Back to reality!

We just returned from our family vacation to Atlanta, then on to Orlando. We had a fabulous vacation. We first flew to Atlanta to visit Brians sister Jenise and his brother Kevin. It was great to see their beautiful homes, and visit with them. Atlanta is very pretty, and rich in history too. We went the the Underground where the slaves were sold and it was humbling to be there. Kind of a culture shock to my kids as we were about the only white people there. A little different that Utah! We also went and saw the house where Martin Luther King grew up. We then made the 6 hour drive to Orlando and I was excited to see the south. Little did I know that all we saw for 7 hours was the road straight ahead of us and trees on both sides. Literally, that was the scenery for 7 hours! Pretty trees though! We stayed in Orlando for a week. We went to Sea World, Busch Gardens, did some shopping, and went to a beach off the Atlantic coast (Cocoa beach), and one off the Gulf of Mexico(Clearwater beach). We also drove to Kennedy Space center to see the shuttle Endeavor out on the launch pad, but security woudn't let us get even a glimpse. It's a $40 a person fee to get within 2 miles. Never mind, but it was a fun drive anyway, we saw tons of aligators along the way. I think our favorite stop was Busch Gardens. The place is absolutley beautiful, and there is soo much to see. It had some neat shows, and also had some stinkin' awesome roller coasters. I am a little bit of a wimp when it comes to heights, but I rode every single ride there, and they were soo much fun! A few of their roller coasters have some kind of record: longest, fastest, something like that. There is animals everywhere, and it is good for every age group. Lots to do for everyone! I would go back to that place any day...it was really cool. We are so glad we could get away from the cold for a little while and spend time with Brians family. Thanks for a great vacation everyone! Now its back to reality!

Do I really have to??

Ok I've been tagged, by my sister Becky. Do I really have to? I didn't even really know what this meant for sure, but apparently I just have to answer some questions that everybody already knows the answers to about me. Seriously, I am a very open person, so I couldn't think of anything exciting to bring out of the closet. So, do I really have to? I guess if I want to be included in Becky's extravagant family vacation I better stay on her good side. Here goes...

1. What was I doing 10 years ago? 10 years ago I was taking care of 4 week old Sydney, and 18 month old Kylie. This was NOT Kylie's easy stage, so I am pretty sure I was having a bad day. Sydney was an angel and I was probably thanking the heavens for that, and loving the sweet little newborn she was, stinking adorable too! Living in Kanab as a stay at home Mom, Brian was going to school and working with his Dad. We had a mortgage off $435!!


2. 5 things on my to do list: 1. Today I need to do some laundry, as always 2. Take my kids on a bike ride, the sun is out and it might not last long 3. Prepare lesson for YW on Sunday 4. Finish this freaking blog is on my list. Not a very busy day today. I Love Saturdays!

3. Snacks I enjoy: I LOVE brownies. I mean I REALLY LOVE brownies. I could eat them for breakfast, lunch and dinner and NEVER get sick of them. I'm pretty sure I got this addiction from my mom. Anything chocolate is for me. YUMMM! Snickers, m&m's, twix, you get the idea.

4. 3 bad habits I have: 1. refer to #3...I crave chocolate constantly...pretty much all day long. I'm getting a little better at controlling my cravings since I am getting older and my metabolism sucks! 2. I am a freak about being late and make my whole family upset when we are running behind. It drives them all crazy. Grumpy mom = grumpy family. 3. Popping my knuckles. I know...really disgusting, but I can't break the habit, no matter how hard I've tried. Oh wait, I haven't tried yet. But I think it will be hard if I ever decide to stop.

5. If I suddenly became a millionaire what would I do? I would buy a nice home for my whole family, get everyone out of debt, and go on a awesome vacation with any friends/ family who want to go. Then I guess I would try to save a little for college, weddings, missions, retirement. I would quit working, and Brian would build more houses, what he loves to do. I would find a good charity to donate to, and find families in need in my area to help. Oh ! First things first...I would hire a housekeeper, so me and my kids can play all day and not worry about cleaning!

6. Places I've lived: Nampa Idaho, Moses Lake WA, Kittitas WA, Harrington WA, Royal City WA, Provo UT, Kanab UT, St. George UT, Pleasant Grove UT, Saratoga Springs UT. I might of missed a town or two. Is my dad or husband secretly in the military? Why do I move so much?

7. Jobs I've had: lots of babysitting, waitress at MarDon Cafe, secretary at UVSC, briefly Sears catalog order taker, Vintage a la Vogue, and Discover Card for the last 5 1/2 years. I might of missed a job or two. Can't say I ever HATED any of my jobs. None have been too bad. Other than my very first babysitting job for Slag Callahan. Chased me with a knife, and the next day at church kept crawling and looking under my skirt.

8. Things people might not know about me: A few original things are: I say a silent prayer every time I see an ambulance for whoever is in it, I feel guilty about the way I live everytime I see a homeless person, spaghetti is my favorite food, unless brownies is considered a food, I love biggest loser, it is so inspiring to me, I really enjoy exercising , (didn't say I actually do it, just enjoy it when I can), I love reading but ...the only thing I read these days are magazines, and my scriptures..sadly I can't remember the last time I read a "real" book...think it was when I was on bed rest with Tyson...sad I know. I also love American Idol. I'ts our family show we watch together. I think Ellen Degeneres is absolutely hillarious. Almost as funny as Becky!
Well, thats me in a nutshell. Anyone still awake...anyone?

Kylie's science fair project

So this was our first experience at the science fair...and I have to say it could be my last for all I care! Kylie did a project on whether exercise affects memory and brain function. It was fun, but kind of a lot of work. After some research and some experiments we did discover that exercise helps boost memory and brain function. No wonder I am always losing stuff and locking my keys in my car! Way to go Kylie...I'm sure she'll get a good grade! (Kylies best friend Brylee in the picture)

Winter Wonderland...blah blah blah

So I am really getting sick of all this snow! It seems like every other day we get a storm. Yesterday the sun came out and melted almost all the snow. That hasn't happened in months. But don't worry...it didn't last long...this is what we woke up to this morning. 5-6" of new snow, or more! At least it is very consistant...snow one day...not the next..snow the next day..you get my drift. It was so funny, I don't know if you can see in the picture...but we had 8 neighbors all shoveling at the same time. I better not hear the word drought one time this summer! And I am watering my grass as much as I dang well please!

Ok...so Tyson had his first swim meet ever yesterday. He was sooo excited! He was like a kid on Christmas Eve! He could hardly wait until it was his turn to swim. He was bouncing all over the place counting the events until it was time for his butterfly, his first event. So he gets up on the block all smiles...so ready to go, and as soon as he jumped in the water his goggles came off. Oh man, my heart just sank. He had to hang on to the rope to get them back on, which disqualified him. His goggles have NEVER fallen off before...what perfect timing for that to happen! He was only sad for a minute...then was back to bouncing up and down waiting for his freestyle. He had such a great attitude! He swam great and even won a 5th place ribbon! Great job Tyson! He had a blast...and thats what it's all about! Sydney did great too..winning 4 ribbons out of 4 events! She got a 2nd place in her butterfly, 3rd in backstroke and freestyle, and 5th in her breast stroke. Great job Sydney! She had about 30 girls swimming in each event...so she did awesome with such tough competition! She didn't even cry before her meet, which is monumental! In my pictures, you can always tell which swimmer is Sydney because she refuses to wear a cap. She says it gives her a headache! Then we topped off the night with the girls and I going to the Hannah Montana 3-D movie concert movie. It was great. The girls loved every minute of it...and I actually enjoyed it too! I guess we'll finish off a great weekend with the superbowl. The great thing about the superbowl is that there is good food, it makes for the END of football season. Hooray!

Sydneys Birthday

So the project is complete and we couldn't be happier! It was a LOT of work...but I think it turned out cute! We took down wall paper, painted, and poka dotted Sydneys room. She picked out everything...from the paint colors, to the bedding, and I think she did a great job! Here are some pictures of her school party, and build a bear workshop she went to with Grandma and Grandpa Wade. It was a great weekend!

Happy 10th Birthday Sydney!

I can't believe my little Sydney is 10 years old today. She is the sweetest daughter a parent could ask for. Here are a few of my favorite things about Sydney...and some cute pictures of her. Sorry no baby pictures..I didn't have a digital camera back then! And I know someday I need to figure out how to do a slide show...or at least be willing to try!

1. My BEST sleeper! She is begging to go to bed at night..and would sleep all day if you let her!
2. SOO SOO SWEET! Sydney wants everyone to be happy, and makes sure they are..no matter what!
3. I love how sensitive she is...she has a very tender heart and her feelings can easily be hurt. She hates it if anyone is mad at her.
4. She has a very strong testimony and understanding of the Gospel.
5. Her sister is her best friend...she is so good to Kylie. (Tyson too!)
6. She is a mamas girl!!
7. She is a good student...takes her school work seriously and wants to do good.
8. She includes others...once at school her teacher told me how a new little girl just came from Brazil and didn't speak any English...she said Sydney took her under her wing and was her mentor and good friend at school. Again...soooo sweet!
9. She is such a good swimmer and gymnast...but most of all she is a good sport!
10. I LOVE Sydneys laugh. It makes my day.
11. She is my best helper.... If anything needs to be done, Sydney is ON IT! Most of the time without being asked, or at least only once!
12. She keeps her room clean! (until Kylie comes to visit!)
I could go on forever about this darling daughter. I love her so much and am so thankful she is part of our family. Happy Birthday Sydney!

He made it!

So Tyson has been swimming on the pre- competition team since all the kids started in October. He wasn't legal in his breast stroke, and all the other stokes needed work too. So yesterday his coach moved him up to the competition team. He made it! He is sooo excited he can hardly stand still. Literally jumping up and down all night! What Tyson...he never gets jumpy. Once my dad paid him $5 to hold still for 5 minutes. He made it...although it wasn't easy for him..but his love of money pulled him through! Anyway, he has his first meet here in Lehi at our pool on Feb 2nd. He is competing in the 50 freestyle and the 50 butterfly. Surely he will take last place in every event...but he could care less. He is soo excited...I just had to share his good news!