February 21st

I finally got the boys ready in time to ride their bikes to school today. It's been a while and they weren't very happy about it. Blake went to preschool and had fun, but couldn't remember anything they learned. Kambree had dance class. Loved it! And is learning a cute little song about her dad. I think they are going to perform it at the next parents day. I'll have to record that for you!
I had a babysitter come and went on Relief Society Visits tonight. As always it was nice to have a minute for myself. When I came back they were playing a game called "darlin' I love ya". It was funny. We played it a little after I took Trinity home and the boys loved it! They wanted to just keep playing and playing.
Anyway, not much to update today. Love ya!

February 20th

Today was Presidents day - so no school. In the morning I called the kids all together and said I wanted to talk to them. Carson said "What you want us to do work and then maybe we'll go do something fun". I must be predictable. Michael just cried. Blake totally ignored me and Kambree didn't even gather in the first place. Sound familiar.

So yes I told them I wanted them to clean the car and then we would go do something fun of their choosing. Surprise, surprise they chose fiesta fun.
Anyway, because of their lack of willingness to do what I asked, things didn't go so great. They ended up cleaning the car, the back porch and the sandy clothes they left outside from Friday. And I took away Fiesta Fun. Great start to the day, right.
We then went and took the check to your mom and visited with your parents for a little bit. Then I took them all to Walmart because we were running dangerously low on food. We stopped on our way out and got Subway and took it to the park to eat. Carson and Michael both ate a full six inch sub. Wow, they are getting big! We enjoyed playing at the park. That is until Kambree peed her pants and we had to leave. So nice.
Then we came home and the kids played with friends and we enjoyed the rest of the day at home. Not too exciting for a holiday.
My parents called and are going to come down on Wednesday, so that will be nice!Oh and on Sunday I finally finished an "approved" poster for the Relief Society party. What a hassle. I don't like it as much as the first one I did, but I'm glad to have it done.We love and miss you.

Sunday

Well, Sunday might be officially the most boring day without you. I woke up at about four o'clock. You know that feeling like you know somethings wrong and it wakes you up. Well that's what it was. Kambree had gone to bed with me and when I woke up she wasn't there anymore. I soon discovered she had fallen off the bed and was asleep on the floor. But, my heart was racing by then so I was up for the day. Kambree woke up at about five and was begging for a cartoon. So we had an early start to our day.
It worked out good though because we were totally ready for church by 8:20. It was nice because I had a few minutes to put dishes in the dishwasher and straighten up a little before we jumped in the car.
We went to church. The kids were good and I really enjoyed Sunday School and Relief Society. Maybe it was just nice to be away from the kids and with some adults. Then I ended up having our presidency meeting at my house because Heathers family was sick. I sure was thankful I had those few minutes to straighten up the house. They were all amazed that my house was so clean on a Sunday morning. Wink, Wink!
Then we just hung out at home. We made peanut butter popcorn and chicken pot pie. And then I paid bills and delivered all the checks that came in the mail.
I let the boys stay up until 9 - since there was no school tomorrow. But by then I could barely keep my eyes open, so I made them go to bed and I jumped into bed too!
I know I told you this already, but when we were getting ready for church Kambree did the cutest thing. She heard a noise by the garage and with arms open wide she went running toward the garage door and yelled "Daddy, I missed you!" She must be sensing that it's been longer than a normal hunting trip by now. She was cute and embarrassed when she saw it wasn't you.
Obviously we all miss you.

Saturday

Well, not much to say here. The boys played the Wii game we rented almost the whole day. And good mom that I am, I let them. I'll have to control that a little more tomorrow.

Today I finished up the skirt I started yesterday. Then I had a babysitter come and I went to see "The Vow" with Louise. It was her birthday, and I really enjoyed a good excuse to get out of the house. The movie was good, but I think I was so excited for it that it would have been hard for it to be great -- you know what I mean?
Then we just hung out at home. Fun right?
I did make lasagna for the kids.(Always feel good when I cook them an actual dinner!)
Then the kids went to bed and I put in the redbox I got for me yesterday. Guess what movie it was -- one day. That terrible movie we watched with Kevin and Brooke. I totally forgot we had watched it. When I put it in I was SO disappointed. There was no way I was watching that again, I just found a netflix movie to watch instead.
Wish me luck tomorrow, hopefully nobody will pull the fire alarm.

February 17th

Well another day. Today after the kids headed to school I took the two little ones with me to Joannes. We got fabric to make Kambree another nightgown and three skirts and Michael some pajamas. Then we headed to Smiths where I did a little couponing. I know I haven't used those skills for a while. It felt good to get so much food for so little.
Then we came home had lunch and headed to the park. Little Valley park was totally overrun by a soccer tournament, so we just played at the little one by the baseball fields. I think the kids liked it even more than the big park. After about 45 minutes we walked down to the school to pick up the kids. (It was a beautiful day!)We walk back to park and played until everyone needed a potty break.Then the kids played with friends - and I sewed this skirt for Kambree.Then it was time to take Carson to a birthday party. A girl in his class was having a party at Anti-gravity. So we drove him over there. The other kids were sure jealous - sure they have never had as much fun as Carson was having.
We came home and I started making another skirt. Then I went to pick up Carson and get some Red Boxes. I even rented them a Wii game - which officially made me "the nicest mom ever!"
We had dinner and I finished making the second skirt - except for the pockets which will have to wait until tomorrow. We watched Dolphin Tales. It was a pretty decent family movie.
Then everyone - except Carson who prefers his own bed - slept in bed with me. Lucky mommy.
Random stuff:
Bought some gatorade - Kambree calls it alligator.
Kambree is having serious potty issues. She's peeing her pants like three times a day. So I broke out some bubble tape I had left over from Christmas as a potty reward. Now she is doing great again.
Love you and miss you!

Pine Wood Derby!

Well, exciting day around here! Thanks to you and your sweet Valentines gift my house is sparkling clean. The kids were even looking forward to my gift because I told them they wouldn't have any chores the next day. It feels so nice! Thank you!

We did the usual preschool and friends. I was suppose to make a treat to take to pack meeting. So I tried a new chocolate chip recipe. It turned out great. I know you like my other recipe, but I've been having trouble with them looking flaky. Anyway excited to find another one we like.

And then we also had the pinewood derby. Carson was so excited. We got there and he was .1 oz over. We wittled some off and then weighted again and he was .2 oz. over. Crazy. So Aaron Bolli drilled quite a few pieces out and it still weighed .2 over. Then Casey Gubler tried to drill some out and accidentally drilled a hole all the way through!Carson handled it well though. He could have been so upset, I was extremely proud of him.

Your mom showed up, and brought all of Tiffany's kids with her. It was nice of her to come.Then the racing began. They sure have a system worked out for that. No room for parents or kids to get upset. It's all very fair. Really different than when we were in scouts forever ago.

Carsons first race he(and I) thought he won, until the results came up. He took second. He took second the next race and then third. He was having fun though and wasn't too disappointed. Then the last race he took first! I was so excited. I just wanted him to win once.This picture is of him when the car is coming down the track that last time. See that fist, he could already tell he was going to win. He was excited. -- and can you see Michael watching in the background. He is such a supportive brother. He was as excited as Carson.

In the end he took sixth place out of around thirty kids. Pretty good, for his first derby.

His car was awarded most innovative. I'm sure he liked that it was a big word.We came home and crashed into bed.

We miss you. Kambree keeps talking about you and saying stuff about what you'll do when you get back, or asking where her dad is - especially when we get into bed at night. And Michael has been collecting a pile of treats for you to have when you get back. They miss you. And so do I.

No pictures!

Today was a pretty laid back day. It was filled with school and preschool. Kambrees playgroup got canceled so she and I just hung out together. I cleaned and cleaned getting ready for your Valentines present. Which is pretty much what I did all day.
I also made a new "tag" for treats that we will take with us on our Relief Society visits.
Carson was funny and insisted on walking part way home with a girl from his class today, even though it was raining.
Then I made no-bake cookies to take on our visits last night. Courtney came over to watch the kids. They were all so excited, they love having her. Funny though that they said they don't like her when she has friends come with.
Visits went good. We dropped off two birthday gifts, met and visited with the new couple that moved in the new house by Bart. And we visited with Terri Berguson. --- And I was home by 8:45. I'm never home by 8:45. I was tempted to run to Wal-mart for milk while I had a babysitter, but I had left my purse at home....next time, next time!
However, it was nice, because I got home in time for Revenge. You know I like that show.
We love and miss you. Hope you get a little busier today!

Happy Valentines!

Well, today was a much better day. Thank goodness. I was wondering if we were going to make it!
Kambree came in to sleep with me part way through the night and then shortly after Michael made it in. He was so funny. He had totally rationalized a story on his way down the stairs. He was all "it's a different reason this time. I had a dream that I got lost from you and I just love you so much!" That kid sure knows how to sucker his mom!
We got up, did chores and took the kids to school. It was a nicer day today, weather wise, but still wet and we did get some showers off and on throughout the day.
I took Blake to preschool, he was so excited for his Valentines party. While he was at school Kambree and I headed to Albertsons so I could get the kids a gift for Valentines Day. It was a nice surprise to hear from you while we were there. I've really missed talking to you during the day. Thank you.Then I took Kambree to dance (she was so insistent about taking her teacher a gift - because the other kids were, so I let her get in on the action and take her teacher a gift. She was SO excited and ran right into dance to give it to her.) and I ran to get some fabric to make her a new nightgown.Then we went to pick up Blake. He had lots of fun at his party and was especially excited about all the treats he came home with.(He was sweet and shared a lot with Kambree.)
Then I cleaned, I got quite a bit done and the kids played upstairs, it was nice.
At about two we headed to help in Carsons class. I was in charge of the craft. This little creature, love bugs, is what we made. The kids all liked it and I think they turned out cute. Blake and Kambree were kind of a handful while we were there, but I let them play on the playground right outside Carsons classroom door and that helped.After the little party they passed out treats. Carson gave Davi the little Valentine he got her and she gave him one. This is it.Wow Davi sure got ripped off! I felt kind of bad for her.
We picked up Michael, who had also enjoyed his Valentines parties and headed home. We had a very relaxed afternoon. None of the kids wanted to play with friends, they all just hung out at home and explored their loot. It was nice!Kambree fell asleep around five which made the night that much easier.
We had pink heart pancakes for dinner. The kids liked that, Blake even had two huge servings.Then I worked on Kambrees nightgown. I was kind of spacey at one point and sewed the sleeve into the armpit, instead of the top of the arm. So I had to unpick the whole thing, but other than that it went smoothly and I think it turned out cute and the neck line is much better.It was nice to talk to you tonight. It sounds like things are a little boring, I hope they pick up fast! I know you and you don't do slow paced. Other than that it sounds like it's going pretty good. I wish we were there for you to come home to. I am sure that would make it a little better, but I'm glad Kurtis and Jenny are making you feel at home!
We love you and are really missing you. I'm glad your coming home in two weeks instead of three. For some reason that seems more do-able to me. I love you and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

3 days down, 103 to go!

I am glad to hear your first day went good. The first day is never very exciting. But I am sure they will see your a fast learner and you will soon be wishing for a day with some time to just sit at your desk!
Sorry no pictures today. It was kind of a rough one! The day started out pretty good. I got a phone call from you bright and early in the morning. It was nice to hear from you. The phone call woke up all the kids so we got a good start on the morning.
I got out the whiteboard for chores again and they got them all finished up before they left. While I was going through Carsons backpack I found this.
So funny. If you can't tell what it says it says. "Dear Carson M., Thank you for being my valentines. You will get a big treat. You are so, so, so, so, so awesome. You are the only one I really know so thank you Carson M. P.S. I think you are kind of cute, don't tell. Love, Shelby"
So funny! I love that I found it. When I showed him I found it he was so embarrassed. I asked him if I could read it and at first he didn't want me to, but he changed his mind. I'm glad. I really wanted to read it! After I read it he said "I should have thrown it away when I had the chance." Poor kid.
It's been raining here since Saturday so I drove the kids to school. After we did some more house work and then Melissa called and wanted Blake to come play with Luke.
So while he was playing I ran and took care of all the insurance issues. I also returned the library books (which I found in Kambrees closet)
Then I got to host Blakes two hour playgroup. It went good. I think it was the turning point of my day though. Usually I think his playgroup is pretty easy, but it was harder for me today. Everything went well with it, except Gage Greer fell of the trampoline and left with a big lump on his head. That's always nice. I love telling moms how their kids got hurt at my house!
It was a teacher prep day so the kids got out at two. They played with friends and then we ran to the store because I am doing the craft for Carsons class Valentines party tomorrow - I still needed to get the supplies. Carson brought some money and spent a dollar on some chocolates for his new valentines "Davy". I'm still not sure I should have let him buy it, but in the end I let him. I asked him "won't you be embarrassed when the kids tease you about it." And he said, "what's the big deal, everybody know's who your Valentine is. It's not embarrassing to me." I don't know, not sure I know how to deal with that yet. We spent the rest of the night writing names on valentines. I'm glad I got those all made earlier, it sure made it nice on me tonight.
I also made this print out that I attached to a box of brownie mix for the kids teachers tomorrow. I learned some cool stuff about photo shop while I was making it and I'm excited about that!
Anyway, Kambree has been so destructive the last two days. Yesterday she got the Cool Whip off the counter and rubbed it all over our bed, and also poured a cup of hot chocolate on the carpet. Today she wrote with marker on her nightgown and the couch(luckily it was dry erase so it comes off easily.) She also poured a packet of fun dip all down the hall and on the carpet. Obviously I somehow need to watch her closer!
I was kind of a grouchy mom in the afternoon, I feel bad. Hopefully I will do better tomorrow.
Wish me luck .... I think I'm gonna need it.
Oh yeah, and your mom called to see how we were doing, if there was anything she could do to help. That was sweet of her!

Updates for Dad

So, Shan moved out to Kansas this last weekend. He's taken a new job that he is so excited about. He's been going to school for what seems like forever and is now getting a chance to use all that knowledge! I'm excited for him and so, so proud! He's ready to be done crawling in attics, digging ditches and abusing his body!
I've decided to use this blog to be able to show Shan what's been going on here in good old St. George.
Saturday was hard to see you go! Hard to believe you actually left. We spent the rest of the day playing with friends, watching movies and cleaning the playhouse. Wow did it ever need it. It had so much sand in it, but now it looks like new and will be fun for the kids to play in again, now that it's getting warmer.
Sunday went really pretty good. Carson was a big help for me. I got them all up at 7:30 and we started getting ready. Good thing because once again......wait for it......Michaels shoes were missing. I know your shocked! We got there plenty early and the kids were pretty decent during Sacrament meeting. Carson took Kambree to the bathroom and to nursery so I could stay in Sacrament which was nice. And Kambree went right to nursery for Carson - I was worried.
Only exciting thing that happened was that Carson pulled the fire alarm during the switch between classes. At first I wanted to be upset when I found out it was him. But I think it was just an accident, he was just checking it out and he was so ashamed. Poor kid was in tears and so embarrassed that everyone was looking at him.
After he apologized to the bishop we headed to the kitchen to give him a minute to compose himself and then he came to Gospel Doctrine with me. After just a minute of being there the teacher asked a question and up shoots Carsons hand. I tried to hurry and put it down, but nope she called on him. Luckily he gave a good answer. Crazy Kid! I got all kinds of comments about how he is turning rebellious after you being gone just one day!
After church was extremely boring. We made a cake to celebrate Kambrees real birthday. The kids all liked that.
We tried to go on a walk, but only made it as far as the mail box before it started raining on us. So we turned around. That was okay though because we got my parents gift to Kambree from the mail. She got more pollys and they all enjoyed playing with those for a while.
Don't you love Blakes face when I tried to take a picture of him playing with the dolls?
After dinner (yes I made them white chili - proud of myself for that one!) We headed to bed. We read part of first Nephi(the Illustrated version) and talked about how they could be like Nephi who prayed to have his own answer about moving into the wilderness. We talked about how they could pray and ask for their own answer about moving to Kansas. I thought it was good. We said prayers and then called you.
It was a lonely night for me. I did some dishes and then headed to bed. I know it's crazy but watching TV with you is somehow not as lonely as watching by myself.
Kambree keeps asking where her daddy is and Michael has teared up a few times when we talk about you. We miss you but are doing well! We are hoping your first day at your new job goes well today, that you really like it and the people you work with!
Love you!