The Mighty Mudcats

Blaze started his tee-ball season this last week. He has had 3 games so far and is playing really well. He is pretty excited to play but would love to play without the tee. I told him he has to wait one more year before he can hit without the tee. Next year he wears the most adorable miniature sized baseball uniforms - can't wait for those pictures. Here are a couple of pictures in his latest uniform and up to bat. He hit very well yesterday - smacking the ball past 2nd base. The coach on the other team made sure he got to run to second because his hit was so great. We are so proud of our little athlete.

I'm A Little Teacup...

My best friend took these pictures of Tink while babysitting her the other day and I think they are adorable. Hopefully she doesn't mind me sharing.

I Have Been Tagged - Finally! :)

Tagged!

10 Years ago:
Married 3 years with no kids.
Just bought our first house.
Started a new job, which I am currently still working at.

5 things on my to-do list today:
Work from home.
Do laundry, putting it away sucks!
Play with my new puppy.
Watch Biggest Loser finale! Can't wait!
Balance checkbook and pay mid-month bills. UGH!

Snacks I enjoy:
Double Stuff Oreos, Butterfinger, Mountain Dew and Salt & Vinegar chips

If I were suddenly a billionaire:
Build my dream home, travel to every tropical paradise with my husband, pay off my family's debts and share the wealth, adopt a little girl, buy a new Denali and Corvette. How much more do you want to know?

3 bad habits:
I peel off my nail polish.
Reading celebrity magazines.
Using too much hairspray.

5 places I have lived:
Sandy, Utah
Cedar City, Utah
Provo, Utah
Riverton, Utah
Herriman, Utah

5 jobs I have had:
Sears
Discovery Zone
Southern Utah University Athletic Trainer
Quality Concrete
Axiom Design

5 things people don't know about me:
I am ambidextrous.
I cry in almost every movie.
I have a hard time asking for a baby-sitter.
I want to sell everything and move to Kauai.
I love sun-bathing.

I now tag Heidi Lewis!

The New Addition To Our Family!

Well - I finally got a little GIRL! I have been on a cloud since Saturday! Let me tell you why!

The boys had a super long birthday party on Saturday in Orem, Darren was aerating all day in Orem. I thought I would be able to take advantage of the time alone and actually get things done but of course, that did not happen. I ended up meeting Darren for lunch which turned into an outing of looking at 4-wheelers, scooters and then motorcycles. Please don't ask me why! Next thing you know - we pull up to a little pet store (the same one where we got Zona 12 years ago). I looked at him completely puzzled but figure we are just getting crickets for our dragons. Within minutes, I am holding the most adorable 6-week old puppy. Darren right then and there says "get her". I am like "WHAT?? Are you kidding?" We are having a baby of our own in 6 weeks. He didn't care - surprised? He was ready to drop the money and walk out but not me. I left the store, called tons of family members, my best friend and then questioned every reason why or why not to do this. Even my vacations came to mind - but considering we are house-ridden for a year or so, there aren't any vacations (besides THE DREAM ONE!) in store.

After driving around for 3 hours and after being told that this is probably the best timing for the boys considering I will have my hands full with the new baby - I went back. I adopted the cutest little Micro Teacup Poodle. Her name is Tinkerbell but we call her Tink! She is the smallest, sweetest, cutest thing I could ever love. I have had no sleep in 2 days but have been on such a cloud - I don't even care. She is my little purse dog and I am so happy. My husband has been spoiling me lately, for reasons I am unsure, but he can't top this. She is so precious! The boys are ecstatic. Canon told us it was one of his best days - to be surprised with a "puppy that stays a puppy forever" (his words). Anyway - I can't say enough. These pictures are horrible but I took them late last night for you all to see. Just wait until the real photoshoot.

Without Training Wheels - Or Training!

So - Today was the first nice day for the boys to play outside this entire year. It's always been too cold or too wet. Because it was so nice, and I don't usually go outside, I sent the boys out to ride their bikes. I decided to take Blaze's training wheels off to see if he could try it a couple of times, or wait until his dad got home to help. So - I take the wheels off and he jumps on and takes off. WITHOUT HELP! No training, no chasing him down the street, no crashing, nothing! I couldn't believe it. It was like nothing - he mastered it. I was so proud...AND....grateful that I didn't have to run. He is so fearless - maybe I should be worried.

Canon's Family Birthday Party!

Canon just turned 8 years old on April 5th. We had my family over to celebrate his birthday, as well as my sisters' birthday. We played a really fun "how well do you know this person" game then opened presents. Canon had a great birthday this year and received everything he had asked for - he must be a pretty good kid. He chose "puppies" for his party decorations this year and had an ice cream cake, since he doesn't eat regular cake. He is such a fun kid and is really appreciative of what he gets. He keeps telling me, even days later, how great it was to get everything he did.

Happy Birthday Canon! We love you!!!!

Dinosaur Museum!

For Canon's 8th birthday this year - he chose to go to the Dinosaur Museum. The kids have been several times but this was my first time. I have to say that it was pretty awesome. I thought it would be small and boring but it was huge and had a lot of hands on things for kids to do.







After the museum, Canon chose to go to Olive Garden. We walked in and saw that my sisters, my mom, and three cousins were waiting for a table as well. Canon was excited to join them although it took us forever to get a table for 11. After dinner we went to Cold Stone and got ice cream. Yum! After dessert - we let Canon open his presents, since it was his actual birthday, before going to bed. He got a couple games, movies, and a Nintendo DS game. That night - he requested that we have a sleepover in the basement. We made beds out of blankets for the boys and Darren and I each took a couch. Within minutes of them falling asleep, I was back to my bed and Darren had snuck into the guest bed. We woke up early so they would never know that we didn't really sleep downstairs with them. Who do kids sleep on the hard floor all night anyway?

Interior Decorator For Hire!

I am not sure if this will work but I thought I would try. This is a little prank that Darren pulled on his football coaching buddy at Timpanogos High School. Frank was away at National Guard duty for 2 weeks so Darren got some friends of his to help him "redecorate" his office. It is hot pink and smothered with Disney princesses. Check out the link:

http://www.timpanogos.alpinedistrict.org/DEPARTMENTS/Technology/Collette/videos/PrettyinPink/index.html

Okay - I just realized that it doesn't work by clicking on it so try to copy and paste the link to check it out! Sorry about the technical difficulties!

Totally Shocked!

So - Yesterday was my 10th Anniversary at Axiom Design. Can you believe that I have worked at the same jpb for 10 years? It really is crazy to think it is possible although I know that most people do it. In comparison - there has only been one other person last that long at my work. This day was obviously a big day for me personally but quite busy as well. I couldn't believe how fast the day went and how much was accomplished.

At the very last minute - just after telling Darren that my work had forgotten that it was my anniversary - I was called into my boss's office. Now - I really shouldn't have expected that anyone would remember or that it should have been made a big deal - but you have to know me and know that I love providing gifts and treats for every occasion at work. And since I can't give gifts to myself - I didn't think I would get one. Well - get this. I am asked to sit down, which made me a bit nervous - but was then handed this gigantic board with the words "The Dream Vacation of Your Choice" written on it. I stared at it for awhile not sure what to think. I am then told that several locations for my 'dream vacation" had been researched for me and Darren and that I was just given an all expenses paid vacation for 2 - on Axiom. Isn't that just amazing? I was so shocked and still am that I just can't tell you how I feel or what this means to me. They couldn't have given me a better gift. If you have seen my house and know how I decorate - everything is tropical, Hawaiian, surfing or something to do with the beach.

I am so so thankful to have such a great place to work for and that the reward for doing so is so great. This just makes it worth it all. I do have to tell you what Blaze said about it. Of course I came home all excited to share and the first thing Blaze said was "I hate that present - that is a horrible present - you are not going on vacation without me, I won't let you". Of course I told him "too bad" but that didn't stop the tears and anger I had to deal with over the next five minutes. Even this morning he reminded me that I was never going to go on that dream vacation. Too funny!

Here is the magnificent gift on display for you to all be jealous about!



Of course my sweet husband also had a gift at home for me as well - 24 beautiful pink roses! What a sweetheart!

Spring Break!

So - here is a list of the many things we have done over the last 4 days. The zoo, the library, 3 different parks, miniature golfing, and Jungle Jim's. Hopefully the boys realize how lucky they have been. We have a really good time and I have loved spending time with them.

Easter Pics!

Who doesn't love Easter pictures? I thought I would just post some really cute pictures of the boys. They went to a city Easter egg hunt after having repeated lessons by Dad on how to be the fastest and get the most. Luckily - Blaze is humble and after running out to the middle and filing his basket to the top - he comes back to declare that he is done and that he has enough. There was still candy all over the grass and I was amazed that this kid had no greed. Now - if this was a Canon vs. Blaze competition - you would see it then. Unfortunately for Canon - he is in the 7-8 year old category and realized that some of his peers are theives - he had several boys taking candy/prizes right out of his basket. Maybe Darren should have practiced what to do if that happens. Actually maybe not - blood and Easter egg hunts don't go good together.





We had another great Easter Sunday spending time with my family. Eating, having our annual Easter egg hunt at my mom's (including all her children, ages 38 to 25). Darren claims April pushed him out of the way for an egg. He won't forget it either - so April beware. Maybe because he lost this year, taking last place in finding his eggs. He doesn't take last place very well.

Don't Tell The Big Boys!

So - being 7 months pregnant - I find it difficult to bend all the way over. Especially for long periods of time. Now I realize that the belly only gets bigger and bending over gets worse but sometimes you just can't stand it for a minute. Spring is coming and I needed my toenails painted. Last night - I asked Darren if he would paint my toenails. At first he was hesitant and I only realized later why.

I stack tons of tissue and q-tips around my feet just knowing that we will have a disaster but he becomes offended and dismisses all of it. He slowly paints my nails as I look on and make obvious comments when someone is painting your toes. "You aren't doing it right" "You missed a spot" " You need more on the brush", those types of things. Each time him patiently and repeatedly telling me to "shut up".

After completing the toes and after realizing he has done a really good job - I tell him I am going to take a picture of it - for history sake. Here is where I realize why he was hesitant before. This is how he comments: "Don't take a picture of it and definitely don't blog about it - if you do - I will certainly be out of the Big Boys Club then"



Figures!

Negotiations!

Here is another example of my brilliant son and the "Things Kids Say". So - this last week has been spring break for Canon but not for Darren. I have taken the week of as well to play with my boys. Along with everything else under the sun we have been doing - they decided they wanted a "Sleepover" with Mom. This just meaning that they kick Dad out of bed and sleep with me for a night. I told them I would talk to their dad about it and let them know what he said. First thing the next morning - the boys ask me what Dad said. I told him his feelings were hurt that he had to sleep alone and that no one wanted to snuggle with him. (Realize that for his birthday, Father's Day, sunday mornings after breakfast, or any other holiday he makes up - he "forces" his children snuggle with him for at least 5 mintues). Later that day - we discussed the "Sleepover" again and this is what happened.

Canon: "Mom, how about I make Dad a deal? I will read my chapter books for a really long time so that I can sleep with you and he can sleep in my new bed."

Me: "That is a good deal, Dad just might say yes to that."

Blaze: "Mom, how about I make a deal with Dad. How about, he lets me sleep with you tonight and then he can sleep with you all next week."

Me: "Wow - that is a great deal"

I later told Darren this and he couldn't stop laughing - this kid really knows how to negotiate. Aren't little kids great?

Sad, Sad Night!

Well - This is really hard for me to do right now. My kids wanted a tribute so here it is. Unfortunately this evening, I ran over our cat, Zona. He has been a part of our family for 12 years. We loved this cat so much and are devastated about the loss. The sadness is more than we can bear. Canon is so sad, as he has had Zona in his life since birth. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have Zona and the joy he brought our family. I am so sorry Zona, I love you!!

A Used Car Saleman In The Making!

Okay - this might be long but I have to tell someone. It was the cutest thing.

So, Blaze and I were sitting in the living room, I was watching him play with his trucks when he asks this question. "Mom, what is it called when you want to get rid of your car but you want to buy a new one?" I reply - "A dealership?". He says to me - "Step into my dealership". I look down and he had placed his Escalade Truck propped up like it's climbing a mountain and proceeds to ask me if I would like to buy it.




I ask him for how much and he tells me $60. I said sure. Went to my wallet and pulled out a $1 bill. He looks at me confused and obviously knowing it wasn't enough and says to me "This is only one dollar". I pull out another $1 and he takes a good look at the two bills. He then, in this typical car salesman voice, says while pointing away from the Escalade, "Have you seen the truck I have over here?"



It was so funny I couldn't stop laughing. He was not about to sell me the nice truck and wanted to pawn the smaller truck off for the $2 I had offered. It was great. I told Darren that night and he thinks Timmy Brown would be so proud. Later that night, I asked Blaze what he would have sold the truck to his Dad for and he says only $20. Darren hands him $6, he takes the money, hands him the Escalade, then offers Darren $5 to sell the truck back. Deal!

Canon's Jungle

Ever since we have lived in our new house, Canon and Blaze had shared a bedroom. Although they don't enjoy sharing a room, they do HAVE to sleep together at night. They could fight all day but at night - when they are told they have to sleep separate - they both freak out. Well - Jolinda moved out about a month ago and it didn't take Canon and I long to move Canon into her room, repaint the walls and trim and get him new bedding. He has been so excited and so involved in picking it out. We bought huge stickers of baby jungle animals to put on the walls, including a monkey, tiger, cheetah, toucan, zebra, elephant and giraffe. We still would like to get pillows for the window seat but Darren thinks that can wait. Just thought I would show you how cute it turned out!

Daddy's Sick Day!

So - Darren gets sick about once a year and when it hits him, it hits him. Unfortunately this year, his sickness only lasted a couple of days. You all know what it's like when a husband is sick so I won't go into that any further. Anyway - by the third day of being sick, laying in bed, watching movies and sleeping - Blaze had had enough. If his Dad was going to be home - he was going to play. Daddy finally gave in to playing with Blaze so I had to document this occasion - it was a big day for Blaze. It took them most of the morning just to set this up and then about 5 minutes to take down every soldier.