CORNBELLY'S 2008

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Yesterday we spent a fun day at Thanksgiving Point's "Cornbelly's" corn maze. So much to do and only a day to do it. My kiddos had such a great time, and we left still wanting more... MUCH MORE!!!!! There were things to do for all ages, and the roasted corn is DELICIOUS!!!!!

Children make you want to start life over. ~Muhammad Ali

"While we try to teach our children all about life,Our children teach us what life is all about."~Angela Schwindt

Feeding the ducks and learning about the earth.

Kite Flying

This year Kenedy has been participating in Joy School, gand as I send her off and bring her home I am realizing that these three year olds are extremely smart, and independent. It has not only been a growing experience for Kenedy and her imagination but for me as well.
Each month I have the opportunity to teach six wonderful kids. I start preparing at least a week before so that I may know all the necessary songs, and have everything ready for projects. But before this all started I listened to a seminar given by the two founders of this program and as they spoke they mentioned that by participating with Joy School you would become a BETTER PARENT! As I listened I thought "Yah, whatever."I can now testify that this is true. I find myself having more patience, doing more activities that go along with the current curriculum, letting them explore and realize that its OK to make a mess and let them figure things out all on their own. I love this program and would recommend it for anyone considering pre-school or something before preschool.
I know a lot of my Excitement for this program comes from three other FANTASTIC mothers who are incredible teachers as well. Kenedy is in good hands when I send her off, and I know the other moms are invested in their children's growing and advancement.
I look forward to many more teaching experiences and lots of reports from sweet Kenedy telling me all about her days at school. You would be surprised how often past lessons come into play in our life ( i.e. As we are buying apples at the store and Kenedy will say " I made applesauce last week with Miss ... and it was so delicious). She will then proceed to tell me how they made it. Or making fall stew and the vegetable she contributed and peeled for the stew. I Love it!!!! Most of all this program teaches that in all things we can have JOY!!
I feel that we as parents could apply that to our everyday lives!!!

Pumpkin carving and Halloween program prep.

Visit to the corn maze, and pumpkin patch with cousins.

My little man just along for the ride.

Soaked shirts, soggy socks, but spirits not dampened

I am not sure what was going through my mind a little over a week ago when my sister Tiffany offered me a number in the St. George Marathon if I wanted to run it. My first thought was "We can make it a little weekend getaway to somewhere warm"!! My next thought was " I have never ran St. George and from what I hear the course is mainly down hill" not so bad right? So I said yes, and spent the week of not feeling all that great about the upcoming event.

So as we lined up at the starting line it was raining, and cold and I thought to myself "this is better than 90 degree weather, I am sure it won't rain the whole time". (IT DID). We started running in the dark and I felt OK, but as the time went on I realized having youth on my side was not enough alone. Yes, it rained the whole time and I found myself splashing through many puddles. I met a man almost twice my age and we ran together for most of the way. He was shooting for a 3:15 marathon and had to pull away the last three miles. Again I had age on my side but he had experience, training and the mental ability I lacked. I found those last three miles incredibly long but as I ran past mile marker #24 I heard hoots and hollers from the best cheering section I could ask for. My family!!! My mom caught up with me and ran alongside for a little bit to keep me motivated. I didn't get to see Garrett and my kiddos until after I had crossed the finish line and realized we hadn't communicated timing very well. Every time he got to a spot and got the kids out I had already passed. I was so excited to see them there at the end though. I must say it was a good experience but next time I will plan accordingly.

I didn't get to see many others after the race due to cold kids and a cold mama, but Tiff and my cousins Megan, Matt, Shane, and Doug also ran and did incredibly well. They made it look easy and they actually enjoyed the ride. Maybe next time?

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"This isn't so bad, only 12 miles to go"

I got a rude awakening 9 miles later when I completely hit the wall.

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My star runner met me at the finish line to run along with me!!

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Just Glad to be done!

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After the marathon Garrett and Travis took the kids to Zions where they hiked around before heading to the priesthood session.

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We spent a wonderful weekend with family listening to conference relaxing and of course fitting in some much needed shopping. I will remember in the future that we don't need a marathon for an excuse to escape for the weekend. Thank you to everyone who stood in the rain to see me run for 5 sec.

YOU ARE THE GREATEST!!!

Happy Birthday Gavin!!!

Happy Birthday to YOU!!!!

Gavin you make my heart flutter, the way you dig at my neck and nuzzle your head into my shoulder when you know I am about to put you down for a nap. The way you make everyone around you light up with that beautiful smile. Your excitement of food, or any package that could possibly be something remotely edible. Rocks or dirt are sometimes the snack of choice in our household when Gavin has control. You make me laugh when you maul sis in hopes that she will not get upset and instead make you laugh like nobody else can!!! We are truly blessed to have you in our life and I hope you know how much we all love you!!! I look forward to many more special moments with you.

Getting Birthday "Loves" from his best friend and Sister!

For Gavin's Birthday we went to the Circus with Tenille and her family, and of course our Special Grandma Jo!! Before Gavin even entered the arena he started bouncing hysterically and clapping. Needless to say he enjoyed every bit of the circus (at least every bit that he was awake for).

He is making a mental note on how to make the biggest mess and eat it too. Moments later he dug into his cake with a fork (how proper). We were hoping for a little big more dramatics!!

For anyone missing us!!!

When your computer is down and you go without Internet for a few weeks you feel completely disconnected to the outside world. Yes, I do get out and do things but I truly missed seeing everyone and there cute families. I am loving the blogging world for giving me the opportunity to feel like I can keep up on how friends and loved ones are doing. So I know that we probably went slightly unnoticed but for me you didn't.

I am happy to say that the problem should be fixed shortly and until then I will have to use Garrett's laptop. I will now stop chatting and quickly update you on a few things we have been up to:

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We have been soaking in as much outside time as possible before it turns cold on us.

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Such as Beez games.

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A fantastic Ice cream social where new friends were made and great food was eaten!! (a big thanks to Kenedy for putting flyer's on every one's doors).

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Trying to see how many children can possibly fit into the jeep, with a new driver behind the wheel. She then took the jeep and ran straight into the ice cream stand. Just a little more practice and I think she's got it.

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Mingling with new faces.

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The kiddos in Kenedy's school class enjoying every moment of learning!

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Roasting Hot dogs and Mellows with good friends.

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Even better than roasting the food is eating the end product.

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I am sure there are many things I left out but if I don't post something now I am sure to forget many more wonderful moments we have experienced the last couple of weeks. I get a little sad to realize that summer is ending but I am sure there are lots of new adventures to look forward to. I hope all of you and your families are doing well!!!

Mr. Clean

Yesterday I was spraying out the car seats and stroller (something I hate doing, but had plenty of time on my hands to do) and Gavin was outside playing while I got started. I turned around to see him dabbling in my bowl of soapy water and I didn't think much of it. He was just clapping the suds between his fingers and flailing his arms. So I went back to spraying... not even 30 seconds later I turn around and this...

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Playfully dabbling in the bubbly water!

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After drinking the soap and water and wishing there was more.

He had literally drank the bowl of soap, spilling little. I know his eyes look like he was crying but don't be fooled he rubbed his eyes and then continued to look into the bowl hoping more suds would magically appear. I just kind of looked at him and waited for him to start gagging or spitting up due to the soap, and HE DIDN'T!
After realizing that there was no more to drink he continued on his way to the dirt filled with rocks.
Again I waited the evening out expecting a sick tummy or upset child and still NOTHING!!! So this was an eye opener that my little Gavin is tougher than I ever realized and effected by very little and I am not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing?

First day of School

So I know Kenedy is only three, but this morning I could have sworn she was almost eight or nine yrs. old. As she dressed herself (hence the Cinderella sweats) she began to tell me that she needed to pack her backpack and put her shoes on for school.
As we arrived at school she handed off her carpet matt (that she decorated the previous week)to her teacher, and you could definitely tell she was the only girl. Her Matt was decked with sparkles and gems while the other boys had animals and cars, and dice painted on theirs. As we made our way inside she didn't even hesitate leaving my side (SHOCKER) and could barely brake away to say goodbye. I thought that this day would be a little bit harder on her than me, boy was I wrong. So off she went for a day of activities, lesson, and snacks.
As I picked her up and asked her about what she did at school she said:

-- How was your first day at school?

** Good, really cool!

-- Tell me what you learned today.

** I put crayons on a paper and Casey folded it, she ironed the paper and it got smushed, and then we opened it and it was so Lovely!!! We had snack....

-- What did you have for snack?

** I had fruit snacks, along with yummy Oreos.

-- Sounds like you had a great day.

** Yep, mom can we go to school right now again?

I take it this year is going to be a great experience for my precious Kenedy. She has not stopped talking about school and since she has been home she insists on doing absolutely everything herself. I don't know what Casey taught her today but I could swear that she came home at least three years older than her age. It makes me a little sad that she is so grown up. She is still in my mind this little peanut. I guess at some point mom needs to let go and see what blossoms (Easier said than done).