The Eastin Brats

Kaley's Birthday Party

2009-08-10T08:44:00.000-07:00

Kaley's birthday has always and will always be at the worst possible time during the year. I don't know what she was thinking! Trying to get people together to celebrate is so tricky in July! And the beginning of August is just as bad. With reunions, her siblings anniversary's, holidays, etc., her birthday celebration always gets pushed well into August. We finally decided on a movie (Ice Age 3) with dessert after. Here we are in front of Baskin Robbins after the movie.

Kaley chose her gifts from her parents this year. I expected her to go nuts on clothes! But she surprised me by carefully choosing 1 thing- A camera/camcorder that has a case to make it waterproof up to 15 ft. As the camera itself used up all of her birthday money, she was ready to do extra jobs to earn a little more money to buy some memory for it. Aunt Julie and Uncle Vaughn came to the rescue, however, with a memory card as their gift. She was ecstatic!

Alissa giving Kaley a birthday squeeze. They have such a close and loving relationship, Lol!

Aunt Julie LOVES princesses!!!!!!!!!!!

Alissa and her Grandma- this was a funny moment. :) Mom was helping with the grandkids (as usual) and commenting that she sometimes feels like a rug. Alissa ran up to her and gave her a hug, saying, "But you are my FAVORITE rug!!" So now I know what I need to aspire to be when I'm a Grandma- somebody's favorite rug!!!

It's so fun just being together!

Aunt Vel and baby Laya

This is the world you get to live in when there are Miller's involved. Truly frightening!!

Nathan and his bride, Sheri

Grandma Joan holding a very sleepy Bella. She was asleep about 5 minutes after this picture was taken.

Umm- Jenn. What did you do to that baby??

Kaley has a special relationship with her cousin, Jenn. Always has, always will.

Oh, yeah!!! Play-Doh from Chad and Chelsea!! You must know Kaley very well!

Finally blowing out the candles!

It's official, now, Kaley! You really are 11. The good part about having your birthday stretched out is that it actually gets celebrated for nearly a month! I can't believe how grown up you are. My baby!

Happy 11th Birthday, Kaley!!

2009-07-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

My little Caboose is growing up as fast as she can. Today she is 11. She's changed so much in the past year- she's gone from a little girl who needs her momma to an independant pre-teen. I have so much loved being her mom. She makes the sun shine for me!

Kaley has been the absolutely perfect last child. Anyone in the family (including herself) can tell you that she's definately spoiled. (Right, Kaley?) And that she loves it. I think she really enjoys her status as the caboose of the family.

Kaley is ridiculously smart. She can memorize things so quickly. When her sisters were struggling to memorize poems, multiplication tables and such, Kaley would have them memorized seemingly within seconds. She had her multiplication tables memorized in the 1st Grade- because Cassidy was learning them in 3rd. Let's just say that Cassidy wasn't amused when Kaley could rattle off the answer before anyone else had time to compute what the question was.

Kaley is a budding violist. She is picking up on it very quickly. She is the fourth child in our family to learn this instrument. She has a great deal of interest in other instuments as well.

Kaley was a super shy little one. She's pretty much outgrown it, but when she was little- if a stranger talked to her, she would come unglued! She was so cute that everyone wanted to play with her- but if she didn't already know them well, she would just start crying. She's become much more secure since then, thank goodness! Look at her glaring at the photographer! Lol!

Kaley is an author and an artist. She has been writing stories and books since she was able to hold a crayon. She has a vivid imagination with no end. Some of her topics have absolutely blown my mind. Most of her stories are fiction. Some of them are in first person. It will be intersting to see how valuable this interest and natural skill become to her later in life.

When Kaley was little she liked to make up games. One game that she made up was called, "What's that Movie?" She would repeat a phrase from a movie and then make us guess which movie it came from. If we guessed right, then we got to have the next turn. She also made up a sport called Chinese Soccer. We never did figure out how all it went- but she was sure it would be a real sport some day.

Kaley is part fish- part mermaid. She is a great swimmer. She can swim for hours!

Kaley is so fun to talk to! She's like talking to a small adult. One of my favorite things to do is to coerce her to run errands with me. Then I have her all to myself, and can listen to her ideas and thoughts undisturbed by household drama.

Kaley was very interested in Karate for a while. She has discontinued her practice, but I hope that she will eventually take it back up. She was really good at it and progressed quickly.

Kaley loves to explore. She loves nature. She is so interested in animals and plants and, well- everything!

As the youngest in our family, Kaley didn't get to have any younger brothers or sisters to boss around. This never really bothered her much, though, as she has so many little cousins. She is very attached to them and loves to spend time with them. She is at the perfect age right now to begin babysitting, which she is very anxious to start doing more.

Kaley is an amazing reader! We make regular trips to the library because she's run out of things to read. She reads books that seem way to advanced for someone her age. I swear she would probably read the dictionary, if that's all she could find. She's even read the Bible- it was a version written comic-style- but she still read it!

Kaley loves to watch movies. She's an expert at remembering details about movies. She annoys us all by quoting different parts of movies over and over. She won't stop! We've tried everything- ignoring it, getting mad, threatening physical harm- nothing works! I think shock treatment is the next hope for a cure. I'll let you know if it works.

Kaley, I just want you to know what a special place you have in my life. You have been so much fun to raise and to have around. I love that you care so much about the people around you and that you are so aware of other peoples feelings. I'm so glad that you were given to me as my sweet little caboose. I wouldn't trade being your mom for anything!

Fish Lake with the Scotts- July 24-26

2009-07-27T10:20:00.002-07:00

I finally got to spend some time with Chelsea by joining in on a family tradition of Chad's family. They like to go to Fish Lake for a couple weeks in the middle of summer. Their whole family goes, including Chad's grandparents from both sides of his family. I think that's really neat. Here is a pic of our camp spot. You can't tell from the pic too much- but we are camped on a hill. Anyone who had set up a trailer before I'm sure can feel our pain- we had to dig down for the back side of the trailer and block up for the front. It took forever and required a lot of swearing, but once it was done, we had a great time!

George and Jaqui are taking a well-deserved break after getting camp set up. Of course, Jaqui was loads of help, right?

Alissa, buckling up her helmet for a ride.

Cassidy- those blue eyes of yours are gorgeous even goggled!

Kaley rides all day on these trips!

Cassidy and Alissa wanted a picture of them riding as fast as they could! The picture definitely doesn't reflect their speed, Lol! They might as well be posing!

They were quite disgusted with the dirt crusted on them after riding. Poor little city girls in the mountains with no shower!

Kaley must be going through that self-conscious phase. She covered her face for nearly every picture I took!

You tell me- does this big dog look happy to you??

Chad and Chelsea in front of the best trailer in the whole world!

Chelsea's dog, Dixie.

Kaley, going for yet another ride!

Probably the most important part of any good camping trip is the food. Here is the master of the BBQ, cooking steaks.

And here are the kids- enjoying them!Please don't think that my kids really eat this way!!!!! They love clowning for the camera!

And then little Jaqui- wishing she could have a plate, too!

Chad, cooking pancakes!

Chelsea and Todd enjoying the outdoors.

Kaley- would you stop that?!? You have very cute hands, but it's that face I want to see!

Alissa and Chelsea- warming up around the campfire.

Okay- I saved the best for last! As everyone knows, I love this big dog more than ANYTHING! He is such a good dog, and is always cracking me up. He loves to go camping- especially if there are ground squirrels to go after. I think we should start out this series of pictures with one of a beautiful, clean Moqui.

Here he goes! He's found one!

Absolute clouds of dirt come billowing out of the hole that he is enlarging, trying to get that squirrel!

Half-way in!

Look at his face! This was after hours of effort and digging. He never did get the squirrel- he never does. But he sure tried hard and had a great time doing it!

Cassidy and Lizzy's Birthday Party

2009-07-12T20:44:00.000-07:00

This year, Cassidy and Lizzy decided to share a birthday party- as they share the birthday. Their mothers thought it was a great idea! We got together with some of our favorite people for cake and icecream in Lizzy's backyard. It turned out great!

Cassidy and Kaley playing ball

Alissa, Kaley and Sierra clowning around

Papa Joe and Kris- so happy to see them! They are just like family to us. Kris would have to be considered my best friend if I had any. Lol! The kids call Joe "Papa" and have for years. You'd have to meet him to understand the way we all connect with him.

What are little girls made of, made of....

Cassidy opening a card from Lori, Dave and Timmy. Kaley- you are just weird!

Oh- this girl loves her Aunt Lori!

Saydey- She hung on for almost forever. She has the strongest arms!

Vaughn and Karston. He is really the cutest baby ever!

Yahvel and new little Aly.

Alissa, Sierra and Sarah- they used to spend every day all summer together. Those were the days!

Kaley, Sheri and Nathan

Wow! It feels good to get together just to visit, doesn't it? Seems like we never do that enough.

Cassidy's Grandma Joan holding sweet baby Alya.

Cassidy- you really are a princess. You know that don't you??

What a pretty new dress!

A beautiful anklet from Jenn and Shaun. It perfectly matched her skirt!

Cheri and Karston. I love you, baby boy!

Surprise hug from Tim :)

Dave attempting to hula

Tyrelle!!!!!

Dave, Lori and Tim

That was the coolest purse ever! Julie gave Lizzy a purse made from a single zipper.

Lori and my brother, Dave

An outfit from Aunt Julie and Uncle Vaughn

Baby Ryker- all smiles!

Kasey and Tsalaph

Jay and Vaughn

Jewelry! How did Tsalaph know?

Kaley and Lizzy- in their lovely summer hats :)

A book for Lizzy, our little reader. I hope you love it, Lizzy!

The birthday girls!

Make a wish!

Oh, Sierra! What happened??

Is it really up your nose?

Never a dull moment when Tim is around!

Good luck getting even with him, Alissa! He's just a little bigger than you are!

Happy Birthday, Cassidy!

2009-07-10T06:53:00.000-07:00

Wow! Where did the time go? My little china doll isn't little anymore- today she is 13! I can't tell you what that does to me! I still envision myself as this young mom with little kids, but I've been tricked! As much as I miss my sweet little baby, I have to admit that Cassidy has grown into a beautiful teenager- inside and out!

Cassidy has such a sweet way about her. She loves kids and they love her which makes her the best babysitter ever! She's very conscientious and responsible. She loves to plan activities for little ones and she's very creative.

One of Cassidy's favorite things to do is to SLEEP. She was the easiest baby ever because she slept so much. She would sleep all night and take 2-4 LONG naps during the day. When she was between 2 and 5, we would lose her. After serious panicking and scouring of the neighborhood, someone would think to check her bed. There she would be, the tiniest lump under the blankets of her perfectly made bed. At first glance there didn't seem to be anyone in it- but there she was! We ended up making a serious rule- Cassidy was NOT allowed to go to bed without telling someone Goodnight. She got in a LOT of trouble for breaking this rule!

Cassidy had a pretty active life right off of the bat. She was at the pool within a week of her birth and camping within 2 weeks. She was a baby on the go! She was so sweet-natured that it was easy to take her anywhere we wanted to go.

Cassidy plays the violin very well. We can't wait till she can get into High School and have her playing skills really put to the test. She's quite shy about performing for anyone outside of family, which is a shame. She makes some beautiful noise!

Cassidy has the same fear of being sticky that her dad has! She can't even look at someone if she thinks they might be sticky. She's always washing her hands and making sure that they don't have anything on them. We tease her about it plenty!

Cassidy is the most athletic of my girls. She's loved playing just about any sport! She was the pitcher for her softball team (just like her daddy). She loves volleyball, basketball, swimming, baseball, you name it! She's very active and likes to keep moving.

Cassidy is a rule follower to the annoying extreme! Especially when it comes to sports and games. She wants to know all of the rules down to their finest details. She wants to follow them and she wants you to follow them, too!

She loves playing games! Card games, board games, night games- any kind of games! I wear out on them long before she's done.

Cass is very sensitive-hearted with animals. She takes their care very personally. We have always had quite a few animals in the house, so we seem to always have one that is sick- or just getting old. We lost our ferret, Alana, a few months ago. She was sick for a few years before she passed, and needed a lot of special attention. Cassidy kept her in her room, kept her clean and fed, worried and fussed over her, and loved on her- even when she lost all of her hair and wasn't cute and fluffy anymore. I was so grateful and proud of the way she handled all of it. She has so much compassion.

Cassidy has a deep love of her family. Our family is as crazy-mixed-up as it gets, but she sees no difference between her birth family and her adoptive family

Cass loves FOOD! You'd never know it-she's so slender. But, man, can she pack it away! And then, she's hungry 30 minutes later!! She'll order 2 burgers for lunch instead of 1 if you let her. And you might as well let her, because she's hungry for it!

Cassidy and her cousin, Lizzy, share the same birthday. Lizzy was born on Cassidy's 6th birthday. I was at the hospital all day with Vel and promised Cassidy I'd make it up to her by partying crazy the next day and letting her hold the new baby first. When I got home- Cassidy had a fever of 103.0. She was so sick, and she didn't tell me she felt horrible because she knew I wanted to be at the hospital with Vel. I felt like the worst mom ever! And she didn't get to see her new cousin for a week. She was such a good sport!

This is a picture of Cassidy holding her new baby sister, Kaley. She had just turned 2. She was so gentle with her new baby. She just wanted to hold her and hold her. She would rub her little cheek on the baby's face. I think she was amazed at the softness.

Cassidy wants to be a cosmetologist when she grows up. She loves playing with hair and makeup.

If you ever need help with anything, you can ask Cassidy. She puts a lot of pride into most everything that she does. She's not afraid of hard work. She loves to be helpful and does a good job.

Cassidy, your momma wants you to know that she's so proud of her new amazing teenager! I can't imagine my life without you! You make every day a day worth living for me. I love everything about you! Well- almost everything. There was that time when you farted on me that was not too great, but pretty much everything else has been awesome! Happy Birthday!!

Capitol Reef- July 3-5

2009-07-07T10:19:00.000-07:00

This was a fun weekend trip that we took down to Capitol Reef. I didn't take very many pics this trip, but here are a few of the kids clowning around. Too bad, as this was the first trip this summer that we didn't get POURED on all weekend!

S'mores!!!!!! From left to right: Sierra, her friend Liz, Cassidy, Kaley and Alissa- you are so weird!

Alissa and George , reading the maps.

Cassidy is snuggling with Jaqui.

Kaley- just hangin' out.

I'm going to be a grandma!

2009-06-26T04:56:00.000-07:00

Nathan and Sheri are expecting a little one. :) They are about 5 weeks along, so we have quite the wait ahead of us. I'm so excited for them and for myself! They are going to be great parents! Is it selfish for me to hope for a little girl?? I just want to go buy pink stuff! A boy would be fun, too, though. Spending a few hours with Karston the other day made me not so worried about a boy. The thing is- all of my babies have been girls! I had to steal my sons, so I missed out on the baby part. Whatever- I just am so excited, healthy baby- that's what I'm hoping for! I'm especially thrilled that this makes so many ladies Great-Aunts! Ha ha!!! That sounds even older the Grandma!

BBQ in the Rain!

2009-06-14T16:50:00.000-07:00

So awesome! My husband is outside determined to be BBQing even though it is pouring outside! It's little things like that that just make my day!

The End of Life in the CNA Classroom

2009-06-02T17:11:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow will be my last day working as Julie's Aide in the CNA classroom. I'm really sad about it- I was just getting it all figured out! But, we got a new principle who is worried about technicalities- we are related. :( Hey- wow! I just realized we are only halfway related- maybe I should bring that up! Kidding aside, they are going to keep me, but I have to work in the Dental Assisting Class. What a bummer! At least we'll still get to have lunch together- and I won't have to try for the impossible (to be as awesome as Lucy- the most incredibly on top of things person you'll ever meet that gets to continue to be Julie's Aide.) I'll really miss the kids- I hope that the Dental Assisting kids are as awesome- can't imagine it though.

Kaley's Report on New Jersey

2009-05-30T17:06:00.000-07:00

Kaley worked really hard on this project for her class. It was worth 800 points, and she did such a great job on it that I'm sure she'll get a great grade. She had to make a float out of a shoebox, a map, and a HUGE written report- it turned out to be over 20 pages. It took weeks- and we're glad it's done, but we did learn a lot, didn't we Kaley?

Cassidy's Concert

2009-05-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

Cassidy's end of the year concert was held outside this year. It was really nice. She is getting better and better at playing the violin. She was able to play 1st chair most of the year. She's really excited to get out of Cadet Orchestra and into the Concert Orchestra next year.

The Waxing of Nathan

2009-05-29T13:39:00.000-07:00

Funny stuff, here! My son asked me if I would wax his arms. Finally!- a chance to get even with him for all the trouble he's been! I gladly agreed! Poor guy, used to be as hairy as a gorilla. Well, not any more! :)

His wife Sheri thought she'd like to help, too, until she saw how painful it is!

Look at his face!!! And look at Sheri's! She didn't want any active part in the torture session after that. She willingly let me have all the fun.

Trying so hard to be manly...
Now his arms are baby smooth. I wonder if he'll want to do it again though!

Lake Viva Naughton- Memorial Weekend

2009-05-26T15:16:00.000-07:00

In spite of the weather forecast, we decided to head to Wyoming for the weekend. George wanted to fish and I wanted to relax with my kids and find time to read. It worked out well for both of us. The weather was crazy- we got dumped on by the rain, blown away by the wind (and a cold wind at that), but we got a little sunshine, as well.

I had planned on fishing, but I don't like the cold very much. So I ended up indoors most of the trip, reading. But the cold didn't stop George or Ryan. Ashley, Ryan's girlfriend, fished with them. She was a much better sport that me.

Jaqui loves camping! We put this little red sweater on her- not only to keep her warm,

but so that we can see her more easily.

My son, Nathan, and his gorgeous wife, Sheri, went as well.

I love having them around. They just make me feel good!

A man and his dog. Isn't this a great pic? Moqui always wants to be in the middle of everything!

Kaley has always loved being with her daddy.

The building of the campfire- first you need a guy who can saw the logs...

Then you need to gather little twigs and build them into a teepee...

Then you can add in sticks that are a little bigger...

And then you get to play with matches...

Smoke!!! That's a good sign...

Ta Da!!! And Kaley has mastered the flame!!!

Or was it Cassidy??

Who cares! We're all just glad for warmth. Good job girls!

We're hungry- where's the cook?

Good thing we brought along the husband-

otherwise we'd be eating hotdogs every night.

Geo always cooks for us.

Jaqui loves hamburgers! And this one is as big as she is!! AND she thinks it is for her!!!

I loved having Alissa with us this trip. Camping is one of her least favorite things, but she managed to be a good sport. She won't admit it, but I think she even had fun.

This is a good way to get warm- just climb inside somebody's jacket! :)

Just spending time together- enjoying it while it lasts, because the rain is on it's way.

Moqui is the real dog in our family. And he knows it!
He keeps us all safe from all of the bad guys out there, as well as the kitties
and the mice. Good Boy!

Cassidy, my little fishergirl!

I love you, Jaqui! But you can't come out. Daddy saw a bald eagle out here and we don't want you to be a snack for his babies!

Kaley "hung out" with her brother Nathan as much as possible this trip. It was totally cute!

Time for the master firebuilder to show us how it's done!

Nathan, Sheri and Kaley- taking a walk during a break from the rain.

We always snuggle Jaqui in the evenings. And she LOVES it!!

During the windy and rainy times, the kids all loaded up into the trailer to

play games. They played games for HOURS!

It turned out to be a great trip. In a way, the crappy weather just made it more of an adventure.

Bathing Jasmine

2009-05-20T16:56:00.000-07:00

One of the girls' fun things to do when they're bored is to give Jasmine a bath. It not only makes her smell better, but she looks so funny when she's wet and she acts so bizarre that the girls are in hysterics within minutes.

Not happy! But doesn't she look funny? Her fur is light underneath-

it makes her look bald when she's wet!

Her tail fur stands on end when she's excited or upset- even when it's wet.

Sorry, baby! But you know you will smell so much better!!

Alissa's Birthday Party

2009-05-18T14:17:00.000-07:00

Luckily, the weather was perfect on the day we decided to celebrate Alissa's birthday- so we were able to take it outdoors. Here she is, wearing the gift that she anticipated most, from Chelsea and Chad. The funniest part is that Chelsea talked up this gift for MONTHS- Alissa was crawling out of her skin to find out what it could be- a beautiful hat from the D.I. LOL!

My awesome fam- just hanging out in the backyard- eating dinner.
Sheri and Nathan

Chad and Chelsea

Ryanand his girly, Ashley

Open wide, Cassidy!!

And then out came the marshmallow guns! I wasn't able to get many pictures as it was dangerous to go out there ( and I needed to clean up the kitchen while they were all occupied)

Look at Kaley hiding behind her make shift shield. It was serious business!

Timmy, Lori and Dave

The lighting of the candles- must've taken a great deal of concentration!

I love her laugh! It makes me rediculously happy!

Uncle Dave wanted A LOT of cake!

Nana and Vaughn

Nathan and Julie

The Goonies!

Vel, Julie and Madyson

Happy Birthday to my Sweet Alissa!

2009-05-17T08:05:00.000-07:00

Well, my little baby girl is 17 now. I'm really confused about how this happened, but sure enough, it has! I can't believe I only have 1 year left of any say what-so-ever of what happens in her life. (Yes- I do like to pretend that I currently do have a say:]) She has grown to be such a beautiful and wonderful person- I'm so proud that she is my daughter.

She is currently on-track for graduation a year from now (whew!) She works really hard on her grades- I'm so proud of her!

She is an amazing violinist! For how much she hated that violin when she started, it's hard to believe how GOOD she is! She plays all the time, for pleasure, for stress relief and when she's upset. She has an acoustic violin as well as an electric violin and is awesome on them both. She is a great help to her little sisters, who are also learning to play.

She is just finishing up her CNA class- she tests next week for her Certification. She's really enjoyed taking that class. She's been going to a local Care Center once a week to do her clinicals. She comes home with a lot of stories, and I am so grateful for the compassion that she has for other people. She is just beautiful- inside and out!

One of the greatest things about Alissa is her sense of humor. Anyone who knows her well can tell you that she is just about one of the most hilarious people they have ever met. No subject is sacred- some of the things that fall out of her mouth! She loves to go for the shock factor. I have found myself laughing hystrically over things that are NOT FUNNY!

Her sense of right and wrong is pretty black and white- (and only on occassion relates to my sense of right and wrong) I think that it is pretty important to Alissa to be true to herself- which is a definate strength. She's pretty patient with her Momma, who tends to be a worrier.

Alissa is an amazingly great swimmer and LOVES to be in the water! I really would have liked to see her join a swim team, but she prefered to keep it for pleasure. Ever since she was little, all we had to do was take her to the pool, and she'd be happy. We'd say, "Just add water and stir"- that was Alissa!

If you are lucky enough to be one of Alissa's friends, you aren't just a friend- you are a BEST Friend- and she loves you more than anything! I have gotten to be her best friend quite a few times- it was awesome!

I cried off and on all day yesterday, which was her birthday (but we're celebrating it today, because she needed to be with her friends). I just can't believe how the time has flown. I love the young woman that she is becoming, but I SO MISS my little monster! And all at the same time- I'm looking forward to the future. She is so strong- she can become anything she wants. What will it be? She has many interests- they change like the wind, though. One minute- she's never going to have kids. The next minute- she's settled on names for her twins. Oh, to be 17 again!

Cow Hearts

2009-05-07T13:22:00.000-07:00

Ok- so this isn't a post for the weak-hearted. We had an extra cow heart at work, so I brought it home and let the kids dissect it. I thought it was so cool, and wondered if they'd gross out, but they got into it. :) Here is a pic of Cassidy tripping out on the arteries

And Kaley even was intrigued...

But Cassidy's friend Cyla was so impressed! She wanted to know what each little tiny part was for! It was pretty cool!

Happy Easter!!!

2009-04-12T08:46:00.001-07:00

No Way!!!!! Look what the Easter Bunny brought Chelsea!

3 baby ducks- Murphy, Frank and Dexter.

Easter Morning- I remember when they used to wake up at 5 o'clock in the morning! Those days are over. Cassidy and Kaley both slept in till after 9. Still- the magic was there...

Alissa never would have woken up at all-

we finally went in and made her get up.

Notice her cell phone- does she really need to SLEEP with it??

Woo Hoo! She finally woke up!

Again- notice the cell phone. She's an addict.

My Babies! Mmmm!

Can't get enough of 'em!!!

Easter Eggs

2009-04-12T08:27:00.000-07:00

Isn't Easter fun? It doesn't seem to matter how old you are- you have to get into it! Here are the kids (and Geo) coloring eggs...

And here are a few of the finished....
We had a contest for who could make the prettiest egg and who could make the ugliest egg. The prettiest one is the polkadot one in the middle (by Cass) and the ugliest one is the cracked one in the upper left corner. The kids decided that it looked like poo.

25 Random Things about Me

2009-02-08T10:49:00.000-08:00

I wrote this for my Facebook, and decided to copy and paste it here, since I have trouble actually sitting down long enough to do this kind of stuff. :)

1. The biggest parts of my life are my husband, my kids and my dogs. I have 1 husband (George), 1 married son (Nathan), 1 daughter-in-law (Sheri), 1 married daughter (Chelsea), 1 son-in-law (Chad), 2 sons not living at home (Ryan E. and Ryan M.- that's right- 2 Ryan's), 3 daughters that DO live at home (Alissa-16, Cassidy-12, Kaley-10), 1 big dog (Moqui-8) and 1 little dog (Jaqui-5). Playing "Mom" to this group is the most rewarding, fulfilling thing in the world. I can't imagine my life without a single one of them. (well, sometimes I can, but for this note- no, I can't) My poor husband only ever wanted 2 kids, and a nice, organized, predictable life. Poor guy- married me.

2. My other family runs such a close second in my heart that sometimes it's indistinguishable. My mom- I think I'm very much like her. I hear her in my voice and words all the time. If I can grow up to be like anyone- I want it to be like her. My sisters, Julie and Vel, are there for me no matter what- even when I'm dead WRONG they are still on my side. I couldn't survive without them. My brothers- Vaughn, Dave and Jay- I know I can depend on them no matter what is going on in my life. My sisters-in-law, Cheri and Lori, are wonderful beyond words. And lastly, but MOST importantly are my nieces- Jenn, Sierra, Lizzy, Bella, Jaydyn and Saydey- and my nephews- Karston, Shaun and Austin. I change who is my favorite all the time because I can't decide.

3. As the luckiest person in the world, I have family BEYOND family. And the most amazing part is how my heart just keeps growing to accomodate them. You would think that you only have so much love, and that it has to be spread around, but apparently that is not the case. Besides the above mentioned, I have 2 dads, 2 moms, 8 brothers, 3 sisters-in-law, 9 sisters, 3 brothers-in-law, 16 nieces and nephews (with 2 more on the way) and the most ridiculously wonderful conglomeration of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins that you can imagine! Of particular note in my life right now are my budding relationships with my sister, Mindi and her son, Eli, my dad, Frank, and cousins, Kirsty and Candice. I feel blessed beyond words.

4. I'm sad that we're not as close to my husbands side of the family as we are to mine. This plays a really strong part in my life. I know he really misses them, and I REALLY know that I do. I always fantasized that I would be really close to my in-laws, that I would adore them, and , of course, they would adore me, too. I wish there was some way patch up things of the past. I don't like my kids growing up thinking that it's a normal way of life to have problems and/or emotional distance with your family. I have a paranoia that my kids might turn their backs on each other when they get older- or even worse, that they'd turn their backs on me. Of course, I really don't think that this will happen, but past experience tells me that it's possible. I pray daily for a healing, I believe that some day it will happen.

5. I have crazy hair. Anyone who knows me well, knows of my battles with my hair. Very curly and often out of control- I have just recently gotten to a point where I can say that I like it.

6. I am disorganized. I want everyone to know that I have the most amazing intentions. Jenn got her birthday card weeks late even though I got it for her on time. Poor Julie hasn't gotten hers- even though I see her every day- and at this point I'm so embarrassed about it that I'm not going to give it to her!

7. I just turned 39- but I feel like I'm in my 20's still. I don't feel old! Sometimes my body does- but I still want to go hang with the kids. My husband probably worries about it. I remember my Grandma Evans saying, though, that she still felt like a teenager- she didn't know why she was living in such an old body. That's how I feel.

8. I can justify anything to myself and to you. Sometimes I want things that I shouldn't have, or want to do things that I shouldn't do. But I just let it all rattle around in my head until it works out that I really should have this because... and I really should do that because... I'm an expert at it! So if you need help explaining to your husband how it's in the best interest of you families finances for you to stop at the local bread store to buy a couple of those $6 loaves of bread every few days, just call me- I've got it all worked out. I actually save money by doing it. :)

9. I am a fantastic cook. I love to cook! And I love to feed people! That's one of the ways I like to show my love- by feeding people. I think that's what my kids miss most about not living at home- the food.

10. I love to read. I don't get much time to anymore, but I absolutely love melting into a good book. I do have a little trouble coming back to reality, though, as fantasy is my fav.

11. I don't like watching T.V. It drives me crazy. I do like watching movies, though. I also really like watching a good series after it's been released on DVD. Alias was so fun (thanks, Julie!) and Big Love (you KNOW I had to watch that!!). Heroes is okay, but I'm grumpy about Heroes because I want to watch Season 3 and I want to watch it now, and it's not out on DVD yet.

12. Apparently, I also have issues with patience. It is true. I'm terribly impatient- sorry, kids! Just do what you're supposed to do- when you are supposed to do it- and put some good old-fashioned quality effort into it. Thank you.

13. I can't swim. I hate this about myself! I can't swim! I'm terribly afraid of the water. I'm so jealous when I see people jump into deep water- it looks so fun and refreshing!! Someday, I'm going to take lessons and get over my fear. Of course, you know I have to get LASIK first, though, because my contacts could wash out of my eyes and then I would be blind. I could die. See- I can even justify not doing things I should do.

14. I sell Jafra- well, I pretend to sell Jafra. Really, I just like a bargain, and don't like to sacrifice quality to get a deal. So, I "sell" Jafra. I haven't yet sold retail to anyone. With all of my family and friends, I'm able to "sell" enough to be considered an "active seller" and I get a killer discount. It's been really fun. I love getting a shipment! It's sort of like Christmas! I love most of their products, there are only a couple that I don't recommend to people. So, if you want anything- please let me know- you get the same deal I get. And I get to keep my status.

15. I love to go camping. I can go in a tent, or I can go in my trailer, both are fun. I especially love to camp in more remote places away from people. Moqui gets emotional when he has to be leashed, so I prefer to camp where he won't bother too many people. He likes to go hiking with the kids and explore a bit on his own while he's at it. It wrecks his day (and mine) if he has to be tied. I love campfires. I love to have a drink around the campfire. I love waking up to a chilly morning and discovering that my husband has got my coffee ready for me. I love to sit in a stupor with my hair sticking up, drinking my coffee and absorbing nature in a campchair with a blanket wrapped around me. And I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE coming home to a hot shower after camping for days. THAT is the ultimate!

16. I feel responsible for other people's happiness- especially my husbands. I really struggle when he is having a rough time. I want to be able to make everything better. I'm a caretaker- sometimes that works out good for me and others, but sometimes, when there's nothing I can do to make things great, I take it pretty hard.

17. I suck at staying in touch with people that really matter to me. My New Years Resolution every year is to make an effort to improve in that area. I want to be like my cousin, Amy. Everyone knows that Amy loves them. She rocks at sending people little messages and keeping up with what is going on with them. We have a cousin Bunko every other month. I'm always amazed by how effortless it seems for her to show genuine interest in people. I love to sit at her table and just listen in on her conversations- I learn so much about people that way. Amy- I also want to be as good of a photographer as you. I love all of your pics of your kids and your life. Another thing I'd like to improve on.

18. I love little kids. I like just listening to them- they say the funniest things! I'm also learning that teenagers are similar that way. The say such funny things, too- only they are usually funny because they are twisted. Some of the things that fall out of Alissa's mouth...

19. I like to drive BIG cars/ trucks. My little Civic just isn't helping out with my Short Girl Syndrome. I know that the Suburban is ugly- I really don't care. It has so much more SPACE. And it's easy to find in a parking lot- just look for the big blue ass sticking out. And it matches Moqui's eyes. What more do you want? I love driving the truck, too. Boy- do I ever look HOT behind the wheel of the truck!! You should see me! I get the whistles! It's great for my ego!!! But the Civic?-- hmmpph!! Whatever.

20. Alissa says that I'm cool. I just asked her for an idea, because I'm running out of things to say about myself. Wow! I'm cool!! Let's not ask her what she wants... let's just bask in the warmth of the good feelings flowing over my whole self for a moment. Reality can hit later.

21. I'm afraid of heights- really afraid! I get so dizzy and nauseous. I have a total panic when my kids get to close to edges. Terrible.

22. I'm very sensitive to smells. My kids get embarrassed shopping with me because I open everything and smell it before I buy. They say I have issues.

23. I'm the Queen of Allergies. I'm allergic to everything!! I think I might be allergic to George even. I went through Immunotherapy (shots) for almost 5 years which really helped. I carry around with me every allergy med known to man, just in case. I've been involved in numerous allergy research studies. The research people LOVE me because they know that there is about a 99.9 percent chance that I'll be allergic to whatever it is they're testing. I'm allergic to sagebrush, grass, trees, weeds, mold, mildew, cats, + + +. When I went in for testing, they tested me for 54 things common in Utah- I tested allergic to all of them but horses and feathers. The only food allergies that I've discovered are celery and pistachios. Luckily, I don't have asthma. My first symptom of an allergic reaction is anxiety. Wierd, huh?

24. EBAY!!!!! Oh, how I love Ebay! I love shopping. I love selling. I love browsing. What an addiction. I blame my mother-in-law, Linda. Surely, somehow, she is to blame!

25. I dislike negativity. I like to look on the bright-side of things. I don't get depressed easily, and when I do it doesn't last long. My husband is sure this is because my life has been so peachy. I disagree. I've been through alot of rocky messes, and I've caused myself alot of problems. I'm on my third marriage (my first 2 husbands were drug addicts), I lost custody of my daughter for years, I've been arrested (never jailed, thank God!), been taken advantage of in ways I don't want to talk about, tried drugs (again, thank you, God, for my genes resistant to addiction), slept in my car, been beat up, had my kids tell me that they hate me, etc., etc., etc. But I inherited from my mom the ability to look on the bright side of things, and to look at the positive. What a blessing!! I watch people with problems with depression and my heart bleeds for them. I am so grateful to not understand what it's like.

Well, there you go. 25 random things about me. :)

My Little Girl Is 21 Today

2009-01-08T17:41:00.000-08:00

My oldest daughter, Chelsea, turned 21 today. How did the time fly by so fast? I'm so proud of her. She's turned into such a wonderful person. I wish I could take responsibility for how wonderful, but that is just how she is. We had a great day today, we went to lunch and just spent the afternoon hanging out at her house in Provo. I just wish I could spend every moment with her. Happy Birthday, Chelsea! Your mom loves you sooo much!

New Job

2009-01-06T19:48:00.000-08:00

I went today for an interview for a job with Julie that I've been interested in. I pretty much knew that it was mine if I wanted it. Of course I wanted it! I would be working with my sister, who I hardly ever get to see. I'd be helping teen moms get a skill (nurse assisting) under their belts, how rewarding would that be? I'd be working hours while my kids are in school anyway. I'd still have my summers off... the list goes on. Sure enough, the interview went well enough that I came home with a new job that I'll be starting on Monday, and I'm having a heart attack now. I love my old job. I love working with preschoolers- I don't even like teenagers. I probably will suck at it and poor Julie will pretend like I don't. I won't get to babysit Bella anymore. She'll probably forget that we're best friends. I'll have to pretend like I'm a responsible adult (which, you know, teenagers can see right through that kind of ****!) The preschoolers didn't care- they just thought I was cool for wanting to be with them. I think I'm a little bit nuts and should probably seek help. Maybe some one should warn Julie.

Christmas 2008

2009-01-02T12:13:00.000-08:00

My favorite part of Christmas this year was Christmas Eve. I was really worried about the holidays as Chelsea and Nathan have their own families now and I felt like I was going to be forgotten. Of course, that didn't happen! They all came home for Christmas Eve, we had dinner and a gift exchange. This is one of the pics of us on Christmas Eve. We're all here minus one- I really miss Ryan M.

My husband and my kids are my greatest joys, along with (of course) my dogs! Moqui and Jaqui complete me! They are not spoiled at all and my husband never puts them before me(right!)

Nathan and his gorgeous wife, Sheri. They're so cute together! A perfect match! Nathan's gift was a GUN from Chad. What were you thinking Chad? He could shoot his eye out!

Sheri was loved on by Alissa- she got yummy Scentsy!

Chad and Moqui are best friends! Chad's gift came from Cassidy. Woo hoo! A new lantern for camping!

Alissa, Kaley and Chelsea getting ready for the gift exchange. Chelsea received a gift of Scentsy from Kaley.

Ryan gets a movie from Sheri.

Alissa opening a gift from Chelsea- pay attention to the wrapping paper! Lol! Who cares whats inside! The wrapping paper is good enough!

Cassidy was so happy to get clothes from Ryan E.

Kaley finally owns the book she has read 9 times! Thank you Nathan! She was sick this day, how sad.

Moqui finally gets to open his gift. He was so patient and waited till his turn! He is such a good boy!

This was probably the best Christmas for me ever!

Thanks Holli!

2008-12-29T09:25:00.000-08:00

For my Christmas gift, Holli created this blogspot for me. How awesome is that?? So now I'm going to try to be as COOL as the rest of my blogging family. Did I hear somebody say, "Good Luck?" Well, I'm going to try anyway!
Christmas was awesome- of course! On Christmas Eve, my married and moved on kids came for dinner, so my house was as crazy as in the good-old-days. I loved it! Who'd have ever guessed that I would love my new daughter, Sheri, and my new son, Chad, this much! They truly just "fit" Nathan and Chelsea, as well as the rest of us.
Christmas morning, Alissa woke everyone up at 7. She was threatened if she tried to wake anyone up before then. (We have to threaten her every year- one year she woke everyone up at 2, and she hasn't grown up much since then) We opened gifts and then George cooked us our traditional Christmas breakfast. We stayed in our PJ's all day and enjoyed our warm home while we watched the bitter cold and snow from the safety of the window. My idea of the Perfect Christmas!
On Saturday, we braved the weather to make a short trip to Pocatello to visit some fun relatives that live there. We spent the night at Pat and Revo's home. They treated us like royalty! The next day we went to dinner at Kelly and Teresa's before coming home. I love them all so much- it was wonderful!
We still have a couple of days till Geo has to go back to work and we haven't yet decided what the plan is. I suggested this morning that we could paint the ceiling- doesn't that sound fun? Geo looks at me like I have issues...
Anyway, I have so been enjoying everybody elses blogposts. What a great way to keep up!