April 2009

Life just never seems to slow down does it? Here is what we have been up to lately.

Recently at Stake Conference, a family spoke who had made it a goal to go see every temple in Utah. We thought this was a wonderful idea and decided to take it on as a challenge for our family, along with our friends. So far, we have been to the Draper Temple, the St. George Temple and are planning a trip to Moab in June to see the Monticello Temple. The kids have really enjoyed the small trips we have taken, and hopefully this activity makes an impression on them.
Christian received straight A's again and was invited to be a member of the Jr. National Honor Society. He has found his passion with track and came in 2nd place in the mile and the 800 meter run. He will be running in the Race for the Cure, hopefully with me.
Madison seriously never stops running, jumping, and playing. She was the star stealer and shooter on her basketball team and her and Hunter enjoy being members of the "Best Buddies Club." They are inseparable and can usually be found on their RipSticks (like a skateboard), trying to sell things to earn money door- to- door, jumping on the trampoline, or making up plays.
Ashton is officially into the terrible twos and is DANGEROUS. He's always escaping the house and going down the street, YIKES! It's so hard to keep tabs on him at all times.
We are finishing off our theater room downstairs, along with an exercise room and a small kitchenette. Kristen's husband Zack has been an awesome contractor and has also framed the theater room. I am so happy that Robert is finally getting his theater room because he really has never done anything for himself; he is frugal to a fault, and usually talks himself out of everything he wants. I, on the other hand am not quite as frugal . . .
We are planning a trip to Yellowstone in July and hoping that the rest of my family can come too. I am slowly trying to check off my list of things I have always wanted to see and do, and Yellowstone is one of those things. We are renting a cabin in Island Park which is 20 minutes from the West entrance to Yellowstone.
I am gearing myself up for summer, which usually proceeds as follows: June---fun and busy. July--house is a mess, kids are starting to fight more, and I have run out of things to entertain them. August--Hell which I am not enduring well. Fighting is all day, I have given up on keeping the house clean, cold cereal for dinner, I force them to watch TV so that they won't interact with me or each other, and sometimes I resort to locking them outside. Things are a little better now that Christian can babysit and I can occasionally leave, however.
Which brings me to the next upcoming event: Christian turns 13 (meaning I'm old and I officially have a teenager), and Hunter turns 8 and will be baptized! Two very exciting milestones to look forward to. That's it for now. . .