We're Off to Play

We are going to Bear River Lodge this weekend to play. We are taking our kids and have a cabin with Pratts, Shultz', and the Detricks. It should be fun!! We all rented four wheelers for the day tomorrow so I hope the girls love it. It will be a little nippy since it is in the Uintahs, but I am hoping there isn't snow up there anymore because of how warm the weather has been here. We will take lots of warm stuff anyways!

Sean actually took me to this place 4 years ago for my birthday and we left little Tay (who was 6 weeks at the time) with his Sister. We had a great time then so I hope it's just as nice this time. I love to get away. We have of course Tivo'ed General Conference to watch all day Sunday and Sean and the guys will go to Priesthood Session tomorrow night either in Kamas or Evanston.

I hope that everyone has a great weekend as well. Loves and Hugs!!

Let the Good Times Roll..

So yesterday was a fun and eventful day. I love my family & friends. Thank you SOOO much for all the birthday wishes, phone calls, cards, gifts, comments on the blog, etc. You guys are great.

When I woke up and opened my blinds I found my porch and yard decorated. My cute neighbor did it all. She also bought 30 balloons, but I didn't get a picture of those. Sadly, at 6:30 p.m. when we were leaving to dinner the sprinklers came on (because the power had gone off so it reset the times..) I was so sad. The sign was destroyed! I am glad that it lasted as long as it did for Sean to see it.

Anyway, it was a fun day. A lot of friends brought the sweetest gifts. After I took Tayler to preschool at 1:00, my friend took me out to lunch. We went to Chili's and it was yummy! She has a little boy a little bit younger than Rylee so they played together. Rylee was so tired at the end so she came right home and took a nap.

I went and picked Tay up from preschool and she wanted to take a nap too, so she slept for 3 hours. It was nice! I cleaned up a little, went and got Happy Meals for the girls dinner, and then got ready to go to dinner with my cute hubby!

He brought me home yummy chocolates from Mrs. Cavanaugh's and is letting me pick out the curtains I want. I didn't realize how expensive the nice ones are, but I am excited! Last night for dinner he took me to Kobe's in Ogden. It is like Tepanayki or Benihanas (sp?), but I think it is WAY better! I loved it. We came home and ate some caramel apple from Rocky Mountain Chocolate factory and went to sleep. I think I gained about 30 pounds which is fitting so all is well!

It really was a great day and I do appreciate everyone for their kindness and love. XXOXX

The Eve of leaving my 20's

It is really hard to believe that I will be 30 in a few hours.. HOLY SMOKES.. did I just say 30?!????????

I am leaving behind my 20's, but it was a good decade.

• I served a mission,
• met my eternal sweetheart,
• had 2 beautiful little girls,
• and played hard

GOOD TIMES!!!

It's good to know that there are always people older than me though :)

Anyhow, today was a good day. I went to a vinyl party my friend had tonight and she has DARLING things that she has created. I will have to take a picture when I get my things. My sister in law watched my kids so it was a nice break. Her husband is the Bishop in their ward (just around the corner from us) so I think we are going to trade once a week for a few hours just to have a break.

Sean had a Bishopric meeting after school so he is just barely getting home (it's 10:35) and he left this morning at 5:30 a.m. I'm not sure how he does it, but man I'm glad it isn't me!! He definitely has a gift, that's for sure.

I have decided to make the nursery a play room until we have another baby (which may not be for a VERY long time now!). I need projects to help me stay busy and not out spending money. I took every single toy out of Tayler's room and put it in the new "play room." I think I am going to love it! I love that her room is clean and really doesn't have a lot in it. Just their beds and the big lazy boy chair to sit and read stories in. So mainly, it will be just for sleeping, except I have a sneaky feeling that many toys will migrate there way back in. At least there will be a place to put them when they are done. I'll have to take some pictures later.

We are also getting a quote soon to finish our basement. That will be so nice (but more to keep clean). I can't wait.

Have a great day everyone!

Life is Changing..

So we had a wonderful day today. There are changes taking place in our lives. Today Sean was sustained as the 2nd counselor in our Bishopric. (Sorry everyone for not saying anything sooner, but he wanted me to keep it quiet). I am excited for him and know that he will do an amazing job. I have wondered how he will find time with work and school, but he is a low stress individual so I know that he will learn to juggle everything and do really well.
That Is Our Big News of the Day! As I was coming out of Sunday School Mom was in the hallway talking to Sean so I was excited to see her. She had to teach R.S. today and they set Sean apart during the first part of Sunday School so she missed that, but we still went to my R.S. together and then came home and hang out for a while. It was fun to have her there with me and a very nice surprise. Thanks Mom for being there.

Sean's Mom and Dad also came up and were with us in Sacrament Meeting and then his Dad ordained him to the office of a High Priest. He did an amazing job and of course I sobbed through the whole thing. He was then set apart as 2nd counselor by the Stake Presidency. It was a neat time and now it is official! Scary!!! I love him and am so grateful to be married to him! He will continue to teach me a lot and for that I am excited.

(I will get some better pictures when I have cute bedspreads on both of the beds)

Yesterday we bought bunk beds for Tayler's room. She has been bugging us forever to get them so that Rylee could sleep in her room and so we finally found some for a decent price that I loved so we bought them and put them together last night. The girls were both excited and didn't get to sleep until late, but Rylee did really well in her new bed. I'm not sure I am ready for her to be in a "big girls bed" because that means she is growing up too fast and I'm not sure I am ready for that.

Sean took Tayler to the BYU game yesterday. They played Utah State and he knew that they would score a lot because.. well.. Utah State Sucks (sorry Ry, Brent, Steve, and whomever else LOVE the aggies!) so they got to sing the BYU fight song a lot. Tayler has been excited to go with her daddy for a long time and since it was a beautiful day it worked out well. She was even invited to 2 different birthday parties, but still wanted to go with her Dad. I think all the treats that her daddy purchased helped to make it a fun time :)



Rylee and I drove down with them so that I could drop them off close and then we went shopping, but instead I searched for the best priced mattress down there. I found one and we strapped it in the back and headed home. Tayler only lasted for half the game, but had a great day out with just her Dad.

When we got home I went to Target to see if I could find the same Comforter that I had on Tayler's bed, but of course that one isn't made anymore.. so I searched for a similar one or 2 that were okay priced. I went to several stores, but came up empty handed. I really want to find some I love so we'll see. After 3 stores I had a bad headache which turned into a Migrane so I missed Women's conference. Thank heavens for Tivo! I will watch it tonight.

I hope that everyone had a great weekend. Love and Hugs to all. Thanks to all for the comments on my blog. It really makes it fun and I appreciate it SOOO very much!

Never a Dull Moment

I really do yearn for the moments of sitting on my couch and being completely bored with nothing to do. Those were the days..
Now it seems I can't keep up (okay that seems a little dramatic), but it seems like our lives are pure chaos.

For the first part of this week I have been a mother of 4.. (no I did not birth twins recently!) My sister-in-law had some major surgery so we have been taking care of her kids while she recovers. She has 2 kids, ages 4 and 1. They are great kids, but man it can be challenging. It seems like there is hardly a second to breath between cleaning up messes, fixing another meal, playing games, remembering where they are at all times, bath time, bed time, hair doing, etc. etc. The worse part is I don't have a car that seats 4 in the back so we were home bound. I think we were all a little stir crazy by yesterday afternoon so we bundled up and went outside for a little fresh air anyways. It was good for all of us.

It is pouring rain again this morning, but I love the rain. I need to make cookies or bread or rolls or something.

I am very sad to see Summer coming to an end. I love Fall, but I also love summer walks, and sitting on my porch and talking to all the neighbors. It seems like everyone hides inside and no one emerges until March or April.

I have been re-organizing the kids closets again - taking out the summer clothes and replacing them with long pants and long sleeved shirts. Next week is suppose to warm back up to the 70's again so that will be nice after the 50 degrees we have been experiencing.

BUT with Fall begins the new season premiers of shows. I am definitely an addict, but it keeps me company while Sean is away all the time. I can't wait to see Grey's Anatomy tonight. I think Kirsten and Katherine are coming over to watch it too. It'll be good!

Happy Days everyone!

Fall is almost here!

I can't believe how cold it was this weekend-quite nippy. We received plenty of moisture though. It rained and rained and rained, but it was nice. Today the sun came out, but it still isn't very warm. Today for Church I broke out my boots and wore them again. I love it!!

Friday the girls and I went over to a friends house for lunch. She has 3 girls and we have never gotten together so we finally did. One of her girls, Melia and Tayler are the same age, but in different Sunbeam classes. We had a great time with them and at 2:00 my girls were completely worn out and ready for naps. She is my new Visiting Teaching partner and I love her! She is from Argentina, but has been in the states for many years. She is helping me pick my Spanish back up again because heaven knows I need it. That night was rainy and cold, but we went out looking for bunk beds. I think Rylee is still so tiny, but she would love it and so would her big Sis. Tayler has been asking us for the longest time, so we started looking. I can't believe how expensive they are! I found some at Down East that I really like, but they are pretty costly. I would rather get myself new bedroom furniture! We ate at Golden Corral for dinner.. I know you are all thinking- sick Jess, but they have changed it and the buffet is actually pretty good.

Saturday morning there was a breakfast for all the sisters that read the Conference talks from April. I finished Friday night so I qualified to go. It was yummy and a nice little get-away. Sean even watched the neighbors kids as well so that my friend could go (her husband is a dentist and had to work). When we came home the house wasn't even too big of a disaster! :)
Then at 12:30 Sean had his 2nd BYU party. This time everyone's families came along too because it was "Family Saturday" in our stake. We had pizza and salad for lunch and the kids played really well together. The game was TiVo'ed so it went by much quicker and wasn't so painful.

That night we went down to Bountiful to my G & G's 60th wedding anniversary party. All 6 of my Mom's brothers and sisters were there and a lot of my cousins that I haven't seen in YEARS. I had to step back and make sure I recognized them all and knew their names.. thankfully my Uncle Steve helped me out in that department. It was fun. I went shopping after the breakfast and found these little outfits for a killer deal at Children's Place. I love to buy clothes for my kids and lately I have been so into matching.

Anyway, it was a fun day and night. We came home and all went to bed.

Church was good today. I filled in as the Ward Librarian since ours didn't show up and that is one of Sean's responsibilities to oversee as Sunday School Pres. Most of the copies came out a bit crooked, but hey I did my best.

Well I hope that everyone has a happy week. Take care!

Really....

Could she seem any bigger or be any cuter?

We have watched my little niece Emma a few times in the last few days and I think Tayler feels like she has died and gone to heaven. She has been so cute with her as well. I think she would be a huge helper with another baby! She holds her so well and can feed her too! Do you think we need another one or what? Ummm.. maybe?!? We'll see?!?It started pouring rain on my drive home from work this afternoon. I love rainy nights. I feel like taking a bath and putting on my pajamas and just relaxing, but wait I have to clean up a little, fix dinner, get kids ready for bed and then that can come to pass. Sean will be home tonight after school-- Yeah!

It feels like I haven't seen him for a while- only in passing when we give a high five to each other at the door and reintroduce ourselves. Isn't it sad how crazy life can get with everything going on? I know there is always time though if you prioritize and make good use of your time.

Last night we got a lot accomplished but it wasn't exactly the fun plans I had in mind. We were going to go to the children's museum, but we didn't quite make it. Some time soon we will go!

My friend had her ACL repaired or maybe it was her meniscus (and a bunch of other stuff) on Tues. so we took her over a treat basket and some other fun things to do while she is immobile. She was in some major pain and I felt so sad for her. Thank heavens for drugs though! She has got a long road ahead of her.

I then had to go visiting teaching and figure out a birthday present to take because it was her birthday as well. I found the cutest p.j.'s at Walmart for the kids so I put them in those and brought them with me. And then like most nights the phone rang numerous times and there were many knocks at my door every few minutes. But.. we still managed to go to bed by 10:00. It felt so good because I was SOOO tired from the night before.
Well I hope that everyone had a happy Thursday and just think tomorrow is Friday. HOORAY! Have a great one everybody!!

Half Way

I love Wednesday's! It's the half way mark of the week and they are usually relatively easy with Nothing going on except Tay's preschool.
It's great!!

This week I went to an ENT to see about getting my tonsils out. They are very large and I always have a sore throat so we are taking them out. I have heard that it is pretty painful but it will totally be worth it in the long run. The funny thing is that I haven't ever had strep throat (at least as long as I can remember, which is only about 5 years ago.) Anyway.. I am scheduled for the 19th of Oct. This seems like a crazy time with birthday's and anniversaries and everything. That date seemed to work the best with Sean's schedule as well so that he can take time off and be home.

Today and tomorrow my babe is up at a conference in Park City. They wanted all of the spouses to come and I wish that I was with him, but I couldn't find a babysitter for my kids. It's okay though because the girls and I have lots of fun activities planned. This way I won't miss work tomorrow either so all is well.

My friend and I are doing the CUTEST calendar with vinyl on sheet metal so you can use it as a dry erase board. The days are on little round magnents, so that you can change it each month. It seriously is so awesome. I love it and can't wait until it is finished. I will definately take a picture when it's all done. That is my project for the week.

Sean is having another BYU party at our house on Saturday and I have a breakfast for Relief Society. That night we are going to the reception for my Grandma & Grandpa's 60th wedding anniversary. Holy cow that is a long time. It will be a good day.

Happy day everyone!

Weekend Comings & Goings

We had a fun weekend! On Friday we were in charge of the ward BBQ and I think it actually went well. We had a huge turnout and it didn't rain (thank heavens!) We rented a blow up bouncer that all the kids loved and had a treasure hunt. I didn't take my camera so we didn't get any pictures, but it was a success and now it is over!

Saturday Sean went to the BYU game down in Provo. He went with his friend Jeff and had a great time (minus the down pour-he was still soaked when he got home). He must be a true fan. If it were me, I would have left at the sight of black clouds. (I guess that's why I don't get to go :)

The kids and I had a fun & productive day. I mowed the lawn, cleaned out both cars and the garage. Then we took naps and went to the park. By the time we got home Sean and Jeff were pulling into the driveway so it worked out well. Of course he had to buy the girls some BYU shirts while in Provo.

This is them all practicing the BYU fight song- Rylee and Tay love it!

I was craving Rumbi's rice bowl Saturday night so I went and got myself one and then stood in line forever at Cafe Rio for Sean's dinner. We were all tired so we actually went to bed by 9:45. I think that is a record for us.

**Also, Happy Birthday to my sister in law Katie! I hope you had a great day girl.

Today was a wonderful day. Church was good as usual. Afterwards we came home and Sean grilled up some burgers and then it was naptime. Tonight I had a meeting because I am on the Enrichment committee for Super Friday. I volunteered for the food so then I was off the hook for a lot of other things, but it isn't until Nov. 10th so it should be good.

Anyway.. nothing too exciting. Have a great week everyone!

New Loves

The big purple dinosaur has once again invaded our home. Rylee has now discovered Barney and wants to watch it ALL the time! She also has a baby that she confiscated from my moms house when we were there on Friday. She had a small time apart from her when she was left at Aunt Shelly's house, but the reunion was oh so sweet! I love when they start having opinions about things and show signs of really caring about what they want. She is such a fun and sweet little girl.

Today has been a low key day. Tayler is at preschool right now. It really is so nice to have some time in the afternoon to get things done. I really need to have a goal or plan so that I actually accomplish things and not just waste the time away.

I started looking through my wedding pictures today and the picture book my mom put together for me when I got married because I want to put a collage together of pictures of my dad. Of course I sat and sobbed in the quietness of my home. It was a tender moment to reflect back on all the times he appeared and to think of the circumstances of each individual picture. I really miss him so much. There is such a void in our lives, but I have to say I really do love my family-- each one of them for different things and different personalities and perspectives they bring to my life. I know that things haven't been the "best" lately, but I really love each of them and their spouses more than I can express. Thanks for being so great- all of you!

I also am so grateful for the relationship I have with my mom. I have always known that she has been there whenever I needed her, but I didn't take advantage of that much growing up, and for that I have many regrets now that I am a mother, but since I can't change the past I can only go forward to make things right and I really appreciate her and her kindness and unconditional love towards me and my family. I love to be with her and find all the things we have in common.

Each day is a new experience to learn and try to better ourselves. I hope that I can do that and make those I love realize that both in the things I do and how I express myself. I am truly blessed in this life!

A friend emailed me this Movie today and it totally touched me. Enjoy

I think it is about to pick Tayler up so I hope everyone has a great day!

1st days...

It was Tayler's first day of Dance this morning with her new class and new teacher. I am WAY more impressed with this teacher which makes me happy, but the class is double the size it was before. She loved it and didn't miss a beat (literally :)

It was also her first day of 4 year old preschool. I can't believe how fast she is growing up. She now goes 3 days a week for 2 1/2 hours. It is the same teacher (Heidi) as last year who I think is the best teacher in the whole world. She was so excited to go and will do wonderful. There are 5 other kids in her class this year so it will be great.

Yesterday was a stinky holiday since Sean had to do school work all day. (10 a.m. to 11 p.m.) I guess this is the life of being in school huh? I wasn't in the best of moods either, but we survived and now it's another day. I feel bad because he is so busy and I just cause him grief. Sorry honey! I love you.

Anyway.. I was suppose to watch a little boy today at 3:00, but his mom just called and cancelled. Now I can get some things done. He is very easy so it wouldn't have made a big difference, but I have to run some errands so now it will be easier.

Have a great Tues. everyone! XXXOXX

Labor Day Weekend

It has been a good weekend and time with my hubby and family!
Friday we met Sean at work and headed out to my Mom's house to power rake and seed. It turned into a long day and lots of work, but I think the outcome will be awesome! (fingers are crossed)... The only bad thing out of it was that Sean lost his wedding ring. NICE! After we power raked we had to rake and then bag all the dead grass. Well there were about 20 HUGE black garbage bags full of grass when he noticed it was gone. I figured it was gone forever until we took the bags to the dump Saturday morning and thought "we will just go through each bag and see if we can find it." I had no idea how long it would take to sift through 20 bags of grass. 2 hours later we were filthy, tired, thirsty, and Rylee was grumpy (Tayler was at a birthday party).. but do you think we found it????

Negative! It was so depressing, but at least we gave it some effort. The people at the dump were so nice and at the end they had radioed for a police man and he offered to go get us a metal detector, but we were almost finished so we declined. A nice young boy started helping us at the very end when he and his dad pulled up next to us to dump their load off. Oh well, maybe it is still out on the grass patch at my mom's.

Anyway.. back to Friday- it was still good to be out there and finish up with the yard. Mom came home about 3:30 from work and Tayler was thrilled. She put on her work clothes and started helping us too. We left her house about 9:30 and got home around 10:45 (we had to go back and get the car).

Saturday was errands and doing yard work and cleaning inside for the big Football kickoff party. Sean was so excited. He had a few guys come over and they intently watched the BYU vs. Arizona game. Sadly, the Y didn't pull it off so there were tears shed (kidding).. but he was pretty bummed.

Sunday Sean had to say the Opening Prayer so we had to make it on time. 3rd time in a row. It was a good meeting block. After church we ate and took naps. I love Sundays! That night we had a party at Shelly and Mike's house for Sherra's birthday and then had to leave after an hour to pass out flyers for our block party this Friday.

Today is just a relaxing day. Sean will be home in a minute and then I will go to the gym. I am sure I will find other errands to run and things to do, but we are still in our p.j.'s so we best get up and running!

I hope that everyone has a wonderful Labor Day!