durk

Aren't You Thankful....

2010-01-24T18:24:00.000-08:00

Well aren't you? We were....are, you know at Thanksgiving and all....because that's when we were thankful for these things, enjoy......

M had his first school performance, he memorized his line,

"In 1492, the Pilgrims sailed on the Mayflower,

it was a hard journey; it took 66 days"

Something like that...HE DID SO WELL!!!

This is him coming in (and his teacher)

OK so we took tons of pictures and this was the only one of him smiling (go figure, newspaper article would probably read, "Proud Parent Unable to Make Child Smile-Concern For Sad Child"). Quite honestly I'm glad we got one good one! His class then had a little party AKA sugar fest.

Notice the plate laden with sweets, "Thank you school system for 'feeding' my child!"

Effects of the sugar are setting in

This is what the family does, while we watch (HELPLESSLY she screamed) from the side lines, (Because non of us wants to be that mom, that says, "No honey you can't have another cookie, please don't eat that third peace of pumpkin pie, put down the chocolate, your dentist is going to kill me, if I've told you once I've told you a thousand time-sugar won't make anything better!" Boy I sound like my mother).

I guess having sugar isn't a bad thing, because this picture was taken before the sugar attack. What is cool about this picture (not that my baby isn't) is the astronaut in the background. This is Tom the Turkey and our family had to decorate it....yes I said family, we all helped put this baby together. Go team Durkovich!

These next photo's were taken because one child in M's class was allowed to take pictures with his mothers camera, so as the song goes, do as I'm doing, my children had to have their turn-here is the ride home-remember they've both had sugar, sooo I'm not responsible right....I'm ahh.....awe crap!

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The next part to our Thanksgiving time of year was my Pre School, OH by the way I teach Pre School... HE, HE...sorry I've never blogged about it. But anyway we had a family night, and my kids put on the first Thanksgiving skit, it was so dang cute, before I show you the pictures of the way cute costumes I made for the way cute kids, here is the food we had:

Turkey Cupcake

Turkey Cheese Ball

We also had homemade -drop to your knees, want to pass out it's so dang good-hot chocolate. Sorry no picture, I was on the floor passed out.

We crafted little turkeys, so cute!

And played pin the tail on the Turkey

Some of the boys AKA all of the boys didn't understand the concept of NOT peeking, so the one yellow is from my sweet girl, I knew I like girls! By the way did anyone notice the theme of Turkeys or was that just me?

Without further adieu.....drum roll please, the costumes.

I had the parents of the children reading their lines. The kids had to act out using hand gestures.

Dang cute, if I do say so myself....and I do say so!

and.........................action!

It was a great night, I'm glad that I have that memory stored in the old memory bank-Honestly if I didn't get this down soon, I would forget everything....Deleted from the memory bank, just like a school test-study, study, study, test...forget!

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Now for our family Thanksgiving,

It was pretty special we got to have Matt's parents here, and boy was the food good! We were stuffed for hours after!

And no trip from them would be complete without a trip to the Stock Yards, here are the boys.

Who can forget the classic "sit on a canon" pose?

Thank you for walking down memory lane with us, come back for another installment of our past. Until then Happy Thanksgiving!

Birthday's

2010-01-18T11:19:00.000-08:00

Every mother plans, and plans the perfect day for their little ones....Birthday plans may include.....a pay by the hour clown, bounce-houses, or even a sweet ride on a baby elephant (your parties don't include this, well my friends maybe you should think about changing your circle of friends-j/k)! Any ways, BIG plans, BIG ideas people. Well, everything is perfect until a silly little mother forgets to post about the alleged birthday person....on their day....TRIBUTE TO YOU MY LOOOOOVE (Dumb and Dumber limo crash), so without further adue, because we have some serious blogging to make up, I give you my children's birthday's (yes it's plural, and yes I'm doing them both today almost three months after the fact, someone shut me up so that we can get to the purpose of this post already.....................................

C's big day

(turning one year older and wiser, ask him he'll tell you he's smart)

It's tradition to do a sign, everything this year had to do with cars.

Please C curb that enthusiasm, we wouldn't want the kids getting scared

Lighting McQueen-you should have seen the picture on the pan, amazing, I put this together in about 15min.

Blowing out the candles

His gifts, he loved the motorcycle, he also got:

a light bright (yes they still make them)

A movie (Monster's vs Aliens)

And some noise making keys (he loves driving.....pretend)

All in all he had a great day, he requested Macaroni and cheese for dinner with hot dogs; he was in Heaven!

On a side note, here is what G thought of all that cake (red frosting highly recommended, no really I mean it, I want everyone and their dog to try giving your little baby red frosting, it dyes things in places you didn't think would dye, that's all I'm going to say)

Classic.....no, no PRICELESS!

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M's big day

(He repeated over and over again, " I'm six now, and I go to kindergarten!" all while looking like he's thinking "you complete moron, what do I look like I'm 5? I don't think so, no one calls me 5 and gets away with it".......)

Here is his sign....not so good picture of M though. His sign was all Indiana Jones.

M, got to have grandpa and grandma Monkey Beans here visiting. Grandpa's birthday was the day before.

Was there ever a question as to what his cake would be.... got this little beauty at Walmart for $6.00, that's better then spending $28.00 for the cake.

He got k'nex

Transformers

and a little Lego car

His favorite was the Transformers

His day was pretty awesome, he even enjoyed me coming to his school to do the mom thing and pass out cup cakes-Kindergarten kids are so stinkin cute. M picked hot dogs for dinner. My kids have pretty extravagent tastes, can you tell?

___________________

OK I know that my birthday didn't come until after Halloween (I will post this soon), Thanksgiving (yeah this is also coming), and Christmas (OH that's gonna be a big one), but since I'm on the subject of Birthdays here is mine (that's right I'm totally caught up if you think about it in a twisted liquorish kind of a way...........did anyone here a niner in there?)

Any who, my birthday started out with breakfast made by Matt, and then gift after gift here they are (Matt's proof):

From C, when asked what he wanted to get me, he said a neckless, he did pretty good if I do say so myself, and I do say so myself (I picked it out).

From M, funny story, you might ask why strawberry newtons, well I'll tell you. He said he was going to bring me some home from school (he gets to eat lunch on Fridays, and they have these in his lunch room). When he got home that day he said, " Ooooh, mom I ate it!" So that he could still participate, we went to get these.

Thanks son!

From G, what's this you might ask..... a puzzle, these pieces are soooo tiny, don't they just make you want to speak in a little voice and say, "you are so cute!" No, that's just me, well please indulge the birthday girl and pretend.

Matt took pictures of everything else but his gifts, his gifts to me were:

Two cookbooks (in the mail)

and three 100 min hand made gift cards for back rubs, foot rubs, and whatever else I want-so if you come to church at he looks haggard, blame him-he gave me that right!

Then we went to the Olive Garden for lunch (benefit to having a birthday after Christmas, we totally used a gift certificate we got from my sister).

Again Matt's proof, and this next one's them singing to me.

They asked how old I was and my name, then they proceeded to announce to the whole restaurant my name and age (to bad I was unaware I could have thrown in my SS, and DL #).

We had lasagna for dinner and Jello Cake

Yes I made my own cake-but I wanted to, what's wrong with that? Matt did offer to make something, but I knew his rendition of this treat would not turn out quite the same....

So, the birthday's were great! Boy am I glad to celebrate another one that I could put off blogging about for another few months....he,he...good times.

Happy Birthday everyone!!

The Matter of a Week, & My Mom

2010-01-15T12:21:00.000-08:00

Has anyone ever heard the phrase....things can change in the matter of a second..... Well in our case it is a week! More importantly it was M's week, here is what happened to him at school. Sure makes paying your taxes worth it.

The list of incidences that happened from head to toe:

Article: Head bandage

What: 1"x3" purple bulge (characteristic of a bruise, but not related to a bruise) behind his ear.

Why: Student hit him in the head with backpack.

Article: Mouth

What: Throw up at school

Why: He has allergies to various things, this just happened to be a new one, of low fat brownies (really I totally would have thrown it up too)

Article: Pellet size bruises on leg

Why: School

What: Hazards of playing on the school playground

Article: Leg bandage

Why: Swollen

What: Fell in PE and didn't tell anyone he had hurt his foot

He was sent home for 2 days for throwing up, we saw the head wound-and I immediately thougth....dun,dun,dun...concussion (because people throw up from these). We as parents wrote a letter to the teacher after finding out why he had the bruise, she found out it was in fact another student, as we were bandaging his head up (to prevent swelling more), we noticed his foot, and the various other bruises all over his legs-man this kid takes school seriously! Came to find out his throwing up was from the low fat brownie (grateful there was no concussion)-but still pretty crazy week.

On a happier note, here are some things I've been meaning to blog about. My amazing Mother has taken to quilting and here is what she threw together for the boys, and myself (and Matt).

M's bed:

Cowboy theme, here are the close up details, M loves cowboys, and the back is one of his favorite parts, it's at the bottom of the picture.

C's bed:

Amazing, she even designed the car's (I helped with the pattern's-I've only drawn the dang cars 10 billion times...I'm not lying, she could have done it though-she's good like that). Here are the close ups of lighting McQueen.

My quilt:

I was rewarded at Christmas with this, for my Christmas/birthday/the rest of my life gift; I helped pick the colors, and I found this pattern in a magazine and she pulled it off beautifully-I knew she could do it. And if it looks like a simple quilt, well let me show you all a close up.

People, none of these lines match up, can you see why I'm paying for life. I love you mom, thanks for keeping us all 'beautifully' warm.

$urprise

2009-12-09T11:20:00.000-08:00

While Matt was visiting his parents, I decided to take things into my own hands AKA (he's not here I don't have to try and convince him that this will work). I redid our master suite (doesn't it just sound more luxurious that way). So here are the before pictures of the room and items I changed followed by the afters. WARNING I had all three kids while doing this in only 3 DAYS!

Before Bedroom

(no my hubbie was not shirtless, he was just "inappropriate for the blogging world" incase you're wondering about his "strange glow" from the neck down)

Did I also fail to mention that this was a complete surprise to Matt (the room I was doing); so before he went I had to take pictures non chalaunt like and he of course questioned what I was doing so I had to say it was a surprise, and then I had to go and take pictures of three other rooms, and said it's one of these rooms. (He never suspected our room because I kept asking him, why is the camera taking such fuzzy shots CLICK the lighting is not quite right CLICK I'm just fooling around CLICK, so sorry if there is not that many and if they are not great he was taking the camera and I had to have some proof of the before's.

After Bedroom

Here is a close up of the yummy color

I have curtains in my bedroom wahooo!

here are our night stands

his

mine

here are some beautiful pictures I found for a steal

and yes I want to live here

and since it's my...our room I have a wall dedicated to my most valuable possessions

My children of course....what did you think it was my singed copy of U2's very first performance found on eBay? (I don't really have this, but a girl can dream).

I repainted this

Here is the before, with a cute M in front in our apartment in UT (yeeeeears ago)

Here is the after, you better believe I carried this down stairs by myself, and painted it in the garage. You also better believe that a little tiny stray dog showed up and put his paw in the paint leaving a trail of foot prints all the way down my driveway.

I'm just putting it out there now, if anyone sees a stray dog wandering with black paws, please call, I have a.......... hose waiting for him. Animal rights people, like I'd really hurt a dog, I love dogs! Especially the ones that the neighbors allow to wander freely, and who -if I failed to mention it-enter my house. Enough about the dog...here is the desk.

Before I show you the last thing in the room that was done, I think I should show you the other surprise I did...our bathroom.

Before bathroom

after same area

More before's

after same area

BAM BABY!

here's a view going the other way.

Oh remember how there was one more thing from the bedroom, well look at the mirror in the before shots. Where did that go you might ask, here baby. Big thanks to my friends Justin and Cassity for helping me with it, this is a heavy sucker and I didn't want to crush myself, or cut myself using Matt's tools to make the frame I got for it. I have to say, I have always wanted to do this, but Matt never let me spend the $300+ on a mirror like this, and I always thought this one was glued to our wall and therefore unavailable, and the thought of ripping our bathroom apart for a mirror seemed more harm than good, but I have to give credit to Cassity for pushing me to try and having the good sense to help me do it all. She has tons of great ideas like this, you should check out her blog: http://www.remodelaholic.com/

I'm glad to finally have an adult space to call my own....oh wait I have kids and on many evenings it looks like they sleep in this room as well. Awe well, at least it looks stylish while being messy.

Homecoming

2009-12-02T17:37:00.000-08:00

Here's anticlimatic for you.... Matt's parents have returned from their mission to the DR.

Surprise!

Ok...so it was in September, so they've visited us twice, so what...in blog world this is the next sequence of events; and a pretty special one at that! Through the help of his very sneaky sister and her generous help with the finances (thank you Melissa), he was able to get out to MO to surprise his parents getting off the plane.

Here is his prep face for surprising his parents.

Caption reads (Peace out suckers).

Again I repeat he was there to surprise his parents, they thought that only said sister was going to be at the airport with her family to welcome them in. Matt set the scene up as follows:

- sit in inconspicuous chair

- hold our video camera like a tourist in Disneyland for the first time (don't pretend like you don't know who I'm talking about)

- 'pretend' to read intently the fashion section of the newspaper (ask him he knows what's new this fall)

-wear a 'blending' hat

- be 6' 4" when everyone is ... not

- stand up and ask for the time

- shock his mother, no wait taser her with a stun gun, this was the look she gave him. I believe she even said, "your not supposed to be here!"

- make his dad laugh (you can't really fool the guy, he's just too good)

All in all it was a tear filled reunion that meant a lot for all of them

While he was there he got to see his parents NEW kitchen....Jeal-us!

Didn't you all get the memo: When one leaves on one's mission, pipes will burst on your main floor in 7 spots, creating a 120,000 gallon river on your basement ceiling, causing it to collapse, destroying priceless things; warping your wood flooring on the main level, not to mention your base cabinets in your kitchen, leaving you to replace it all while on your mission.

Oh you didn't get that memo....neither did his parents, they wouldn't have changed a thing about their mission. They served up until their last day leaving them one hour of sleep to head home. On a positive note, they did a great job with the remodeling from a far. Here's a teaser, I'll get more at Christmas!

Lastly it wouldn't be Matt if he didn't include a picture like this.

Absolutely gorgeous though! Love you honey, glad your parents are back, you too (even though this post is late, we'll all pretend you just got back this week).

Family Temple Trip

2009-11-13T12:15:00.000-08:00

It's always good to get to the temple....with your kids. The primary had an activity that got everyone out of their houses, to go and see the temple. The reason being is that the temple is 25 years old and the whole stake was putting on an activity for it, and they wanted the wards to be prepared. It was beautiful, even with the rain! Enjoy the pictures, the only thing that would make this better is the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sounding from my play list....apparently I need to work on a few things, anyhow...proceed.

The foliage was amazing!

The Temple looked stunning against the gray sky.

Now for the reason we went to the temple... the children. Ahhh, what peace, what calm...

What absolute refinement!

And then my husband saw fit to add this one?

Sorry folks, the trees are beautiful though!

This was a way cool hidden path.

Matt fooled around in Photoshop to get these next few, he loves black and white photography.

Great job honey!

Finally the activity rolled around (the one the stake was putting on) and look what I was asked to do by the primary.

OK not asked but told in a very sweet way, that I would be the one to do it, even though I had no idea that I was going to do it. Really truly, thank you for this opportunity!

Close up of the center.

People did you look at the picture before....(just above, if you need to jog your memory). That's right baby, Matt fixed (added from other pictures) a total of 7 faces and added a girl who was only in one of the 25 picture's taken, not the one we needed. Thank you honey; I couldn't have done it without you.

Now, so that I could participate with an entry of my own, I had this genius idea, and was pleased as punch when it turned out.

It's a 3-D picture of our wedding day, all I'm going to say is 7 layers! (Okay, I'll say a little more. I took a favorite photo from our wedding day and made 7 different layers out of different elements in the photo. Then we printed them each out as sepia tones on a 7 transparencies. I bought 7 frames at the dollar store and Matt routed a grove for 7 frames to slide in the top of our stained frame with the transparency behind it. So the 7 layers are separated by a 1/4 inch or so. The effect is awesome!)

I love to see the temple,

I'm going there someday.

Second of many: Man Zone AKA the Garage

2009-11-13T11:24:00.000-08:00

Matt has been wanting to build this shelf for a loooooong time, and recently (I'm pretending that this happened last week, when in reality we all know it was long ago...) we were given some work benches from a very nice couple who didn't need them anymore. One we used to build the shelf you're about to see, and one was metal, so we're selling it right now. We would love to keep it, but we decided long ago our garage would be a 2 car garage, hence the space saving shelf Matt and I thought of. It was a real blessing that we just had to buy hinges.

Here is what the place looked like before (missing some tools)...not bad, but suuuuuuuch a waste of space!

We didn't make this much of a mess making the shelf, we were also painting in the other garage bay, but it goes to show how 'non bueno' it is to use the floor as a work space...especially for my husband. I don't know if anyone knows this, but he's 6'4" (that was for his sisters).

Half way through...

All done! It simply hinges down, and the little arms hinge out to support the top. Then when you're done you swing it all back in to the wall and pull the car in!

Proof that it works! Matt has since cut the small piece at the top that the latch is on, and moved it over to the right so we didn't lose any hanging space for all his junk, errrr, I mean tools which were above the actual shelf. Thumbs up from Dad and the G man! (Side note - our friends J & C came over to help me out with a project - to be seen later - and J, who is not 6'4" went to use it and instantly commented on the unusual height of the working surface. Yep, it's custom built for a giant, but said GIANT loves it that way:)

This makes our garage / man cave pretty much done. We feel like we have done some really great work to it (all the shelves, garage door openers, lumber storage, bikes, and a mountain of crap spread out as strategically as possible...ahh the joys of homeownership!) and it's fun to have a place to park, and work!

The First of Many Posts - The Door Saga

2009-11-12T11:42:00.000-08:00

I will slowly but surely bring you back to date. I have to start from the beginning...enjoy!

Let's bring you up to date. M started school and one of his favorite things to do is jump on the tramp after- he just needs to pick better pants (or ones with a belt).

C loves to do this....

G is crazy about doing this....

Now let's get down to what this post is truly about..... The Back Door (dun, dun, duuuun)! Yes folks our back door, the one that brings us into the back yard, the one at which we exit to get to the back of the house, the door....... Sorry. That door has been giving us problems so we decided to take things into our own hands.

"What did you do?" You might ask.

Well as "homeowners" we decided to go to the local hardware store and purchase a new backdoor. One that would be built better (not able to rot on the inside like our old back door), one that would have built in blinds (unlike the hook on blinds that would get off track every time the boys would open the door), one that would be installed for $200.00...(hold the phone, I don't think so, we'll take it from here Mr. Hardware man).

So here is what we had to take out:

(Doesn't look to bad you say. Believe you me - like the container in the back of the fridge harboring a community of you know what's, it's what's on the inside of that container that matters-much like the door, the inside of this door was slowly rotting and falling out every time we would open it).

Unlike the cute shoes modeled by me, the wood that was surrounding the door was not cute! It too was rotting from the previous owner's rather large dog (that's what we were told anyway, it looks more like a small saber tooth tiger had his way with it-I'm just saying).

More quality pictures.....of our door, not you honey, your grade A high quality....moving on. This one is my favorite because it's when we all get to share common ground, because all of us have plants growing underneath our threshholds....right....oh you don't, thanks for ruining the moment, moving on.

It wasn't just Matt who did the demo, he had help from C. Thanks buddy, you did a great job.

For a brief moment our door looked like this, while we did....people, this happened almost two months ago, I can't remember why, it just happened, let your imagination run wild.

Then finally our new door was in...

Shiny, new, working....

What? You don't want to open and shut?

What? You're a new door you don't have that option?

What? Lot's of money later we have to replace something two days in?

You've got to be kidding me! %@?!*&^% OK I'm better now. What needs to be replaced.

OK, Matt replaced the 'new' jacked up smashed door sweep (which by the way said 'Home Improvement' store didn't even hesitate doing when he brought this photo in) and did it right, and we were still asking why the door wasn't working already? (talk, talk, talk, to local hardware store, talk, talk, talk, Yeah we'll come out, talk, talk, talk, we can't come out with out our supervisor, blah, blah, blah, sorry we forgot to come out we forgot to tell our supervisor, blah, blah, blah, you need to call manufacturer, blah, blah, blah, let me come out with out my supervisor on my off day, blah, blah, blah, the door's perfect just cut these METAL screws -that should never be cut-then it should be perfect, blah, blah, blah, manufacturer called came faster then local hardware store could spell manufacturer and said door was installed perfectly but let me just CUT your door off at the bottom........manufacture man say what......let me CUT your door off at the bottom that should do it, blah, blah, blah, then Matt had to go buy another door sweep like the picture above and recaulk the thing right since the door guy was rushed. Then because it had been so long since we first installed the door, and it rained like Vietnam monsoon season here without our exterior moldings on - cause we didn't want to waste 'em - Matt ripped out all the foam and insulation and put in all new stuff....though secretly I don't think he minded because he knew we were almost done! Two months later it's finally fixed- these dang lemons are going to give me a belly rash).

Finally it's done, and it works, here are the before of the door's finishing work (notice the awesome condition of the drywall we replaced - how did it even get like that?)

Here are the afters....

(ok maybe I'll get these pictures in soon, they are still on the camera, I'm just glad I got this far).

Moral of the story is.....dang morals, there's no moral here...do you want me to say "don't get lemons", well now that's just impossible, who do you think I am, Harry Potter? I'm sorry but the repair spell won't work on any of this. Good luck with your own endeavors, ours have a tendency to always be tainted with Lemons. Side note - the door now works perfectly, and it's not rotting, nor will it ever!

Friend

2009-10-26T12:44:00.000-07:00

Hello old friend blog,

Have you missed me? Have you been wondering where I've been? Did you think I forgot about you? The reasons for my distances are all silly really! Quite simply put, desire is a big part of it; that and the fact the all my energies have gone into other tasks. Dear friend, do not think in anyway this reflects on you, you have been good to me and my family as a blog. You have brought our lives to screen, and made many laugh. I know you see others devoting time to their blogs and for that you are mad at me, because they too are busy yet they can still spend a few moments each day or week on their BFF's. Well, today I'm here to say I'm sorry for the break, I promise to do better; to my old friend I say clear some room because boy do I have some catching up to do, and to the readers of this blog prepare yourself for a marathon of sorts-it's coming and you better believe it's going to be good!

Sincerely yours,
writer and friend,
E

Last of Summer

2009-09-01T08:16:00.001-07:00

The last of our summer days,
consisted of a few fun, silly, and just plain creative activities.
First, the boys tried their hand (or foot) at playing with water.

M shows off his muscles while making the water sore high!

C tried a little bit different approach, it's called the

'stick out your stomach, put your butt out, tighten your face' stance.

Hey it worked for him!

What does our judge say?

Looks like they caught him stunned!

What else do they got?

M decided on the classic harp movement of water....
What does the judge think now?

10 points from the judge....he's pleased as punch!

He's dieing to know what you've got next!

Adorable!

Perfect!
They went for the classic pose.
What does our judge have to say?

OOOOOOOH, sorry boys your boyish charm didn't work this time. Looks like your gonna have to try harder than that to please this judge!

Le's give him one more pose..........(drum roll please)..............

AWW I see where your going with this, when water fails - go for the tramp.

Let's see what our judge thought of that.

Good job boys you've left the judge bewildered and wanting more, until next time this is your host and narrator signing off.

Another thing we did was reach deep inside to find our Texan roots. That's right folks we live in Texas, we like to watch Westerns and gosh darnet we like the Stockyards-there is no shame in tourist spots-dressing the part is a complete bones Y'ALL!

Aren't long horn amazing animals!

Not that I would want one for a pet or anything!

Now that I think about it, it might be nice to have one when the kids are being rowdy...it would become a teaching tool, right..... NO....people I'm joking, that's why we're getting a pit bull instead, HE HE HE!

Again I'm kidding!

Moving on.

At the zoo back in UT, they have this sign that is in the shape of a gorilla. Tradition is that a person stands up next to it, and stretches his/her arms out to see how one compares to a gorilla.

Seeing as I'm not in UT I thought it would be cute to do the same thing in TX but with a TX native (because gorilla's totally came from UT-my mom said it must be so-or maybe I just learned it in seminary)

Any who, that how these pictures came about!

I thought this was cute, and very safe. More parents should let their children play on train tracks.....And ride bucking broncos!

(Only if they are plastic of course, I'm completely aware of the fact that this is neither a bucking horse or a bronco, I was going for the shock factor here).

And just so you don't think I left the little guy at home here's proof.

What's that you say, this could have been taken anywhere!

Sadly I completely agree with you so here is even more proof.

Look at the shirt color of the two boys, it's the same, see I told you I didn't leave him at home....Honey!!

And while we ate some over priced ice cream we saw this.

Did anyone else know about this? We are totally doing it......Some day.

Quick glance at another thing we did......

G and mom got to go for a ride on Daddy's lawn mower,

Grrrrrrr, that engine is powerful!

Here is what C did with that last of his summer....

Check out the placement of that hat, great lookin' wings honey.

and to add to that, we got this from him.

I think we are going to have to bring the judge back for this facial expression...

Verdict

That's what I thought, he's completely scared silly!

G learned to do a few things with the last of his summer.

1st clapping- which has been shown you

2nd walking- that's right folks he's movin and a grovin everywhere he goes (pictures to come)

3rd this- don't ask me, just know who his father is and the weirdness of his brothers is why my children do things like this.

I do have to admit, it's dang cute!

The family did this with the literal last day of summer-

We had a back to school dinner

entitled Be Prepared

and we armed him with a few key items to help him this school year.

(all of this was read to M & C on a scroll, in the voice of a king)

They each got a Crown - of wisdom (to help him be smart and learn many things)

a Heart - of kindness (so he can remember to be nice and kind to all those around him, because we all our Heavenly Father's children).

a Sword- of Strength ( to give him strength to do all that his teacher's ask him)

and lastly a Cape-of Confindence (so that he can remember that he is a Child of God, and he is the smartest, most amazing kid out there; he's my child, we all think that of our own).

It was a big hit, and all of this led into the father's blessing. This is such a big step for our family, we can't believe we have a child old enough to go to school, but boy is he ever ready- and as hard as it will be for me, I don't ever want to do anything to dampin his sweet spirit!

Dum, Dum, Dum, Duuuuum all of these summer activities lead us to this day.

M's First day of School

Cass watched the two youngest boys while I got the privilege to take him to school, he was yelling the whole walk in, "Mom can you believe I'm finally going to kindergarten."

(all while big sixth grade boys were thinking something totally different).

It was exciting and with a week under our belts, we couldn't be more thrilled about school especially M, he's loving his independence!

Big thanks to Mrs. Brayfield for your hard work and dedication, your gonna need it this year with M.

Nauvoo

2009-08-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

Our Trip to Nauvoo

(a daily log)

Wednesday Day 1

We started early around 8 am, it was a pleasant drive until we got the call from our good friends in Fort Worth, telling us that they were going into labor a week early (how dare they, your sa-post-to have it when we are there). So other than that little bump-push-voila, we arrived around 6 pm to see Grandpa and Grandma in Kansas City. After we unpacked we were in the hotel shuttle taking us to get dinner at Mie Mie's Cafe (We'd never been there, and it was yummy).

Thursday Day 2

With Matt and Dad's expert loading...we were off to Nauvoo-

Did I fail to mention that my youngest turned #1 on this day?

So we opened presents in the car

(Confession time: we bought a cake this day and after carting it around for hours in and out of places, we finally ate it Friday-but because his birthday was today I share with you his cake pictures).

(Caption to this pictures reads)

I'm so thrilled to be here....really I am mom, thanks a lot for making such a goofy face, now people will think that I'm not as happy as I really am, they might even think I'm tired and put me down for a nap, I'm just putting that out there because I would be very upset with the person who held me close and rocked me to sleep and kisssssssssssss. Goodnight son!

Before that happened this happened

(Thank you for making it cake)

Happy Birthday song-with participation from the brothers, that's a good look for you C

(He thinks it's.... ok).

Back to the drive-

We decided to stop at this place

We took the 'scenic rout'-really country podunk like, and as I reflect on that drive, it made me even more amazed that the Saints came to this place and that the Prophet was given a revelation to build a temple here. In my studies there was a six mile radius around the Mormons and the non-Mormons when the city of Far West was established-they said it was so that there was no mixing of Mormon/non-Mormon folks.

I love this picture with grandpa

It's the cardinal rule, when traveling, to have the classic couple shot.

Check yourself next time your traveling, because if you missed it you will be shunned from society-isn't that right Martha Stewart?

Ok Martha didn't get back to me, but everyone else I know does it so it must be the cardinal rule.

After Far West we headed to Adam-ondi-Ahman

(for real I have pictures of this, and I totally uploaded them, yet my computer has decided to malfunction, and I have no desire to upload more, just take my word for it, they were amazing and beautiful).

With that said, the spirit there was amazing, as I was reflecting with the adults (M and C were busy making new friends) we came across the realization that even though this place is large and could hold a great deal of people that it could never hold all the saints-doesn't that just blow your mind?!

We left this place and went to Spring Hill which Orson Pratt later said means "valley of God, where Adam dwelt" (also from my studies)

This is the place where Adam was cast out of the garden and spent his days serving the Lord. Does anyone else think that is totally awesome, and humbling at the same time.

(Check D&C 107: 53-56 to see what was revealed to Joseph Smith and happened there, and D&C 116, a revelation that will happen there).

This is Spring Hill and Matt caught this on camera before he reached it.

Symbolically they built this as a reminder of events that have taken place, I believe (and I learned it in seminary-that one's for you honey) that when they first discovered this land they actually found remains of the original alter. (It's probably in the LDS version of the Smithsonian, along with the arc... probably).

When we arrived in Nauvoo we unpacked the car and headed into see the pageant

The before party was full of music, dancing, games and a puppet show for the little ones.

Matt ran to take a picture of the sunset on the Mississippi.

On the way to sunset

Then it was show time-where is my brother?

No almost....after like 13 pictures like this and just missing him, I finally came up with this one... My apologies to my brother,

It was fun to see him-here are some pictures of the pageant itself.

C kept asking, "when are people going to get off the stage so I can go live in those houses?" He then said, "I will have to talk to Joseph Smith about that one!"

They ended the show with Gordon B. Hinckley's voice talking about how finally after years of trials and stress the church has rebuilt Joseph's temple for all to see. Then they turned on the lights of the temple.

Ok, tears are pouring by now-what an amazing show.

Friday Day 3

We got into Nauvoo early and headed to the Browning home

Browning Guns ring a bell to anyone?

No, me neither, but Matt knew all about him!

That's right my bro did the presentation.

We then hung out in the kid's zone (Highly recommended for those of you with children).

Lot's of fun pioneer games and dress ups.

Then we went here

Matt feel in love with this

Any guesses?

It's a mouse trap...cool huh!

Then we headed to the Visitors Center for lunch in the 'cast members only' area.

After that my brother's show started with a pre-show

And then we saw, 'High Hopes and River Boats'.

They were singing beautiful songs about Nauvoo.

After the show, we went to a few more houses.

(got this picture through the window of the third floor Pioneer Cultural Hall).

Then we went to another 'kid friendly' area, where they do little classes and have samples.

Bread making

C was so interested in the breadmaking I thought he was going to get up and start teaching...

NOT!

We did a few other's but the boys liked this

Rope making

They even got to turn it.

We took a drive after that and found out where the movie Herbie was filmed... that's right floks in Nauvoo, we have proof!

That evening we went to see another show with my brother called-Sunset on the Mississippi (this is a funny show they do everynight that make's you laugh).

(Side note: you're probably wondering what my brother is doing in all these shows. He tried out and got called to serve as a young performing missionary in Nauvoo. These kids are all so talented and do as many as 6 shows a day-all of which require dancing, singing, and an insane amount of line memorizing because they also switch parts for all these shows).

Saturday Day 4

Matt woke up early and went to take pictures of the temple-here are a few highlights from his 100 pictures...

What a beautiful temple! This temple is especially special to Matt and me; we were married on the same day it was dedicated.

I like all the pictures matt took but one of my favorites was this one, because you can see the colored glass.

When he got back we all got ready and went to see yet another show of my brothers.

This one was for the kids

'Just Plain Anna Amanda'

My brother did the pre-show, here is what the guys thought-

M laughed more the second time he saw it.

While we saw it a second time, Matt went to see this:

Joseph and Emma's house owned by the RLDS (or whatever they are now) he even commented on the different spirit felt there by the tour guides, "They just didn't seem happy to be there" he said. He also saw their grave sites

Along with Hyrum his brother.

Then we did the only thing M wanted to do...we took a ride on the oxen.

We recommend the Oxen for kids because it's a short, sweet ride. The horse ride is 45min and spiritual (my kid's would have been done in about 20min) plus they fill up for the day at 8:30am.

While I went to see 'High Hopes & River Boats' again -remember their roles change every show- Matt took G, and went on a photography run all around the rural countryside-here are some of the highlights. (It's really amazing how much corn they have in the area - and state for that matter. Had we gone in the fall after harvest, there would have been far less dramatic shots)

He loves old barns-so do I.

He found this, can you guess what it is?

An old GMC 410 flat bed truck found in the middle of a field. He took his pocket knife and with one hand whacked the weeds down to get closer to the car.

(remember he is taking all of these with G in his arms).

WOW Honey!

Then we went to the classic blacksmith shop

Where C got the horse shoe because his birthday was the closest to the missionary making it -off by a whole day. Not bad little buddy!

This was right outside the shop

A few of the other houses we saw but don't have pictures of are:

Bakery - good eats

Brick yards -yes we got a free brick

Post Office-Ask Matt how they used to write letters

Pratt home-beautiful (it may have been Sidney Rigdon's home now that I think about it).

Newspaper-way to cool

School house-amazing someone would do that out of their own house.

Later that day we went for a drive and found the old pioneer grave yard

I still remember the first time I saw this, it was the summer of my senior year and it was Sunday and the spirit in the grove was amazing and left you with a feeling of reverence.

Not so much with kids-trying to teach them that:

"someone is buried here and we need to respect it".

"Get off that grave stone it's not a jungle gym".

"Please don't throw things at the grave stones it's not target practice".

Ahhhhhhh, Good times!

Then we headed back to see, 'Sunset on the Mississippi' again-Old people singing and dancing is a must see twice.

Matt went to catch the sunset pictures of the temple, thus missing pictures of the boys in the show doing a parade, and C doing his own rock n' roll rendition of...really whatever was being played, just right off of stage right. Here are those pictures Matt got.

As you can see there are not that many because he said it looked pretty much the same.

Sunday Day 5

We of course went to church and then we enjoyed the spot were-legend says-Joseph and Emma kissed

Then we stopped by this water fall where Matt caught pictures of... creepy things

Then he took pictures of great things

Then we packed up the car, and headed back to K.C.

where we stayed the night and had lasagna that we bought in Nauvoo.

Monday Day 6

Goodbyes, Coming home, and Weather...(weather as in, "I can't tell if that's the road in front of us, or a lake 'cause it's rainin so dang HARD!)

But we made it home safe and sound...and I even cleaned (including vacuumed) the car out in the dark driveway so we could park it in the garage spotless, without so much as a hint of the 100's of miles that were strewn across the inside of the car. That pretty much sums up the trip home!

We had so much fun with grandparents and missionary brothers, we can't wait to hop in the car and do it all over again-let me just do a few loads of laundry first!

Life and Times

2009-07-29T08:11:00.000-07:00

Did I Fail to Mention.....

Batman's permanent residence is here!

He's a frequenter of our trampoline

And can be found fixing things around our house.

Again I apologize if criminals are about,

Batman is busy being a kid!

____________________________________

Matt's First

He always thought that his first baptism/confirmation would be our son,

and you're probable wondering-what about his mission?

Well, he baptized two on his mission but never confirmed a soul.

He was honored and took this very seriously when asked to do both.

A big thanks to Lori and her family for letting Matt be a part of your special day.

Hey honey, now you have the practice in for our sons;)

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Eating- His Favorite Pastime

These are too cute to pass up.

Dear, G

This is your mama. Thank you for always eating so well! I love you so much I can't help but kiss you and love on you every second of the day; I hope that doesn't bug you to much, because your stuck with me. Thank you for choosing me-I am blessed to have you.

Love, your mama

______________________________________

Storm = Family Outing

I know that sounds so wrong, but our outing is just on the front porch.

Kills me every time...man he's cute

(oh you're probable wondering what he's doing in there, well it was too cold to be outside, daddy needed to warm him up).

_____________________________________

Guess What Scripture Story

We did this for FHE, it was awesome!

(Note: the homemade tape hat

the homemade sprayed phonebook-used as something else

the homemade sword-as seen in another blog entry

and homemade converted pizza pan into something else....).

Here are a few clues if you still don't have it.

Any guesses?

here is another clue.

Anything?

Here's the last clue-mind you we acted this out-it was hilarious!

Any idea, well let me know!

The past few weeks.......

2009-07-08T07:44:00.000-07:00

OK.....Quite honestly I should have split this blog today into 4 separate blogs...But as the old adage found on a Popsicle stick goes, "Get over it...I am!" So you got me, I didn't find it on a Popsicle stick, I've just been really busy. I just got a new calling (primary teacher yaaaaaahhh!) add that to the two that I already had, Plus the 5 ladies I visit teach, the three children who currently live in my home, the husband, appointments, holidays, and the lack of..... you name it, I promise I just got busy. None-the-less we as a family prevailed-here are the events of late...

It's long; I'll try and make it enjoyable for you!

Three's never a crowd

The boys grabbed G and brought him over, while they played "car".

Enjoy the trip to Neverland, Disneyland, Adventure land and my favorite Dreamland.

______________________________________________

Rubba Dub Dub NO Candles in the Tub

So sweet little G, has taken it upon himself to be mischievous.
Exhibit A

Cute baby boy

Exhibit B:

Candles

Exhibit C:

Mom and Dad won't let him have the candles.

Exhibit D:

Mom fixed everything.

_______________________________________________

Is the Cup Half Full OR Half Empty?

It doesn't' matter, it had water in it!

No, G put the cup down....

That's right folk....Oops!

He throws his head back

And laughs about it

HA, HA I'm such a funny guy

Even upside down it's funny

(Breaks screech out front) What I'm wet?

I just didn't plan that part!

__________________________________________

"Dad where is my sword?"

"Right here son!" he said with a deep booming voice that shook the ground.

"Rise Excalibur, we fight tonight!"

(Thank you honey for indulging the boys and making them both medieval swords....who am I kidding, you had just as much fun using your tools to create such a thing).

___________________________________________

Fire + Food + Cowboy hat = Way to much fun!

Fire-

(no chickens were hurt in the making of this blog)

Food-

(Warning: this is a little scary)

Ok not all of it's scary some of it's cute.....

Cowboy hats-

This is a must with fires and food.

He needs a break....

Ladies he's all mine!

________________________________________________

Projects

Before, this recipe holder just looked like a peace of (large semi drives by outside)

Now, it looks sleek and new.

Before, this paper towel holder was all wood and all wrong

Now it is combo'lishis and oh so right

Before, these knife blocks were factory made

Now it looks custom and clean

_____________________________________________

Daddy's little buddy

This little guy loves his daddy.

___________________________________

My Nemesis

Folks this may look like nothing, but OOOOh it is. What's that you say...This little thing was given to me over 16 plus years ago. I have not been able to do it -at all. ( I should say I wasn't working on it constantly for those 16 years, just once every now and again). I dated a guy 7 plus years ago who said, " give it to me, and I'll figure it out and put a code on the back so that you can still figure it out". So I did.... and he did.... and his stupid code on the back makes no since whatsoever (close your kid's ears) he is such a LOSER! Sorry but the truth hurts sometimes.

But last Thursday, my oldest son in five minutes accomplished something I couldn't do in 16 years... That right it's ok to laugh, I'm big I can take it.....Ok stop now! He was telling Matt before he left for work to keep looking at it, and Matt of course thought he had some of the pieces right, but not the whole thing (we were able to get all but the last piece after all, why should our oldest son beat us?) Enter our lesson in humility, and a major prop to our big boy! Matt came over to indulge little M, and found the whole thing done. He did a double take then screamed for me to come downstairs. I naturally thought one of my children was on fire, but came down the stairs only to see Matt's face frozen in amazement, and the look below on little M's face. Way to go buddy!

side note: my husband couldn't do it either!

Thank you son for pulverising my nemesis- I owe you big time!
______________________________________________________

Your such a Tramp jumper

Enjoy once again the pix.

Now if only we could get C to look at the camera. As for M he has learned to do a flip (without hands, he'll tell you).

Little buddy wanted his turn; his favorite thing is to attack his brothers with dad's help

BOOM!

POW!

THWAP!

Gotcha, now look at how cute I am.

___________________________________________

Scampers

It's the way she likes it, but he prefers otherwise.

This next one was almost 18 months in the making:

1st the Laundry room for a goodnights rest,

2nd the boys room for slumber,

now and probably lastly our pillows for all night fun

Proof that a dog sleeps in our room....this is a big step for me!

____________________________________________

I Slip - You slide (or cry)

We got this for nine buck o' rooneys

( totally a word found in a dictionary written by Mickey Rooney)
Hours of fun.

While they were doing that, he was doing this......wanting that glorious piece of plastic

________________________________________________

Happy Birthday America

Tradition : to make oreo's

Tradition: to make ice cream

Tradition: to do fireworks

Happy 4th of July (late).

We had to lay a few ground rules down:

Rule #1: No touching the fire crackers

Rule #2: No blowing each other up

Rule #3: And no breaking rules one or two

And we're off

Our friends came and got hold of the camera

(Really we asked them to take pictures).

(This is what we got).

Whose are these?

I don't even want to know where he got this from..... it's what I like to call TMI.

(No butts were filmed in the making of this redneck production)

Give me some of this

Aside from those, we got some great fire craker shots.

Does his foot look close to anyone else?

Now for the classic sparkler pix's

This is what his face look like the whole time

You made it to the end. Happy Happening from us.

Happy Dad's Day

2009-06-21T17:34:00.000-07:00

"It's a wonderful feeling when your father

becomes not a god but a man to you-

when he comes down from the mountain

and you see he's this man with weaknesses.

And you love him as this whole being,

not as a figurehead."

Robin Williams

Today I want to express appreciation to the men in my life. First and for most... My dad

He's gentle and kind,

Knowledgeable and spiritual,

I love him more then words can express.

The next man that came into my life was

Matt my husband

My protector, my strength

my love, my all

the father to our children

I love him for it all!

Last my certainly not least, (I just truly met him last).

My second dad

He is wonderful and spunky,

Smart and savvy,

My life would not be complete with out him

"Safe, for a child, is his father's hand, holding him tight."

Pam Brown,.1928

Thank you men for being friends, fathers and companions, I love you all!

Our Room

2009-06-11T09:09:00.000-07:00

So I wanted to relieve some of my creative juices and have been thinking about this for a few days. This my friends is what I hope to have for a room some day. Granted the rug alone was a whopping $9000.00 (Matt will tell you I have expensive taste-just because of that doesn't mean everything, if anything, is the expensive purchase-I do have some brains on me to know better). My goal is to find similar things to create a room like this on a poor man's budget. It will be fun to see where this adventure leads. By the way the color in the background is the paint color-we may just start there......

News

2009-06-10T08:44:00.000-07:00

Farewell

When you say goodbye to an old friend you don't stop talking about them, you give them a goodbye tribute. We welcomed our good friend into our home almost six years ago.

It's been many places with our family......

(I'm not sure what these pictures have to do with anything.... moving right along). We (as it's family) wanted to share with you it's final days of picture taking.

Warning: These are heart felt, moving pictures, you may want to grab the tissue box now, I'll wait!

Without further adue I give you the glory days of this camera.

Farewell camera we love you and will miss you deeply, enjoy your next adventure!

___________________________

P.P.P.P.P.P.P.S

Hi it's me again....you know the one, the one who likes that processed-say it's good for your kid's-baby food. Just letting ya'll in on the progress of my eating habits. I've moved on to mommy and daddy's food, but am not only eating table foods (insert applause). Next big step in life is to become President- I know you're all not into Obama's politics; that's why I think a baby should run the White House, that way when heads of state see this face

There will be no more arguing, no more war, because after all, we babies have got us some very good manipulation tactics.

That's right I was talking to you.... Now change my diaper, I'm ready for my nap.

Peace out, G

_____________________

Batman's been sighted again

But this time, he's using our trampoline, again I repeat if there is crime about, Batman is busy!

___________________________

Brotherly love

I (mom) was minding my own business when I happened to look down the street at this...

It was so cute, seeing them struggle trying to ride a single person bike, but when all else fails this happened!

Leave it to big brother to step in.

___________________________

Mexie Man

I know you all think this post is going one way, and I'm totally justified if it does, the story goes something like this.

Matt was washing his car in mid 90's heat, when a blinding light overcame me, and I realized, "Oh it's just his shirt coming off."

He chose to do the "get wet while washing the car to cool down like you're in your swim trunks but you're not cause you really just want to be less white on your chest", thing. Then he put on his cowboy hat (because after all we do live in Texas, and he is a native Texan) and started wiping down his car on this hat day.

He proceeded to ask me, " Do I look like a cowboy, baby?"

Of course I said, "Well......You were actually just blinding me!"

To which his response was, "Not what a husband wants to hear."

Just then one of our neighbors pulls out of his driveway, while rolling down his window and says,

"Matt you need to get a little sun."

(See, he agrees with me) then he drove off.

Then we had another neighbor drive by also rolling down her window and say,

"Eye, yi, yi... You look like a Mexican!"

'White' Cowboys... Mexican... they're all the same right?

(our neighbor that said this happens to be from Mexico-so it must be so).

I'll let you be the judge

Cowboy....Mexican?

He will probably say his "child bearing hips" (yes Matt has hips) look fat or something...Either way he looks good to me!

______________________

Move over Beethoven

Can they play....No

Does it bother me....No

Will they be taught at some point.....Yes

(this is what G and C were doing while M was playing)

__________________

Smile

Our youngest has found a new smile of late, and here my friends is what we get to look at if we make him laugh just right.

Goofy but I love it!

_____________________________

Lastly........................

So how often do you speak Polish?

That's fine, neither do I.

How often do you hear Polish?
Alright, I may hear it more then you.

How often is it that four people from one mission are in the same state?

Those who live it Utah are excluded from this question.

Well on Monday night this exact phenomenon happened, at a good 'ol place called T.G.I. Friday's, the same meeting spot for said four individuals in said mission place of Poland.

Happy mission honey, and great to meet and eat with all ya'll.

Posterity's Sake

2009-05-28T08:09:00.000-07:00

So call it being overwhelmed.....stressed......depressed.....or something else, all I know is that if I did not have some dang cute posterity to share my life with, I would not be doing this post today! I did run across this thought said by a gentlemen by the name of Sterling W. Sill, and it has helped give me the momentary fix I needed to write this to you all today:

"One of our most unfortunate weaknesses is that we think we are under sentence to remain forever as we presently are."

I'm determined to change this feeling of 'whatever' and search for brighter skies that will heal the ache in my heart, and give me the hope that keeps me smiling through the pain.....which will heal too.

That said, this was our past five day weekend-really I did have fun through it all, I think everything finally caught up with me physically and emotionally - that's all.

Thursday: Matt started his long weekend, which we determined would start fantastic.... we surprised the boys with free tickets to this place-

We began taking pictures

Did I say pictures......HA, HA, HA that's funny because our dieing camera decided to not ever turn on after this ride and this picture, the rest of the day was undocumented (this was sa-pos-to be the 'other' thing we planned for Matt's birthday) any how, if it's any consolation, we had a blast, riding all the rides we wanted to and doing a little thing called the parent swap.
I think it's time for a definition,

Parent Swap: (Par-in-t S-wa-p) parents are able to enter through the exit of a ride-skipping the line all together- and ride as a single passenger/rider - be it in the very front of the Titan, or the edge of Batman-these parents (who would be riding by themselves anyways) get the pleasure of keeping happy campers as kids while they enjoy their own fun at the amusement park of their choice. (all said in one flowing breath, explaining the continuous sentence).

Friday: G had to go into the Dr for his 9 month visit

He only had to get one shot, but we also had to travel the five minutes to Cooks Specialty Clinic to have his finger pricked (for all intensive purposes) his anemic levels......Which he passed with flying colors.

LATER
(after prepping the house a little) we went and finally got a dang-diggy-dog Camera

In'it be-u-te-ful

it takes pictures like this

The color is so divine, in one word FABULOUS!

LATER: Cleaned some more into the wee wee hours of the morning for Saturday

Saturday: BABY SHOWER

Attn: all those of you expecting a million and one pictures please refer to Cass' blog,

I wanted to leave that to her, but I will share with you my favorites AKA highlights.

I love that I set up the crib from Sis L for all the presents.

These dresses-whoever came up with that idea is a genius....Oh wait that was me!

The whole room

OK so this isn't everyone and really if your looking at this picture your probably not even looking at anyone because your eyes have found the delectable goodness of the food behind them. That's right, you all are lying to yourself if you're not looking at the food, because after all, that is the real reason we go to parties.....for the food!!

(If you need me to check the statistic's on that I will.....I'm looking......I'm looking.....Awe yes we're Mormons and if we mention there will be food, we'll always get a better showing, invite guys and pretty much it's a guaranteed 100% showing, add chocolate the women wouldn't miss it)!

While we are on the food, I loved these cute little beut's

Her reactions to the gifts were priceless, every single one!

This little CAMEO from the G (he needed mama's you know what's) but I love that he was there and that Matt watched the kiddo's and that my hair looks dang cute.

Favorite game

That's right people those are diaper hats and we are proud of it!

All in all it was a great event. Many thanks to all those who came and contributed to the group gift and the advice and those from afar

Thanks to:

DB for your help from Ashville

L? for the way awesome video

LC for the delicious fruit platter

MR for the cream cheese filled strawberries

SW the nummy potato salad

CK for the melt in your mouth Brietta bread and spread

AS for the cuter than life baby rattle

LF for the diaper cake

MW for the twisty pretzels

CE for her help for family matters

JK for answering all my questions and going the extra mile your wife was amazed

And really it's like I've just won an award and the music is playing I'm being kicked off the stage as we speak-Thank you all.....Thank you mom for having me....thank you dad for calling me your little eliption (that's French for beautiful)...Than (the body guards have me now)

LATER: We got this for free from our neighbors.

your probably wondering if our children liked it as much as we did, well if this doesn't say it I don't know what does.

Believe you me, there's hundreds more, but we won't bore you with that.....or maybe we will?

LATER: I was too tired to make dinner so we used a gift certificate and took the family down town

And ate food that looked like this

I know what you're all thinking....but you are not Dumbledor and this is not a pensive and you can not go into your screen and eat this too. What I can do for you is tell you that it was a meal that fell into my mouth and was juicy and hot and flavorful and man I can't wait to go back.

Sunday: Me, and the boys stayed home from church - they were sick, dad went and came home later

Apparently eating a window sill makes everything better!

Monday: Memorial Day

So Matt got one of these from the scouts and put it in himself

Thus we get to look at this on certain holidays. Thanks honey!

LATER: we enjoyed a movie "Night at the Museum 2" it was great.

All weekend we watched storms, here are a few of my favorite highlight pictures!

After all that I'm exhausted and I'm ready for a break, but telling you made me feel lots better.

Thanks for sharing!

After Math

2009-05-14T06:34:00.000-07:00

What is "after math"? It's simply that! The effect on things, people, or life after an event. Call it injustice, but, sometimes what happens after can't be helped. This post is for all the happenings and after math of two events.

1st Mother's day.......
When we got home from church, Matt had gotten me these (ask him, he's not a roses kind of a guy)

After Math

The boys picked me these

(He went to get me five but came in with six....Luck-eee)

(Hey just because they picked weeds, I'm not going to tell them that they're ridding the yard of unwanted things, and I'm not ashamed of that).

(After math of these flower's are in the landfill as we speak)

2nd Matt's Birthday........

His day (birthday style):

woke up to a sign (as he already stated in his 'love post')

We surprised him at work @ 11:30am (cupcakes, and Star Wars mask's were a definent must)

Made him an ice cream roll up cake

Had his Favorite dinner chicken enchilada's

Went to look at a riding lawnmower (for a new side job he got)

It was sold when we got there (don't worry, he wasn't bummed).

I know hold your excitement, he had so much fun you all can't stand it! Just so you all know, we have other plan's over the extended weekend next week for his birthday, which we will blog about.

Here are the office surprise pix

My personal favorite, three grown men in all their rough and tough self's decided the perfect picture was the Charlie's Angel stance while wearing Star Wars mask's (this definently won't ever, well maybe, OK definently will be used as blackmail later on, possibly blown up really big, so that they can display it in their cubicles).

(L-R Matt, Randy, Justin-if anyone was wondering, because I know you all were)

And as if this were entirely planned, but it wasn't I assure you. This is just another sign as to why I might be a little crazy.....I'm just saying!

Like father like son's

(Now for the after math)

(I know he's just a kid, but in his defense, these cupcakes were mutant cupcakes, they had about as much frosting on top as cake on the bottom)

(more afters)

Now for the little guy, first, some of you may wonder if this child cries. Well, here is proof.

He's not getting any cupcakes

As quickly as it came

It goes

He's such a happy baby

So the after math of things isn't always pretty, but it sure gives you a reminder of the good time you had-even if a maid service needs to be called into clean it up-Shhhhh don't tell Matt!

Pretty pix's Matt took

The beauty of this Earth can't be masked by wars,

The beauty of this Earth can't be found in-door's.

Inspiring, majestic, a gift from above,

This Earth was given as a sign of God's love.

Best Wife EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Written by Matt)

2009-05-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

Okay - so Emily is definitely the one that blogs on this site, and I just procrastinate posting on my own blog, but I had to get on and let the whole world know how special she is to me. She wasn't feeling well this morning and she still came downstairs when I got home from Seminary to see my reaction on the sign she made me and hung up in our kitchen (our little tradition) last night, and to say Happy Birthday to me.

Then at work she just dropped by and pulled a Mr. Deeds 'sneaky sneaky' on me and brought the boys up with cupcakes and ice cream. Is she not the coolest?! She gave me some really cool gifts (one of which I'm already eating - SUNFLOWER SEEDS ARE THE BOMB!)

Baby, you're more than any man could ever ask for, and I'm so happy that you're my wife. Hopefully this posting will surprise you 1/10th of the amount I was surprised by seeing you 4 at work:)

All my love - your hubby

Happy Birthday!!

2009-05-12T06:16:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to the BIG MAN

How I love you let me count the ways (the ways... in years you've occupied this Earth)

1.Good looking (MEOW)

2.(so as not to think I'm vain) Spiritual

3. Hard working (YARD..... need I say more)

4. Athletic (check out that chest)

5. (along the same lines) Strong as Heman baby!

6. Model like (HE, HE that's for you honey)

7.Great Dad (the best)

8.(Also) Great Husband

9. Smart (school smart....street smart G-dog, fa-shisle, Ma-nisile- aparently I'm not)

10. Seminary teacher (I love you for it)

11. Level Headed (maybe some times it's more geared to....let's say projects...But you still keep things cool)

12. Funny (not funny looking)

13. Energetic (Hummm......I Wonder where the boy's get it)

14. Awesome kisser (we don't need to explain)

15. Awesome other 'stuff' (wink, wink) (again this is only in here because your a guy, and let's face it....)

16.Computer genius (every girl needs one of these, it's like the Geek squad 24/7)

17. Your so not the Geek Squad!

18. Foot Ball fanatic (I'm saying this because it shows that you are passionate about something, and that shows drive, and I'm totally trying to justify to myself why you watch it)

19. I get FOREVER with you (self explanatory)

20. Your 6'4" (I don't know if you knew that)

21. Smile (man that dimple gets me every time)

22. Provider (me's got's to have me some money's)

23.Responsible (you know what you need to be doing)

24. Complementary (Of your wife)

25.Dishes (Among other things you do)

26. Would take a bullet (or a nail for me or the boys)

27. Worthy (This means more than words can say)

28. Attention to detail (In everything you do, even if you say it will take you five minutes, and 30 minutes later your in the house-because you were paying attention to detail)

29. Best person I know (aside from myself, and my dad and mom, and your parents for that matter, and we can't forget my great aunt Sally, oh and Fido-he was a good dog, the best friend any girl could have asked for, so aside from them that makes you the 7th best person I know, but still you're under 10 and that saying a lot, Oh wait I forgot my siblings and yours and my pet spider Tilly, OK so that still put's you under 20, I guess I should have said the Prophet, and Bishop, and my Savior which should have been first and then all the brethren, So your one of the 100th best people I know..............;)

Honestly thought you are one of the best, I sure got lucky

Happy Birthday honey from the bottom of my heart.

MOM

2009-05-10T11:40:00.001-07:00

"God does notice us, and he

watches over us. But it is usually

through another person that he

meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital

that we serve each other in the kingdom."

Spencer W. Kimball

That person would be my mother.

With her beautiful smile, infectious laugh and attitude, knowledgeable about everything self-

I couldn't have picked a better mother then her.

Thank you mom for choosing me

Life would be amiss if I missed the other mother who adopted me in

With her sweetness, her charming attitude, and advice about all things , including financial-

I sure got lucky to fall into a mother like you.

Thank you for loving me as your own!

To mothers

The holiest words my tongue can frame,

The noblest thoughts my soul can claim,

Unworthy are to praise the name

More precious than all other.

An infant, when her love first came,

A man, I find it still the same,

Reverently I breathe her name,

The blessed name of mother.

George Griffith Fether

Again to mother's all over the world, especially to the one's in my life- I am a far better person because of you both.

Love always, E & M

Daddy This is For You!

2009-05-07T06:54:00.000-07:00

With the title in mind, Dad has no idea these pictures even exist. So with out further a-dew

I present M trying his hand at putting in contacts (just like dad).

Conversation went as follows:

Me: "What are you doing?"

M: "Putting in contacts, because I'm going to put contacts in when I get older!"

Me: "Really, hmm...Hey can we practice things for when you meet your kindergarten teacher and she asks you what's what?"

M: no response putting in contacts

Me: "Ok, count"

M:"1,2,3....."

Me:"Ok, now the ABC's"

M:"A,B,C....

Me:"What color is this?"

M:"Black....Blue.....Red....White,gray,blue,yellow..."

Me:"Oh, I got it, what color is this?"

M:"Orange, now could you be quiet mom, I'm putting in my contacts now!"

Very sorry son, I didn't realize! By-the-way he was on the counter during this entire conversation.

_________________

Hours of Fun

The title says it all, hours of fun....until the water dispenses and makes a really loud sound, and I cry.

If it makes G feel any better, Mom and Dad did the same thing when we first got the machine.

_____________________

Classic Bath shot

(Disclaimer, these pictures are very appropriate, please invite everyone into the room now)!

What can I say but... isn't he soooo cute! (We have similar pictures with all our boys and this same towel. I'll try to find them and post all three later on).

Just Read to Get the Appropriate Title:

2009-05-04T06:11:00.000-07:00

A while ago I said, I don't do anything....What? Do you want me to blog with pictures of my kids watching TV? Well, that was a lie (fhew, that feels good to get off my chest). It's amazing to me to see how-in a matter of weeks-life can practically get out of hand.

Enjoy the happenings of the Durk-o-clan...

Before and Afters

So my good friend CK loves before and afters, this little 'beaut' came from a little list by the name of Craig, and it was found in a little section called FREE- All credit goes to Matt for finding it.

If you don't know already what this is, it's a china hutch. Notice how first of all I started sanding it before I took a picture, and second it only has one flower gold handle-when it should have six. Third you can't see it very well but there are little flower motifs carved into the wood. Lastly-which cannot be captured in a picture-is the lovely aroma, of badly stained wood and smoke...yeah, I think I just threw-up in my mouth.

Here I am hard at work. Check out that form-only the pros work like that.

So pretty sad and lacking before shot's but, I did take quite a few more afters, and boy are they amazing-we think so anyway, you can be your own judge. Matt and I had fun staying up late in the garage working on this puppy. He did a wonderful job coating our entire garage with sawdust while I taped off the glass and did the stuff I do best. Matt still has to install the 'puck' lights with a dimmer switch, so look for even better afters than these!

Check out the details

Sanded edges, new knobs (six of them)

No flower motifs on doors, new hinges on one panel for better access...

Lastly I finally get to display all my wedding china...all two place settings.

Thirty bucks later and we got a china hutch, thanks honey for the good find.

___________________________

Continuing on With the Before and Afters

My baby was in need of a hair cut, I should say that this is completely foreign to me, cutting a babies hair before they are 18 months, my last two were considered bald until then.

so here are the before pictures at nine month's

and here are the afters

Lookin' good son...lookin' good!

________________

How Old Are You?

Is that my BABY? Yeah that's my baby climbing the stairs by himself!

Only 9 months old! I'm doomed now.
_________________________________

Randoms

The point of this picture is to look at where he placed the guns. People I'm not making this up, he came down the stairs like this.

How many more things can he add to his body... Here's a subliminal message.... look at the boy, don't look at the room behind him, you are looking at the boy, the cute boy with the Lego's in his hand and rope attached to his side and satchel slung over his shoulder, not the room in the background, it is a fuzzy blur, you only see the boy.....did it work?

And lastly my favorite!

I hear, "Mom, mom look what I made!"

Me, "WOW, what is it?"

"It's a....what do they call them, a spand..."

Me,"A un-a-tard."

"No what dad wears"

(My, my I just realized you are all wondering what kind of a man Matt is....Well let me continue with the conversation)

Me, "Oh a wrestling singlet."

"Yeah, aren't you impressed?!"

Me, "More then words can say!"

_______________________________

Ward Camp out 2009

I do have to admit, I love camping. Not the using the outhouse bathrooms or the forest floor which at times I've done (don't lie to yourself and think I'm gross...you've all done it too, and if you haven't everyone should experience a leaf wiping once, to really enjoy the benefits of the 21st century, ie, charmin double ply-just make sure you can identify the leaf first, there are ones out there that would leave you with a not so pleasant experience.....)Any who, not to get off on any more tangent's, I love to camp-my whole family loves it too. I love the night sky, where a billion stars can be seen at one time. I love the smell of a campfire, and the joy that goes with it like smores, stories and songs. I love the sounds, the crickets chorusing their song, the wind moving the long grasses, or the coyotes chorusing with in feet of our tent singing us to sleep with their haunting howl.....twice (can I be honest I thought it was the dogs at camp, it wasn't until the morning that I was told otherwise). I love camping!

Big thanks to the Amon's for everything! It was a blast and I can't wait to do it again.

Our new tent

Inside pix's

Baby camping

Our spread

Warning for those faint of heart...these next pictures are a little scary, but Matt insisted that we try it.

No babies were hurt in the picture taking, just really curious.

We had a great time!

This is what we narrowly missed! 65 mph winds! We got rain like a mother (whatever that really means) but no tornadoe. What a blessing we weren't camping Saturday night - even if it would've been cooler!

I Know, Really.

2009-04-15T05:23:00.001-07:00

One's mind thrills at the fact that this is two blogs in one week, but I'm also doing it at 7:30 in the morning, otherwise it would have been another three weeks before anyone heard anything.

Here are the updates.....since two days ago.

Batman

Batman's has been sighted at our house as of late. Ever since Easter when the Easter Bunny got this - on clearance - for a certain individual.

Some of the activities he enjoys doing are:

Riding his bike

Swinging on swings

(and yes that is Indiana Jones-to be seen in a later post)

I know there will be more doings of the Batman at our house, but for now if your looking for evil to be fought, get on the list because Batman is busy doing more important things at the moment.

____________________

New

Now I know most may claim this but in my case it's true- I have the best husband in the world! Many of you may not know this but I have a shoe fetish, more girls then you may think have this same fetish! But, when children come into the picture or... your dirt poor this 'fetish' gets put on hold. Not today my friends-it's been almost two years since I've been able to nurture my 'sole' with a new pair of shoes. Two years since I've had new blisters that ache from hard faux material.

Two years-but boy were they worth it!

(My husband sent me to the car to get the kids in and said he'd surprise me with one of them, and he came out with two - sneaky sneaky! Oh I should say two years since we've bought shoes, my mom has gotten me shoes, but it was far more dramatic this way).

________________

12 Spots

7:30am I got a call that there was people waiting in line-for what you might ask? Well my friends this has been a big deal in our family for quite sometime-this is a line for M's school-that's right my oldest is going to be going to kindergarden.

Needless to say I rushed up there - PJ's and all three kids- and waited until Matt got there and from about 8:20am until 6:30pm when the doors opened to let all sunburn adults in, Matt waited. Thanks honey;) When we got in the doors they announced they only had twelve spots and to look at the top of your paper and there would be a number- what's this I see, that's right, number 7...bam baby! My son's going to the best school ever -for him anyways. At least we didn't have to be as die hard at the 4:30am individuals.

(Matt and I kept thinking what a blessing this all was-Thank you Lisa for being such a big help we couldn't have done it without you, and we want to thank our Father in Heaven for all our blessings, we truly are blessed and feel the Lords hand in our everyday lifes).

____________

You Ain't Nothin' But a Hound Dog

As promised to the family, the King has entered the building (said in the voice of a circus ring master). M and C were Elvis for our ward talent show. They did a great job and had a blast dancing on the stage, wiggling their booties!

(Thanks Amy for taking and sending these pix's)

Thanks for reading!!!!

And the Hit's Just Keep on Coming

2009-04-13T07:34:00.000-07:00

"Welcome back," I said to myself from a distant place we like to call mommy land. You know the one, where you talk to yourself about lists of things among these lists are: groceries lists and to do lists and other various list's that only we mom's seem to be aware of. Let me explain as was stated by my therapist-and I think it needs to be repeated-men are on a football schedule...you know those four 15min quarters that equal an hour, yet when one sits down to watch said game it miraculously ends up being four hours (this is their perception of time). Which totally explains why only mom's are aware of these lists of things that need to be done in a single day.

Have I successfully distracted from the fact that it's been awhile... once again... since last I posted, will if not hopefully these updates help:)

"Can We Go to Disneyland?"

My kid's have been asking this question lately.

So thus a solution

Du, da, da, daaaa (insert drum roll)

This also takes care of extra change around the house from little idle hands.

Let's see how long it takes us to get saved up!

OWIEEEE

M decided that a PVC pipe and a swing went together.

Apparently not!

If I forgot to mention, it was while he was swinging on his stomach and trumpeting with a 2 foot PVC pipe and the ground was less then 2 feet away, yee-agh (pause while I exhale)you put two and two together.

(No he did not need stitches because the Quinn family step in a papa Quinn fixed my little guy up, Thanks for always being willing)

An Evening With a Camera

Big thanks to dad for catching these extraordinary moments, so thought provoking, so moving I especially like the one's that brought your fingers to your nose in such a way that if one looks deeply we might get a special surprise! Amazing

We promise not to used these as blackmail in the future... we promise!

(I place my crossed fingers over my heart)

Covered in Cuteness

Can I eat him yet?

No Words For This

Is that a bucket on his head?

Yes...yes that's a bucket on his head!

Happy Easter

What a great Easter.

We had fun finding eggs, eating wonderful food, and going to Church.

Plus (shameless plug now) look at those awesome ties;)

Now for these babies, pl-ease don't I just have the cutest boys!

Tribute and a whole bunch of other Crap...I mean stuff

2009-03-30T11:18:00.000-07:00

Warning this is long and again I'm getting good at the waiting until late to post:

_____________________________

Apparently I really am going brain dead, because I can't seem to pin point when this

Happened. If I had to guess-which I'm going to do-it happened some time in December-that's the last time I remember hurting it, why it decided to institute it's workings of pain now I have know idea. Which leads me to believe that I hurt it in my sleep sometime-falling down the stairs outside and hitting it on the concrete-because that would make since....right? It would make up for the reason why I can't seem to locate the proper time and place, and would help me feel like I was not completely losing my mind.

By-the-way if anyone knows a good DR for this, my ears are opened-I can't promise I'll remember though-brain damage and all!

_______________________________________

Tribute

Who better then the one who wasn't as accepting

(goes to show you I'm not completely heartless)

In Memory of Dustmop

Dustmop passed Friday night! She fought a good fight, but lost after her frail body could no longer take it. She was such a good dog, always loving and loyal. She was a good big sister to Scampers. She was tolerant of kids. She was calm and friendly. Most of all she was our loving dog these last 14 months. My boys loved her-almost too much, and Matt grew up with her. While Matt's parents have been on a mission, everyone decided that it was best to have her in a loving house, especially since she was so old. We are glad for this opportunity. My boys still ask about her with loving reverence. Cooper even asks when she's coming back-what a great thing it is to be a member of this Church, and know that we will get to see all our loved ones again...even sweet Dustmop.

Thank you for allowing us to watch the dogs-even if it's not always easy!

___________________________

Helping Dad

We always seem to have an abundance of projects to work on the list this past little while:
Put in closet light: Check
Paint boys room: Check
Rearrange boys room: Check
Move G to own room: Check
Add another swing to swing set: Check
Fix downstairs toilet....again: Check
mulch for yard: Check half of it/still need other half
Paint G room: Still need
Etc, Etc, Etc

______________________________

Scampers....the other Dog

After Scampers lost her sister-a great deal of effort has gone into making her feel loved.

We let her go out front-which is hardly ever allowed-and she was running and having fun.

Just then Matt scolded her for doing something (I forget now) and Coop decided that he needed to jump on the band wagon. Here is what he said,

"Awww, Scamper Thomas...NO!" repeated, "Scamper Thomas...Scamper Thomas!" all while pointing his finger and shacking it at her face.

(I'll let you in on a little secret. Coop's name is Coop Thomas....I have know idea what would give him the idea to call Scampers that.)

________________________________

Gav is Crawling

OK if you call scooting along on his stomach at unnaturally fast speeds for a baby, then he is crawling.

And sitting up....no really sitting up.

________________________

Snap

I put this at the end of the post, in hopes that most of you probably stopped reading a long time ago, but for those of you who are go getter's, and also to those of you who requested the official story... let me tell you...and yes I include in the readers who hopefully stopped reading a while ago my husband, because this is that story and he is that person.

I'm sure you all remember the post, baby baby who's got the baby....awe snap he's still at home, while this is that story enjoy.....

Once upon a time, while mom (that's me) decided to venture out to share some talents and meet with ladies with similar talents (Crafts people, I don't know what you were thinking, but stop). It was Rather late in the evening hours, nine to be exact! And the littlest Durkovich had been fed and tucked ever so nicely into warm little dreamland. The other two older Durkovich kids, were up 'helping' dad in the garage with a project for their school the following day. Both kids where getting a little restless-it was nine after all (a good hour and half past their bedtimes). But all three guys were determined to get this project done and clean up too.

Work space in our house is limited and the the garage had been emptied for such an endeavor needless-to-say cars had been pulled out and had to be pulled in. Dad asked the boys to climb in the car and he'd join them in a minute. He entered the car, with tiredness looming in the air, he said, " Let's take a little ride down the street!" Well the street turned into the block, the block to the neighborhood, and the neighborhood turned into exiting the neighborhood- it was that point the Dad had an epiphany, which resulted in an 'awe SNAP moment' which turned into racing home, to see if the littlest Durkovich was still sleeping soundly.

Littlest Durkovich was unharmed, the boys were only gone two maybe five minutes, and everything was still as it should be.

Morel of the story is-this is to the parents first-put your kids to bed on time! As for the middle kids, learn to count! it may come in handy someday when your parents forget to count your other siblings. Sweet babies, continue to eat warm milk and sleep soundly! You don't know when your parents will leave you and it would be nice to know that upon that most unfortunate event that you remained sleeping and safe.

The End!!

P.S. In Matt defense, I'm usually home when he's cleaning up the garage and he has NEVER left our kids before.

P.P.S my sister also said that her husband may have left their littlest one as well-see it's practically becoming a trend, but not!

It's Been Awhile.....Hello friend

2009-03-13T07:13:00.001-07:00

Do you all want to know the honesttruth? Of course you do, that's why your here! Our camera is currently disposed-OK it's dieing a slow and sad death. These happened to be the last pictures that I caught on the technological relic (you all know what I mean, it's a relic because the second it was made, it's technology was obsolete, because something new was created). But here are a few titles of blogs I would have had otherwise.

1st this blog

Mama P.S.

Dear Mama....

P.S. This baby food I'm ashamed to admit is wonderful. I know I went off on you about how it was scum found on the bottom of a boat, but really it's delicious-when prepared the right way of course. Thank you for the continued effort, as you can see me face and belly appreciate it!

Blog 2

Chomp, Chomp

Looky one and looky two,

I got teeth how bout you.

(that's right folks the G has two teeth)

Blog 3

Baby, Baby who's got the baby

Awe SNAP he's still at home!

(you have to ask Matt on that one, I promised to plead the 5th)

Blog 4

I Can't Die

Coop said, " I can't die!"

"Why"

"Because I'm made of plastic!"

(good to know for future reference)

Blog 5

My body's a Temple

Matthew said, "Mom how is a house made"

"Kinda, like bones, but it's made of wood, and then the walls you see now are put on top of the wood"

Matthew, "So the house is made of wood, but I'm not made of wood, I'm made of a temple"

(me parent, me proud)

Blog 6

Love you

Mom, " I love you to Pluto (the planet) and back"

Coop, " I love you to Pluto, Micky Mouse and back!"

(we teach them young to loooooooove Disneyland).

Hopefully we will get a small camera soon, because it's just not as fun, but my family history has to get out somehow!

Nostalgic

2009-02-17T12:12:00.000-08:00

"I was asked, 'Where are you going?'

I replied ,'Where dreams come true!'

'Where's that?' they said.

'My childhood!'"

We visited Utah recently, the place of my childhood. I was unaware of how much I truly missed it, until it started to snow and everyone who lives there daily, merely passed it with little more than a glance, I however stopped while time stood still where I sat in one place and stared out the window, in awe of the little white flakes falling to the earth. It reminded me so much of my childhood, how I would stare out these same windows- now dressed with new paint and different curtains- even though life had changed for me, this would never change- I would always have this to remind me of simpler times, and dreaming days.

Enjoy the pictures of my youth.

Now it's fitting that I share some things that the children shared while in the place of my childhood.

Story 1

While trying to get the children to bed, big brother fell asleep right away, but middle brother on the other hand did not!

He was told by Grandma, "Cooper you need to listen and go to sleep right now."

Cooper said, " I don't want to listen and I don't want to go to sleep!"

Grandma, "Awe, Cooper, what would Jesus want you to do?"

Cooper, "Jesus would want me to play!"

Grandpa, "Well Grandma you walked right into that one!"

Story 2

Big boy Durkovich has been really concerned about death lately, and we finally had a break through.... conversation went something like this:

While talking to Grandma, " I just wanted to go to my house and play with my toys (after he dies)."

Grandma, "Well, you won't need your toys because you'll have all your cousins, mommy and daddy, grandmas and grandpas"

Matthew, "Really, I'll get to play with my cousins in Heaven?!"

Grandma, "Yeah!"

Matthew, "That sounds like fun, I can't wait to go!'

Grandma, "I know!"

Matthew, "Can we make a paper chain, so we know when we can go?"

Grandma, "Well, I don't think so, because we don't know when!"

Matthew, "Oh....I sure can't wait!"

(Me neither buddy!)

Story 3

This was said by Matthews and Cooper's cousin:

Grandma: "Aren't you going to miss Matthew?"

B: "Yeah....But at least now I won't have to be Indiana Jones anymore!"

(I wonder who the strong personality is in that relationship?)

We all had a blast in Utah!

Thank you Grandpa & Grandma for getting us there,

Aunts & Uncles for loving us there,

And to cousins for being forced to play Indiana Jones and being good sports about the whole thing.

We Love you all, and miss you already!

Yummy my first eating!

2009-01-12T10:06:00.000-08:00

Letter from G written to mom:

Dear mom,

These so called pea's that you are feeding me are not my favorite thing.

I wish that you would cease and desist this action, of feeding me with a spoon.

If you want my opinion (and you do, because otherwise I will cry really loud and you will be very sorry), I prefer that thick sweet liquid that comes from only you. I like the warm sensation as it fills my insides and sends me to sweet dream land. I like how my belly shakes with gladness after it has been filled just right.

So please, please.....PLEASE stop feeding me these awful, nasty's, that the manufactures call healthy for your little one. Just tell them I'm sticking with you.... for now:)

Love your little angle, G

P.S. If I appear to be smiling, it's only because Daddy is making such weird faces, not because I'm at all interested in this crap!

Strike!!!

2009-01-12T09:20:00.000-08:00

Story:

A Family Bowling Outing

Once upon a time, in the dingy alley of bowling-ville,

There lived a family, who wanted to find a thrill.

They searched high and low, to find the best price,

one dollar bowling, without any mice.

They went and they conquered, this family of four and a half,

with strikes, no gutters, a few spares and a laugh.

When the end of our story was setting in,

The family decided this outing was a shoe-in.

They had lots of laughs, and the best thing of all.

They were together, and they all had a ball.

The End!

The Terminator & Buffalo Bill

2009-01-12T09:13:00.001-08:00

Enjoy these, they both were trying to be Cowboys, and scared Dad when he walked in the door after work, Cooper with his guns a blazin'............

This kid's packing heat that's for sure!

Helping Dad

2009-01-12T09:08:00.000-08:00

Apparently helping Dad comes before putting ones pants on!

Who Knew!!

He can do it

2009-01-05T20:11:00.000-08:00

It is officially, official

Coop doggy dog can use this............

Call it his mothers insanity finally won out... and he felt compelled to use it, that or....... I love my children! Two down one to go.

(Oh yes and desserts did play a very important roll in all of this, Santa was coming and he was used to our advantage).

Happy 2009

2009-01-01T07:53:00.000-08:00

We'd like to be the second or third or the tenth.....to wish you a

very Happy New Year!

May you all be happier.

May you all be healthier.

May you all be loved,

and love more deeply.

May your home be a place where the spirit can dwell.

We wish you a Happy 2009!

Ketchup

2008-12-29T09:10:00.000-08:00

These next four blogs are once again catch up (I was just fooling you with the name, wahahahahahah, I'm so tricky). While I was wasting time, doing what I'm grateful for, all this happened (this is what happened in the order it happened). Enjoy!!

Nude and Fuzzy

2008-12-29T08:52:00.000-08:00

First off...... get your mind out of the gutter, I'm talking about

the nude- of a baby

and the fuzzy- of a bear

Doesn't get any cutter!

Idea

2008-12-29T08:32:00.001-08:00

This was the very first Christmas that Matt and I had to do all by ourselves, so this was a tradition we hope to do every year from now on.

I sent everyone out of the room while I made dinner, and upon entering the room I had all the lights out except for one large candle, and four little candles. I asked the kids, "What did you notice first".

Wahoo!! They said, "The tall candle mom".

I then said, "Yes, that is the star of Bethlehem". I went on to explain how this was a two part meal, first it was a simple meal, like something Jesus would have had; and second we were going to eat and remember the birth of the Savior:

Goes as follows with what we had.

Peta bread (Christ, we need him for everything to work)

Ham (Mary, she was the vessel that gave her life to have Jesus)

Cheese (Joseph, he was there to hold the earthly family together)

Lettuce (Shepherds, They work in the fields of grass)

Apples (Wise men-I did three apples cut)

Dipping Carmel (Wise men's gifts)

Condiments (were the Heavenly hosts of Angles singing)

The table was set up with Christ and the star in the center. Then Mary, Joseph, Shepherds, Wise men were placed at the four corners. And the four stars were placed around the edge of the table, with the condiments placed on the side singing towards the center.

Hey it may be cheesy, but it was fun, and it helped the boys, we then did our own Nativity scene as we told the story, it was a great night.

Because after all was said and done, on Christmas night as the boys were getting ready for bed, Matthew turns to Cooper and says, "Yeah bud, Christmas is all about getting gifts, that's what Christmas is about!"

They can be taught!!

he added later, "oh yeah and about Jesus" all while rolling his eyes and waving his hands.

Christmas day before and afters

2008-12-29T08:04:00.001-08:00

The Children were nestled all snug in their beds......

And then the dang sugar plums woke them up and this happened.

It was a good Christmas!

Proof

2008-12-29T07:09:00.000-08:00

This is proof to you all, that I am around boys far to much..........

How I wish I could have...Should have dreamed about this last night

But no THIS was my dream instead

............................................

I dreamed about this guy

But really he could fly so I'm thinking it was this guy

But a good version, because I called him Optimus. Any how, he was babysitting this guy

and went to eat lunch with these people

When I finally met up with them, he was just eating with them, and I reprimanded him and asked how did you get here? Did you transform into a car, or did you fly? He shyly said, "I flew"...Even though he knows he should have transformed to protect my son....how careless of him, well see if he gets to watch my son again!

I really am going mad........

Days 7 and 1 of 12...

2008-12-24T21:00:00.001-08:00

Continuing on with the 12 days in 6.......

Item #2

This one is close to my heart, item number 2 is my family. Now my immediate family is so very important to me. I have a husband who is utterly amazing, and three beautiful children-we've all heard the saying that parents say, "it's like they've always been here!" It's so true! I'm also grateful for my extended family:

My parents- thank you for always encouraging me

Matt's parents-thank you for taking me in and loving me

Jamie & Mike- thank you for being a spiritual rock to me

Suzette & Andy -thank you for your true love and support

Eric & Laci -thank you for making me laugh and being my friend

Melissa & Greg - thank you for sharing your 'special' days with me and Matt

Kyle- thank you for treating me like an idol, in a good way.

Cristall & Harper- thank you for always being so thoughtful to me

Natalie- thank you for opening up to me

Jason - in Heaven above, thank you for being my spiritual guide.

And many other thanks to those of you who I think of as family, you are my daily support. Here's to family!!

And a beautiful one it is!!!

Item #1

It's finally here (you are all saying). My number one reason for being happy, grateful, and giving me a reason to smile daily, is my Savior Jesus Christ. My heart aches with love for Him and His sacrifice for me. I am forever indebted to Him for giving me such a gift. I would be selfish if I decided to give up and not try (when at times I feel that's all I want to do). I owe my Savior my life, and with that come the ability to do my best daily. I love my Savior, He is the light of the world, He is the Savior of all mankind, and He is the source that keeps me going every day!

Merry Christmas!

Days 8 and 2 of 12...

2008-12-24T05:46:00.000-08:00

Continuing on with the 12 days in 6....

Item #4

My number four is beautiful in every aspect of the word.

My number four is inspiring.

My number four is wonderful.

My number four is a gift from above.

My number four is the LDS temple, in all it's glory it can make traffic stop,

it can comfort a faint heart, and it can lift up the weary.

Enjoy this scrapbook of pictures, these are just a few of the temples.

Item #3

I'm grateful to be a member of this church, for without it I would be a lost soul, roaming the earth wondering if I had a purpose. Without it I would wonder if I would see my brother who's passed. Without it, the pains of this life would be unbearable, the love I had would feel pointless, and the life I lead would have no real meaning.

I love this gospel, and bear testimony that this is the one true church on the earth today!

Days 9 and 3 of 12

2008-12-23T04:48:00.000-08:00

Continuing on with the 12 days in 6......

Item # 6

Children! Now MY children are wonderful, but today I'm talking about children in general.

In all their innocence.

In all their energy.

In all their excitement.

Oh, to be a child again and have the wish of your own heart.

I am thankful for children....Here's to playing without a care, laughing like it counts, and discovering new worlds your parents may have forgotten; I give you children!

Item #5

I'm sure this looks familiar to all those of you dragging daily to provide for you family. Today I am ultra grateful for Matt's job. In times like this having a job is a gift! Working the 9-5 (or in our case 7:30-5:30) doesn't seem so bad. Working and gaining money in these economic times is a miracle. What a wonderful thing.......a job, who knew!

Days 10 and 4 of 12

2008-12-22T05:21:00.000-08:00

Continuing on with the 12 days in 6.....

Item #8

When it comes to nature I am a total sucker for the beauty thereof, nature in all it's splendor makes my heart sing rejoice for this blessed creation. Let me try to paint a picture for you of my number eight.... imagine if you will (close your eyes....wait you couldn't read....OK peak with one eye slivered), imagine a hot practically stifling day (those who went to church yesterday can do this quite easily). All your clothes are attaching to your wet sticky body, you feel the sun beating on your neck, as if someone was holding a large magnifying glass over you so that the big ball of fire can-like a magnet-hon all it's magnificent power on that one spot...sizzling....burning! Just then a sign of things to come begins, a slight breeze brushes across your face lifting a lose hair away from your face. On a day like today it's not cool, but it sends relief over your body, over that burning spot in the small of your neck... that blessed sensation is an element of nature, that my friends is the wind, it makes me so happy!

Item #7

Again as if I totally planned it all, I have two things that coincide with each other perfectly (this might change in days to come). Item number seven makes my heart skip beats when done properly.... the FOUR seasons (and yes I said four)! Now in all fairness to each season, I am a true believer in fairness, each and every season needs time to it's self, time to wallow in the splendor and mold that season to the glory that is only hers.

Give me a spring that is crisp and beautiful, with newness all around. Where colors that have been sleeping wake up for a sight sensation.

Give me a summer hot with the sun. Where I sit with face stretched towards heaven, milking in each and every ray.

Give me a fall with golds and reds in their element. Where the earth is preparing itself to sleep, so it decides to put on it's version of a grand finally...BOOM blood red....BANG daffodil yellow.....CA-BAM pumpkin orange-leaving it's audience awestruck and amazed.

Give me a winter full of white fluffy snow. Where a body can freeze, and be warmed by a fire. Where one can stair out a window and watch as the snow begins to fall, so light, so magical.

Four seasons are the best!

Days 11 and 5 of 12

2008-12-21T05:47:00.000-08:00

Continuing on with the 12 days in 6.....

item #10

Food...for which I'm entirely thankful for! In all it's glorious goodness, let's just say I could NEVER be anorexic, I LOVE food far too much! If I had to get specific-and I do-Lasagna would be my food of choice any day, thank you food Gods for creating such a meal. Enjoy the visual sense of this beautiful dish...is your mouth watering yet?

Also, I'm going to cheat, I'm doing two foods, for two reasons. First this is my blog and second I would be lost with out the delicious wetness of an orange. This savory goodness-when picked right, and I know how to pick em-are the perfect morning/afternoon/evening snack. My childhood would have been amiss if oranges did not exist.

Item #9

This I also am grateful for, the Scriptures! How complimentary that the feast for the flesh and the feast for the soul fall on the same day (I totally meant to do this double thing)! I would be completely lost without said book, there have been many times in my life where I turned to the scriptures for help, they make me feel closer to my Savior ( especially when I am studying those sections). Big heartfelt thanks to Joseph Smith for translating this wonderful gift, the Book of Mormon.

12 Day....6 Days of Christmas

2008-12-20T05:44:00.000-08:00

I wanted to try this out......

For the next six days I'm going to blog the twelve days of Christmas (yes even on Christmas day), since I missed the real twelve days of Christmas, I'll do it in six... times two (it totally makes complete sense to me, but I'm crazy like that)!

Here it goes (now these things are things that touch me, that I'm grateful for, or that just plain put a smile on my face).

Item #12

Painting my nails... Now this just makes me completely happy. Matt got me a nail buffing kit for Christmas one year, and when I actually sit down and do it (possibly while the little ones are watching Cars or Polar Express for the gagilionth time) I just feel better!

Item #11

Should it be any surprise that I love glitter?! Crafting with glitter, shiny stones, beautiful paper embellished with a sheen; this could make a girl all warm and fuzzy inside, and that my friends is a fact!