This is what life is all about

Half Marathons

2011-08-21T21:47:00.000-07:00

So I have a friend that talked me into doing a half marathon this year. I cant believe I of all people actually signed up for this. I was actually pretty excited. It was the first time EVER that I have done anything like this. Sure I have ran 5K's and I did a couple of Triathlons but a Half Marathon, never and I swore I would never do one. I trained and trained for this, I bought the latest shoes, clothes, and of course GU packs. I tried them all, ones with caffeine, ones with honey, the shot blocks, the GU packs, the ones that look like waffles you name it I tried it. I had my schedule of how far to run everyday and what days to take off. I would map out my runs the night before so that I would get the exact mileage in. I am not a fast runner and I new that. I was not in this to win, just to finish and accomplish something. I read all the blogs on what to eat the morning of a run. Everything said "bagel with peanut butter, banana and a coffee. Well I don't drink coffee, and I am deathly allergic to bananas so I figured that the bagel with peanut butter would be enough. Our race started at 5:40 am which meant I had to be up at 3:00 to be ready to leave my house by 4:00 and be to the parking lot to get on a bus and up the canyon so that we could start at 5:40. I got up and took a shower, I know a shower before a run, but it helped to wake me up. I got my clothes on everything ready had my breakfast and out the door I went. We got to the starting line and I took my first GU pack, now I like the one with 2X the caffeine. You take them 15-30 minutes before you start your race and every 45 minutes after. I was ready, well the race didn't start until 6:00. So by the time I hit mile 3 I was ready for another GU pack. So I took one. By mile 5 I figured I better take another on so I don't get tired. I was feeling great, Crystal and I were 3 minutes a head of our normal time coming out of the canyon. Just then at mile 7 I hit a brick wall. My heart was racing funny, I had the chills and I felt like every bit of energy I had was at the start line and I still had 6 miles to go. I pushed the best I could, I had to walk. Then I would try and run and not make it to far then I would have to walk again. By mile 9 our friend Amanda had been running up the trail to find us and there I was in tears feeling like this was the end. No energy, no will to go on but I new I couldn't give up. Amanda ran with Crystal and I the rest of the way. Honestly I felt like crawling the rest of the way. I felt horrible, there was nothing left in me. Amanda and Crystal were great, they kept pushing me. I finally got to the main road and Amanda said I am going to run up and let everyone know that you are coming. I had asked the family to meet me at the corner so they could watch. All of a sudden I see Addie running towards me, yelling at me to encourage me to keep going. Then I notice this lady waving her arms running towards us. I thought for sure she was running towards the group behind me. Nope, it was my sister Erica she had flown in from Texas just to watch and cheer me on. What an awesome surprise. I was in tears, and now I knew I had to finish, there was no getting out of this at all. I made it, but it wasn't easy. I pushed as hard as I could and I crossed the finish line at 2:21 right about the time I had wanted to finish. I wasn't feeling real well, I was exhausted physically and mentally. Crystal and Amanda took one look at me and said "you don't look well, lets find a medic to take you blood pressure. Long story short I ended up in an Ambulance for 45 minutes getting an IV because I was so extremely dehydrated. Not the most exciting way to finish a race. But I did it....

Then crazy me signed up the next day to do another race just 2 weeks later. This was a moonlight race. Obviously you run at night, the idea is to start when you think you will cross the finish line at midnight. There are no timing devices, no watches etc. Again Crystal and I set out for yet another accomplishment. We started at 9:30 pm this time I was prepared. I had a good dinner, I had my water belt, GU packs, I was set. I have had a injury from the first run so I knew I wanted to take this one easy. I had never run this course before so I had no idea where I was going. You run in the dark and I had no light with me. But honestly it was a ton of fun. I still had to walk a bit, not as much as my first race but for some reason I was a little slower that night. I crossed the finish line at 12:01. 1 minute shy of the goal. unfortunately I didn't win, at least not a prize. I won with myself. I finished yet another half marathon, and this one I felt GREAT at the end. No ambulance, no feeling sick, just sure excitement that I did it. But I am now done for a while. I am good with 2 in 2 weeks. I encourage everyone of you to do a half marathon. And yes I am considering doing a full marathon next year, CONSIDERING IT!!!

The bet is on.

2011-08-19T22:41:00.000-07:00

Now some of you know that I love bribery, It is the only way I can get some of my kids to do anything. Brianna hates the water, which is weird because she is on swim team and everything. Mike told her at the beginning of the year that he would not pull out the tube unless she wakeboarded, kneeboarded and water skied at least 3 times each. Brianna wouldnt have anything to do with it. She was dead set on the fact that she would sit in the boat all summer. I told her "look just do it so your dad will leave you alone. Nope she wouldnt even hear of it. Finially I said "Fine I will give you $100.00 if you do it" she said to me "Mom you dont have $100.00. So I started walking out of the room when it dawned on me that she wanted a cell phone really bad. I turned around and said to her "heres the deal, you do everything 3 times and I will buy you a cell phone, but you have to do it before your birthday" Boy that got her attention the bet was on. We signed a contract together so I knew there was no way out of this one. Honestly I really didnt think she would do it. Well she did, fathers day weekend in St. George. She got the phone and i lost the bet to never bet my kids again. But it was so worth it, she actually loves getting in the water. Trick worked....may

Fathers Day

2011-08-19T22:23:00.000-07:00

Mike and his friend Joe took the kids to St. George for the weekend and it just happened to be Fathers day weekend. Myself and Becky stayed behind to work and play. Mike and Joe took the kids to the lake and everyone had a blast. Becky and I went to the parade of homes and drooled over the beautiful homes and decorations.

2011-04-17T21:16:00.000-07:00

2011-04-17T21:13:00.000-07:00

Spring Break

2011-04-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

The girls were out of school this last week for Spring Break so we decided to take a mini vacation. We were all in need of some R&R so off to St. George we went. We went with some good friends of ours the Haughey's and their 4 kids. The first day we went to Hoover Dam. Oh my goodness, that place is huge!!! I had no idea the size of the place. We took the power plant tour and then to the visitors center, (not worth the $50.00) but the kids enjoyed it. Megatron was on vacation so we were not able to see him. (kids were upset) we told Rachael before we left that we were going to the place that held the Cube from Transformers, she actually believed the Cube was there...so cute. Then we spend 2 days at the pool, the weather was wonderful, low 80's with a slight breeze. The last day at the pool everyone got a little to much sun. Note to self....Don't ever buy Wal-Mart brand sunscreen, it doesn't work.

What a fun weekend. We are all rejuvenated to go about the next several weeks and months before we head back down to go water skiing.

My Girls!!!

2011-03-13T20:49:00.000-07:00

There is this darling family in our ward that we really like to sit by in sacrament. They have the 3 most beautiful girls and of course my girls are all over them, its great they all entertain each other during sacrament meeting. The girls mom, Kendall is wanting to brush up on her photography skills and asked if she could borrow the girls for a bit. Of course, she took them Saturday and the pictures are amazing. These are just a few of what she has sent me. I think I am going to be in trouble when they get older (OK maybe I am already in trouble) Thank you Kendall they are amazing.

Mormon Video!

2011-02-26T23:13:00.000-08:00

I am not one to brag much, well at least about myself. But I just had to add this for all of you to see. I am in a video that has be posted on mormon.org. Yes shy little me I was totally nervous and uncomfortable but here it is for all of you to see. If nothing else the message of the video is wonderful.

http://mormon.org/worship/#all-visitors-are-welcome

Christmas Spirit

2010-12-20T21:11:00.000-08:00

Its a BOY... Its a GIRL

2010-12-09T16:42:00.000-08:00

These are the words we are now saying of the twins that we just adopted on Wednesday. They are about 8 month old and just as playful as ever. Now introducing Maggie, with the red collar and Marley is the one with the blue collar. WHAT ARE WE THINKING??? or more WHAT WAS I THINKING?????
Mike said to me a couple of weeks ago that he really wanted a dog for Christmas, after Addie had been trying to get us to buy a new dog for about 3 months. I just wasn't ready to take on this task again. Losing Ginger was really difficult for me and I just don't want to do that again. I was really enjoying not having land mines outside anymore. But I gave in, I couldn't be the Scrooge in the house.(now I am the best mom ever) We looked on KSL for older dogs, we just didn't want to do the puppy stage again. This add came up for 2 Black Labs but they need to go together. I called my mom and she said she would be interested in one of them, perfect we thought. This way they are still in the family but not both at my house. After less than 24 hours at my house I now have 3 kids and a husband saying we have to keep them both. They really are good dogs, they are just going to need a lot of attention and training. Merry Christmas

A Healthier Me

2010-11-18T21:51:00.001-08:00

Several years ago I tried a health program called Isagenix. This product is a Nutritional Cleansing and Replenishing product. I have suffered with Migraines for years I would have 3-4 a week and I was told this product would help me. It is designed to rid your body of all the toxins that we put in ourselves daily, and as a side benefit it helps you to lose weight. So I started this product for a quick weight fix before Mike and I headed to Puerto Rico. I did what is called a 9 day cleanse, for someone that LOVES to eat this was a challenge for me. But I did it and in 9 days I lost 10 lbs. But I also got rid of my headaches, I had energy, and I was feeling great. Well, I have started to eat healthy and exercise daily, but I havent had any energy I havent been feeling all that great, losing my hair...all sorts of things and come to find out that it is because of all the Aspartame that is in all of the "Sugar Free" foods I have been eating. I love Crystal Light and I was drinking 2-3 liters of it a day. It is loaded with Aspartame. I started having Kidney problems and the doctors couldnt figure out why. After looking on line at all the side effects of Aspartame I decided to give up the "Sugar Free" the Crystal Light and just eat better. So I have gone back on Isagenix to get rid of the junk in my system. I also share this with you because I have become an Associate and if anyone is interested in their products I am selling them at my cost. I am not in this to make money, just to help my family, myself and others. I have a website www.leilanilamb.isagenix.com. Let me know if you have any questions. I really am not one that gets into this kind of stuff, but this is a product that I truly believe in. I have seen it work for others and it has worked for me.

Only 3 ingredients

2010-11-06T14:08:00.001-07:00

You read it right, only 3 ingredients for the most amazing Pumpkin Chocolate Chips cookies. You will love them. Enjoy

15 oz can pumpkin mix
1 Spice Cake mix
bag of chocolate chips

Mix all ingredients together. Do Not add oil, water or eggs. Drop by spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for approx 20 minuets. This makes soft, round, cake-like cookies

Weekend project

2010-11-06T13:41:00.000-07:00

So I have started getting into Garage Sales. I am trying to use my creative side and see someone else's junk as my treasures. So a couple of Saturdays ago Mike and
I went out in the pooring rain to see what we could find. I found this white cabinet and thought this would be easy to sand down and re paint black, So I did, after painting it black I sanded a few spots and then put a red stain on it. Not to bad for only $10.00.

Egyptian Funeral

2010-11-01T19:34:00.001-07:00

Brianna has been doing a unit on Egypt. At the end of the unit they do an Egyptian Funeral, the kids all get a character and then they dress up and walk the halls as if there were having a funeral. The get very creative with their costumes, they actually wrap a child as if they were a mummy and pull them in a box that they decorate up, the other kids cry and carry on as the walk the halls. It was great.

Halloween.......

2010-11-01T19:22:00.000-07:00

Many of you know that I dislike Halloween, more than anything I think. Well this year I decided to have a "Change of Heart" I actually purchased costumes for my kids, put out all my Halloween decorations and enjoyed the season. I am really trying to do things for my kids that we didn't do when I was growing up. Halloween wasn't my mothers favorite holiday either, and I think that has rubbed off on me. But since it is something that my kids enjoy I figured I would try my hardest to enjoy it also. BUT...I did NOT dress up. I wont go that far as to liking the holiday. This year we were really lucky to have Kim and her family in town. My mom, Dave, Jessica and Kim's family all came down to do the Trunk or Treat deal, which unfortunately got rained out and we had Trunk or Treat in the church through the classrooms. Then everyone came back here for homemade soups. What a great time we had, it was wonderful to see all of the cousins playing.

Family Pictures

2010-10-12T19:50:00.000-07:00

Growing up we never had family pictures done. So when I got married I promised Mike and myself that we would always have a family picture. Now I am not the best at doing it every year but there is always one up. This was the year, I figured everyone had changed so much over the last 2 years, it was time. I don't know how many of you struggle with doing picture, but we sure do. Trying to find the right outfits, the right location, making sure every one's schedules work etc. This time we managed to get through everything without to many glitches. A special thanks to my cousin Shellie for taking the pictures and for being so patient with us. They turned out amazing.

Rachael Kae Lamb

2010-09-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

I cant believe that my baby is going to be 8 on Friday. Then she is getting baptised on Saturday. I really am not old, at least I don't feel it and I hope I don't look it. I don't have gray hair or wrinkles. But having her turn 8 makes me feel old. It seems like yesterday I was working my hardest to get her out. She was late to my standards and I was done being pregnant. Now look at her, this little girl that is all grown up. I do have to say, what a joy Rachael is. There is never a dull moment when she is around, either she is trying to play a joke on someone or just saying one liners that make you laugh. She is our "Tom Boy" don't say that to her or she will deny it but she doesn't like anything girlish. I was very surprised we got her in the dress she is wearing, and she even picked it out. She is always the first one in the water at the lake and then on the knee board. She is the first to go out and help with the yard and get her hands dirty. She loves to help Mike fix ANYTHING she can, and he loves it. We are very lucky to have her in our family. We love you Rach! Thank you Shelli for the beautiful pictures.

You know you are getting old if....

2010-09-18T19:45:00.000-07:00

This is what you get for your birthday! Mike had a birthday this week and he had a great day. First he went golfing with Scott Nielsen from Service Masters, then out to lunch with the "GUYS" from the office. We had some friends over for presents and treats. I think Tami's kids had more fun with the presents and bows than Mike did. Dinner at Olive Garden with Dave, Jessica and Tami. What a day. You have to make it good when this is your last year to celebrate the 30's. Oh I forgot to mention. The night before our washer broke and I told Mike that I am done fixing it. We have fixed it at least 3 times. So after lunch we went washer and dryer shopping. So I guess the present was more for me then him. But hey I will take. Happy Birthday sweetie, we love you.

Timpanogas Cave

2010-09-11T19:42:00.000-07:00

We took the girls and went on a hike to Timp Caves. I had forgotten what a hike it is up to the top. But we all managed to make ii. It amazes me how the cave was discovered and how the minerals form such amazing art pieces.

16 Years

2010-09-11T19:35:00.001-07:00

Mike and I just celebrated our 16Th Anniversary. I cant believe we have been married for 16 years. It seems like it was just yesterday that we got married. Mike surprised me with a nights stay at the Somewhere Inn Time bed and breakfast. Such a nice place and so relaxing and peaceful. We went to dinner at PF Chang's and had a wonderful meal. We sat at our dinner table and talked about our most memorable memories in the last 16 years, so many good and only a few bad ones. I am one lucky girl to have such an amazing husband and best friend. I love you forever and always.

Labor Day weekend

2010-09-06T19:07:00.000-07:00

What a great weekend. We had a Nelson family day at Deer Creek. We had so much fun, the water was perfect along with the weather. Dave rented a second tube so we could get some competition going on. The kids (OK and the adults) have fun jumping from tube to tube. Mike did great on the wake board jumping the wakes. Well, now it was time for mom and dad to go out. I though for sure they wouldn't, mom is a little nervous of the water and dad cant get his hair wet and messed up. But out of no where before I new it they were putting on life jackets and climbing on to the tubes. The bigger tube out of the two if you aren't careful and lie back then the front will go under the water when you start going. Well mom wasn't back far enough and before we new it she was submarining underwater. We all go a good laugh at her expense. But I think she drank more of the lake than ever before. She only lasted a few minutes, but dad on the other hand wanted another turn so he could try to get of of the wake. I dont remember the last time that we ALL laughed this hard. Dad was having a great time teasing everyone. What a great memory that we will never forget and we have pictures to prove it. The afternoon was followed up with a BBQ of Teriyaki beef and BBQ ribs. Thanks everyone for a great weekend.

Sunset!

2010-09-05T20:19:00.000-07:00

Today we decided before the weather gets to much cooler we were going to hike to the big "Y" on the mountain. The girls did great, it is a fairly easy hike. We left late enough in the day so that we could get to the top, have dinner and watch the sunset.

First Day of School

2010-08-26T20:42:00.001-07:00

Summer went by way to fast. I felt like it was just yesterday that we got out of school. But I have to admit, I was ready for them to go back and so were they. They are getting so big, Addie just started 8Th grade, I am not old enough to have an 8Th grader. Brianna, is in 6Th, next year I will have two in Junior High. Then Rachael started 2ND grade. They are all very excited about their teachers and a new year.

Caribbean.......Bear Lake

2010-08-26T20:14:00.000-07:00

We planned a last minute family reunion of sorts to Bear Lake, Thanks Aunt Janette for the idea and for letting us shack up at your house for a couple of days. We had an amazing time. Bear Lake is beautiful, I really felt like I was on a Caribbean Island. The beaches were wonderful, especially for the kids. They were able to go at least 200 feet and still touch. The little kids loved playing and eating the sand. This definatley needs to be a yearly event.

Jewelry!!

2010-08-13T18:13:00.001-07:00

I have been making jewelry for about a year doing watches and bracelets. I have really enjoyed it and now Addie is wanting to try something of her own. She has created the necklaces that have the beads in clusters at the bottom and is doing really well at it. Please check out her blog, to see the things she has been making, and yes they are all for sale. My watches to come soon.
www.justforgigglesjewelry.blogspot.com

2010-04-12T22:27:00.000-07:00

Mother of the Year "NOT"

2010-04-12T21:18:00.000-07:00

OK so I am not "Mother of the Year" but I try. So I have been collecting film from my point and shoot camera for oh lets say 10 years. I finally decided that I was going to take it to Costco and have all the pictures put on a CD. Well, I had 22 rolls of film! I know! I know! they have been sitting in my fridge, I heard they will last longer if you put them there. The sad news is that I had 7 rolls that were blank, who knows if they were unused or if they were over exposed. We will never know. We sure had a fun time looking through 370 pictures tonight for Family Night. Here are a few for your enjoyment. The thing that makes me sad the most is how young the girls are in the pictures, they are growing up way to fast.

Addie

2010-03-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the History Fair at BYU this was for our Region, just Alpine School District. The kids had to be there with their projects set up by 8:30 so that the judging could begin. There was some stiff competition this year. Addie's project was great, she followed the directions of her teacher and did everything the way it should have been done. The teacher didn't want the kids taping two display boards together to make the height requirement, so Addie took wood and had it the height that she needed. She had nice clean lines, just very nicely done.

They had the judging, then the kids were able to leave for lunch. We were lucky to have Grandma Gary and Grandma Neice come down to support Addie. We all went to Teriyaki Sticks for lunch and then hurried back for the awards ceremony. We are please to say that Addie did win an award..."Most Creative Materials Used" unfortunately this isn't enough to advance to State. But we are very proud of her for all the hard work that she put into this project. Way to go ADDIE!!!!

FINALLY!!!

2010-02-23T18:09:00.000-08:00

Addie is in an advanced class in Junior High and in this class they have a History Fair every year. This is a HUGE part of their grade and a HUGE project. This year the subject was "Innovations in History" the students get to choose their topic get it approved and then start working. Addie decided that she wanted to do Water slides, there is a gentlemen in our ward that works for a company that designs them for parks outside of the US. Great! he is going to be able to give us lots of information and this is going to be great. NOT!!! there isn't a library in Utah that carries anything on Water slides, the guy had nothing to give us. The Internet wasn't very helpful either. Addie spend hours upon hours searching for information to put in a bibliography, resources etc. More than half way through the teacher suggested that she change subjects. Are you kidding me? No way are we starting over again. Addie just kept plugging along, she kept searching and searching for more and more information, she emailed the Library of Congress and they sent her information. Along with the project they have to write a 1500 word essay, then they get to choose either a display board, documentary, play or write a 2500 word paper (instead of the 1500 word paper). We decided to do the display board. Now, this board has to be 6 feet tall, 40 inches wide and 30 inches deep. With lots of information etc. all over the board. The student has to do it by themselves, parents can only help with the cutting of the wood, they have to be able to assemble it by themselves. This is the most amazing project yet. Addie was carring it through the school and literally had people stopping and saying WOW!!! This project has running water, the whole works. The teacher was way impressed on the project. She had Addie set it up during first period and by the time Addie got to class for 2nd period the kids had already plugged it in to watch the water. Infact one of the kids said WOW! I have some stiff compitition. We are so proud of her. She did it all by herself, except for cutting the wood. She painted it, put it together everything. She received 100% on the project. Boy are we glad that it is over. The poor kid worked on that every night for months. We are just now waiting for State and then we see if she makes it past that. Way to go ADDIE! Then this week we got a letter from the Principle that she was student of the day, and what and example she is to the school and what a hard workier she is. She is the best. (I turned the camera so that you could see the whole board and it messed up the picuture if you can just turn your head so sorry)
The videa wont down load so sorry it is taking way to long

The Tooth Fairy is RICH

2010-02-23T18:02:00.000-08:00

Rach had a tooth that was loose for quit a while, she was getting frustrated that it just wouldnt fall out. So she had Addie play with it a little and it just wouldnt come out and it was really hurting her. I just happened to be talking to Erica on the phone when all of this was happening, Rach is crying, her mouth is bleeding, and there was not a thing I was going to do about it. I dont pull teeth for anything. It is gross and there is no way I am going to do it. Erica was laughing at me because I was wimping out. I sent Addie in and sure enough out came the tooth. Rach couldnt have been happier. I think the Tooth Fairy gave her a dollar. Well about 5 days later, the same thing all over again, only this time Aunt Jessica was here having dinner and she pulled it right out. I dont know if many of you know this or not, but the Tooth Fairy does not come twice in the same week. (the only excuse I could come up with for forgetting AGAIN). But, she made it and sure enought there went at least another dollar. Rach is the cuties thing with both of her front teeth missing. I am surprised however how fast they are growing in. What a cutie

The Holidays

2010-02-23T17:58:00.001-08:00

I really am alive

2010-02-23T17:39:00.000-08:00

There are no excuses, well there are excuses but they probably just aren't any good. I have been a slacker and I apologize. We are just so busy around here and I haven't made this a priority. So to all of you that have been wondering what we have been up here you go.

Christmas 2009
We had a wonderful Christmas this year. Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Dick came to celebrate with us. It was wonderful having them here. The girls are so much fun to watch, they are older so it is a lot different then it was when they were younger. The only hard part is dolls and clothes do cut it anymore. This year Mike and I went a little crazy. The girls each got an IPOD shuffle.
The best invention ever!!! It is fun watching them sing at the top of their lungs while cleaning or doing absolutely nothing. We purchased the WII Fit system, Rach is a pro, and she is up for a challenge whenever possible.

Addie has a Christmas concert and it was wonderful. The teacher is a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and she is great. Very entertaining!

The Omelet Fest was another huge hit this year. It was great having Mike's dad here to help cook. We had 4 burners going at the same time. Between the two of them they made over 75 Omelets.

We then had Cameron Hodge and his kids over for New Years Eve. The kids always love this, they get to eat lots of food, stay up late, and then at midnight we let them go outside bang pots and pans and light fireworks.

Happy Holidays

2009-12-17T17:13:00.000-08:00

I decided this year with as busy as we are here at the Lamb house that I was going to do Christmas Cards via email and blogs. This way I could do it one night, have it done instead of waiting for Costco to print them out, then spend hours addressing them and not to mention making sure I had the right address's and stamps. So Oviously we spend every weekend at the lake, I really think we need to move somewhere where we can boat more than 4 months out of the year. This has to be our favorite family activity. We lost our family pet Ginger after 10 years. We are all struggling this time of year because she would usually be in the house, since it is so cold outside. There isn't anyone snuggling with us on the floor anymore. The kids are trying to convince me that we need another dog. UM NO!!! We spent a week in California having a wonderful time at Disneyland, San Francisco shopping and hanging out at the beach. Mike and I participated in a Triathlon, (sorry no pics). The girls each took swim lessons, Addie and Brianna we on the swim team and did amazingly well, I think all of my kids were fish in their earlier life. Between work, school and kids we are staying really busy over here. We are very thankful to have each other as a family, we are very blessed with the job we have, everyone is healthy but most of all, to have to gospel in our lives. We want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year.

Twilight saga "New Moon"

2009-11-21T07:58:00.000-08:00

Yes I did it!! I was one of the first to see the movie before it actually came out. I have read most of the books, and I think they are good but I am not one that is obsessed with them. Cascade Collision, a company we do business with was having a "Customer Appreciation Day" at the theater just for the showing, they were kind enough to give me 4 tickets. So of course we had to have a girls night out. We went to dinner then we got to the theater at 6:15 for the 8:30 showing. What a mad house. People were wearing shirts about New Moon, one guy was even dressed like Edward, (ya wasn't doing it for me) people going around selling jewelry. CRAZY. We had a great time. The movie was amazing and I must way that I am now a fan of Team Jacob. Thanks girls for a fun evening.

Amazing Day

2009-11-09T17:03:00.000-08:00

Saturday was an amazing day. We attended a baptism, did all the yard work for the winter, washed the cars. Then that evening we had our adult session of Stake Conference, we had the pleasure of having Elder Wilkenson an area 70 along with Elder Robert D Hales. It has been 20 years since we have had an Apostle come to talk to us. Both of their talks were amazing. It was nice to see them in a more casual setting, Elder Hales was so funny. He opened up the evening to Questions and Answers, which was a little different, but good. After the meeting Mike went to visit with some people, and Myself, Tami and Cathy were visiting with others, when all of a sudden Mike whistled for me and as I turned around there was Elder Hales standing right next to me talking to Baby Ava. He said "You must be the center of attention" he then touched her hand and said to her "I just touched your hand and you just touched mine so when you get older you can tell everyone that." I touched his shoulder and told him how much I appreciated his talk. What an amazing man. WOW!!! What an experience.

Bah Hum Bug

2009-10-29T18:00:00.001-07:00

OK! so most of you know that I love this time of year. I love watching the leaves change, the smells of cider and pumpkin pie. But you also know that I really really do not like Halloween. There I said it out loud. I have been called all sorts of things for this. I even tried to bribe my kids with anything that they wanted on Halloween night, except for Trick or Treating. The movies, dinner, bowling whatever. Nope it didn't work, so I bit the bullet and went out to find costumes today. Not a good idea the day before Halloween. I told the kids they could each have $5.00 to pick something out, now mind you we went to Savers. Well, who was I kidding $5.00 really, you cant even get out of 7-11 for less than $5.00. Well I spend more than I would on a small Costco run. So I guess what I am really getting at, is that I am the COOLEST mom ever. My kids are going to be decked out for their parties tomorrow. Watch for pic's to come. Happy Halloween!!!

Rachael

2009-10-21T21:24:00.000-07:00

September 24, 2002 OK I am getting old. My baby turned 7 last month. I am not old enough to have kids these ages. Wow! How I remember her birth just like it was yesterday. My other girls had come 2 weeks early and I though for sure this would follow the same way. Rachael had a different plan. Mike was traveling at the time she was due and I was really worried that he would be out of town, and not make it for the birth. He gave me a blessing several months before she was due and said she would come on her due date. Of course I didn't like that, it meant 2 weeks longer in the pregnancy that I wanted. My body produces 3 times the water it should. So the doctors give me several stress test until I deliver. I had a doctors appointment on the 23rd of September and when I went he checked me and said that I was at a big fat "0", you can imagine how frustrated I was, and how done I was at that point. I had another stress test scheduled later that afternoon. After talking with my mom she said if the stress test comes back normal go over to Rite Aid and get some Castro Oil and a Root beer. You should have seen the looks that I got from everyone in the store. Yes I was going to do it. So at 3:00 I took it, it was the worst stuff I have ever had in my life. Then I waited. About 7:30 I was talking to a sister-in-law on the phone and started feeling a little sick to my stomach, I took a bath. Then I walked around the house for a while. Finally about 10:00 I had Mike take me to the hospital I just new it had to be time. I got all checked in and hooked up, I was having some pretty strong contractions. The nurse checked me and said you are at a 3 and 80% effaced. I new it, that stuff really works. (I recommend it to everyone)Now all I needed was someone to break my water...but wait. They don't call the doctor in late at night to do that, they said your water will break on its own. No way no how!!! If I carry 3 times the water, not a chance it is going to break on its own. I waited the whole night until 8:30 am when the doctor was doing his rounds. He broke my water, then he went and gave the nurse an earful. 2 hours later out she came. 9 lbs 2oz 20 inches. My biggest baby yet, but by far the easiest delivery. She has been my best sleeper out of all the girls. Rach was sleeping through the night at 4 weeks. Now look at her, all grown up, well maybe a little. She is our tom boy, but don't tell her I said that she doesn't like being called that. She has no desire to wear girl clothes, dresses are only for 3 hours on Sundays. She would rather be in the mud or helping Mike with things than baking or playing dolls. She is almost the boy we will never have. We love you Rach!!!

15 years

2009-10-21T20:56:00.000-07:00

September 10,1994
Place Salt Lake Temple. What an amazing day this was. Mike and I were getting married, I had everything I needed, my recommend, my dress, make up, everything. My mom and I were at the temple bright and early 5:30 AM early. The wedding was planned for 7:10 AM (not to self never do this with my girls)we were waiting for Mike and his parents to arrive with the all the things that he would need, including the MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE!!!! We had left it in my car so we wouldn't loose it, we had just moved everything into our apartment and I was worried about it getting lost. Mike took my car to his house the night before the wedding so I was sure he would remember to bring it. NOPE!!!! He rode to the temple with his parents in their car. As soon as he got there what do you think the first question out of mine and my mothers mouth? You guessed it. "Do you have the certificate?" no he replied and non of us believed him, Mike loves to joke around. Well, he actually did forget it and so we sent his friend Cameron back to his parents house to get it. This is all before 7:00 am. The ceremony was beautiful, the weather was perfect. Couldn't have asked for a better day. We did have a few rain scares, in fact I have a picture of someone holding an umbrella over my cake so it wouldn't get wet. Mike's grandparents went to a lot of trouble to make sure the yard was in tip top shape.
Here we are 15 years later. What a journey we have had, there have been the lows, but there have definitely been the highs. We are in love more today than we were 15 years ago. I can truly say Mike is my best friend. We enjoy doing just about anything together. Boating, watching movies, mini golf or bowling, plays...the list goes on and on. I couldn't have asked for a better husband, friend or father for my children. The lord new what he was doing when he hooked the two of us up. I love you Mike, thank you for 15 wonderful years
(if I can get the wedding pic's to scan I will add those but for now this is us 15 year later with 3 girls)

Where have I been??

2009-10-21T20:52:00.000-07:00

I have decided that my life is way to busy for this blogging stuff. I have been trying to find the time to update and just cant seem to find it. As far as I am concerned time has run away and is never coming back. There need to be more hours in the day, but then I dont know that, that would even help me. As a friend always tells me you can always find time. I am beginning to think they are the crazy one, not me. So I apologize in advance, it has been a while and there have been so many things go on that I have neglected to post. The school carnival that I put together, my 15 year anniversary, my babies 7th birthday. Many, many more things. So bare with me as I catch up on the lost days.

First Day of School

2009-09-02T18:40:00.000-07:00

Yeah so it has been over a week since the girls started school, but my gosh have we been busy. So Addie started Junior High, YIKES!!! Am I really old enough to have a Junior High student. Yep and there is nothing I can do about it. Addie's biggest fear was getting lost, well she has managed to give into that fear, even still 2 weeks later is still gets lost. A little benefit of the doubt, the school is one big square and all the halls looks the same. She is having a great time, she has adjusted great and really enjoys it. While we were getting ready for school, the clothes, supplies etc... she kept telling me "I cant have that or I cant wear that it just isnt cool for Junior High", WHAT!!! oh the joys of a tween and not to mention that your mom doesnt drop you off at school and kiss you at the door. That was a little weird this year.
Brianna and Rachael on the other hand, thought all the clothes I picked out were cute, they loved me doing their hair and dropping them off at school, oh and the kiss at the door. Both of them have amazing teachers this year and I couldnt be more excited. I just cant believe how fast summer went, now we are back to homwework and going to bed early.

Family Vacation

2009-08-21T23:41:00.001-07:00

CALIFORNIA

2009-08-21T23:13:00.002-07:00

So we ventured to California for a family vacation. We went with a good friend of ours, Cameron Hodge and his 3 kids. We drove from here to San Francisco, and stayed there for a few days. We took the kids to the Pier's and the Wharf. We had fun watching the seals, and opening oysters to get pearls. The girls all ate clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, OK all except for Brianna, she doesn't do any type of fish or sea food. So she had Chili. We rode the cable cars, took Lombard Street, and went into China Town. San Francisco was beautiful but freezing cold, the high was only 62, very cold for California especially in August. Then we headed to Anaheim to do Disneyland and California Adventure. This was the first time we were all tall enough to ride all the rides. Rachael is my little dare devil, she will do anything and everything. There wasn't a ride that she didn't like, Addie on the other hand, not so lucky. We rode the Tower of Terror, in California Adventure. She did pretty good, so we went again, well right before the worker was going to shut the door she rose her hand and asked if she could get off. The ride was just way to much for her. Sorry Addie it was the best. Then it was off to Santa Clarita, Valencia area. Here we went to the beach, we went to downtown LA to the Jewelry District, yes I have started another project, of making bracelets and watches (pictures to come)so that was fun for me, not so much for 6 kids and 2 men. The boys and Rachael went deep sea fishing, Rachael was the only one to catch anything, and she caught 5, Cameron was getting a little frustrated. Then all the boys went to a Dodgers Game, ya I would rather shop, so the girls shopped and swam. We had such a wonderful time. So worth going. Thanks Hodges for inviting us.

Oquirrh Mountain Temple

2009-08-21T23:03:00.000-07:00

We had the opportunity to go through the open house to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. We went we a couple really good friends and had the most amazing time. We are so lucy to leave here in Utah were we have several temple that we can get to with in minutes. One of the little boys that was with us named Noah, who is only 2 was soaking everything up. He kept asking questions and pointing to pictures of Christ. He even asked after we left and we were driving home, he would see a church and said "That is my temple and I love the temple" how close they still are the veil is so thin for these little ones. The other day we found a flier of the temple and he asked where the picture of Jesus was on the flier, he just seemed to remember. He also remembers what the swimming pool was for. We have taken our kids to two of the open houses, and Rachael kept asking me where her room was, I said what are you talking about "Your room" what she wanted was the Sealing room that has the mirrors so she can see herself forever. It is amazing the things they remember. What an amazing experience. Thank you to the Gillmans and the Rodriguez's families for going with us

Monday Night Mud Fight

2009-07-29T01:52:00.000-07:00

Summers are so busy around our house. So therefore things don't always get taken care of. For example our garden, we have an amazing garden this year, but we also have amazing weeds. We cant stay on top of them for some reason. Well, maybe it is because we are gone every weekend and just don't find the time to get out and care for the garden. Also, weeding and yard work are my least favorite thing to do. So I decided that for family night we were all going to go out and pick the weeds and get our garden looking they way it should. Our dirt is awful so I told the girls to go turn the water on so it would get things a little soft, I also told them not to worry about wearing shoes because they would just get muddy. They were a huge help, but every once in a while someone would splash some mud. So Mike and I took one look at each other and new that this would be the perfect time for a mud fight. Addie and Brianna were talking when I took a handful of mud and threw it at both of them. That was the beginning of the end. We had the biggest mud fight ever. There wasn't a spot on us that wasn't covered. What fun we had, and yes the girls were SHOCKED that mom actually started it.

Final Swim Meet

2009-07-28T09:51:00.000-07:00

We had our final swim meet on Saturday. I am so proud of my girls they did so good this year. They usually sign up for the Freestyle and the Backstroke. Brianna decided this time she wanted to try something new. She did the freestyle and took 7 seconds off of her swim. Then she did the breast stroke and she came in first for her heat. She was so excited, I think she may have found her sport. She has come a long way this summer, she wouldn't swim without plugging her nose and now she is swimming laps. Addie did the freestyle and backstroke and did amazingly well. The girls each participated in a relay race and both of their teams came in second. Way to go girls.

Rachael's 1st Tooth

2009-07-28T09:46:00.000-07:00

Rachael has been trying for months to get a loose tooth. She would wiggle it every day to make it loose. All of her friends had lost teeth and she was feeling a little left out. So finally on Saturday it was really loose, she would wiggle it and it would bleed then she would cry. Loosing teeth is pretty painful. She was really worried that she would loose it at the lake while she was on the tube. It took us a while and a little reassurance from Aunt Jessica that it wouldn't fall out in the lake. Well by Saturday night it was looser, so her and Addie went into the bathroom and Addie pulled it out. Rachael couldn't be happier, and the tooth fairy came and left her a gold dollar.

Kids

2009-07-22T12:40:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when the kids get really bored in the summer time.

Brianna's 10th Birthday

2009-07-18T00:54:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Brianna is already 10. Time is going way to fast for me. We love having Brianna in our family. Here are the top 10
*Very loving
*Beautiful Smile
*Contagious Laugh
*Big helper
*Loves children/babies
*Great Swimmer
*Loves to learn
*Loves doing service for others
*Has a beautiful singing voice
*Daddy's Girl
We love you Brianna. Happy Birthday

Water Baby

2009-07-18T00:30:00.000-07:00

Rachael has been taking swimming lessons and is loving it. She has learned so many things this year that I just cant get her to slow down. She is our "Water Baby" we cant keep her out of it. She loves going boating, she is always the first one in the water. She loves jumping off the back of the boat. She learned how to water ski this year and is having fun with that. So glad she isn't afraid of the water
(I think)

Stewart Falls

2009-07-18T00:23:00.000-07:00

Sunday we took a family hike along with some good friends of our up to Stewart Falls. What a beautiful hike, there were wild flowers all over, beautiful greenery, and a little rain. The kids all did great. The hike start to finish is about 3 miles. We hiked into the waterfall and had a picnic dinner.

While we were there, there was another group of people and Mike turned to me and said isn't she an actress? After a closer look sure enough it was. Now I don't know her real name but she is the actress/doctor Carrie from the show ER the doctor with the cane. We were trying to bribe Addie with $5.00 if she went up and talked to her. Addie didn't dare so I just walked right up to her and said " I know that you are on vacation but I wanted you to know that I was a big fan of your show" She then gave me a hug and told me thank you, told me she was enjoying the mountains in Utah. Then off she went to finish her hike. Very nice lady, it isn't every day you see a star from ER.

GINGER

2009-07-01T00:14:00.000-07:00

We have had quite a few sad days at out house. Last Friday Addie had a friend over to play. They decided to go in the backyard and say hi to Ginger. Ginger some how got spooked and bit Addie's friend on the lip, she needed about 5 stitches. There were other scrapes on her face as well. After talking to several Veterinarians, they decided (along with us) that due to her health, and age it would be better to have Ginger put to sleep. Because it was a bit the authorities had to get involved. We had a police officer come and pick Ginger up from the house and take her to the local Animal Shelter. Well as of today, Ginger is no longer with us. This has been very devastating on the all of us, especially Mike.

Almost 10 years ago Addie asked for a brown down with a brown dog house for Christmas. Lady and the Tramp had just come out and that is all that she would watch and that is all that she wanted for Christmas, no matter how hard we tried to talk her into something else. It is amazing how she just became one of us. We are going to miss her deeply. We did have a little session talking about the wonderful things she did and that we remember.
*she would always wait by the gate when you were coming or going.
*when we would BBQ she always new she was getting some of the drippings.
*she loved to go on walks
*she loved chasing the KITTIES (she couldn't ever catch them)
*she would always with Mike to tuck Addie in, she would snuggle up in her arm
*every night before we would go to bed and even in the mornings she new she was getting a treat.
There are many more wonderful things that she brought into our lives and we are going to miss her dearly.

Swim Team

2009-06-23T21:03:00.000-07:00

Addie and Brianna are participating in Swim Team again this year. They are doing great. They had their first meet last week and did fantastic. Brianna has come a long way this year, she had a little fear of the water but is now a lot more comfortable. Way to go girls!!!

A little R&R

2009-06-23T20:50:00.001-07:00

Mike and I went to Las Vegas for a short business meeting. What a great time we had, seeing fellow AmFam agents and their spouses. We had the pleasure of hanging out with Ryan, Brooke and Cooper Heath. While the guys were in meetings Brooke, Cooper and I headed to the pool. Cooper who is only 5 months old was sporting the cutes swim suit and sunglasses to match. He loved the water even though it was a little cold. We also walked the strip saw the water show at the Bellagio, ate an amazing meal at the Cheesecake Factory, not to mention the dessert. Mike and I also went to see the Blue Man Group, what an amazing show. I didn't know you can make music with so many different things. What a great way to start out my birthday weekend. On Friday we headed to St. George, we meet up with Tami who brought 3 of her kids and my three girls for the weekend. We took the kids to the lake and what a blast they had. They loved jumping off the back of the boat the most. Mike and I participated in another Triathlon on Saturday, and we just about killed ourselves. We were both successful in finishing, but our times weren't all that great. Maybe had we trained it would have been a little easier. We enjoyed relaxing, shopping and a nice meal with Mikes parent and Tami and Ava. Thank you everyone for a wonderful birthday weekend.

End of year party

2009-06-23T20:45:00.000-07:00

Addie is my social butterfly, and she thinks that she needs to have a party for everything. Which I love to party but when it came to having 23 12 year olds at my house for 3 hours I was a little nervous. Addie and her friend put together this Hawaiian themed party. They had bobbing for apples, Limbo, water balloon fight which actually turned into a full on water fight. Food lots of Food. Everyone seemed to have a great time. Is this what it is going to be like having teenagers???

FIELD DAY

2009-06-23T20:41:00.000-07:00

Of course it is that time of year again, and that always brings Field Day. The kids always look forward to this and have such a great time. Rachael took 2nd place in the 50 yard dash against all the girls in the kindergarten. Her teacher said that she can beat most of the 6th graders (good now she can run from all the boys). Brianna did great also, her team was great in beating the boys at Tug of War.

Medieval Fair

2009-06-23T20:32:00.000-07:00

Every year Cherryhill puts on a Medieval fair. All of the kids have to come up with a product to sell that has to do with that time period. Addie and couple of her friends had a Stained Glass store, which they sold Rock Candy, (it looked like colored Stained glass) they sold every bit of what they had (after we all had to sample everything) they were very creative. The school also had World Professional Jousters come and put on a show. Wow!!! They were amazing.

OBSESSION

2009-04-29T17:37:00.000-07:00

Some of you already know of my obsession. But this is actually a good obsession. I have started shopping with coupons and sales. I just cant get enough, but when you are getting boxes of cereal for .50 cents a box, how do you now stock up? My kids told me they are grounding me from buying cereal, we did have 70 boxes at one time. I know I know a little crazy. I was talking to my parents about a TV that my dad had purchased and I asked if I could buy his old one. Rachael pipes up and asked me if I had a coupon for that. Yes, I even have my kids programed that if there arent any coupons then we dont buy anything. So here are some of the pictures of my obsession, now some of you may not thing that it is a ton, but for us it is. I will share the secret with anyone who is interested.

Addie

2009-04-28T21:20:00.000-07:00

Addie has so many things going on she could keep our blog busy just on her own. I have been horrible about posting things, but Addie just turned 12 yes the big "12" I am not to sure how I feel about all of this. She thinks now she is old enough to wear make up, have a cell phone that she likes to talk on for hours, go shopping when she wants and the list goes on. I am starting to feel really old, and I am not that old YET!!! Addie will be going to girls camp this year YIKES!!!. But I must say she is an amazing child, beautiful, friendly, smart, wonderful helper. I just don't know what I would do without her. This year for her birthday we had a Mary Kay party, a friend of mine is a consultant and she came and put on a party (thanks Aunt Kim for the suggestion) the girls had a blast. Then we made a bunch of fun finger foods and did manicures. Everyone had a wonderful time. Addie of course has been involved in many school productions. This year for their "Images of Greatness" she was Coco Chanel, she had a fun time learning many fun facts and stories of Coco Chanel. Addie was also involved with the play this year. She was the sound crew, the production was Disney's Mulan Jr. unfortunately she didn't make it into the play, but she learned that next time she tries out for something she needs to try harder.. Addie also got to bring home the class pet that is a Bearded Dragon and her name is Junior. Now as you can imagine I didn't care for this at all. But after 10 days we actually started to enjoy having her around (except for Ginger) I have a friend who's little 2 year old that she was the coolest thing ever.

Brianna

2009-04-28T21:13:00.000-07:00

Brianna, also attended a 4H class. She was in Cheer, and boy did she love it. This girl was made for this type of thing. She had the body of a gymnast. I just wish I could find places around here that she could attend. Everything is so competitive. She is really enjoying school and loves her teacher. She is starting to do a little babysitting around the neighborhood and has a few kids that only like her.
She has also become the champion at Hopscotch Twister, and of course a Daddy's girl.

RACHAEL

2009-04-28T21:03:00.000-07:00

Sorry it has been forever since my last blog. Just really busy, so I thought I would blog on each of my girls. First is Rachael. Rach, won 6 free lessons at a local karate school. Oh boy! I think this is by far her favorite thing (other than the dirt) she has loved taking the lessons. The best part is that they get stripes to put on their belts when they do things around the house without having to be asked. I haven't ever see her help so much. Rach was also a 4H club that was called "Food Art" she came home with some interesting things.
Next her kindergarten class had to make a poster and write a story about their favorite book. Rachael choose Olivia, and honestly I couldn't tell you why. Then they got to show them to all the parents at an after school night

Spring Time

2009-03-08T13:03:00.001-07:00

I went outside this morning to get my news papers and this is what I found. I am so excited for Spring. This is my favorite time of year. I love seeing the new flowers coming up through the snow. It is a sign of new life. The weather has been beautiful. You can hear the birds chirping, the flowers growing and kids outside playing.

FIREPLACE

2009-03-08T12:31:00.000-07:00

Another home project. Mike and I are never finished. We are always finding something to do, or should I say I am always finding a project for Mike to do. We had our living room painted and now we had to redo the fireplace, it just wasn't up to par for our new living room. So one day I asked Mike what he thought and after much asking and persuading I got him to work on it. Thanks also to Peter Young who is the master in doing tile, the project looks better that I had hoped for. But then again it always does

NEW OFFICE

2009-03-08T12:22:00.000-07:00

YEAH!! Finally after months of looking at about 30 different locations we finally found what we are looking for. We are so excited to finally be out on our own. We don't get to move until the middle of May, but we have the location already. We are only 1 mile from the house and right next door to the kids elementary school. We are moving in to an office that has a huge reception area, 4 good sized offices a bath and nice kitchenette. We are taking over the lease for the whole building, up and down. We don't need all of the space as of yet, so we are going to lease out the bottom. (this way we can choose who is down there) The rent is cheaper than what we are paying right now and in a much better location. We are thrilled

Braces

2009-03-08T12:19:00.000-07:00

So it is official Addie is finally old enough to wear braces. I took the cutest pictures of her getting them put on, with my cell phone and she made me promise that
I wouldn't post them. Well being the good mom that I am I was going to do it any way. But I cant get them downloaded off my phone. Addie you are lucky. She looks so grown up now. She only has them on the top for now because of her over bite, but within 6 months the dentist says she will have them on all of her teeth. We signed her up for Junior High, and she now thinks she is old enough to wear make up. OK I don't feel old enough to have a Junior High aged child. She is going to be 12 in less than a month. YIKES!!!

Shakespear...Much Ado About Nothing--Italy

2009-03-08T12:09:00.000-07:00

Since Addie is in the Accelerated program they do a lot of plays and memorizing. This they put on different productions for the school and family. Addie is amazing when it comes this this type of thing. She always go far and above what is asked of them by the teacher.
Next they had to choose a country and present a food item along with facts about the country. She choose Italy. She did this with two other girls from her class. They made pizza rolls, Italian ice, and a few other things, they made their poster and station look like a little Italian cafe' it was the hit of the class. Way to go Addie.

Addie

2009-01-17T11:58:00.000-08:00

For the last two years Addie has been attending advanced classes at the elementary school. They are for the gifted and talented. These classes are not easy to get into. She had to take a 4 hour test, and get written approval from her 4Th grade teacher. We waited for months to see if she would qualify and sure enough she did. These classes are not easy (especially for the parents) she is already doing junior high work. But she is a straight A student and is really enjoying the classes. Well the opportunity came up for her to try for the program in Junior High (yes she is going to be in 7Th grade next year:( Well several months ago she took the 4 hour test, got written approval from her teacher and then we waited. She didn't feel so good about the test. She thought she did her best but that it probably just wasn't good enough. Well she was wrong. We just got the letter that she is in the program. She was so excited, she couldn't even sit still. We are so proud of her, she is going to do great in these classes. Way to go Addie

SAVING MONEY

2009-01-13T23:08:00.001-08:00

Now I know that most of you may already know how to do this but for me, it is something a little new. I attended a class several months ago hosted by the "Savvy Shopper" she was teaching us how to save our coupons, and organize them. But also how to use them with the stores to save the most amount of money. She told of an experience where she went to Smith, to purchase her groceries. The first total on the receipt was a little over $700.00, but of course this isn't what she paid. After all was said and done with the coupons and the fresh values card her total came to $150.00. Yes you read this right, what a huge saving. The receipt paper was just about as tall as her and she is almost 6 feet tall. I bought all the things that I needed to get me organized. Off I went, I ordered 5 Sunday papers (that is all they would let me get) I would cut and organize and boy did I feel great. But then reality set in. TIME!!! who has the time for this?? Certainly not me. With work, school, PTA,... the list goes on and on. I just started collecting the papers, they would stack up for weeks on end before I would just throw them away. Then I got to overwhelmed with all the coupons that I had. So I admit I just gave up, I figured I would just by what was on sale, plus I usually just shop at Costco anyway. Then New Years came along and this was going to be one of my New Years Resolutions. I threw all the papers away from last year, along with all the coupons and I started from scratch again. Well I am proud to say that I clipped the coupons and then I used them. I just went to Albertson's, they were having a great sale. I spend $101.22, and I got a lot. (food storage) but the best of all...Drum roll please I SAVED $134.36. Can you believe that I saved more than I even spent. What a great feeling, no one else is going to take all of our hard earned money from me. It almost puts you on a natural high. Knowing that you did so well. I am so excited for Sunday to come so I can do it again next week. Happy Shopping

IT"S WAY TO COLD

2009-01-03T22:32:00.000-08:00

Addie was letting Ginger outside the other day and said "Mom the rain gutter is falling off the house. Of course I didn't believe her and I just thought that it was the down spout. Well she was right. It has been so cold and stormy that the water/snow had frozen and then thawed out and pulled the rain gutter away from the house. So there was definitely a project for Mike. Brian Gillman came over with his blow torch and they were able to put things back to normal. Where is our warm weather???

Welcoming in 2009

2009-01-03T22:23:00.000-08:00

What a fun night. We had Cameron and his kids down for the night to help celebrate 2009.
We went out to Chinese food, then we came home and played Rock Band all night. There is nothing funnier than listening to a bunch of little kids singing to "Dirty Little Secret or Orange Crush" they had a blast. Then at midnight we let all the kids go outside and bang pots and pans, then they all did fireworks while the big kids (Mike and Cameron) did bottle rockets. What a riot. Cameron and the kids stayed the night and we played all day the next day. What a great way to ring in 2009

Merry Christmas

2009-01-03T22:16:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2008
What a great year. Christmas morning was wonderful home with the girls. Brianna asked this year if we could come into the room in a different line this year. You see Brianna is the middle child and no matter if we go oldest to youngest or youngest to oldest she is always in the middle. So this year we let her go first. Thus why she isn't in the picture she wouldn't wait long enough for me to get the camera going. Poor Brianna was really sick on Christmas day so it wast quit as fun as it could have been for her. After we did the present thing we got the house ready for Mike's annual "Omelet Fest" This year was the best year yet. Mike with the help of our good friends the Gillmans, made about 60 Omelets and 6 bags of hash browns. We had a wonderful time. There were so many here all at one time that we ran out of places to sit.
Then off to Grandma and Grandpa's we went. We had a wonderful time with Dave and Jessica. The girls loved every present that they received. It is always so much fun at Grandma and Grandpa's lots of games and food. The only sad part about Christmas is that we prepare for months and within hours it is over. Only to do it again next year. And yes my Christmas cards are still on their way. I am just a little slow this year, SORRY

Little America

2008-12-22T18:23:00.001-08:00

Christmas Tradition

2008-12-22T18:06:00.001-08:00

Every year since I was little as a Christmas Tradition my family always goes to Little America (hotel) for Sunday brunch. Of course all of us love the Crepes and that is the line that we head to first. Mike always heads to the omelet line (trying to figure out how to do them himself for Christmas morning) Grandpa Gary (my dad) hits the shrimp and crab table first. Puts his plate on the table and heads out for more. Well our little Rachael loves shrimp, so of course she starts to eat the shrimp that Grandpa brought for himself, starting a little competition as to how long her mother will let her eat these. Oh and the cookies we cant forget those. Grandpa love to take a few home for later, so this year we made him a "Grandpa's Cookie bag I lost track after 5 cookies. Grandpa kept feeding Rachael goodies and she had already told me that she had a tummy ache. I told her no more food but when I wasn't looking Grandpa would sneak her a bite, this went "on for a few minutes. Boy her and Grandpa thought this was the funnest game. I finally told her that she was grounded from her Grandpa and they both laughed so hard they were crying (had to be there) and yes she did get a tummy ache. Erica I had a couple of Crepes for you, they were good but not quite as good as dads. This has been a fun tradition for our family and something that we look forward to every year.

Family and Friends at a Flash basketball game

2008-12-22T17:59:00.000-08:00

The kids all earned free tickets to a "FLASH" game. This is an almost pro team that we have here in Orem at Utah Valley University. The kids loving going because they are always giving out free stuff. I think we walked away with 4 T-shirts. We had a great time with the Gillman family.

SNOW

2008-12-18T18:44:00.000-08:00

This is what I woke up to this morning. As much as I love the snow (Mike says only because it adds more water to the lakes) I just wish we had it for Christmas day only. I hate to drive in it. The kids always track it through the house. The dog thinks it is the funnest thing to play in. Not to mention all of the accidents and the claims that we get.
It is sure the most peaceful beautiful part of nature to watch. I love it during the evening when it is snowing and everything is bright and fresh outside. I guess that is why I live in Utah. I love all the different seasons. Some better than others of course. As long as I dont have to go anywhere, snow isnt all that bad.
Christmas is just around the corner, and I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May the next year bring you much Joy, Love and Happiness. We need to take the time out of our busy days and remember the true meaning of Christmas. We are all so busy these days, me included. Our Christmas cards are on their way, I have been under the weather and I am just now trying to play catch up. Please forgive me, they may be a little late. Happy Holidays

Christmas around the world

2008-12-18T18:38:00.000-08:00

Once again Addie had to give a report on a county and their Christmas traditions. She chose Guatemala, that is where Mike served his mission. Their biggest thing that they do for Christmas is Fireworks. There are no laws about fireworks so for a couple of days that is all they do, along with party. They spend more money on fireworks than on Christmas presents themselves. We had to make food from the country. Who really wants to make fried plantain's or tamales? Well not me, so we make Pecan Tarts and a really yummy hot drink. It was all a huge hit and of course Addie got an "A" way to go Addie you are awesome. I must say that I am looking forward to a nice break no homework for 2 weeks. What are we going to do.

Many things to be Thankful for

2008-12-01T13:13:00.002-08:00

*A wonderful Husband who love me
*3 beautiful girls will good health
*A home to live in
*Ginger (the family dog)
*Wonderful parents
*Wonderful In-Laws
*The Gospel
*My Testimony
*Good Friends and Neighbors
*Mikes job
*My Freedom
There are many more things that I am thankful for. But most of all for Jesus Christ and the many sacrifices that he made for all of us. This is a wonderful time of year to reflect on the things that we are thankful for. Remember the true meaning of Christmas.We love all of you

2008-12-01T13:13:00.001-08:00

THANKSGIVING

2008-12-01T12:47:00.000-08:00

We had the opportunity to go and visit Mike's family in St. George for the holiday. We had such a great time. The food was amazing, and the company was great as well. Michelle and I decided we would brave the crowds on Friday morning. Yes we might be a little crazy be we had a blast. We only went to Target and we both got everything we were looking for. The lines we unreal, we standing in line to check out for over an hour. Then off to breakfast we went. The rest of the day was very relaxing. We took the kids and went to Zion National Park. I have never been there before, WOW what a beautiful place. We went to Weeping Rock, a small hike, here you can see water coming right out of the rocks, no one knows why. Brianna had more fun running through the rain drops than anything else. One night we tried to go bowling and the wait was over 2 hours so we went home and "Pulled Taffy" The kids (and some adults) had a blast with this. We spent lots of time with family eating and laughing, what an enjoyable holiday. Thanks Mom Lamb for all your hard work with dinner, it was wonderful. We love you

"WOW"

2008-11-22T09:46:00.000-08:00

This years Reflections theme is "WOW" the kids needed to come up with something that "WOW's" them. Addie painted a picture with her Grandma Nancy and decided that she would enter the painting. Well she won an award. Way to go Addie.

Science Fair is over

2008-11-22T09:38:00.000-08:00

Addie and her friend Eden have been working on a Science Fair project "Tongues with Attitude" they tested about 30 people in different age groups to see if their taste buds change with age. They tested, sugar cubes, pickles, lemon juice etc. It was really fun to see the different facial expressions on the people they tested. They were blind folded so they had no idea what was coming. The girls did an amazing job on their poster, and research. Unfortunately they didn't win and make it to district level, but that is OK. This project is finally over. Way to go girls

radKIDS

2008-11-19T09:09:00.000-08:00

As many of you know I am a radKIDS instructor. This is a self empowerment program for children, it teaching kids how to stand up for themselves in the event that someone is bullying them. We teach the kids different techniques they can use to get away from bad situations, if someone is trying to take them or when to identify when someone is trying to trick them. But the most important thing they learn is that if someone is doing something to them that shouldn't be happening, "Its not their fault" and that they have the right to tell a trusted adult. This is an amazing course. It is about 3 weeks long with a simulation on the last day where the children get to show off their stuff to their parents. We have Dean Larsen the regional director for radKIDS come in to help with our simulations. He dresses is a big red (padded) suit and lets the children use their techniques on him. This is their favorite part of the whole course. One of the other things they get to do is hammer fist or pepper "BOB" in the eyes or face. The picture is Dani and myself kissing "BOB" eat your heart out. Dani and I teach together and we love it. This has been a very rewarding opportunity for us. We had a parent tell us just the other day that this has been a huge impact on their family. One of our students told us that she use to be afraid and because of us she isn't afraid anymore. Right there this is worth it. For more information please go to www.radkids.org

Life!!

2008-11-15T22:40:00.000-08:00

I first want to apologize for having not updated our blog for a while. We have been very busy at our house with the everyday normal things that there just isn't anything real exciting going on. Here are just a few things.
*Addie is working on her Science Fair project with her really good friend Eden. They have been doing research to see if your taste buds change the older you get. This has been real fun to blindfold people and test different foods on their tongues. The facial expressions are priceless. They have done a phenomenal job on their project. Good Luck girls.
*Next, Mike was just called to be the Elders Quorum President. I know can you believe it. Mike is going to do an amazing job. He is perfect for this. He is quite the people person, very spiritual, and very loving towards others. He is very excited, and so are we.
*I was just asked to be the Vice President of the BNI Marketing Chapter that I attend. For those of you who don't know what this is. I belong to a group that meets once a week to market our businesses. We train each other to be our sales team. We help each others business grow. The position is for 1 year and I am very flattered to have been chosen.
*Another bit of exciting news is that my sister Kim is having another baby and it is finally a "BOY" My parents have 8 granddaughters as of now, and we are finally getting a little boy. We are all very excited but a little nervous, non of us know how to raise boys. But I am sure that we can dress him and I promise it wont be in a dress or anything pink. Congrats Kim
*We are headed to St. George next week for Thanksgiving, so I promise that I will take pictures of everything and have a little bit more exciting entry.

Happy Halloween

2008-11-02T18:45:00.000-08:00

As many of you already know I do not like Halloween. I think it is an expensive not needed holiday. I hate spending money on costumes and I don't ever have anything just lying around the house to make things our of. My kids really don't need the candy etc. So this year I told the girls that Mike and I would take them to dinner and out bowling or mini golf, and I would get them their own treat. Well two of the three girls were totally fine with it. Yes you guessed it Rachael was the only one who really wanted to go trick or treating. Trust me I tried everything. The kids needed to dress up for their school parade and class parties. So I bit the bullet and went and purchased costumes. We actually found some pretty good deals at Partyland. Buy 1 get 1 1/2 off. I ended up going to the school for the parade and then I helped out in Brianna's class for the party. I don't think there were any kids that didn't have a costume so I am glad that I let them participate. That evening we had a party with the ward. It was a "Trunk or Treat" it was the first time that the ward tried it and it was wonderful. The kids had a great time and there is a big turnout. The best thing is that we were done by 6:30. Dave and Jessica came over to give the girls a little treat. All in all it wasn't all that bad. I just need to change my attitude. Maybe next year. The really frustrating thing is that we went to dinner with some friends and when we got home they called to tell us that someone had egged their house. They used her Halloween decorations as target practice. Then Saturday money I got up to start cleaning and looked outside to find all of our pumpkins smashed all over the sidewalk and the road. They even smashed one over the fire hydrant on the side of our yard. Rachael was so sad, we were going to carve them that say. A good friend brought us some of theirs so Rachael wouldn't be so sad.

Another home project

2008-11-02T18:04:00.000-08:00

Many of you know me and you know that I always have to have a project going. So after the carnival was over it didn't take long for me to tell Mike that I wanted to paint the living room. The color that I originally chose worked great with our other couches. But it wasn't working with the new ones that we purchased. So I decided I wanted a drastic change. So I did it. Mike found a company through a marketing group that he attends and they were doing the first room for 50% off the original price. Mike and I both decided that it would be OK to pay someone to do a project for us. It was great they started at about 9:30 and they were done and cleaned up by 2:00. The company is 5 Star Painting, they are fantastic. (the best part is that Mike didn't have to do it)

Cotton Candy

2008-10-30T17:38:00.000-07:00

So here is the picture that I promised. Don't we just look so dang cute. Dani, I really think the pink cotton candy in the hair is the new look for you. Megan as for you, you were smarter than the rest of us to actually put a hat on. And as for Julie, she skipped out early and looked better than the rest of us. Thanks to all of you for your help. It was a great success!!! Get ready for next year.

Last trip for the season

2008-10-29T18:58:00.000-07:00

Mike and I along with our good friends Tim and Holly Shanto (and baby)went to St. George for the weekend for one last boating trip. Tim and I have decided that Mike is a fish our of water. He just cant get enough. Although the weather was about
82, the water wasn't anywhere close. I think maybe 63 to 65, yeah it was cold. That didn't stop Mike from getting in. OK it didn't stop any of us. We had a great time and Mike has finally realized that we are done for 7 months, although he doesn't like it he finally admits it.

Hee Haws

2008-10-29T18:51:00.000-07:00

I went with Rachael's kindergarten class to Hee Haws. It was actually a fun place. There was a big that weighed 1200 LBS all the kids got a kick out of that. The kids went through a corn maze, on a hay ride, down a big slide and then they got to choose their own pumpkin to take home. They all had a great time.

Fishing

2008-10-05T19:27:00.001-07:00

Addie has been bugging Mike all summer to take her fishing. We just had a very busy summer that the opportunity for the two of them only just never happened. Finally because Addie has such good grades and she received the highest score in the class on a test Mike told her that they could go on Saturday before Conference. I don't think she has ever been more excited. They headed up the the lake at 6:00 am and unfortunately they didn't catch anything. At least they didn't bring anything home. I told them they could go on one condition, they couldn't bring home any fish. We have enough from Alaska. They had some great daddy daughter time. And yes Addie loves to fish. She couldn't help but take pictures of everything please enjoy her pictures.

2008-10-05T19:25:00.001-07:00

SKATING

2008-10-05T18:56:00.000-07:00

We had the opportunity to go skating twice this week, one as a ward activity and the second with some friends for a fun Friday night activity. The night with the ward I figured I would just help the kids since Mike wasn't able to make it. Well after about five minutes and trying to keep up with the kids I gave in and put on a pair of skates. OK before you all worry or start to laugh I did pretty good. I ha vent been on a pair of skates for over 20 years. When I was younger I would go to this same skating rink all of the time. Well it is just like riding a bike. It only took a few minutes and I was back into the grove of things. (so I thought). When we went on Friday Mike said to me that he was just going to ride the scooter. I told him no way you are getting on a pair of skates. Well he opted for the roller blades and he did well. Rachael hung out on the scooter, the time before she got several blisters and wasn't about to put skates on again. Addie and Bri did great, the first night they put roller skates on and then the second time we went they got roller blades, the blades seem to be a little easier. If you haven't skated or bladed in a while what a workout. You have to try it.

It's Autumn Time

2008-09-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

This is one of my most favorite times of the year. I just couldn't help but take lots of pictures of all the beautiful leaves. I did this for those of you who don't live in Utah anymore (Erica and Kim) and don't get the chance to see the beautiful mountains and leaves. Enjoy!!!

Family Photo

2008-09-28T19:14:00.000-07:00

We ventured out today to get a family photo. It has been four years since we had our last family picture taken (that wasnt at a wedding). We have a good friend in the ward that is a photographer and she took them for us. We went up to Vivian Park up Provo Canyon. Here is how Mike felt about doing family picutres.

Mike was a good sport. He delt with a couple of girls (Addie and Brianna) who dont like bugs and cant stand to get dirty.
In this picture, you can see all of us looking down. We just found ourselves in the middle of an aunt pile. OUCH!!! Thanks Mike for being such a good sport.

Rachael turns 6

2008-09-28T18:48:00.000-07:00

I cant believe that my baby is now 6 years old. Rachael wanted to know the exact time that she would be 6 so I told her that it was at 10:29 in the morning. So she kept watching the clock and ever few minutes she would say OK is it time yet, I would tell her that she had 5 more minutes and this went on until it was time. Well once the clock turned to 10:29 she started to scream "Yea I am finally 6" she then came into the bathroom and said "look now I am taller" if only it worked out that way. She had her special day at school and that was fun for her.

We had a little family party, Dave and Jessica came over for a minute. Rachael had her special day at school I was able to go with her and share some "FAVORITES of Rachael's".

Then on Friday we had a small little friends party for her.

They had a fun time making door hangers, we wrote their names on them and then they glued buttons and bows on them. What a fun time she had. Happy Birthday Rach we love you.

CARNIVAL

2008-09-28T18:40:00.001-07:00

Many of you know that I have been up to my eyes in Carnival stuff. I have been in charge of our Elementary carnival this year. Well it is finally over, kind of a bitter sweet. I am glad to have this project behind me but I also enjoyed every minute of it. This year we hired a company Fun Services. They brought all of the games and the rides all I had to do was the food and volunteers (pretty easy). Well it was a huge success. Everyone had a great time. As I was walking around checking on everyone I would hear the kids say "this is the best carnival we have every had". What a compliment to me and the group of women who put it on. This wasn't all my doing, I did have help from several wonderful women. I do have a very funny picture of myself and my friend Dani, we were making cotton candy but I have yet to bribe her enough to send it to me. I will post it later when I get it.
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To my wonderful husband

2008-09-10T20:42:00.000-07:00

I just want to put in a little plug for my sweet husband. Today is our 14 year Anniversary. Wow 14 years already. It seems like it was just yesterday that Mike had forgotten our marriage certificate :) We were talking to night at dinner how time has just flown by. We don't feel like we have been married for 14 years. We have been through a lot in 14 years both good and bad. I must say that of course I am thankful for the good, but also for the bad. They have made our marriage much stronger and our love for one another stronger. I am so glad that he chose me to be his eternal companion. This way definitely a match made in heaven. I am thankful to Mike everyday for the sacrifices that he makes for me and our beautiful girls. He is not only an amazing husband but and amazing father as well. Thank you for 14 wonderful years, and here's to 14 + more. I love you always

Update on Rachael

2008-09-08T08:41:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all of you for showing your concern for our little Rach. She is doing much better right now. The Doctors seem to think that it was just some swollen nodes on her intestines. We did have another scare and the next step was to give her an IV and do a CT Scan. No thanks. We just kept a eye on her and she has seemed to recover just fine. I tell ya there is nothing worse then having a child in pain and knowing that there is nothing that you can do for them. No amount of rubbing, or medicine would take that pain away. We are doing much better.

"Sweet Rachael"

2008-08-27T14:49:00.000-07:00

On Sunday right as church was getting over, Rachael came down the stairs from primary crying and saying that her side hurt really bad. We took her home got her something to eat and put her down for a nap. When she got up she said Oh Mom now I feel better. So Mike and I didn't think anything about it. She had played with a friend earlier in the week and the little brother had the stomach flu, so we thought oh just a twenty four hour flew. After about 1 hour she started just screaming that her stomach was hurting, she said it felt like hammers in her tummy. Once again we gave her some tums and she took another nap.
Monday she was feeling fine, she got ready for her first day of school, no problems. Tuesday the same thing, until I received a call from the school that she didn't feel good and she didn't want to ride the bus home. I went to pick her up and Brianna told me that she found her doubled over in pain and just screaming that her tummy hurt. I got her into the doctors that evening. He was a little concerned, that he sent us over to the hospital for some tests. At this point I cant do anything to make her comfortable, she has 103 temperature, and just not doing good. Once at the hospital they did some blood work, what a trooper Rach was, she didn't even cry when they poked her with a needle to take her blood. Then off to the ultrasound room we went. By this time we have been at the hospital for over 1 hour. All Rachael wants to do is go home. We have to wait for the tech, so I was holding her and she fell asleep in my arms. We woke her up to do the ultrasound and we tried to explain to her that they were going to take pictures of her tummy to see if they can find out where the pain is coming from. Well Mike kept teasing her that he could see what she had for lunch, he starts saying "I can see your hot dog and the pickle" Rachael's response after she say the screen was "Dad I think that is lake water in my tummy" bless her little heart. As crappy as she felt she still had her sense of humor. The tech finally finished the ultrasound and went to call the doctor to let him know what he found. I leaned over to ask Rach how she was feeling and she said "I felt better while he was doing the massage". How Sweet. Well the doctors says it can be one of two things. First she does have some inflammation of the lymph nodes around her intestines. But they think it could also be her appendix, the only problem with that is that they couldn't get a good look at it because she couldn't relax her tummy enough. She was having such a hard time breathing that it hurt to relax. So they sent us home at about 9:30 p.m. Rach was asleep before I even left the room. She slept pretty good, we did have another episode around 5:00 a.m. where her temperate went back up to 103. But as of now she seems to be doing better. She is a little rundown and doesn't want to do much. At this point it is a waiting game. They say that the inflammation could last up to 10 days, and there is nothing that they can do for her except for Motrin. I think she kind of likes everyone wanting to take care of her.

First Day of School

2008-08-19T15:54:00.000-07:00

Well it is official. The girls started school this week. It has been a good adjustment. It is actually keeping our lives on a schedule. Addie just started 6Th grade in the A.L.L program (advanced) and she is really loving her teacher and the kids in her class. Brianna just started the 4Th grade and she too is loving everything about school. I am so glad that it isn't a fight to get them up and ready in the mornings and that they are enjoying the new year. Rachael will be starting kindergarten next week and she cant wait. Ever day she asks me if today is the day. I also started my first radKIDS class today, My friend and I are teaching two 5Th grade classes back to back. This is a program that I am very passionate about, so I really enjoy teaching. It is great program that our PTA has sponsored for our kids at school.

Our vacation to Houston

2008-08-19T15:38:00.001-07:00

Thursday Addie and I took an adventure to Houston to visit Erica and her sweet family. Addie and I had to be up at 3:00 a.m. to catch a 5:25 a.m. flight. Wow is that early or what. We arrived in Houston at 9:30 after an interesting flight. I don't think I have ever been in a smaller plane. But the flight was good. Thursday Erica took us to downtown Houston to the Galleria Mall. Now keep in mind that I am thinking this is a normal mall, with Nordstroms, Bath and Body Works, etc. Oh no not quite. This had Kate Spade, Neiman Marcus, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, etc. A purse in Kate Spade was $345.00 and it was small. I finally decided that I couldn't afford to even walk in the stores (especially with little girls who might break something). It was neat however they have a ice rink in the basement near the food court. We then went to The Cheesecake Factory for lunch. What yummy food and at a good price. We went and had the kids pictures taken, and we were also able to spend a little time with my Aunt Nancy. Houston has some fun thunderstorms, there were several everyday that we were there. It was a little weird not seeing any mountains, I got lost really easy. We had a great time with he girls, I think between Addie and I baby Rebecca became very spoiled. Addie and I kept fighting over her and I usually won. Thank you Erica for letting us come and visit. We had a wonderful time. We miss you and the girls already.

Deer Creek

2008-08-08T21:19:00.001-07:00

Well since we were already in Park City for the night, why not stop at Deer Creek Reservoir and go boating for the day. I know I keep putting pictures of the kids on the lake but that is all that we seem to do now a days. I promise once the weather gets cold we wont be at the lake so much. What are we going to do? Tim and Holly Shanto meet us at the lake for another fun day. The weather was beautiful the water was beautiful how can you not take total advantage of all of it. The girls are really enjoying the boat, tube and knee board. It is getting to the point that we need to take the kids only one day and then the adults another. We are all starting to fight about who goes next. It is usually Mike and Rachael, and of course Rachael always wins.

The "BOYS" (Mike and Tim) thought they would get a little creative this time with the tube and the knee board. Mike and Addie were on the tube and Tim was on the knee board. All out in the water together. Tim decided that he wanted to be on the tube and that Mike needed to be on the knee board. So while I am driving the boat about 18-20 MPH they swap places. Tim scoots over to the tube and pulls himself up on with himself still strapped into the board. Him and Mike then trade places and now Mike is on the knee board and Tim is on the tube. Well since the did it the first time they needed to see if they could do it again just as good. We spent the next 30 minutes watching these two continue to trade places. I don't remember the last time I laughed so hard. Then when they were done with that they had to see who could out due the other on jumps over the wake. You be the judge. I wont tell you who got hurt the most