Surrounded By Boys

Oregon Coast

2009-08-03T23:46:00.000-07:00

Hiking to Cascade Waterfall

2009-08-03T23:27:00.000-07:00

Ice Skating in Lake Tahoe

2009-08-03T23:19:00.000-07:00

Skateboard Camp

2009-08-03T23:06:00.000-07:00

Nathan 18 month pics

2009-08-03T22:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!

2009-04-14T10:16:00.001-07:00

Just click here!

Missing Camera

2009-03-26T12:04:00.000-07:00

Well, it seems I have lost my camera. And no, it was not an elaborate plan to make my husband buy me a new one! (Although it may work out that way eventually!!!) If only I could get the memory card back! I have looked everywhere, even cleaning places I never clean. Sigh...BIG sigh! But instead we've been taking video more lately. Now, if only I can figure out how to download it to my computer so I can post some video clips!

Got a good joke?

2009-02-01T21:51:00.000-08:00

If any of you know my son Ryan you know he loves to make people laugh. And I must admit, despite his occasional questionable choice of timing, he is hard to resist!

The elementary school is having a talent show and Ryan wanted to do a comedy act. They asked him instead of doing just one "act," to do a few different mini acts of comedy in between other talents. Sooooo, now we are looking for a few more, CLEAN, family friendly, and funny jokes.

Here are a few of his favorites so far. Some are classics, others he made up.

Who is a bumble bee's hero? BUZZZZZ Lightyear

What kind of bird always gets hurt? An OWWWL

Why did Charlie Brown's dog annoy the neighbors? Because he was SNOOPY

Leave a comment if you have one he can use in his first public debut! (keep it clean folks!)

Frodo? Hmmm..you look a lot like someone else I know!

2009-02-01T21:22:00.000-08:00

Nathan has a great relationship with our neighbor's dog, Frodo. He loves to throw the tennis ball to Frodo, but lately likes to make Frodo THINK he is going to throw the ball so Frodo will just chase him instead. The other day Nathan thought he was SOOO funny when he was running away from Frodo and "hid" himself inside the kennel. He even shut the door behind himself! (please notice the door is NOT locked!) What a silly boy!

One of my personal heroes!

2009-01-27T12:23:00.000-08:00

This is Nathan and his awesome, beautiful birthmom. We were able to see her in November when we went to visit some of my family for Thanksgiving. She made Nathan the cutest baseball bank, and we finally coaxed Nathan into painting a little tray for her. He mostly just wanted to suck water off the paintbrush! Haha! It was so wonderful to see her again and feel that wonderful connection that we share. There is no way to explain the amazing love we feel for her! Thanks D. for a special memory to cherish! We love you!

SNOW, SNOW, SNOW

2009-01-01T11:54:00.000-08:00

Harmonica

2008-12-02T17:45:00.000-08:00

Parker just said, "Mom, did you know that some people from another religion don't celebrate Christmas? They celebrate HARMONICA!"

Trunk or Treating

2008-11-17T14:00:00.000-08:00

This year we did trunk or treating at our ward building. If you look close you will notice that it's wet outside, but you will also notice that it is NOT raining! Whew! What a relief! The boys wanted to be "scary" this year. They also wanted Nathan to be scary as well. Thankfully we can be adorable scary for at least one more year! This is Nathan at his favorite car...they had a whole bowl of those yummy candies. (I think he took 4!)

Too Much for Words

2008-11-12T09:36:00.001-08:00

I've been trying for a couple of days to come up with the right words to explain how I've been feeling, but words alone don't seem to be able to do the job. In fact, this may be my first post about little Mia for that very reason. One of my dearest friends in my ward has been enduring an unimaginable trial for the past 4 months as she and her family have waiting prayerfully for her little baby to receive a heart transplant.

This week the miracle happened! Baby Mia got her new heart!

Thrilled, happy, humbled, grateful, ecstatic, awed...the list goes on and on. It's amazing to me that even as someone not directly related to the situation that my own emotions have been on overload especially this week. Oh how our Father in Heaven knows each one of us!

The joy Mia's family is feeling must be a million times what I feel! And nothing makes me happier than knowing their prayers have been answered. Sure, she has a long road to recovery and we will all continue to love and pray for this little sweetheart! But getting her new heart was a huge step in that direction and now she can move forward and continue to amaze and inspire us!

Perhaps it's not an equal comparison, but thinking of the donor family's sadness and what they choose to do in the midst of that, to give such joy to another family, reminds me of three special young woman in my life. Without the choice each of them prayerfully made at great loss to themselves, I wouldn't have the blessing of motherhood. Such selfless love in both situations is a testimony of the greatness of the Atonement and the most incredible gift our Father, and His Son, have ever given us. It makes me so aware of His love for each of us! And describing that feeling is a bit overwhelming for words.

One Letter Can Make ALL the Difference!

2008-10-30T12:45:00.000-07:00

This morning while eating cereal Ryan was reading the label on the milk carton when he suddenly burst out, "Gross! I'm never eating this again!" Since milk (especially the chocolate variety) is Ryan's staple food, Jason was intrigued and asked him why not? "It's made from CROWS!, oh wait...it's made from COWS, never mind!"

What will he think of next?

2008-10-29T09:20:00.000-07:00

Nathan just loves to climb. But this is the first time he has climbed INTO anything! I remember Parker loving to empty the dishtowel drawer everyday but this is a first for us! Too funny!

Pumpkin Patch 2008

2008-10-25T16:30:00.001-07:00

PLEASE STOP TAGGING ME!

2008-10-15T10:14:00.000-07:00

Reasons why I hate getting tagged:

1. It gives me incredible amounts of guilt.

2. I really need to save what is left of my brain cells for later in life!

3. I'm not as interesting as you think.

4. If you think anything I say is interesting...it's probably made up.

5. Every time I get on the computer Nathan ends up with a crayon in his mouth, up onto of the table, pulling the straws off the capri-suns, pulling the knives out of the dishwasher, or getting his head stuck under the table when he's trying to climb up. You're gonna feel bad when it's all your fault that he gets hurt!

6. I will never have time to download pictures and blog about anything else.

7. Did I mention that my life is pretty regular and not so interesting?

8. The "i tagged you" target on my back is a huge fashion blunder!

9. I just hate it okay?!!!

10. I only know so many people with blogs...So...moral of the story...if you tag me.... I will tag you back!

Tagged...

2008-10-15T09:58:00.000-07:00

3 Joys
1. Kisses, hugs, and snuggles
2. My calling in young women
3. Temple marriage

3 Fears
1. Driving off a bridge
2. Losing a loved one
3. The dark

3 Current Collections/Obsessions
1. unfinished projects
2. crayons confiscated from my 1 year old. (where does he keep finding these!?)
3. Dirt in, around, on, and everywhere in my minivan.

3 surprising facts
1. I've had a piece of a toothpick embedded in my foot for over 10 years.
2. I think I need glasses for driving at night and watching movies
3. I've kissed 23 boys in my life (not counting my kids...haha) Jason is and will always be #23!

I tag....everyone who reads this!

Tagged Again

2008-10-15T09:12:00.000-07:00

8 TV shows that I watch:

1. Heroes
2. Lost
3. Prison Break
4. Grey's Anatomy
5. Survivor
6. The Office
7. American Idol
8. Chuck
Why just 8?...Numbers...'til Death...Biggest Loser...ER...Desperate Housewives...(okay...so tivo made me into a tv junkie - the secrets out!)

8 things that happened yesterday:

1. Both Ryan and Parker opted for school lunch!
2. Rescued Nathan multiple times from his perch on top of the kitchen table, craft table, computer desk, etc.
3. Used the frozen homemade pot pie in the freezer that was going to be a meal for someone else for my own family's dinner.
4. Bought a twix bar for two of my friends for their birthday because I didn't know their favorite candy bar, but figured I like twix so if they hated it they could give it back...and I told them so!
5. Ryan and Parker both got their homework done right after school - miracle!
6. Typed a script for our ward standards night skit, made copies, and collated/stapled them and delivered the finished product all about 15 minutes after the activity started.
7. Went to Red Robin, ate friend's leftovers and didn't order anything, stayed until we got kicked out, talked in the parking lot until way too late and AFTER the restaurant staff left.
8. Found out some strange connections between friends, old boy friends & their brothers, who kissed who, and who married who.

8 things I'm looking forward to:

1. Nathan keeping two feet on the ground
2. Going to Utah for Thanksgiving
3. sleeping...any day, any time
4. my sister having her baby
5. getting Christmas cards from friends/family
6. Nathan learning to talk and say "I love you"
7. Painted walls and window treatments
8. our tax return...finally! (we had to extend since we had to wait for Nathan's birth certificate and soc. security number)

8 things on my wish list:

1. healthy kids
2. tennis lessons
3. Willow tree themed Christmas tree
4. a maid
5. a chef
6. a couple of brothers-in-law
7. a sunny beach vacation
8. one more baby...just one more

8 restaurants I go to:

1. Subway
2. Arby's
3. Marzano's (Best Mama Italian EVER!)
4. Red Robin
5. Olive Garden
6. PF Changs
7. Burger King - for the toys
8. McD's - ONLY for the toys ( happy meals)

8 people I tag:

1. Tommy & Meg
2. Rachel
3. Rebecca
4. Mindi
5. Amanda
6. Leah
7. Jenner
8. Jason Carson

What NOT to do ....

2008-10-13T12:57:00.000-07:00

...when it's the day before school starts and you really want a family kickball game when dad gets home from work...(yeah, it wasn't pretty!)

...because then instead of getting to play your much wished for kickball game you will end up spending HOURS doing.......

THIS or THIS!

Here is a close up of one of the NUMEROUS hot-paintball explosions covering the entire cul-de-sac (yes, to top it off I mean hot as in stolen! They took hundreds of paintballs from our neighbor's garage!) I couldn't get a big picture of all the paintball mess because it didn't show up, but you can imagine how bad it was just by seeing how much water it took to clean it all up, and that's not even half of it! I guess I should just pay the water bill and be grateful nobody's car was hit and that we have a very forgiving neighbor! Did I mention I live with BOYS???!!!!!

Atlanta Braves

2008-10-13T12:18:00.000-07:00

In mid August this summer we went to Atlanta for a week to visit Jason's family. One day we went to a Brave's game, boy was it hot! Okay, okay...it was mostly humid. I think I had forgotten all about that. Boy do I love the weather of the Northwest!!! We all had a good time laughing together and hanging out. The boys loved all their treats and I have never had a frozen lemonade taste so good! One important lesson we learned that day was that even just a few chocolate chips in trail mix warrants a LOT of napkins, or a spoon! Still tasty though!

Nathan had G'ma and Aunt Terri right in the palm of his hand!

Ryan decided he needed Nathan right in the palm of his hand!

A Case of the Giggles

2008-10-03T09:21:00.000-07:00

My boys say the funniest things, unfortunately, I never remember to write them down. So here is an effort to preserve life's funnest moments...this one happened at church!

This past week during sacrament meeting we had an amazing musical number. She's the kind of singer who doesn't even need the mic - at all! Of course we were sitting in the second row, almost directly in front of her. When she hit that awesome spine tickling high note (perfectly I might add!) Parker leaned over to me and said, "Wow mom, she almost broke my windows!"

Then later as Ryan was drawing in his notebook, a speaker was talking about getting ready for conference and told a story about a family he knew who would get dressed up in Sunday clothes to watch conference on TV. Ryan stopped dead and looked at Jason and whispered desperately, "Please dad, don't ever do that to me!"

Haha! My funny boys! You gotta love 'em!

First Day of School

2008-09-08T11:57:00.001-07:00

Ryan (3rd grade) and Parker (1st grade) started back to school last week and are just loving it! (I have to admit that I don't miss the preschool/kindergarten 1/2 day carpool juggle one little bit!) It was an easy transition for me to start school this year because I am so confident that they both have incredible and amazing teachers! What a blessing! We are looking forward to a fun, educational, and growth filled year!

Once Ryan found his class he just jumped in line waiting for the bell to ring. He didn't have to wait very long because for some reason even though we all got up at 6am and school doesn't start until nearly 9am, we were racing to get out the door on time! Why does that always happen to me?

Parker realized on the way to school that he didn't know where to line up. I think he was still a little nervous even once we figured that out. But just barely because he came home grinning and hasn't really stopped since that first day! Besides, what can make a little man happier than getting hot lunch everyday?!

Nathan & R (born only 3 weeks apart) were reunited after what seemed for them a long summer away from each. They have enjoyed picking up their brothers from school together now ever since they can remember. We did see each other at baseball games and a couple of fun outings with her big brother and mom. Good thing too, because we moms have decided these two are going to grow up to be great friends!

Waiting for the UPS guy!

2008-08-02T09:33:00.001-07:00

Any moment today the UPS guy will deliver this book to my front door. Yep, no waiting in long, long lines at midnight for me! I ordered it from Walmart.com way back in May and it was shipped on Thursday. So, if you were one of those crazy all night vampire lovers up all night waiting to buy your book and then up even later reading your book, please don't tell me anything! Especially since I have limited time this weekend because I'm getting ready for girls camp. Maybe I will take my book with me to GC, but I don't know if I will have time there either. Maybe I'll just have to hide in my tent sometimes!!! So...mum's the word everyone until I'm back from Atlanta. I promise to have it completed by then! It will only take me one solid day, but who has one of those anymore!

I've been tagged...

2008-08-01T16:00:00.001-07:00

Thanks Amanda for tagging me to take pictures of my house and thanks to Jason for cleaning it up this past week so I wouldn't be too embarrassed to actually do it! Not to mention how excited Jason's mom and sister will be since they have been asking for pictures since we moved in 23 months ago!!!

1. The Kitchen Sink

Ahhh...celebrating the moment of an empty kitchen sink with no dirty dishes! It's not too often we see it like this! Thanks Jason! You're the best!!

2. The toiletDon't zoom in on these pictures...I do have 3 boys you know!

3. The refrigerator

I love my fridge! It's the biggest I could find when we bought it! I figure that way it will hold lots of food for lots of hungry boys and their friends for many years to come! We don't cover the front of the fridge because I'm afraid it will scratch, but we do use the side!

4. What are your kids doing?

Yesterday Nathan followed me around while I took pictures. But today this is how I found him after taking more pictures I forgot to take yesterday! And of course...my older boys are in their PJ's playing video games.

5. What is your favorite room?

I guess my favorite is the family room/kitchen since I spend all my time in here. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my comfy couches and the fun IKEA shades on the sliding doors. Yes, that's my boys still playing video games and standing WAY TOO CLOSE to the TV! ugh! Oh, and did I mention that we have a pantry now! It's fabulous!

6. Master Bedroom

The first picture is how I actually found the bed today (I almost never make the bed.) But I couldn't just leave it at that! The perfectionist in me was churning I guess 'cause I had to make the bed and take another picture!

7. Dirtiest Room

This one is easy! Since the dishes are done it HAS to be the toy room! But I almost forgot to take a picture before we forced a toy room clean up. Notice picture #2 and how we had to line up every bucket in the hall way and sort out there because the toy room was too dirty to even walk in. This picture didn't do it justice since I took it when we were well more than 3/4 done! When we started you couldn't one inch of carpet...literally!!!

8. Self Portrait

Haha....not on your life! Not today anyway. It's 4pm and I'm still in my PJ's!

Don't worry Terri & Pia...I'll post more house pictures so you get the total effect. But that's it for now!

I tag Corinne and Rachel...

Cougars

2008-07-24T13:24:00.001-07:00

Parker was awesome at coach pitch baseball this year. He really had some incredible hits and a contagious enthusiasm for the game. I loved how he would hit the ball and run to first base then raise both hands above his head pointing to the sky and jump up and down yelling, "I did it! Yeah! I did it!" His coach gave out a game ball each game to a player who shined that game in some way. Parker was so excited to earn one of those balls this year for some terrific plays in the outfield and a good solid hit at well. Good Job Parker! We think we will spend many, many more nights watching you play ball in the future!

Memory Lane Game

2008-07-23T12:51:00.000-07:00

I got this from my friend's blog and decided to put it on mine because it just sounded fun. Play along if you wish. :-)

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

Astros

2008-07-22T12:56:00.000-07:00

Ryan had so much fun playing baseball this year. He is now done with coach pitch and has moved onto machine pitch. He had incredible coaches and really worked hard this year to get better and better. He had a great year with some super hits and some pretty cools plays in the outfield. It was a big year for him moving up and playing with some much older kids. Way to go Ryan! We are so proud of you and loved watching all your games! We especially loved watching you share all your sunflower seeds with your teammates and learning they taste better with the shells off! We think Ryan was one of the players with the best attitude. Their team did pretty awesome and won most of their games, unfortunately a tough run in the playoffs game them a 4th place finish.

Walking...

2008-07-22T12:35:00.001-07:00

Nathan learned to walk in Hawaii. Okay, okay, so he took his first steps a few days before we went, but by the end of the week with lots of aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents all excited to encourage him he was well on his way before we came home. You can tell in these pictures that he is just learning to walk!

Family Pictures in Hawaii

2008-07-22T12:20:00.001-07:00

Jason and I barefoot in Hawaii...

Three little speckled frogs...sitting on a speckled log!

Last Day of School

2008-06-26T17:24:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it's been about 10 days since school got out, but we have been having so much fun I almost forgot to blog about it. First, I just must say how I love having all my kids home with me! It's great to have all my loud, fun, crazy, wiggly, lovable, death-defying, mess making, genuine boys around me all day long! And I truly do mean that in a good way!

This wasn't actually from the last day of school, but close enough! It was Field Day and I was so impressed with the great job that the parents and teachers pulled off! (And no, I didn't have a thing to do with it! This year I've been MIA in PTA!)

Look "how big" Parker and his friend J. have grown in Kindergarten this year!

Ryan and his best friend C. pose in the traditional photo spot at the end of 2nd grade!

Parker and Ryan both had fabulous teachers this year!

Jedi Master Nathan

2008-06-26T16:28:00.000-07:00

Usually Jason gets up with Nathan in the morning and gives me the extra blonus of a few more blessed minutes of sleep! But one morning I must have been feeling nice because I decided to get up with Nathan while Jason slept. I was cracking up and looking for the camera almost immediately. His brother left his lightsaber in the living room and Nathan headed straight for it! Even though Nathan is only ONE, he sure has picked up on how the BIG boys play! Always wanting to do everything his brothers do, even if they are not around.

Can't you just hear him making the "swooshing" sounds from Star Wars?

Needless to say, I was happy to get up with my youngest Jedi that morning regardless of the early hour!

Quiet??????

2008-06-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

We had some new neighbors move into the last empty house on the street this week. We haven't had a chance to meet them yet, but I guess some of our other neighbors did. Just a couple of days ago we found out that the word on the street is that we are the "quiet ones." At first I thought, "We are not! I'm very talkative to the neighbors." I have to admit I was a little defensive about it. But then I got to thinking....

WE are the QUIET ones? Cool! We are the QUIET ones!!!! In all my days as a mother never once did I ever think people would think of us as quiet! hahaha!!! We have 3 boys and if anyone is going to list my family as quiet, then I'm going to take it as a compliment. Not to mention that it will free up my day of quieting down my kids. Anyone who really know my boys knows they are loud talkers, love to make up silly sound effects, and are pretty much generally noisy. Well, that's what I thought! Guess I was wrong!

So now that school it out and the boys are going to be outside playing a lot, it's so great to know that we can all enjoy a nice relaxing and QUIET summer vacation!

Unfinished Yard = Fun for Boys

2008-06-09T15:37:00.000-07:00

No, we still don't have our backyard finished. Most is a slope in it's "natural" state. We have a new addition to our backyard, however. Jason actually bought a trampoline.It's purpose is to entertain the boys long enough to give Jason some time to work on a deck and playfort. I thought he would never do it since treating kids with trampoline injuries in residency, but we are pretty convinced this one is pretty safe.

Ryan and Parker were thrilled to "help" put it together and I think Ryan is actually getting old enough to be a big help with these little projects! Jason is such a patient dad to let them be his builder assistants! Makes me love him all the more!
I'm not positive, but I think Parker was pretty excited to have a trampoline in HIS backyard!

Nathan watched from inside and wished we would let him out to join the fun! Notice he's still in his PJ's...notice I'm not in any pictures since I was most likely ALSO in my PJ's!!!

Ryan stuck around to help until the very end and Jason was impressed with how easy it was to put together. It took awhile, but nothing too difficult!
Parker reappeared just in time for the test run. We told them to jump all over and try to bang into the sides, etc. Now they can jump to their hearts content! (And burn a little energy while they're at it!) Bedtime was precious that night!

Our Hawaii Vacation

2008-05-30T22:01:00.001-07:00

My Handsome Little Guys

2008-05-30T18:38:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my friend Rebecca, I actually have a picture of all my boys together, looking at the camera, AND smiling! That is a miracle in itsself! This day started off as a photo shoot of Nathan for his one year birthday, but then I ran home to grab the older boys after school, grab some clean clothes, (lucky for me they had clean ones that matched!) and head back for a few extra group photos and ones of Ryan and Parker. Rebecca, you have the magic touch and I get the blessing of the preserved memories for a lifetime! Thanks!

Parker

2008-05-30T18:27:00.000-07:00

How does a family really get so lucky to have such great kids? I don't know, and I'm probably a little biased, but my boys are all so terrific! Parker is just a fun little man. He loves to be silly and looks up to Ryan like a celebrity. Parker is such a natural athlete (he won the game ball from his baseball coach last night for getting great hits and 2 outs!) Not to mention a little smarty! He is one of the top readers in his Kindergarten class. Lately all he wants to do is have friends over to play...everyday! Someday soon Parker, someday soon!

Nathan

2008-05-30T18:14:00.000-07:00

Nathan turned 1 almost a month ago and is the most mellow baby ever! Lucky for him (and me!) since he's dragged around quite a big just being the little brother! He loves walking (yes, the photo is already past news!), bouncing on the trampoline with Ryan & Parker, hugs, kisses, balls, cars, other babies, and especially when Daddy comes home! Oh, and he loves not being fed baby food anymore. That stuff was slimy and gross!

Ryan

2008-05-30T18:01:00.000-07:00

Um, can anyone tell me when this happened? I'm the mom of an 8 year old boy! Ryan is such a fun and happy kiddo who lives to make people laugh! He is the best big brother and keeps us smiling all the time! Recently he was baptized and started cubscouts as well! He loves baseball, science, jokes, and is a great reader! We are so blessed to have such a great son!

Forever Ours

2008-05-30T16:48:00.000-07:00

With only a few days left in 2007, we took our little miracle to the temple and were sealed together forever! He's wearing a little tux outfit made from the fabric of my wedding dress. All three boys have been sealed to us in a similar outfit made from the fabric I wore when Jason and I were married. Such a handsome guy!

Pie Crust

2008-05-30T16:13:00.000-07:00

Okay, Rachel...this recipe is for you!

Fool Proof Pie Crust from Grandma Hilda Savoldi (Jason's Dad's Mom)
4 cups flour
1 3/4 cups shortning
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 cup ice cold water
2 tsp salt
1 tbsp vinegar
1 egg

mix flour, salt, shortning, and sugar together with fork. in separate bowl beat remaining ingredients. combine two mixtures stirring with a fork until moistened. mold with hands into a ball. chill at least 15 min before rolling into pie crust. dough can be left in refrigerator up to 3 days or it can be frozen. makes 2 9-inch double crusts.

for the chicken pot pie I use this recipe unless I'm in hurry and then I grab a pillsbury crust!
Mix together two large cans of chicken chunks, 2 cans of Veg-all, 1 can of cream of chicken soup, about 1 tbsp dry onion, salt and pepper to taste (more pepper than salt), any other veggies you want. Put in pie crust with top, flute edges and bake at 350 for about 1 hour.

Chicken Pot Pie

2008-05-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

I love to make this for dinner because it's just so easy and everyone loves it, even the kids. This was a particularly good day because not only did it taste yummy, but it actually even LOOKED yummy too!