More 4th of July

Cameron and Easton wanted to ride the boat by themselves. Since I try to be a "YES" mom whenever I can I said, "sure go ask them if the two of you can ride". Two things here, 1. kids are only supposed to ride with adults. 2. It's 20 bucks. Somehow these little "whipper snappers" talked their way on. They had soooo much fun, and felt huge!

Something Sweet

Easton said today, "mom, do you know what i just noticed about you today, that I never noticed before." Every time one of the kids walk by you, you have this look on your face, like I am so glad that I have you and you came to our house." Truth is I have been thinking that lately, I thought it was so insightful of him to notice. Love that boy!

Flea Market Finds

Flea markets are new discovery for me. I absolutely love sifting through all of the items, imagining the stories that must come with them. I love a home that is built on different stories and for me now these items have great memories of flea marketing with my sister and my kids who love it too! Okay, so Easton hates it, but the rest of them love it, especially when they have great food and music. I love to think my house doesn't look like someone else's idea of great taste. I love finding a piece that someone else may have thrown away, but maybe just maybe it's got style in my home. Here are some of my recent finds.

I can't get enough of these white pillows. They are pouffy and I've been told they wash up nicely, this I am positive I am going to be able to test out!

One More Flea Market Treasure

My babies

On Monday morning I read this blog www.adailyscoop.blogspot.com. Check it out for a full understanding of what my week has been like. My heart aches for this family. Life is so fragile, and it is such a reminder that everyday is a gift. Ava woke up this morning at 5:30, with her diaper off, and a wet bed. I didn't mind a bit, I got her out and rocked her and appreciated that I still have her. When I walked in Easton's room and he had filled with hundreds of cups, I took a picture of his creation and was glad he was still here. When Paris needed me to shuttle her around all day, and then I had a meeting for company the second dinner was done, I was grateful I have her. This family was obviously spiritually prepared for such a challenge and an inspiration to so many. Last week my heart was aching for my mom's neighbor who lost her 20 year old byu track star to automobile accident, while the rest of the family vacationed in Lake Powell.  I recently heard this quote.  "Death is here to remind us why we are alive."

Oh Where, Oh Where has the Little Dog Gone?

Ruby, Ruby... So I tried really oh how I tried. As you may know from reading older posts, we were the parents of the year on Christmas Day. We loved this dog so much, all of us did. What we just couldn't take for one more gosh darn second, was one more time of peeing and pooping in the house. We took her to dog obedience school for one month, yep one month. We (well mostly they) missed that little puppy soooo much, and we couldn't wait to see "the trick" of always "gettin busy" outside. That little puppy could shake hands, say hello, give you five, play dead, speak, and stay, and she could do them well.... She just couldn't get the "one" trick. I kept her attached to me for two solid weeks after she got home, I didn't let her out of my sight for a second, well only the second she would run downstairs and poop in the playroom, her particular favorite spot. She is a sweetie and we loved her personality. We miss her (well they do) I found a "perfect" home for her. I advertised her on a website and got several calls from hopeful new parents right away. We have talked to her new owners several times, and they absolutely love her, and have a way better set up for her. They aren't lucky enough to have kids at home, and they have a place for a doggy door, and a fenced in backyard. Heaven for Ruby and I am having my carpets cleaned today!!!

Dance Company

Paris has so many "passions", but the one that has stuck the longest has been dance. She decided to try out for the competitive dance team at her dance studio. I hate to admit it, but when Darin and I told her she could try out, we almost hoped she wouldn't make it. We love, love all the family time we have, and we don't like to do too many things that borrow from that time. We aren't trying to raise athletes, just great well rounded, happy kids. We decided that now is probably the time for her to do something like this, so we caved and said "yes." Long story short after she felt she absolutely, positively "bombed" the audition, we learned she made Teen Company! She has been on cloud 9.

Should be Running

This is our backyard waterpark. It takes about 30 seconds and voila, the whole cul-de-sac shows up. The kids love it!
The three oldest are taking tennis, even though Savvy is still in school...
I took a photography class, and Madeline is a great subject. She loves to have her picture taken and always want to see the pictures. It helps that she is absolutely scrumptious!!!!


Paris went to Youth Conference for the very first time. She had a blast. I cried when I dropped her off and picked her up. We all missed her!
I should be running right now, but I have gotten so far behind on my blog, it's just got to be done. I am training for the St. George Marathon. Unfortunately, I was drawn in the lottery:) Actally, I am really glad and have enjoyed the long runs and time to myself, while hearing my heart beat (it's always way, way to high) As it is in life, I feel I am always running faster than I really should be! I am including pictures of our summer highlights so far. Actually, it is still not summer for all of us, which is completely kickin' my booty right now. Paris is off, but Savanna and Easton are not, until Friday. We can't wait to all be on the same schedule!

15 years

I hesitate to ever try to write about this, but here goes. Last weekend we celebrated our 15th anniversary. Craaaazy! It some ways it seems like yesterday and it some ways it seems we have never not been together. All I know is it was the biggest and best decision I ever made. I can't believe I made such a great decision when I was so young and new so little. All I can say is almost walked away from the best that ever happened to me. And yes, Darin does remind me of this. Thank goodness for last minute soul searching, and a God who really does love me. To celebrate we went far away to "downtown". We have done this quite a bit, as far as we were concerned we could have been in another country. That is, after the babysitter found the right party Savvy was attending, and Paris took the wrong bus home, and Ava contracted a fever. I could relax knowing I could get home if I needed to, but hoping it wouldn't be necessary. We rode our bikes through downtown, then to our couples massage. We have never done that before, and Darin always tells me to get two services rather than spend the money on him. Uhhhh, I think that generousity has just ended. We then biked to our hotel, left for shopping, eating, biking, and more eating. Then we watched a seriously stupid movie and enjoyed every single second of it. Nope, didn't take one single picture.

The Home Grown Party

This party was supposed in the backyard with the big bounce castle. On the day of the party it was raining and I hate to admit it just in case my family is reading, but eve a little snow. We had planned to change venues in case of inclement weather, but Madeline didn't like the idea of anyone being at the party that she didn't "invite." We scrambled the night before. Bless Darin's heart for all his help. Actually, bless Darin's heart always, but today I was particularly grateful. We made necklaces and I was a little surprised how much the boys liked it. I told them they could make them for their mom, each insisted it would be for "him."
Musical chairs, two chairs short...

The parachute: thank goodness no one broke a bone...
I had "big plans" for the cake, it's always a big part of the party for me. Madeline saw this one at the store and knew it was the one for her. Everytime we go to the grocery store she wants to head over to the bakery to pick out her Birthday cake. After a year of contemplation this was the "winner."

My Baby Dancing

This is short little video more or less epitomizes my sweet Madeline. Yesterday was her birthday, and my heart hurts thinking how fast time has flown. These past five years seem like a whirlwind of busy, productive, heart wrenching, and mostly beautiful , memories all in the same five years. We left Oklahoma 5 weeks after she was born, Darin graduated Easton had a birthday and we blessed her all in the same weekend. Monday morning at 10:00 am we were gone. I was doing real estate and closed on 11 houses between the time she was born and the time we left. It was "wild" to say the least. We packed up our growing brood and off we were. It was such an exciting time, knowing we were on our last let of our journey. We were leaving wonderful friends behind, but we couldn't wait to finish Darin's training. I don't believe there was a better place to do it than San Diego. Her first year of life was spent there. We spent our time at the beach, sea world, farmers markets and with our new friends the Joyces. They were our tour guides and nobody could do it better. We were so lucky to have them. Oh, yes, and they knew how to do it on a dime, which obviously proved to be very handy since dimes seemed to be things we were always fresh out of. Madeline is spicy and fun, and is always happy. She has been so independent and easy to entertain. I can't believe she is going to kindergarten in a couple of months. I don't feel like I have had near enough time with her, but I will be forever grateful for our long afternoons, when Ava is napping and it's just the two of us. Happy Birthday Madeline!

Off Track

Yes we are... Well, at least some of us. Paris and Madeline (pre-school) are in session. Easton and Savvy and of course sweet little Ava are out. Of course most days Madeline doesn't want to miss out on anything we are doing, so she is mostly out as well. We have had so much fun. This is quickly becoming my favorite time of the year to track off. The weather is absolutely incredible. Yes, I am all about the weather. We can ride bikes, hike, play outside and pretty much feel much more capable of conquering the world when the weather is great. Today was take your kids to work day... A lot of pressure for me, huh? Not that I don't take at least half the kids with me everyday. Today we took a tour and opened savings accounts at the kids bank in the city. I am loving the guy (haven't dug to deep, but still...) who started the bank. What a brilliant idea. I am always trying to come up with ways to help my kids learn the concept of earning, saving and investing money. Dad if your reading this please send us a photo of Kindred Kurbs:) More about that later. This bank is the best because they educate your kids which was great since I was chasing Ava around the whole bank trying to keep her mouth occupied with Dum, dums... They walked them through the whole process. Anyone under 21 can open and account. Best part about it, since I seem to be so gosh darn tight lately is it's free!!! Paris can now get a debit card and we are all very excited about it.

Now You See Her

Now you don't... Yep, Ruby or "Ruby Tubes" when she isn't peeing or pooping on my floor, usually the carpet. Seriously, why do we have a dog? I wanted to be the "cool" mom, that decided I could handle this, instead I have become the crazy mom, who all too often threatens to get rid of the dog. Whoa, she has been a ride! If you are thinking of getting one, seriously call me. So, today we took Ruby to dog obedience school. Prison dog school that is. Yes, on take your kid to work day. It was a little more traumatic than I had anticipated. Paris and Savanna both started crying. As I sad holding and comforting them as the inmates lovinly escored her out, I had joy for two reasons. One, I am poop and pee free in the house for one month and hopefully forever after, and two my kids love that dog soooo much they are crying at the thought of leaving her for a month... Maybe it wasnt' a mistake. Truth be told I guess you really do love those you serve, because I miss her just a tiny bit. This obedience seems like such a brilliant idea. I think she is going to be the best dog ever when she comes back, and I am pretty sure that our dog trainer/inmate will love her as much as my kids do, which is great for everyone. Look for our success story in 4 weeks.

Freeze Time

Our little "chooch" as she is affectionately called joined the ranks of the nursery babes at church today. It might not sound like a big deal, but I have always known that while one is settling into nursery, another babe is on it's way. Not this time. It's hard to believe this chapter is ending, while I feel at peace about being "done", I feel the pain of knowing this part of our journey has ended. It feels like it's all gone by too fast. Every single day I am grateful I went to bat to get this last sweet little baby into our home. I must admit it didn't take too much convincing, but at the time it felt like we just held hands and jumped off a cliff, hoping for a nice soft landing. We had a 80/20 rule. That meant 80% everything was perfect and we felt in control and the other 20 was pretty much just chaos. After Ava was born, that changed to 70/30. Now that things have calmed down. I would say we are back to 80/20 and maybe just maybe 90/10. I love every one of them so individually. They are all so incredibly different and each one simply perfect to us. If I could freeze time, I would definitely do it riiiiiight, now! I love having a tween, and all the fun and excitement of her life. Yet at the same time, I still have a little baby to hold and watch the magic and wonder of each new discovery.

Hot Water

This is something in the states most of us take for granted. While we were visiting the DR something went wrong with the pipes and we didn't have hot water the entire time we were staying at the beach. Okay, I had one very low pressure medium warm shower, but that was it for the duration of the trip. We called the manager and he was trying to get it fixed, but there was some difficulty seeing that, number 1 it is the Dominican Republic and no. 2 it was Holy Week. We were feeling pretty sorry for ourselves and even a little frustrated until I asked Andrea (our helper) if she had ever had hot water. Nope to that one! Never in her life. We didn't mention it again and I have thought about it each time I have bathed my kids in warm water or taken a hot shower. I am afraid I will soon forget how lucky we are to have this luxury we think is just a "basic need."

The Temple

We took Paris to the temple for the first time. She was so excited and it was a great experience for all of us! The temple is absolutely beautiful. I didn't get a great picture, because I was always up to close. It's such a stark contrast to everything else surrounding it. Darin's parents are so lucky to live on the temple grounds!

The Villa

The villa exceeded every expectation we had. You never know if it's going to be all that the pictures show it to be until you actually show up. Part of the thrill of the vacation. This was so much better than we imagined, we loved it! The food was also amazing.

A Trip Highlight

This was a definite highlight of the trip. It's called 27 waterfalls! We left the little ones behind, which in and of itself was a bit of an adventure for me, just leaving the babes in a foreign country. They were in excellent hands with their grandma, but still... We hiked up 12 of the 27 waterfalls and the jumped or slid down them, it was so fun. I love it when the kids get to see the parents having fun too!

The People

The kids got to hang out with the natives on the temple grounds, they loved the games we brought for them...
This woman sells used clothes in the streets.
These kids sell yummy candy!
This picture does no justice to the amount of people that are in every car! Oh yes, gas there is $5.00 per gallon!
Sweet Andrea! Savvy spend an entire day helping her clean.
This women set a bbq grill on the side of the street for hot dog sales!

Amazing fruit!

This is an avacado! It's the size of a cantaloupe. We couldn't get enough of them!

The Dominican Republic

Taking family vacations for us is a relatively new idea for us, but this was the best one yet! The place absolutely exceeded every expectation we all had. This trip provided so many unique opportunities for our family that we will never forget and our lives will never be the same because of it. You can't see people living like that and not look at your own life and see what you don't need, and look at the things that really make you "happy." The people, although they have so little in some interesting ways they have more... It was a stark contrast coming back to the U.S., seeing a man in front of us ranting and raving because the line wasn't moving fast enough and he was afraid he was going to miss his connecting flight. Sure enough he did, and sure enough we ran into him again (after we missed our connecting flight) and he was demanding a rental car, a hotel and a transfer to another city. It seemed no compensation could equal his burden of missed time! One thing the Dominicans seem to have plenty of is TIME!

No. 1 not 2

This is the sign Madeline and Savvy made for me tonight! If you look closely you can see the status I have achieved not number 2, but numero uno! I am not sure which is more fun with the kids actually going on the trip or getting ready for the trip. Every spring break we try to go somewhere fun... The kids get sooo excited and we can't wait to have them all to ourselves! This time we are excited to share with Darin's parents!

Seriously!

For the second time this week Easton I have been summoned to this little guy with blood spurting everywhere. This is one week I am glad there is only one of him!!! This was a vegetable peeler fight between he and Madeline, Easton being the clear loser. I do have to say Madeline cried harder and longer realizing her firm grip on the peeler had caused such a wound. Maybe a lesson learned...

Thank You, Thank you!

Madeline has started saying this to me all the time. "Thank you, thank you mommy so much for getting us the sweet, sweet baby." She says it as if we picked this brand out from the store... I couldn't have said it better myself...

Ghiradelli Chocolate Factory

It would be completely wrong for us to go to San Francisco and not go to the Ghiradelli Chocolate Factory. We have so many memories from San Diego. The chocolate factory was right next to our family's "all time favorite" restaurant, Royal Thai. A perfect evening would be Padres game, Royal Thai, and Ghiradelli Chocoalte factory brownie sundae. Every time we go to San Diego it's top of the list.

I am a wife

And for this I am grateful! I have a hard time leaving the kids at the current chaotic state of our life. I can't ever imagine leaving it to to someone else. Lucky for me, my mom was ever so willing to come spend time with her grandkids. I didn't feel I could leave everyone, because we want her to come back! We took Ava and headed to San Francisco last weekend. I think I got a total of 9 hrs. sleep in three days, but it was worth every bit of the sleep. Besides like my dad always says, we'll catch up in the next life... It was so fun, just being with the three of us. I never realize I need a break until I get one. I never realize how often our conversation gets interrupted until it doesn't. I love these convention trips because it's the perfect allocation of time for me. Darin goes to about 4 hours a day worth of education and I get time to do anything in the world I want to do. This time that meant staying in the hotel reading while Ava slept. Reading during the middle of the day, a complete novelty and a great way to spend an afternoon. SF is a great city and we loved being there together, just the three of us.

One thing I know for sure!

Boys get hurt more than girls. We have had minor cuts and bruises with the girls. Easton has had stitches four times and broken his arm. It has been so lucky for me that every time Darin has been home. One of these days he is not going to be there, and I am going to have to be pony up. Every time an incident occurs I scream for Darin and he runs in like the knight in shining armor to save the day. He is always so calm and I can't imagine him being in a field more useful to our family. We actually have never even been to the E.R.

Easton's Current Obsession

Easton is my one child who gets absolutely fixated on certain things. I am happy to say that he couldn't have been more thrilled about getting his scriptures. He kept asking me for his "own." I kept giving him the families copies and it just wasn't cutting it for him. I got him is own paperback quad with his name on it, and he had the prize to be one. He couldn't wait to get home and get started. He even wanted me to read while I was driving. When we got home we couldn't get lunch over fast enough. For an entire week it seemed he thought of nothing else. We would read up to twenty pages a day and it still wasn't enough for him. Try telling a kid you don't have time to read him scriptures. He is such a great kid! Lucky for me he is still excited about it, but doesn't ask so many times a day for me to drop everything and read to him. This is a picture of him reading to the neighbors, that have absolutely no idea what he's talking about. He couldn't wait to read some more. He saw the kids out playing and decided to go read. They all quit playing and went to get their "own" books. I was happy no parents called to complain...

Is a Puppy necessary?

So, this is a question I asked myself over and over. Some swear it's the best thing you can ever give a kid. I think a sibling is the best thing you can give a kid. After Much, much thought we gave in and neither Darin or I ever thought we would. This was the best Christmas present ever! The kids made all kinds of promises, and contracts we promised to get them a dog after a 6 week trial period. They did countless hours of research in search for the perfect dog. The girls had their heart and souls set on a Cavashon, and I found one that would be available at christmas time. I will post the video later of the actual surprise. We will be hard pressed to ever top this one. It was complete with tears from both the older girls and "giddy" excitement from the others. I didn't blog about her before now, because I wasn't sure she would really end up being part of the family after all the poop and peeing in my house was done!! I definitely have had my moments when I have kids crying, dinner to make only to turn around and see the dog peeing on my carpet. Are you kidding me, how did we end up here? Even still somehow she gets to stay another day, however not without "doggie school" at the prison. More on that later... The jury is still out, but we are pretty sure she was a good idea...