I made a boo boo!

So...as you can see, I was doing some blogspot maintenance. Well, while doing this, I deleted a bunch of stuff...including links to my dear friends & family's blogs. So, if you are reading this, and don't see your name at the side, please email me the link to your blog. I love checking to see how everyone is doing and would miss not seeing all of them!! Thanks...and yes, I am a BIG DORK!!!

"I'm so bored. Summer is boring."

This is a saying I hear at least once a day. Not from Cole but from Taylor. She always says she is bored. I don't even think she knows what being bored really means. Though as I sit here after being online for about 2 hours, I am beginning to think that I agree with her....summer is boring. I had really looked forward to this summer after teaching this last year....I wanted to spend time with the kids, work in the yard, organize things that I have neglected for the last 9 months, read a few books but most of all, just relax. I have truly LOVED being able to reconnect with Cole & Taylor this last 2 weeks. I didn't want to plan a bunch of activities for the kids. I wanted each day to be an adventure. The reality of it is, it is pretty boring. We have tried to get out of the house...we go to the park, to the library, have playdates with friends. It just is starting to seem so BLAH!!! We all know it costs an arm and a leg to do anything....has anyone come up with cheap or free solutions for what I am calling the "Summer BLAHS"? I am sure my kids would be extremely grateful for any input.

Desperately Missing Adam

I just thought that maybe if I got it all out, I would feel better. Everyone says how nice it would be to have their husband working out of town for awhile. Honestly, the first couple of days are nice but then you really start to miss them and the little things they do. Adam will be between Portland, OR and Sacramento, CA for the next month or so doing jobs for the new company. Yes, we are lucky to get to fly for so cheap on Delta but it is not knowing if and when he will come home that SUCKS!! I know I am always complaining that he never helps, and I know I am going to regret saying this later, but I really have missed the little things he does. So basically, I just want him to know that I miss him and can't wait to get to see him this weekend!! I love you, Adam!!

Go Dragonflies & Wild Hogs!!

Well, we had game #2 tonight. It was miserably hot and still those little Dragonflies ran around, chasing the ball wherever it went. I am beginning to think that the best part is seeing all of them in their WAY TOO BIG uniforms....their shorts are almost to their ankles, their shirts to their knees, and their socks to their mid-thighs. It is totally hilarious. It has been a lot of fun being their "coach"...though I don't do much more than cheer them on while chasing them around the field. Taylor played so hard....much better than last week. I think her favorite part is playing goalie with her new friend Ali. They stand there and play with the net until the ball comes their way, and then they get a little more serious. It is so much fun to watch.
Luckily for the Wild Hogs, it started to cool off. They are so awesome. They won 10-1 with Cole scoring 3 goals!! He is having a good time but counting the days until Impact starts again. Unfortunately, he came to the realization that school will start before then. Cole is becoming such an amazing soccer player. He is just a play maker. Funny thing is his ALL TIME FAVORITE player, Chris Brown (he played for the Real for 3 seasons) is known as a play maker also. I guess he picked the perfect mentor.

Taylor's Birthday & Father's Day

Happy Father's Day, Dad!!

Wow....what a busy day. With it being Taylor's actually birthday and Father's Day, I would say we were all pooped by the end of the weekend. We had a great day though. The kids were so excited to give Adam their Father's Day gifts....they picked him out some shirts and the dvd series "Planet Earth". We were lucky enough to get to spend the morning with Dad & Grandpa George, hanging out in the pool and having brunch. Adam had to go out of town in the afternoon but we all had a great day together. We didn't get to see Grandpa Jer (I know he would hate knowing that I called him grandpa) but we hope he had as good of a Father's Day as we did.
Grandpa George & the kiddos

I just want to say a few things about the wonderful father's I have in my life. I want them to know just how much they mean to me.

Adam: Wow....are our kids lucky to have such a great dad. They love him so much. He works so hard to give them everything they hope for. He is a great husband, an amazing dad, and a wonderful friend....the best friend I could ask for. Thank you, Adam, for being a part of my life. I love you more than you know.

George: I am so lucky to have George in my life...my kids are even luckier. He is an AMAZING grandpa...the kids couldn't get any better. He is there for them no matter what...scout camps, dance recitals, soccer games & practices. If it has to do with the kids, he is there. I am so grateful that he is a part of my life too. What an amazing man!!

Jerry: When I was 13 years old, my mom brought Jer into my life. At first I was a little unsure, but looking back, I see all the wonderful things he did for me and my little sister. He has always been such a positive influence on me...I am sure he would be SHOCKED to hear that one. But I truly love him, and am VERY thankful to have him in my life. We are lucky to have you, Jer!!

So Happy Father's Day to all the amazing Dads out there.

Of course I wouldn't forget Taylor's 4th Birthday!! Even though she had her birthday week, and party the night before, we still made it a point to let her know that it was her actual birthday. She spent the day swimming at Grandma & Grandpa's, eating hot dogs, and roasting marshmallows. I would say the "birthday week" was everything she hoped for. I have to say that I am so lucky to have such an amazing little girl in my life. She truly has such a BIG heart and is so loving. Thank you God for sending this perfect little angel to us. She truly is a blessing.

Just a little collage from Taylor's birthday

Mermaid Taylor's 4th Birthday Party

When I asked Taylor what kind of birthday party she wanted this year, she quickly answered, "A mermaid party...but not the little mermaid. Just mermaid." Well that is what she got. Being the overachiever that I am, I went all out. Here is a copy of the poem I wrote for her invitation.....

Please join us on the ocean floor
Cuz Mermaid Taylor is turning 4!!!
Bring your swimsuit and towel
Be ready for fun
She can’t wait for you to celebrate in the sun
So please don’t forget to R.S.V.P.
Mermaid Taylor will be waiting Under the Sea!!

As you will see in the pictures, I created a whole ocean scene out of paper on my garage that included fish, seaweed, and of course, mermaids. I made individual buckets for each kid (15 I might add came to the party) that had their name and a little ocean scene out of foam cut outs on the side....also filled with goodies. These buckets were more for the kids to load up with candy from the dolphin pinata but they all loved them!! We set up all kinds of water stuff in the backyard, even a pool filled with blow up fish & a slip'n'slide, and the kids just played, ate pizza, and had a blast. I also made her a mermaid cake...everyone complimented on it but boy was I a wreck making it. Next time I am calling Harmon's and letting them do it...what a pain in the butt!! It was worth it though because Taylor LOVED it!! I would say that her party was a hit...we had such a good time, and Taylor told me it was the best birthday party ever.

Taylor with her buddies, Sophia & Ella

Mermaid Taylor taking a WHACK at her pinata!!

Here are the kids waiting patiently for the pinata...they were so excited!!

Taylor opening a few of her gifts.....she was so excited!!

Here is the mermaid cake....nothing like the one on FamilyFun.com but I tried!!

Tagged AGAIN....thanks Sandie!!

Well my dear friend Sandie tagged me again!! This is a fun one tho!!

5 Snacks I enjoy: chocolate, chocolate chip cookies, ice cream, potato chips, goldfish crackers

5 things on my to-do list: call about my cracked windshield, organize my office, clean out the garage, finish the book I am reading, catch up on my scrapbooks

5 things I would do if I was a billionaire: pay off all my debt, pay off all my family & friends debt, go on many amazing vacations, buy Adam his porsche, smile everyday

5 jobs I have had: cashier at smith's, financial assistant, leasing agent, office manager, kindergarten teacher

5 bad habits of mine: biting my fingernails, when I am sunburned I love to peel the skin, eating too much chocolate (yes it is a BAD habit)...well I can think of plenty of things I would change but they aren't really habits, sorry!!

5 places I have lived: Salt Lake City, Utah; Boise, Idaho; Phoenix, Arizona; Smithtown, New York; West Jordan, Utah

5 people I'm tagging: Jennifer, Sasha, Carly, Anissa, Amy

Rec Soccer...fun, fun!!

June 12th 2008: Tonight was our first rec soccer game for both kids. I must say it was an experience. We thought it would be a good way to introduce Taylor to soccer, and keep Cole playing until Impact starts again. Well, I think we succeeded in both.


Taylor's team consists of 3 and 4 year olds. It is hillarious. They all just run around and bump into eachother trying to kick the ball without being kicked. At first they are all gung-ho but boy does that change in a hurry. One bump or push, and they are in tears. Though a little frustrating as a parent of one of the kids crying, it was a lot of fun. Did I mention that I am the coach? How I suckered myself into that I will never know, but it is a lot of fun being with those little ones. After Tay got past the fact that you get bumped and pushed a little, she did score a goal....for the other team. She was so proud of herself...her little face beaming the big beautiful smile. It was a lot of fun. We have games every tuesday and thursday for the next 4 weeks. I am sure it will get better with each passing week. Go Dragonflies!!

Cole's team is 1st and 2nd graders. To be honest, it is a little pathetic. He has 6 of the 9 players on his team from his Impact team. A much different league of soccer. Not only are the goal smaller but the field is about half of what they are used to playing on. They literally could score from one goal post to the other. The big change for them is that they have 5 kids on their team that have never played, 3 of which are girls. So basically, it is Adam and Dan telling them to help the other guys out, pass a lot, and work on aiming for a shot and taking it. Cole has such a love for the sport, and it shows in the way he plays. I am so proud of him. He is an AMAZING kid.

"Guys, guys. It's my birthday week. I make the rules."

June 9th, 2008: So it has already begun.....Taylor has decided that she now gets a birthday week. Anyone who really knows her mom knows that mom always has a birthday week, so I guessed we asked for it. This is our conversation while playing croquet at Grandma and Grandpa's.

Taylor: "Guys, guys. It's my birthday week. I make the rules."

Me: "Ok Taylor, what are the rules?"

Taylor: "First, no pouting." (This is driected at Cole since he threw a fit anytime anyone bumped his ball.)

Adam: "And second?"

Taylor: "No bumping into Grandma's ball."

Me: "Why should you get to make the rules? Your birthday isn't until sunday?"

Taylor: "Because mom, I said it is my birthday week, so I am the birthday girl until next week."

We thought this was so funny. She is such a bright little girl. Words can't explain how much we love her. She definitely keeps us on our toes. It makes me sad that she is growing up. Which brings me to another conversation we had while she was in the bath.

Me: "Taylor, I am sad you are getting bigger."

Taylor: "But mommy, I have to grow up."

Me: "You mean you can't be my little girl forever?"

Taylor: "No mommy but I will always love you and be your best friend."

Seriously, who can argue with that? So here's to Taylor and her birthday week. We sure hope it is a good one, Little Princess. We love you!!

Catching up...a little at a time

Well, now is the time for catch up.....here goes.

June 5th, 2008: Well, today was the last day of school. Let me tell you it was a sad day. Emily tried to prepare me for it but it was nothing like I thought. It is amazing how these kids take hold of your heart. I really miss all of them. It is hard spending most of each day with these guys and then go cold turkey. I know I will see all of them next year...big first graders. It is just hard to see them go because they are such great kids. I miss Emily too. She and I have become great friends and co-workers. I am with her more than I am with my own family. I know I will see her over the summer. It also was sad to say goodbye to Cole's amazing teacher, Mrs. Johnson. She is such a wonderful teacher. Cole just loved being in her class. He is really excited though because he got Mr. Tesseman for 3rd grade and a bunch of his buddies are in his class. It should be a great year. Here are a few pictures of our last day.