Happy 4th B-day Gavin.

Gavin's 4 already.  I can barley stand it!!!  He was so confused on when his birthday was as we celebrated so many times.  1st  we wanted to celebrate on Saturday as a family so we took Gavin to the park to play then to Cracker barrel for his favorite French toast. He loves that place. 

He was scared to swing by himself so I tried to swing with him like I did when he was a baby.  He was way to big.  Clearly he's not a baby anymore.

 So we tried the tire swing.  I learned my lesson in UT. to not spin the kids.  I guess when you learn a lesson the hard way it's one you'll never forget.  Good thing there was no PUKING this time around.

Yes Trevor was tired and spent most of his time at the park wishing he was out with his friends.

Present time.  He got a marble tower, games, hide and seek monkey, a vet kit and a car wash.  Thanks so much grandma and grandpa's for the fun toys too.

 For some reason we only got a picture of Josh by the cake.  He was more excited about the cake then Gavin was. Red velvet bunt cake YUM YUM!!!

 Josh loved the rock wall.  Only he got stuck.  He likes climbing up things but then is to scared to go down.

 This is a much better way for Gavin to swing.  I love that boys smile.

Monday was his real birthday so when he woke up we all sang happy Birthday to him he was so confused and said.  "I already had a birthday am I 5 today?"

So when Wed. came and we had a friend party I sure the poor kid thinks he's now 6 and is getting a party everyday. :)....

We went to Jungle Java for his friend party and the kids got nice and sweaty (they will sleep good tonight :), ate lunch and my horrible cake..  I can't believe I forgot to put the oil in it and it was SUPER dry.  Dang it you can't win them all I guess.  But the kids liked the ice cream and had a good time so that's all that matters right.

I know I say this every year but it seems like the years go by faster and faster.  It was just yesterday that my chunky baby boy was born and now he's 4 years old.  He's getting so big.  He has such a fun personality.  He's sweet and spunky all in one!!  I love this little boy so much and am so greatful to be his mom. Happy Happy birthday sweet Gavin. 

Do you want to see my trick?

When I was in the hospital recovering from Gavins birth Trevor age 6 and Josh age 3 were staying with Grandma and Grandpa Jenkins.  I was so very very grateful to live by family and have some help while trying to recover.  Ryan was getting a little stirr crazy being in the hospital with me as we had to extend the stay and he and Grandpa never missed taking the boys to the car show.  So his mom came to sit with me while Ryan and the boys went.  While they were there Ryan ran into his boss.  Our sweet little Josh introduced himself to his boss by saying.  "Do you want to see my new trick?"  and then proceeded to flip his boss off.  Ryan looked at his Dad like "what are you teaching this kid."  And Ryan's Dad was looking at him the same way.  Not to mention the boss who I'm sure was thinking we were the worst parents to teach our 3 year old to flip off adults.  All in all it was a fun experience that we had MANY chats with Josh about throughout the years.

Fast forward 3.5 years.  Yesterday Josh and Gavin were reading a book and Gavin was pointing with his middle finger.  I over heard Josh proceed to tell Gavin this story and say.  "You'll get in lots of trouble if you show people that finger,  for some reason people call it a bird I'm not sure why it doesn't look anything like a bird.  So when you point use the finger you pick your nose with."  

Gotta love that kid!!!    Not that picking your nose is any better by the way!!!  Still working on that one.

We love when Grandma and Grandpa come

We had such a great week with Ryan's parents in town.  The boys were "fairly' well behaved and we got to do lots of fun things with them.  I wish they would stay longer it always goes by so fast.  Hopefully we didn't wear them out to much.

Ryan and I got to go on a overnight date.  We went to Esters follies which was CRAZY.    Then stayed the night at the Sheraton.  It was horrible. The ACL was going on and we unfortunately were right by the bands so we had to ask for ear plugs to get some sleep. Then at 3:00 the people next to us got into a drunk fight so we had to call security.  It would have been better staying home being woke up all night by kids.  But we had a fun dinner and enjoyed walking downtown exploring Austin.  Something we don't do nearly enough. 

We finally got to try the Crepe place I've been wanting to try since we moved here.

Nutella and Strawberry and Berries and creme Super yummy!!!

We spent Sat. At Sea World.  I had no idea that Grandpa loved roller coasters. He and Grandma even went on the little Shamu one with the boys.  It was so cute.  Grandpa loved the great white he went on it twice.  It was so fun to see him having a good time.

What afraid of Clowns?  Not Josh.  Everything else but not creepy clowns.

We took them through the "Family friendly hr" at the haunted Forest.  Someday I'll go back at night I'm sure it's super scary.  It's already creepy during the day.

If you see a limb just hanging around.  Josh would be the one to try and figure out where it came from. 

We went on a ride that DRENCHED us!!! Sorry again about that guys. Thanks for being such good sports.

Nope not scared at all from creepy clowns.

Yummy chewed up rats.  That's always fun to walk through.

The boys finally got their purple belts.  I was glad Grandma and Grandpa where here to see it. 

And Josh lost yet another tooth.  He now has 7 missing. Poor kid we are going to have to start calling him gumby.



Two of the greatest men I know. 

And a trip to TX wouldn't be a worthy trip with out some BBQ.  Coopers our Favorite place was a must!!!  So so yummy.

I'm so sad to see them go. Gavin cried and cried when they left he loved being with his grandparents.



Can't wait till the next time.











MacGyver

Tonight Gavin was playing with his little garage that has a elevator which he called a Aligator (so cute)  Anyways it broke and he was so upset..  So I pulled out my best MacGyver moves and found a stick, elastic band and a sting and fixed the aligator for him.  When I showed him it woked again he gave me the biggest hug ever and said.  "Thanks for fixing my Aligator Mom you're my Hero."  Man I'll tell you what it's moments like that for Mom's that makes everything worth it. 

I want to be more like Brother Dial.

Death is never a easy thing to deal with.  Whether it's family or a friend or someone you admired from a distance.  A great man was taken home on Wednesday.  Someone who was a Hero to so many people who knew him.  We were blessed when we first moved to TX not knowing anyone and Trevor needed a blessing as he was having surgery.   Brother Dial was that man who was here to help us.  He had no idea who we were he just heard we needed help and came with out any hesitation.  He had done that to several people.

We admired him for helping a young boy Trevor's age who's grandma struggles to raise him.  He would bring him to church, scouts and all the activities we had.  In fact just last Sunday we were sitting behind the Dials as I watched Brother Dial put his arms around this young boy giving him the love that he so desperately needed.  He was always the 1st one to volunteer to help the youth, and  he was always there when service was needed. Not only did he just show up but he always rounded up a troop of people to join him. 

He was loved by so many and our hearts are breaking for his family and close friends.  He's presence will be missed greatly.  But with all this sadness it has been amazing to watch our ward and community come together.  Everyone wants to serve this family as they have helped so many.  He changed the lives of so many.  Not only when he was living but also in his Death.  As something like this is so shocking, it makes you look at your own life and realize just how fragile it is.  Ryan and I keep asking ourselves how we can be more like Brother Dial.  When something is asked of us do we go with a smile on our face or try to get out of it?  Are we the 1st to offer our service or think someone else will take care of it?     Do we waste our time on selfish needs or use our time in service. Do we take our family for granted not spending quality time together?   Brother Dials' family is so close. 

All 6 children express love for one another.  They enjoy hanging out together and Brother dial took time out for his children.  His 10 year old boy loved Basketball so he would take him at 6:00 to play before school.  That really touched my heart and will be something his son will remember his Dad for and know how much he was loved.  I want to be more like Brother Dial.  When it's my time to leave this earth I want to be known for my service and example.  I don't want to regret not spending enough time with my family and friends.   My life is filled with alot of craziness and I have a hard time putting myself out there.  So I know this is something I need to work on.  If I can be even 1/10th of the person Brother Dial was then I know I've passed my test here on earth. 

At this time I feel so blessed for the Gospel knowing that Death is not the end.  I'm grateful for my loving Heavenly father who is always here for me.  And I pray I can always see Brother Dials example and strive to be more like him.  http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kvue.com%2Fhome%2FFamily-remembers-kayaker-killed-in-accident-103085204.html&h=48da0

Pre-School

All ready to go.

He found his desk then shortly found something more exciting.  Hard to get a still shot of this BUSY boy!!!

They had a tent in the class Gavin was in HEAVEN!!!

Gavin Started his 1st day of pre-school today.  We he just met his teacher while I went to orientation and he doesn't actually start until Thursday.  But for the 1/2 hr. he was there he LOVED it.  He didn't want to go.  He walked right in asked his teacher where he sets and started doing puzzles right away.  Me being the big baby that I am was all chocked up.  Thursday I'm going to be a WRECK.  He goes from 9:00 until 1:30.  That's such a long time for a 3 year old.  And he eats LUNCH there.  This is the kid that doesn't eat ANYTHING!!!  So I'm pretty stressed about that.  It's so hard to cut those apron strings I wish I could keep my kids little forever.   But I feel really good about the school, Gavin needs this he is going crazy at home all by himself.  He has been counting down the days that he too could go to school so I'm so glad it met his expectations. 
Love ya buddy!! I'm super proud of you.

I'm so happy to Announce!!!!!

Ryan and I have been on this extreme diet. It's been tough but we have been successful Ryan's lost 40 lbs and me only 30.  I know I'll never be that skinny stick I used to be. But man I was getting out of control. No fun. No I'm not posting before and after pictures (ok maybe one of  Ryan when I can get a good one.) He looks AMAZING.  But I still feel super chunky and I HATE pictures of me.
I'm amazed at my discipline as I haven't had any sugar, carbs or Diet coke for more then a month. Some people don't get the diet coke thing (ferd) but I was addicted and had to drink more then 2 or 3 or more a day.  Now I don't even want one and it's so nice to not be tied down to something. I've developed a love for my flavored stevia drinks in sparkling mineral water and it actually quenches my thirst and doesn't make me shaky. It's been nice to have Ryan do this with me as we have been strong for each other.  Not to mention I couldn't of done it without him.

I've also found some amazing recipes for no sugar or carb foods that taste Amazing.  I made a pecan crusted chicken in a Dijon mustard sauce it was so good. And we had cheesecake pots for dessert. I could eat a cheesecake pot every day for every meal they are that good and the best part is it has ZERO sugar. And actually tastes good. I hope to keep this up. Ryan looks amazing and I'm so proud of him. And I can't wait to get rid of my 3 baby tummy that never seems to go down no matter what I do. But I can't deny the energy I have and feel so much better.
And with this diet being SUPER hard and doing it over summer which was CRAZY!!!  I hope I can maintain it and never ever ever have to do it again. 

Strawberry cheesecake pot!!! 

2nd and 5th grade.

Well it's back into the grind.  It's so hard to get situated the 1st week.  Who's brilliant idea it was to start school at 7:45 is insane.  Considering I have early risers it's still hard to get up and going.  Last night Josh woke up at 12:30 and wouldn't go back to sleep until 3:00 then I caught Trevor up at 3:00 playing x-box so I put him back to bed and then sure enough when  I went to go back to bed at 3:45 Gavin woke up until 4:30 and next thing you know it's 6:30 and time to get going.  It's a dang good thing I got everything ready the night before because I'm kinda moving slow today.

I don't blame the boys for being super excited, nervous ect.  I remember my 1st day of school it always gave me butterflies.  And it looks like poor Trevor got Ryan's nervous stomach.  He was pretty nervous to go to school and has been feeling a little sick the last three days as we are getting prepared for it all.  I sure hope he doesn't have a accident today that would be the worst!!! 

Josh got up got dressed, put on his new shoes, ate breakfast, washed his dishes and was waiting by the door at 6:00. Unfortunately he cut the tag out of his shirt and cut a hole in it. So we had to change shirts and I made him eat some ricotta pancakes and not just a go-Gert for breakfast.

Trevor was  not so excited.  He fought me to do his hair (like usual) and was dragging his feet. He about died when I wanted to take his picture.  But at least he got up got dressed and was ready to go on time.

When we moved here Trevor started 2nd grade.  It's seems just like last week he was that small and now Josh is starting 2nd grade and it's Trevor's last year in Elementary.  How did my kids get so big so fast?

Josh all ready to go.  What do you think his favorite color is?

Trevor refused to smile.

So I told him if he didn't I would follow him to his class room and take a bunch of pictures of him there.  Yup that did the trick :)...  Poor kid has a big burn on his face.  His Dad took him shooting and the casing flew back into his safety glasses and burned his face.  At least he doesn't start with a broken arm this year. 

Gavin wanted to be a part of everything so he got his back pack.  Although he's 1/2 asleep that seemed to please him.

Walking up to the school

Josh signing in. 


When we got there Trevor ran upstairs to his class and gave us the look of (don't you dare follow me.) So I sadly didn't get any pictures of him in his class.



I hope they have a great day. I can't wait until 2:45 to pick them up. Neither can Gavin. It's going to be a challenge to keep him entertained all day and get anything accomplished. Good thing he will go to pre-school in a couple of weeks two days a week. Although I'm not ready to be a empty Nester for a few days it will be good for him to have some of his own time.




Love you boys!! Happy 1st day of school.

Welcome Walk

Have I mentioned I LOVE LOVE LOVE that our school has the teachers come to the house to introduce themselves to the kids and that's how they find out who they are getting for the year?  It's such a exciting day and way better then getting a letter because the kids get to see their teacher face to face.  The boys were waiting all day sitting by the door and I have to admit I think I was more excited then them.

Joshua's teacher came 1st.
Mr's Collins.  I wish My blog would let me crop pictures.  I hate me in the background trying to hold Gavin back.  We gave the teachers a little treat of Carmel cereal. 

Next up was Trevor's Teacher Mrs. Shultz.  Trevor's almost as tall as her. We were so worried he would get the MEAN teacher so when she knocked Josh started screaming Trevor you got the nice teacher, you can come to the door now.. .  Trevor was elated.

Gavin was so sad his teacher didn't come to the door.  But starting Sept. he'll be going to pre-school and will get to meet his teacher then.   Today we go up to the school and put away their school supplies and set up the class room.  I love this school so much and it looks like we are going to have another great year.  This summer was by far the fastest summer ever I'm pretty sad to see it go.

Summer time.

We have been to several pools, sprinkler parks, HOT HOT bike rides ( camel backs are the best invention). We've explored many trails, played in bounce houses, and indoor playgrounds, and tested LOTS of ice cream.  Not to mention all the play dates, parties and trips to the grandparents.    But the best part is when you play hard you crash hard.  Gavin has outgrown naps and rarely takes one.  Yesterday I guess I wore him out and found him on my bed like this.  He got his blankets put a pillow over his ear and fell right asleep for two hrs.   I'm sad school is starting soon, as hard as it is to keep these kids entertained all day. And I get so sick of the fighting. I do enjoy them being home.  Today I'm taking all 3 to veterans memorial park all by myself with some good friends.  Wish me luck!!!  Things like that stress me out but the kids love it so it's always worth it.

all I want for christmas!!!

Josh  is starting to have a toothless grin.  Today he lost his 1st top front tooth.  He's been saving up all his money for a while now to get a Ipod touch like his brother.  He comes flying out of the bathroom with blood all over his face saying "YES if my teeth keep falling out like this I'll finally have enough money."  He likes the idea of pulling out his teeth better then doing chores. 

Utah trip.

July 19-Aug 3rd.

My trip isn't in order but I can't fix it so read from the bottom up.

We had such a great time with my family. I flew out with the boys for 6 days then Ryan was able to join us after his trip from Atlanta. We got to see almost all the family and I got to see my great friends. It's such a blessing to have so many wonderful people in our lives. Here are just a few highlights of our trip.

Costa Vita with my high school buddies.  I'm so lucky to have such great friends.

Then we went on a tour of the conference center.  It was just being built when we moved from Salt lake 10 year ago.

I look so freaky!!!

We enjoyed watching the lady play the organ.  She was playing the whole song with here feet.  Now that's talent.

Next up the Salt lake Temple grounds.  It was so beautiful.  Hot but Beautiful.

Going to the Provo temple. They agree this one looks like a flying saucer.  I always thought that when I was a kid.

Josh was so excited to be in the water.  This kid is a FISH.

Trevor leaned you can lean back and just let the current take you down the river.  He did that forever.

This little guy followed us and begged for food.  It was pretty cute. Josh wanted to take him home.

So many squirrels on the trail.

Uncle Mont Rocked and Carried Gavin on his back.   Ryan took him on the way back.  It sure saved us. the boys enjoyed exploring every nook and cranny of this hike.

Hiking up the Temple of Sinawava

We went with My sister Jen and her 3 kids to Zions park.  They now shuttle you into the park on a bus.  Ryan loves going on buses for some reason.  Me NOT SO MUCH.  Do you know how many germs  are on a bus???

Ryan and I got to go on a OVER NIGHT DATE!!! We went back to my sisters condos then out to dinner at the most amazing restaurant ever. ANASAZI. They cook your meat at your table on a lava rock then we had chocolate fondue for dessert. It was such a wonderful break just what we needed. It was so great to get to go to the St. George temple. It brings back so many memories of our wedding day. The best part was my aunt Sue was a worker that day and got to help me. That was an amazing experience.  I love being able to go to the Temple. I wish we lived closer to one.
 This crazy house was on the way to the condo. I was amazed that this guy made all these sculptures out of wire in front of his house. People do interesting things.

Uncle Mont helped them put on a great LONG show. My little pyros were in heaven.

Let the fireworks begin.  The boys were so excited.  They LOVE fireworks.

Taking the kids on a bike ride until the sun goes down so we can cook smores and have a firework show.

Aunt Wendy took us to St. George to stay in her time share condos. 

I took the boys to Discovery park.  It's a huge fun park with a tire swing.  The boys got their ultimate fun tire swing ride.  They didn't want to stop.   Only problem is they thew up on the way home.