Teacher for a Day

Kyler's 1st grade class has been learning about different countries throughout the world, and Kyler has found this fascinating! He comes home spouting off random facts, customs, and traditions of far away lands almost everyday. He recently reported that elves are real... thanks to the Netherlands presenter! Justin was invited to come teach Ky's class about Brazil where he served his mission. He brought in Brazilian music, crafts, native weapons, pictures, soccer items... but the kids' favorite part was the mounted piranha! Kyler was so excited and proud to have his Dad teaching his class!

The ABC's of Carson

Check out the sweet book I made for my lover of letters: CARSON! You can look at the book below or click on this link to see in larger:
http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectId=1273866&productId=5&projectSponsor=372214

Time To Say Goodbye

This weekend, we said goodbye to a member of our home... and I couldn't be happier about it! We have a room off of our kitchen, and when we built our home, we envisioned it as a homework room for the kids. (Think posh Pottery Barn catalogue!) We thought that yellow paint would fit the kid theme... however, we just didn't have the funds to make our imagination a reality. So the 'homework room' really just became a room full of random office stuff and junk... and painted yellow! To me, the yellow walls just added to the confusion. Over time, my hatred for the room grew from a disliking to a full blown loathing hatred. Every time, the door to the room was left open, I cringed. When friends visited, I apologized. Well, my turmoil came to an end last Saturday. With the first swipe of paint, I immediately felt better. It was extremely difficult painting with four children bumping in to us every few seconds and begging to help the entire time, but it was well worth it. I am so thankful for my extremely hard working, fast working, and talented husband who knows how to do everything! He has given me the best early Mother's Day present ever! Good-bye yellow paint. Rest in peace. I shall not miss you.

BEFORE

AFTER

"And The Doctor Said, 'No More Monkeys...'"

Kyler's had a rough few months. He got a tooth pulled, poked in the eye by his sister, and now a broken arm! Kyler is yet another victim of the monkey bars! Both bones were broken in his left arm just above the wrist. He has been such a trooper though! He never complains of pain and he insists on being independent. We all forget that he's wounded because he hasn't slowed down a bit! He misses riding his bike, but he was very relieved that his injury has not in any way affected his beat boxing abilities. I got a huge smile out of him when I told him that he got to have a break from piano, but now he says he's actually missing it! Now, that is music to Mom's ears!

As soon as Kyler returned from the hospital with his sling, Carson immediately started experiencing sympathy pains. His foot became 'broken' too, so he received a homemade cast, and he proceeded to hop on one foot throughout the day.
Through his accident, Kyler has realized just how very loved he is! He received calls, cards, and treats from many friends and family members. My favorite (not Kyler's) was this note from a little admirer in his class! He was too embarrassed to pose in a picture with it because of the heart! I have to enjoy these days when he doesn't like girls. I know it won't last forever!

Rodeo up, Ya'll!

Grandpa Luke surprised us with tickets to the Dodge National Circuit Rodeo! When I shared the news with my boys a few days before the event, they immediately got decked out in their cowboy duds and played "cowboy" all afternoon.

We were so excited for our date night with Grandma and Grandpa Luke, but the day before the rodeo, Grandpa realized that the rodeo conflicted with our cousin's Jr. Miss Pageant, so they wouldn't be able to go. Grandpa felt bad, so the morning of the rodeo, he jumped in his car and drove up to have a cowboy picture with the grandkids! Then he took us out to lunch to Texas Road House before racing back home to travel to the pageant. I was amazed that my Dad went to so much effort to do something special for us! My children have the greatest grandparents (from both sides) on the planet!
We had "Gold" tickets, and were seated just a few feet away from all the action! Here were our favorite things:

McKenna--The rodeo queens. (But she was very concerned for the poor calfs who were being roped and dragged all the time.)

Kyler--The bulls!

Carson--The broncos! (I knew he was having fun when he said, "This is the greatest day ever!")

Mom--The short music clips played during the action.

Dad--The shiny truck that carried the winners around!

Carson turns 4!!

Is it just me, or is life flying by way to fast? How can it be possible that Carson will start school in just one year? That's right! Carson turned 4 years old on March 30th. He has officially left the baby years. He's a Sunbeam, computer pro, cell phone pro, ipod pro, and learning how to ski and ride a bike. He's just about the most adorable kid on the planet, but don't let those sweet blue eyes fool you. He has quite a stubborn streak and mind of his own. Grandpa Luke says that those qualities are going to make him very successful someday, so I remind myself of that daily when I'm knocking myself out trying to get him to eat anything other than his three standbys: peanut butter sandwiches, pizza, or chicken nuggets. Amazingly, he is growing with the little nutrition he takes in, and he's getting smarter each day too! He is very passionate about the alphabet. Everything he sees, he asks me what letter it starts with and wants me to take a picture of it for his alphabet book. Carson always has some portion of a costume on which magically transports him to a world of his own. He is often seen punching and kicking some invisible being with amazing sound effects. He also loves super heroes, Star Wars, playing with his brother Kyler, and playing a morning video game with his Daddy before Dad heads off to work. Carson's endless energy and huge imagination adds so much adventure to our home.

Carson didn't have the most exciting birthday this year because Justin and I were both hit hard by the stomach flu. By taking shifts, we somehow managed to make Carson breakfast in bed and a cake... but it was tough! Thank goodness he had some new toys to keep him busy all day because Mom and Dad were no fun! We'll make it up to you next year buddy! We love you!

The three kiddos modeling Carson's new costumes!

I love this photo! Carson (Darth Vader) is strangling Ky (a Clone Trooper) by using "the Force!" It's really amazing what three sons can do for a mom who grew up with all sisters. I know way too much about Star Wars considering I've never even watched it! I have to admit, little boys are a lot of fun!

Easter 2009

The Monday before Easter, we colored eggs for FHE! The kids love this tradition. As they are getting older, our eggs are getting more and more artistic! We had B.S.U. eggs, polka dot eggs, tie dye eggs, and eggs with little messages, like "I love you, Mom!" Kids make holidays so much fun!

Ashton enjoyed the egg coloring ceremony from the confines of the high chair, but as long as he has something in his mouth, he's good! The smooth, hard boiled surface was a delightful, new wonderland for this mouth!

Coloring eggs wasn't much fun for Kyler this year. He and his sister were being rowdy (like ususal) and he got poked in the eye! We tried a pirate patch, tried coloring eggs in the dark, but nothing helped the soreness and light sensitivity! He spent the evening and entire next day crying and holding his eye.

McKenna loves holidays!

Our little Bunny Foo Foo on his first Easter!

Ashton demonstrating his newest talent... He can clap! Its' so cute... and obviously brilliant! :)

On our way to Grandma and Grandpa Luke's for Easter dinner. This never happens--so I had to take a picture to document this phenomenon!
We had the funnest evening and yummiest dinner at Grandma's house. Grandma always makes everything so special with her attention to detail and decorative touch! It was a wonderful day as we listened to Conference, celebrated with family, and reflected on our Savior's atonement and resurrection. We are so blessed!