Living Planet Aquarium

So, every Wednesday my friend Jen and I take our kids somewhere fun. Today was the Aquarium in SLC. This is what 9 kids with only two adults looks like. It isn't as hard as it may seem, luckily Jen and I get along fabulously and have no trouble disciplining each others kids. Needless to say mine usually mind and hers don't dare backtalk to me. So everything runs pretty smoothly. No, we are not crazy....just well organized.






So to spare you all the fish pictures, which turned out great by the way, I just thought I would show my silly kids petting the Manta Rays. Brody was hesitant at first. Putting your hand into a big pool of water to touch something slimy and foreign is never appealing at first. After awhile though I couldn't keep him out of the water.













Payton on the other hand was ready to dive in. As you can see someone had to hold on to her, she was ready to go bottoms up. She got pretty wet but totally enjoyed herself. She kept saying that she wanted to take one home to put in her fish tank. Yeah right, the think would be dead in 24 hours, dressed in a onesie with a bottle in its mouth and strapped in her baby stroller. Nice try though.












I came home and mowed the lawn and Brody just wanted to sit in the swing and watch. Precious little guy couldn't hold out any longer. He played so hard all day and didn't get a nap. Doesn't he look so angelic and peaceful. Man, I LOVE my kids. I swear they are the best two kids on the whole stinkin planet. (Sorry sisters....yours come in a close second). I am so proud to be their Mom.

Grandma Sippy Cup

Brody started out the morning with finding ways to make mom happy. First he beat me to the bathroom and wouldn't let me have a turn. Then while I was having my turn in the other bathroom Payton starts yelling in her nasally tattle-tale voice "MOOOMMM, Brody is playing with the phone." After yelling at Brody to stop playing with the phone I hear him talking to someone. "My name is Brody, yeah my mom's here, she's in the bathroom" To which I make haste to the kitchen and lo and behold there really is someone on the other end. Thinking he pushed redial and called Grandma or JuJu I grab the phone while growling at Brody and he tells me it's 'Debbie'. Me-- "Sorry the stink pot is bein' a butt again." To my surprise the female on the other end says "Hi Maam, my name is Deborah and I am with the North Ogden Police Department, is everything ok?" WHAT THE H*LL!! He dialed the local Police Dept. and no it wasn't 911, it's like 782-????. I don't even know the number but he managed to figure out the perfect one to call. After reassuring her 5 times that everything was ok, I hung up and Brody says "Mom, that's Debbie. She says she wants to come play...can she play mom?" How can I get mad when he is so dang cute.



Today was Grandmas Birthday. We took her shopping for some clothes and the kids wanted to get her a cake. I didn't have time to bake one so we got this really cute one. It looks like a water melon with big plastic ants on it. She loved it and the kids were so cute singing happy birthday and blowing out her candles for her. I promised I wouldn't put the right amount of candles on so she didn't have to worry about the house burning down. So I put 8 and 1 for 81, duh.




She is 81 today and sure doesn't look or act like it. Sometimes I wonder where her battery compartment is 'cause that women is amazing. She can run circles around me even on my good days. The kids absolutely adore her and nothing could make me happier. They get so excited to see her even though she's around almost every single day. I hope I can be half the person she is when I am her age if I even make it that far. She is the sunshine in our lives and I hope that never fades. She is truly a blessing.

Happy Birthday JuJu !!!!

Today was my mom's birthday and the morning started off eventful as always. Brody wanted chocolate milk and I couldn't help but laugh at his silly milk mustache. He couldn't quite understand what was so funny till I convinced him to let me take a picture so he could see. Isn't there some weird resemblence to Hitler. Yeah, I thought so too. Of course he has to pose, so stinkin' cute.






Of course, Payton couldn't be left out. Such a sassy little stink. When the kids fight I make them give each other hugs then tell each other what they love about the other. I usually hear..."His hair, Her eyes, His hands..." But no, Payton had something else in mind. After slashing Brody's face (her favorite target of choice if you can't tell why Brody always has scabs on his face) she gave him hugs then said "I love Brody's Pee Pee". It didn't help that my mom was laughing her butt off as I'm trying to tell Payton to think of something else. She was too busy thinking is was a game since there was giggling going on. I should have known Little Miss would throw a curve ball in there one day.








The kids were so excited to celebrate her birthday. The kids called her on speakerphone this morning to sing to her but it didn't quite go as planned, of course. Brody told her we were making her a cake and Payton chimed in "Yeah, it's a surprise". NOT ANYMORE STINKER!! Guess we need to have a conversation about secrets and how they work. I guess telling a 2 year old to not tell anyone was a little far fetched. Oh well.





JuJu though high fours were in need today. Curtis cooked a fabulous Salmon dinner and the kids and I made a German Chocolate cake.
I love how silly my mom is willing to be with my kids and to see how much they truly adore her. It's always fun when JuJu is around. Love you Mom and Happy 44th Birthday!! Yes, I put your age in there. You gave it away anyways with the high fours. LOVE YOU.

Mother's Day

This is my Mother's Day craft and yes I did make one for myself. The big ones are toilet paper rolls and the ones that look like lilies are the kids handprints made to look like the flower. It was a fun project even though we were up till 1am. I personally don't like getting flowers 'cause they just die, and you will die if you give me roses. So, these were great....won't wilt, weater, or die from lack of starvation.

We spent the morning looking for this little pup that Payton loves to kiss, Day Z. Long story short. She was missing for 2 weeks. Mom wasn't exactly sure where she jumped out of the car...somewhere between her house and mine. Needless to say Mom has blisters on her feet from searching and we had scoured our neighborhood. Curtis and I hiked into the mountains and about an 1 1/2 hours later Curtis found her. Mom's best Mother's Day ever.

We had a BBQ at our house that afternoon and Jak entertained the kids with his skateboard. Brody insisted that he was faster than Jak (yeah right, no one can beat "Loleta Lightning") and wanted to race him up the street. I love how Jak is always willing to entertain to our kids silly demands.

So naturally Payton had to race Uncle Jak also. She was so funny telling Jak to get behind her 'cause they were racing. Jak just laughs at her and says "Ok Princess Payton, whatever you want". If only men could have that attitude with their wives this world would be alot more peaceful. I have a feeling the World is in for one big shock with this little diva.

Payton loves to skateboard and decided that Jak no longer needed a board because this was hers. "I like to skateboard, this is mine Jak, Thank you". Well at least she got the Thank You in there and wasn't downright rude. HA. Wow what a little ball of fire this one is and she doesn't even have red hair. Now that's scary.

Jak and his wonderful ideas in showing the kids how he has fun. Barreling towards the street trying to do some kick, flip the board, jump thingy and I got lucky catching the crash shot. He cracks me up.

Brody like skateboarding too, but found better entertainment trying to hit whoever was pitching to him. Not sure where he got that sense of humor from. The kid has great follow through and it was so funny watching him laugh hysterically when the ball would hit someone or make them run for it. I'm sure we have a little jock on our hands. First it was Golf but Jak almost got hit in the "Woo Hoo" so we decided this might be a little safer. Not sure if it was much better but he sure had fun.

Sorry this is so long but my cheeks hurt by the time everyone went home, just thought I would share. This would be my bossy butt Payton. She wanted to play soccer but everyone had to be in the exact spot she wanted them to be in, the correct distance apart, and in the right order. They also could not kick or touch the ball unless she said so. I guess this is Payton Says, soccer style. All Jak and Phil could do was laugh which really pissed her off so she took the ball away and told them they had to play something else if they couldn't listen. Someone please help me.

To end the night with it's own bang of fireworks Jak got a brilliant idea. Use Diesel as his own powered skateboard pull. He started out ok until Diesel saw kids and another dog up the road and proceeded full steam ahead while Jak mildly yelped. (Who am I kidding, he screamed like a little school girl).

I love my kooky family and had a great day. Thank you Mom for bearing some odd children who enjoy watching each other in pain while peeing our pants with laughter. It makes life interesting and wonderful all at the same time. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

Diggin' For Dirt

So we built a fence in our front yard and the kids decided they wanted to help. The holes were about 2 1/2 feet to 3 feet deep and it got hard getting the dirt out of the bottom. Payton jumped right in and had a blast filling up her bucket to help Mom and Dad. She was quite proud of her dirt.




Brody hopped in the hole and it fit just right, which made it hard to dig and fill up his bucket. In the end, he just wanted camera time. He always seems to be posing. Watch out America, my little model in well on his way.

Soon after hole digging holes (they made it throught one hole easy... out of 8 holes. PUNKS. Brody begged to climb like spiderman and that is where he stayed the rest of the time



















Payton decided she wanted to lick a worm and this is how the picture tuned out. She is hilarious.....she will nurture any animal that comes her way. I love how compassionate and observant she is.






And last but not least... Diesel had to show what he's got. Nothing feels better than freshly cut grass to lay in. I love that our children are always outside and ready for any adventure we throw their way.

Babies, Babies, Babies

Wow!! Instead of spring chickens there are spring babies! Lots of them!

This handsome little boy is Vance Paul. He is almost two months old and this is at his blessing.
We are so glad Paul and Candace finally decided to add to their family.










This is baby Rouje Bella. (Pronounced Rouge, like Baton Rouge). Such a beautiful little girl and so cuddly. She is about 2 weeks old and I couldn't seem to put her down.










This would be Jaxon Ray. He is the first Great Grandbaby on Curtis' side of the family. He gave his mom a hard time but was worth the wait. He is only 1 week old and Dad is ready to sign him up for Little League. Silly men.









And this cute little one is Joseph. He came four weeks early and was still 6 lbs 1oz. I can't imagine how big he would be if he came at the right time. I guess that's why he decided now was the right time. He is healthy and home being mauled by his excited 5 brothers and sister.






These babies have made life hard for my husband. I am so baby hungry and all I wanna do is hold them and cuddle. I sure do miss having a baby in my arms. Brody and Payton have grown up way too fast and don't want to just lay in Mom's arms anymore. Phooey on them. Guess Payton's doll babies and my chance visits with these ones will have to do.

Cousins

We were in Logan last weekend to help Britt and Micah purge and pack. Oh the joys of moving. It was such a nice day the kids wanted to picnic on the patio. I love how my kids love their cousins. Tai wasn't feeling good so we didn't get the best shots but isn't he so cute. I just want to eat those cheeks. Can you believe that he is only 18 months and weighs more than Payton (by at least 6 pounds). That's ok, he'll be the best linebacker ever.

This is Kona. Payton has officially named her babies Tai and Kona regardless if they are boys or girls. She loves these two to pieces. You can't see them very well, but Kona has the cutest dimples ever....makes me want to kiss that face. His mom better watch out, he's a heart breaker. Plus I'm sure the girls will love him if his nickname really sticks. I can't help it....I always catch myself calling him Koner Boner. Oh well.

Payton can't keep her hands off Uncle Micah. She just adores him and as you can see can't keep her hands off of him either. As a matter of fact, everyone today was Micah. Not sure what the obsession is all about but Micah is a good sport and gives in to her flirty needs. What a good Uncle.....thanks Micah.

And of course this is Aub for all you who couldn't tell by the kookiness in those eyes. Couldn't help but post this picture to show that NO I AM NOT THE ONLY DORK IN THIS FAMILY. Ha Ha Aub....I still love ya.

2008 Northern States

So yes, I finally made it to competition. It was a long hard road but so much fun at the same time. I have lost 30 pounds since October and have no clothing that fits anymore. I just wanted to get down enough to fit in my old clothes...well, I succeeded a little too well 'cause everything is now baggy. It feels so good to be in shape and confident enough to walk on that stage. I was so nervous backstage but once I stepped out and heard everyone screaming I had all the confidence in the world. I came in 5th out of six. I'm ok with that. I just wanted to be able to step onstage and look like I belong up there. It felt so good to be in shape enough to compete.

I want to thank my supportive Husband and kids for everything they did and sacrificed for me to be able to accomplish my goals. I know this sounds cheesy but they hardly saw me at all for the last six months. I wouldn't have made it without them. I also want to thank all of you that were able to come to the competition and scream for me. (Sorry I can't name names 'cause there was about 30 of you.) But THANK YOU. It meant so much to have all of you there. If anyone wants to know how to do this....call me...'cause it's not as easy as you think it would be. Love you all and hopefully I will see you in October at my next competition.

Wendover Baby!!!

So, I am a bad wife and am late on a lot of my posting so I will be playing a little catch up. Here goes...To celebrate Curtis' 32nd year of life I decided to surprise with something cool that he would never think of. I took him to Wendover for a night of wasteful spending and endless laughs. It was Jak's birthday the day before so we were celebrating that also. These are pictures we took on the Fun Bus on the way out and back. Jak was so excited since he turned 21 in Iraq and had never been to casino before. Like a giddy child on x-mas morning. He wanted to play everything and almost did.

This is Paul, Curtis' best friend since grade school. We just love Paul and were so glad he was able to steal a night away from his brand new baby to party like a rockstar. I felt like the fifth wheel since I don't really like to gamble. (My OCD just won't let it be fun, I constantly think how many cool things I can get at Ross for the money I just threw down). The boys spent most the night at the Blackjack tables and Mom and Jak made the rounds. I basically was a roamer and watched the boys whittle away their chips.



Mom and Jak came out about even and Jak was so excited to come home with some cash left.
Curtis did win quite a bit but decided to be generous and leave it all behind for someone else. This is how he looked before the bus even pulled out of the parking lot. I didn't even have time for a quick pic before he was snoring away. That's ok because we had loads of fun and it was a blast keeping the surprise and him having no clue what was in store. Love You Old Man!!!

AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

So yeah, I know that I am way behind on my blogging. Sorry to all of you who like your daily dose of craziness! You will just have to blog stalk my sisters until I can get back on track. My days are so full, of what I am still not sure yet. I have this constant fog in my head and can't remeber crap (that's what no carbs will do to you). Competition is this Saturday the 12th and I don't seem to have enough hours in the day to do what needs to be done. I drink so much stinkin' water I feel like a walking pool not to mention having to constantly eat, so I'm a bloated pool with floaters. What have I done to myself??!!! Got my suit yesterday, I think they shrunk it or else they forgot half of the material, oh the joy of being truly half naked. I have to go now, got water to drink, food to eat, and heels to prance around in. Hope to see you on Saturday!!

Easter

I love hiding eggs for the kids. It is so fun watching them. Yes I'm a freak and did plastic eggs and no I did not load them with candy. Little eggs got one or two starburst or skittle. The Big eggs had three or five pennies in them because they love to put money in their piggy banks. See they got a snack and savings.

Their big cheesy smiles make my day. They were so excited when they found their baskets. Payton got Hungry Hippo (yes, it was more for me but that's ok, she'll never know and will love that mommy will always play it with her). Brody got some puzzles since he is a whiz at putting them together.

Payton is so funny. She would squeeze the plastic eggs till the top popped off, then dumped out what was into the egg into a big pile. So proud of her stash.
Brody is definetely his mother's child. He carefully squeezed the egg until it gently opened, then one by one he would take the treat/money out and line them up in a row (the picture isn't that great but look closely at the line he made.) It makes Curtis nervous that our children are 4 and 2 and already have signs of OCD. Oh what the years may bring.

Jensen Easter

The Jensens have a big Easter Egg Hunt every year in their back yard. They divide the yard into sections (it's huge) and let each age group have a turn. This is Payton, Charlie, and Janessa. They were all born in the same summer. Charlie in June, Janessa in July, and Payton in August. So I am sure you will see plenty of pics of these three in the years to come due to this coincidence. So cute.

I can't seem to get enough of these pictures. I love how they love each other. All I have to say is "Stand next to each other so Mom can take a picture", and they pose so cute and loving every time. Bliss.

Seems like every family function the Jensen's have, this is always how the guys end up. Don't they know Nicole is always around the corner to catch a black mail shot. Steven always crashes in this same position ( the one reclined with legs up). I even checked some older pictures I have of the guys crashing and he looks the same in every shot. He cracks me up.

True Love

I took the kids to get their pictures with the Easter Bunny and then found a good place to take pictures of them all dressed up(since it is a rare occasion). I liked these pictures alot better then the bunny pictures. And to my surprise they were such hams and willing to do any pose I threw at them. I adore these two little angels and am so proud of them. I am very grateful for how much they love each other and are always protecting each other, even from mom and dad. I never thought I could create such amazing miracles but these two are living proof there are angels on Earth.



This was there own pose. As I was waiting impatiently for the stinkin flash to recharge I was asking them what they loved. Payton says "I love Brody, he's my best friend" and Brody quickly adds "yeah, I love Payton Mom 'cause she's my best friend too." They said I love you to each other and then kissed. Luckily, my flash recharged or I would have missed this precious pic.










When Payton does dress up in a dress Brody call her "my dear". Oh you look so cute, my dear...or....Come hear my dear, let's dance. I'm sure these two will be best friends for life. And if they do fight these pics will be my proof they really do love each other.

Pure Entertainment

Brody and Payton decided that they didn't want to eat at the dinner table so their creative father came up with something fun. Payton says she's a princess with the rag on her head and Brody of course is our cheese ball. Great idea dad...until they started throwing noodles and apple slices at each other then laughing so hard they fell off their stools. Ah, the life of a child.









They both are constantly playing dress up. Payton loves to dress up in her brother's clothes, not sure why but it's what she seems to always put on.. my little Tomboy. Brody on the other hand watched Pirates of the Carribean (when mom wasn't home of course) and wanted to be Jack Sparrow. The funniest part about this get up is the material you see under the hat that is supposed to be a handkerchief is his sister's underwear.(Thank goodness it's clean, but this will be a great black mail picture for future dates)








My children are funky sleepers, and this is how I found them at naptime. Neither looks very comfortable, but it does make for some cute pictures. Snore on.