St. Geezy 2014

We took a weekend trip to Mesquite for Paiton's soccer tournament a few weeks back. It was really nice to get out of the cold and enjoy some sunshine. It wasn't great weather, but better than snow and ice.

The soccer tournament wasn't too exciting. Paiton's team has been undefeated for an entire season and haven't really had to try. This tournament changed that. We were placed with some other really talented teams and needless to say the girls really needed to step up their game. It was a good challenge for them. We lost every game but it also kept their heads in check.

Because soccer wasn't super eventful we spent a few hours hiking Dixie Rock in St. George. My kids love this place. Red rocks, sand, and sun, what could be more perfect? And the entire weekend trip was over, just like that.

 We were obsessed with trying to get a good action shot, but none of them really worked. Here is for a good laugh.

Life is Hard

So this is a post of pure honesty. I’ve been really hesitant to post anything like this because the last time I posted something so honest, I had a clear case of post-partum depression and it all-of-the-sudden became clear to anyone that read my blog. I was still in denial, but I received so many calls from friends and family that I took down the post. 

After further thought, it was real. It was honest and it was exactly how I was feeling at the moment. I write this blog so that my kids can one day look back and see their childhood and the memories. But I also write this so that they know their mom. They know my thoughts, my happiness, my frustrations, and life through my eyes. Who knows, maybe one day they will read this and think that is exactly how I feel and it is normal. I hope it helps but mostly I hope they get a good smile out of my craziness. 

The last, I don’t know, 4 or 5 months life has been crazy. It has been hectic, it has been busy, it has been pure chaos. New jobs, 4-5 business trips, a new babysitter who doesn’t do the same things I would, sickness in the entire family, a soccer tournament in Mesquite, a quick couples trip to Vegas, a trip to Disneyland, soccer practice, piano lessons, school projects and homework, basketball practice, basketball games, a death in the family which required Rory to go to Washington for a weekend, and the list goes on and on and on. 

Last week I lost it. I don’t feel like I have control of anything. I’ve dropped all of my “life” balls and the juggler in me has failed. After several days of tears and anxiety, I’m now in the process of picking the balls back up. One by one, leaving behind the balls that don’t really matter. 

Before the meltdown, my house cleaning had taken a back seat and the clutter had taken over, I forgot to pay the piano teacher (which was a really embarrassing call), Saige didn’t know all of her sight words for Kindergarten and I was convinced she wouldn’t make it to 1^st grade, Paiton failed her spelling test, should I keep going? Needless to say, I feel like a failure. I feel like I’ve failed these kids because my job is to make sure these things don’t happen. 

We had a reset, new rules, new guidelines. I have now insisted on homework and piano is done before the kids play with any friends. I’m the new drill sergeant in town. Saige now knows all of her sight words and Paiton is passing spelling again. Slowly but surely things are starting to come back together, but it has been a really hard couple of weeks.  I hope I can make it through this school year without some time in the mental institution. I hope I don’t fail these kids that I was trusted with and hope that one day they will forgive my short comings.

Christmas 2013

I love Christmas. I love the excitement and the spirit of the holiday. I love to watch people in a giving mood and watch the children smile. I also love it when it is over. Hehe! I'm one of those people that are chomping at the bit the day after Christmas to put it all away, take the tree and decorations down and move on. At that point, I can't stand it any longer.

This year was no different. We had a great holiday and experienced some really great memories. Here are a few of the pictures.

Kole loved, loved, loved Santa this year. It was so fun. When we saw Santa at Grandma's house he was in heaven. Look at those eyes.  He couldn't even wait for his turn, he just walked up and sat down on his lap. So adorable.

 

 Christmas morning was crazy as usual. The kids had a ton of toys and loved every minute of it.

Halloween 2013

So yes I realize it is almost Feburary and I'm just catching up on Halloween. Oh well. Halloween is so fun and the kids look forward to it every year. It all kicks off with a great party at Grandma Lynn's. We play bingo and take turns hitting the pinata. She is so fun!

Saige had an awesome school program. The Kindergarteners love Halloween and are so cute at this age.

 Kole had a little Halloween Parade. He was not interested in it so his teacher had to help a little. :) Paiton also had a parade but she refused to let me take pictures.

Finally, a preview of all of their costumes. Until next year.

My little devil.

 A 50's waitress. Check out that hair....

 Sully - Monsters Inc.

Happy Birthday Saige

My little Saige-a-roo turned 6 a few weeks ago. She is such a doll. She has such a hard time waiting for her birthday each year, it seems to take forever to get here.

I can't believe she is already 6 years old. Saige has always walked her own path and that has not stopped. She is head strong and stubborn. She is Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. She is the most sensitive, loving person (when she wants to be). She loves her mama and her home. She started Kindergarten this year and doing very well.

I'm proud of this little girl who she is becoming. Love you Saige.

 She had a great day at school where they sang to her and made her day special.  Then we headed to the pumpkin patch with her friends for a birthday party. They loved it! By far the easiest birthday we've ever had.

 The next day on her "actual" birthday we had a special dinner for Saige and a mini celebration with just the family.

Happy Birthday Saige!

My Promise

This poor blog is suffering and I have no excuse. Life is crazy busy and this is obviously taking the back burner. Every year at this time I print out a book of the blog and keep it in my house. Everyone loves to look at them, especially the kids. It makes me sad to think this year will be seriously lacking. So, I’m starting today. This has to be a priority again.

Let me bring you up to speed on the last few months. We enjoyed our summer as usual, it was filled with lots of sun, pool time, boating, and sleeping in. The kids went back to school. I finally have all of my kids in school this year. Paiton is in 3^rd grade, Saige in Kindergarten, and Kole in preschool.

Shortly after school started, I lost my job at Domo. Of course we ran scared for a few days on how we were going to make it, would I be able to find a job, would we be able to make ends meet, etc, etc, etc. After the initial shock wore off, I felt like a ton of bricks had been lifted off my shoulders. It was a crazy stressful job and I didn’t realize how miserable I was until I left. There was an enormous amount of pressure and demands that were taking their toll on me. I lost my job on a Wednesday and Rory went back to work on Friday. Truth be told, I think he was really glad to get back into the workforce.

About a week later, I took the kids on a road trip to Spokane. Rory couldn’t make it because of his new job, so we left him home. 13 hours in the car with 3 kids was a bit daunting, but the kids were amazing. We had a fantastic time and loved spending time with the family. Pictures will be coming soon.

Rory’s new job is for Honnen Equipment. He is selling a bunch of manly things like heavy equipment. He is thriving to be back to work. He loved being home but I think he is happier. On November 1^st, I went back to work at Blue Coat Systems. So far, I love it! I’m so grateful I was able to spend some time at home with the kids and truly enjoyed every minute. We hired a new nanny (Sam) and so far she has been fabulous. She plays with the kids and they are very happy with her. Everyone seems to be adjusting well to the winds of change.

We are gearing up for the holiday seasons. All sorts of Santa, Christmas lists, holiday activities, and just holding on tight. I keep thinking life will slow down and it never does. I guess I should get used to it.

I promise to update at least once a week. I have to!

Happy Birthday Kole

I can't believe my baby is 3. He is growing up so fast. I've said it before but this kid melts my heart. He is so sweet and fun to be around. He is easy going and friendly to everyone. I feel so lucky to have him. Not a day goes by that he doesn't make me smile.
He is all boy and loves anything dirty. He loves to play in the dirt or ride his bike around. He loves to go get all of the neighbor girls and play with them. He calls them "my girls" and takes good care of them. He loves to watch Tom & Jerry his favorite cartoon and loves chicken nuggets.

His only request on his birthday was that it was a blue birthday. I'd ask him what he wanted and he'd respond with "blue". It was a great day and a great celebration.