Where does she get this stuff?!

Last week Rylee was on a speal about what a horrible mother I was. (i know, we'll call it temporary insanity) She went on and on an on about how I ALWAYS let the kids do anything they wanted and never let her! I always told them YES to everything and NO to her! Dad always says yes, yes, yes and I always say NO,NO,NO. This all coming out of her mouths in between sobs and whining and sniffing...what she wanted..I couldn't tell ya! What she needed..A Nap! Knowing this was impossible to win I said, Rylee I'm sorry you feel that way and I will never give you everything you want or let you do everything you want..that's not what I'm here for. Then we started on a WHOLE nother bawling feast..I'm sooo sorry for you Mom, because I said those things..I feel so sad inside..more tears, sniffing, blah blah..ME: its ok. I'm not perfect, no one is except Jesus...Rylee: NO..I'm perfect! ME: well, we all make mistakes is what I mean. Rylee: NO, I dont! ME: Rylee, Jesus is the only perfect person who has lived. RYLEE: No, I AM perfect ME: have you ever had to say your sorry to someone. RYLEE: ya. ME: then you made a mistake and you had to fix it. so.. your not perfect, only Jesus. RYLEE: NO...... ME: WE are done with this conversation. You can go inside and lay down or go play. NOW! wait...were not done yet.... Fast forward four days...Its been a week of field days, volleyball, roadshow practice and YCL meetings..We are now at target shopping for a dress for the Daddy Daughter Dance..running because we have another Roadshow practice and Rylee has not stopped talking since I picked her up at school! We check out, go get her a pretzel (i said yes) and run to the car..as she comes out with...WHY was Jesus the only perfect person? ME: (ugg) because he was. RYLEE: How come he died for us? ME:(ugg - why now?) RYLEE: We should have died for him. ME: (aww..ok, i got this one) He didn't want us to die for him..he wants us to live for him. RYLEE: huh? what does that mean? ME: He came to show us how we should live. The things we should do and how we should act and treat people. He was our example and taught us how. RYLEE: Oooh...so he taught KOLE to be mean..............
ME: get in the car were late. Its quite time.

Ok a warning to all of you who THINK your child knows NOT to stick anything in an outlet...remind them again.

Yesterday after school Rylee can home, went to the bathroom and came up a little "shaken-up". Her words - "The thing in the bathroom went POP, and it really scared me and I'm scared to go in there and wash my hands." - I'm thinking its the drain faucet that made a weird noise. I investigate. I find nothing. She comes to the door and points to the outlet. - "NO, that's what did it" - Oh, that would explain the black burnt outlet.... Hum. thats weird. what would cause that. wow. I pause. then notice my tweezers laying on the floor. also burnt. Rylee seeing me make the connection blurts out "I didnt know it would do that!!!!" " I didnt KNOW!!"
Really, because I'm pretty sure that from the age of six months we have stressed the importance of NOT putting things in the plugs... Well, thats what I wanted to say. But her little tear streamed, panicked face stopped me. So, a big hug and checking out her hand and arm took its place. HOW she didnt get hurt I dont know..I took out the power in both bathrooms and garage. I am so thankful that shes ok..and pretty sure she wont repeat this one!

early release today. Jessica went to lunch with friends and then to tye dye..something?? Kole headed to the park with friends and had a blast. Sydney, her friend Jenny and Rylee and I went to ride...heres how that went. I will do what is know in kindergarten as a picture walk to show you..
First, Insert Sydneys back between these..

Next, insert Sydney where cowboy is.

Next, insert Jenny (who is all of 20lbs. soaking wet) where cowboy is...and picture Rylee running as far and as fast as she can in the background.


It was a crazy day..The horses are never like this so we have been coming up with excuses for them all day. Mine is there was a coyote in the bushes as Sydney ran by on her horse. The second reason is the huge storm that was blowing in when it all happened. Ok, so maybe the horse didnt look exactly like the one above when it was bucking...to be honest, all I could see was my girl sliding off the side and trying to slow the horse as she did. She stopped the horse. Handled the whole thing like a pro and while I shouting (in a soft non panicked voice) to see if she was ok, SHE IGNORES ME. Thats right....she's to busy talking to the horse and calming him down. yep. calming him down. So, I walk out there.."I'm FINE"..is what I get. So I told her to get back on and she does which is when the other horse (who is getting un-tacked) starts rearing. I look over to see Rylee take off running and Jenny grabbing the reins and holding the horse as he rears. I shout (again in my soft, non-panicked voice) for her to let go. And she looks at me like I'm crazy!! I shout again and the same look comes over her as she yells NO, he'll run off! By the time I get there the horse is calmed down. I have not. Heres this little tiny girl ready to battle this huge animal, when I told her its ok if the horse runs off - it not ok if she gets hurt her response was " All I could think of was,he'll run.. this is Sydneys horse and I'm not letting it run away!" We should all have friends like that!:)
Both the girls cant wait to come back...I think I'll make Jim take em next time.

Ok, I know...it's been a while. I have taken a little break, or maybe a Loooonnnggg one but, I think I would like to try to start up the blogging thing again. No promises but my goal is two posts a week..I can do that, right? I guess we'll see..

Look what a bunch of cuties! Sunday was a big day for us! Kole turned 12 the end of December and became a Decon. The family came to be a part of this on Sunday. It was a great day. I am so thankful for all who came to support him. Its always fun to get together with cousins.

New Post

Ok soo this is Sydney taking over my moms blog. I've decieded to do a new post for her, but im not queit sure what i should talk about. I think that i will start with the new school year.

Rylee is in Kindergarden with Mrs. Quarts and she loves her. She's made so many new friends and is always talking about them. Kole is in 6th grade and has Mrs. Leavitt. He likes her a lot and also has a lot of good buddies. (Don't i sound just like my mom:)) I am in 8th grade and i have Mrs. Cohen. I don't know if i would say i like him . Haha. I made the volleyball team, which is a very good work-out for me saying that we have practice everyday, but i love it. We had our first game two weeks ago, and won!:) Homework is coming non-stop for me and kole, Rylee how ever, it does not. I wish i was still in kindergarden. Kole also had his antelop hunt with dad and grandpa. He had tons of fun and can't wait for next time! This may be a short post, but i just wanted to write something because the last post was THE RODEO which was about 4 months ago. I think that her new thing is facebook so forget bloging:) But maybe she will get back in the habit, if not, then i will keep up with updates. I miss my blogging mom:(

The RODEO

The summer rodeo is an event that Sydney looks forward all year. We all love it and have a ton of fun but the idea of a week on the back of a horse is what its all about for Sydney.

Let me rewind and give a brief (or not)history. Sydney has always loved horses. One morning when she was three and a half she came up to me and shared her dream. She told me she had the best dream ever...she was running on a horse and she was jumping over rose bushes....oh, thats a great dream i told her. BUT, inside (knowing of her love for horses) my heart jumped a little. silly girl, running on a horse is dangerous, and jumping over rose bushes...hahaha, thats just plain crazy. Dont get me wrong, I love horses, have since I was a kid, my Dad bought me a pony and I loved it. as a kid. then I didnt ride for years, got old and got scared. It hurts when you fall! The dream of my kids on a horse was fine. walking. with a lead rope. Well, we all know how parents dreams go out the window sometimes. Mine ran. out the window, over the rosebush and into the arena.

I guess it's no surprise really that all the kids ride. And love riding. but, who is this women in the stands screaming - GO GO GO! FASTER FASTER! KICK KICK - DONT LET HIM STOP AROUND THE BARRELS - GOOD GOOD - NOW BRING HIM HOME -GIVE HIM THE REINS - KICK HIM-(thinking - good thing she remembered the spurs) WOOH! GOOD RIDE!

And i mean every word. where did that come from? Well, where ever it came from I'm glad to have it! I just hope I can have it when Rylee is riding like Sydney and Kole are now! But how can you not cheer for this.....

I love watching Kole handle a horse. He looks just like Jim out there. He handles it like its a quad or something. He has no fear and no problem of telling the horse who's the boss. He has no fear of going fast and stooping fast.

This was Koles first year doing sorting. He was awesome! He had so much fun and they got all seven in on his first try!! Second place (only by three seconds) and $37.00! GO COWBOY!

Rylee rode and wanted to do it all by her self this year! GULP. She was too cute out there!

Doing the barrels at just my speed :)

Headed home. - what is she doing kicking the Horse!





Now its not all about riding. The time hanging out with cousins and friends is the best of it, of course!

On the way back from lunch. um..is that cheesy mac driving?

Chan and Rylee enjoying the sunset.

We especially like friends who share fun things they find. like snakes found at the pond! fun, fun.

Cute Cowgirls! This is Rylee and Gracie. Gracie gets the bucking bronco award for the week-end. (maybe for all time) She was on the back of their horse and it spooked. Started bucking. up, down sideways. oh, and it was tied to a fence stand while it did this. We sat frozen in the stands while her amazing Dad and Papa tried to get her off and control the horse. She had a death grip on that horse and once her Papa got a hold of her he had to YANK her off caz she wasn't letting go. They were all three amazing. AND...she rode to compete about twenty minuets later.

Cheer team in the stands.

summer starts with...

well, in Arizona is starts with W. for WATER. because that's the only relief you get in the summer here. And that's how our summer started out...lots of water. Here at the splash park with Amy, Jen and kids.

And then more enjoyment at Grandpas Pool....

I love this picture!






OH, and a lot of 5:30 am wake up's just to come see this guy. Sydney has been getting ready for the Rodeo~that's my next post....

FINALLY!

Finally. IT is HERE!! SUMMER TIME! I COULDN'T BE HAPPIER..right dear, (hehe, a little wicked for ya) I just had to express how HAPPY i am that the last day of school is here. HAPPY DAY. oh and....Kris Allen. thats pretty cool too! Amy, our hours and hours of endless voting paid off. He owes it all to us!

And...soyouthinkyoucandance! (i'm saying it superfast in a whisper voice-like on the show) starts TONIGHT! dont judge me, its the small things that keep ya happy!

The Storm before the Calm

I know, I have it backwards but that's how the end of the school year is. A STORM of things to do before the CALM of summer begins. Our Storm this last week has been crazy, good, sad and a little of everything. I will share the GOOD:

Jessica performed with the Choir and was amazing! It was Hurray for Hollywood and they did song's from movies. She had a solo in the song " The Man that got Away". It was such a fun night and they really worked hard. It payed off. They sounded and looked amazing! It was a good end to a LONG week.

Rylee graduated from Pre-School! Miss Linda had the graduation and they were all sooooo cute. Rylee has had so much fun and grown up so much this year. She LOOOOOVES Miss Linda and her Assistant Miss Amber! And so do I, I don't know which one of us will miss them more!

They Sang some cute songs for us and got a report card that Rylee was SOOO excited about!

Rylee got to lead the pledge.

We also got to watch Sydney and these cuties at their Dance Assembly at school.

Can I just say....They Rocked the House!

They are all really good dancers and their routine was so cute! LOVED watching them!!!

Kole was in choir this year also! They has a concert and I loved seeing him up there! Its usually my girls that are up there and Kole is watching with me. It was fun to get to see him up there this time. To be honest...i loved watching him do something that didn't make my heart skip a beat! (bike tricks, quad tricks, skate boards, jumping out of trees...that's what i'm usually watching.)

He had to do a few dance moves and Rylee leaned over to me and said " look, Kole's embarrased!" Yep, he was.

We went to the Fire Department with the Preschool! This is always fun! They are so sweet with the kids and they all had a really great time!!

We also got to go to Our Niece's Baptism. But I don't have any pictures of that. It was beautiful and she was beautiful!! It was a really nice night! The girls were asked to sing and I accepted for them :) and they sang a beautiful song by Jenny Phillips.
So, add in a city library field trip, The Fathers and Sons camp- out, Mothers Day, a Camp B.B.Q., Camp Kick-off, a wedding and few other things...and you have our last week! So... now you know what I meant when I admitted it may not have been the teacher that sent me over the edge...that I may have been teetering there the whole time...remember I only mentioned the GOOD things. I realize that as busy as it gets sometimes I really am thankful for these times I have with my kids. To watch them and go to field trips and run crazy...all of it. I am Blessed and very thankful for this very crazy life.

But....I will still be counting down till summer starts....4 days.

I CANT take it anyMORE!

I Can't Wait for summer!! Seriously. I know living here we dread summer, but I am more sick of school than my kids. I am DONE. I need a BREAK! I can not wait to get out of town and enjoy kicking back. I cant wait to go watch my kids at the Rodeo. To cheer them on and to watch them running with their cousins and friends. I cant wait to hang out and play cards and watch Marshall cheat. I cant wait for Jessica to experience the Trek!! Such an amazing experience. And to get to be a background part of it! I cant wait to go to UTAH! To see the family and drive up the canyon to fish and hang at the park. To run around bare foot (yep) Caz you can do that there. To sit in a lawn chair outside and enjoy the cherries picked off my sisters tree. ( i would enjoy little green apples to had she not removed the tree. yes. I'm still mad) To walk to the bakery in the morning.( the walk cancels out the carbs i WILL be consuming) To hang out talking and playing cards till all of us have fallen asleep on the floor in the front room. I cant wait for the kids to get to chase Mike and Rachel's chickens around and play in the fort he built. To go to the fair and the street party and the parade, the movie on the house, the sparklers, the fireworks , my husband fighting with the police and my son (the guilty one) standing silently by his Dads side while the cop blames him for setting off illegal fireworks. Um..Brandon, any idea who supplied my son with those? I cant wait to go to California. More FAMILY! The beach, hanging out at Shelly's, Late night In-n-Out. Late night talks. New friends down the street. Girls Camp! Late night talks. Getting to know the girls. Dance Parties. Realizing all the time and effort was worth it! I am done coming down on my kids about reading and homework and chores and "if you needed that in the morning why am I just hearing about it at 10 o'clock tonight!" blah blah blah! And I'm really Done with teachers who think they are helping by telling me " Maybe they should have some consequences at home for not turning stuff in"..........Really? Wow. What a GREAT idea. I' ve NEVER thought of that! You mean I, their mother, should help teach them responsibility. OH, Thanks for clearing that up. Consequences for their actions. What a genius idea!!! OK maybe that's the button that sent me over the edge....maybe I was teetering there on my own but either way...I AM READY for SUMMER!
(the angry part of this post will self destruct in 20 sec.-or I may-its a toss up)

Go Flames!

Last Saturday was the last tournament game this season for Sydney. It has been so fun to watch her and her team learn and grow. They did so Awesome on Saturday. They really hit their groove and They won all of their games!! Six games, one day, all won! They took first at the tournament and you could tell how excited and proud they were! I over heard the coach saying how good they were doing and they were still so young and haven't gotten the "killer" spirit yet. It's so true. They have fun out there and they are a REALLY nice group of girls. But....I think the feel of winning 1st may have wet their appetite for more and ignited a little of that spirit that is sure to come....hopefully on May 2nd when they play regional's!

The Flames - how cute are they!

California here they come!

Two weeks ago, these guys...

including this cute girl..


headed out on the bus...

stopping at this ruby's diner..



and then at this hotel for a good night sleep(haha)
so they could go meet...





this guy... who made them laugh.

and ride this ride, which....

did NOT!

(well really it did but, the picture fit so..)

Then, they left to go get beautiful and SING (the real

reason for the trip) at the Heritage Festival!

Then they got to come back here...

for the night and the WHOLE

next day! They got awards the next night at

Disneyland. They took Third!! AWESOME JOB!

And then they headed home at midnight on the bus. (yeck)

She had a great time! What an Awesome weekend.