I caught Santa!!

So Michael played Santa for a friend of ours... he had fun with it. I took pictures of him setting up our toys. It was around midnight and you know how when you are tired you either get grumpy or goofy? We were so goofy... I almost peed my pants laughing at Michael being funny Santa. .. It was a "you had to be there thing" ... but it was so hilarious.
We showed the pictures to Judson and I don't think he was buying it.. but he is hard to read sometimes.
The kid he played Santa for, Mario, is over here right now and I asked him about Santa and showed him the picture and he said "I suspect that Santa is Brother Tolman b/c I got a close look at the color of his eyebrows" hahahahaha Mario CRACKS me up! So Michael said "WHAT! I'm not Santa!" He isn't convinced. Dang kids are funny!

Check out my Slide Show!

Christmas is over.. now what?

This Christmas has been wonderful... long and wonderful. I have to admit that I wondered how it would be a couple of days ago and I was REALLY cussing everything about the holidays... and not one thought about the Savior. (PMS and Christmas stress DOES NOT mix well) I was grateful for the messages given at church and for the Holy Ghost for gently guiding me to remember the true meaning. Ever since then it has been much more enjoyable and I have let some things go.. (still have neighbor gifts waiting to be delivered and my house looks worse than usual. I KNOW, is that even POSSIBLE?? I will assure you that it is... it looks like my flour and sugar containers exploded.

Christmas Eve at the Tolmans is one of my favorite things about Christmas. It is a tradition that I love. We get together and eat cheeses and crackers, breads, veggies, fruits, homemade grape juice. .. all by candle light. I made homemade croissants... YUUUUMMMY! and Rons Artichoke and Chicken soup... also YUUUMMMMY... and both I will keep as a Christmas tradition as well.

The BEST part was when we read the Nativity story and the kids played the part (well, Jaren played the Donkey...hehehe). Judson played a shepherd and Carma played an Angel. It was so sweet when all the grandkids knelt around "baby Jesus"... SO SWEET. Then Larry had us all write a "gift" that we would give to Jesus and we opened the "gift" we gave Him last year... ummm lets just say that I gave the same gift b/c I didn't really give it last year... I didn't even remember what I gave.

Santa came ... actually we saw Rudolph's nose on the way home last night and heard the sleigh coming. We left chocolate and hot cocoa and carrots for the Reindeer. I even caught Santa drinking the cocoa and fixing presents under the tree, I have pictures to prove it. And when we woke up the reindeer took the plate and left carrots all over our porch and POOPED in our grass. (I threw some raisins around on the ground).

As we were driving home last night and heard the sleigh I remembered all the cute things my parents did for us regarding Santa. We got certified North Pole letters from Santa. Another time we had taken a family ride and on the way home we saw Santa and truly heard him! When we arrived home Santa had all of our presents set up in our living room. We were AMAZED! I also remember my dad making this AMAZING doll house. He worked on it for weeks... I think he told us that he was helping Santa make presents, he also made us the cutest doll beds and my mom painted them all cute and made tiny pillows and bed spreads... they were so cute. (even though our kittens spent more time in them then the Barbie's did). I also remember getting Barbie car and Barbie McDonald's... WOW, it was so fun being a kid! Thanks Mom and Dad for being so cute like that... I hope Judson & Carma remember and will cherish their "Santa" memories.

Another new Tolman tradition is that Jaren and April host a brunch at their house on Christmas day. It is cute and a good way to end the stressful "week before Christmas". April makes yummy Gingerbread waffles and crepes we eat ourselves stupid and then play games all day.

I appreciated, loved and ATE all the treats that were given, but I am SO glad that it is all over and hopefully my insulin level can go back to normal. I am SICK of eating.. did I say that??? I am sure when my food digests I will be ready to pig out again. But NO MORE SUGAR!! Starting next year.. hehe

Carma's eating noise

Ever since I can remember Carma makes this noise while she eats:
it is SO funny. The more she likes the food the more she mmmmmmms. Ice cream gets the loudest and longest mmmmmms.

December pictures

For more AWESOME pictures check out Dana's Blog. The FUNNY picture of Carma on Santa's lap is on there and her hyperventilating with excitement while opening her Cinderella present.

It has been WAY too long!

So much time has passed since I have last written. DANG IT! How does it go by so fast.

OK, Thanksgiving was fun.. too much food.. but is that different than any other day of my life.. not really. Just more turkey.
Dana came to visit.. FUN FUN FUN.. too fast of a visit. Hightlight for me was laser tag w/ Nikki, Levi, Judson and Dana.

We went to Lousisina for an early Christmas. We found a deal on Southwest WAY too good to pass up. (Even though we stopped at every airport from California to New Olreans on a "direct" flight") But still better than driving. The kids were great and very well behaved.

I cut my hair 10+ inches and colored it close to my natural color.

Hightlights of the trip:
Santa Clause coming to visit Maw-maw and Paw-paws house. Judson and Belle LOVED it. Carma HATED it and kept asking for Cinderella to come instead. WHY?? I have no idea. I think she just wanted the opposite of scary for her. You can check out the pictures on Dana's blog the link is to the right. The cutest was when she opened her present from Ben and Becky and found her Cinderella dress.. HILARIOUS!! A must see for sure!!
Christmas dinner at Dana's house. (Dana's new house is BEAUTIFUL btw!!) We had way too much food (Moms famous Artichoke casserole.. the BEST thing in the world) and played Apple's to Apples.. I WON!! But who is keep track?? hahaha
Went to the Mall of Louisiana to ride the carousel and take pictures with Santa. Carma REALLY doesn't like Santa.. again.. picture posted on Dana's blog. I need to get all of these picture for myself.
We had the BEST time at the Hammond Ward RS progressive dinner. It was so great seeing all my "extended family".
Then we had a combined ward Christmas party.. with DANCING. It was SOOO FUN. Michael enjoyed the dancing the most.. just kidding.
We also played A LOT of Guitar Hero on the Wii. I got it for Michael for Christmas and it really helped him not to get antsy and bored.
The trip went by so fast!! We didn't get to go to any of the restaurants I wanted to go to:( So I bought shrimp, crab and cream to make some of my favorite dishes.

Family Pictures

I am looking at these again and you will notice that Carma does NOT take very good pictures!!
AND she wont sit still for more than a second. On the other hand, Judson is SO photogenic!
I really do hate taking family pictures, but it is a necessary evil.

Family Pics

We got our family pictures back.
Here are some of my favorites.
Life has calmed down the past few weeks.. thank goodness. I was losing my mind... wait I didn't have much to lose.
We canned TONS of grape juice.. YUMMY! Now we need to try to ration it... that is the hard part.
Baseball season is over, kind of sad about that. Now we are going to have a neighborhood dance class. We are still in the process of convincing the husbands, but they are ALMOST there. There is a place called Center Stage that is only $90 for 10 dance classes. We are thinking of doing Salsa or Latin.. Michael is not fully convinced, but I REALLLLYYYY want to. I miss dancing SO MUCH!
I think he will do it.

Our big family news is that we got a new kitchen table and I made curtains for my kitchen windows. ORANGE and white. I LOVE IT. It is so bright in there now. So happy. The black kitchen table and the ORANGE wall were terrible. I got the table for a good deal at Ikea and it fits 10 people comfortably. We have dinner guest enough and it was HIGH time for a new one.
Michael says we have to start working on a bigger family to fill it.

I got a new calling at church.. MY DREAM CALLING. Primary Chorister! HURRAY!!! It is SO FUN!! I love it! Church went by so much faster! Now I just have to learn how to teach the children the songs for next year. I am already nervous about the program and it is a year away. YIKES!

HALLOWEEN!

Halloween was SO MUCH FUN!
We went to Juddy's school to watch the costume parade. He is so cute! He was Darth Vader and I was sewing the cape on about 30 minutes before I had to bring him the costume.
Carma ran ALL over the school and chased some princesses as she ewwwed and awwed over them. She scared this one little girl who was around 3 b/c she got so close to her face.

We went to eat a soup party at the Neighbors house and that was so much fun! YUMMY SOUP w/ bread bowls. MY FAVORITE!!! Our neighborhood is awesome!! There is always something going on.

We then went to Cynthia and Stewart's for more soup. But we were so full.. :( Michael took Juddy trick or treating.. this year the weather was amazing! I don't ever remember the weather being so warm this late... I LOVE IT!!!

I will have to fill in more later.. I have to (GET TO) go to IKEA!! HURRAY!!! I am in need of kitchen curtains!!

Catching up!

It has been a while since I posted pictures. We have been so busy. I am glad the Spook Alley is over, Michael is back from business trip and life is mostly back to "normal". Whatever that is. I always think that life will calm down but it is alway just as busy "next" week. But that is MUCH better than being bored!

Here are some of the pictures of Judson at the Spooktacular Math Night. I don't have any pictures of the Spook Alley yet. It was too dark in there for me to take any, but someone is suppose to send me some soon. Judson really enjoyed it and is pretty advanced in Math (which I am happy about since his reading isn't wonderful... I am learning (or trying/needing t0 learn) a new level of patience, humility and balance.)

Carma is SUCH a girl. We go through several outfits before she will actually let me dress her... arghhh. But when we DO find a winner she will willingly pose for the camera. When I dressed her this morning I was doing the "YOU LOOK BEAUTIFUL" squeal. In which she proceeds to twirl around for me. Judson's 6 yr old friend comes over in the morning before school and Carma was twirling for him waiting for him to eww and aww. He looked at me as if to shout "Help! No WAY I am saying she looks cute!" She was so confused when he didn't compliment her and I finally had to tell her that he just can't eww and aww over her b/c he is a six year old boy who doesn't care about pretty dresses.

I wish I would have brought my camera at Grandma's house today. We have been processing grape juice and the kids LOVE to play in her yard. I really need to take pictures of all of the grapes too, it is just amazing beautiful time of year. Perfect picture time. Maybe tomorrow.

Funny Carma quotes

**This week at Church Carma made a friend with a young adult sitting next to us. TOTALLY interupting this poor girls sacrament meeting. Carma read her sleeping beauty and told her about her snacks. Then she decided to introduce her family. She excitedly said, as she patted each of us on the leg "This is my Mommy! This is my Daddy! and this is my uhh uhh Juddy Butters!" We were laughing so hard.

**Michael taught her who President Hinckly was and she was going around saying "It's pwesiden Hinkwy!"

**I tried to get her to put on a dress and thought she would put it on if I told her it was Sleeping Beauty's. NOT! She said "We need to give it back to Sleepy Beauty!" hahaha She is getting so smart.

**Grandpa had a blood clot in his lung last week (THANK HEAVENS he is alright!). We went to see him at the hospital and after we left his room I said "do you love Grandpa? and she said "with all of my heart". Is that not the cutest thing in the world? I wanted to melt. She has since then told me several times "Mommy, I love you with all of my heart." She also ALWAYS tells me how beautiful I am. It is very good for my self esteem to have her around. She comes up to me and says "Mommy, I like your eyes" or "I like you clothings" or "I like your ears" ect.
When I have a dress on she will say "OHHHHH MOMMY You are beautiful like a princess!" I can't believe how much of a girl she is. SO SUGARY SWEET!

President Hinkley "Knighting" Elder Eyring

Jamie sent this to me today and I HAD to put it on my blog b/c it is SOOOO CUTE and FUNNY!
I LOVE President Hinckley!!!!
~After President Hinckley finished with the sustaining of the officers of the church during the Saturday morning session, Elder Eyring had moved into his new seat on the stand. Unfortunately, they didn't show this on TV, but when President Hinckley turned around, he stood there for a moment looking at Elder Eyring (probably with the little twinkle in his eye), then picked up
his cane and "knighted" him on his shoulder and head. ~

I can't post the picture right now for some reason so here is the link:

http://www.deseretnews.com/photos/midres/4668085.jpg

Week Of Oct 1

We started October with Carving Pumpkins. I had sworn off carving pumpkins after being ward activity leader 3 years ago and carving 20 pumpkins... but I guess it wore off already. Judson did the scary pumpkin, Dad did the circle mouth pumpkin and I did the pirate pumpkin. Carma's is the cute little one.

Carma found her fairy costume in the toy box and wanted to put it on, she didn't have clothes on, so she is The Naked Fairy. Judson took those pictures of us, he is a good photographer huh!

Judson doesn't like his pictures being taken.. as you can see here. He doesn't even have to try to look cute in pictures.

Maw-maw sent Carma a dress. I wish I would have gotten in tape when she first saw it. She said "awww! BEAUTIFUL!! Like a Princess!" and then insisted on putting it on. She is SUCH a girl!!
She and her cousin, Belle, are having their pictures taken in it. I will post them both when Carma's gets hers done professionally. I can't wait to get them done. (but dread it at the same time since it isn't easy to have her cooperate for a picture).
Maw-maw wrote the most beautiful letter to Carma when she sent the dress. Thanks Maw-maw!

Carma's First (and Second) day of School.

Hello, Hello, Hello and how are you?
I’m fine. I’m fine,
And I hope that you are too!
That is how we start our school day, we also say the "Pledge of Allegiance" (which is so cute and hilarious!).
We have a lesson that they listen to ONE second of, and arts and crafts, story time, snack time and play time.

There are seven 2 year olds. Can you imagine how crazy it is. They are good kids, just not interested in organized learning. But we will keep doing it since it is good for them.

Carma doesn't quite get the concept of sitting still for a lesson or even organized play time... she is in her OWN world most of the time. It must be nice to be spacey and ho hum about everything and have it be cute. It isn't so cute when I am like that. Yet Carma is cute no matter what she does or what she is wearing.

Spook Alley

I am working on Judson's school spook Alley. Here are the flyer's I have been working on. I changed the name of the school.. Because YES, I am a paranoid freak! Anyway, I am sure we will have several pictures of the Math Night to share later.I am a little nervous because I am in charge of two rooms in the Spook Alley and I have no idea what to do. I am in charge of a Witch roomand a cemetery. HELP! Any non-gory ideas are welcomed!

I DO believe in Faries!

I got out all the Halloween stuff out and found Carma's costume from last year.
She had a cow when she saw it and I couldn't get her into it fast enough.. and I also couldn't get her to take it off either.
She found it again last night and I have pictures of her with only a diaper, wings and skirt.. I post them when I can. They are pretty funny.

Carnival

Judson's school had a carnival Friday night to raise money and celebrate the 40th anniversary of the school. I worked at a couple of the booths and Michael, Judson & Carma met me there later. I seemed to be a pretty good success and all the kids had so much fun!
Judson said getting his face painted was the best part and Carma loved "fishing" for ducks the best.

The Lizard and The Zoo

First of all I will tell you about the Lizard that Judson caught almost 3 weeks ago.
He named it Noah the second (after his horny toad lizard that died last year). Renton found it at Aunt Cynthia's house and Judson was brave enough to catch it so Renton gave it to Judson. Thanks A LOT Renton! Just kidding, we love it. We buy crickets for him and I never see him eat them, but he is still alive so I guess he is. I think he is a dessert fence lizard but I don't know for sure. The kids love to hold him and he is pretty cute. I just hope he survives.

Last Friday Judson's class went on a field trip to the zoo and I chaperoned. It was a short and sweet visit lasting only 2.5 hours. I only had 3 kids in my group (Judson, Brayden and Josh) and they were all so well behaved. Our highlights were the White Alligator and the roaring Tiger. The Tigers was TICKED to be in a cage and was pacing back and forth trying to get out. Judson said "why is he doing that?" I said "He probably wants to get out and chase us." The other two boys are very cuddly boys and liked to hug the whole time... Judson was having none of that. I was chuckling to myself when they would try to hug him. I think it is more so because those boys just turned 6 and he is SEVEN now. hahaha We rode the train around the zoo before ending our visit.

Highlights from our Disney Trip

I know we missed so much during our Disney Trip. I can't wait to go back... I LOVE IT!!
It really is the happiest place on earth (well, I wasn't thinking that when I was about to pass out from the heat). But now that I am home I am craving Disney Land again and I can't wait to go back. Sad news, they decided to hold the race the same weekend and I don't know if I want to take the chance of doing it again in that heat... so sad.
Here are highlights from our trip.

First shown: Judson and Carma with Alice and Madhatter. It was the cutest thing b/c Alice came right up to Judson and Carma and asked if they would like to join her for a game of musical chairs. OF COURSE they would! Alice really couldn't have been any cuter and Madhatter was so into character. Carma kept giving him crusty's, but she LOVED Alice and went to her in a second. I am pretty sure that was my favorite part of our trip.

We waited in line to meet Aerial and got to her and Carma FREAKED. She was terrified and didn't want anything to do with her. It was hilarious! Her favorite ride was Monsters inc. We went on it at least 5 times and each time we got off she would hit me and say "Monsters! I want to go on it again!".

Judson, Nonnie and I did bumper cars. It was fun even though the ride is short. I was done after this ride b/c I felt like I was going to faint. (it was the day of the half marathon and over 108 degrees). Judson stayed with Nonnie and had so much fun. I am looking at these pictures and amazed that he was climbing rocks and going over ropes in this heat. This is where Nonnie is and I are different. She will suffer through the pain and heat for Amusement parks. And it was so sweet of her to stay with Judson. I suppose this was the reason he puked at the restraunt later. It seriously broke my heart that he had to go back to the hotel with Michael while Nonnie and I went back Disney Land. Michael said he was sleeping in seconds and he slept for over 13 hours. Poor kid. But he was perfect and ready to go another full day to Disney by morning.

Judson and Nonnie ended our short visit to Disney Land by going on the "Promised Farris Wheel". We were done at 6:00 since that is what time California Adventure closed and the lines back into DL were CRAZY! I can't wait to go back and next time I want to stay at least 3 days

The Beach

I HATE THE BEACH!!!
The BLISTERING Sun, the STICKY sand, the STINKY water (with who knows WHAT in it); not to mention all the half naked skinny girls for me to compare myself too. I am just not a fan. But you just HAVE to go when you go to California and Judson couldn't wait to go. We went to a private beach with our friends who went to DL with us. Judson and I were sorely disappointed to find out that there were no sea shells at the beach. That is the only thing I like doing at the beach.

But look at the cute pictures we got. How happy do I look in this picture... hahaha
BAH HUMBUG to beaches!! POO POO BEACH!

Judson's First Day of First Grade!

Move mouse over the pictures to hold them still and move them.

Here are some cute pictures of Judson on his first day of school. He started saying he didn't want to go to school THE FIRST day. We are 5 weeks in and he didn't today was the first time he DIDN'T say it. I guess he has just figured that whether or not he says it he has to go either way. Poor kid, I agree, school is SO LONG! I miss him, but honestly it is better that he is gone most days b/c he is SO obnoxious lately.

A cute tradition our neighborhood does is meet for breakfast at the bus stop the first day of school. It is such a cute idea and lets us meet the parents and the kids at the bus stop. This bus stop has almost 50, YES, FIFTY kids. CRAZY huh. We are working with the school board to change it. Kids are like a wild pack of dogs when they get together. I swear I saved at least 3 kids lives in less than 2 weeks at the bus stop. CRAZINESS I TELL YA!

Judson's teacher is THE CUTEST lady! She has retired once already and is back for round 2. NUTS?? I don't know, but I feel blessed to have her. She is so sweet and smiley AND organized. She actually responds the first day I ask her a question, sends thank you notes and has a calendar of the month's homework for us to sign. She is AMAZING! I think this will be a GREAT year for Judson. He is already reading small books on his own. We are so proud of him.

Judson's Birthday!

I can't believe it has already been 7 years! That went by SO fast! I also can't believe it has been a month since I have been diligent in posting. I have SO much catching up to do and I am starting with Judson's birthday since it is the most important. He has been a busy kids lately. So much to post about his busy life.

The first picture is Judson's bug collection. Jared sent THE COOLEST bugs to add. THANKS JARED!! Now it looks way more complete. We have added 8 more beetles and a huge moth and the NASTIEST spider I have EVER SEEN!

Judson had 2 mini parties. We had a few of his neighborhood friends over Saturday night before his birthday (since his bday was on a Sunday). Mario, Matt, Connor & Clayton came. A sister from our ward made the coolest Darth Vader cake. Judson LOVED it, and who could blame him, it ROCKED! We played freeze tag, and Jedi, Jedi, Yoda (duck duck goose).

On Sunday we celebrated at the Tolmans. All the cousins were there to help celebrate. Michael and I made this cake and it wasn't nearly as cool as the Vader Cake. We tried to give it a "retro" flare when we realized it wasn't lookin' too hot. It has the Napoleon Dynamite look to it don't ya think? We had Watermelon and treats.. it was low maintenance and fun. How can it not be fun where there are so many boy cousins near his age to celebrate with? They are all TOO CUTE!!

Disney Land

Disney Land was SO much fun! even though it was SO HOT!!
I love it there and am always amazed at how much detail work goes into everything! Judson and Carma had so much fun too! Judson is braver than me when it comes to rides. He went on the Tower of Terror. He said he wouldn't go on it again, but he wanted me to. I never made it on there. Carma LOVED the Monster's Inc ride the most. We went on it 5 times. Judson and Carma also played musical chairs with Alice and the Mad Hatter. It was way too cute. Carma let her pick her up and dance with her and Judson was stealin' chairs like a pro. (so what that the other kids were 2 years younger:).
After going on the Pirates of the Caribbean I was debating whether or not to take Carma. We decided she would be fine, and she was. She LOVED it. She cracks me up on what she is scared of. Fireworks.. yes, SCARY, freaky looking pirates in semi-darkness.. NO.
Judson LOVED Indiana Jones. My kids are SO MUCH braver than I was (or am). I would have had nightmares for years!
My favorite ride is Soaring over California. It is AMAZING and so relaxing. Michael enjoyed it too~ even though he is not a rides fan.. or even Disneyland fan for that matter.
All of us LOVED the Crush interactive show. That is way too cute and funny.
To our surprise ,the kids did really great in the car. There was a tiny bit of whining but not bad. Thank goodness for DVD players. I hope we can go again and I hope to do the half again next year.. if is NOT in the summer.

Check out our pictures at:
http://www.disneyphotopass.com/photoeditor.aspx#

I DID IT!
I finished the half marathon. I didn't do nearly as well as I hoped. I finished in 3hr and 3 mins. TOTALLY TICKED that it took me over 3 hours to do. My goal was 2.45 max. But I am giving myself credit for even finishing since it was 100 degrees and SO HUMID. Seriously it was 108 on Monday and 14,000 people signed up for the race and a little over 9000 finished. I mean the heat was just "oppressive". It zapped everything. At different points during the race I pictured myself just stopping and calling Michael to get me.
It was pretty cool to go through the parks and even cooler for some reason to go through Angel's stadium on mile 10. To smell the fresh grass (be in the shade for part). The energy there was incredible. It really helped me to keep going.
Mile 11 I met this cute 65 year old woman and we talked to mile 12. By mile 12 I found more energy and started jogging again and mile 13 I sprinted as fast as I could. By the end I wanted to die and the sun felt as if it was actually pressing against my face and all I wanted was shade.
I didn't have that wonderful feeling of accomplishment that I hoped to have. Rather I was pissed that it was so DANG HOT!! I was wondering why I paid so much money to be so miserable. But as I got back to the hotel I was feel better and at this point I have been bitten by the "race" bug and Michael and I are going to start training for a race as early as November. I think there is one in St. George.

Lunch w/ Pix and Amiee and Soccer game

We had so much fun at lunch and the company made up for the mediocre food at Les Madeline's.
Amiee and Pix are so fun to be around and the hour and half seemed like 2 minutes. I can't wait to go out when Dana is in town.

Judson's soccer game was so cute. I thought I was going to have to coach, but two dads stepped in at the last minute.. THANK GOODNESS! But the boys are so cute.. and they slaughtered the other team.. poor other team. We were "the other team" last year. But these boys have improved so much. Judson is right in there! OK, this is sounding just like last post, but what can I say?

I went to RS Enrichment Service auction and it was SO fun! I got hooked up w/ cool stuff, family photo session, theme cake (that will come in handy for Judson's bday this week), & crochet lessons. I will be cleaning someone bathroom (with the stipulation that it has to be cleaned the month I clean it and no more than 3 boys.. haha, I was kidding.. kind of, I will cook a Cajun meal for a family, and teach a Thai cooking class.

The highlight of my week was reading Eclipse!!! It was SOOO GOOD! Highly recommended! Stephanie Meyers is AMAZING!!! I have the books if anyone wants to borrow them.

Oh, I looked up airline tickets for the dates that would work for us (meaning for us to be there on Christmas and stay less than 3 weeks) and I SWEAR it was $2,369.00. Can you believe that... we AREN'T going to EUROPE! That is CRAZY! So we are thinking we will drive! SUCKS, but that is what is going to have to happen. DANG IT!!

Bridal Veil Falls

We also went to the Canyons. Maw-maw has to visit at least once while she is here. I can't blame her.. it is so beautiful! The water was freezing, but it was fun anyway.

OK, here are some funny things Carma said this week.
"Trust me! I have a bad idea"
"Watch me, what I can doooo"
She just came in here saying "Sorry mommy, sorry." I said "what did you do?" as I followed her grubby hands into my bedroom. She got a popsickle ALL over my bed. But who can get mad when she is so cute. "Sorry mommy".
I will have to take a picture of Judson's and Carma's new hair cut, they look great!

Soccer

I have been busy this week while Maw-maw was here. We really didn't do too much, but we had a good time.
We went to Nikki's & Sylvia's graduation from Massage Therapy School, then went out to Pizza Factory.. food snob says YUK!
I did my long run 7.5miles on Saturday.. HURRAY! I actually feel like the half might actually happen. We have to do 8.5 this Saturday.
Then we went to Judson's soccer game. We are amazed at how much Judson has improved.. most of it is confidence. He is so much more assertive, yet patient b/c he waits for the ball in HIS area and the other kids are just running around like crazy. Dang he is CUTE!!

My Neighborhood ROCKS!

It has taken a while, but I FINALLY feel so at home in the neighborhood. We have been having such a fun summer together w/ softball, girls night out at Park City, and now.. one of our neighbors bought a COOL water slide from Costco and they put it up once a week or so and invite all the kids in the hood to play. Here are some pictures of it. Judson and Carma LOVE it and I enjoy chatting w/ all the moms (and Shane- the stay at home dad) It wears the kids out too which produces better naps. Win win for all.

Another neighbor set up a projector screen on the outside of the house and we all watched "Nacho". The weather was awesome, the kids behaved, and it was so nice! We might make it a weekly thing. It is funny b/c at church we had combined meeting and there was a huge projector screen set up in the cultural hall. Carma was so excited and said "I watch Nacho! Nacho funny! I Like Nacho!" She must have said "Nacho" at least a dozen times. It was funny and people were laughing b/c she wasn't quiet about it. She was suppose to be in Nursery, but a kid threw up in Nursery and scared her.. I am glad they brought her to me b/c HELLO I don't want her to be sick again!

We went to a garage sale and got her 2 princess dresses for .50c. She LOVES them and we have to bribe them off of her w/ other "Princess" clothes. She cracks me up and I can't wait to see her at Disney Land w/ all the princess stuff. Our neighbors have 3 girls and TONS of princess stuff and I couldn't get her to come home the other night b/c she was having so much fun, then I realized that we don't have any princess stuff over here. I need to get some things.

Judson had his first soccer game of the season Saturday. On Thursday he asked when it was going to be Saturday and I said "In two days, are you excited about Mario's birthday. And he said "no, my Soccer game" which is a big deal b/c he was really excited about Mario's party too. Michael said he has improved so much since last year and his coach said he kicks it further than any of the kids on the team. I missed the game b/c it was my long run and I didn't get home till almost 8:30. I will take pictures next week. Maw-maw will get to see it!! Hurray!

Carma scared of fireworks.

I love that she was convincing herself that she liked them.
I wish I would have gotten the shot of her RUNNING away from them.. that was PRICELESS.
YEP, Kiki jr. here. Scared everything, including her own shadow!!

Happy Pioneer day!!

I hope everyone had a happy pioneer day!

Girls Night Out Karaoke!

We had SO MUCH FUN! It was so fun to see some of the girls in a different light too.. and Amiee ROCKS!!
I forgot how good she was.
It was so fun to see Jamie again too!
Amiee, Thanks for hauling that huge machine to my party!! Don't worry, you didn't hog the mic THAT much! And everyone LOVE to hear you sing!!

Flu bug bites hard!

The flu has been going around in our subdivision.. and ward. Well, I was surprised when a week passed and we had no signs... but I shouldn't have counted my chickens before they hatched. Carma was up from 2:00am- 8:30am puking every hour on Saturday night. FUN!! She was done after getting 4 sheets, 5 towels, 4 change of clothes and my hair covered in puke. But she is feeling better now, but I am not. I actually spent all last week thinking I was pregnant~ I am not and was surprised to find myself so disappointed that I wasn't. I hope to feel better soon so I can start training for the half again b/c it is getting REALLY close.

But other than that I had a great week other than the sick days.
Thursday was my Girls night out. I hosted a Karaoke party and it was SOOO FUN!!
Friday Michael had his Nerd night out and Judson spent the night at Mario's. So I had another girls night at my house. Nikki, Pinky and Carolina were here. Nikki was so nice and gave Pinky an hour massage and I waxed Carolina's eyebrows and did her and Pinky's make-up. It was so fun just being girls. Then Pinky and I watched the North and the South (and English film) until 3:30am. Michael came home around 1:00 and went back out to buy Harry Potter.
Saturday we went to Michaels company picnic. It was pretty fun, then we came back home and I was lazy all day b/c I didn't feel well. Michael ready Harry Potter ALL DAY, that is OK b/c I know that Eclipse comes out Aug 7 and I will need the same treatment. :)
Sunday was our anniversary and we didn't do a dang thing b/c we didn't get more than 3 hours of sleep due to the puking episode. We didn't even go to church. I cleaned ALL day b/c I was freaked out about the germs and of course I had LOADS of laundry to do. I guess it takes a puke fest to motivate me to clean like that.
Monday Michael and I went to see HAIRSPRAY. It was SOOO HILARIOUS!! Every time John Travolta was on the screen I couldn't help but bust out laughing. I totally recommend seeing it. Michael even enjoyed it. Carolina passed her drivers learning permit test.. hurray. Carolina helped Judson make a giant fort in the living room. It is cute but it has caused more fights between Judson and Carma than any toy in the house ever did. He is constantly yelling at her b/c she is ruining it and she is yelling back at him. ARGHHH
Tuesday I finished cleaning and then we went to a July 24th celebration at Michael's co-workers house, but had to leave early due to wanting to puke. But I got some cute pictures before I left.. I also made a YUMMY desert... here are some pictures of the week.

Carrot Family

The Tolman's grew these in their garden a couple of years ago and I just came across them in my files and HAD to share them. I think they are so funny b/c Darlynn picked them at the same time and second of all b/c if THEY thought it was funny then maybe I am not so bad either.. know what I mean?
I have to share them in sequence for you to get the full effect... 1 one is baby carrot, 2 one is mama carrot, 3 one is daddy carrot, 4 one is carrot family.

Arts and Crafts day

We had Arts and craft day at our house yesterday, I had Mario, Hunter and Diego at first, then Allyssa, Oliva and McKaylla came over. I was surprised at how long the kids painted, at least 2 hours~ needless to say I have paint all over my kitchen. But it was all worth it.

I have to write the FUNNIEST thing. Well a couple.
Judson was begging for Pizza last night and I told him NO! He said "AWWW MOM! and pouted". Alyssa (neighbor girl who is crushin' on Judson) hopped up immediately, ran home and came back with one slice of pizza just for him. (Mind y'all that there were 5 other children there- who were sorely disappointed, but she only had eyes for him) I wish y'all could have seen this child's face as she handed him the pizza. She just stood back and enjoyed, watching him with such gratification that she could please her man. It was THE CUTEST thing! I am LOL just thinking about it!!!
OH this same girls mom came over and said "I hear that Judson and Alyssa were talking about boobs and Judson told him that they aren't boobs until they get bigger". I was like "WHAT!" So I talked to Judson last night and I asked "WHAT were you telling Alyssa and WHY were you talking about boobs ~trying to remain Calm as a Cucumber while doing so and reassuring him that he wasn't in trouble and I wasn't mad, I just had to know what was said and why. He said they were just talking about it and that he told her they weren't called boobs they were called "Breast". HAHAHA I was trying not to laugh, but I did. I told him, yes, that name is much more respectable and that is exactly the right term. We were laughing by the time it was over.

Cute story about my smarty pants (but no motor skills) Carma. Carolina was writing her name and said "K-A-R-M-A" and Carma said "C". Isn't she so smart!!! She is only 2 and knows how to spell her name. I have to admit that Michael sings her this song "Her name is Carma, Carma, that is her little name, her name is Carma, Carma. C-A-R-M-A". And I write it for her quite a bit. But still.....AND she can count to 20 all by herself; most of the time. AND knows her ABC song. But she still has a hard time sitting on a chair w/out falling off..hahahaha or running w/out falling. Her poor little knees are always scratched up.

Insects are amazing!

We finally caught our praying mantis! We have been searching for one for a couple of weeks. Our neighbor was nice enough to call us when he noticed one on his driveway. Judson was ecstatic! We have been feeding it several different bugs: flies, ladybugs, moths, grasshoppers. It is a pretty amazing insect. In this picture it is eating a fly. One of our neighbors, a biology teacher, told us that it will stink if we put it on our bug collection b/c it is carnivorous. Gross huh! OK, enough about bugs, I promise!

We went swimming at Aunt Aprils house on Friday. Carma is a little fish! She begs to get in the water as soon as we arrive and doesn't want to get out. I have some pictures but they are on Carolina's camera. I will post them soon.

Saturday I was gone most of the day running errands and helping at a friends wedding, but dad took Judson to Lowe's make another craft. They made a truck together but I didn't get a picture.

We are eating at Rachelle and Jons for dinner. I made beans, went through the enitre process of rinsing, soaking over night, started cooking them this morning, (even fried bacon to make refried beans with them later) only TO BURN THEM! I hate when I do that!!! And now my entire house smells like burnt beans!

Hallelujah!!

It's raining!

Y'all should send all the rain from Louisiana up to us. We need it desperately! It is sprinkling (and they call it thunderstorms) but I will take rain in any form these days.

Summer Time fun!

Dancing Carma

Busy Summer

I thought once school was out we would settle down, but I was WRONG. We are so busy, sometimes I feel like a chicken w/ my head cut off. But I would take busy over bored ANY DAY!

This week we have had fun. Carolina moved in with us on Sunday. I fixed up the basement so she can live there more comfortably. I will have to take a picture and post it, it looks better than I thought it would and she really appreciates it. Judson and Carma LOVE having her here and she says she doesn't get homesick when she is with us b/c she feels part of the family. That was so sweet and I am glad I can help her so much.

We had fun with paper mache at the neighbors house. We made hot air balloon pinata. We still have to paint them, we may do that today. I will post a picture of the finished product. But here are some pictures of the mess. We were covered with flour/water mixture, but it was all worth it.

Yesterday we went to the Library, here is a picture of Judson near the honeysuckles. Every time we go that is the first place he wants to run to. 3 weeks ago we saw a hummingbird and hope to see one there again soon. I taught Judson how we used to suck the honeysuckle when we were little, he thinks it is pretty cool. I want to plant a honeysuckle bush outside. I LOVE IT!

Judson has completed his baseball season, he is sad about it. We will have to find other activities while we wait for soccer to start. Bug collecting takes up quite a bit of his time these days.

As far as the rest of the family, Carma is definitely TWO! She loves to demand everything, bosses everyone around and is starting to hit. We have to nip that habit, (but it is always so funny when she does it, but I know it wont stay funny for long). She is dancing more and adding new moves to her routine and it is WAY TOO CUTE! This kids gets more dirty than anyone (except myself). He came home the other day and she did have a homeless look to her (Judson said she looked like she didn't have a mom-hahaha). Michael called her Dumpster Dolly. I even washed her hair that afternoon. But my theory is this: you can only have crazy hair with stuff on your face for a few years of your life and have it be cute and not be labeled as NUT CASE. I tell her,and let her, take advantage of this time in her life and she does.

Last week

We were so busy last week that I didn't have a chance to write much.. and I forgot to take the camera most places.
July 4
We went to the Stadium of fire. It was fantastic! Our friends gave us free tickets and I still didn't really want to go. (I don't like crowds, traffic or Brooks and Dunn)but with encouragement from Michael I went anyway. I am so glad I did b/c it was a fantastic show, there were so many other performances. There were HUNDREDS of little girls dancing, it was cute. Over live broadcast there were soldiers that were in Afghanistan and they hadn't seen their families in 14 months. Then their family members sang and got to talk to them. It was so sweet ~ and of course I cried. Then the rocket guy went around... I thought it was lame... but Judson loved it. The guy from high school musical performed.. cheesy, but it was so funny to see all the little girls that danced FREAKING out over him. Brooks and Dunn put on a better show than I anticipated, but they are still too twangy for me. Pinky said it was close to 40 minutes of fireworks. It was amazing. There were almost too many, but it was so beautiful. The last part of the show there was a choir singing patriotic songs and it was SO BEAUTIFUL!!! I am so grateful to be an American! I love this country!!
July 5
Michael took the day off and we went to the Tolmans ALL day. There was a breakfast at 6:30 am.. but we didn't get there until 8:30. His aunt is in town from out east and we only see them every other year or so. We also went to see RATATOUILLE. It was really cute. Some parts they could have left out b/c kids will watch it OVER and OVER and repeat it, but for the most part I really liked it. We left Carma with the Rachelle b/c Carma wont watch movies. I think Judson really enjoyed having us to himself both at the movies and at the Stadium of fire. He held our hands the entire time. It was cute. Then we went back to the Tolman's and had a big family dinner. I wish I would have taken may camera b/c there was so cute photo ops.
July 6
We were going to have all the cousins over while their parents went on dates, but everyone ended up staying and we played Settlers of Catan. That game just doesn't get old! I love it. Michael won.. AGAIN. Then Garrett and Renton spent the night.
July 7
Every first Sat of the month Home Depot has a free project for kids to do. Michael took Judson, Garrett and Renton and here are the picture of them painting them at home. Cute huh! I had to spend the day catching up on neglected housework.. YUK!

Happy Birthday Nonnie

Happy birthday!!
here are the kiddies singing for you. Carma would sing for you all day if you were here.
(Judson just watched this video and was cracking up at Carma hitting him. He made me rewind it at least 20 times. Sassy girl!! )
Sorry I was so late getting this too you today but we just got back from the Tolmans and movies. We were gone all day and have to leave in a few minutes to go there again. (Aunt Elise is in town).

It is HOTTER THAN HECK HERE!! Sweating just typing and the air conditioners are struggling.

I want to share about Stadium of fire but I really have to go cook something for the dinner.

Baseball

Silly Carma

Judson's baseball game

Catching up

I was so busy last week that I didn't have time to post.
Lets see. The Calmes spent a night Tues and Wed. We had so much fun! We went to the Library on Wed.. Judson like it much better with kids his own age. Chad Calmes was nice enough to go with him. They made fun sticky colored syrup. We also checked out 5 books about bugs. I have learned so many things about insects. Judson also had a baseball game. Some of the pics are posted. It was nice to have Carolina, Allison and Chad there b/c I actually got to watch the game. Michael usually pitches so I can't enjoy it b/c I am chasing Nutsy around.

We spent another day catching bugs at Grandma's house on Friday. Michael and I also had our last baseball game.. so sad. I think we will play in the fall league too. Here are our shirts, cute huh? I should have had Michael stand on the other side.. our numbers make our anniversary date. AWWWW We worked on the yard on Saturday and Michael took the kids swimming at Jaren's. We went to Grandma's on Sunday. I know we did so much more, but that is all I can remember. I also read a book "These is my words". That kept me busy.. GOOD book though. Highly recommend it!! I am sad when the book ends, but I am also relieved to get back to my life b/c it takes over.

Today we went swimming at Jaren's and Aprils. The kids LOVE it. Judson learned how to go under and is getting braver and better in the water. Carma LOVES the water.. she instinctively knows how to doggy paddle and LOVES it. I couldn't get her out of the pool; but when I did you should have seen her diaper (we were out of swimmy diapers). It was HUGE!! I will have to take my camera next time. I think I will take them at least once a week. The pool is SO nice too b/c it isn't in the sun and the temperature is just right!! April also colored my hair.. I can't wait to style it now. It was getting pretty bad. It is so nice to be able to trade babysitting; I am so lucky!!

A boys life: catching bugs & baseball

Today we went to Grandma's house just to play. Garrett, Renton and Lauren came with us. We had so much fun. The boys spent most of the time collecting bugs. I caught 2 butterflies and a dead queen ant. Renton caught a tree hopper and Garrett caught a dead moth. Judson caught one butterfly, the prettiest one. We still are going to do research to find the name of the butterflies. I will have to take a picture of our bug collection when we are closer to being done. Judson is having a blast with it. That is all he talks about.
Carma and I jumped on the trampoline, she LOVES it. I have to distract her with something else to get her away, but she finds her way back soon enough! I tired her out for an earlier nap though.. hurray! Tired me out too! Butterflies are faster than I thought.

I keep forgetting to take my camera to Grandma's house and get pictures of Andrew. He got back from his mission Thursday night around 10:00pm. It is great to have him home already. We had Sunday dinner over there to celebrate too. Lauren was showing him all of her hopping tricks. He already started school today, didn't waste any time! I should show a before and after picture of his.. but then again it wouldn't look any different. He still looks 16. Maybe a tiny bit more facial hair.

Judson had his 4th coach pitch baseball game. We got his pictures back and they are SO CUTE! I will post them as soon as I can get them scanned in. They pretty much do whatever and then get all excited about what snack they are going to have. And I almost forgot I signed up for snacks... would have ruined the entire game!!

Carolina's baptism

Saturday was Carolina's baptism. It was so beautiful. She is so amazing and sweet. I fixed her lunch and we talked for a while afterwards. She said she feels different and I asked her to explain, she said she just feels calm and peaceful. She is seriously too "golden"! She said that she loved going to church and praying her whole life but that something was missing and she never believe every part of the Catholic church and that she knows the Lord brought her here to Utah so she can learn about this church. She said before she moved here she thought Mormons were so weird, (I said "We are"), but she said "Yes, but it is so good that you live so close to God". I never think about it much, esp b/c I live here in Utah, but she is right. We are dang near perfect! JUST KIDDING! But seriously, I want to be faithful like her and not even doubt the Heavenly Father loves me and will answer my prayers, and that the atonement is for all aspects of life. She has been a great example and reminder to me of the basics of the gospel and how important they are.
Here are some pics of the baptism.

Fun ways to start a week!

Wades party, library and raccoon

We have had a busy and fun two days. Wade,an old neighborhood friend, invited us to his b-day party. We had a so much fun and Donna made up some cute games for the kids to play. Then Michael took the kids to a bbq at the Tolmans while I worked.

Today we went to the Library for a fun summer program called "Get a clue". I put Judson in 7 & 8 year old class and I was worried he would get discouraged b/c all those kids are going in 2nd or 3rd grade. Well, he hated it and I am going to switch him to another class closer to his age. But Mario loved it, so it will be sad, but they will now be in different classes. We checked out some cute books that I am excited to read with them and Judson got an insect kit. Did I mention that we are collecting insects,for a summer science project, and pinning them on Styrofoam, labeling them and writing something interesting. Judson loves it. I am amazed at what interests him. He spends most of his days looking for bugs. It is so cute.

After the Library, we went to visit a lady in the ward that rescued a raccoon. Seriously, it is one of the cutest things I have ever seen. It purs. It is very similar to a cat, but even cuter. It is so mischievous and cuddly. We got to feed it with a bottle. We first saw it on Sunday and Judson talked about it all day yesterday and today until I took him. He loved it. Carma was not as interested... but she did do that SCREAM that scares that Chloe (Dana's cat) to death. I was saying "SHHHH" b/c raccoons have much sharper claws.

Fathers day at Tolmans

Judson and Carma are so blessed to have so many cousins close by and not just any cousins, the BEST and coolest cousins anyone could ask for.
Here are some cute pics of the grandkids that live here and some with Grandma & Grandpa. SO CUTE!

Super Judson & Super Carma

Look at the difference in seriousness. Judson IS superman and very serious about it and Carma is more interested in the dancing and singing part. But BOTH are VERY funny!! Judson seriously cracks me up!! There is a longer super Judson video but it was taking way too long to upload, but there are so many pictures of him dressing up and pretending to be Superman, Spiderman, tape-man, just whatever! Now he is into Star wars, but not so much into dressing up, kind of sad. It is so true that they grow up way too fast!
Carma LOVES to watch Super Judson!!! It is her new favorite, move over Backyardigans! Judson was about the same age as Carma when this video was taken.

Happy Father's (and Paw-paw's) Day!!

Happy Fathers day Paw-Paw!!! Here is a little song the kids sang for you. We would have sang the "Grandpa" song, but we don't know it! I Love you dad! I hope you have a fantastic Fathers day b/c you deserve it!! Thank you so much for everything you have given me and taught me and for all that you do for us still! I am so lucky to have you as a dad and I love you SOOO MUCH.... and so does Judson and Carma. They talk about you all the time. Judson ask me on a regular basis "when are Pa-pa and Ma-ma (as he says it, he hasn't gotten the southern aw sound down yet) coming?".


I woke up early and fixed breakfast for Michael. I made strawberry crepes, hash browns, biscuits, eggs, ham and Orange juice. It is fun doing things for him like that because he really appreciates it. Besides the fact that he is the BEST DAD and totally deserves it!! I couldn't ask for a better dad for Judson and Carma! We are so blessed.

We are going to the Tolman's today for Fathers day. Mexican Theme. I think I will make horchata. (Spelling?) Michael got Larry (Michaels dad) all these fun outside games. They look fun and I think Larry will like them.

Busy Week

This week has been so busy, but so much fun. I went to Park City for "girls night out". We stayed at one of my neighbors time share and it was SO nice. I forgot to bring my camera. Dang it! This place was so nice though, huge jacuzzi tub, full kitchen, beautiful leather sofas, nice bed, steam shower. It was cushy. Too bad we were only there for the night. We went out to dinner at a brewery. It was OK, I ate a steak.. BAD IDEA. I am NEVER eating red meat again, or until I go to Louisian and my dad makes his steaks, b/c then is it only worth it. Seriously, I am just barely feeling better from it and it is Sunday. We got back to the hotel and played games and talked until 3:30 in the morning. It was so fun and I got to know these Sisters better. We woke up at 8:00, after we all swore to sleep till noon, and went shopping at the Park City outlets. I got Michael a 3 new shirts and a pair of pants (he looks so good in them and I am glad he likes them b/c he is hard to please sometimes with clothes) I also got Judson a white polo shirt and Carma a white dress. They look so cute together in them. I wish I could get a picture of them in them, but they move around too much.

I got back from Park City on Friday afternoon and then we had a baseball game. The other team didn't show so we just played with our team. We have three more games left. I am sad b/c it is so much fun and a great date night. I felt too sick to play b/c of all the junk I ate, but I did anyway. I didn't wear my usual two bras, and as I was running my bra broke. FUN HUH?- NOT. How embarrassing. Luckily we were just about done playing and I hid it pretty well. I just bought that bra too! That is what I get for buying a bra at Wal-mart!!

Saturday we baby sat the Johnson clan (Michaels sister's 4 kids). Those are some cute kids. I should say that Michael babysat b/c I didn't do anything. I had to get ready for the baptism that the Missionaries invited Carolina to attend before hers. Then we came home and Carolina babysat the kids while we attended Terra's wedding at the Jordan River Temple. It was so awesome to see her sealed, they seem like the cutest couple!! I rushed home to get Carolina home for her date and the ran and got Terra a present, then picked Michael and the kids up to go to the reception. They were MANIACS at the wedding... well, at least Carma was. Michael and Judson behaved themselves for the most part. Judson forgot his shoes after we asked him to get his shoes on 85 times. We get there and he say's "I don't have shoes!". arghhhhh I was so mad, it is so dumb how mad I get over little things, then I realized (with Michaels help) that it wasn't a big deal... and it really wasn't. Imagine that!

Fun filled day!

Get a clue Library Day!

Today was filled with so many things to do. First we went to the Library for the kick off for "Get a clue" reading program. It was like a carnival of sorts. There were different booths and activities for the kids to do. Judson and Carma had a blast. Mario is in the same session.... imagine that~ my second son; Judson's twin. They all had fun. Judson was really good at shooting the balls off the soda bottles, but he enjoyed making the finger print animals the most. I need to do this craft at home. Carma just ran around doing whatever she pleased, as usual. She did sit still enough for me to get her hand print. It is so cute and little.

We then came home (well Judson went to his second home, Mario's) and Carma and I hosted Activity day's. We painted a banner for Strawberry days. The girls loved it, but no one got as messy as Carma. It was ALL over her. I am just glad it is done and looks good enough to pass as our Ward's banner.

THEN I picked Judson up, grabbed Little Caesars Pizza (YUK!- NOT worth the fat!) we had the missionaries over for another discussion with Carolina. She is doing great and still on schedule for her baptism June 23. (Can you believe that the Elders have 5 baptisms that day?! FIVE- Ben was that normal out here?) It is funny when she learns something she never heard of; such as Garments, and not drinking coffee. She was like "WHAT??" You didn't tell me that!" But she goes home and thinks and prays and is OK with everything eventually. I am so excited for her and we have become such good friends She adores Carma and Judson and you know I love that too. The missionaries aren't nearly as lame as I though they were either. They are good guys. It just took a while to warm up. They probably think I am one step away from being apostate. It seems like when we talk about things I am a half butt Mormon. We talked about fasting and Carolina was like "Kiki, do you do this?" I was like... uhhhh, well.... uhhh.... hehehe. Maybe a couple times a year". Then one of them said "The Lord gave us a commandment to fast..." I was thinking "I thought that was more of a guideline, not a commandment.... did I ever even go on a mission???"

THEN we went outside for some swim fun at the neighbors house. They have the coolest slide pool thing. We played outside for a couple of hours. I didn't get a picture of this, but I am sure I will get a one since we are invited at least twice a week and they look so cute in their swim suits. Judson LOVES the slide/pool, I can't get him inside. I am NOT complaining. I did have to finally drag him in for quiet time though b/c he gets grumpy with too much sun and activity. I actually told him he had to play Xbox or watch a movie... what mother encourages this behavior? Just kidding.

I didn't get to write that yesterday Judson had another baseball game. But Diva Carma threw the biggest fit she has ever thrown b/c she wanted milk. And I felt guilty b/c I forgot to give her a drink when she woke up so the aggravation and guilt drove us to McDonalds while the game was going one. THEN once we got there it took us 15 minutes to get to the field he was playing on b/c she wanted to stop and look at everyones sun umbrella's. arrghhhh Once we got to the field she noticed the playground located just 40 feet away and that was all she wanted. Needless to say, I saw LESS than 2 minutes of the game and was sweating like pig chasing her. It was this time that I decided to schedule my hysterectomy for Nov 1. I have since calmed down but not sure if I will ever mother another child under that age of 4 ~ as cute as they are... aww, how can I say that? Speaking of, I have to go calm her down. She is freaking out in her room. The point to the story was that I didn't get to get any pictures of his game, but I got some of Carma at the Park.

Our Fun Day at BYU

We (me and my kids, Pinky and Julio + kids, Carolina & Andrea) went to BYU yesterday and had some fun at the Dinosaur Museum. The kids really loved it. Carma even loved it. She was scared at first but then she loved it so much she was asking to go back all day. Judson loved the big shells b/c he loves to collect snail shells, we were AMAZED at how big those shells were. I mean the snail that came out of one of those would seriously have to be bigger than a large dog. How horrific would that be? I guess not that bad since I hopefully would be able to outrun it still. MAYBE.
We then thought it would be a good idea to visit their aquarium while we were there. It wasn't. We walked across campus, the kids were bumping into all the students (Carma even bumped into someone and then bonked her head on the hard tile). We get to the "aquarium" (it really should be called fish bowl) and there we 4 tiny tanks with brown water and huge fish that are too big for the tank. Our visit there lasted a total of 2 minutes. Then we went to the Eyring Science center. That was pretty cool. There was a pendulum, magnetic gloves, and this cool thing that you look at and creates an illusion of a free hanging lightbulb. The boys loved it. It was a pretty good day and I am getting better about taking the kids in public alone. I do think we spent too much time there and Carma and I were grumpy at the very end.

We also got to go to a bbq at Laura Elena's (Michaels cousin) to meet Lynette's (Michaels cousin's) new husband, I think his name is Pat? He seemed pretty nice. It's always fun to get together with them. I am glad they moved back from Arizona. That was our second bbq of the week and tonight we have ANOTHER one at Cynthia's house. There is no way I can eat another hamburger without puking. I am going to marinate some Salmon right after I am done with this.

The weather has been so nice the past 2 days. I am still training for my half marathon and it is going pretty well. I made it 4.5 miles much easier than last week but I am suppose to be at 5 already... crap. I kept waiting to get thin before doing a half marathon(it has been one of my goals for several years) but that just wasn't happening and my age is. So with the help of Jenny, I decided to work out everyday without focusing on losing weight or food. Well, I lost a couple of lbs, but the food part is SO HARD. No worries though b/c I am on my way to accomplishing my goal of completing a half marathon and it feels great!!

My pretty Princesses

These are silly kids. I was cleaning Carma's closet and found her old Halloween outfit and I she started saying "Pwincess stuff". I didn't know what she wanted at first, then she said "Pwincess hat" so she made me put all of it one. She was SO excited and dancing around. Then a while later Judson say's Mom and I look and he is dressed up in it. What a goof ball! It is funny and ever better that he lets me take pictures of him... funny boy. But seriously, should we be worried? I am just kidding... remember when I was telling him how he shouldn't let the girls kiss him on the lips and he said he likes it when the girls kiss him on the lips. hahaha Not too worried.

June 7 2007

It is not easy to take pictures of Judson. He hides his face or runs. I have to either threaten or bribe, it isn't pretty. hahaha
I keep telling him, "I am not going to have any pictures of you as a kid, so you need to let me take some." That usually works.

Raining Day Fun

It has been cold and rainy for 2 days now. So we have to find stuff to keep the kiddies busy. We watched movies, played star wars, made bean necklaces and played with play dough. Mario comes over at least 3 times a day so he will be in most of our pictures this summer. He is such a sweet kid so I don't mind. Today we aren't doing anything b/c we played all day yesterday my house is a disaster.

Last night we went to a a party to see some people Michael served with from Russia. It was pretty fun. His MTC companion was there and still nuttier than ever. There is a couple from our ward there too b/c the husband served in that mission too. So that was nice to have someone I knew there. Here is a picture of our family with the mission President and a sister and her husband that he served with. I have to swallow all of my pride to post this picture.. I HATE pictures of myself, but I decided that we need more family pictures throughout the year.

(I would just like to tell you the that Carma is on my lap rubbing and squeezing my arms as I type, sounds really cute huh.. I HATE IT!! The first year was cute, now it is just annoying! So I better go and come back later).

Judson's baseball

Judson Plays Coach Pitch for the first time! It was so cute. These kids are hilarious! It was actually better than I thought it would be. Judson actually hit it pretty hard. It went past 2 base. He is a pretty coordinated kid. (get that from me-hehe, just kidding)
We had a pretty grumpy day. I was grumpy, Carma was grumpy. Not fun! I went to help April clean and Carma is a CLING ON. I swear she should have been born a marsupial so she could stay in my pouch. Yes, I have one! Oh, never mind that is a pooch, but not the puppy, the tummy pooch. Anyway, the day is almost over and I am not sad about that!
After Judson's baseball game we went to Jaren's to celebrate his birthday. It was fun. They have an indoor pool (it was FREAZING) but the kids LOVED it. Judson was being pretty brave in the water and Uncle Jon was teaching him how to swim. Carma actually LOVED it too. Can you believe it? She was freaking out to get in. I didn't have my suit on so I sat on the side and she played on the steps. It was cute, she was screaming in excitement.
The pictures show her taking a bath to warm up. (They all have swim suits on, I didn't know it the dress pants/diaper attire and she is naked-oops) She loved it though. They were all sticking their head under the water and blowing bubbles. So she was standing up and bending over, not even close to the water, making underwater bubble noises, it was FUNNY.

She wont take them off!

These boots belong to my niece, Lauren, and she left them at our house. Carma had to wear them every time she saw them. She wore them to the store and the Chiropractor. It was pretty funny, especially since it is hot outside and they are way too big for her. But she loves different shoes, what a girl!

Doe a Deer

As you all know, Carma LOVES to sing more than anything. Here are Michael and Carma singing.
I forget to record it b/c it is such and everyday, no hour, occurrence . But I am sure Dana misses it, and it is too dang cute not to share!

Check out my Slide Show!

Playing at our neighbors

A family down the street has an older home with the BEST yard. The kids love to play there and they are so nice to let us just come whenever we want. It is seriously like a small park. Yesterday was such a beautiful day we couldn't stay inside. Judson's new interest is hunting for bugs; mostly lady bugs and Potato bugs. It is pretty cute and I love it more since it has nothing to do with X-box and everything to do with outdoors.
We are learning a bit about how to keep bugs; what they eat, where they live. Boys will be boys, huh? He really wants a lizard or a big frog or something. I am just glad it isn't a snake..eew! I have been looking on and off for a deal somewhere b/c when we looked for Christmas it would have been $300 for everything we needed. Not gonna do it! I do think it is important for children to have pets though, I am just trying to decided how committed we are as a family to get one. ( I will have to count Michael out b/c he is not an animal lover).
Here is Carma on the swing. She loves it.