MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

I think the best way to go about this is to caption each picture. First, this year was great! We tried really hard not to spend too much money and I felt like Christmas was just as big as it ever is if not better. So yay! We have been so blessed this year.

Also, this year was better because we didn't have to get up way early and then go back to bed... let me explain. This year we came home from Christmas dinner and then set out to finish wrapping (we forgot a couple of shoes we didn't wrap yet) and then set out all of the presents. We were done setting them out by like 10:30 or 11pm. We were still up in our room watching tv and getting ready for bed when what to our wondering eye should appear but Daija, and she was all excited that Santa had come already! It was 11:30. Not even Christmas yet! Thankfully she couldn't know that so we tried our best to act innocent and sent her back to bed. Chase woke up and went back to sleep around 2am, and the girls were heard scurrying back and forth around 2:30, but they didn't wake us up. So finally I'm pretty sure they all fell back to sleep. (We usually wake up around 4am or so, unwrap presents, go back to bed, then get up later for real.) So this year, we wake up at 8am (much better right?!) and got to open presents and actually stay awake and play with them all. It was a wonderful Christmas and the kids have LOVED their presents!

This is our Christmas spread before the kids tore into it!

Kyla LOVES her drums....let's just say, it ain't quiet around here! But the girl's got rhythm!

Ok this pic wouldn't cooperate so it's in the middle...

Christmas evening we went to visit my Uncle Jay and they got a few things there too. My children were way too spoiled this year. Thanks Jay and Vickie!

Daija excited about her new guitar!

Chad happily admiring his new knife from my dad.

Chase was so excited about these cars in his stocking. He didn't want to even open any more presents; he just sat on the floor and played with the cars. When we'd open a present and show it to him he didn't care, just wanted to play with his cars. What a boy! :)

We truly hope this year was filled with joy for all our family and friends and that 2010 will be even better! We love all of you!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve turned out to be ridiculous and slightly disastrous so to avoid all that I'm not going to get into it at all....

On a good note. This was the first time EVER since the last grand baby was born over a year ago that ALL 6 grand kids on the Barrett side were all together. So this is the best picture I could get. Funny enough it was the first one that I took, and I think it turned out pretty darn good; if I do say so myself. :) From the left:

Jenna, Connor (Kelly's kids), Daija, Kyla, Chase (Mine), Brendan (Spencer's boy).

Aren't they adorable?!?!?!

Daija's Christmas Program

I have so much to catch up on....

Daija had a Christmas program at her school! It was excellent! It was combined Elementary and Jr. High since this is the Jr. High's first year and they are so small still they combined performances. It was a lot of fun to see all the kids. The Jr. High band played first. Then the Kindergarten choir did a couple of songs. They did a musical performance of Jingle Bells. And then sang a song called, "My Red Sled". Daija did soooo well. Then a couple other choirs did their performances, and at the end they all got together on stage for the finale. All in all it was great to hear the children learning music and rhythm. I love her school so much, and so does Daija!

Daija doing her Jingle Bells! :)

Daija singing My Red Sled.

It's Unofficial

Ok. So maybe my announcement to going to college was a bit premature! :) Yes, I had my hopes up too; but I am postponing my college debut until the fall semester. Reasons being:
1. I can't justify the getting more student loans yet. When we have a better handle on Chad's (which we have a plan to do so by fall) then I can see it being ok.
2. I was going to take a preporatory class in January. Basically advanced piano lessons. I've taught myself so far, so I don't see why I can't teach myself what I need to know now. I know what I need to prepare for the auditions. So I have plenty to work on and I don't need to pay almost $600 to the college when I can do it myself.
So, no, I'm not going back YET! :) But I will.

On a side note..... How do you guys get someone to be nice when they aren't? For the life of me I need help with this person I know having way bad mood swings. Fine one minute then not the next. Not cool. How do you get them to be positive? And nice? Suggestions please.

Going to College....

So it's official. I applied to attend Weber State University! I actually applied and was accepted right after I graduated High School (that was 7 years ago....) but I met Chad, got married, had babies, and 7 years later I still have never gone. I've decided to major in Music - Keyboard Performance. So basically in like 4 years you can call me a Concert Pianist! :) I am super excited! I will admit that I have several reservations. I find myself doubting my abilities. To get admitted into the program (which I haven't done yet) I have to audition. To audition I have to have two contrasting piano pieces memorized, quiz on scales and appeggios, and sight reading (which I'm good at so at least I don't have to stress about that part). So auditions are held in April sometime. To be prepared I'm getting accepted to Weber first. Then I'm going to take 2 classes, both preporatory classes, so basically paino lessons but I get credit for it. She's going to teach me my scales and appeggios, and help me memorize two songs. Then once I'm in the course the Intructor that I spoke with today told me they require 3 hours of practice every day. Wow. That is a lot of time for a full time mom. Not that I wouldn't LOVE to sit and play for 3 hours every day....I would. But how am I going to explain that to the chillins? "OK, mommy has to sit and try to play and memorize this song that you are all sick of listening to for the next three hours...every day for what is going to feel like the rest of your lives!" LOL Chad says he will try to help out and play with the kids when he gets home so I can practice and that's nice to have the support. Chad has been my biggest supporter and actually is the one who got me thinking about going in the first place. I love him! What a good guy. So wish me luck....cause I'm going to need lots of it!!!!!

Come to my Boutique!

Holiday Boutique Open House
TODAY at my house!
2182 W 2120 N in Clinton

Vinyl Lettering, lia sophia, tutu-skirts, hair bows, crafts....and more!!!

Come do some Christmas shopping!!!! :)

Over at 5:30 pm...

THANKSGIVING!

I am so very grateful for my life. I'm grateful for my adoring husband. I'm grateful for my beautiful children. I'm grateful for being a stay-at-home mom. That my husband works hard to provide for our family. I am proud of him for getting a great education. I'm so glad that I have a roof over my head, food on my table, and cars that run well. I get to throw birthday parties, and go to play dates, and see my children learn and grow up. They learn to walk, talk, be polite, do math, spell, play piano, color in the lines, clean (even just a little bit), and become lovely little people all under my watch and teaching. There's a little pressure there....but it's the best job in the whole world and I couldn't WISH for anything better!

I'm grateful for my freedoms. My freedom to go to the grocery store and buy food I want to eat. My freedom to go to church or worship at the temple when I want. My freedom to write whatever I wish on my online blog. Or even to speak whatever I please in public. My freedom to choose my spouse and bear children how we choose. (I would REALLY hate to have arranged marriages....)

I'm thankful for all my blessings. For my God, my Savior, and for promptings to help me be a better person. I'm thankful for my family's health. I'm thankful for my mom and dad and all they did for me and do for me still. I'm thankful for all my family and their love and support. Life isn't easy every day. I try hard to let things roll off my back and be positive no matter what. I try to surround myself with happiness and happy people. I'm so grateful for good friends. For friends who are there for me no matter what. And for those who listen when I do have a bad day and then again when I have good ones!

We all have lots to be grateful for every day. I hope this season we can remember our blessings. In these turbulent times we have much to be happy about and much to pray for also. God bless us all. I hope that I am considered a blessing for all of you! Know you are numbered in mine. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Not cute....but updated.

I was going to post this awesome post with cute things to say, but now that I've read other blogs that I follow I admit that I'm too tired to try and do anything cute. So bare with me....besides the fact that I'm suffering from a horrible, painful head cold.

So here goes.... things are well (minus my cold). Chad's busy with work, and finishing the basement bath/laundry room. We're finished sheet rocking and to the mudding stage. Some day it will actually be done! Daija is doing awesome in school. I thought she might get overwhelmed but even after they added the reading/spelling to her homework she just soaks it all up and loves it! Kyla is as funny as ever, and I will admit that I have found myself noticing her getting smarter...not in the bad way that sounds. I don't sit and teach her like I would with Daija. Kyla has never shown an interest in "learning". So she Won'T sit and learn with me. But since Daija's been in school Kyla does like to "learn" from Daija. So I've noticed her saying the correct colors for things. Counting correctly, and speaking much better and in complete sentences. I think a big part for that may actually be because Daija isn't around as much to just tell me what Kyla wants. Kyla's had to tell me herself...who'da thunk? Chase is such a BOY!!! I thought my girls could be crazy at times. That kid is downright scary sometimes! He loves to jump. Jump off things. Jump to you down the stairs. Climb all over everything! Climb out of high chair. Climb on the back of the couches. Jump from one couch to the Lazy Boy. and then back again making himself do a flip in the process, land on the floor and laugh hysterically and try to do it again! Or just run around the room flailing his arms around, shaking his body, and stamping his feet while running (yes all at the same time) and scream/laugh back and forth across the room. It's quite hilarious to watch! Jewels and Jasmine are finally becoming friends. Jasmine likes to pounce on Jewels tail. Jewels doesn't like that. But I have caught them "wrestling" and Jewels may still hiss occasionally I don't think she does it meanly, more of I'm sick of you now-go away-ly. :) So that's the update for now. Here's a pic of Chase. It's one that no matter what you just can't help but laugh. And the longer I look the harder I laugh...every time. Hope you enjoy!

Holiday Boutique

I'm going to a holiday boutique tonight! It should be lots of fun and everyone should come and bring a friend....or if you want to wait, I'm having one at my house the Saturday after Thanksgiving. More on that later....
If you want to come tonight and see what they will have...
1457 N 2225 W in Clinton. The neighborhood across the street from WalMart. :)

Thank you everyone!!

Our New Kitty

We have a new kitty, Jasmine! She is super tiny and cute! She has adapted well to our house and jumps and plays all the time...when she's not sleeping that is. The kids chase her around and she chases them. hehehe Jewels is slightly upset. The first couple of days she wouldn't leave the basement. We took her some wet food (which she doesn't get very often and loves) and finally last night she started to wonder around again and try to sniff Jasmine...but she still doesn't get close and hisses at her all the time. I'm hoping that she warms up soon and they become great friends! She's an anti-social cat anyway, and it's funny to see her intimidated by a tiny kitten 100 times smaller than her! LOL Jasmine loves to cuddle and will sleep on your chest. Or in your blanket. We don't let her on the bed though...I'm afraid we'll roll over and squash her! :)

Halloween Time

Love the fake eyelashes?

Kyla my skeleton.

Daija the vampire.

Chase LOVES suckers!!! He would pick them out of everything else!

Ok I know I'm like way lame and Halloween was forever ago...but here are our pictures finally! We had a good day! Daddy played volleyball in the morning. Mommy planted 100 bulbs of tulips, dafodils, and some other flowers that will be beautiful! :) The kids played outside. We went and picked out some pumpkins and mommy carved one for the front porch. Then we got all dressed up and went over to Grandma Barrett's. We went trick or treating with Grandpa and got lots of candy! Which most of it was eatten by mommy and daddy...so sad I know... We had yummy baked potatoes and cidar afterward and played with cousin Connor and Jenna! We had lots of fun and went to bed way too late but slept like rocks! :)

October 18th and 7 years later...

Sunday, October 18th, was our 7th Anniversary! This week has been wonderful. Chad had the whole week off, so we decided to go to Las Vegas and spend a few days there. We left Sunday and spent Monday-Wednesday there and came home on Thursday. It was a good visit and we were able to see a few of Chad's old friends. The last night there an old family friend offered to watch our kids and Chad and I went out to see the Tournament of Kings and then play the penny slots! :) I won $16!! LOL

We've enjoyed the rest of Chad's time off. Sunday was filled with fun. It was the Primary Program at church. The kids did an awesome job! Daija got up and said her part loud and clear and had the whole thing memorized! "I can serve others by helping water trees and flowers at my grandpa's." Chad's mom watched the kids for us and we were able to go out to dinner. It was delicious! And it was a great ending to Chad's time off to go out by ourselves!

Mini Update

Good news! My blood tests came back clean! :) YAY! Now if only my whole family can get over our colds!!! hehehe

Today I auditioned to sing the National Anthem before a Utah Jazz home game! I really hope I get it...or I might regret posting to the world that I tried out...hmm... So I'll know in 7-10 days if they pick me to sing in one of 43 home games. I think that if I don't get one spot out of 43 then I must not be nearly as good as everyone keeps telling me I am. I'll let you know...

So far my lia sophia business is doing well! :) I have a few shows booked for October. I'm trying to book a few more *hint*hint* to finish off October.

And that's my mini update.

Blessings and Trials

So I realize I haven't written anything lately so I'll ramble for a bit...

This last week or so has been challenging. I've been struggling with an unknown disease that has made my muscles hurt really bad. The doc is calling it "muscle inflammation" (technical ain't it?). Basically, I noticed my legs were hurting, then my arms, then two days later I couldn't move. It hurt to stay still, to be touched, and was excruciating to move! So I took Loritab over a weekend (which helped a little but not all the way) and then took 7 days of Prednisone. It helped a lot! So today was my first day without it and so far so good. I re-did my blood tests today and should have results in the next day or two. Hopefully it was a psycho thing that just ran it's course and now it won't come back. Doc said it would come back quick so I guess I'll see soon if it does. I'm praying it just goes away!

Daija is doing really well in school. I don't know if she gets bored or if she gets tired, but lately she's been asking me if she "has" to go to school...like she doesn't want to. Weird. She tells me she loves going and loves learning and doing art and such...but then gets excited if she doesn't have to go....? I'm hoping that's a normal kid thing and not signs of what I have in store.
Kyla is my singer and sings everything I play on the piano and everything on the radio. It's so fun and she's right on key too! :) And if she likes the song on the radio and I try to change it she yells at me to change it back.
Chase is walking everywhere! It's very exciting...finally! He has such HUGE personality! He loves to play, and run, and scream, and laugh! He is such a joy!

I'm having my first lia sophia party tomorrow! (Technically my mom is having the "1st" book show, but she's not here so it doesn't really count.) I'm very excited, but have NO IDEA how many people are going to show up. I love how people RSVP... wish they did. I invited over 70 people and only a handful have let me know they will or won't be coming. So we'll see I guess.... I have plenty of chocolate fountain and sweets to go with it for everyone so if you're reading this and it's before the 29th from 7-9 pm COME ON OVER!! :) hehehe

I am so blessed. I have a wonderful family. Beautiful children who love me. A hubby who takes good care of us. All the necessities of life. Of course there's always a long wish list. But when I look at it it's a beautiful life. I'm so thankful for all my friends and family who love me. I am extremely lame and feed off of other people telling me how much they love me. Aren't insecurities funny? I even make Chad tell me how much he loves me some times. And I KNOW how much he does... but it's so nice to hear. I love my friends! I love my family! So to all you out there who I know I don't tell enough. LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

lia sophia

Ok so brief update. I've had my nervous breakdown and every thing's fine. I've figured out that Satan is trying to destroy me and my family by making me go crazy and that makes me yell which isn't good for anyone. I'm in the choir for the General Relief Society Broadcast. They told me we would be tried. I didn't realize how much. But I'm good now and thank you to all my friends who helped me through...especially Chad who even though I was upset with always finds a way to make up for it and help me! :)

So...with that said... I'm selling lia sophia jewelry now! It's beautiful, high quality jewelry that's unique and downright awesome! I'm very excited about it. Currently I'm trying to get bookings for parties. I know I've asked a few of you. If you can't that's ok, but it would be very helpful. I'm trying to use all avenues possible! :) Christmas season is coming up! As a hostess you receive great benefits (you can buy a $100 piece of jewelry for only $15!!!, and get 30% sometimes 40% of sales in FREE jewelry). I have a couple of parties set up but if you'd like to throw one just let me know and we'll make it happen! It's tons of fun. The parties are laid back with no pressure to buy. More like a social party with beautiful jewelry available! :)

What's a girl to do?

Ok. I try really hard NOT to do this. But I need to vent. I have been so stressed and overwhelmed lately. This week has been super busy. Which is the way I like it. But certain things are pushing me to the breaking point.
On Sunday, I usually look at the coming week and see what is in the plans. I knew this week was packed full so I made Chad sit with me and discuss everything we had going on, so that we were on the same page. I told him I knew this week was going to be stressful and we needed to remember that we're both busy so don't get upset with the other when all we get to do is see each other in and out the door.
Going through my schedule would take too long. But I've been swamped all day with the kids. Then every night Chad and I have something going on. Usually enough that I leave as soon as he's home from work, then he leaves when I get home later on too. (Almost every day.) Yesterday to throw in something extra my friend had her baby, so me and another friend went to go see her. I took Chase so Chad could get the lawn mowed. I got home in time for Chad to leave for church basketball, which I had to hurry to do. I get home and he tells me he's not going. This is after I got a guilt trip for going to the hospital at all. Every time I try to go anywhere I get a guilt trip (it seems to me) and then when I stress to get home like I'm supposed to all I hear is that he's not going to go now and why didn't I stay out later if that's what I wanted....but if I do stay out later then I get in "trouble" for not coming home "on time"! What the heck!?!? Then this morning all my children are pissy so we start the day off by mommy yelling at everybody to get out the door on time. Children continue to be fussy all day, so mommy is mad all day. Lunch gets spilled all over the floor, Chase can't poop without help, Kyla wants to wear filthy clothes, I say no, she throws a HUGE fit about how she wants her daddy, Daija whines about who knows what... When will it end!?!? I'm seriously going to have a nervous breakdown. O wait. I still have a party to go to tonight, and another one tomorrow. That I can't skip cause I RSVP. But I know as soon as Chad gets home tonight from flag football it's going to be the same old story about how I'M THE ONE ALWAYS GONE.
AND...I asked him to take a day off in October so I could do something that I've wanted to do for a couple of months now...my response? "I don't want to take vacation time to babysit the kids." ?!?!?!?! What the hell do I do every day of every week?!?! But "it's my calling" as a mom. Ya. OK. This mom is about to lose it! I need some serious help. And have none. Nice. Please tell me what I'm supposed to do. HELP.

Air Force Museum

Last Saturday we went to the Air Force Base Museum Open Cockpit day! (whew that's a mouthful!) It was a wonderful day. Kelly and Chad entered into the Chili Cook Off. It was a long day full of walking in the heat, looking at cool old planes, and eating yummy chili! The guys didn't win anything for their chili but it was still fun and the kids loved seeing the planes!

Daija flying the plane!!!

Kyla (not) flying the plane!!! hehehe

Hanging out at the chili booth while Kelly cooked up his yummy white chicken chili!
I don't even like chili, but his made me a believer!

The kids loved the planes.

Chase loved getting out of the stroller to sit on the 'seats' in the planes.

He would get all excited and not want to leave!

Grandma and Grandpa Barrett showed up.

Grandpa and the grand kids in a helicopter.

CHASE

Chase took his first steps tonight! He's been walking along furniture and pushes his little toy "walker" around; but tonight he LET GO and took two steps! We were all winding down and playing in Chase's room before bed tonight. Chad was sitting on the floor. Daija and Kyla were climbing on Chad. I was in the rocking chair, and Chase was holding onto the rocking chair. Chase turned so he was back to the chair and looked at Chad who was two steps away and walked to Daddy!!! :) I am very proud. Not only because he's 17 months old and finally going to start walking, but because I've known he could walk if he wanted to for several months now! He's literally just doing it on his time. After he took his steps to Chad he kept getting back up and trying to walk some more. He would get so excited that he would start dancing and fall over. LOL It was so funny. He just couldn't contain himself so he could walk. Then he just started to stand up from sitting on the floor. That's right. No getting up on a piece of furniture. Just get up off the floor and try to walk a couple of steps before falling back down again! :) He's so cute and so proud of himself!

Daija on the Bus!

Daija on her way to school on the bus for the first time!

She's so big. She didn't want us there. She wouldn't smile for me at the bus stop.

Until she got on the bus and I saw her grinning ear to ear! :)

I'm so excited for her. She's so excited to go and learn. What a fun age!

I AM AN AMERICAN

I would like to say something. Without going into crazy details, let me just say: I think the worst thing a devout American can do right now is be silent. The worst thing we can do is sit on the fence and watch as our country collapses around us. If we do not get involved then we will have no right to complain when things go to Hades. PLEASE, if you have any pride in our wonderful country; the same country our founding fathers fought so hard to develop and protect, then we will join our voices and ACT! I am NOT the smartest person. I do NOT claim to have great political knowledge. But I do know that something has to be done. Things are not right in our country. I'm not talking Democrat vs. Republican. I'm talking about our morals, rights, and beliefs being under attack. If you need ideas about how to become involved visit www.glennbeck.com and look up the 9-12 project. Let us open our eyes and our mouths. Let's get involved people!!

New pics of the kids!

My almost failed attempt to get good pics of my kids. The best one of Daija. She kept saying the sun was too bright to open her eyes.

(It was cloudy and rainy.)

Kyla is good at this!

Chase is the cutest boy ever!

Chad's Birthday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHAD!

Just as I was going to take the pic of Chad blowing out the candles, Connor stood up in front of me and the camera went out of focus. So Chad posed like this for a few seconds until the camera would take the picture! What a good sport! LOL

Kyla, Daija, and cousin, Connor. Hamming it up for the camera!

They are firecrackers when they get together! So much fun!

The family. Left: Michelle, Judy, Lee, Chase, Jenna, and Kelly.

We had pizza outside. Daija, Kyla, and Connor got to jump on the trampoline.

They had a blast!!!

Chad got fishing stuff for his bday! I bought him everything he would need to go so he doesn't have any excuses not to go! He got the pole, reel, tackle box, hooks of all sorts. The lady at Sports Authority hooked me up with everything because I know NoThInG about fishing. :) And I even remembered a fishing license (with some help from my uncle).

Ok - so the pics are posted backwards. This is the football cake I made for Chad's bday!

Pam's Eyes

This is my smokey eyes I did for Chad and I's big date the other day. It looked awesome, especially after I added just a light lipgloss. :) And I didn't realize how many freckles I have.

Nothing really...

I don't have much to say but haven't said anything in a while

so I'll ramble for a minute for anyone who cares to know...

Nothing really new going on. Today I went and bought Chad's birthday presents. His birthday is on Sunday (the 23rd). Normally I have everything I want to get him way before now. I could NOT come up with a good idea this year. Wait - let me rephrase that. I could NOT afford any of the good ideas I came up with this year. So after brainstorming I was able to go and get what I think is a good ensemble of things. I would tell you what they are but in the slight chance Chad might actually read this..... So now it's down to crossing my fingers that he's happy with it. I wrapped up all I could, with Christmas wrapping paper cause that's all I had, and it's hiding until Friday night. :) I will definitely post pics of the birthday and if he liked everything.

Daija starts school on Monday! I can't believe it. It makes me feel old. I can't be old enough to have kids in school...riding the bus alone...talking to friends out of earshot... It sends goosebumps all over. I hope she does well. She's VERY excited to go. She loves learning. Always has really. She's known her ABC's and 123's for a couple years now. She writes her name and can write all of our names (except she still needs a little help with Chase). I started teaching her to play the piano. She is sooo good! We went into the piano store where we bought my piano and were asking them about something when all of a sudden I hear her playing "Old MacDonald" from memory...she'd only been playing the song for a day! She's moving too fast to only do one lesson a week. I can only take about 100 times of "Mary Had A Little Lamb" and "Old MacDonald" each before I just want to scream. So it's on to the next song today. :)

We were able to talk to my family on Skype a couple days ago. The kids LOVED it! We were able to sit and chat for 40 mins. The kids got to show off their somersaults and Daija played her piano songs for them. Chase crawled around and stood up (which they hadn't seen yet). The only downside is having to say goodbye. The kids were really good about it while we said goodbye. I thought things were great and fine. It's time for bed, pj's, teeth brushing...while I'm trying to get them to come upstairs and get ready I hear Kyla crying. She's downstairs telling Chad how much she misses Grandma and Grandpa Thalman. She wants to go see them. On and on... it was very sad. She cried and cried! All I could do was hold her and try to explain that we can't just jump into the car and go see them, they live too far away - none of which made her feel any better. So skype was fun. But it was sad to see my little girl so upset with no way of making her feel better.

A little pic of my beautiful family!

At the Barrett's House

We've had an interesting week. Today we were able to go to a park and have a picnic. Isn't Chase adorable with his little mohawk?? It was a good day for a picnic. Nice and warm in the sun and almost a chill in the shade. I love sweater weather!!! Although I will admit it's a little early to be headed toward fall. But this year has been anything but ordinary.

On Sunday I took a nap. Chad found Kyla downstairs with a purple marker. Besides the couch she also decided she needed to do some artwork on herself! I think the pics say it all. And no, Daija didn't help. I asked her and she said no. I asked Kyla and she was almost mad that I would give anyone else the credit for her masterpiece. :) So after two days and much scrubbing she is back to normal.

Letters

I promised my mom photos of the letters I've painted for Chase's room. I always make my kids a name plaque for their rooms. This time I had to become creative because there weren't any A's left out of letters that weren't fancy. Boys shouldn't have fancy letters. :) So here's the letters. The star is a box and I found little A's to put in/on it. I think it turned out great!

Join the Party!

Come on people. I know there's at least a few of you out there that actually read my blog. I know because you comment or actually talk to me about them later. So will you please "follow" it? That way I will feel like I'm posting to more than just Tamara? :) Sometimes I feel like I'm writing to myself about my day and what I've been up to...which I'm pretty sure I already know. So come on people, join the party! Follow my blog, and tell anybody else that you may think will find it interesting to follow too. (Just an example: family members) The more the merrier! LOL

Kindergarten

*tear* My baby, Daija, (who is actually not a baby anymore) is going into Kindergarten. Where has the time gone? I can't believe it. We went school shopping for the first time last night. We don't have a list of what she'll need so we just got a bunch of stuff that I will keep at home if she doesn't need it. It's a good time to buy anyway because of all the sales! Her backpack is so cute and pink. She already got her stuff in her pencil box and put it in her backpack. We hung it up in the coat closet because I know if I let her she'll carry it around for the next month before school starts! LOL We get to go clothes shopping in a week or so. Have to get paid first. Why isn't there a fund for school stuff? I feel unprepared. I appreciate much more my parents getting 5 kids ready for school every year! It's a lot to do! And a lot of money! So thank you mom and dad for making sure we had what we needed! I also feel unprepared emotionally. I'm not like..."O my baby! Don't go away from me!" like a crazy mom. Just unsure of how she's going to fair without me. I've acted brave and excited in front of her. I worry about the influence of other people's children. I worry about germs. Let's start school at the beginning of flu season shall we? Oh what a great idea! And now we have the swine flu to battle too? Awesome! *sigh* So I bought a bunch of hand sanitizer. She is taking one with her to school. I have two at home. We don't play the piano unless our hands are clean. After school we wash first thing in the door. Not OCD, just careful. She used to get pneumonia a couple of years ago. One year she got it twice. I just need her to stay safe. She loves to wear skirts. Not going to happen without shorts underneath. How sad it is that we have to worry about such things? Dumb, I say. Dumb. But I know I can't keep her in a bubble. She will do great at school. She's so smart. She knows her ABC's. She counts to more than 20...only needs a little help sometimes. She can write her name, and can read all of our names. And writes all her ABC's. So if I spell it out she can write it. So she'll be great. And I'm looking forward to giving a little more attention to Kyla.

Fam Pics

We went a couple of weekends ago to take family pictures. None of them turned out great. But a couple of them turned out good enough I suppose. So this is the best family one. Daija is really photogenic when she isn't doing her "cheesy" cheese! :) It was soooo hot! In the 100's. So I guess we're lucky anyone would smile. I love this scene with Chase. He was sitting precariously on a log "fence" off the side of the canyon road. Hence the not really looking at the camera or smiling. But I think it's still cute!

Us Lately...

Nap on the couch!

Swimming lessons!

Taking a break from the water!

Chase had so much fun. :)

We've had a fun week. Daija's finished her first summer of swimming lessons. We went to Ogden and played in an outdoor water park. We had a good 24th. My sister, Raeanne, is here until tomorrow. We did a fire pit tonight with her and the neighbors, Taylor and Shayla and their son Bronson. We had sweet corn on the cob! And hotdogs. I'm getting sick of hotdogs. But I'm so glad we put in our fire pit! We love love love our new yard! And play every day. :)