Signs of the Fall

I am so excited to be back to blogging again.  I finally bought a new camera even though I missed a ton of fun things that we did during the summer like....swimming lesson, gymnastics for Jordyn, karate for the boys, story time at the library, swimming in G-pa and G-ma Slades new pool, Russell first ever family reunion, and a lot of playing in the sunshine with friends.  Now I can begin fresh for the new fall season!  I can smell it in the air and in our household there are many signs that the season has turned like.......

 

 

 

Signs of the upcoming Halloween holiday. Ty has been showing everyone his Zombie eyes were you only get to see the whites of his eyes and of course Reggie has been practicing too.  Everytime he does it we all scream and he thinks he is just freakin funny.

The first days of school.  Jordyn gets to started Pre-school this year and she is so excited.  She has the same teacher that the boys had and they have said lots of good things.  She went on her first day very happy with no tears (except maybe from mom).

 I had to show off her very practical backpack that she picked out.  She just had to have it because it sparkled:)

 The start of Friday night movie nights again.  The other days are so crazy we just don't have time to watch a whole lot of tv but, it is so nice to have time together just chillin' and being together as a family.  It is close family bonding time and I mean close because our family of six all climb into our bed to watch the show (thank goodness it is at least a king).

 Fall sports have now begun.  Ty is playing soccer for his first time.  Watching him play soccer is a little nastalgic for me.  He is having a blast.   This is him and his buddy Cy.

                                         Look at that intensity he must get it from his father.

 Another first this season is Ashton's first year playing football.  He is still I little confused and trying to figure it all out but, he loves it and is having a ton of fun.  Cory is loving seeing one of his sons play football and I just laugh when he finally knocks someone on their butt instead of the other way around and Ashton looks at us, beams, and shows us his muscles.

                                                     He is number 14 third from the left.

                        The weather is changing from all sunny days to some fun rain storms.

                            Getting in the last few walks of the season before it gets too cold.

And the number one sign of the season change is the beautiful change of the leaves up the canyon.  It is official!!!!

Summer fun has begun

The last day of school the kids were invited to a out of school party.  They had so much fun!  There was a train ride, a kiddie pool, treats, lemonade, and a couple of large slip'n'slides.  My little Reggie from the moment we got there was so excited about the slides I couldn't keep him away.  The first time he went down I had him go with Ashton but, then the second time I was trying to get him to go down with Ty and he just got on his tummy and took off on his own.  I was laughing so hard and so were the the ladies that were camped out on their chairs watching.  You think out of four kids I would have one that was mellow or somewhat shy but, no not one.  So my friend had to catch a shot of my little camocazie going down the slide, I LOVE IT!!!

 What is summer to my boys without mud!  They think that they are so funny being mud hulks.  I told them to go and give my friend across the street a big hug and she thought that they looked awesome and took some pictures for me (mine broke and I still haven't bought a new one).

 I don't really know what muscle he is trying to kiss.  I can't see it can you?  Maybe it is to covered in mud to see, ya ya that's it.

                                                                  Anyone want a kiss?

Grandpa Collins

 On Monday April 23, 2012 my last living Grandparent passed away, My Grandpa Collins.  He was ninety two and three days.  He hung in there just long enough to have one last Birthday Party and one bite of cake. For him it probably seemed like forever for him to pass but, for us it was very quick.  He struggled for two weeks before he decided it was time to let go.  My mother is a daddy's girl and she has been his main caregiver for the past four years since my grandmother passed.  He would come to her home a week or two every month and when he wasn't there she would go to his house to clean, cook for him, and keep him company, once a week.  Other siblings help with visiting when he was at home, so he was well taken care of and loved.  In the last two weeks of his life he was in hospice care in my parents home with my mother by his side almost every moment.   It was so beautiful to see the dedication and love she had for him.    It was very hard on her but, one of her greatest gifts and talents is service and she served him with great love until the end.  He was a wonderful man.  He loved his family, he served his country, he served his church, he loved loved loved to read, he was the best records keeper, and he loved very dearly my grandmother.  They were married sixty plus years before she passed and he missed her so so so much.  That is one of the most wonderful things about his passing is knowing that they are now together again.  He yearned to be with her again so much.  They had the kind of relationship that anyone should want to emulate.  That had a great respect for each other, great kindness, an amazing love.  Even in there old age they were the biggest flirts.  One of my grandmothers sayings was even if there is snow on the roof it doesn't mean the fire is out inside.   I was giving my husband a kiss one time at a family get together and she grabbed my grandpa and gave him the biggest smacker he was so stunned.  She said she didn't want to be left out.  Grandpa wasn't complaining one little bit.  We will miss him here very much but, knowing they are now in each others arms puts a big smile on my face.

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The First of Four

 Last Saturday was one of the PROUDEST days of being a parent for me.  Our oldest child Ashton decided to be baptized a member of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints.  His birthday was the end of March but, because of Conference in April he had to wait until May to do it.  He was so excited and it was so hard for him to wait that extra month but we made it.

 On the tag on his shirt it says Future Missionary.  Doesn't he look like he'll be a good one.  He is a good kid and tries hard to Choose The Right.  Plus he looks really handsome in his suit.

 Cory made the comment that this was his favorite thing to wear :p.   Ashton was the only boy being baptized that day and there were three other girls in the ward also.  Before the baptism part they had some speakers one of them was our home teacher Ryan Smith.  They also had the kids being baptized and their sibling sing a primary song and again my boys were the only boys up there.  They did a great job! After Ashton was baptized and dunked in the water there were a few giggles in the audience because when Ashton came out of the water his face was a mix of being shocked and excited.  He was smiling and had the biggest wide eyes it was so cute.

 I love my little family!  I just realized though looking at this picture that we are missing one whoops.  He was with Grandma and we were hurrying to get pictures taken before they had to go to the font.  Oh well he was there and did get to watch it all happen.  After the baptism we went back into the Chapel so that Ashton could be Confirmed.  Even thought the Bishop asked us to try and keep the circle small it is kind of hard to do when we have a big family.  We ended up having around thirteen men encircle Ashton for the Confirmation.  Even though it is hard for them all to fit my heart swells when they they gather around one of my children for blessings.  It is a huge blessing in my life that I am surrounded by so many worthy Priesthood holders.  It gives me a sense of comfort to now that if I or any of my kids ever need a blessing and Cory wasn't there to do it I wouldn't have to look far for someone that could.  I am so Grateful for so many Wonderful men in my life!!!!

 It was a Beautiful Baptism and after we all went to our place for some brunch.  Uncle Ryan is in Utah for a little bit to work and after everyone was gone he hung out to visit and play with the kids.  It was so cute I was in the house cleaning up and Cory was Snoozing on the couch Ryan was outside for probably an hour or so just playing with the kids.  They love him!  I had to take this picture because it was funny.  Jordyn talked Ryan into having a Tea Party with her.

When it was all said and done it must have taken a lot out of Cory because two seconds after everyone left this was him.  I was very proud of him that day as well.  What an amazing feeling to have your husband exercise the Priesthood especially on one of our children.  It was a day I will not soon forget.

One Month, One Post

I don't know why it is that I can't pull it together to put more than one post on per month. But, I guess if it ain't broke why fix it right. This has been a crazy month and to top it all off my camera broke taking pictures of my last post and I haven't got a new one yet so the posts may be pictureless for a little while. After Ty's birthday party the very next day was Valentines Day. Cory had to work all day and had school that night so needless to say I didn't get to see my Valentine until about nine that evening. Because it was a short celebration I wanted to make it really nice. To make that happen I spent all day cooking Cory a romantic dinner. I make homemade Italian Bread, with a Caesar salad, Shrimp Cocktails, Olive Gardens recipe of Chicken Alfredo (not easy by the way), Sparkling Apple Cider, and I made some hand dipped Chocolate Covered Strawberries for dessert. To make it extra special I borrowed some fancy table decorations from my mother. I did take some pictures on my phone but I don't know how to get them off my phone so we'll just have to keep the picture in our memories. The table cloth was red, the Cider was on ice, the beautiful China was on gold chargers, with matching gold silverware, champagne glasses, with red fanned napkins in the glasses, and to top it all off candlelight. The very best part of it was that our kids helped me get the house cleaned up, got their homework done, and was in bed and stayed there while we enjoyed our time together. It was only for a moment of the day but, it was a GREAT moment!!!

Around the same time at Ashton's school they were doing a story telling festival. Ashton came home one day and said that he wanted to be a part of it. So he picked a book and pretty much started practicing on his own. The book is called "Who Will Help Santa This Year?" He practiced in front of us, grandparents, neighbors, and friends. He then performed it in front of his class, then he got picked to perform his story in front of his whole grade, then he was picked to tell his story in front of the school. That is where he stopped but, he was so excited and we were SOOOOO Proud! He did say he got so nervous telling it in front of the school that his knees were shaking. It was his first time performing in front of a big crowd but, he seemed fearless. It was a lot of fun and a really good experience.

We also celebrated another sons birthday. Ashton had his Eighth B-day. This is a big one with big milestones. The most important one is yea he has chosen to be baptized. We don't get to do int until May because of Conference but, we will get there. He gets to start scouts which he is excited about and he can also work towards his Duty to God award. We have a lot more things besides school, homework, and Karate to do now but, a little overwhelming but, it is a lot of good things so that can't be bad. They are all good things that will help teach him how to be a righteous, and good person. We really are excited for this new stage in his life. Ok so now the fun stuff! Ashton got to invite eight of his friends to go with us to Lowe's Xtreme Air Sports for his party. They had a BLAST it is a place with trampolines, foam pits, a rock wall, and a place they could just go crazy. I definitely recommend it. It was a good price (for the party room as well) and it was really low maintenance for us, plus the boys loved it. My little three year old princess had a great time too! They have an area for under six which she liked but then she adventured out to the big area and I couldn't get her to go back to the little kid part. Cory and I were bumbed that we didn't wear athletic clothes so we could join them. We'll for sure go back some time. Ashton said it was the BEST PARTY EVER!!!

The last big event that has happened this month in the mist of every other day to day craziness is Cory and I had our 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY. I can't believe ten years have gone by. We have made it through some really really hard times and have had a ton of GREAT times. Cory took me out to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants The Roof at the top of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. It is a little pricey so we only go there once a year or so. The food is so good, we both love the pianist, and it is always wonderful to take time away from the kids to remember why we got married in the first place. Marriage is always a work in progress but, I do want to say I am so grateful to be married to this man of mine. He loves me, our family, and works so hard every day to make a great life for us. I truly don't think that I could make it without him. So yea for 10yrs. and CHEERS for fifty great more.

Ty Turns The Big #6

Ok so it has been about a month now but it is never too late to celebrate the birth of one of you children right. Ty's B-day was at the beginning of February and he decided this year for his party to invite a few friends to go to Kangaroo Zoo. This is his not so beautiful cake. He wanted blue frosting, with stars on it, and a sign that said Happy Birthday. I know I stink at making Birthday cakes but, all that matters is that he liked it. First we had some yummy cake.
Then it was Present Time!!!
Then we were off to Kangaroo Zoo. This is Ashton and Gavin playing King of The Mountain.
This is one of Ty's best buddies Cy.
Jordyn and Ruby taking down an Alligator
Big CHEESE!
Caleb and Ty sunk in on one of the blow ups.
They all thought is was funny to sink in. If you can't guess by looking at them. These are brothers Gavin and Nick that Ty has know since birth they are basically another two brothers to him.

Ty had a great day! With every year it just amazes me how much they grow and develop. Ty is such a good kid. He loves to laugh and be silly. He tries really hard to be a great friend and brother. I still call him my oblivious child because he misses everything right in front of his face and runs into shopping carts at the store. The crazy thing is when he wants to focus his attention to detail he is very impressive even when he was little. Like coloring, making his bed, and reading. He loves to make people happy and feels so good when he is a good boy. He loves to ride his bike, go to his Karate class, play the Wii, swim, school, Sunday school, to gross people out by showing them his chewed up food, and most of all making people laugh. Happy Birthday Ty we love you with all our hearts!!!

Sugar and Spice?

Sugar and spice and everything nice that's what little girls are made of

Sunshine and rainbows and ribbons for hair bows that's what little girls are made of

Tea parties, laces and baby doll faces that's what little girls are made of

So I have officially decided that who ever wrote this poem was full of it! I wrote this poem that better matches my darling daughter as of late.

Hair full of bows but a mouth full of no's that is what my little girl is made of

I love you's and I don't have to's is what my little girl is made of

When my back is turned she's out the front door and screams with kicks on the floor

is what my little girl is made of

"Daddy can I snuggle?" are words said almost every night to stay out of bed

is what my littl girl is made of

I just have to say that I was warned about having a daughter and the drama that comes with it but, wow they weren't kidding. Cory has to remind me that the boys were all very frustrating at this stage as well but, this little girl may do me in. Don't get me wrong the pinkie promises, the mom your the best, the socialite at the store, the princess dances with her brothers, cookie maker helper, and her adorable laugh do make up for a lot of the toddler moments. I just wish that those moments would out number them. I love my sweet little Jordyn more than anything I truly do but, hats off to those moms who are blessed with all girls!