Life is Good

Sorry...Blog and picture funk. Whenever I see that I need to snap a photo either my camera is upstairs and I'm downstairs or vice versa so that's my reason for not posting. I'll try and do better. Life is good, I can't complain.

Camryn loves loves the dinosaur park at Aliante and due to the heat we haven't ventured out there, but Sat. morning was a gorgeous day so we headed on out to feed the ducks and play at the park. There are now geese at the park who actually eat your bread! The last time I'd taken the kids to feed the ducks they were snobs and wouldn't eat the bread! This time they loved it.

The Little Things that Make Me Happy!

So for my birthday I wanted a new camera due to my camera needing new batteries every single weekend and it always seemed to die at the worst moment. Paul and I went looking for a new one last weekend and after talking to the salesman about my camera I was informed that the batteries that came with the camera, which I tossed away, were rechargeable! Instead of spending a fortune on a new camera I bought new rechargeable batteries and a charge station so I can now take pictures of my kiddos. Yea me!

It's been a great week. The highlight came when instead of buying a new camera we splurged and bought a new bed. Ours was pitiful and soo uncomfortable and now sleeping on a new, nice one it amazes me that I waited so many years to get a comfy bed.

Camryn also started preschool this week which she absolutely loves. This is her second year with Robyn's Nest and is always excited to go. I wasn't there to see her off, but Madison (or Maddie as she now wants to be called) took this glorious picture of her on her first day. Yes, Jaxon does have his fingers in his nose.

Madison also had her open house at Heckethorn which was fun to go to. She has an awesome teacher who is so respected by her students. As a teacher myself that is an awesome quality to have.

Finally, my boys. Jaxon LOVES Tanner and when he's not glued to my hip he is always following around his Bubba. Too cute.

Fly Bye Week

It's been a crazy on the go week so let me try and catch up.

Here's Jaxon the helper. He thinks he's putting in soap for the dishwasher, yet the container is empty. He then closes the door as if it's cleaning. I'm teaching him early!




Last Wednesday I returned back to work. Big class of 34 fourth graders this year with a set of triplets and a set of twins. All identical! I love my job and am actually looking forward to a new school year.


Paul took Tanner and Madison camping over the weekend which was Madison's first time shooting a rifle. Of course, she loved it and she caught the most fish out of everybody!






My nephew had his mission farewell last Sunday and he will be departing for the MTC this coming Wednesday to prepare for Mexico. Our first family photo in forever. Loving you in the suit babe!


Isn't she so angelic looking? This is Camryn when she was two and I love this picture. She looks so calm.


I work with the best girls in the world. To relive a bit of stress we took it upon ourselves to have a girls night out which was a blast. Thanks again to Viva's for making the night so much fun. The hats are courtesy of a birthday party we crashed of unknown people.



Tanner returned from scout camp which was relocated due to the flooding in Havasupi. He came home burnt to a crisp and chaffing burns on his chest region (yes, nipples) due to the boogie board rubbing his skin. It was nice to have a good laugh at my Mr. know it all fifteen year old.


Madison and Tanner both started school on Monday. Madison is in 5Th grade at Heckethorn and Tanner is a sophomore at Shadow. It's amazing how time has flown by. Camryn also had her preschool open house which she is extremely excited to start. Missuss Robyn is Camryn's favorite person and she is so looking forward to starting again.





Funny for the week. I bought Jaxon a new stroller and tried to put it together myself, but I couldn't get the wheels on just right. It was Paul's job before he went camping to fix the stroller which I assumed he did. Walking into the mall on Saturday with Jaxon in his new stroller imagine my surprise when the wheel rolled off right as I was crossing the street at the front entrance!

Second funny. Jaxon is very apprehensive around people he doesn't see on a daily basis. My poor father has been coming over every single week since he was born to see him, but Jaxon is terrified of him and will never go to him. Now when my father comes over he plays "dead" by closing his eyes and not moving until my dad leaves. The photos show what he looks like when my dad is over. I laugh while my dad cries. Such a funny kid!

Kudos for the Week

I have many thanks to give out this week. Please enjoy my sarcasm.

1. Thanks to my trusty Kodak camera that died for the millionth time this week. Now I know what I am wanting (getting) for my next birthday.

2. Thanks to CCSD for giving me such a nice, long, extended summer break that lasted seven days.

3. Thanks to Camryn for deciding that dancing isn't for her (she'd rather be a cooker) and saving me money each month. I will miss that leotard though.

4. Thank you to Stephenie Meyer for NOT making Breaking Dawn any longer than it already was. It was hard enough trying to finish this boring book. Sorry fans!

5. Thank you to Viva Zapatas that made my son's 15 year old birthday so fun and festive. The heartburn from all the guac was soooo worth it.

6. Thank you to Jaxon for letting mom sleep in until 7am on Wednesday and not waking her up every morning at 6am yelling, "maaaaaa."

7. Thank you to those cheesy reality shows and the Olympics that have kept my mind turning into jello and giving me a breather after the house is quiet.

8. Huge thank you to my fellow bloggers who directed me in becoming a wiser shopper. I'm proud to say that with all of my savings, making a list, and keeping to it I only spent $99.16 at the grocery store for the week. So much better compared to the $200+ that is usually spent on a Saturday morning.

7. Finally, I give thanks for a marvelous week off just enjoying my kids, eating, swimming in the pool, eating some more, and playing. No sarcasm at all.

My Dancers

1. Two girls now taking dance....wonderful.
2. Being the devoted parent and attending all competitions and conventions...devoted.
3. Watching my 4 year old do spins and toe stretches on her first day...starstruck.
4. Spending money on costumes, outfits, shoes, tuition, and makeup...expensive.
5. Driving to and from the dance studio at least twice a day...endurance.

6. Seeing Camryn in her leotard and tights....PRICELESS!!!!

Joy in the Garden

When it rains...it pours. Just in the past 7 days are the following things that occurred in my household:

*washing machine won't spin ($55 with home warranty or $500 for a new one)
*deep freezer won't freeze (not under warranty so $200 to fix)
*water heater is leaking ($500 for home warranty to fix, $435 for Paul to do)
*pool heater doesn't heat ( $1500 for a new one or $1000 to be fixed)

Then to top it off...
*Camryn needs about $800 worth of dental work done. (Take the kiddies off the bottles early!)
*My camera broke, school clothes to buy, and Christmas is around the corner. Sometimes you feel if it's not one thing it's something else.

Luckily, the washing machine was fixed with the home warranty, I reset the deep freezer (after all of the food thawed out of course) and now it works fine, Paul ended up installing the new water heater (Did you know that in NV you have to have a permit, earthquake straps, and etc. in order to put in a water heater?), and all of the other things can wait for when the money comes down from the trees. All in all, owning a home can be stressful, but I always try and look at the bright side of things. I have my life, my health, and my kids. Oh yea and the hubby ;o)

Here's what happenes when you're trying to post on the blog. Yes, that's Jaxon covered in baby powder as is my bathroom and all of my things. That's what I get for not paying attention, but technically it is Pauls fault for leaving the powder out. Oh well...such is life!
 
 
 
 

We're Babysitting!

A teacher I work with needed a babysitter for her two hamsters and guinea pig. Of course, I volunteered even though I have never touched one of these things in my life. They came home with me for the weekend and everyone is loving the little things. At first Jaxon was freaked out everytime the guinea pig looked at him, but now he loves her. Making me think I might have to get one. Poor Paul!

Yes, I Do Have Four Kids!

I was told by one of my peeps that I never show my two older kids and only focus on the two younger ones so I'll try and do better by posting more of all. Happy Cyndi? ;o)

The joys of having a teenager. May everyone be so blessed to endure this lovely time! Actually Tanner is quite the passive child who has never really given his family much grief. At least not yet or what I haven't seen or heard. Here's a brief bio of my older boy.

Tanner (Paul as he chooses to be called now) was born August 13, 1993 at a whopping 9lbs. and 1 oz. He was a breached baby so he was born by cesarean. Tanner was always very imaginative as a child and kept himself busy by playing with his imaginary friends. At one time he was the proud owner of 25 rabbits. We didn't know that once a rabbit gives birth they mate immediately. Tanner loves to go camping with his family and has been to Disneyland every year of his life. (Sad, I know).

When Madison was born he didn't want to go to the hospital to see mom or his new sister, but wanted to ride the roaster coaster (roller coaster). When we brought Madison home he ran away ...only to the neighbors and only for 15 minutes. He was a big help with his sister and was very protective of her. When his other siblings came along he had great practice of being a big brother. He's always been a baby lover and is the first to want to hold and cuddle the new babies.

Tanner just finished his freshman year at Shadow Ridge and loves high school. He has attended the following schools: Saville MS, Guy ES, McWilliams ES, and Gilbert ES. He also attends early morning seminary. When Tanner started first grade he went to a magnet school and got to ride the bus. On the first day of school the bus didn't drop him off and no one knew where he was. Finally, we found out that he was on a bus just the wrong one and he was dropped off at 7 pm. He never rode the bus again.

Tanner loves the computer, all of his electronic mumbo jumbo things, swimming, riding his bike, going camping, hunting with his dad, paintball, watching movies, and hanging out with his family and friends. He enjoys scouts and is looking forward to going to scout camp this summer.

He's now on an exercise kick and has been weight training at school and working out at home. He's hit a growth spurt and is now tall, thin, and good looking. He gets to go and work with his dad this summer and earn some extra money. He's very excited to have his own cash.

Did you know--Tanner has had 4 broken arms, a broken thumb, and a broken toe? Not from me of course!!!

Tanner is a great kid who is a huge helper in our household of younger siblings. I would love to see him have more patience with his sisters, but he does okay. We love the kid dearly and couldn't imagine life without him.

Let Freedom Ring!

 

 

 

 

Our Independence day turned out great! We swam most of the day playing water volleyball and just enjoying the day. We had a great BBQ with Aunt Pam and Uncle Ray. BBQ ribs, homemade mac n' chees, garlic bread, potatoe salad, and our favorite fruit slush wedding drink. To top it off we then ate a very sweet flag cake. Due to all of the rich food we ate all of us were extremely bloated and miserable the rest of the night, therefore calling it an early night by 9:30.

The fireworks the kids loved. Camryn was a little hesitant about the noise and the sparklers, but dad was able to get her to do one. Jaxon was hilarious! He would stand there and watch as the fireworks went off and laugh hysterically, clapping his hands while bending down with laughter. We were cracking up just watching him! Once some of the fireworks started making loud noises he'd quickly find a lap to climb up on and then just watch. All in all it was a great day being with family, being thankful for what I have, and being proud to call myself an American. Happy Indepenedence day everybody!

 

Cancun

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