Swiss days

Swiss days is the one thing I look forward to every year. Once summer is over, I get excited because its just around the corner. Mom has been going for a very long time and I have been going with her the last 7 years. I love it. Mom and I get to have a special one on one time and its a blast. Its basically a weekend of shopping and fun with the girls.

We started our adventure in Kaysville with a little shopping at their shopping center. I was on the look out for some maternity clothes. Once we were done there, we met up with the rest of the group in Salt Lake at a store named Gygi's. Some kind of kitchen store. We stop there every year. Once we were done we headed for Heber to check into our Hotel and settle in. Once settled, we had some dinner and relaxed for the night.

In the morning we got up early, got ready, ate breakfast, and headed for Swiss Days. We get a killer parking spot each each, we have lucked out so far with that. I think its because we go so early. Then we walk our way around all the booths. Mom and I have a system. Instead of going into each and every booth, we walk down the middle and glance at both sides. If something catches our eyes we stop. If we were to stop in each booth we would be there forever. Mom and I made record time this year. I guess there just wasn't much that caught our eye. We bought a few things for Jenny and a few things for ourselves.

I found an awesome Family Home Evening kit. I have been wanting ideas on how to put one together and here it was. It was a little expensive, but it's something that we will be able to use for years, so the money will be worth it. I also got some maxi skirts and a dress along with a pair of brown swagger sandals. I really didn't get much this year, but I really didn't have a ton of money to spend, so that was fine with me.

I almost forgot, I got the kids a gift too. I found a minki for Owen. If you know my kid, you know that he loves to drag around his blanket and/or an old burp cloth. With baby on the way, I needed to figure out an option where he wouldn't freak out when baby has his old blankets. Mom found the minki booth and showed me this little blanket. Its bigger then a burp cloth, but smaller then a doll blanket. Hopefully this will make the transition smoother. Since I got Owen something, I had to get Gabbi something as well. She was much harder. I eventually found a princess wand that had a crown on top. She likes anything dress up and it was purple, her favorite color.

Once we had had our fill of Swiss days (i.e. the shopping, the crowded rows of people, and the scones of course) we headed for park city, another tradition. It really is the perfect shopping weekend because everyone had their Labor day sales going.

I found a pair of maternity pants, which I was reluctant to buy because of the cost. I never spend that much on one pair of pants, but when you've been looking for months now with nothing to show for it, you take what you can get. I was also able to find Owen's Halloween costume. I can't wait for that one.

After 2 hours shopping at the outlets, we called it quits and headed back to Heber. We unloaded the car and got comfortable. We stayed in the rest of the night. Mom and I were sore and just done. I have never been so sore. That was a lot of walking.

That night brought show and tell; where we each get to show the treasures we found at Swiss Days and then it was time for bed. I fell asleep rather early. Well it wasn't early, but it was early for us. In the morning we got the car loaded, ate breakfast and headed on our way. Our first stop was to the Traverse Mountain Outlets in Lindon. Another glorified mall. Mom and I took our time, we weren't really looking for anything specific. We both bought a purse and some yummy chocolates. We had lunch there as well. When we were done with our shopping we left the group and headed to Salt Lake to wait for the play to start.

This years play was Tarzan. I look forward to the play every year because its not something that we normally do and I love theater. Especially musicals. The play was absolutely wonderful. It reminded me a lot of the musical The Lion King. The costumes were amazing and the actors were fantastic. For a small time theater, it was Broadway worthy. Best part of the weekend. When the play was over we took the long drive home while the rest of the group went and did some more shopping. I was glad to be going home. My ankles were swollen, my back was killing me and I wanted a good nights sleep. It was a great weekend, but I was ready to be done.

Link toys

While I was waiting for time to pass for me to leave for Swiss Days, I was downstairs with the kids. They were watching a movie. While sitting there watching the show, Owen decided that he wanted to play with the link toys. On his very own he started to pull them out of their contained and put them in groups. The groups were matching patterns. I couldn't believe it. No one had shown him this and he just did it. Smart kiddo.

Gabbi came in after getting ready for school and wanted a piece of the action to, but Owen did not want her help. Eventually he let her play. I was a very proud mamma.

Birthday continued

To finish up with my birthday, Ben wanted to go out to dinner. While I was at mom's work she offered to take the kids if we wanted to go do something. We took her up on that offer.

When Ben got home, he got cleaned up and hit the computer. He had an assignment due that night. While he finished his homework I got the kids fed and ready to go. It took Ben a lot longer to finish his homework assignment then I thought it would. He just intended to start and finish when we got home. I made him finish it completely before we left, just in case.

When he finally finished we dropped the kids off at my parents and then headed for dinner. He took me to Olive Garden. It was a lot of fun. I haven't eaten there in years. Our waiter was hilarious. It made dinner service seem like dinner and a show. After we were done eating dinner we had to stop at the grocery store real quick and then we headed to get the kids.

When we got home he surprised me with one last gift. A pasta bowl cooker. The one that used to be on the T.V. My brother has one and one night when we were over there for dinner they used it, I thought it was awesome and told him that I wanted one. He searched and finally found one.

First day of school conclusion

Well the first day went off without a hitch. When picking her up she wouldn't stop talking the whole way home.

First she told me about being able to play on the playground, that was not surprise. I knew she wanted to play out there. She then told me that they got to color some pictures, but they weren't to come home, they were to stay in the classroom. One of the pictures was a picture of herself. She mentioned that her teacher colored it and gave her the wrong hair color, but I'm not 100 % sure about that.

When asking her if she was a good girl for her teacher, she quickly responded that she was. I hope that is the case. She can have an attitude that can drive anyone crazy.

After picking her up we headed to Nana's work so she could tell Nana all about her first day. Nana asked her a few questions and she shyly answered them all. I don't know why she was acting so shy while answering the questions. She was being pretty silly.

Her favorite question was about friends. She very excitedly told us that her seat buddy is a little girl named Emily. She also said that all her new friends wanted to chase her on the playground. I really do hope that she had a wonderful time and that school becomes a place that she wants to be at not one that she dreads going.

First day of school

Not only did I turn 30 today, but Gabbi started Kindergarten. It has been a day of mixed emotions. It definitely doesn't help that I'm pregnant either, I'm already an emotion/hormonal wreck.

When I got Gabbi up this morning, the first thing she asked was if it was time for school. She wasn't excited at all ; ) I told her no and her smile left her face so quickly. I reassured her that she would be going to school today, it would just be after lunch.

The morning seemed to go by very slowly for her. The kids played nicely together, so nice that at one point they got so quiet I had to go downstairs to make sure they were still there. They were playing hide and seek. Only they were both hiding. Maybe that's why they were so quiet for so long. Eventually it was time for lunch. When she sat down, I told her that she couldn't mess around because we had to get her ready for school. She ate so fast I thought she was going to choke.

When she was done eating, she cleaned up her area and headed to get dressed in the outfit she had picked out herself. A purple frilly top with black leggings pants. We went into the bathroom, did her hair, brushed her teeth, got her shoes on and then she was ready to go. We took a few pictures of her with her back pack and then got loaded in the car.

When we got to the school she jumped right out. We walked hand in hand up to the front doors, through the halls of the school, right down to the Kindergarten hallway. She walked into her classroom with confidence and walked right over to where she was to hang up her back pack. Her teacher asked her if she had her supplies in her bag, which she did. She happily pulled them out and helped her teacher put them in their designated spots. Then she proudly went and found her seat, with no help from me. She's such a big girl. I bugged her for a few more pictures at her desk, gave her a kiss and wished her luck for her first day.

Walking out of that classroom was harder then I thought it would be. I made it to the parking lot before I started to cry. My baby girl isn't a baby anymore. Then again she never really was my cuddle baby, but it was still hard to leave her there all grown up. I hope she has a great first day. Once I pick her up, I'll tell you all about it.

Sad note: When we arrived at her classroom, Owen went straight for the books. He wanted to stay and read books with Gabbi. I told him we would come back later and he happily put the book back and we walked out of the classroom. When we got to the car I think it finally hit him. Gabbi wasn't coming home with him.

I put him in his car seat and he went hysterical. He was crying and very upset that we left Gabbi there. When we got home it got worse. He kept asking me if he could play with Gabbi. He wanted his big sister's company. I sadly laid him down in his bed for a nap and told him when his nap was over we would go pick her up and then they could play. He sadly said okay and I shut the door. He continued to cry for another 5 minutes or so. Poor buddy. He misses his Gabbi and its only the first day.

Happy Birthday

I can't believe it, I turned 30 today. Some of the girls I taught in Primary would tell me that I'm now old. I hope that's not the case : )

When Ben left this morning he gave me a kiss and wished me a Happy Birthday. I couldn't go back to sleep, sadly enough, so I decided I would get up have some breakfast and get ready for the day. When I walked into the kitchen to get a bowl of cereal, I found a pile of things on the counter.

On top was two different kinds of licorice. One bag of variety Red Vines and one bag of Twizzlers nibs ropes. The ropes are my favorite. Then I found some drawings from the kids and at the bottom of the pile a bag with musical instruments all over it. I opened the bag to find 2 song books from my favorite musicals. Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera. I love these 2 musical and I absolutely love their music. I have been singing the songs from both musicals all morning long.

Funny side not. Gabbi came in while I was going through the song books singing the songs. At one point she asked me to pause singing. I looked at her and said, "what?" She then told me she would be back and she wanted me to pause my singing until she got back. She went downstairs to get her blanket, then she came back upstairs to cuddle on our bed while listening to me sing. Funny girl.

Thanks honey for the gifts, they're perfect.

Motorcycle

As some may already know and for those who don't, Ben is in the process of fixing up his dad old motorcycle. It's a 1980 something. Some may think I'm crazy for allowing him to own a motorcycle, but its something that he really loves and is very excited about. He also has a little street legal dirt bike as well, but it needs a new carburetor for it to run more efficiently. So when he's done fixing up this one, who knows; maybe he'll might fix up his other one.

Anyway, he has been taking it apart to clean and polish it. He has also been assessing what new parts he will need to get it running. After a few weeks of this, he has finally decided what he needed, has ordered it, and the parts have arrived. He has been wanting so badly to go back out and work on it, but his new class just started. Nagging wife says he has to have his homework done before he can go out and play.

Either way, he can't wait til he can ride it. When ever I send him on little errands, he reminds me that he could have done that on the bike. He's funny, but I love him for it.

The motorcycle waiting patiently for it's new parts to be put on

Box Elder Fair

After a leisurely morning, we headed to meet Brian and Karen so we could all go up to the Box Elder Fair. When we got there, they hadn't come home yet. We knew that might be the case, since they were at the Temple that afternoon. So after talking to Karen's mom, she told us to go ahead and go, and we would just meet them there. So that's what we did. 

When we got to the fair we took our time looking at a few things here and there. We took the kids to go see all the animals which they loved. They both tried to talk to the animals thinking it was awesome when they made their animal noises back to them. After walking around the animals and getting a peek at the booth's, we headed over to the carnival rides to see how much it was for the kids to ride a few rides. When seeing the prices neither of us could decided. It was prices in some regards, but the kids do love them. So we decided to wait until Brian and Karen got there to see what their girls were going to do. 

When Brian and Karen got there we walked around the fair getting to take a better look at what the fair had to offer. Gabbi was so excited to be able to show Ellie all of the farm animals. They walked hand and hand. It was so cute. Owen climbed in the stroller with Cami and they had a blast as well. Once we had seen all the animals, we decided what we wanted for dinner and sat down and ate. That's when Nelson and Deann joined us. Dinner was great. Ben and I had some Polynesian food that was incredible and the kids had pizza which they devoured. Once they were done with their pizza, they also ate some of my food which I was glad for because I couldn't eat it all on my own. Once our bellies were full we went to walk the booths.

They had a lot of neat things in the booths this year. Some I would have liked to buy from had I felt the need to spend/waste money on. However, we did get a toy for Owen for his birthday. (Hope he likes it) Once we were done walking through the booths we of course had to go and look at the trailers/RVs. Ben wants one some day, so he likes to look and see what some options are. These of course were way out of our price range, but it was still nice to see a home away from home. 

By the time we had had our fill of the sights, the girls asked to go play on the rides. I was glad that Brian and Karen had decided not to let their girls go on the rides. It really was expensive and I couldn't see spending that much money for only a minute of enjoyment that they would soon forget. Gabbi wasn't happy with me, but we explained to her that we were there to spend time with family, not ride the rides. 

After making our way through the crowd we headed to the pavilion were Deann was waiting. She went to go get some seats for the concert. Rough Stock was playing. Once we had found Deann, sadly it was time for Brian and Karen to go. Brian had to get to work. So we said our good-byes and sat down to wait for the show to start. 

While we waited for the show, they had music playing and the kids had a blast running around on the dance floor. They needed a way to get their wiggles out and I'm glad that was it. I didn't have to chase them or anything. We could see the whole dance floor from where we were in our front row seats. Once the concert got started, the kids found other kids to dance with and just had a blast.

At intermission we decided that it was time to go. It was getting late. Way past the kids bed time. I was surprised that they didn't fall asleep on the way home. I figured we had worn them out. No such luck this time.

Pregnancy

I'm am not one of those Women who loves to be pregnant. I don't like it at all. I like the end result when I get to hold that child in my arms and care and love it forever and ever, but getting there is a nightmare for me.

This time has been no different. Some days are better then others, but all in all its just a struggle to like/enjoy this time in my life. The newest development: swelling in my hands and feet.

I never swelled with the other two, so this is an entirely new experience. I don't like it. When I walk around, it is a really annoying feeling from my feet. Its worse to me then the sensation of walking on your feet while there tingling after falling asleep. Even after I have gotten off my feet for a while hoping that that would help, it still hasn't changed. My hands and fingers aren't as bad, but the swelling hurts the joints in my fingers. It has made it occasionally hard to grip things. When you have two very active children and a house to clean, that can become a struggle in and of itself.

I know it sounds like a really dumb thing to complain about, but having never experienced it before, it's really uncomfortable and annoying. It makes me not want to walk around or do anything at all, and that's not good.

Journaling

You may have heard this a time or to if you have ever been pregnant. If not, you can skip my rant and go on to the next post.

The statement that I am referring to is this: "You don't even look pregnant." I know people don't mean nothing by it and even mean it as a compliment. But for some reason that statement drives me crazy. I've thought a lot about that statement since I have been pregnant because I hear it all the time. Today I have come to my conclusion as to why I hate that statement. Here it goes.

1. I look pregnant; to myself at least because I do not look the way I did before I got pregnant.
2. I feel pregnant (i.e. baby moving around inside of me like crazy)
3. I have gone through all the crap (morning sickness, heartburn, swollen ankles, aching back, etc.)
4. I have paid for it (the cost of all the appointments/check-ups, the maternity clothes, etc.)
5. I have been on and off the lovely emotional roller coaster. (Hence my journal entry today)

In conclusion: If I've gone through all of it, still going through all of it I would like to be noticed as such (i.e. pregnant). Being pregnant is hard, its no walk in the park, and to not be realized as such is kind of sad. Not that I really want to bring attention to myself because I don't like attention to be drawn to myself. So why I even care about that statement is really beyond me. Like I said, I'm still on that emotional roller coaster.

Scriptures

So after evaluating how we are doing in life, Ben and I decided that more could be done to have a more spiritually minded home and family. We looked at what we could do to do that. One decision we made was to have daily family scripture study.

At first I thought that it was crazy. Our kids are young, how much would they understand if any of it and how much would we actually get to read and enjoy. Our Stake president asked us to read at least 15 minute a day; so we decided to make that our goal.

We had a family home evening lesson on the importance of the scriptures and then we had the kids help us pick out a Book of Mormon reading chart. We picked some stickers and we started our goal.

The first few nights were really hard. We have the children Book of Mormon Stories book which we thought would be good to help keep the kids interested in the scriptures, but they just fought over who gets to turn the page and they can't stand to be stuck on the same page for long periods of time. Which generally happened with the Book of Mormon Stories book. It was also taking its toll on us to do it at night before bed, it seemed to rile the kids up and then they had a hard time going to sleep. So we decided to change our reading time to after dinner.

So now, we sit down as a family for dinner and then who ever finishes first, Ben or I, we take turns reading while the kids finish their dinner. They normally take a long time to eat, so we figured it was a great time to keep them in one place while we read.

It has worked out pretty well. Ben and I will add our two cents in and try to explain it better in terms that the kids will understand. Some days are better then others and some days are a joke. It makes it really hard to want to continue. It's Satan's way of trying to get us to stop reading the most important Scripture/book we have ever been given. Ben keeps reminding me of something that a ward member had mentioned once during their families scripture study.

"It doesn't matter how much you read, because some days we only get through one verse before all the kids have lost interest. It only matters that the children know that the scriptures are important and that they are an important part of our lives." 

I have to agree with them both. So even through the struggles of trying to read with the kids, it will all be worth it in the end. Worth it to help them make that connection with the scriptures and help them understand there importance. We want our kids to have a better relationship with the scriptures then either of us had growing up.

Gabbi's eye

I don't have a picture, but Gabbi's eye has developed. The bruise has made itself known. However it didn't really turn into a purple bruise. Its like it skipped that step. Its the ugly yellowish color when the bruise is almost gone. She still has the two marks on the side of her head and the area around her eye is that lovely yellow color. She looks like she has bags under that eye, but instead of dark circles it is that yellow color. My poor 5 year old looks like she has aged many years over night.

She tells us each day that her face feels so much better and then she'll run into the bathroom to get a look at it. She's funny that way. Always has to look at it to see if its still there or not. She will constantly remind Owen of what he did as well. Kids will be kids. They'll learn to love each other eventually.

Dresser

I was out to dinner with a girlfriend the last night and Ben was home with the kids. Its always nice to be able to get away from the kids every once in a while after being cooped up with them all day every day. Don't get me wrong, I love my kids even when they don't do what I ask, but its nice to have some time alone. Thanks to Ben being such a sweet husband and great daddy, I get that opportunity.

I had a great night with my girlfriend and got home so late that everyone was already in bed. The next day Ben asked me if he had sent me a picture that he had taken of the kids and what they did while I was gone.

This is the picture.

Apparently Gabbi had put Owen's bouncy balls on top of the dresser to keep them from him and he wanted them back. He tried to get them back in anyway he could. Ben is not exactly sure how he did it, but he's assuming that he pulled out the drawers to make them into steps and tried to step up. His weight with the drawers out caused it to come tumbling down.

Ben said Gabbi came frantically up the stairs to get him. He also said that Owen was pretty freaked out by what had happened. I don't think they'll every try that one again. However, it wouldn't surprise me if they did. 

Kindergarten Assessment

I can't believe it. Gabbi had her Kindergarten Assessment today and she starts school in 5 days.

We met with her teacher, saw her new classroom, saw where she will sit, hang her back pack, and even her own little cubby hole where she will put her pencil box and school work.

When we walked into the classroom, her teacher was very nice and very welcoming. Gabbi was being a little shy and didn't want to say much. After she was able to locate her designated area of things we sat down at a table and received some very important information as to how the school year would work and progress. Gabbi was so figidity. She was looking at everything except her teacher and all she really wanted to do was read the books and investigate the room. At one point she asked her teacher if she could go outside and play.

Once the teacher and I were done talking about all the cool stuff she would be doing that year, it was Gabbi's turn for some one on one time. I was sent to another table to fill out some paper work and she sat down with Gabbi to get an idea of where Gabbi was at scholastically. I of course eased dropped as I was filling out my papers. She sounded like she did really well on her alphabet, shapes, and colors, but when it came to her numbers she really struggled. I knew she would. I wish I had better prepared her.

Once they were done, her teacher came over and told me she did a great job and couldn't wait to start the school year. She also said that Gabbi reminded her of herself as a child. Very busy and fast paced. Hopefully that was meant as a good thing. Sometimes at home that is not the case. Her attention span can be really small at times.

Well, we will keep our fingers crossed and hope she excels and enjoys her next big step in life.

Kids

Some days the kids can play really nice and the other days they struggle. I'm contributing it to the fact that one is a girl and the other is a boy. Different likes and different personalities. Maybe I'm completely off base, but that's what I think.

A recent development:

The kids will be down stairs playing in their rooms, and they will be playing so nicely together that some days an hour or so can pass and I won't hear from them at all. Then all of a sudden Owen will come up stairs crying. He'll attempt to tell me what happened. It generally has something to do with Gabbi. Shortly after Owen has come up stairs she will follow saying that she doesn't know what happened, just that he was hurt. Some days I believe her and some days its really hard to believe her.

Once some kind of story is established, she will put her arm around Owen's shoulder and ask him if he wants her to watch him so he doesn't get hurt. He will with a sad look on his face say "yes" and they will walk off back downstairs to play.

Some days I really wonder if she's just saying that to him so she doesn't get in trouble. Generally the reason he cry's is because she did something to him. Or deep down inside does she actually care enough about her little brother enough to watch over him to make sure he doesn't get hurt. I'm pretty sure she has a genuine love for her brother, but some days I really do wonder. I'm scared to add a third child to the mix. I guess I didn't really think that one through.

Kids

Kids are funny. They are always in a competition with each other. That works great when you really want them to do something.

A few days ago I asked the kids to clean up their room, it was time to for lunch. Why it is that Owen, the younger sibling has no problem with this is beyond me. He went straight into his room and cleaned up the entire mess without any help. Gabbi on the other complained and complained and begged me to help her. I of course refused and told her that she was a big girl and if she was going to make big girl messes she could surely clean it up herself.

Owen then walked in Gabbi's room with a big grin on his face and pronounced that he was done. I went in to check and sure enough, his room was spotless. I was so proud of him, I gave him a high five, took a picture, and gave him a treat for doing such a great job without arguing with me.

Gabbi then began to complain. She wanted a treat too and she wanted her picture taken. I told her she should have hurried. It was a mad dash to get her room done. When she finally finished she asked me to take a picture and to give her a treat. I responded "you should have just cleaned it when I asked, my camera is put away and its now time for lunch, not treats." She wasn't very happy with me and since then she has begged me to take a picture of her with her room. Maybe one day when she cleans without one single argument.

Confrontation

While at family dinner the kids will play. Sometime they play harmoniously and other times is yelling, screaming, and arguing. Last night was all of the above. There would be patches of happy playing and then out of the blue you would hear someone scream or cry. Sadly it was either my kid that was crying/screaming or they were the one that caused the screaming or crying.

After we had finished eating dinner the kids went back to playing while the adults visited. Out of no where we hear a blood curdling scream from Gabbi. She walked into the kitchen with her hand on her face saying that Owen had hit her in the face with a wood belt. We weren't sure what she was talking about and just told her to go play, she would be fine. Then she moved her hand, she was bleeding. 

We took her and Owen downstairs for a family conference. When we got downstairs we asked her to tell us the exact story of what happened. She then proceeded to tell us that Owen had J.D.'s belt and she wanted it. So we asked her what happened. She told us that she asked for it and when he didn't give it to her, she took it. He refused to let go of it and in retaliation of her trying to take the belt from her, he yanked it back and swung it around. In the process of it swinging around he clocked her in the side of the head. According to her on purpose. I wouldn't be surprised if that was really was on purpose. He has a temper, just as much as she does. 

We then asked Owen what happened and he looked at Gabbi with a sad look and said "Gabbi hurt". We asked him how and he just repeated that Gabbi was hurt. We asked him if he hit Gabbi and he said "yes". We then asked him why and he didn't say anything. We sat him in time out for hitting Gabbi and then I took Gabbi to clean up the side of her face.

They both learned a very hard lesson yesterday, but eventually they both apologized and gave each other a hug. 

When going back upstairs I went to look to see what was wood that hit her. It was a leather belt with a metal belt buckle. The belt buckle was the size of a baseball. It was heavy too. I'm not surprised it left a mark on her face. 

Sagez get together

After the movie, we went and did a little shopping. I have been looking for maternity Capri's and skirt's with no luck. So I wanted to try again. I found one skirt, its not maternity, but it worked just the same. I'm still in search for Capri's, but I'm not keeping my hopes up.

We also stopped at Walmart to get Sundae items for our Sagez get together. Once we got all we needed we headed for Brain and Karen's place. When we got there we all headed downstairs. The kids got right into the swing of things and started playing. No surprise. Gabbi was very excited to see Ellie and and Owen was excited for all the toys. Toys that he had never seen or played with before. He was in 7th Heaven.

When we were all there we sat down and had dinner. It was amazing. I give Karen props. She made homemade Chinese food and it was delicious. Better then I have had at a restaurant. I wanted to keep eating, but I knew that I would make myself sick if I did from eating to much. I have done that all to often these days. But it was so good. I asked for the recipe, but I doubt mine will turn out as good as hers. Can't say enough, mouth watering goodness.

After dinner we visited for a little bit and then they pulled out the presents. We were celebrating Karen's, Amanda's, and my birthday's plus Grandma had a few presents that she had promised individuals when birthday's had come and gone. It was a present frenzy.

One of the gifts that us kids received was a homemade throw pillow. Grandma Sagez had made them. In the center of the pillow was a family picture of each of us. They were all so cute, it will be something that we cherish for a long time.

After presents we sat and chatted while the kids played and then it was time to pull out dessert. Brownie and ice cream Sundae's. Another very yummy thing to eat. It had been ages since I've had a Sundae. We had enough topping left over that Ben and I can make some at home as well. Such a fun and "yummy" family get together.

3D movie

After Ben got home from his first camping trip of the season, I asked him what he planned on doing for the rest of the day. He asked me what I wanted to do, and I wasn't sure. We then decided that it might be fun to take the kids to a movie.

Planes had just come out and we thought that the kids might really like it, ex specially Owen. He's a huge fan of Cars and we figured this one would be no difference.

We got the kids ready and headed out the door. We went and picked up our tickets and then headed to the park at the Ogden Amphitheater so the kids could play while we waited for the show to start. Luckily we didn't have to wait to long at the park. The kids weren't having very much fun. There were some other kids there playing "fight" (whatever that is) and the kids both wanted to be done. So we headed back to the Junction and went in to wait for our movie to start.

I was a little apprehensive about seeing in 3D because its 2 dollars extra and I really didn't think the kids would keep their glasses on (waste of movie if they don't). Also I have been know to get sick to my stomach with 3D movies. I did want to end up walking out of the middle of it because I couldn't handle it. Sadly I was right on one and wrong on the other. The kids didn't keep their glasses on, not sure how they could stand watching a blurry screen and luckily it didn't make me sick to my stomach.

With or without glasses on the kids sat there and watched the show. Owen had a few moments where he was getting board of it, but then something exciting would pop on the screen and he went back to watching the show. When the show was over, they both ecstatically said they loved the show and wanted to see it again. They probably wanted to see it again because it was blurry. No, it was a cute show. I'm glad we took the kids and it will be one we get when it come to video.

North Shore and Pizza

Since the boys were off camping and having fun, us girls wanted to have some fun as well.

Shantelle and I had planned on getting together Friday night and having pizza and letting the kids play. Shantelle had called Friday morning and asked if we wanted to change our plans a little bit. She asked if we wanted to go to North Shore to go swimming. My kids love swimming and it was a reason to get out of the house, so we took them up on their offer. We planned on heading to the pool in the afternoon after lunch, naps, and Gabbi's work book time.

We got to the pool around 3 and the kids practically headed straight for the water, even without life jackets. I had to pull them back because I really wanted them in their life jackets, that way I wouldn't have to worry as much. After they were finally in their sunscreen and life jackets on we headed for the water.

Gabbi of course headed straight for the lazy river. She loves that thing. I think its because it will push her through the water and she doesn't have to try as hard. However, she really is a fish, so she wouldn't mind it either way. Owen worked his way into the water. Stepping in and stepping out. Soon enough he was in and about the water just like Gabbi. He even wanted in the lazy river so bad he about jumped in by himself.

The kids had so much fun playing and swimming in the water. The hated it when they had to do their water check and everyone had to get out of the water. But once they were given the green light they were back in and playing hard. Owen had fun sneaking up on me and jumping on make back. Then he would circle me and jump on my lap. That kid is funny. At one point he wanted me to lay down so he could jump on top of me. At least he had fun.

Gabbi was on her own. I know that may sound bad, but she' very confident in her life jacket and as long as I could see where she was at, I was fine with it. She always came back to tell she was going to another area. Eventually she came back all together and stayed next to me and Owen. She then showed Owen how much fun the water slide was and they went down again and again and again until it was time to leave.

When we were changed and ready to go, we headed to Pizza Pie Cafe for dinner. We all love that place and I love not having to cook dinner. It was a win win. Ha ha boys, you missed out.

Gabbi

I've noticed that I talk a lot about Owen and not a whole ton about Gabbi. Maybe its because she and I are constantly fighting each other and no one wants to hear my rants and raves about my stubborn 5 year old. On the other hand there are a few things that are good going on with her.

She is very excited for school to start. We went and got her a new back pack, shoes, and some new clothes for school, which she begs us to wear. She begged us enough that we are letting her wear some of them now. She knows that they are for school and says "Thank you" every time she puts a new one on.

I have also been working with her on a work book to remind her of what she learned in preschool. Some days present a challenge, but other have been very promising. The best part, she wants to keep going. She wants to turn the page and do the next. I figured that this wouldn't be the case because she loves to play. But she does surprise me sometimes.

It will be very different to have her in school. I won't know what to do with myself. She'll be in school and Owen will be napping. I guess I will just have to find a new project or start reading books again.

Owen

I almost forgot the cutest thing that Owen did yesterday.

I was sitting at the table helping Gabbi with a workbook when he started to cry. He was playing with his cars, so I wasn't sure what happened. I walked over to him and asked him what was wrong and he proceeded to tell me that he had hurt his nose. He must have hit it on the box of cars. I'm not exactly sure how, but its Owen. It could have happened in any way.

He gave him a hug and told him he would be fine. The then said "blanket." I asked him if he wanted his blanket. He looked at me, shook his head and then said through his tears "Will you go get it for me?" I couldn't believe it. A full sentence came out of that kids mouth. So proud of my baby boy. So proud of him that I had to oblige his wishes and get him his blanket. I normally would have told him to get it himself.

I guess I can't really call him my baby any more, can I?

Furlough

Ben came home on Monday with an e-mail that he had received from his boss. It was a notice from the Federal Government explaining that they were able to move some funds around and make some important budget cuts, so much that they were able to cut short the furlough.

So when this whole thing started it was 21 days, then moved to 14, to 11, and now to 6. Ben's last furlough day is Today. What is he doing with it, he's camping with the Young Men. He's having a ball.

We were very fortunate to have been able to prepare ourselves for the cuts in his pay. We had enough saved up and enough extra Military orders (picked up at the last minute) that we have been able to counter act the loss of wages enough that we can still pay our bills and live as we have been.

It has been a huge relief to know that we won't have to use such a huge chunk of our saving in order to survive (keep our home) during the furlough.

The only thing that comes to mind is "Thank Heavens" In other words, thanks to our Heavenly Father who has been looking out for us and has answered our many prayers in many different ways.

Venable Reunion

After leaving Crystal we made a quick stop at home to get our pot luck item and then headed for the Lorin Farr park for the Venable reunion. When we got there half of our family was there and the other were still on their way. While we waited for everyone else to show up, we sat at the park so the kids could play. Gabbi was very happy to see Ellie there. She doesn't see her very often. They played and played and played.

 Playing at the park

After a while it was time for the games. The Greer Family was in charge of the reunion this year and they planned some fun games for the kids. These games were even fun for the adults to participate in as well. We had a three legged race, bean bag toss, tug a war, and water relay race. The kids had so much fun and the best part for them was the prize. The had salt water taffy for the kids as prizes for winning/participating in each game. Owen helped himself. Once he saw were the treats were coming from he had a hay day. As soon as he was done with on treat he went and grabbed another for me to open for him. He loves taffy. It was pretty much a free for all towards the end.

 Three legged race

 Bean bag toss

 Tug a war

 Water relay

After all the games were done it was time to get the BBQ going and quickly after that it was time to eat. The kids ate as fast as they could so they could go back to the park to play. Owen went back to the bean bag toss and played that until it was time for Bingo. They only came to play bingo because they got to pick a present if they got a bingo. They each got three bingo presents. Owen picked a hot wheels motorcycle (no surprise there), a Lincoln logs mini pen, and a movie. Gabbi picked some stencils, flip flops, and a movie as well. Both the kids were very excited about their presents and were sad that they couldn't open them there.

They cheered up quickly when we told them it was time to go swimming. You would figure that they would have had enough swimming that since they had been swimming that morning, but nope. They were both excited to jump right in. Even Owen was excited to play in the water. This water didn't taste near as bad as the other. They had so much fun playing with their cousins, Grandma, and Grandpa in the water. I even got to get in and enjoy the cool water. We all had so much fun and were very bummed when it was time to leave. Gabbi ex specially. She was in tears. Good times.

 Ben going down the slide first so he can catch Gabbi

 Gabbi loved coming down the slide, she went down multiple times

 Greg going down the small slide to Show Owen how its done

 Owen wanted desperately to go down the slide like his big sister. When he discovered he couldn't go down the big slide, they came over to the small one. Both Ben and Greg went down first to show him how much fun it could be. He climbed up to the top very excited. Then when he saw the inside of the tub, it freaked him out. The picture doesn't show it justice, but he had the best scared look on his face that I have ever seen. My cute boy. He then turned around and shock his head no and walked back down the stairs.