Start Your Engines......

We had the opportunity to participate in our first Pinewood Derby tonight. Ian was pretty excited about this endeavor and announced yesterday that he didnt care if he won or not. Yeah, that all changed tonight however when he realized that he actually was not going to win. He was a good sport about it though. Im pretty sure that next year, he is going to be a little more particular about the specs of the car. Being that this was our first one, it was a learning experience and Ian and Denver already have a strategy in mind for the next car. It was a lot of fun watching them build the car and then watching it go in the end.....Denver was able to use some machines at work to carve the shape of the car but Ian did all the painting and the application of the decals. He is pretty proud of his car and so are we!! Denver quietly whispered that he was just relieved to see it make it all the way to the finish line. There were some cars that didnt even do that!
Also tonight Ian was awarded his Wolf badge. We are very proud of him and hope he continues to enjoy the scouting program....Here is a little slideshow of pictures and I couldnt resist trying to film the race.....you will see right away that it was difficult, but it still shows the car in action if only for a split second

Well, I have to admit that we aren't die hard conference watchers. I always record it and then we watch it bit by bit throughout the following weeks. Yesterday morning Denver had it on before I came downstairs and heard the news that his mission president, Neil L. Anderson had been called to the Quorum of the Twelve! That is pretty big news. We watched his talk this morning and I have to say that even though he wasnt speaking about anything really spiritual, I was touched with emotion at the thought that this man guided my husband while he served his mission in France nearly 18 years ago.... Knowing how difficult it must have been for Denver to be away from his family at that age and on top of it all being in a foreign country and speaking a different language....I think it takes a special human being to be a mission President. To be the one that is responsible for these young men and women must have been overwhelming. Not to mention he (President Anderson) was very young himself and his children were still school aged when he was called to go to France...can you imagine! Anyway, I just thought it was pretty cool and wanted to share that this morning.....

If You Knew Ian.....

....then you would know that this picture did not need any explanation. Apparently the Chess Instructor felt that she should explain the picture for fear that someone might misinterpret what Ian was doing..... She posts pictures of Chess club each week on Picassa and has NEVER written personal comments about any of them but this week I saw that one of them had a comment and when I clicked on it, this is the picture that came up.....

Her comment read: ( "he is not really yelling at his partner, just pretending..." ) Thanks for clearing that up....as if Ian would ever actually yell at his partner LOL!!!!

Evan made me feel pretty important today and a little sad at the same time. His class went on a field trip to the zoo and he had asked me a couple of weeks ago if I would come and help by being a chaperone. Unfortunately I cant really do stuff like that very often because I have Addison and Soren at home with me and normally they dont allow the chaperones to bring siblings. Anyway, today when I picked him up from school I asked him if he had fun at the zoo and he looked a little sad and shook his head. I asked him what was wrong and he said "it wasnt fun because you werent there." Awwwww.....I feel badly that I couldnt go but am very appreciative that he missed me so much. Here is one of my favorite pictures of Evan. He was so excited to play baseball the first time. The shirt drowned him and his little ears poking out of his hat....love it. Evan is a mischief maker and sometimes Im not quite sure what to do with him but I sure love him! He has had to learn a couple of hard lessons this week....hopefully its the last time we will have to deal with that type of thing.

Ok I found these funny videos that I took at Scott and Stacys house the week we were in Kentucky for Don's funeral. They have a playstation with the game called "Singstar"...its hilarious to watch these kids sing. I think Ian thought he was live on "American Idol" or something...I was cracking up. Unfortunately I filmed it with my camera so it is sideways...sorry:

That took way too long to load...Im going to post the other one of Evan singing on Facebook so if you are my friend on Facebook you can check it out there. Evan's rockin version of Daniel Powters "had a bad day"....he took it very seriously too :) I love my boys.

Addie, Addie, Addie.....I could fill up 3 pages of stories about this little one. Lets just say that most of the time she is convinced that she is the only child that exists in my world. Or maybe its that she wishes she was. She is all over the place with her song and dance....and she loves to show off. Oh and she really hates wearing clothing. She strips down whenever she can...she even tried to remove her clothes on the airplane recently. She has decided that she is in charge of her cousin Soren. She lets me know when its time to feed him, change him, and she is especially vigilant when it comes time for him to take his nap. Sometimes she will announce that it is nap time for Soren within 5 minutes of him arriving in the morning. She has kindly taught Soren how to NOT share, and how to scream when things are taken from him. In spite of all of these "lessons"....she loves him and kisses him all day long. We enjoy having Soren at our house...he is so dang cute. Saying words left and right and when he gets excited he just blurts out all the words he knows in random order....cracks me up. Just be careful when he says "eye" because he will literally jab your eye out trying to show you!

Denver and I are both enjoying the fact that I havent had to go to work this past week. It is nice being home together and helping each other with dinner, homework, baths...etc. Normally the only night we have together is Thursday nights between my work and his school. I guess we will just enjoy it while it lasts because I have to find another job soon. We are excited to report that due to errors by others and not us for a change one of our debts is going to be reduced by almost $6000 ! How great is that! Its nice to have it work in our favor for a change..... Im sure there will be others that wont be so happy about it but, it is what it is..... Here is a picture of us that I found and I am posting against my better judgement.... Just ignore my triple chin...and the stain on my shirt.... I just love how we are so comfortable and happy, swinging on the porch swing in Kentucky last summer with our little girl.

Happy Birthday Denver....

Today is Denvers 38th birthday. He asked me last night if deserves to go out for his birthday on Saturday and to that I say....Yes!! He is a great father to our children. They love and adore him like crazy. They cant wait for him to come home from work each day and love spending time with him. Denver is one of those guys that took some time figuring out what life was all about and what was important but I have to say that, especially lately, he has really put an effort into being a great husband. He loves me and puts up with me and my quirks and is willing to do just about anything I ask of him. I love you Denver and hope that you have a wonderful birthday today. If it were warm I'd tell you to go fishing.....oh well, Happy Birthday!

Swoosh....

Today we went to the church to watch Denver play basketball. Our church team made it to the finals and today was the first game. I'd say that our team is made up of half "seasoned" men and the other half "younger" men.... I have missed most of the games this year because I meet with a personal trainer on Saturday mornings which conflicts with the games. Today however, I didnt have a session so I was able to go. Im not sure how they made it to the finals but it was exciting nonetheless. The game was pretty tight....neither team was more than 2 points behind the other until the last 3 minutes of the last quarter! It was nerve wracking to say the least.

The kids enjoyed playing around while I watched and believe or not, our team WON! But just barely....their next game is on Tuesday evening so we'll see how that goes. Hopefully it wont be so close next time. It would be fun to see them win the whole thing! Oh, and of course I have to give props to my husband who made a few really nice 3 pointers and never missed a free throw. I marveled at the fact that he didnt even hesitate or take time to prepare for his free throws....he just stepped up to the line and tossed it in with little effort at all. For a 38 year old man, thats pretty impressive......Now if only he didnt have to run..... ha ha. (he asked me not to post these pictures but we made a deal that I could, as long as I mentioned his mad skills.)

After the game we went to Sweet Tomatoes for lunch. I love that place and so do the kids. It's nice to be able to get healthy choices that the kids enjoy too.... Denver and I are about to put the kids to bed and enjoy a movie together that we rented. I love weekends like this....

Fathers Day continued....

So, I finally got a scanner and I decided it would be funny to post an old picture of Denver for Fathers Day.... I had a really hard time deciding which picture to use. Denver and I did not agree on the first choice....lets just say that perms were in and his didnt look so good. Anyway, I decided on this one because, well he just looks good!

The other 2 pictures are my faves. Notice the resemeblence to our daughter!

Good Job Denver....

Kudos to Denver for finishing another semester of school at Westminster. This makes 3 semesters under his belt. This last one was a bit stressful though as the anticipated work load was far more than expected. Especially the Art class. Not only was it nothing of what he expected, the teachers expected him to attend numerous functions throughout the semester that were Art related. Dance performances, music performances, art showings.....etc. Granted it would have been enjoyable Im sure to attend all of these functions but we had neither the time nor the money to do it. He expressed this to his teacher in the beginning and actually asked her if she would let him out of the class because if he didnt get at least a 'C' grade, he would have to re-pay Boeing for the tuition. No thanks! She encouraged him to stay in the class but we were very nervous about his final grade. Well, he got a 'B' in the Art class and a 'B+' in his History class. Whew. I know he is relieved and so am I. For a 37 year old working husband and father of 4, those are fantastic grades!

In other news Addison has decided that taking her diaper off in order to poop on my floor is a much better alternative than going in her diaper. She probably figures it is less of mess! Huh! How 'bout the toilet little girl?!?

Who are you again?.....

So, today marks the first day of Denver's schedule change at Boeing. He is working the day shift! This may not seem like some kind of big deal to a lot of you but it really is. It seems like for the past 7 years we have always worked opposite shifts or something out of the ordinary in the hopes that one of us would be at home with the kids at all times. So far, it has worked. I can happily say that I havent had to give my children over to any strangers....ok with the exception of 2 months in Arizona, which, after Evan cracked his face open and had to get stitches, and the boys began crying each morning that I was leaving them there, I quickly made our schedules work so I could keep them home. It hasnt always been blissful. I can honestly say that there are times when I crave conversation that doesnt include Pokemon. Or times when if I have to change another diaper or listen to crying, whining, and fighting for one more second I seriously might crack.... But, after all is said and done, it has been the best thing for my peace of mind and for my children that we have sacrificed normalcy.

Now here we are, about to give normalcy a shot. It should prove to be very interesting. On one hand you have visions of the family eating dinner together and talking about their day. Afterward dad helps with homework and we all watch a show together and then kiss the kids goodnight and spend some quality time together before we hit the sack. On the other hand....which is probably the hand we are holding....it is going to be total chaos. At least for the first little while until Denver gets acclimated to our routine. He is excited to be able to spend more time with the kids and to actually eat dinner with us more than once or twice a week. He gets to be home for all the baseball games and that is exciting in its own right. But, I think he also has visions of sitting on the couch watching fishing shows all night......ain't gonna happen! Like I said, he is going to have to become acclimated.

I think the strangest part of all of this is going to be actually going to bed together. You see, up until tonight, he comes home around 1:00 in the morning. Obviously I am already asleep. On the weekends, I am working until 5:00 in the morning. So...now, we get to go to bed at the same time. (that is if I get all the housework done before midnight....) Weird. I think we are going to have to get to know each other again....in a way. And it is definitely time for Addison to start sleeping in her own bed. Eventually, I think we are going to love the situation. I know Im going to enjoy the help at night! The bonus is that now, I can actually go to activities at night without getting a babysitter or lugging the kids with me. Wow. Its going to be great! Small pleasures = Big returns.

Happy Birthday to my Hubby......

Happy Birthday to Denver! He turned 37 today.....that is nearly 40! I would laugh at him except that I will turn the same age in less than 6 months from now. Not funny at all! It is hard to believe that we met when we were just 26. Scary how fast time flies. When Addison starts Kindergarten, we will be 40. Ok Im done. Love you......

Busy, busy, busy.....

So today I am feeling the crunch of the boys and school, Denver's work and school, my work away and in the home, etc etc etc. I didnt even realize today was Wednesday! I know of course that Im not the only one with busy-ness in their lives but I swear. I just finished the 10th load of laundry in 3 days. I got behind but am feeling proud that I got it all folded. Tomorrow I will work on putting it all away.....then of course I will start over with washing it all again.....I hate laundry but I mentioned that already. Thankfully Ian's teacher has eased up on his homework this first week back. I just know the average first grader doesnt get as much homework as he does. I know it is just the nature of the program he is in but it can be a struggle for me sometimes so Im sure it is stressful for him too. Evan doesnt have as much but still has some. It will be interesting when they get a little older and the homework becomes more intense. I think Denver will definitely have to change to a day shift so he can be home at night to help out! Of course, he is in school too and I know I will be helping him eventually too.....that is if he has papers to write. Im the typist in the family. This semester he is just taking 2 classes: Art and History. Hopefully it wont be too strenuous. He really enjoys History so that should be a breeze for him. Art.....well, its not the kind of art class one would imagine. He is required to create and perform an "expressive piece" at the end of the course.....Dad, can he borrow your tutu? Im happy that he is continuing with school. I know it is a struggle sometimes but the reward will be worth it for him. I will help him as much as I can to get through it. So, lets see, graveyard shift Fri-Sat-Sun, Church, school for kids, piano on Wed (we missed it today...oops) an active 20 month old, babysitting my 4 month old nephew 3 days a week, oh and now I am taking a girl from Ian's class on Fridays after school so she doesnt have to go to the after school program! They get out at 12:30 on Friday's and her dad will pick her up at 3:20. I dont have time for much else really. I think Im going to have to start going to the gym in the early morning. So, here is an update on the kids:

IAN: Is still in the first grade although after Alec visited us he acts like he is in the 6th grade. Kids want to grow up so fast these days. He is doing well in his accelerated program but struggles the most with math....just like his mommy. He is an excellent reader as he likes to point out sometimes and has made a lot of friends. Right now he is in a stage where he claims to hate school. Although I know he secretly loves it. He has done well eating school lunch in spite of his severe peanut allergy and hasnt had any scares with that at all, thank heavens. He still participates in the Chess Club but we are holding off on tournaments this year. Maybe next. He really is so smart and if he can just keep his focus for longer than 5 minutes he is going to be successful at whatever he does.

EVAN: Is still in Kindergarten and has a love/hate relationship with school. Loves his teacher, recess, snacktime, and doing his letters. Hates getting up in the morning, math (which he doesnt really do much of, he just likes to echo Ian) and kids that are mean. His teacher says he makes friends well but I still worry because he is so shy. He has decided that he needs more trophies and wants to play basketball next. He loves loves loves animals of any kind, cuddly, slimy, creepy, doesnt matter....he loves them. He also is a very big flirt and is going to be the ladies man of the family I fear. But, that is a long time off thank heavens.

ADDISON: Is almost 21 months old. She is a such a monkey! She has the brightest, funniest personality and I cant wait to watch her grow. She loves to sing, anytime, anyplace and dancing goes right along with it. Her newest "move" is a spin in which her head spins 180 degrees first and then her body whips around to catch up with it. It is hilarious! She loves dolls and babies and has decided that her cousin Soren is HER baby. She trys to hold him and pick him up whenever she can and screams when I wont let her. She isnt talking a lot of sense just yet but can say important words like "love you", "all done", "brother" and of course....."Spongebob".

ALEC: Is home with his mom in Phoenix. He is in Jr. High and likes that fact but says he doesnt like school.... He wishes he could turn 18 so he can be in his own apartment and drive but then he doesnt want to grow any older (dont we all wish that?). He still likes video games and likes to text his friends on his cell phone. He says he wishes he had a twin so he would have someone at home to play with! Even though he has 3 brothers and 3 sisters, they are all too young to relate to him so he gets kinda bored....one can understand his dilemma. But all 6 of his siblings love him dearly....sometimes more than he can handle! He is growing up fast and will be in High School soon, but not soon enough in his opinion.

Well thats our kids update for the beginning of the year. Im hoping the next one will be that Addison is potty trained. No more diapers! Yay!