Life As We Know It

New Blog!

2009-11-09T12:50:00.000-08:00

I've started a new blog. There are several people who have told me they visited my blog with much disappointment since I haven't posted in like....well, a while.

You can visit busy ems family dot blogspot dot com....except with NO spaces in between.

Skating on Thin Ice!

2009-02-22T10:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we went over to Nana & Papa's house for a BBQ. The kids saw their pond was frozen over and thought they would be daring and test the waters...Garrett first (of course) then all followed suit. Phone in hand...I allowed them their freedom but I was prepared to call 911 nevertheless. What a bad Mom! I did get a little giggle when they...thinking they were invincible...fell down. It was all good until they started throwing huge rocks to crack the ice...GAME OVER.

Who's the leader of the band?

2009-02-22T10:38:00.000-08:00

Critter found Garrett's ears from last March. Critter put them on, came into my room and begged me to take he and Sarah to Disneyland. He forgot he had them on and Mom thought it was too cute. I had to take the opportunity to photograph this Mickey Mouse moment.

So where do I sleep?

2009-02-22T10:35:00.000-08:00

Yes, I get that little sliver of bed just to the left!

Game On

2009-02-01T19:56:00.000-08:00

Today is Super Bowl Sunday and we have had a blast. The Cardinals may have lost but there was no short supply of team spirit and good old fashioned team rivalry.

Saturday

2009-01-31T23:36:00.000-08:00

Friday Night

2009-01-31T23:29:00.001-08:00

After we picked the Hansen's up from the airport, we went to Denny's for dinner and then home to play some poker. The kids fell asleep and looked oh so cute!

Hansen's...The Pick Up

2009-01-31T23:25:00.001-08:00

Rick, Jenny and Michelle arrived in Missoula on Friday night. Safe and sound, we are so happy to have our friends here.

California Speed

2009-01-25T08:31:00.000-08:00

My friend Ali taught me a new card game and now I am totally addicted. I am undefeated against 4 different players. I have become insanely competitive with this stupid game, I almost broke my hand.....while gloating, of course.

If you pause my blog music, you can get the full effect of the video! Anyone want to play me??? :)

Yes, I do!

2009-01-23T21:52:00.000-08:00

Ok, I had to put this picture on here just for the heck of it. Garrett loves this shirt. I bought it for him at Kohl's and he's super proud to wear it...the cool thing is that none of his friends give him heck for wearing it. I think that's just because they do know that...I ROCK. kidding, but funny! :)

Totally Random

2009-01-22T17:30:00.000-08:00

So, I know this is a totally random picture but I haven't taken any good pictures lately and want to keep up with the postings. Here's a recap of my week.....

*Worked...alot
*Swimming lessons, basketball practice, play practice, Cub Scouts
*Critter was invited into the Spectra (gifted) math program
*I work at the Red Door tomorrow
*Made my Mommy happy by going to the Doctor for a complete check up! I was tired of hearing her tell me (for the last few years) how I don't take care of myself...I just don't have time!

Next week will be busy too...Rick and Jenny are coming to play! :)

EMT Basic Refresher...Already!

2009-01-18T08:42:00.000-08:00

I just can't believe that I've had my license long enough to have to renew it. That's so crazy. This was a super fun weekend of learning new things and refreshing things we don't get to do all the time. I sure do like my job.....and most of the people I work with. Enjoy the pictures, I promise that I DO take my job seriously.

Girl Scout Cookies

2009-01-16T06:11:00.000-08:00

It's that blessed time of year again!

Cookie fiends who chase you down...

at the bank

at work

at the grocery store

Fear NOT cookie fans, we have what you need

$3.50 a box for the sinfully, delicious treats

Big Fat Wimp!

2009-01-15T07:24:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I've been toying with the idea of letting the kids ride the bus. It's been such a struggle to find the kids rides to school when Bart and I have to be to work before 7 am. So I talked to a few friends (ones that I trust their opinion) who have kids that ride the bus. We have a new service who took over transportation for the district and I have heard great things. So, I called the dude at the bus barn and let him know my fears (big fat wimp) and told him I wanted to try it on a day that I was home to see them off (big fat wimp). So today, we were up, dressed, fed and prettied up in record time to meet the bus out front. The kids got on the bus and off they went. The sad part is.....I didn't even feel bad! I cleaned the family room, threw in a load of laundry, played 3 rounds of Wii bowling (hey, I had to beat my high score) and even worked out. Yeah me! One small step for me, one giant step for the kiddos. What a fantabulous morning!!!

When It Looks Like This...

2009-01-01T20:04:00.001-08:00

What is there to do when it looks like this outside? It was a cold, slushy, rainy snow day and we made the most of it. We cleaned the whole house (ok, not so fun) and then invited our good friends over to sled, play Wii and have a potluck dinner. Until they came over, the kids found ways to entertain themselves. We did have a blast outside. Soaking wet. Like 40 shoes and coats outside our door. Garrett rocked the snowboard today. I was totally impressed by his mad skills. I will post some snowboard pictures in the next few days.

Thank goodness for sledding hills right in our yard. We had a great time playing in the snow and when we got too cold and too wet, we just stripped off our clothes and got warmed up inside the house.

Sarah had a fun time playing in the flower garden tent, waiting for our guests to arrive. She said, "Mom, you can't see the mess inside the tent can you?" I assured her that no one can see all her goods inside the tent.....and it IS a MESS.

This is Garrett and Critter inside their "go-kart" in the basement. They too were waiting for the guests to arrive and found a great way to pass the time away. They even had a roll-over accident and a three basket pile up in the family room. I don't think they were wearing seatbelts. :)

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T01:49:00.000-08:00

Playing Morff...it was super fun and I've never heard such colorful language!

Just hanging around after the countdown and the fireworks

We were striking the Captain Morgan pose...mind you there is no alcohol in any of our drinks. I think we are a naturally nutty group of girls. We sure had a good time though. We'll all have "fun" hangovers for sure! :)

Tara & Krista

A Very Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T13:14:00.000-08:00

A very Merry Christmas indeed. The kids were, of course, restless and decided to rummage thru their stockings at 2 am. After working a 13 hour shift on Christmas Eve, that didn't work out too well for me so I yelled for them to go back to bed. I heard them again at 4 am and then 6 am. At this point I decided there was no winning this battle so it was time to get up. It was a Red Bull moment for sure. Once we finished opening presents we took a little rest then went over to Nana & Papa's house for breakfast and more presents.

MacKenna was given many presents which were all iPod related but no iPod. I waited as long I possible to keep up the torture. This is her opening her Green Apple iPod nano.

Here is Garrett with his flag football set. Garrett got a Tony Hawk skateboard from Santa and a new set of golf clubs.

Well, apparently Sarah really liked the iPod Santa left for her. It's a pink shuffle. Sarah also got pretend food and dishes and a flower garden tent.

Christopher got his steel blue iPod shuffle from Santa. He was super happy and sang (loudly) around the house all morning. He also got a shake n go race track and a remote control quad.

Grandma Carol & Robert got them a new trampoline with a net. Great Grandma & Grandpa gave the kids each $50 to spend any way they choose. We are going to Target tomorrow! :)
We also got a web cam and gift cards from our Aunts and Uncles! Yay, more shopping.

Nana & Papa bought the kids a Wii, clothes, legos, dress up clothes, barbie stuff, shoes, snow stuff, etc... By this time a Red Bull is not doing the trick so I really need a nap.

Oh and just so you all know (because I know you're worried)...I got the one thing I wanted most and that's my super cool winter hat with the tassles, thanks Kenna. I have NOT taken it off but I will to take my shower.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! I wish you all the best for 2009. May you find success, good health and the richest blessings awaiting you.

Merry Christmas to all...

Drowning!?

2008-12-20T21:00:00.000-08:00

Am I the only one? I want to be enjoying this wonderful Christmas season but I feel like I am drowning. I have so many fantastic intentions to bake and be all Holly Jolly about life but I just can't seem to find the time...or the right spirit. Me, of all people...I can't find the Christmas spirit. I don't even want anything for Christmas...seriously...every year I can make a list a mile long of the things I want. Ok, I did ask for one of those winter hats that cover your ears and have the little tassles that hang down. But, I didn't get the real tree I wanted. I haven't sat down to watch a Christmas movie with the kids or even read them a Christmas story. I barely have time to cook, I can't keep my house clean, Christopher went in for oral surgery on Wednesday...which they only got half of his mouth done because the Anesthesiologist stopped the surgery because Christopher started having fluid build up in his lungs. We found out today that our insurance is cancelled on December 31st so we have NO idea when Christopher will have the second half of the surgery done! I just barely got my Christmas cards out, totally forget about gifts for the kids' teachers. I haven't had time to go caroling. Forgot to mail one of the envelopes for the big kids, now it won't be there for Christmas. I swear I feel a perminent crease in my forehead. ARGHHHH...What's my problem? I totally feel like I failed this holiday season. Am I the only one who can't seem to pull my head above water? Helllpppp! I'm drowning.

Grandma's Visit to Montana

2008-12-07T22:42:00.000-08:00

Grandma arrived on Friday, December 5th and we have been loving every moment of her being here. We have had lots of laughs and shopping. The kids even got to open one Christmas gift from her while she was here. It's been a much needed visit and we hope there are plenty more to come. We love you Grandma, now let's go shopping!

Kids Christmas Chaos

2008-12-07T22:25:00.000-08:00

This was a great time! I allowed approximately 20 9, 10 & 11 year olds to have a Christmas party at my little home. We had pizza, soda, ice cream punch, chips, cookies, a vegi tray and a chocolate fondue fountain. I was never so happy to see 8:00 come around and the first parent pull up!!! I'm just glad it was a success and that the kids had fun!

Black Friday

2008-11-28T14:48:00.000-08:00

Happy Turkey Day

2008-11-28T14:34:00.000-08:00

A Martha Stewart dinner table

Trusting Krista with a carving knife.....well, with any knife! It wasn't easy to cut the turkey with my Dad standing over me telling me I'm doing it wrong.

Bart and Garrett playing WII golf

Peace out my Brother!

The kids posing for a picture and trying to keep warm while doing so

I sure hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving! I know we did. We were thankful for Kelsey being here and the joy of spending the day with our family.

Pre-Thanksgiving Poker Game

2008-11-27T09:14:00.000-08:00

Man did we have fun. This is our pre-Thanksgiving poker game. Loser went to Dairy Queen. We missed Rick and Jenny tonight.

This is Kelsey driving Papa crazy! Next time we won't sit them next to each other.

This is me on the other side of Papa...driving him crazy. He didn't stand a chance! Oh, and he didn't like losing to his Daughter either. Yes, that's right.....I took him down. I won the whole game.

This is Kelsey's handy work on the camera. Yes, it's a great shot.

This is Katie, I work with her on the ambulance. She doesn't always dress like Christmas, I made her come over straight from work to eat dinner and play poker. I think we may have scared her. It was definitely birth control for her.

Don't try this at home!

2008-11-27T09:07:00.000-08:00

Look what I learned last week! Not really, this is my partner's handy work. However, this is a very scary picture.....would you like to be "Ted the head"? I think not. This is what we use to practice our skills and learn new ones. So last week, I learned a new airway skill with a Combitube. I learned how to shove a big plastic tube down your throat to help you breathe better. I had two fabulous partners this day teaching me how to do this and giving me great advice. **Note to friends and family of Krista** Please don't make me do this to you.. :) LOL

So in the fine spirit of Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for my job.....knowing how many people don't have one.

Flu Shots!

2008-11-14T15:07:00.000-08:00

MacKenna was super brave and didn't even move muscle.

Garrett promised to be brave.....that didn't work out so well.

Does this even require an explanation?

How sad and pitiful is this face?

Oh that blessed time of year when you take your kids in for a well check then spring it on them that the flu shots are coming! Mean Mommy! Anyway, my kids are healthy and happy and emotionally balanced and I'm still mentally unstable.....Happy day.

Where oh where have the people gone?

2008-11-13T20:44:00.000-08:00

Where oh where have the people gone, where oh where can they be? That's me singing to you! It's better that way because if you heard it for real, you'd probably cry. Anyway, I'm just wondering where all of my friends and family have gone. Today is Thursday and it has been an absolutely wonderful day. I woke up, got ready, got the kids ready for school, dropped them off and headed out to Missoula with Deidre for a fantabulous day of spending money that I don't have. We began with the uniform store for new pants.....well, that's because I am tired of hearing from my co-workers how short my pants were....SNORE.....then off to Target, Best Buy for a new computer-hooray and then off to Wally World. Oh and we did stop by the Hostess outlet for some bread and sugary treats. I swear I was in a total sugar coma by the time we hit Lolo. Then I picked up the kids from school, unloaded the fully packed suburban and made a super yummy dinner and then headed off to a blogging class. This evening, I have colored my hair-didn't exactly turn out the color I had planned :( and now I am totally neglecting putting my kids to bed because I want to blog and play with Picasa. What a great Mommy I am!!! All in all, it's been an alright day. So I guess I better be responsible and take care of the kids then come back in here to feed my blogging addiction.

An Anal Moment

2008-10-25T19:06:00.000-07:00

Ok, so everyone has bloopers at work or at home. Some people keep their bloopers hidden and some people find quiet humor in them and chuckle to themselves. Now, me.....I laughed my butt off and PUN INTENDED. I was rushing to get a set of vitals from an older man who was pretty darn sick. I grabbed my vitals cart, went to the patients room and began my initial assessment but realized I didn't have my thermometer. I went to a drawer where I knew there were extra thermometers and quickly took one of the older ones. As I was taking the patient's temperature, the nurse walked in at just the right time and grabbed the thermometer out of my hand and quietly said, "Notice the red top on this thermometer?" I really hadn't noticed the top of the thermometer because it was an older one and I didn't know what the older ones looked like because mine is nice, new and white and is the only one I had used since I had been there. Well, come to find out.....the red tipped thermometers are for anal temperatures and NOT oral!!!!! So there it is, my work blooper exposed for all to get a little laugh at. I stuck a probe in an old guy's mouth that was probably in another old guy's butt. YUCK.

Girls Temple Day

2008-10-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

So, we made plans to have a girl's temple day in Rexburg, Idaho and here we are. I was up at 4 am and ready to go by 445 when Deidre said she wanted to be gone. We were at Tara's house in plenty of time then off to pick up Jen. Jen is NOT a morning person so kudos to Jen for being out the door in a timely manner. We stopped at the Lone Pine Conoco to get some drinks and snacks when Jen realized that she did not have her purse with her.....No money, license, recommend, etc...We turned around and trucked it back up Skalkaho to get her purse. We were 45 minutes behind schedule but it's all good. We were all sharing our stories about how, in our minds, we tried to justify why each of us shouldn't go. It's so easy to make excuses. I'm thankful we didn't listen to that inner demon and we all went.

And speaking of "went" this is a great picture of us putting up a makeshift bathroom so we could go. I got the best picture of Tara peeing and told her that it would be on my blog and then I had second thoughts when it came time to put the pics on here. Love her too much to post that picture. It will come in handy around Christmas, I'm sure.

This is Deidre taking pictures of us flashing our backsides to freeway traffic...but we had to go and there was no other place to stop.

This is Jen and Tara, they were putting their make up on in the car. We had plenty of laughter and silly moments on this road trip.

This is us outside the temple. We had a great time. It was a super experience with some great friends.

Halloween is gonna stink this year :(

2008-10-06T14:48:00.000-07:00

Sunday Dinner at Nana & Papa's

2008-10-05T20:19:00.000-07:00

Sunday dinner at Nana & Papa's house was delicious. We had a yummy chili soup and afterwards made turkey cupcakes. It was a great night with Nana & Papa!

Another Playful Picture

2008-10-05T20:18:00.000-07:00

This is the kids in SLC during the summer
This is another setting I played with on Picasa

Cute Boys

2008-10-05T19:45:00.000-07:00

This is in Nana & Papa's backyard.....again using Picasa settings and coloring

What do you think?

2008-10-05T19:43:00.000-07:00

Alrighty.....I am trying to play with the settings on my camera. I am also discovering the art of Picasa (thanks my Jenny love) and so what do you think of this picture of the boys? I will post a few more and you have to tell me what you think of these totally raw, first time photos that I have taken. I want a super nice camera for Christmas because I think I have found a new love! Oh, but not to replace my Jenny love. LOL :)

General Conference

2008-10-05T19:26:00.000-07:00

Today we started out our General Conference morning, honoring Grandma Passey and made conference cakes with homemade buttermilk syrup. So here we are enjoying general conference. The kids had little quizes to complete, word searches, matching games and the super fun.....conference bingo! That one is my favorite.....I get all intense, constantly shooshing the kids so that I can hear what's being said and I listen for the bingo words.

After the first session of conference we made indian tacos with chili, cheese, lettuce and sour cream. I made banana chocolate chip bread from scratch.....yah me! It was a great day.

My Friend Jen.....

2008-10-02T18:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, this is a totally random picture but I had to post it anyway. This is a bunch of us at a digital photography class. I learned some really cool new camera tricks. I've been wanting to ditch my digital camera but now that i've had some light shed on my picture taking abilities.....I'm much more excited to use my camera and if you know me.....I love to take pictures. I always have my camera in my purse. Now I just want a bigger, fancier one.....SANTA!!!

What to do When There's Nothing to do

2008-09-27T19:53:00.000-07:00

This is the ER.....no one but the nurses.....so.....

This is Kris and Chris making good use of their time....one defacing the white board and the other quietly observing.

This is me and Shirley....playing dress up??? Sorry about the blury picture.....retarded photographer!

This is Cory.....now this is truly a working picture. We are emptying out one of the ambulances to take it out of service. These are just a few of the supplies we had to put back into stock.

Boy Scouts Corn Maze

2008-09-27T19:31:00.000-07:00

These are the scouts and a few extra siblings. This is the Qwivals corn maze.
Rowdy boys and corn maze = TROUBLE

Garrett and I were pretty confused. I was given a group of 8 boys to watch and Garrett is the only one I had when the maze ended. How sad is that? I even lost Sarah. That's even sadder! Is that really a word?

I've never been so happy to see the #10. I swear I saw the number 6 like 5 times. I know I saw 8 twice.

This is Shirley and Penelope making sure everyone actually came out of the maze. I'm totally impressed that Shirley had all of her boys at the end.....I guess I should work on that! 18 cub scouts and 4 leaders = the need for electric shock collars.....LOL just kidding, most of them were pretty good.

Now That's Just Nasty

2008-09-19T20:32:00.000-07:00

Would you want those hands touching your food or your face?.....The kids played hard tonight and they sure have plenty to show for it. They played in the fields, ran around, jumped on the trampoline and there was NO computer, TV or video games involved. Just good old fashioned imagination, trees and dirt. Their knees, feet, faces, hands, clothes.....dirty, dirty, dirty from head to toe.....literally!!! I've always said, "dirty kids are happy kids." It just means they had fun. Real fun.

Home Away From Home

2008-09-14T10:03:00.000-07:00

Here is our emergency entrance. This emergency room is 2 months new. It's so sweet. It's got the coolest gizmos and most amazing machines. It's a killer ER for such a small town! So this is where I stand on my feet for nearly 12 hours a day 3 times a week, treating patients and helping out with patient check in, transport, and other ER duties. I do enjoy it dispite the massive tantrum I had on the first day of work when I found out that the hospital janitors make more money than we do!!!

This is my second vehicle. Yes, I drive a suburban and an ambulance.....not every woman can say that. I was totally excited that one of my partners complimented my driving on the second day of work. I think that was just because he was trying to sleep in the back and I didn't wake him up by driving crazy over bumps and rail road tracks. LOL :)

Cha Ching

2008-09-06T20:49:00.000-07:00

Okay, so anyone who knows me knows that I love to go to garage sales. I'm crazy for a super great bargain and these last two weekends were no exception. All I can say is chaaaa-ching or in the profound words of Napolean Dynamite....."LUCKY" Some of the super great deals I spotted were:
$1.00 for a Black & Decker bread maker (yes, it works like a dream)
$3.00 for a Dirt Devil Spot Scrubber (almost new)
$3.00 for a complete serving set and dinner set (for 8) of Japanese Vintage bone china
$7.50 for a pretty decent (clean) love seat, which I was able to spiffy up with my new Spot Scrubber!!!
4 pair of name brand (really nice and clean) jeans for Garrett for .50 cents (not .50 cents each, .50 cents for all 4 pair)
$2.00 for 2 pair of winter gloves AND true snow boots for MacKenna and Garrett

And the best bargain of all......the Mother of all amazing garage sale bargains........look down!

A Sony 42" console T.V.
So the story goes that the owner of the T.V. kept trying to tell Bart that the TV needed to be professionally serviced and that the picture was dark but still viewable. She thought for sure the bulbs needed to be replaced. We were leary as was had replaced a TV bulb at Christmas time for $318 on our flat screen TV. She was asking $100 for the TV and as Bart expressed his concern for the situation, she told him he could have the TV for $50.00. We agreed and loaded her up.
Once we got home we realized the TV was too big to fit through our tiny farm house kitchen door. We unscrewed the back of the TV (to fit it through the door) and noticed the 3 inch layer of dust on all of the projecion bulbs. After a quick "scrub" down and a little TLC, the TV was plugged in, turned on and the picture is crystal clear and works like a champ!!! We were so excited to have such a find! Hallelujah for garage sales.

Garrett's Reward~A Super Wegie

2008-09-03T21:35:00.000-07:00

Garrett's reward for being good during Sarah and MacKenna's pageant was to jump on the super trampoline or super wegie as I called it. He was so excited and had a blast.
Up, up, up and away!!!
Garrett did flips and was pretty much fearless and having a great time. I did watch him remove the underwear from his bum crack once the "ride" was over. LOL

Another First Day of School :)

2008-09-03T21:03:00.000-07:00

Ok so here we are with another first day of school. It's all good. The kids love their new schools and new teachers. They love, even more, that they get to sleep in an extra 25 minutes because school starts later here! Here are their teachers...if anyone is interested in knowing!
MacKenna- Mrs. Hollingsworth/Ms. Bertek (team teachers)
Garrett- Mrs. Dowling (Garrett says she yells)
Sarah- Mrs. Smith (A Grandma type who loves hugs and high 5s)
Christopher- Mr. Burrell (Very quiet, softspoken. Calls Christopher Mr. Math)

And The Winner Is.....

2008-08-29T20:25:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the Ravalli County Fair Queen contest. Both of the girls wanted to enter it as they both did in 2004. They were both nervous to give their speeches. Several of their friends also entered the contest so they all had plenty of support.
Above is Sarah being coached thru her speech. She did FANTASTIC!

This is MacKenna who was insanely nervous.....to the point I thought she would back out. She went up there and was a natural. There was no coaching necessary, just loud screams from the audience cheering her on.

Sarah Joy Passey~First place for best smile & Finalist!!! Go Sarah! You rock.

Here is MacKenna who won Best Personality and Ravalli County Fair Princess! Again! She won in 2004 as well. I think she's hooked. You can't see in the picture, but she's wearing a great pair of black cowboy boots that I bought for $1.45 at thrift store just hours before the contest.

* I am so proud of both of my pretty girls. They were great and very supportive of each other and the other contestants involved. They were gracious winners and I can't even tell you how beautifully well they conducted themselves. * Go Girls!

Home Sweet Home

2008-08-28T15:45:00.000-07:00

This is our humble little farm house.

We can't decide which door to use as an entry. There are several options and this view is one of them. This door actually leads into the laundry room and basement family room. I'm sure we'll use them all.

Our home sits in a little valley and this is the view from the real front door.

This little pond is just across from the driveway. There is plenty of room to run and play! We can't wait to have visitors.....any takers? It's just a short flight or a very long drive but I promise it will be worth it when you get here. :)

I Did It

2008-08-28T15:27:00.000-07:00

This is me and my Phlebotomy instructor, Andrew, after I finished my final exam. I am officially finished and completed the schooling. Yee Haw, I am a certified Phlebotomist!!! PS.....I'm not fat, they are baggy scrubs. :)

Am I Wierd?

2008-08-16T21:25:00.000-07:00

Ok, so am I wierd? Before you answer that, let me preface it.....I noticed that we had an abundance of bulk foods stacking up in the garage. A light bulb went on and I had an idea. I made some phone calls and got a hold of the canner our stake lends out. Then, I went to the cannery and bought some #10 cans, lids, boxes and such.....I love going there.....I am not even sure why I like it so much, but I do. Anyway, we spent most of Friday afternoon and evening canning our bulk foods...flour, wheat, sugar, rice, potatoes, dry milk, etc...IT WAS SO MUCH FUN. I could have just exploded with excitement-no seriously, that's not an exaggeration. Bart thinks I am a total dork and was baffled at how excited I was to accomplish such a cool task. So the question is..........am I wierd that I find so much joy and excitement in the cannery and canning food?

Bitterroot Slip & Slide

2008-08-07T06:13:00.000-07:00

Well, these pictures are a little out of order but you'll get the idea. This is called a Bitterroot slip & slide. While at the Lake on Tuesday, we decided to have a BBQ on Wednesday with some great friends. The Howards were kind enough to open their home and yard to a whole lotta-maddness! So Deidre and I got the brilliant idea to make a slip and slide down one of the hills in their yard.

These are the water slide testers. They were the first down to make sure it was all good. So, it's fun and then Deidre decides to make it funner!

Deidre says we need to add soap to make it more slippery. We also added cooking oil. About 9:00 at night the first bottle of soap ran out and they busted out with another one.

Like I said, these pictures are out of order so this is the making of the Bitterroot slip & slide. When you call something Bitterroot it just means you did whatever needed to be done to get it finished. Hence, using piles of lawn clippings to hold the corners down! :)

NOW, for the fun stuff. All the kids were getting turns going down the slide and oh what a fun time they were all having when I said, "enough" I grabbed Deidre's hand and marched her to the top and on our bellies and into the grass we went.

Krista & Deidre down the water slide.

Krista striking the "superstar" pose receiving applause for the magnificent and graceful landing. Oh and that's Deidre still trying to get up after the slide.

Sarah and Christopher were troopers and kept on going even into the late evening hours with blue lips, shivering and still smiling. MacKenna and Garrett quit after about two slides each. It was close to 10:00 pm before we called it quits and thought it best to shower kids and put them to bed. We all had a blast.

Where the Green Grass Grows

2008-08-06T08:30:00.000-07:00

~Penelope & Krista at Lake Como~
Getting to see my friends felt like we never left. We all just picked up where we left off. Watching the kids interact with their friends was just the same.

MacKenna and Garrett actually getting along and having a great time together. I like to see them "all smiles."

Christopher & Bart hauling water for the sand castles

At Lake Como we played, ate lunch, swam, made sand castles. It was a perfect 90 degrees with a constant breeze.

Nana and Papa's own private golf course. J/K . The kids had such a great time playing golf and retrieving the golf balls.

This is Sarah sitting on the fence post. She asked if she looks like a cowgirl sitting up there. Yes, she looks like a cowgirl from the city!!!

There are just some places, people and experiences that are forever engraved in the depths of your soul. Montana is truly God's country. Being there reminded me of the simplicity of life and the SLOW pace at which they all run (walk). :) I love this place and I love these people!!!

Back To School~A Bittersweet Day

2008-07-26T19:20:00.000-07:00

Back to school day was wonderful and horrible all at the same time. On one hand I feel like it all came so quickly. Mentally, I was prepared.....emotionally, I was not. Garrett has Mrs. Doane and he is in 4th grade. He is in a combination 3rd/4th grade class. He was very happy to go back to school but scared of all the new work he will be doing in the 4th grade. He is going to run for Student Council this year.

Here is sweet Sarah. She looks darling in a new dress she picked out while shopping with Grandma. She's so pretty and modest. Sarah is in the 1st grade...I have a hard time saying that! I was ok when she was in Kindergarten, this year I've had a tough time with 1st grade. She has Ms. Kinner for her teacher, which she was thrilled to know. Her Kindergarten teacher let the cat out of the bag before Sarah left for Summer break, so Sarah bragged all Summer that she already knew who her teacher was.

Christopher......aka.....the baby, is in Kindergarten.....KINDERGARTEN. He has Mrs. Gonzalez, which is who Sarah had. She is amazing! Anyway, you know when women get together and say they'll go back to school or get a job when ALL their kids are in school and it seems soooooooo far away??? Where did the time go? I blinked and now they're ALL in school. I have two words for every Mom out there.....DON'T BLINK. Young Mommies.....please don't wish your kids' lives away. I know things can get tough when you feel like you have to do everything for them and it's frustrating when they keep you from the things you love and miss doing....but what do you love more than your kids? It's only for the briefest of moments. Be careful what you wish for. That little boy in the picture above is my BABY.

These are my sweet, precious children....some say I shouldn't call them babies but aren't they always our babies? First day of school was flawless. Every child was up, dressed, fed, hair combed, teeth brushed, beds made, prayers said and our positive reinforcement routine completed and each kid was walked to their classroom by their loving Mommy. I tried really hard not to embarrass them......especially Garrett :)

Here is the stylish and responsible, MacKenna! Gotta love MacKenna. She is my backup and my support.....most of the time. MacKenna is in 5th grade and has Mrs. Meeusen, who is a new teacher this year. I met her twice already and she is bubbly and fun and very structured. She is a perfect, perfect fit for MacKenna. MacKenna has decided she is going to run for Studen Council this year. She also wants to take piano, dance and cheer.

I am so proud of these kids and the way the have taken every move in stride. They have been such good sports and kept their chins up each time they have had to switch schools. I can't even begin to express my love for them. They are my everything. We have put them through alot and while I know they have been disappointed many times, they are still smiling and trying to make the best of every curve ball thrown their way. What a blessing these beautiful babies are in my life. Thank you Heavenly Father for trusting me with these precious gifts!!!

Round Two

2008-07-11T14:53:00.000-07:00

After we came home from Makutu's Island, we had about two hours to prepare for round two. We quickly cleaned up the house and made a mad dash for Walmart, Safeway and Little Ceasars pizza. His family party started at 6:00 p.m. It was close, but we got it all done!

Garrett wanted a Wall*e cake

Garrett wanted a swim mask and swim fins-he got them

Garrett wanted a Mr. Potatoe head-he got that too!

We told Garrett he would NEVER get rock band because it was too expensive-well, guess what?

Here they all are putting it together

Garrett's Special Day

2008-07-11T14:34:00.000-07:00

Garrett's 9th birthday was on Saturday, July 5th but since we were at the family reunion up in Taylor, we really didn't get a chance to do anything for him. We decided that on Wednesday, July 9th, the whole day would be all about Garrett. From 11 in the morning until 10 at night, it was truly all about Garrett. First stop..........Makutu's Island in Chandler. Garrett and his friend Matthew enjoyed a fun trip to a very crazy place!

Christopher on the zip line

One of the tree houses to play on and climb through

The famous "Banana" slide.....not for those who have just eaten!

We all had a really good time.....what a fun place!

Our Family Camping Trip to Cave Springs

2008-07-02T21:53:00.001-07:00

This is our family camping trip to Cave Springs Campground near Sedona. We were so excited that this trip was actually accomplished. The family minus two of us made it there. How wonderful it was to spend this time together. We were all tired and filthy dirty but man, did we have fun!!! I'm thankful we pulled it off. **Be sure to take the time to check out all the slide shows I have published. We have some fun and amazing pictures that are worth the look**

Slide Rock Rocks

2008-07-02T21:52:00.001-07:00

Grasshopper Point and More

2008-07-02T21:31:00.001-07:00

Camping at Cave Springs

2008-07-02T21:00:00.001-07:00

Garrett's Scout Trip to Mesa Fire Department

2008-06-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

This is Garrett. Can you tell he's listening intently to what the firefighter is trying to teach him? That's my boy!

Some day he's gonna grow into those turnouts. Not too soon, though! Keep em' little. We had a nice time and we made a sweet display poster for the Pack Meeting. I'll be sure to post some pictures of the Pack mtg, since Garrett will be receiving his progress toward ranks. He's only two requirements away from his Wolf. Go Garrett!

To Know Your Family Is a Precious Gift

2008-06-16T23:45:00.000-07:00

How many people can say that they had or have the opportunity to know their Great Grandparents? I was one of the fortunate ones. I have fond memories of my Great Grandparents. I am so thankful that my kids are afforded that same privilige. My kids have been able to spend quite a bit of time with some truly GREAT Grandparents! These two people are some of the most wonderful people you will ever know.

-Oeste Park-

2008-06-16T23:34:00.000-07:00

This was a park outing to Oeste Park. This is a park that I used to go to as a small child, kid, juvenile delinquent, etc...kidding! But I do remember this was a park that we were not allowed to go to after dark. It's real nice now but still wouldn't go there after dark! LOL

This is MacKenna being a good big Cousin to Lexie. They were finishing their lunch and getting ready to go play.

This is Papa playing baseball with the kiddos!

This is me playing.....something.....(or trying anyway)with baby Austin.

Nana swinging with Austin

Isn't That Special?

2008-06-16T23:30:00.000-07:00

Okay, I had to stick this one in just for the heck of it. I can just hear my Dad saying, "isn't that special?" This is Sarah and Lexie being goofballs and making a silly face for the camera during our park outing.

Not Often Enough

2008-06-16T23:23:00.000-07:00

Well you know how there are family members you see way too often and there's a small part of you that wishes you didn't have to? Not these family members. This is my Dad's Sister, Auntie Cyndi and her youngest Daughter (my cousin) Ashley. These are the family members I wish I could see more of. Ashley is smart and amazingly talented! I think she gets it all from me...j/k although she does run track (like me) and she does play soccer (like me)! Anyway, during our brief weekend journey to California, we did get to spend some quality time with them. Thanks Ashley for being 16 and hanging out with your big and little cousins.....you were a trooper even though I'm sure you wanted to be elsewhere! We love you guys.

Holy Smokes!!!

2008-06-16T23:12:00.000-07:00

Just kidding! We had a very special trip to California. While we were there we got to celebrate Auntie Jen's 33rd birthday! Without skipping a beat, Nana insisted on putting all 33 candles on the birthday cake.....at least I think there were 33 candles on the cake. Once my eyes adjusted from the firey flames.....ok, I'll stop. Love ya Jen. It was so good to see you!

Take a deep breath----

For the Love of Our Country

2008-06-13T22:03:00.000-07:00

This is an awesome picture of my Grandpa and Garrett raising the American and Marine Corp flags. My Grandpa served his country, with great pride, in WWII and survived being a POW.

This is something my Grandpa does every day and with a great deal of pride for the USA and the USMC. Semper Fi, Grandpa! I love you and I'm so proud of you.

Christopher's 5th Birthday Party

2008-06-13T21:55:00.000-07:00

We had a fantastic birthday party for Christopher! I can't believe he turned 5. My baby is 5. :( Anyway, we threw a party at Bounce U and chose the package where I wouldn't have to do a thing. I didn't have to make or pick up a cake. I didn't have to pick up or prepare food or drinks of any kind. I didn't have to set up or decorate or clean anything up! It was supposed to be a stress free birthday party experience....but what happened??? I stressed out because I didn't have to do anything! How sad is that? All I had to do was enjoy the experience but I stressed because I kept thinking I forgot something. LOL. Well, the party was fun and full of injuries and cool gifts.

MacKenna's Talent Show & Academic Night

2008-05-22T09:22:00.000-07:00

Academic Night 2008. What a special night for MacKenna. I never had any doubt how smart she is but to come into a school which is further advanced academically and pick up so quickly on everything they are teaching and end the year making the Principal's List.....AWESOME. All the kids have jumped in with both feet and caught up to the other kids. All the teachers say they fit right in like they've been there all along.

You rock Kenna-Bean! Keep up the good work.

Just like the cell phone comercial, "more bars in more places" Can you hear me now?

The school wide talent show was a blast. It was neat to see all the kids who worked so hard on their acts get up and have fun with what they did. I loved working behind the scenes and getting to know other kids and keep an eye on mine! :)

MacKenna and Madi are waiting for their number to be called

This has been a fantastic school for these kids. I can't think of a better place for them to learn and grow (other than Montana)LOL. Although Cambridge Academy is small in numbers, it is huge in parent involvement and programs/opportunities for the kids.

Christopher's last day of PRE-SCHOOL

2008-05-21T16:21:00.001-07:00

Oh what will I do? My baby is done with preschool and going into Kindergarten.....is this a happy day? I'm just not sure how I feel. Kinda old I guess, since I know I'm not having any more kids and my baby is now 5 and off to big kid school. Well, these pictures are his last day of school in Mesa. They had a water party and we sent cupcakes to school for his birthday. They had a great time!

Congratulations Austin! Class of 2008

2008-05-21T16:16:00.001-07:00

We are all very happy for Austin, Brookie...Mallory and Macey too! Good job and good luck. Your lives are just beginning. We love our graduates.

Sarah's 6th Birthday Party at Chuck E. Cheese

2008-05-10T22:24:00.001-07:00

How Does That Work?

2008-05-01T16:14:00.000-07:00

Ok, so yesterday was my birthday and I was so excited when I woke up. I had such great plans to spend my morning shopping......I had a mental list of things to buy.....swim shorts, bermuda shorts, t-shirts, yummy perfume and sweet smelling lotion from Bath & Body works. Ahh, fun, wonderful, uninhibited, guilt free birthday shopping. NOT. I had to take Christopher shopping with me (on my birthday) and he made the blessed mall more miserable than cleavage sweat on a 120 degree Summer day. Shopping, all I really wanted to do on my special day was go SHOPPING. Needless to say, I did not get to try on one thing. I did not buy one thing (for me). Christopher, however, scored a sweet Star Wars lego set from toys R us (on my birthday). Can you tell that I am bitter? GOOD. So tell me, how in the 'H' does that work?

Laundry Surprise

2008-04-21T08:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, so the kids are minding their own business, playing hide and seek before bed and entertaining themselves (for once) and so I decide to do some laundry. I am standing at the washing machine pulling out the clean clothes and getting set to throw them in the dryer when..........WHAT THE ????? Christopher was in the dryer! After I screamed and the kids came running, Christopher was upset with me for ruining his hiding spot. After my blood pressure and Christopher's anger came down I thought it would be cute to take some pictures of my laundry surprise.

Happy 10th Birthday MacKenna

2008-04-09T08:54:00.000-07:00

Today MacKenna is a decade old! She went to school looking quite darling in her white skirt and pink ruffled top, making the outfit complete with the "Birthday Princess" headband bobbers. I took her to school with treats and drinks in hand for the entire class. She will have a small party tonight with a few friends from school and family. There will be plenty of new pictures to look at tomorrow. Happy Birthday MacKenna, your family loves you very much!!!

Slow Fast-Beth's Driving Lesson

2008-03-29T23:21:00.001-07:00

OMG, so this was the craziest car ride I have ever taken.....almost. Beth was re-learning the fine art of driving a 5 speed so she could take Sam's car back down to the Valley. Needless to say, it was a very long drive to pick up a pizza. When asked how many times she stalled, I looked at all my fingers and then moved on to my toes and still lost track!!! :) We did make it home 45 minutes after we left, which the pizza place was only 4 miles away...LOL...I don't know the last time I laughed that hard. Thanks Beth.....love ya!

Beth's Driving Lesson

2008-03-29T23:16:00.001-07:00

Under My Breath

2008-03-27T20:12:00.000-07:00

While arguing with Garrett to get into the shower, he decided to throw a tantrum, and in the midst of our disagreement on how often kids should shower he fell backwards into the shower and pulled the shower curtain down as well. Under my breath I mumbled some "not so nice words" and then waited to see if he was laughing or crying. When I saw that he was laughing and the disaster he created, I decided that it was funny and he decided to take his shower. It all worked out.

Cool at the Zoo

2008-03-26T18:41:00.001-07:00

Today we went to the zoo. We got a zoo membership as a gift and were so excited to go check it out. It was toasty warm outside and the kids and I really enjoyed ourselves. I even think we'll go back again on Friday!!!

Easter 2008

2008-03-24T11:00:00.001-07:00

While this was an enjoyable day, complete with laughter, good food, silly antics, tears and tantrums, we have decided that we probably will not have a money egg hunt next year!!!

Coco Puff Chaos

2008-03-24T09:34:00.000-07:00

Okay so this is one of those moments where you don't know if you want to laugh or cry and you certainly entertain the idea of making them eat their food from the floor. Garrett has broken more dishes and spilled more food/drinks than any one child in an entire lifetime. This wasn't just a spill....it was more of a coco puff explosion. The pictures don't even begin to explain the madness!

The Bark Bark Video

2008-03-07T11:23:00.000-08:00

This is Christopher acting like a puppy with his puppy hat from Aunt Peggy and Uncle Don. I've saved this video because it's so dang funny. It doesn't matter how many times I watch it, I still laugh. I know everyone thinks THEIR baby is the cutest thing on the planet, but it's really true with mine. LOL. I'm also using this one as a test to see if I'm smart enough to make the video thing work. My blogging lessons have only covered so much territory! :)

Valentine's Day 2008

2008-03-03T19:55:00.000-08:00

This was a special day. I bought the kids each a new Webkinz since their other Webkinz was going to expire. They were so excited. I picked each kid a Webkin that I thought was special and just for them. We went to Denny's for dinner and then came home to watch a movie. It was a wonderful night.

Woodland Lake Park

2008-03-03T19:46:00.001-08:00

It was a warm, fantastic January day.....while the snow was finally melting in Taylor, we forgot it was a different story in Pinetop. We decided to go to the park and when we got there found the playground covered in snow. It was still fun, nevertheless and took that opportunity to feed the ducks, go for a walk and just enjoy the day. The kids were so good and we had so much fun that we decided to go to McDonalds afterward and play some more. It was definitely a fantastic day!!!

Woodland Lake Park

2008-03-03T19:42:00.001-08:00

No Short Supply of Food & Games

2007-12-23T16:21:00.000-08:00

This weekend was Christmas with the kids. We had fun. With 16 people in this house, there was no short supply of food-there never is! We had a very nice ham dinner complete with cheese potatoes, burned dinner rolls and the Magnificent 7 chocolate cake. We played Monopoly, Farkle and Poker.....oh, and we can't forget Guitar Hero 3. Kelsey, Tiffany, Amy and MacKenna played America's Next Top Model. Jeff was kind enough to be their photographer. Kallie and Sarah played littlest pet shop. The kids couldn't stay long but we made the most of our 24 hours. By the time they left we had eaten more food than a small army, gone through enough soda, cookies and holiday candies to put any family in a sugar coma for a week. Oh, and the house smelled like a septic tank after all the burping and gas passing as a result of our "holiday butt." Nevertheless, we had fun. We laughed. We loved.

Candid Camera

2007-12-23T16:18:00.001-08:00

Life As We Know It

New Blog!

Skating on Thin Ice!

Who's the leader of the band?

So where do I sleep?

Game On

Saturday

Friday Night

Hansen's...The Pick Up

California Speed

Yes, I do!

Totally Random

EMT Basic Refresher...Already!

Girl Scout Cookies

Big Fat Wimp!

When It Looks Like This...

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...Happy New Year!

A Very Merry Christmas

Drowning!?

Grandma's Visit to Montana

Kids Christmas Chaos

**Black Friday**

Happy Turkey Day

Pre-Thanksgiving Poker Game

Don't try this at home!

Flu Shots!

Where oh where have the people gone?

An Anal Moment

Girls Temple Day

Halloween is gonna stink this year :(

Sunday Dinner at Nana & Papa's

Another Playful Picture

Cute Boys

What do you think?

General Conference

My Friend Jen.....

What to do When There's Nothing to do

Boy Scouts Corn Maze

Now That's Just Nasty

Home Away From Home

Cha Ching

Garrett's Reward~A Super Wegie

Another First Day of School :)

And The Winner Is.....

Home Sweet Home

I Did It

Am I Wierd?

Bitterroot Slip & Slide

Where the Green Grass Grows

Back To School~A Bittersweet Day

Round Two

Garrett's Special Day

Our Family Camping Trip to Cave Springs

Slide Rock *Rocks*

Grasshopper Point and More

Camping at Cave Springs

Garrett's Scout Trip to Mesa Fire Department

To Know Your Family Is a Precious Gift

-Oeste Park-

Isn't That Special?

Not Often Enough

Holy Smokes!!!

For the Love of Our Country

Christopher's 5th Birthday Party

MacKenna's Talent Show & Academic Night

Christopher's last day of PRE-SCHOOL

Congratulations Austin! Class of 2008

Sarah's 6th Birthday Party at Chuck E. Cheese

How Does That Work?

Laundry Surprise

Happy 10th Birthday MacKenna

Slow Fast-Beth's Driving Lesson

Beth's Driving Lesson

Under My Breath

Cool at the Zoo

Easter 2008

Coco Puff Chaos

The Bark Bark Video

Valentine's Day 2008

Woodland Lake Park

Black Friday

Slide Rock Rocks

No Short Supply of Food & Games