believe it is possible!






WOW! Nothing beats a wonderful night out, spent with wonderful food, and some of the best woman around, and of course... all of our FAVORITE fictional characters!

I am Thankful for holy socks, and messy rooms!

Since it is the month of all things Gratitude, and I have really enjoyed reading everyone's feelings of gratitude so far. And even though I have yet to post, don't think I have not been thinking and making a daily mental list of everything I am thankful for. And now I finally had the time to sit down and actually put that mental list to paper. We have had many trials this year, but at the same time been so blessed and carried through it. My heart is full of gratitude, and I could go on forever, but I will try to limit it to keep your attention.

1. I am thankful for my family, Cole's family, and all of our extended family! Who are always there in times of need! Whenever we are faced with the daily battle's of life we always have an army of people on our side! And that is such a comfort to know we are never alone.

2. I am thankful for my husband! He is the peanut to my butter, the froot to my loop, the pop to my tart, and always the anchor to my ship! I fall more and more in love with him as the days go by. I love that he can go with the flow, when things get chaotic, I love that he takes me out to many fine places, but usually our "hottest" dates are the one's spent at home with the kids, on the couch with a movie! I love that he stands by me always, and "he gets me"! Which isn't always easy to do! Many times I don't even need to say a word. He is the soul to my mate! And for that I give Thanks!

3.I am so thankful for adoption, for God's hand in all things, and for the selfless love of birth parents. Because if it wasn't for these things I wouldn't have my beautiful girl. Who I love, respect, and cherish! She makes the world go round, and when I look in her eyes I am reminded daily of all of these things! I am so thankful for Tylie!

4. I am thankful for miracles big and small! After Teigen was born we were blessed with so many small miracles on a daily basis. It is because of these things, that he is not only here, but that his eyes are straight, and he can see just fine! When I look into his beautiful blue, sincere, straight eyes I can't help but Thank God every day for his tender mercies. GOD is GOOD! I am so thankful for Teigen!

5. I am thankful for girlfriends! It is no secret that I have been blessed over the years with the best group of girlfriends a girl could possibly ask for! The one's who make me always strive to be a better person, The one's who are there at the drop of a hat no matter what the matter might be. The one's who I know always have my back! The one's who I observe daily doing countless acts of service for others, and I am so proud to call these ladies my friends! These girls are like family to me, and for that I am thankful!

6. I am thankful for modern medicine, and brilliant doctors. For the lovenox, that got my Teigen here in one piece, for the surgeon who helped save my sisters hand,and for all of the medical miracles our family has been blessed with. And for morphine when a kidney stone wreaks havoc on my body! I know all my "stoner" friends will give me a big AMEN to that!

7. I am thankful my husband has a job today!

8. I am thankful to live in Las Vegas in the wintertime!

9. I am thankful to live in a beautiful home, where many wonderful memories are made!

10. I am thankful for a warm meal every day, that I am lucky enough to have a pillow and a mattress to lay my tired body on every night, and that when I go to sleep I am surrounded by those I love!

11. I am thankful for a car, a T.V., and a computer. Luxuries that help keep me connected and informed to many I wound not otherwise be able to. I am inspired daily by others through these outlets. I am amazed at how many wonderful people there truly are in this world! Who have overcome so many huge challenges, and at the same time sharing their stories with us in cyberspace as we all work together to become better people! I love watching people rally together to help one another! LOVE IT! And even though we can't go home for Thanksgiving this year, we will still be able to talk, and laugh with family members Thanks to Skype!

12. I am thankful to live in a free country! And for the many people who fight for this country! God Bless America!!!

13. I am thankful for all the "material" things I use on a daily basis! I am going to put a list together of "My favorite things" soon and post it. But it is the small things like lotion, chapstick, lipgloss, perfume, shoes, and things that sparkle that keep a girl like me happy! I am thankful for these things!

14. I am thankful for caffeine and chocolate! Enough said!

15. I am thankful for angels. I know they live among us, and are often there to help carry me! Right Chelsey???

16. I am thankful for vacations! We don't get to take them often, but when we do it makes life worth it! Especially if they are spent on a beach with soft sand, cold drinks, and warm water!

17. I am thankful for animals. I wish everyone was as loyal as my "kidderdog". He is half human I swear by it! And for those who suggest animals don't have feelings. I would say come spend a week with him! Both of our animals bring much joy to our family, and I hate to think of life without them in it!

18. I am thankful for music! Music is a staple in our house! We love to turn it up loud and sing at the top of our lungs. We listen to pretty much anything, from church music, to country to most rap! (Edited of course)! It is a huge source of inspiration, I like to think of it as the soundtrack to our lives!

19. Which leads me to the HOLY socks in case you were wondering! I know I am not "typical" in the fact that I have to giggle to myself on the seldom chance that I find dirty, holy socks! Because Teigen, combined with his OCD,and owie toes, usually means that he insists on his shoes on at all times. He is even known to sleep with them on, if I don't help him remove them. So given the seldom chance that I do find these it means that he was enjoying himself enough to let his hair down, and dance! It means that he was enjoying himself enough that even his shoes did not get in the way! And this particular night it meant that it involved his momma, lot's of booty shakin, and the chicken dance! I am thankful my boy will get out and dance with me! Holy socks or not! My girl will dance too! Just not in public like him. She definitely does not like an audience! This was the one song she danced to the whole night, so I asked Cole to film her. Not sure how the camera ended up on us! Maybe I need to do more booty shakin! :) And even though the boy has his shoes on in this clip it was not to long after this they were no where to be found! I love that boy!



20. And finally for messy rooms! Lets face it!! Tylie's room is a disaster more times than not! It used to really annoy me, but over the years there is one thing I have learned about her. The girl is brilliant! She is so creative, and when boredom strikes that creative mind instantly starts "plotting" the next project she can create. Which usually involves lot's of glue, usually more than one set of scissors, many times mine or Cole's shoelaces, elastics, cardboard ripped from any box she can lay her hands on, finger nail polish...you name it, and she has used it! When her room is clean, toys are put away, and she is threatened to keep it that way. It does not take long for that creative mind to kick in and within minutes the scissors are out, halters are being constructed from our shoelaces, and many a horse is getting a bath or hair cut or two, with the hair clippings conveniently tucked away beneath her bed. And that is not the worst of it! So when her room is messy that means that she is putting her creative hands, and mind to much better use by playing with the toys that are meant to be played with! Creating a horse ranch or two, and tying her horses up to their fences by their real halters. Rather than finding them haltered and tied up to my dresser by my cut up shoe laces! I never thought I would say this, but I am thankful for her messy room! Call me crazy! I seriously adore this girl!

More Halloween Madness...

My cute sister, and her family came to visit the weekend of Halloween. We had a great time together. We went and saw Gordy Brown at the Golden Nugget. This was my second time, and the show was just as good as the first time! After that we walked Freemont street, and watched the light show, which is what the picture is of below. It is one giant T.V. screen above your head that plays a fun medley of music, and lights. We saw some "scary" people lurking around, and couldn't figure out if it was because of Halloween, or just what's usually hanging around the streets of LV. But it was a great night, until we got the news that my sister had been very badly injured in an accident at work. We felt very helpless as we waited on updates for our family that was able to be there by her side. I am happy to report that she is doing much better than expected, and I Thank everyone for their help and concern! We love you Rachelle!

I know Halloween is over, but we did so many things the whole month of October, I couldn't move on without at least documenting them. Especially because October is my favorite month of the year! Besides the below school carnival we went to our wards Trunk or Treat, A Halloween golf tournament at Angel Park Golf Course, and then we had our annual Halloween party. Which just get's bigger and better every year! We moved it our into the garage this year, and had the T.V hooked up with Thriller showing for all the Trick-or-Treaters to enjoy! We had lot's of yummy food, and wonderful company. Vegas is definately the place to be for Halloween! The weather this time of year is perfect! Which makes it fun to enjoy everyone's costumes, because they do not have to be all bundled up! Which is all we used to know coming from Cache Valley!

We have learned from years past that no matter how much candy we have, we still seem to run out! By the end of the night we start making the kids go through their bags, and start handing out the candy they don't want to keep! Because we can't possible turn down one child on Halloween! Desperate times call for desperate measures! It was fun to see everyone at our party, and it was great to have Skylar, Chelsey, and Stetson here for the weekend! So now I am all Halloweened out! But still, not quite ready for Christmas!!!







Golfing at Angel Park with their golf peeps...




Tylie was two things this year... Gwen Stefani, and a Devil. I told her she is a little devil more than once a year! She didn't think I was very funny! And Dad, before you say it... I KNOW! She looks way to grown up! It's happening a lot these days! I'm not quite sure how to stop it!




And then my boy...he is always looking for a chance to use his new, much coveted pocket knife! So this was the perfect chance!

Where Oh where did October go????