Dog People........

I just got back from a walk with the boys and the dog. We went to a small park near our house. I have to say that we are now "dog people". Its strange, we would have gone for the same walk last year and ran into the same people, but when you have a dog it's all different. They stop and talk to you, ask you about What kind is yours?", How long have you had her?, "Can I pet her?" I feel like I know all about them by the time they leave. And if they have a dog also..........its like an instant friendship. Sometimes a friendship I may not want.

Today there was a lady walking her dog in the park and after 5 minutes I know her dog is a miniature chihuahua, she works as a secretary for a law firm, her house is too small for her, she is having car trouble, she thinks the city should clean up the park, she thinks too many kids are not getting the correct supervision and that's why our country is going downhill, she has only lived in the area for a year, her dog doesn't like kids, she went to the Humane Society to pick out a dog but thought it was too sad, she had toast for breakfast and probably a few other things a tuned out as I was trying to watch Ben go down the slide my himself (which was so cute and definitely the highlight of the morning). I guess I will have to get used to all the attention we will get with such cute dog around.

Another Girl in the family................?

That's right, I am no longer the only female in the house. After many years of waiting, (a lifetime Mat says) we have added a pet to the family. Her name is Aussie, a mini Australian shepherd about 6 months old.

The rest of the clan has wanted a dog for years and years, but I have held out. Don't get me wrong, I love dogs, I grew up with dogs, my parents have always had dogs and I have always wanted to get one for the boys. It was a matter of timing. I always said when we (as in me) were done having babies we would get a dog.

We told the boys we were going for a ride and drove to the Humane Society. Needless to say, they were beyond excited. I made sure before we left the car to go in that we would under no circumstances be getting a puppy or any dog with long hair (look at the pictures to see we got a long haired puppy). We didn't get one that day, as only 3 small dogs were there that day. We continued to look online everyday. One day there happened to be many small dogs available so we went to check them out. We took many dogs out to see if they were the best fit for us, and it was beginning to look like we would be leaving again without a dog. That is when one of the workers put HER in a cage. I thought she was cute, but was not thinking anything of it as I had made things clear that we would not be getting a long haired dog or a puppy. At this point, Mat was begging me to just let her out for a minute to show Brett who was in the other room. I was holding firm, when Drew looked at me with his big blues (tear filled no less), and said "Mom it's not just about you." So that broke my heart and I agreed to give the pup a chance. We walked out with her and Brett just looked straight at me and said "DUDE", at which point I knew we would be taking this long haired puppy home.

I have to say it has been wonderful. She has had only a few accidents in the house. She is very smart and has already learned, sit, stay, spin, and scratches at the sliding glass door when she needs to do her business. The boys love her and have been very helpful with feeding and cleaning up poop in the yard. The day after we had her home, Brett must have called from work 10-15 times to check up on me. Many more times than he called after the birth of the boys. All I can say is that he must trust my mothering skills a lot more than my pet skills. Anyway I think this little dog was meant to be a part of our clan.

Last "first" haircut.........

So this last year has been a lot of "last firsts". Let me explain. Since Ben is our last child, its been a bit sad as we reach certain milestones. The "last" time any of our kids have their "first" Christmas, "last" time they will "first" crawl, "last" time they will have their "first" steps and so on, you all get the picture. It's sad in a way, but also exciting, because we also experienced the "last" time a baby will "first" spit, poop, or pee on me. The "last" time a baby will "first" sleep though the night, the "last" "first" head bang while learning to crawl or walk.

We recently took Ben to get his "first" haircut. We went to a place near us called Cookie Cutters. They specialize in children's haircuts. They did a fabulous job. I was quite surprised he sat still long enough to get it done. The place lets you pick out a video to watch to try and help the child stay still. Ben has not been to interested in movies or T.V. except for the few times he will glance at the T.V. when he hears music playing on a commercial. We picked out an Elmo something and he liked it for a few minutes. Then Brett and I tried desperately to entertain him long enough so the haircut could be completed. We must have looked quite strange making funny faces, singing and dancing around in the salon. The haircut turned out cute I think.

This is a shot a few days before. Love those baby "wisps" on the sides.

This is the little playground they had for while we were waiting.

Check out how long his hair was.

In the little car. He wouldn't wear the cape so he was completely covered in hair.

Getting it all done.

The final result.

Christmas...........

"To the outside world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other's hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time. " Clara Ortega

This year was a fabulous Christmas. The festivities began with our family party at my parents house. Everyone arrived late afternoon. Uncle Stu and family, Auntie Mary, Joni and Laurie with kids (Carlos was in Peru), Lindsay and family, Dale and Maggie, Wendy (no Chad, he had to work and Eddie was with his dad), Jenny and family were all there. This year we had a talent show. Danny who is incredibly talented on the guitar played a few Christmas numbers. Mat joined in on his guitar, along with a few others on the bells. (You never can have too many bells at Christmas- this and all the younger kids wanted to play also). Kiara sang, and Channing played the piano also.It was a night full of fun, food, and games. We ended up leaving late and getting home around 11 pm.

Under the tree at our house some elves had left gifts for the boys. They opened them and surprise........ they were new pajamas. They quickly changed and set up sleeping quarters in the office (it's a tradition my brother and sisters had also, something about being all together, and no one getting up before the other Christmas morning). I had to work a 1 am to 7 am shift so shortly after the kids were in bed I was off to work (I knew going into nursing I would have to work holidays, but it didn't make it any easier). The boys had been complaining for weeks that they couldn't open presents until I came home at about 8 in the morning. I came home and much to my surprise everyone was asleep. It didn't last long however, they were up only minutes after I had come in.

We decided to let Ben sleep while we started to open presents, I figured it was going to be a long day for him. Santa was good to the boys this year. They each got a Nintendo DS (well not Ben of course). They got games to go along with them, wii games, DVDs and other things. Ben woke up when we were almost done opening things. He didn't really want anything to do with opening his gifts, he was just excited to be in the room which for weeks prior had been gated off and off limits to him.

We all got ready for the day and headed off to Scott and Robyns for the Scharman gathering. We always enjoy getting together with the whole family. It was nice to see Carolyn in a setting other then the hospital and I know she was really excited to see all the kids. I love Scott and Robyn for opening their home for us, it was beautifully decorated. They have a very long soft comfy couch. Carolyn had her feet up on one end and Amy (who broke her knee) had her feet up on the other end, and there was still room for Chris, Aubreya, mat and I to sit. The food was wonderful, as always, and the kids always have such a fun time in the huge playroom, indoor gym and theater room.

By the time we got home I had been up for over 36 hrs and I went right to sleep. Brett stayed up and played some of the new games with the boys. I love Christmas and all the fun we have together as a small family and with all the extended family.

The boys in their new jammies, Ben was still asleep.

The boys in their jammies after Ben woke up.

The boys in their face masks, no we are not training them for any illegal activities.

Ben finally awake and happy.


















The boys in their new jersey's of their favorite teams.



















Nick, Zachary, and Mat on their DS's while Carolyn takes a nap.

Ben and Brooke playing.

Temple Lights.........

"Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time." ~Laura Ingalls Wilder

I remember the first time I saw the lights on Temple Square after moving to Utah, it was like nothing I had seen before. I was filled with the Christmas spirit. Every year since that first one I have tried to go downtown to take in that spirit again. Over the years I have gone with friends, church groups, dates, and family. I have to say that the best times have been with my our kids. Its fun to see them excited, everything is so simple when you're young.

Last Monday we went with some friends for Family Home Evening. Its fun to remind the boys that the temple is a sacred place and that they hopefully will all go there someday (now I'm singing the primary song). It was a cold night,but very fun regardless. We ended the night with hot chocolate of course.

This is all the kidos. Only one girl in the group. (even our friends have mostly boys)

The boys. (We didn't want to get Ben out of the stroller because he then wouldn't go back in)

The boys again. (this is taken from the roof at the Joseph Smith Building)

Nick and Ben

Ben all bundled up!

Winter Drive.....Not so much of Winter!

Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one. ~Jane Howard

Last Sunday we were sitting around a bit bored, and thought we would go for a ride and get a few pictures of the boys in the mountains. We stopped at the "s-curve" in big cottonwood canyon. There is a small waterfall right off the road there and some fun rocks for the boys to play on. The boys played until it got dark and they got cold. I was hoping to see snow but we never made it high enough in the canyon. No one fell in the river or off a rock, and the snow will come soon enough I guess. Anyway, here are a few pictures of the day.

Back to School.....

"The role of the teacher remains the highest calling of a free people. To the teacher, America entrusts her most precious resource, her children; and asks that they be prepared...to face the rigors of individual participation in a democratic society. "

I always loved the end of summer because I knew we would be starting school again soon. I loved going back to meet with friends, the challenge of new classes and new teachers. This excitement always lasted well into the first week then it was over and I couldn't wait for summer to come again.
This year our schedule has changed. Mat has to get up earlier then the other boys to get off to middle school. He is doing well so far. Luckily for him he didn't let my nervousness effect him. To him its the same old stuff just at a new building. So far his favorite class is band. He is playing the trumpet. I know he will continue to do well in school, its the social part and puberty that I worry about at this age.
Drew is in 4th grade. He has already gone on a field trip and another is planned for next week. He has the same teacher that Mat did and its always nice when they are happy to have the younger sibling.
For Nick this year is the start of all day school. The first few days were rough, he would come home a bit crabby. He has gotten the hang of eating lunch at school and loves his class so far.
I now have some free time during the day with all three at school. When Ben takes a nap I feel like I have hurry and get everything done at once.




Here is a picture of Drew and Nick on their first day. (We didn't get one of Mat)
These are just a few cute ones of Ben. He is growing too fast!