Trevor's 10th b-day party at Rockin river.

Trevor had such a good time at his Party on Saturday. He really has some great friends. And they were just the right age for Rockin River. I just let them go and play and didn't have to worry to much. I can't believe my baby is turning 10. His real b-day is in July but we wont be here and turning 10 deserves a friend party so we celebrated early. All the kids were wore out and had a great time. What a perfect day.


Gavin and Daddy going through the lazy river rainbow :).

Some of the boys standing in line for the water slides. They liked to race down.

Trevor giving his party the thumbs up.

Chowing down on pizza, apples with Carmel dip, crackers and Gatorade. A 10 year old idea of a perfect lunch.

Josh could finally go down the water slide he was soooooo excited. That morning he got himself a huge bowl of apple sauce when I asked him what he was doing he said he needs to grow a inch and apple sauce is healthy so it will make him grow. Talk about the faith in this kid. We were there just two weeks ago and Josh was too short and he was so bummed. That was some magic apple sauce he said and I say I love it when his prayers are answered like that.

opening presents. He wanted a DSI Xl elite or a cell phone. Guess which one we gave him :). Yes a DSI. It was so funny a bunch of the kids gave him gift cards and Ryan said to him. "cool Trevor now you can save up and get that DSI." Then when he opened it up one of his friends patted him on the back and said "cool you saved up pretty fast." It was pretty cleaver.

And the cupcakes were a huge hit. He wanted cookies and cream cupcakes. So now being the foodie person I had to make a crazy one with the Oreo on the bottom, a double fudge cake with butter cream frosting and crushed up ores on top with another Oreo on the top. The boys LOVED them. I was glad they turned out so good. And I was suprised the bottom oreo didn't get soggy. The trick was to take off the top so the cream was the base for the cupcake. Gotta love OREO'S :)

Where the creepy things live.

Ryan and I were talking about how frightening it would be to be lost in the Forrest in our back yard at night. We have to turn on a fan to block out the sound it's pretty freaky. If our neighbors didn't mind I'm tempted to set off firecrackers every night just to quiet the creepy things. I had to take a video of the noise. It's really unbelievable.



And it's that time of year to deal with these again. I really wish they would go AWAY. I still get really jumpy when we are tryning to catch them. Poor Trevors job was to clean all the window screens and he took one off and this bad boy jumped out at him.

Too cute

Gavin got his Karate gear. He looks so stinking cute. Most of the kids in his class are 4 and up but he's just as tall. He still has a hard time paying attention the whole time. And now when he's mad at me he karate chops me and his brothers. But it's so stinking cute.

Hair today gone tomorrow!!!

Trevor has always wanted a real Mohawk so finally I gave in.






But he looked to mean so I talked him into this hair cut.



Isn't it SWEET???




Nope we couldn't stop laughing ether. Poor kid!!!
So the only thing to do was this.



This morning he asked if we could order Bosley hair restoration.
I don't think he'll drive me crazy about a Mohawk again :)!!!!

Last day of school.

I can't believe it's over already. Where did the year go?? I will say I'm pretty proud of my boys.

Trevor struggled with Math this year and in the end he got a %95 on his TASK test which was AWESOME!!! His strong points are English and science. And he got on the AB honor roll so I'm a pretty proud Mom.. He's such a great kid. I'm so scared for hm to go to 5th grade. That seems so old.

I guess Josh was the class clown. They made a Crazy about you book and all the kids wrote why they liked each other. Every kid wrote he was the funniest kid in class and was always so nice to everyone. I don't doubt that at all. There is something so sweet about Josh and he's the kid that will help anyone in need and usually the center of attention. He exceeded his grade level and was on 3rd grade reading. He was doing fractions in math and struggled a little bit with spelling but usually got 100% on his tests. I can't believe he will be in 2nd grade. It seemed just like yesterday he graduated from pre-school.

For some reason I didn't take a picture of them today. My brain was melted from the HEAT. Whew it's going to be a hot one this year. But they had a blast at the end of year party they brought in about 4 or 5 bounce houses and a snow cone truck. I was so glad they did it by ages so the big kids didn't trample the little kids so it worked out perfect.

So as a reward for all the hard work this year Ryan took all the boys upstairs to sleep on the deck. They watched a movie ate popcorn and even get to see fireworks from the express game. (did I mention I love my back yard and that we can see the fireworks?) Little Gavin was super excited and it will be interesting to see if he lasts all night.

As for me Ryan my sweet husband gave this to me as a gift. Seeing how Gavin has woken up every night for the last two months I haven't gotten any sleep. So tonight I get to sleep in my bed ALL NIGHT LONG. Even on fresh clean sheets. Pure Bliss..
What an amazing husband and father he is.

Now let's pray that this will give me the rest I need to survive summer. Josh has already told me he's bored. Yes it's going to be a long hot one.

Pre-school party.

I'm going to miss these little darlings!!!
Izzy you left too soon. Sorry we didn't get a picture of you too.




Well my baby is growing up way to fast. It was so fun to do a pre-school "play date" with some of Gavin's friends this year. It was mostly girls and he was always so grateful for Ezra. We had a great end of the year party. The waterside and squirty beach ball on the trampoline was Perfect for hr's of entertainment. Thanks for coming everyone. I'm going to miss you guys.

Father son campout

Ryans proud moment. This year he learned and got him a cot to sleep on. All the other Dad's came to check it out. I have a feeling next year alot more Dad's will have a cot :).



Friday was the father son campout. I dream of the day where all three boys can go and I can enjoy one night's peaceful sleep with out playing musical beds. I can eat a bowl of ice cream with out someone begging for bites, and watch a show that makes me cry with out anyone telling me I'm weird :)... But I can only handle one night of peace before it gets to quite then I get lonely and want my boys back. I kept Gavin with me this year because they are camped out by a stream. My boys are water and fire magnets and it's so hard to chase all three at once. So I thought I'd help Ry out a little and leave the 3 year old with me. I went and got him some Knex to built a Ferris wheel, we went to chick-Fila his favorite restaurant and played at the playground. Came home built our Ferris wheel and watched a movie. I think he was just fine with staying home. Until he stuck a Knex up his nose it was pretty traumatic. Crazy kid.
The older boys had a Blast. They stayed up till 1:00 and came home caked in mud. I love that they do this it's such a great bonding moment for the boys and their Dad.

Trevor's b-day treat

Poor Trevor always seems to get the short end of the stick. Here I make a extra special treat for Josh's class and then this week it was Trevor's turn to bring treats to the class. Seeing how they have summer b-days they always do celebrations the last few weeks of school. After talking to his teacher I learned I can't do homemade treats due to some kids food allergies so Trevor decided he wanted Round Rock donuts. Yes they are amazing and all the kids were super happy. But I felt so bad that Josh got something from the heart. So I made Trevor his own special treat. A chocolate banana peanut butter ball muffin. Yes it was pretty dang good (or so he thought :)... In a few weeks we are having a party for him at a water park. I can't believe my baby is going to be 10. Am I really old enough to have a 10 year old??

the circle of life

The boys love to catch frogs. We get billions of them. I hear they eat scorpions but these dumb frogs must not be doing their job. But they attract snakes which is always a delight.

The other day the boys were out catching frogs and they also caught a HUGE Caterpillar. I've never seen one this big. Apparently they are the caterpillars that later turn into the giant bat sized moths. They boys think they are pretty cool. So they put the frog in a bucket and then Josh decided the frog needed a friend so he put the Caterpillar in the bucket. Just as they asked me what frogs eat I heard them all scream. They got to see 1st hand what a frog eats and there will be one less giant bat moth in the world. It was a pretty funny scene. The boys looked like they were in shock.
Josh said "why did he do that? Frogs are sick."
Trevor said "I thought they just ate flies."
Little Gavin kept saying. "poor Caterpillar what a naughty frog."
It gave Ryan and I a good chuckle.

Karate kid #3.

They have a tiny tiger class at the boys karate. Gavin is very big into yelling the hiya. And saying yes sir so the instructor told us to give it a try. He was super excited. Now this is a kid that is FULL of energy and is always on the go. He's also in his own world. Although he minds fairly well for a 3 year old he has a hard time avoiding touching things or running to things he wants. So it was so funny to see. He'd be doing the instructions so well and then see the nunchucks and jump up and grab them. Then he's get re focused and see the boards they break and run to them. Ect Ect Ect. I think he wore out the instructor. But they said to bring him back again next week and I'll tell ya he did TONS better. It's so fun to watch and I can't wait to see him in his uniform.
Oh and a big thank you to his amazing big brothers who helped out. Josh stayed in the class the whole time and Trevor was cheering him on from the bench. (melted my heart.)

Josh's class b-day treat

Josh wanted something unique for his b-day treat. So I searched my food blogs and found this cute recipe for hamburgers made out of cupcakes and Brownies with sugar cookie french fries. They were so fun to make. (although it took me ALL DAY) The hardest part was making the trays that you put it all in.
It was a huge hit with the kids. I didn't know it was hamburgers for lunch day today and alot of the kids didn't want one at first because they said "we already had hamburgers" but Mrs. Bridges told them to try it and promised it would taste different then their lunch hamburger. I had 3 kids tell me it was the best hamburger they have ever eaten. So cute. I love 1st graders they are sweet.
Josh was super happy. I sure love that kid.. Happy Early birthday buddy :)...

Good old mr. fixit.

My Dad ROCKS!!! Every time he comes up I feel like I have a new house again. He fixes all the things that my traveling husband just can't get to.
This time was the dreaded laundry room. You would think a 5 bedroom house would have a big laundry room but it is so small and had zero storage so it was a nightmare.

So we decided to stack the washer and dryer and add some storage system. Also my STUPID washer was leaking and so I had to mop the floor every time I did laundry. So another gasket had to be installed. Which was quite the job.
Thanks again Dad.


The finished product. So much better.

Nap time.

My Mom sat down to watch her fox news. Gavin just cuddled up next to her and they both fell asleep. I wondered who wore who out first.

I hope when I'm in my 70's I have as much energy as my Mom. She chased the boys around the house, helped cook and clean, and yelled at Fox news. Gotta love her. I know I do and so do the boys. Thanks for comming we really enjoyed you here.

swimming

Can I get in the water yet Mom? Why are we always so early for everything.



Don't let go.



This isn't so bad.


I love it!!!


Today was G man's 1st real swimming lesson. No more Mommy and me. Kinda sad Kinda not. I hate trying to get us both dressed it is always a nightmare. Although today he sprayed me with the hose thing in the shower and I got drenched anyways but at least I didn't have to pry off two wet swimming suits.

He LOVED it... He was a little hesitant at 1st but once he got out there he didn't want to get out of the pool. So he's going to love every Tuesday and Thursdays for the next month. So is his Mommy because it wore him out and he wasn't quite the adventure seeker that he usually is.

Never a better man

I'm having one of those days. After a busy tough week. I came across this video and felt it was so fitting in helping me remember where my priorities are. I am so grateful for my savior to help strengthen me when I'm so weak.

I won :)!!!!!

I absolutely despise getting my picture taken lately I look so worn out, maybe because I am I guess. Not to mention the bow goes in the back of the apron but Gavin kept undoing it so I just tied it in the front. I didn't realize how silly it looked but I felt so stupid standing there getting my picture taken that I don't want to do it again so it is what it is I guess.




On a month of not so greats I was excited to learn I won an apron from this amazing web sight that I go to alot for recipes. I love her picture tutorial and step by step how to's. Her Orange rolls are amazing and I love the Wheat and white bread I make it all the time. Not to mention the amazing Salads and soups yumo!!!! So to learn that I won a apron made me super excited I've never won anything before and I can't think of anything better. I really love cooking now and found it's a great way to clear my thoughts and focus on something I like while also thinking of my family. Now I need to just stop baking because I'm going to be as big as a house soon if I don't stop!!!
Thanks again Jonna. I love the apron tons. .

Joshua's published book

I hate me in pictures GAG!!! But I love the one of Joshua. He's such a sweetheart.

Josh's school had all the 1st graders write a book and then had them published. To present their book to their parents they had a premiere party. It was so cute to see all the kids dressed up like movie stars and have them read their favorite page from their book. I love that Josh will always have a book that he wrote in 1st grade. And he did a great job it's all about a scary dream he had about mummy's. He's such a character and also afraid of everything so it's very fitting.
After I had to run some erronds (hence the van full of tp and papertowels) and Gavin found Josh's star glasses. He thought they were the best thing ever.

Mr. Finkelbob

Not the best picture. All the rest of them were black.

So they kids have been BEGGING again for a pet. So yesterday we decided to teach the kids a lesson on responsibility for FHE. We went to the pet store and let them each pick out a Fish. Telling them this was stage one and if they can take care of the fish we can check into stage two and then eventually get another dog when they show us some responsibility. Jake darn near killed me so I wont be doing that again. I wish I would of gotten them at the pet store on video. Gavin nearly leaped into the fish tank he was so excited. He picked a glow fish and named him. MR. FINKELBOB.(we all laughed at that name it's so cute) Josh got a goldfish and named his Noah Kyle Jenkins. He always has to have a middle and last name on everything he names.
Trevor was the least excited as to be expected. But he picked out a cool red and black fish and named him sparky. They had a great time setting up the tank and putting the fish in. I sure hope they survive a little while. I also hope this lesson teaches the boys some responsibility not only for your stuff but for your actions.

I'm so glad when Daddy comes home.

So it's Ryan's busy travel time. It's super hard for all of us. The boys miss their Dad so much and needless to say I miss Ryan like crazy when he's gone. But we are all so grateful he has a great job, he's good at it and he loves it. So we can endure the busy season and we just try to make the most of the time he's home.
Sometimes when he's gone a long time he gets the boys a little trinket from the place he was in. This time in New Orleans Josh made a special request. He really wanted a oilier outfit for his stuffed dog. Poor Ryan searched every store there and couldn't find it. Luckily we found it at build a bear but we had to ship it. But talk about love and dedication for Ryan to scour the trinket stores during meeting and late at night just to find a outfit for his 6 year olds stuffed dog. How great is he? And Josh is super happy he has it. That dog has been with him night and day since.
The boys adore their Daddy that's for sure. I kinda like him too :)!!!!

Hippity Hoppity

Easter weekend.

Thanks Easter Bunny!!!


Heading to the Easter Egg hunt In Georgetown. Gavin was so excited. Trevor not so much. He kept saying to EVERYONE. (I'm just doing this for the candy.)

Josh was laughing so hard he couldn't gather up any eggs. He was talking about his plan on how to get the most eggs the whole time he was waiting in line and because his idea was such a good one he couldn't stop laughing once he tried to execute it.

70 zillion people waiting to get their eggs.
Trevor and Gavin were on other fields and only Ryan had the camera so we didn't get any of them collecting their eggs.

We had to protect our kids from this. Worst Easter bunny I've ever seen. He's more like the Freaky bunny.




The boys all love to watch Josh play his DS for some reason. Josh has the most amazing concentration with his brothers hanging on him and he just sits there still playing teaching his brothers what he is doing the whole time. It's pretty funny to watch.


Ryan's becoming a pro at smoking up some dang good steaks. I ate my 1st whole one it was that good :). Even the boys ate a whole one. And asked for more.



We finally got to pull out the water slide the boys got for Christmas. Nothing like a warm spring day grilling up some grub and letting the kids slide themselves silly. Perfection.


On another note as to why we celebrate Easter. How wonderful was it that Conference was on Easter. I can't think of a better way to sit and reflect on the true meaning. It was refreshing to hear the words of our prophet and know of our saviors love. I didn't get to hear much with my 3 LOUD children but what I did hear I can't wait to play over and over again. And spend time studying it for the next 6 months.

What a wonderful Easter weekend. Now Ryan's back in Dallas and we wont see him for 4 days. It's so hard when he travels but we are so blessed he has such a great job one that he loves so much. And we try to make the most of our time together when he is home. He's the best Dad and Husband any girl could ever dream for. And he's all mine. How lucky am I!!!