THE CHECKETTS BUNCH

CHRISTMAS MIRACLE

2010-12-11T09:19:00.001-08:00

GHD - in one word - AMAZING - I am looking to do a commercial for an incredible product that I found. Please pay close attention to my Christmas Miracle.

For my birthday this last April - I decided I deserved something special. Something to make my life easier. SO - I went to CosmoProf (a wholesale store for licensed beauty technicians - thank you Jamie for hooking me up) I bought myself a GHD flat iron. I had previously had a CHI and I have to be honest - it wasn't that great. I brought my new GHD home and carefully plugged it in. I am not sure I have ever owned anything that expensive (except for maybe my wedding ring - it is real right Jason? :0) I was giddy as the plates ran through my stubborn waves straightening them like a pancake in half the time it had taken my CHI. I concluded it was definately worth the $150.00 I begrudgingly forked over for it.

Now here is the rest of the story. Since the blessed day in April my poor little flat iron has been through a lot. It has been dropped - used as a lasso by my little boys, and I caught Keaton fishing with it in the bathtub while it was still plugged in. Yes, this little GHD has taken quite a beating and yet continues to work.

Now - here is the miracle. Wednesday night I came home from mutual to find all heck had broken loose. My dear sweet husband (who is now dear and sweet once more after a severe tongue lashing but his rather out of control wife) had not been properly attending our 5 little angels from heaven and an unfortunate accident had occured. I walked into the crime scent unaware of the catastrophe that awaited me and there at the bottom of my very large, very full bathtub was my $150.00 little birthday gift laying still and motionless in it's watery grave. I am ashamed to talk of what happened next but let's just say - I could have been committed (to a insane asylum that is).

Here is the Christmas miracle - I have no idea how long my little flatiron had laid there at the bottom of the tub. Of how long the water had seeped into it's insides causing it's electrical death - but friends I am here to tell you my little flatrion survived. After 36 hours of laying on the counter and my constant care to shake the water out, praying that it would come back to life - IT LIVES. TRUE STORY. I plugged it in - holding my breath - the little red light came on and the ping to say there was power; 30 seconds later a second ping - "I am HOT" it called to me - and I rejoiced as my little flatiron lived another day to straighten my hair.

I apologize for the long excerpt - but the story must be told. If you are looking for a hair straightner. One that is committed to the job - get yourself a GHD - I promise you won't be sorry.

NOVEMBER 2008

2009-08-28T15:08:00.000-07:00

Okay - Here we go - of course you will not get the crazy stories that I could tell about what goes on each and every day of my life but at least you will see the highlights - RIGHT?

November - 20th Gabbi's Birthday - she turned 7. It was a school day and so she just had a little family party. She picked McDonald's for dinner and we ate inside. Afterwards it was home for cake and ice cream and presents. WAHOO! :0) She is so cute!

The real party came later when I went to see TWILIGHT at the midgnight showing - so worth the no sleep. New Moon coming soon! At least when I don't blog about it you don't have to wait a whole year. Now it only seems like two months away. HA HA!

Novemeber 22nd - Down to AZ

We drove down for Thanksgiving on Saturday. We really did have a great time. It is so fun to be with family. Hopefully someday we will get back there. Here are a few pictures and highlights.

STAY TUNED

2009-08-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

Okay - I decided I'm going to do like a month a day - so stay tuned for more tomorrow. MAYBE

Also, I have to explain the music - Jason and I watched Mama Mia for the first time Christmas Eve. We were both hooked. We went out and bought the CD and for the rest of the winter/sping we listened to it. The kids were going crazy. It was ABBA morning noon and night and sometimes in between. Ask Keaton to sing it for you - he has it all memorized. He can't sing the alphabet song - but he knows the words to HONEY, HONEY! HA HA!

The Kelly Clarkson song - Heard it once - COULDN'T GET IT OUT OF MY HEAD. Just listen to it and see if you don't start rocking out and jamming to the words ALL DAY!

FOUND THEM

2009-08-27T11:04:00.000-07:00

I knew I wasn't THAT bad of a mother . . . however, don't start thinking highly of me just yet . . . I know for a fact - I didn't get one of Keaton - I didn't even dress him up. I know I'm a LOSER!

OCTOBER 2008

2009-08-27T10:46:00.000-07:00

The 18th -

Kenzie turns 9 - Family Party - she had a friend go shopping and out to lunch!

The 29th - CARVING PUMPKINS

OCTOBER 31st - HALLOWEEN!

Embarassed to say these are the only two that got pictures - either that - or I can't find the others. When my mother calls me . . . .

TIME TO CATCH UP

2009-08-27T10:22:00.000-07:00

I am going to attempt to catch up for two reasons-

1) I really want this to be my journal for my family
2) Because I need a distraction from my life

So bear with me as I go from then to now

Let's see how well I do

HOW'D DEY DO DAT?

2009-01-22T17:32:00.000-08:00

Okay all you blogger connoisseurs - how do I get my blog to show my fellow bloggers and their latest blog dates? Does that make sense?

Some of you have a list of bloggers and then under their names it shows when their latest update was.

I WANT THAT!

ALLRIGHT! ALLRIGHT!

2009-01-22T09:25:00.000-08:00

Okay - I have been getting a lot of flak about not posting. But it isn't because I am sitting here drinking hot chocolate while reading books by the fireplace. 2009 has proven to be quite a challenge thus far.

Here's a re-cap:

Dec. 31 - Jan. 4th:
My parents came to town - THIS WAS AMAZING! We had so much fun and we LOVED every minute of it. Anyone else need a free place to stay?

Jan. 4th:
I taught in Relief Society - need I say more

Jan 6th:
Aunt Flo came to town . . . .

Jan. 8th:
I discovered that 5 out of the 6 kids had LICE - YUCK! Can you imagine? Mrs. Clean-Freak gets the shock of her life and the nightmare begins. (Funny how I found it - the school checked Gabbi the day before and didn't find anything - she was the worse - want me to check your kids for you? I am a pro!) Rigdon gets sick and starts puking all over the place.

Jan. 9th:
Picked lice out of the kids hair and did laundry (GROSS). Keaton gets sick and starts puking all of the place.

Jan 10th:
Picked lice out of the kids hair and did laundry (did I mention how disguisting this is). Mikala get's sick and starts puking all over the place. - Are we having fun yet?

Jan. 11th:
Picked lice out of the kids hair and did laundry (Come what may and love it . . . come what may and love it)

Jan 12th:
Picked lice out of the kids hair (couldn't find anything but nits so we sent them back to school) and did laundry

Jan 13th:
Picked at my kids some more, tried to do laundry - but - the dryer had gone out - NOT GOOD TIMING! -Jason gone to mutual - I am pulling my hair out.

Jan 14th:
My dryer works. Jason replaced the heating element - Good as new - EVEN BETTER! The laundry resumes. Kenzie home sick - well, more like - Kenzie home from school . . . faking like she is sick. Rigdon has a speech test at school - he ends up qualifying for Speech class - we will start next week.

Jan. 16th:
Jason in charge of Combined Youth Planning Meeting - he has to make binders for ALL the youth presidencies - in translation - Maren is in charge of making binders for ALL the youth presidencies. (Pretty cute - even if I do say so myself.)

Jan. 17th:
Painted the girls room - I had to - I made new comforters for them - I had to I throw the old ones out because of the lice. (Did I say how disguisting lice is?)

Jan. 19th:
Practiced with Martin Luther King fought so hard against . . . My kids were SLAVES for the entire day. My house looks BEAUTIFUL! :0)

Jan. 20th:
Jason in charge of YM/YW Combined activity - in translation - Maren is in charge of YM/YW combined activity. I run around getting all the stuff together for a Snowman Building Contest After Party Feast.

Jan. 21st:
Jason leaves town . . . Maren cuts 52 - 8X8 inch vinyl squares for tiles for the YW only to find out . . . I had done them ALL wrong. I start cutting again . . . come what may and love it, come what may and love it.

I have excluded all the little minor fiascos such as Keaton breaking 18 eggs all of the floor, dumping a bag of carrots all over the family room, breaking the girls lava lamp in Gabbi's drawer . . . to name a few. All the minor projects like Mikala's science fair project that is due next week, Gabbi's "BEAR" that I had to sew and decorate, Gannon's artic animal report, Kenzie's FRUIT DISH (That I have heard about for the last two weeks) that she has to prepare for Achievement Days - HOORAY the dinner is tonight . . . and so forth and so on.

Thus - my friends and family - this is why I have not posted in so long. My life is one big . . . well it is one big reality show. I would like to call it Ground Hog Day . . . you've seen the movie - my days are the same - OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN. Even now as I type I hear things being thrown to the floor in the kitchen. What will I find when I go in there . . . I have no idea, but I am sure it will be something I have to clean up.

Rest assure - I am well and good and things are as good as they can be. At least I have my health.

Stay tuned, my next post will be all about the new exercise program that Jason and I are doing together and how I am perpetually sore EVERY day. :0)

Love you all - hope this satisfies you all for now. :0)

WHO NEEDS THANKSGIVING

2008-11-18T16:58:00.000-08:00

Okay - I am completely bypassing Thanksgiving and I am shooting for Christmas. That way at least I will be current for a month on my background. I am TRYING to get some time to post - but this may be the only thing you get till after the 4th of December.

IT'S MIGHTY FINE - TO BE TURNING 9

2008-10-19T16:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Kenzie's 9th Birthday; therefore it was a family affair and yet, being the con-artist she is, she somehow managed to get a friend invited to go with us.

She spent the day doing ABSOULTELY NOTHING - because when it is your birthday you have complete immunity from work at our house. No one can call you to go get a diaper or help someone tie a shoe because - as the birthday queen you don't have to lay a finger to help or clean up anything for 24 hours. (Believe me she really took advantage of this - in fact she started to try and pull it the day before the actual day).

The first gift of the day - a new purse complete with a pack of gum, lip-gloss, new earrings and bangles and a HSM wallet with $40.00 cash to spend.

We took her to lunch and to the mall to spend the money that was burning a hole in her pocket. Her little friend came along with the other 7 of us and we had a great time trapsing through Limited Too, Bath and Body Works and the Gap.

The rest of the day she was floating on air.

She scored at Target and found some good bargains.

She played with her friend and her loot;

And She at pizza, Sprite & cake till she about popped

She commented several times yesterday and I quote "THIS IS THE BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!" Well, I guess it goes to show - the little things are what matter the most - because it was certainly one of the "EASIEST BIRTHDAY'S EVER!" for me.

We sure do love our little Kenzie and we are so grateful for the spunk and life she brings to our family. We would certainly be a boring bunch without her.

LOVE - LOVE - LOVE YOU KENZIE! Happy Birthday!

JASON BIRTHDAY

2008-10-16T09:36:00.000-07:00

Jason's birthday this year, fell on a Sunday. So - what did I do - well I tried to embarass him. I told all his priests and they made him a big crown and a set of ripped abs (drawn on a poster that fastened around his waste) They sang to him and tried to humiliate him all day at church. It was great. I even took little treats to his class and they had a little party for him.

We had a dinner (salad - he is no fun these days - hey 67 pounds and counting) and he did splurge with a texas sheet cake.

A scavenger hunt prepared by the kids lead him to a little birthday gift. All in all - he had a fun day (I hope) and got to relax a little. We sure do love him!

HERE COMES TROUBLE!

2008-10-16T09:24:00.000-07:00

I think the pictures speak for themselves

WHAT IS THAT? - HAIR GEL - He thought he would rub it all over himself!

After his bath and 10 Mintues later - a tube of lipstick - sure why not . . .

what's in his mouth - who knows - I must of gotten it out before he choked.

But after the third bath and with pajamas on - who can resist that smile.

That's our KEATON! Wouldn't trade him for the world!

LUNCH LADY LAND

2008-10-16T09:14:00.003-07:00

Okay so as you may or may not know - I was recently the activities chairperson for our ward. So, we decided to have a BACK TO SCHOOL activity for the entire ward.

Well, being the fun loving person I am - I decided it would be hilarious to have a lunch line for everyone to go through complete with lunch tickets and of course - the LUNCH LADIES

Do you recognize this beauty?

The next item of business was a little assembly for the ward. Jason and I both partcipated in Adam Sandler's skit - LUNCH LADY LAND - (a must see for anyone that hasn't seen it.)

http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?vid=33379

I think everyone just about wet their pants laughing at Jason

I WAS SLOPPY JOE - We got married and we had 6 kids and we're doing just fine!

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

2008-10-16T08:56:00.000-07:00

Here is my attempt to play catch up - please bear with me as I give you a months worth of NEW POSTS!

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE

2008-09-10T06:41:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted for so long, because frankly, I just don't have the time. My days are full of tasks and they keep me going well into the night. So, with that being said - I wanted you all to know I was still alive, just running around like a chicken with my head cut off.

Will is ever end? Probabaly not and that is okay, but someday I'm going to have to come up for air. When I do - I hope all my friends and family will still be there.

Please forgive me if I haven't talked to you recently or if I have forgotten a birthday or some other important event. My intentions are good and hopefully very soon you will see an update on what the Checketts Bunch is up to.

Here is your Kenzie Funny today:

Gabbi going to the bathroom this morning with the door shut -

"MOM - I ACTUALLY HAVE 3 WIGGILY TOOTHS."
"What" - I said
Kenzie replies - "SHE SAID SHE HAS 3 WIGGLY POOPS!"

That was my chuckle for the day.

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER

2008-08-12T17:31:00.000-07:00

I know that I should have done this yesterday - and I had every intention of doing so, but time slips by like sand through my fingers and I find myself wondering - Uh - what day is today?

But as the saying goes - Better late than never.

I am thinking of a person . . .

A person that is one of my greatest and truest friends . . .

Who laughs with me in all the right places and cries with me at just the right time . . .

Who has a HUGE passion for books and reads faster than any weird super hero could ever hope to . . .

A person that takes upon herself to remember everyone and everything better than their own mothers . . .

One who will listen intently and then give her heart-felt opinion if asked . . .

A person that can never be replaced . . .

Who turned 28 yesterday . . .

And deserves to be insanely happy . . .

If you haven't guessed - it is my dear sister Kristen.

I love you Kristen - I hope you know that. I hope that you had a wonderful day and that you have an even better year.

You are the best!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY (YESTERDAY - at least I called you . . .) This is the only picture I had - SAD!

I'M BAAAACKKK!

2008-08-07T16:23:00.000-07:00

Well, kind of . . . I am back in my house but my heart is still in Mesa eating delicious Mexican Food. Seriously! DELICIOSO!

We got back Sunday night and I must say we had an enjoyable trip - although Jason and I vowed we will never be seperated for that length of time ever again. It was just to miserable for two soul mates. :0)

So, it is back to the grind - I have a list a mile long and only 10 more days till school starts. Bitter-sweet for me - Battling - Can't WAIT and is it really OVER! I am not a morning person so the thought of getting up at 6:30 a.m. again is rather painful. But structure is good and quiet time for mom even better. So, here's to August 18th. THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL.

More to come including pictures once I get my life in order again . . . is that possible?

BATTER-UP

2008-06-28T06:52:00.000-07:00

Here is a shot of Mikala's last game on Thursday. She is a pretty good little player but needs to learn confidence behind her swing.

She did catch a really hard-hit ball that came out at her at third base where she was positioned and made a straight-shot throw to second base which the girl caught and then tagged the runner out. It was really exciting.

And although - baseball to me, is SLOW - unless you are playing it - it was fun to watch her doing something she loved and that is what it is all about.

DRUM-ROLL PLEASE

2008-06-28T06:47:00.001-07:00

Well after 3 months of long awaited anticipation . . . my couches have arrived. Here are the RIGHT couches. I guess I should have taken a picture of the WRONG ones so that you could have seen the difference, but nevertheless - I LOVE THEM and they are HERE and they are already being THRASHED by my children. I guess by the time they are all in junior high I will be ready for some new ones and they will have destroyed these. I threaten them with their very lives to not eat, sleep, or drink on them, but alas, we have already had a mishap with a bottle of milk and a bottle of paint. Oh well, I guess you take your chances with 6 children.

NEW BOXING GLOVE

2008-06-28T06:39:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, Gannon fractured his wrist/arm last Sunday. Of course, being the parents we are, we made him suffer for a little while before we took him in.

He was out playing Sunday evening and quote "jumped up really high and fell down like this". We are guessing he just landed wrong on his wrist and since there are no credible witnesses to the act, I guess we will never know.

So, we just put an ice-pack on it and he cried about it for the next 12 hours. Finally Monday morning, I realized - hey, maybe something really is wrong here. I took him in to the doctor's and 5 hours later - we were back home with this handy dandy Spider-man blue cast.

It really hasn't bothered him other than the fact that he can't go swimming and bath time is a bit of a challenge. And 21 days seems like an eternity to a 5 year old.

How many more days today mom? 16 buddy, 16.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

2008-06-15T20:07:00.000-07:00

Well, today was a good day - for Jason that is. He got the royal treatment of breakfast in bed and presents and cards. He got a little mid-morning nap and didn't have to get anyone ready but himself. He did have to help in sacrament meeting a little, but guess who changed all the poopy diapers?

He got a steak dinner followed by Grandma Anderson cookies for dessert and again - I changed ALL the diapers.

I just have to publically state that Jason is a great man. I love him more and more everyday. Don't get me wrong - we have had our fair share of time in the ring but, he always takes care of us BEAUTIFULLY and We sure do love him!

Jason's favorite present was his frame for his office. I had to post these GREAT shots we got of the kids at a nearby park. They melt my heart. Of course, I am a little biased . . .

AND THE LITTLE ONE SAID - ROLL OVER . . .

2008-06-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

When we first moved into this house - we decided to put all three girls in the same room because although this a 5 bedroom house, there are only 3 bedrooms upstairs (including the master) AND being the WORRY WART that I am, I didn't want my precious children two stories down in the basement all by themselves, with no protection. I mean come on what if there was a FIRE or a BREAK-IN or something worse. So, we put the two twin beds in a bedroom and made them share. I figured if Joseph Smith was good enough to share with his siblings - so are my kids.

Well, after a few tearful nights (okay it was more like a few tearful MONTHS) from Mikala saying - I want my own bed; and other comments from appalled family members :0) we decided to go ahead and get bunk beds.

This should fix everything right?

Well, yes and no . . .

Here we are a year later and I walked into their bedroom this morning and discovered this . . . (Mikala's Bed)
And this . . . (Kenzie' Bed)

And this is - Gabbi's Bed - with all 3 of them squished in there like SARDINES! Is this the first time this has happened? OH NO! This is a nightly occurrence. Usually it is just two of the them but probably about once a week I will find all three of them together. And Yes, that is Kenzie under Gabbi's legs. Apparently, Kenzie has not discovered Gabbi's legs yet. Inevitably a fight will most likely occur once she realizes she has been a foot rest all night. (Maybe I should go remove the evidence).

You would think it would be the other way around; that the little one would have climbed into her big sister's beds for comfort and SNUGGLE time but it is usually Gabbi's bed that they all congregate to. So, although they tell eachother daily "I HATE YOU" - I WISH YOU WERE NEVER BORN" - and my favorite "YOU ARE BUGGING ME - QUIT TOUCHING ME" - I am beginning to wonder if this is a LOVE/HATE relationship that will last till the end of time.

Till then - I will cherish this picture of my little girls and when they could all fit in the same bed . . .

KENZIE-ISM

2008-06-06T11:27:00.000-07:00

So, we are sitting around the table the other night for dinner. There is long standing joke between Jason and I because he was always told his eyes were hazel - but they are not. They are just as green as mine are. So, I said something to him about them being green and he laughed and said they were hazel. I asked Kenzie

"Look at your dad's eyes - what color are they?"

"well" she said - "They are green on the inside, but around the niple - they are brown"

Jason and I busted up - She thought she had said something funny so she started laughing too.

We were all laughing and I told her that the black part of her eye was called the iris not the niple.

She just shrugged and grinned and said - Oh - Okay!

I WISH

2008-06-04T11:31:00.000-07:00

So, I decided if summer won't come to me - I will bring summer to my blog. It is cold today - raining - and the high - a whopping 57 degrees. There is a snow advisory in the mountains. If this is somebody's idea of a cruel joke -it isn't funny! I am about ready to pile my kids in the car and drive to the sunshine. I feel like I haven't been completely WARM since last summer. I think we are going to skip summer all together and head right back into winter. So, while all of you are down there - think of me - soak up some rays for your friend Maren. So much for getting tan this summer.

IT'S BEEN TO LONG

2008-06-02T18:41:00.000-07:00

It's been far too long - it's time to get this stuck in your BRAINS again!

3 FOR 3

2008-06-02T07:25:00.000-07:00

My last May birthday for the month (HOORAY). And boy was it a fun day - even I was excited for SPIDER-MAN.

Saturday was Gannon's 5th birthday. He woke up to streamers and Spider-man all over the kitchen and a great big Spider-man fortress (tent) that we had all set up for him complete with a new spider-man costume. Boy was he excited. He got all dressed up and struck a few web-shooting poses for the camera.

His friends arrived at 2:00 p.m. for the festivities and the fun began. We played outside in the tent, shot Spider-man guns, conducted an experiment with the incredible growing Spider-men, and sprayed webs with our cans of silly string.

Presents were next on the agenda and doesn't everybody love PRESENTS! Gannon couldn't wait to tear into all the fun stuff his friends and family had got for him. He LOVED everything. (thanks to grandmas & grandpas and Aunt Lori's gifts).

CAKE anyone - OH YEAH! They each had 2 cupcakes and some ice-cream too. And OBVIOUSLY the incredible Sister Crocker did not make the trip up to help me with a Spider-Man cake so PLEASE don't laugh at the LAME attempt to come up with something creative without spending 30 dollars on a Wal-Mart cake.

Gannon had a great day and told me about 3 times AND I QUOTE - Thank you so much for the wonderful birthday mom - I just love you. And that is what it is all about! This boy is going to go far in his life if he keeps saying those things to the women he meets - I felt like going out and buying him 10 more presents.

What a sweet little blessing this first highly-anticipated little boy has been since the day he was born 5 years ago. After 3 little girls the testosterone was much needed! Each Star Wars figure, car, and train set is a treasure! The only thing I could do without - the uncontrollable flying pee in the bathroom. But - I will take it for a smile like this! Happy Birthday Gannon - WE LOVE YOU!

KEATON THAYNE

2008-05-28T11:15:00.000-07:00

Saturday my baby turned one. My LAST first birthday for one of MY children. (I am already looking forward to grandchildren)

REFLECTION OF THE DAY: Although Keaton was a complete surprise - we couldn't imagine life without him. He has been a blessing and bright spot in my life lifting my spirits with each one of his single-toothed smiles.

He is pratically perfect in every way and we all can't get enough of his gushy cheeks and big blue eyes. I think he gets about a thousand kisses a day - AT LEAST!

His birthday was pretty uneventful - poor boy. He didn't get a nap because we were so busy and he burned his little hand on his candle - again we ask - where was his mother -

behind the cameras - DUH! We had to open his presents on Sunday because he

was so dead tired by the time we got done with dinner and consoling him of his little injury.

He looked alot happier the next day anyway.

Keaton's accomplishments: He can walk, feed himself, play with the other kids, crawl up the stairs, and bring joy and delight to all who have the pleasure to be near him.

We love you Keaton - Happy Birthday!

MOM VS. DAD

2008-05-28T11:06:00.000-07:00

Some of you may know how much I LOVE the humor of Anita Renfroe - She CRACKS me up because she explains how I feel about motherhood perfectly.

She has her well-known MOM-SENSE - which if you haven't seen - see the movie below

And if you have seen it - well here is the version for Dad's - all I can say is AMEN!

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST

2008-05-24T08:28:00.000-07:00

THE CURSE

2008-05-23T15:39:00.000-07:00

Is it one of those un-written laws, or a bad curse that was cast on my great-great-great-great grandmother, somehow, somewhere that no matter how hard I try and no matter what I do - the day I mop the floor, I mean REALLY mop the floor - is the day someone "accidentally" spills their apple juice or a plate of spaghetti all over it.

I got on my hands and knees with Jason's toothbrush yesterday and SCRUBBED my floor. I mean really pulled out the can of elbow grease and got down and dirty with my tile. And what do you think happened. Well, Jason decided to make a pan of brownies and what do brownies do - they crumble. And who crumbles brownies better than anyone else - children from the ages of 3 to 10 - which I have 5 of those. You can imagine my face after they all went to bed and I was able to access the damage (YES - I called Jason in and made him clean it up) Then, to top it off - Rigdon gets the can of Pledge today and starts spraying it all over the kitchen floor - I guess he thought it needed a good polish.

AHHHH - what is up - am I the only one or is this pretty much Murphy's law?

TAGGED!

2008-05-23T14:58:00.000-07:00

Melissa tagged all of us from her blog and I have yet to see anyone respond - so I thought I would take a 5 minute break and do this:

5 Things I am Looking Forward TO:

1) School getting Out! YAHOO!
2) No more diapers
3) 4 Kids in School Next Year! YEEHAW!
4) Somebody coming to visit me in Utah - somebody - ANYBODY!
5) Keaton's Birthday - smashing cake all over his face

5 Things I would do with OODLES OF Money

1) Get out of Debt
2) Get a maid
3) Get a new wardrobe
4) Share it!
5) Stop world hunger

5 Things I wish I could do:

1) Be an aerobics instructor
2) Play the guitar
3) SING really well
4) Stop Time
5) Grant Wishes

5 Things I am Grateful for:

1) I am not pregnant
2) No Hemorrhoids
3) Health & Life
4) My Incredible Family
5) The Restored Gospel

I TAG anyone who feels so inclined to reflect for 5 minutes!

WHO REALLY OWNS A LLAMA?

2008-05-23T08:05:00.001-07:00

TWO LITTLE GIRLS

2008-05-22T15:38:00.000-07:00

I always wished I had a doll house like that!

SOMETHING FUNNY

2008-05-21T17:01:00.000-07:00

Well, Jamie convinced me I had to put this on here. I wasn't going to - but she laughed and said I should - so here goes.

As you all know yesterday was our anniversary. We decided that we weren't going to get anything for each other because of the new couches and all so we said - NO GIFTS. One of us - usually me - always goes back on this promise and does a little something. Well, this year I was sticking by our promise.

Jason came home from work and came upstairs where I was finally getting my shower for the day so I wouldn't stink if we decided to kiss or something - :0) And he got under the bed where I keep the wrapping paper box. He rummages around and grabs a box, some tissue paper and wrapping paper. I am panicking inside because I think - great - he got me something and now I am going to feel really bad when he gives it to me and I don't have anything for him.

So, I act like I didn't notice and finished getting ready.

He has the box sitting on the kitchen counter when I came down to make the kids dinner. HMMM - it was in a shirt sized box and it kind of felt like clothing - maybe it's some lingerie - which then I wouldn't feel so bad, because it would actually be a gift for himself if that was the case.

I decided I better not open it because the kids were around and I really don't need to explain that to them, now do I.

Well, I come into the office to check the e-mail and Jason brings the box in and says why don't you open your present . . . I thought we weren't doing anything for each other I say - well, I lied - he said.

I began to un-wrap the box because no kids were around. I open the lid and there is tissue paper - I pull the tissue aside and lying there within the folds of tissue are two new Wells Fargo shirts. I started laughing - HARD!

Okay - now there is a story behind the story. A week ago, I made the girls clean-out their pajama/play clothes drawer. It was full of holey, stained clothes and I was sick of the "STUFFING" that was going on into this drawer. So, we threw out two garbage bags FULL of old clothes. It was great. I was telling Jason about this when he got home from work and I said "I am so sick of holey, stained clothes and I am just going to start throwing this stuff away."

"Yes," he said - "We just hate holey, stained clothes don't we Maren - pointing to the shirt that I was wearing, which was an OLD Wells Fargo shirt size 3X with 4 holes across the front in various positions and spots of various sizes and colors all over the front. I just laughed and laughed and told him that I was due for some new ones.

Thus my 13th wedding anniversary present - 2 NEW Wells Fargo Shirts for me to add to my rotation of grubbies. :0) HE DOES STILL LOVE ME! :0)

THE INCREDIBLE SINGING ORANGE

2008-05-21T07:41:00.000-07:00

13 IS A "LUCKY" NUMBER

2008-05-20T14:26:00.000-07:00

Today is Jason and I's 13th wedding anniversary and although the number 13 has often been called an UNLUCKY number - for us it is just another year of MAGIC!

Here are 13 reasons why I love him more today than I did on May 20th, 1995.

1) He still SINGS to me! We have a song that Jason used to sing to me when we started dating. I had never heard of it at the time, but he said it was my song. And to this day he still sings it (not as often as I would like. :0)

2) He is a FABULOUS father!

3) He is the hardest WORKER I know (other than my dad). Both at work and in his yards.

4) He will change DIAPERS and give BATHS.

5) He COOKS!

6) He makes things HAPPEN. When I want something done - Jason makes it happen.

7) He makes me LAUGH.

8) He can FIX things.

9) He has a way of COMFORTING me like no one else can. With just the sound of his voice and his arms around me, he can put my biggest heartaches at ease.

10) He does what is RIGHT.

11) He's HOT!

12) He is my BEST FRIEND

13) He COMPLETES me!

We have no special plans. We did not get each other anything, but EVERY one of those 13 years is a gift and is PRECIOUS to me because they got us to where we are today and that is in a good place To quote Diamond Rio - "What a Beautiful Mess I'm in." We couldn't be happier.

I LOVE you Jason - with all my heart! Here's to 13 more years of

CRAZY BLISS!

ALLIGATOR KING

2008-05-20T08:06:00.001-07:00

A DAY OF REST

2008-05-19T14:29:00.001-07:00

You know, I was contemplating the "SABBATH" and what it is like for our family. By definition Sabbath Day - is a day of rest. But I do not believe this is the case. Indeed I may say that the Sabbath day is probably one of the more busy days of the week.

By the time we get up and get breakfast it is time for church. And I don't know about you, but getting ready for church is like running a marathon. I am running up and down the stairs trying to get people in-line to do hair - running back and forth from the bedrooms making sure everyone is getting dressed. Running in and out of the house trying to keep everyone inside free from grass-stains, mud-stains and bicycle tire tracks on their pants. Then trying to feed them again right before we leave so they aren't crying the whole hour and ten minutes of sacrament that they are STARVING! Add Jason scout/YM meetings and my Activity/Ward Council meetings to that + two home teaching visits and what do you have left - 2 hours to make dinner which - Where did that tradition originate from - Sunday dinner. What moron thought of that?

We spend 2 hours making a dinner that takes 10 minutes to eat and then we spend 40 minutes cleaning it up. This is the day we should be allowed to go out to eat at a restaurant. Why not pay ahead eating. You go the day before to pay and then you aren't spending any money - of course then there is the factoring in of the people that have to work to serve you, but they are going to be there anyway - right?

And is it really such a crime to tape your kids mouth shut for sacrament meeting? My kids are SO loud. And I guess it just seems like they sound like they have their mouth right up to a megaphone and are shouting - I have to go to the bathroom - Kenzie's leg is touching me, I need a drink - WHEN IS THIS GOING TO BE OVER? Can I go to class yet?

Okay enough with the complaining - but seriously -

SABBATH - isn't it about time?

SESAME FLASHBACK #3

2008-05-19T06:40:00.000-07:00

TWEEDLE-BUGS

2008-05-18T15:51:00.001-07:00

A $400 DOLLAR VACUUM OR A SHOP VAC

2008-05-17T08:21:00.001-07:00

Last night we were cleaning the basement as a family. I put Kenzie in charge of vaccuming. But, I guess I must preface this story with another story. Last Sunday night we had a storm. It was a crazy wind storm and things were blowing around everywhere. I was up reading the HOST and it was around 2:00 a.m. (I know - I know). So, I went downstairs for a drink and walked by the basement door and felt a strong draft. I opened the door thinking maybe there was a window open down there. I went down and discovered someone had left the basement door open and the room down there was COVERED in leaves and debris. I was not happy - but going back to the present. I put Kenzie in charge of vaccuming this room and picking up all the leaves. The next thing I know Gabbi comes in and tells me Kenzie is vaccuming outside. I run into the room and sure enough - Kenzie has my $400.00 Dyson vaccum sucking up the door-well full of leaves, dirt, bugs, trash etc. - the vaccum is completely clogged up and dirty and I am left to wonder - am I asking too much of my children? Do I really need to explain to my 8 year old that we do not use the indoor vaccum to "CLEAN"-up the great outdoors. I guess next time I will need to be a little more specific - just the leaves in the house, sweetie - not the ones outside.

TAKE ME BACK

2008-05-17T08:17:00.000-07:00

Okay this is the first in my series of the GOOD OL' DAYS! I want to post all my favorite's from Sesame Street for the next week. Check it out everyday to see if I get one of your favorites.

LAST POST FOR THE DAY - LAST GAME

2008-05-16T09:08:00.001-07:00

Gannon had his last soccer game yesterday - Yes, it was a crazy day. He is so cute I just had to post these pictures. I love to watch these little guys as they run along trying to kick the ball away from the mass of other children sticking their feet in - like seagulls flocking to one crumb of bread.

It's Mine, It's mine they all seem to chirp as they crowd around the ball sometimes by complete chance kicking the ball into the goal. Way to go ROCKETS.

MOVING ON UP!

2008-05-16T08:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Gabbi's Kindergarten Graduation. They still have two more weeks of school but their teacher decided to get this little program out of the way - can't say that I blame her - and it was quite the production. The kids put on the play of their lives - The Little Red Hen. It was one of the cutest things I have ever seen. I pretty much remained teary-eyed through the whole thing.

Gabbi was a "little chick" and boy was she a CUTE little chick.

Her little song went like this - "MAMA, MAMA, MAMA, I'm hungry as a hog, MAMA, MAMA, MAMA, I'm hungry as a dog, Hungry as a bear, Hungry as a horse, but we're not those creatures, we have little chicken features, we're you're little chicks of course - PEEP PEEP!

She then walked the line and recieved her diploma - more tears -

They sang a few more songs and then it was over. Short and sweet and DARLING! Here is a picture of her with her cute little kindergarten teacher that Gannon gets next year.

All of this is kind of bitter-sweet for me. I can't wait for her to move up and progress - to have 3 ALL DAY in school - YIPEE - but Gabbi is my last little girl and I feel the changes coming swifter and faster with every day. Puberty, PMS, and Passion are just around the corner and I am not sure that I am ready for the that step. It will be fun but part of me wants to hold on a little longer.

What can I say - my cup runneth over. We are so blessed . . . Congrats Gabbi!

MAY BIRTHDAY - TAKE 1

2008-05-16T08:43:00.000-07:00

Here is the first of my three May birthday's. Rigdon's was the 12th. He was so excited all day and couldn't help but sing "Happy Birthday to Me" wherever he went. He was giggling as his special birthday packages from Arizona arrived and smiled from ear to ear for anyone that called to sing to him. His little "DINOSAUR" themed party was something to be desired. I must confess it was a impromptu effort on my part, but he seemed to enjoy himself - AND - I figure I might as well do it while I can get away with it.

Rigdon's accomplishments - well, he is talking A LOT better - still in his own little language perhaps - but we can understand him. Maybe that's because we have learned to speak it more fluently with every passing year.

He potty-trained himself with little or no effort on his mother's part. YEAH - one less set of diapers!

He is honest in all his dealings - if I say "WHO DID THIS?" He immediately confesses - "I DID" - This is a great source of comfort for his siblings as they figure they will get out of a lot of messes if Rigdon confesses for them.

He can sing and dance as he says while shaking his rear end in my face "SHAKE YOUR BOOTY"

Life just wouldn't be complete without this little guy and we sure do love him a lot!

Happy Birthday Riggy Diggy Doo! or Tator as his dad likes to call him - he'll answer to both.

ROSIN UP THE BOW

2008-05-16T08:39:00.001-07:00

Mikala had her end of the year concert last week. It was actually very good. These kids have worked very hard to play some really tough music. It was all Disney inspired so it was a lot of fun. They played Pirates of the Carribean and The Sorcerers Apprentice at the end - pretty amazing. Here is a picture of Mikala and one of her friends.

SHE'S DONE IT AGAIN!

2008-05-14T12:46:00.001-07:00

This time she has made me love the aliens. I don't know how she does it but she has captured my attention again from beginning to end. I could not put this book down. I hope everyone of you read it so we can have an open forum. I think you will like this one Rachel . . . Stephenie Meyer is my hero. I hope she continues to write and capture all that strangeness that goes on in her head - HOW DOES SHE COME UP WITH THIS STUFF! I loved it - loved it, loved it, LOVED IT! Be prepared to concentrate though - at least for me - it was kind of deep.

SUBLIMINAL MESSAGES

2008-05-14T12:44:00.000-07:00

I laughed when I got this . . . Had to share.

As Latter-day Saint women, we are practically obsessed with anxiously engaging ourselves in good causes. Maybe it's subliminal. Glancing through the hymnal last Sunday I noted that as sisters in Zion, we who are called to serve are all enlisted to go marching,marching forward because the world has need of willing men to all press on scattering sunshine. We wonder if we have done any good inthe world today because we have been given much and want to do what is right, keep the commandments, press forward with the Saints, choose the right, and put our shoulders to the wheel going where He wants us to go. However, as the morning breaks high on the mountain top, truth reflects upon our senses, and while we still believe that sweet is the work, we also realize that we have work enough to do ere the sun goes down. And thus we ask Thee ere we part, where can we turn for peace?

FUN NIGHT

2008-05-07T06:54:00.000-07:00

THE ZERMATT RESORT

I had to tell about the fun little outing we took last night. Jason called yesterday from the Zermatt Resort in Midway where he is facilitating and major off-site for Wells Faro and invited me to bring the kids up to go swimming in the heated pool. I decided I would go, but after talking to Jason again and listening to his schedule - I realized it would be ME and 6 kids at a really nice resort and I didn't know if I wanted to tackle that kind of a situation by myself after having had play group at my house all day. So I decided not to go. After crying and sobbing, begging and pleading - not by Jason - the trip was back on.

We drove to Midway and like a parade we made our way through the lobby of the hotel. We got a tour of Jason's amazing room at the base of the mountain, complete with jetted tub, fire place, four-poster bed, and full blown kitchen with stainless steel appliance (where is the justice) and then we went swimming.

(No - this is not Jason and Gabbi)

We then went back to Jason's room for baths in the spa tub and cookies from Jason's personal stash; watched a little Disney channel and drove home in our p.j.'s for a good night sleep. And bless their little hearts - they all went to bed - (except for Rigdon) and I got to sit on my new couches and watch my recorded American Idol - DAVID ARCHILETTA ROCKS!

It really was a night to remember. Thanks Jason - we love you and miss you!

MY NEW COUCHES

2008-05-07T06:48:00.000-07:00

Well, my new couches arrived yesterday. They are beautiful. I am not sure if they are what I ordered, but that is another story. I have to take a couch cushion down and see if it matches the model in the store because that is what I really wanted. Maybe it just looks different in the store.

Anyway, last night I had a meeting here at the house. There were several primary children among the group and some rowdy boys. They were sitting on my couch and being kind of crazy, so I went over to them to warn them to settle down and keep their feet off the cushions and to my horror and dismay they had ripped my new pillows. They had put holes in two of my brand new pillows. Well, I RIPPED them a new one and told them that they were going to have to pay for those pillows and that they were brand new and didn't they have any respect for people's property.

I ran out of the room crying and sobbing that here I had waited all this time for a new couch and it was already ruined. And then . . . I woke up. Yes, it was only a dream - or should I say nightmare. I remembered it this morning and started to laugh. Luckily it really WAS only a dream or those kids would have PAID.

CRAZY MAY DAYS

2008-05-06T12:52:00.000-07:00

Well, it is here - the end of the school year. I couldn't be more excited to have it all over with. I am sure I will be thrilled to have them go back once we hit the beginning of August, but I can't WAIT for school to be done. I am counting the days right along with my kids. Today - I woke Kenzie up and said - Only 16 more days.

Upcoming events:
1) Orchestra Concert
2) Regards to Broadway Program
3) Father's & Sons
4) Kindergarten Graduation
5) Field Day

Just to name a few. I am will be sure and blog all these special moments for you - if I remember my camera that is. :0)

The question of the day - Do you miss being in school? And what do you miss about it?

NO WHINING ZONE

2008-05-02T12:58:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to publically apologize to everyone that has to listen to me on a daily and weekly basis. I realized as I just hung up the phone with a friend that I might be a tad depressing at times. I am trying really hard to stay up-beat and positive about my life, but sometimes, it gets the better of me. Who am I kidding - the marjority of the time it gets the better of me. I have a lot to be grateful for - I know. So many blessings, so many things to be thankful for . . . 6 gorgeous children and a loving, hard-working husband - what more could I ask for. I don't know why I just don't focus on those things. The natural man in me gets so weary of being alone and without my dear friends and family in AZ. I really appreciate your long talks and listening to me - supporting me and crying with me. It really means a lot to me. Thank you, thank you to each one of you - you know who you are. The sun will come out tomorrow - I pray :0). Please know I love each one of you! Have a RIP ROARIN' WEEKEND!

A THOUGHTFUL TWO YEAR OLD

2008-05-02T12:50:00.001-07:00

I am posting this because I thought it was absoultely darling, not because I am bragging - okay maybe I am a little.

Rigdon went to the bathroom earlier this morning and needed to be wiped. I used the last of the toliet paper up doing so.

A couple hours later I was holding Rigdon on the couch and I said (he's been especially clingy today) "Hey bud, I have to get up and go to the potty."

I got up and remembered that there was no toliet paper in the bathroom and so I got in front of Gannon and the T.V. (so he would hear me) and said - "Gannon will you go get me some more toliet paper for this bathroom down here."

"I did it mom, I did it." came a cry from the couch. "Oh - you want to do it" I said to Rigdon. He has been extremely helpful lately and get's very upset if he doesn't get to go be my little gopher.

He said - "No, mom - I did it."

I went into the bathroom and he had already re-placed the toliet paper. I am assuming he did it right after the potty break and I just hadn't realized it. WOW - he went and got it and actually put it on the roll. Looks like he won't lose this battle with his wife. :0) The old roll and the wrapper were on the floor but hey - that's the next lesson. :0)

Kindness - It does a mother good.

LUCKY LUCKY LUCKY ME

2008-05-01T21:30:00.000-07:00

Guess what everyone - I went to bed at 8:30 p.m. last night and slept till 6:30 a.m. the next morning. I am here to testify that early to bed and early to rise does make a man happy and healthy and wise. I felt like a new woman all day. I got my house clean, made whole wheat bread and cookies for my kids and we all snuggled up tonight and watched a movie. It's amazing what sleep does for you. I haven't had a full night sleep like that in 6 months. It was awesome!

2008-05-01T12:47:00.000-07:00

Is it May 1st or December 1st? This is completely ridiculous. That is all I have to say.

WHERE HAVE I BEEN?

2008-04-30T14:45:00.000-07:00

I don't know sometimes.

Life is pretty intense right now. Do you ever feel like you are living in an insane asylum and just down the street is a place where all the normal people go and you just don't know about it?

Me too!

So, my question to you today is - what is your favorite thing to do to alleviate stress? What do YOU do for YOURSELF? I can't take away my responsibilities. I can't change the number of hours Jason is gone or the fact that I don't ever get a break - but there has got to be something I can do to take the PRESSURE off.

What do you do? Please tell me - cause I really want to know.

UPDATE

2008-04-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been two days and Kenzie hasn't scratched anyone. She pointed it out to me yesterday. I told her how proud I was of her.

Then she asked me - "Mom, can you get me one of those things that cats use when they want to scratch?"

CLASSIC - sure if it will help.

WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?

2008-04-23T14:18:00.000-07:00

Kenzie strikes again - she scratched Mikala last night after a shouting match where Mikala told her to get off her bed. I decided to have a little heart to heart with the cat and sat her down on her bedroom floor - knee to knee. I begged and pleaded and told her how serious this was. (Luckily Jason was at young mens or we might have had a case for CPS on our hands.) I started crying and asked her to please not scratch my children. I love them and it breaks my heart to see her treating her siblings this way.

I told her that if she really felt like scratching to come and scratch my arms, that she could take her frustration out on me - but to please stop hurting my children.

She started to cry and I told her what a good girl she is and that if she repented these sins could be taken away because of the power of the atonement. I told her she could ask Heavenly Father to help her - and he would.

She looked at me and asked - "Mom, can a person get baptized more than once?"

Biting my lip - "No Kenzie, you only get one chance"

"OH"

We will see if it works.

POOR BOY

2008-04-22T16:11:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of a darling little boy in our ward that his mother gave to me to put in the ward newsletter. Thankfully I had already scanned it and put into the newsletter or I would have had to do some major photoshopping. Should I give it back to her like this or say I lost it? Probably the latter is the wisest choice.

Who did it? Who knows!

DR. PHIL WE NEED HELP

2008-04-22T13:07:00.000-07:00

So, those of you that know Kenzie - KNOW or have witnessed first hand her agression. When she was just a little girl - she would get so excited or happy she would bite you. Not good. Well, we have broken her of the habit of biting but it seems that frustration unleased itself in another venue - SCRATCHING. Which is worse? - well you be the judge. A bite will bruise and go away with time. Kenzie has left scars the size of cougar claws on Mikala's arms. We will often look at Mikala's arms and lament the fact that she has little scars ALL over both her arms.

SO, why do we need help - because we can't seem to get her to stop. She lashes out at anyone who dares to defy her, call her a name, or hurt her in anyway. Jason and I have done everything in our power to talk with her and teach her and show her how wrong this is. We have pleaded, begged, grounded, taken away and prayed with her to stop. But to no avail. The agression continues.

Yesterday it was Gannon. He made the mistake of calling her a loser - which is horrible in and of itself - believe me he got his timeout- but as a result he also has 3 little claw marks on his wrist.

So, Jason lost it. He grabbed her arm and said - that's it - go to your room for the rest of the night - she went - crying her pathetic wail of a cry that only Kenzie can produce. It is pitiful. We talked to her later on and again pleaded with her to stop this bad behavior.

Well, today as I was making the bed - I found this on Jason's side . . .

Pretty sad - huh? (as I sit here laughing my head off) So, I am asking for your help. If you have any suggestions or recommendation on how we can handle this - please advise. We are totally open to hear if you can come up with something we haven't already tried.

A GOOD REASON

2008-04-22T08:53:00.000-07:00

Gabbi and Gannon are having a little trouble with the whole REASON statement.

It is always - "Mom - Kenzie (and it is usually ALWAYS Kenzie) just hit me for a reason."
I will ask what is the reason - Nothing she just hit me.

Ta Da Da

Jason laying on the bed the other night says to Mikala - "Mikala my phone is downstairs on the desk . . . " pause before continuing . . .

Mikala's reply - "That's nice to know."

Ta Da Da

Gannon this morning holding his nose - "Does something stink?" I ask.
Reply - "No, I just have to SNOT."

I guess that IS what comes out when we sneeze so why not say it that way - Makes sense.

Ta Da Da

Gotta love it! Our kids are smarter than we are.

WARNING!

2008-04-18T07:03:00.000-07:00

As of late, Gannon has been trying to grasp the realization that on TV and movies - it is either real or fake. Every time a new show comes on - he asks - is that person - REAL OR FAKE. I have to tell him if it is a cartoon that they are fake - somebody just drew that. Dinosaurs fall into this category and really scary monsters. When they are real people, I try to explain that they are real people but are pretending. Now some of you may question my judgement - why are you letting a 4 year old watch things like . . . Jurassic Park, Star Wars, Superman, and he really likes the one about the BIG shark - yes JAWS! My only answer - I don't want them to be afraid of make-believe things. My children are honestly not scared of much (ON TV/movies) because I have drilled into them from them from the very beginning that these things are not REAL - that there are no such things as dinosaurs etc. No nightmares at the Checketts house - we are living the nightmare - :0) Just kidding.

So, apparently Gannon thinks the actors on the T.V. can hear him know. He repeatedly warns people not to do things that may hurt them as they are jumping off high places or getting too close to the edge of a cliff. Last night we were watching Water Horse. This little boy had found a water horse egg and it was a dark, stormy night. He had gone into the shed where he had hid the egg to check on it. It was raining and the music was building up to a scary climax. He was sitting right up by the TV with his little face lifted upward and he sat there with his eyes wide and in a whisper said - "I would not go in there if I were you." I laughed - who wouldn't.

Now, if you want to know how gory I make getting in a car wreck to scare them into wearing their seatbelts or what can happen if someone bad takes you so they stay by me in the store - call me for some pointers. I have scared the living daylights out of them all!

Do I win mother of the year? Not likely.

A MOTHER'S B-DAY

2008-04-14T11:17:00.000-07:00

I'm not writing this for sympathy. I don't want anyone to pity me for the day I had - just laugh with me at the realization that my life is anything less than glamorous and certainly no one would ever want to trade places with me.

The day began in my bed. To - "Rigdon - wake up - it's mom's birthday - let's sing to her." "Rigdon - wake up - it's mom's birthday let's sing to her - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU - No, it wasn't my whole family lovingly waking me up with a breakfast in bed. It was Kenzie and Rigdon who had snuck into my bed in the middle of the night to sleep and Kenzie had decided that she didn't want to be the only one awake so she was doing everything in her power to be loud enough to wake everyone up.

So, I decided - after 20 minutes of this - to just get up and start the day - obviously Jason was sleeping the sleep of the dead and wasn't planning on getting up anytime soon.

I made my way down the stairs with Rigdon and Kenzie and began the clean-up. The house was an absolute shambles. So, you all know me - I begin the battle in my head. I really shouldn't do this - it is Sunday and for heaven's sakes - it's my birthday - I should be laying in bed - but no - who's still sleeping? - JASON - Well I'll show him - I will make him feel like garbage - I will clean the house up and do it all myself. One by one - as I clean - the children began to wake-up and the madhouse begins. I get everything picked up, change the morning diapers and get the breakfast going. Jason comes down - OH Maren, I was going to do that - SURE YOU WERE. No worries, it is done and - hey - it's not like I haven't been doing this for 12 years now. :0)

After everyone is feed and the house is pretty much all picked up and everything is in place. I lay down on the floor to play with my baby. UP comes Mikala, UP comes Gannon, UP comes Kenzie, then Gabbi and finally Rigdon. Rigdon apparently has something Kenzie wants so she takes it - to which Rigdon lashes out by sinking his teeth into Kenzie's bi-cep. I watch in horror - as Kenzie starts to pound on Rigdon with a ferocity equal to Rocky Balboa. To which, Gannon standing behind her, yells out kamikaze style - DON'T HURT MY BROTHER - and kicks her so hard in the back it sends her flying forward onto Rigdon. It all happened in slow motion as I tried to keep Keaton safe from the hooliganism before me.

Something inside snapped - the devil came out and I YELLED - I yelled loud enough for Brad and Allyssia to hear me (this is a life long joke between Jason and I. Brad and Allysia Black were the people that lived below us in our very first apartment - we would always say to one another - be quiet or Brad and Allysia will hear you) Well, even though they are in east Mesa - they probably did hear me - I jumped up and threw them all in their beds meanwhile telling them all how out of control they all are.

Of course, I settled down and of course I apologized and made them all apologize to each other so everything was good again . . . for about 30 minutes. We decided later on to take a drive to a few of the temples around this area - for a fun little birthday/Sunday activity. We got everyone ready and started piling in the car - except - much to my chagrin - another catastrophe is in the making.

Mikala is in the middle seat - and Gannon doesn't want to get in the back - "IT IS GROSS"he cries. Weeping and wailing and nashing of teeth - Mikala crying because she doesn't want to get in the back - Gannon stomping his feet because HE IS NOT (out of control sobbing) SITTING (more sobbing) IN THE (hyperventalation) BAAAAAAACKKKKK!! - YOU ARE SO MEAN (more crying) I (choking while sobbing) HHHHAAAAAAATTTE you." Well of course you do - I mean it's my birthday and who doesn't hate their mom on their birthday. It just wouldn't be a birthday without someone telling you how much they despise you.

I walk into the house and start cleaning up the legos and toys that have been strung out all of the house. They all come in and start crying - WE WANT TO GO TO THE TEMPLE - PLEASE MOMMY - PLEASE - WE ARE SORRY - not half as sorry as I am - all I wanted was some peace and quiet for my special day - and look at this place - I just cleaned it! AHHHH! More weeping and wailing and Jason yelling and I have HAD enough-

I stomp up the stairs, slam my bedroom door and lock myself in. I turn on a movie that I have been trying to finish for over a month and turn the TV loud enough to block out the pounding on the door. The knob being turned over and over and over again - a couple of times I was quite certain the door would be broken down by the violent kicking and scratching and MOM - LET US IN - PLEASE COME OUT. Every 10 minutes they would take a break and then it would be back for more. My movie ends - I fall asleep and the phone rings off the hook with my children pounding on the door - PLEASE MOM - PLEASE - let us in!

Finally 3 hours later - I get up to go to the bathroom, unlock the door and get back in the bed. Let's see how long it takes for them to realize the door is unlocked. One minute passes - two minutes - here comes someone up the stairs - 2 and 1/2 - the knob turns - AHHHHH - the door is unlocked - the first one enters followed by two more and even Keaton climbs up the stairs and into the room. At least they still love me.

We had barbecue beef sandwiches, one of my favorites, outside at our patio table. The kids are happy the birds are singing - and my sweet friend has dropped off cupcakes for us all to enjoy. YUMMY! Life is good - life is short - life is full of good times like these. I didn't get a massage, I didn't get a pedicure, I didn't get to go to dinner or a movie, but I got lots of sticky kisses, a couple of beautiful home-made cards and lots of snuggling time with my babies. What more could I ask for.

And to all of you who called to sing and left messages - because I didn't answer the phone because I was holed up in my bed - THANK YOU a million times over. Your love and friendship are more precious to me than any gift I could ever ask for. I love you all!

And a word to the wise - EXPECT NOTHING - and you will never be dissappointed. At least - that is what I found works for me. . . . . Until next year . . . HAPPY FREAKIN' BIRTHDAY! :0)

CLEAN HANDS

2008-04-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

Saturday afternoon - Grocery shopping with Gabbi
She is starved . . . . we buy a can of Pringles.

ME - "Gabbi - don't eat those until you wash your hands. They are filthy from the cart."

GABBI - "Okay - mom where is the hanitizer?"

HANITIZER - You mean Hand Sanitizer? LOVE IT! - Combine the two and what do you have HANITIZER! Makes sense.

COME HERE SLAVE!

2008-04-14T08:27:00.000-07:00

Monday morning - Gannon asks

"Mom can I play Gamecube?"

Me - "Yes, after the work is done and we get our house clean."

"AHH - MOM, I don't want to work - I am not a slave"

No - Gannon - and neither am I. :0) HILARIOUS!

I'M DRINKY

2008-04-11T07:08:00.000-07:00

Gannon in the tub last night - kept turning the water on and off.

"Gannon - please leave the water off."

"But mom - I need a drink."

"Why?" - I said -

"Because - I'm drinky mom."

" You're drinky"

"Yeah - I need a drink because I'm drinky."

I couldn't correct him.

DAVID K. STEWART

2008-04-10T07:00:00.001-07:00

Okay so maybe I am a little prejudice, but don't you think my dad is one of the HOTTEST guys you have ever seen and even though he is 65 today - he doesn't look much different from this shot taken 40 years ago.

I wanted to tell my dad publically how grateful I am for his birth and how much I love him. He has been such an example to me my whole life of everything that is good and constant. We always knew we would be going to church. We always knew what was expected of us. We always knew that we were loved. I feel so fortunate to have been a child in the home of my parents. They gave us everything we needed and all the love and care a child could ever want.

This picture sums it up for me. What a kind face, what a wonderful heart beats within him. He is a great source of comfort to me and there are times when I ache to just have one of his great bear hugs.

So Dad - Happy Birthday! I wish we could be there in person, to give you a kiss and to celebrate your wonderful life, but we are thinking of you from up here in the deep freeze they call Utah. Enjoy the sunshine, enjoy your day - for dad - YOU ARE ALIVE!

MUSIC PROFESSOR

2008-04-08T19:13:00.000-07:00

For those of you who know me really well, know of my love for music. It is one thing that lifts me up when I am having a bad day. It creates happiness, love and harmony in my home. A song with a good beat can make my spirits fly. My love of music extends from Queen to Josh Groban, from Barry Manilow to Billy Joel. If you ever hear a good song that you think I would like, please let me know. I would love to know what your ALL time favortie song is. Please post a comment with your favorite. For me - I could never choose. I have so many. SING, SING A SONG!

AND THE WEATHER FORECAST CALLS FOR - SNOW?

2008-04-07T09:57:00.000-07:00

WHAT THE HECK? Today is April 7th - Old Man Winter is supposed to have gotten the heck out of Dodge. Not so much - Gannon said - Is it Christmas time again? - No Gannon, we just live in Utah. Need I say more. This is an honest to goodness shot from my front door as of one hour ago.

TOOTH FAIRY - CALLING THE TOOTH FAIRY

2008-04-07T09:52:00.000-07:00

Gabbi lost her first tooth. She was so scared every night after Kenzie told her that she was probably going to lose it during the night and then swallow it. Every night there was worry and fear that Kenzie's prediction would come true. Wednesday the 2nd she came down saying her tooth was bleeding. Jason said let me see - he yanked her tooth a little and she said - DON'T! Then she replied - Hey where is my tooth. He pulled it out without her knowing. She was very excited. The tooth fairy left a dollar.

SMART COOKIE

2008-04-02T07:18:00.001-07:00

I must say this was totally unexpected. Kenzie came home yesterday with an EXTRA wide grin on her face. Unrolling a sheet of paper and holding it in my face. "LOOK AT THIS MOM!" As you can see on the certificate, she scored in the top 10%, nationally in Social Studies on the Iowa tests. Pretty cool. And what was even cooler is how she feels about herself. She said to me "I didn't think I was that smart mom, I guess I am." I just smiled and said - "I KNOW you are that smart." AAAHHH! Days like this make it all so worth it.

THE EASTER BUNNY STOPPED HERE!

2008-03-24T12:18:00.001-07:00

Let me start from the begnning. We have a tradition on Easter morning before we go in search of our baskets to gather on Jason and I's bed and talk about the week before the Savior died. I have a really cool book that I used to show them a map of Jersulem and the path the Savior traveled around that last week of his life. We talk about his last moments and his love for us. Of his cruxification and then of his ressurection. We bear testimony to them that we belive this to be true and then say a prayer inviting the spirit to be with us that day and to help us remember the true meaning of Easter. This year was among the first that we felt like - They are getting it. They truly understand. It was a beautiful moment.

Then we donned our coats and slippers and went out in search of our baskets. The Easter Bunny had definately been to our house. The kids loved looking through their baskets and the candy frenzy began.

I must confess the day was not without its stress. Jamie can testify to this as she called at a specifically crazy moment when I was trying to finish getting ready and to keep the kids prestine until I could capture them in their lovely Easter glory. She might have considered calling CPS as I yelled from the top of the stairs for all the kids to get their hineys up in my room. Gannon had spilled his bubbles on his new clothes, Rigdon was running around outside getting into the dirt, Kenzie was spraying herself and he new dress with body glitter and Keaton was helping himself to a couple of pieces of wrapped candy he found laying on the floor. A half a pack of wipes later and another spritz of hair-spray and we ready to shoot the traidional outdoor Easter shots. Hey you get what you get and don't throw a fit. I guess there is something to be said for paying the outrageous prices at Kiddie Kandids - at least you don't have to try and pose, make them laugh and take the shot at the same time all by yourself. AHHHH! (See the new side pictures of my kids)

AND I realized again how grateful I am for the SHOW UP. What do I mean by the SHOW UP? Well, you know - being invited over to someone else's house for dinner and having to take like a vegetable or a side dish or dessert and getting to sit and enjoy yourself without the stress of cooking the entire meal. It is pretty plain Jane up here. We had a ham and some potatos and a store bought bag of rolls on a paper plate with a plastic cup of water. It tasted good and hey - it was as good as it was going to get.

Then came the pick-up. The picking up of the grass scattered all over the floor, the bits of play-doh, the spilled puddles of bubble juice, the empty candy wrappers, the broken Easter toys that last a day, the stickers and the cracked hard boiled eggs. Is it worth it???? - well just look at their faces. Of course it is. Happy FREAKIN' EASTER! HA HA HA!

TO DYE OR NOT TO DYE

2008-03-24T12:13:00.000-07:00

It was a decision I had to make. Finally I gave in. After 10 years of faithfully dying Easter eggs starting with Mikala and then progressively with each of the other kids I couldn't forego the tradition this year. And so we dyed. A mess was made. Pictures were taken. A memory was created. What we won't do for our kids.

BESTEST FRIENDS

2008-03-24T12:11:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of the two cutest little 4 year olds in Highland. They have a bond that is unbreakable. Their love of light sabers, food and gamecube ensure their friendship for life.

On the day this picture was taken Gannon was saying the prayer on dinner and Luke was over. Gannon asked Heavenly Father to bless him and Luke to be friends forever. After the prayer was over - Luke turned to Gannon and said - That was really a nice prayer Gannon. PRICELESS!

CRAZY HAIR DAY

2008-03-21T12:38:00.000-07:00

The girls had crazy hair day at school today. How do you do "CRAZY" hair. Well, for Kenzie, I started with the blow dryer and a can of hair spray. She seemed to think it was great and added a couple of eggs to what she claimed look like a nest.

Mikala is a little more refined and didn't want me spraying her hair with gunk so I came up with this little do - we will call it the pony-poof.

Gabbi's hair is quite long and so I needed something creative for her. Braids - this did the trick and they all left with a smile on their faces. Crazy kids!

HONEST ABE

2008-03-21T09:22:00.001-07:00

Gabbi painted this picture of Abraham Lincoln for President's Day. I was so tickled when she brought it home to show me. What a talented little girl she is. Such a good likeness don't you think?

CUTE AS A BUG!

2008-03-09T19:05:00.001-07:00

I am sorry - he is just so stickin' cute!

THE REAL DAY

2008-03-09T18:58:00.000-07:00

Mikala had a very nice ACTUAL birthday day. She got a new outfit to wear to school and treats for the class. She then had a relaxing afternoon, followed by dinner at Olive Garden and dessert with the family. She LOVED her birthday cake which was her mother's sad attempt to throw something together that day. Thank goodness kids see everything through rose-colored glasses. It tasted better than it looked - after Rigdon stuck his fingers in it 40 times. A great big thank you to everyone who called and left messages and sang to her. It made her feel special and know she is loved. I started to cry when I heard Uncle Doug and Aunt Lori singing. Not because Uncle Doug was singing bad, but because it hit me once again what an awesome family we have. We LOVE and miss you all. Thanks again for making her day so special.

SUNDAY NAP

2008-03-09T18:55:00.001-07:00

I put Kenzie in charge of Keaton last Sunday afternoon while I was busy doing who knows what. She took him upstairs to play in her room. I asked Mikala to go check on them and she came back and said they were both asleep in each others arms. I had to take a picture, and then rescue Keaton so he didn't fall off my bed. AHHH - doesn't it look so good. A nap, complete with drool and everything.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MIKALA!

2008-03-09T18:48:00.000-07:00

Mikala had a CLUE birthday party. Her friends all came dressed like spies. They had a really good time decoding puzzles, guessing who's hand print was who's, playing a new game called CLUE MYSTERIES, and solving the crime of the STOLEN BIRTHDAY GIFTS. Mikala loved every minute of it and had a great time. Here she is with her cute friends.

YO, YO, YO - CHECK IT OUT!

2008-03-01T16:12:00.000-08:00

We can't stop watching this young man. Wow!

THE MAN RULES

2008-02-28T15:10:00.000-08:00

After almost 13 years of marriage and this e-mail I just recieved, I have finally began to understand my man.

Here are the rules from the male side.

These are our rules! Please note.. these are all numbered "1 " - ON PURPOSE!

1. Men are NOT mind readers.

1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down.
We need it up, you need it down. You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

1. Sunday sports It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides.
Let it be.

1. Crying is blackmail.

1. Ask for what you want.
Let us be clear on this one:
Subtle hints do not work!
Strong hints do not work!
Obvious hints do not work!
Just say it!

1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do.
Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument.
In fact, all comments become Null and void after 7 Days.

1. If you think you're fat, you probably are.
Don't ask us.

1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one

1. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it done.
Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.

1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during commercials..

1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.

1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings.
Peach, for example, is a fruit, not A color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.

1. If it itches, it will be scratched. We do that.

1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," We will act like nothing's wrong.
We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.

1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, Expect an answer you don't want to hear.

1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine... Really .

1 . Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as baseball or motor sports.

1. You have enough clothes.

1. You have too many shoes.

1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!

1. Thank you for reading this.
Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight;

ANYBODY KNOW ABOUT THE STOCK MARKET PRICE ON TIDE?

2008-02-27T18:28:00.000-08:00

I just had to take a picture for everyone to see, even though Jason said "Nobody is going to care about that". Keep in mind that this is only 4 days of laundry. I just had to pile it up to see how big I could get it. Pretty sad - huh?

NOTHING CUTER

2008-02-27T18:26:00.001-08:00

There is nothing cuter to me than to see my children sleeping. It is the only break I get. (HA HA!) I went to check on Keaton and found him sound asleep. How cute is he?

J-E-L-L-O

2008-02-27T18:24:00.000-08:00

Pudding that is! Rigdon helped himself to this yummy treat and got it all over from head to feet!

THE NEXT DIVINCI

2008-02-26T17:09:00.000-08:00

Mikala came home with this masterpiece from her art class at school. I was impressed. I couldn't draw something like that. Does it look like anybody you know?

CHRISTIAN DIOR - EAT YOUR HEART OUT

2008-02-22T08:18:00.000-08:00

Walking down the staircase with a pouty pucker to her lips - here comes Gabriella Checketts in an amazing little ensemble she created herself. From her brown shirt overlayed by a hot pinked striped sweater to her underlay of navy blue polka dots right down to the faded turquoise pants - this is the fashion for the spring ladies. Take note - you will be seeing this on the cover of every fashion magazine. Can I wear this to school mom? Is it crazy outfit day? I think not.

GOT MILK?

2008-02-18T14:25:00.000-08:00

Where's his mother? Probaly cleaning up one of his OTHER messes. What you can't see - the deliciously, chocolatey, oh so refreshing coating of powder covering the kitchen floor.

TAGGED AGAIN!

2008-02-15T14:13:00.000-08:00

I was tagged on Cassie LaRue Kerby's Blog to tell you about the one I love. So without further adieu let me introduce you to

Jason R (that is just R without a period after it) Checketts
Age: 36 years old

Who said I love you first? He did of course!

How long did you date? Our first date was May 20th and we were married exactly one year later.

Who can sing better? It depends on who you are asking. I think we are both about the same - Believe me we are no Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers - Islands in the Stream, but we can both hold our own if we had a gun to our heads.

Who is smarter? Again, that depends on who you are asking. I can often be quoted saying "What were you thinking?" Obviously he has a highly educated brain, he just sometimes forgets to use it.

Who does the laundry? Me, of course.

Who does the dishes? Me, of course.

What are his guilty pleasures? A shot of Nyquil at night - I joke with him that it is his nightcap AND DARK CHOCOLATE!

Who sleeps on the right? If you are laying in the bed then he is on the right if you are facing it - it's me.

Who mows the lawn? He does

Besides you, who is his best friend? Jason needs no other friends besides me, but if I had to say someone - it would Nello. Who's Nello you ask? Why the OH-SO FAMOUS CES YOUTH SPEAKER - Just ask and I will get you an autograph.

Who cooks dinner? ME, Of course.

Who drives? It depends on if I am feeling like putting my life on the line that day or not.

Who is more stubborn? ME, of course.

Who kissed who first? Jason had to wait three long months to kiss me. He tried on one of our first dates, but I was unyielding. Poor guy. About three months after our first date - he could take it no longer. We were at his parents house watching Ghostbusters and he leaned over planted one on me - talk about romantic - is Ghostbusters romantic. I never imagined it as a turn on movie - but maybe it is.

Who asked who out first? Jason asked me

What was your first date? I honestly can't remember. We had hung out together before then, but our first official date was the 20th of May. I think we saw a movie and got some dinner. How sad is that. I will have to go back to the journal on that one.

Who proposed? Jason

Who has more siblings? We both of the same. We are both sandwiched in the middle

Who wears the pants? ME, OF COURSE!

What is your favorite thing about him? There is no way to pin-point one thing. Jason has the ability to make everything okay. One touch of his hand can calm me down and strengthen me. I would love it if he could retire and spend his days with me. We have a lot of fun together and if I had to choose I would rather be with him than anyone else in the whole world. Not only am I completely, 100%, Totally CRAZY in love with him, but I LIKE him just as much. He IS my match made in heaven.

I TAG: Kristen, Jamie, Rachel, Melissa, Aunt Lori, Annalisa, Dorothy

I WAS TAGGED

2008-02-15T13:59:00.000-08:00
So, I was tagged by a couple of people to do this so I thought I would just throw it out there on the old blog.

Three jobs I have had in my life:

1. Waitress at Olde Time Pizza (That's Old with an e)
2. Receptionist at M.R. Tanner Construction
3. Scentsy Consultant :0)

Three movies I would or HAVE watch over and over:

1. Pride & Prejudice
2. Emma
3. Anything Jane Austen

Three places I have lived

1. Mesa, Arizona (I am starting with my first choice)
2. Highland, Utah
3. Frederick Maryland

Three TV Shows that I watch:

1. American Idol - (auditions over - 24 have been selected)
2. So You think You Can Dance
3. Anything Jane Austen

Three places I have been:

1. Puerta Viarta
2. California
3. Hawaii

People who email me (regularly):

1. Kristen
2. Jamie
3. Dorothy

Three of my favorite foods:

1. Mexican
2. Mexican
3. And More Mexican

Three places I would rather be right now:

1. In Arizona
2. By the Pool
3. Disneyland

Three Things I am looking forward to in 2008:

1. The SUN - Cassie says it is going to come back.
2. SUMMER - No School - Ask me again in August
3. BREAKING DAWN - is coming out in August and we get to find out if Edward bites Bella or not.

Now it is your turn - let's see what you have to say for yourselves!

THE LUCK O' THE CHECKETTS

2008-02-15T09:13:00.000-08:00
Rachel this one is for you.

As I was setting up this St. Patrick's Day splendor I typed out The Luck O' The Checketts to correlate with my Irish theme. However, as I sat and thought about it, I realized how LUCKY I really am.

So, my word for the week.

LUCKY
Pronunciation: \ˈlə-kē\
Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): luck·i·er; luck·i·est
Date: 15th century
1 : having good luck
2 : happening by chance : fortuitous
3 : producing or resulting in good by chance : favorable
4 : seeming to bring good luck (a lucky rabbit's foot)

Fortuitous - I love that - I AM fortunate - I have so many things that make my life so incrediably easy. Amidst all the madness that I call my life, I find myself very fortunate to be a member of this wondeful gospel. I cling to the belief of the tender mercies of the Lord to get me through each and every day.

I feel VERY fortunate to have the love of a man named Jason. He is my source of comfort and reason and brings me back to sanity after moments of tearful tantrums of torment. (Say that 10 times fast)

I have 6 gorgeous children who raise me up to be a better me, requiring love, patience and long-suffering which are all qualities of our Savior that I am striving to obtain.

So, I don't need a rabbit's foot, I have friends and family like you and that makes me the LUCKIEST person in the world.

I Love you all - you know who are!

SNOW, SNOW, & MORE SNOW

2008-02-15T09:04:00.000-08:00

I know I have said it before, but maybe someday the people in Utah will realize that they have been living in an insane assylum and just a state down is the place where all the normal people go and they just don't know about it. Poor fools - paradise is only 10 hours away and they continue to suffer in this misery. We had another blizzard on Wednesday. It was insane. I watched people inching their way along the road. Highways were closed and teachers were stuck at schools. The roadways were littered with abandoned cars and a 45 mintue commute turned into 2 1/2 hours. Jason practically got lost in all the madness. I had a Scentsy party that had to be cancelled because I wouldn't have been able to see her house from the street in order to find it. So, those of you that are basking in the sunshine - remember me and turn your face upward and soak it up for a few mintues. I would love to be in your shoes.

KISS ME I'M IRISH

2008-02-15T08:55:00.001-08:00
I couldn't wait for Valentine's Day to be over so I could change my blog. So, here is my version of the wearin' of the green. Have fun kicking your heels up to this rip-roaring, toe-taping music list.

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE AZ

2008-02-05T07:48:00.000-08:00
Twas the night before AZ
When all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring
Not even a mouse.

The luggage was stacked
By the back door with care
So we coul all pack up
For our great journey there.

The children were nestled
All snug on the floor
So they wouldn't have to do
This one last great chore.

And papa in his cut-offs
And me in my jammies
Could not stop thinking
About seeing our families.

When up in my mind
Rose a thought just like thunder
We're heading for sunshine
A land of great wonders.

My mind started racing
My brain was just whirling
What a fun time we'll have.
It makes me feel just like twirling.

Punching the pillows
I turned this way and that
I pulled at the blankets
Then straight up I sat.

I can't go to sleep
I'm just to excited.
In less than one day
We'll all be re-united.

If you can't tell I am so excited to be going HOME tomorrow. I just can hardly stand it. AND I really can't sleep for the butterflies I feel in my stomach. Last night Jason had to tell me a story to get my mind off of it before I could go to sleep. Will I ever grow up?

Probably not, but that is okay.
I love my family, what can I say?

CANCER PATIENT - OR A REALLY BAD HAIRCUT

2008-01-31T20:24:00.000-08:00

It is quiet. Almost too quiet.

"Where's Gannon?"

Keaton crying.

"Mikala - go get Keaton out of his bed."

"MMMMMMOOOOOOMMMMM! GANNON CUT KEATON'S HAIR!"

"WHAT?"

The above is a complete narrative of Keaton's first hair-cut today. Followed by his first buzz. I do think he looks cute - even if I do say so myself, however, he still has some bald spots that were cut completely to the scalp. All I could do was laugh.

The punishment - well Gannon punished himself. He went in his room, got in his bed, pulled the covers over his head and went to sleep.

PRICELESS

MOTHERS WHO KNOW

2008-01-27T16:31:00.000-08:00
So, as I remembered my divine calling and the importance of the job that I am doing - I continue to recieve daily affirmation of the truthfullness of it. After being spiritual feed at church, I came home to an e-mail that continued the feast. I am grateful I am a part of all of this - aren't you? I am sure glad I know.

I SURRENDER

2008-01-25T16:01:00.000-08:00
Well, I fought a good fight. (Cassie - start eating your foot) I lasted till approximately 3:30 p.m. That was 7 hours longer than I thought I would. I got Gabbi off to the bus and laid down and took a nap for 2 of those hours. Before falling asleep (Jason was home - so no my boys did not have free reign of the house - or maybe they did) I was reading in 1 NEPHI Chapter 17. In versus 2 & 3 it talks about how as they traveled in the wilderness the Lord lifted their burdens and made them light - even so light that they did not murmur or complain. I had an AH HA - moment. My situation is no different from Nephi's wife or mother, or sister - I am being a Laman or a Lemuel. I am grumbling and complaning and I have everything to be thankful for. I applied for this position and I really wanted this job - so I surrender with a glad heart. I know that the Lord will carry me through this and make my burdens light. I love being a mom and I am grateful that he intrusted me with this great task. I am grateful for the revelation - (or maybe it was the nap). Put your shoulder to the wheel - PUSH ALONG! I immediately began cleaning!

IT'S BEEN 3 HOURS

2008-01-25T10:42:00.001-08:00
It has been three long hours for me. I must confess I picked up some trash and threw it away. What was I supposed to do - let Keaton eat it? It's too bad he isn't a vacuum cleaner - then I could set him down and my carpets would be clean in no time.

MOTHERS OF AMERICA UNITE

2008-01-25T08:09:00.000-08:00

We the mothers of the United States, in order to form a more perfect household, insure domestic cleanliness, provide for the common cold, promote the general nutrition, and secure the Blessings of the gospel to ourselves, and our posterity, do proclaim and herby state this as the Constitution for the Mother.

So - today I am creating a Union. I am going on strike. I am over-worked and under-paid. I have zero vacation days and do not get the 5 minute break that I am entitled to. I have decided to not pick up, wipe up, dust or vaccum until my rights are realized. Now, those of you that know me know what kind of dilema this puts me in. I am a clean freak by nature and my very soul cries out to the sock on the floor to be picked up. BUT - I will prevail. It may last for a day, it may last for an hour. But, I will succeed for what ever amount of time I can stand it. Mothers of America UNITE!

KENZIE KANDID'S

2008-01-24T21:16:00.000-08:00

Anybody looking for a good photographer. I have just the gal. So, I go to download my snow pictures and I have a few extra pictures that I didn't take. I can only assume that Kenzie was trying to get a good glamour shot of herself. Maybe she thought she could piece the bottom and the top half together. Classic Kenzie Moment.