It's A Girl! We have now had two ultrasounds that say a girl. The doctor wasn't completely sure the first time but this week when she showed me; it was pretty definate girl. Sam doesn't believe it because the "ring test" still says boy. I am more convinced by the ultrasounds.

I am excited for a girl but also a little nervous because I have boys and currently we do boy things. We wrestle a lot, shoot anything that resembles a gun, and play T-rex all the time. They all have pretty short hair that only needs to be washed and sometimes spiked - if we have time. I don't know that I have anything pink in our house. Now I have to (really I get to) do cute dresses, dolls, pink and hair bows. It will be a fun change.

Nonetheless we are so excited and just pray for a healthy baby.

Summer 09

I am not very good at updating my blog. So here is a short overview of our summer 09. We have enjoyed playing with friends and family. We have been on several short vacations. We love camping, canoeing and the cabin. It has been a busy time and honestly I am excited to get my life back in order (clean the house and the garage and get control of our yard). Here a few pictures.

My cute kids on Easter.

Fishing at Lost Creek (a favorite for all my boys).

Stockton and Dawson ride in at least one horse show a year with Grandma Kathy. They always win first place (all the kids are so cute it is too hard to pick one). It is fun for all.

Hoggle Zoo with the couzins.

Family Reunion hike to Rosie's Mine

Canoeing in the lightning, thunder and pouring rain (It was exciting and pretty fun).


My little entrepreneurs. They like to sell anything. So far they have sold eggs, paper airplanes, homemade coloring books, homemade suckers and paper bag puppets. They plan it and get so excited to sell what they can. Stockton puts a lot of work into making things to sell. I didn't encourage it at first but have given in and want him to be successful. I have only had to go around the neigborhood handing out change asking people to come a few times.

Hiking to Phelps Lake.

Tee Ball - we enjoyed watching the team learn to play. Stockton actually understood what to do and was pretty good. Snowcones were the favorite part of the whole season since the shop was set up next to the field.

Vacation #1

This spring we were able to go up to West Yellowstone. We stayed in some cabins in Island Park and drove into Yellowstone most days. Sam loves the country up here and I love getting out with my family. We saw quite a few animals and experienced all kinds of Spring weather. Up there was sun and rain and snow. So we were prepared for anything. It was fun to hike in snow, find treasures at Yellowstone Lake (which I haven't seen frozen before - pretty cool), sit in the sun and walk along the river by our cabins.

My favorite picture is of "my boys" looking in thier binoculers. When I came over and asked them what they saw. Sam said "Some mountain goats," Stockton said," We see goats," and Dawson says pretty loudly," I see a guy!" The man just laughed as he walked next to the truck -As you can see Dawson's binoculers are backwards and is not looking in the same spot as the other two.

Up there we met some nice people because everyone is a friend and happy to just talk to each other. One lady was talking to us telling about all the bears and other animals they had seen when Dawson gets up and exclaims to her, "Yea, well we have chickens!" It really was fun.

I have just added some of my cousins' blogs that I could see. There are so many of us that it is hard to keep up ... so it is fun to get to know them and thier kids a little more. Now I just have to get my sisters to blog :) Right Brandi? .

April Fools

I wonder where April Fools Day came from? Who decided to pick one day to play tricks on people. Nevertheless, I think it is kind of fun.
April 1st was Monday, so I had to work and the kids went to the sitter. Sam got off the same time as me that day so he went home to start dinner while I picked up the kids. He told me he wanted to play a little joke on the boys and feed them dog food. So all the way home I talked to the boys about how hungry we were and that we was so excited for Dad to have dinner ready right when we got home.
We walked in and the table was set so nicely with flowers for the centerpiece and Sam had each plate dished up with a pile of dog food.
Stockton just looked at it then looked at me like "Really?" (He often checks with me to see if Sam is kidding -because Sam teases them so much), Dawson smiled and took a bite. We then explained what April Fools was and they both thought it was so funny. Sam pulled out a chicken pasta that was really good.

The April Fools joke that was not as funny was Dawson (2 & 1/2 yrs) flushing Stockton's (5yrs)toothbrush down the toilet. He thought he was funny and just laughed when Stockton came crying to me. When he got in trouble Dawson yelled at me, "It's not funny to my little chickens or my big chickens!!" It really wasn't funny for a whole week when our toilet wouldn't flush and I had to plunge it all the time. Good thing I am married to a plumber who got the toothbrush out last night. Stockton cried again when I thew it away. He didn't understand why I couldn't just wash it off. Dawson really has been a jokester since he was tiny. I am amazed at how some things are just born in them.

Happy Birthday Stockton: Arrr you ready for a party?

Stockton turned 5 years old this week. He wanted a Pirate party with his friends, so on Saturday he couldn't wait until 2:00 for his party to start. When the kids came we gave them all a pirate headband and eye patch. We then played a games like blowing up pirate's cannon balls (popping black balloons) and pinning the X on the pirate's map. We decorated our pirate swords (made of pool noodles and PVC) and hit the parrot pinata (we made of paper mache for family night on Monday). We then had ice cream and cake then opened presents. I love the amazingmoms.com website. There are so many party and fun ideas on there.

The party went mostly as I thought -a little crazy- but we all had fun. I was fun to have Sam there to help and sword fight with all the kids. They loved ganging up on him.

The main thing Stockton asked for was a fish. We we got a little tank and took him to choose the fish. In the end he liked the frogs better so now we have a little frog in our fish tank. I think fish will come shortly.

Stockton is such a good kid. He is quiet until you get to know hime and cares about others feelings trying to make them happy. He is a smart boy and very talented. He loves to color, draw and paint. He also loves anything outside including camping, hunting and sports (just like his dad).

Happy Easter!!

Well, yesterday we got 5 baby chicks. Stockton and Dawson have been so excited about them. They have named them Spot, George, Cloe, and Poop. They feed them from thier hands and hold them as much as I will let them. Stockton has asked if we can learn about chickens on the internet and has plans to set up his "Egg Shop." He plans to sell the eggs to his grandma for $1.00. Although, on the other hand Dawson says he will charge $4.00 for his eggs. I wasn't so sure about them but seeing all my boys (including Sam) be so excited about them it will be fun. I am also happy about the opportunity to teach my kids some resposibility in feeding them, collecting eggs and running thier egg shop.

Sam has wanted chickens for quite awhile but I have been holding him back. Finally after convincing me and much thought, planning, and discussions with a couple nieghbors, Sam designed his hen house and decided on the type of chicken he wanted. I just hope things go as planned and our dog doesn't enjoy them for lunch.

Paradise Cruise

We just got back from a cruise to Catalina Island and Baja Mexico. It was so fun. We went with my brother and his wife and my sister and her husband (we missed our parents - who couldn't go last minute). We went left our kids with Sam's parents and had a blast with just us. We enjoyed snorkeling, shopping and exploring Catalina Island in a golf cart. In Mexico kyaking was quite the experience with our local guide we found on the internet - so funny and just plain fun. We also got the full experience of barting in Mexico as we shopped the strip back to the ship. We ate ALOT of really good and different kinds of foods - I haven't dared get on the scale yet. The weather was beautiful mostly so it was hard to come back snow. I am so glad we went!

We are on our way!!!

Catalina Golf Cart Exploration.

Dinners were awsome!

Who knew the candy from Mexico were filled with Tequila? Brandi enjoyed them :)

Kyaking was beautiful. We saw tons of sea lions, seals, starfish, sea erchants and clams. We then were taken for authenic mexican tacos (none of us got sick although we worried).

I love Sam! We still have things incommon that do not involve our kids.

It was fun. I wish we could go again.

A Heart Like His

Our Stake Relief Society gave us a challenge in October to try to have a "Heart Like His." We were asked to be aware of our own heart - whether is was open and soft or closed and hard. We were asked to try to have an open heart toward others without making any special arrangments in our day. We just go about our normal day and try to face each situation with an open heart. The whole challenge was inspired by this book by Virginia Pearce.

I read the book and really took the challenge. I wasn't successful all the time - in fact I noticed how often I had a hard heart. But I also had experiences that I would not have had if I hadn't been aware of how my heart was. These were not huge experiences just sometimes I was nicer to people at the store and while driving. I took more time to listen and really be a friend to others at work - when I felt pressed for time. And most importantly I took a little more time to read and play with my kids. I did not get as angry as I could have with them or my husband. I recommend this book and this experience to everyone. It definately makes me happier when I have a heart more like his. I plan to re-read this book every so often to help me remember to try and have a softer heart more like my Saviors.

In His Hands

I want to share with others how much faith I have in my Heavenly Father and my Savior. I have been pretty anxious lately about life and all the unknown. I found out a few weeks ago that there is a good chance that I will be loosing my job. I only work twice a week and I really enjoy it. I have thought about quitting after we had made the life changes we had planned but we haven't sold our house or made any progress in our plans. So I planned to work till I was sure of our expenses. Now that I may not have a job and Sam's work is in construction, it is pretty stressful to think about. For days I was so anxious and almost in tears at any moment. I could not stop thinking about it and couldn't sleep. Needless to say I spent a lot of time praying. I finally was able to calm down and realize things would work out when I was praying. I looked and on my wall was the Mormon Ad above that says "You are in His hands." At that moment I realized that my life is in his hands and everything will work out. Imediately I was was able to calm down and have been ok since. I will know after the legislature sessions are over if I still have a job.

I Know that my Heavenly Father loves me and things will work out how they are supposed to!

8 Things Tag
Tagged. Thank Brandi... I decided to do this because I haven't posted anything since October so why not.
RULES
1. Post rules on your Blog.
2. Answer the six "8" items.
3. Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving them a comment.

8 Favorite Shows:
I don't really watch TV much. It is usually whatever Sam or my kids want to watch. I am more a red box movie person.
1.The Office
2. The Nanny
3.Super Why - Dawson loves it
4. Untamed sports- Sam's hunting shows
6. Zonya - health tips
7. Curious George - Stockton and Dawson
8. Little House on the Parie (I know I know- but I feel like I am safe watching it- It always ends happy, no blood, vulgarity, etc.)

8 Things I Did Yesterday:
1. Went to aerobics class
2. Took Stockton and neighbors to preschool
3. Srubbed my kitchen floor - on my hands and knees it looks so nice.
4. Met some friends at Artic Circle for my kids to play on the toys - it is freezing outside
5. Met with my visiting teachers
6. Went to a parenting class - I need help and I get to see my bff Melinda
7. Made Dinner
8. Practiced what I learned at the parenting class when I put my kids to bed (it went better than it has in weeks -yea!).

8 Things I Look Forward To:
1. Going on a cruise
2. Sam's Elk Hunting permit is over Jan. 31
3. Valentines Day
4. Loosing weight - I have looked forward to it for years but hasn't happened yet.
5. A sisters night out (not for a few months)
6. The snow melting- I am so ready to get outside
7. Coming home from my cruise (I will miss my kids).
8. Super Bowl family party

8 Favorite Restaurants:
1. Chilli's (I love the Quesadilla Salad)
2. Texas Roadhouse
3. Olive Garden
4. Applebees
5. My Moms or In-laws (Anywhere I don't have to cook)
7. Wendy's (one of the only places my kids will eat)
8. We don't eat out much(kind of boring)

8 Things on my wish list:
My life is really pretty good. All the important things are in place and I am grateful for that. I am so blessed to have darling boys, my wonderful husband, a job that I like, good friends and the true Gospel.

8 People to Tag: I am not much of a blogger so eight people to tag is more than my list. So a few would be...
1. Melinda
2. Kelli
3. Chalae
4. Heather S.
4. Chelsea

I love to hear my kids pray.

It is always interesting to hear what the boys are going to say when they pray. Somethings are predictable but others are just fun. Almost everytime Stockton will say "bless for the Gospel, bless for dad to be safe, bless Dawson to sleep good" no matter what prayer it is. Yesterday I took them hiking to explore Fall. I had told them the night before that we were going, so Stockton woke up extra excited. In the morning prayer he said "bless for we won't get lost when we go hiking." Well we went hiking, collected lots of leaves, acorns and rocks and made it back just fine. Thanks to Stockton's prayers.

Dawson's prayers are also fun. Usually Stockton will ask to say the prayer, but when he is done Dawson will be pretty upset and say "He didn't pray a Rose." (Rose is our dog). So Dawson has to say a prayer and bless Rose and everything he sees, "Bless a chair. Bless a beans. Bless a fork. Bless a that. (while he is squinting and pointing to something)." So when we try to wrap it up by saying "In the name." He will wisper that part then pause and yell "AMEN." This is how Dawson's prayers go except for in church when I say, "Fold your arms. We are going to say a prayer." He will reply in his not so quiet voice, "I don't wanna pray!" So I have to just let him play to keep him quite.

Deer Hunting

We all went hunting with Sam one night last week and it was pretty fun. We hunted up Monte Cristo where it was beautiful. I like to go hunting during the mussel loader because I love to hike and ride the four wheeler in the moutains during the fall. I used to go with my dad and now I go once in awhile with Sam. I don't really care if they get a deer, but it is fun to see them get so excited.

Because we had the boys with us we just hunted driving in the truck this time. The leaves were so colorful. "Stockton would say look at the yellow trees." and Dawson would yell (because he only has one sound level) "Dockton iss not eyow, iss orange."

Stockton was pretty good at spotting deer and was so serious about it. Sam told them we had to be quiet not to scare the deer. So when Dawson would get a little loud, Stockton would say, "Dawson Shh." Dawson would once again yell a little louder, "Dockton, you not say shh a me." It was pretty funny. We saw a lot of "girl" deers, but not "boys". So needless to say Sam didn't get anything.

I like to read.

I have never really enjoyed reading. I think it was because I only read when I had to and they were books that we not interesting to me. But lately I have found out that I really enjoy reading. When I finish one book I am anxious to get another one. The other day my Grandma recomended I keep a list of the books I read. I decided why not on my blog. So here ya go even though it may not be enough information to be helpful.

All we need to know we learn in Nursery

After church on Sunday I asked Dawson what he learned in nursery and he said in his low growly voice, "I learned to color weally weally fast." He then holds up his picture with green crayon all over it. He is so fun.

"The Green Team"

Stockton started soccer. It has been so fun to watch. The boys decided their official name is "The Green Team." Because it is three on three, they all get a chance to get the ball and Stockton is
pretty good, too. He was pretty proud when he made two goals. He tells me that he will teach me how to play someday.

He is consentrating in the picture to the right. See his tongue out.

My Hero

My dear Grandpa Johnson passed away this last week. He is one of my greatest heros and I will miss him. He is my first Grandparent to go and it was no fun. He had a stroke and did not wake up for 4 days then passed away. He was brought home from the hospital and we all had a chance to sit with him. I didn't know if I would want to hold his hand or be there but I am so glad I was. It was one of the neatest experiences to be with him. The spirit was so strong. With 10 kids, 51 grandkids and 59 great grandkids there was always a full house.

Grandpa was an amazing man. He was honest, posittive, a hard worker, a great priesthood holder, patriotic, and accepting of everyone. As we honored him at his funeral I realized how much I want to be more like him. I have got a lot of work to do. I am glad to know that I will see him again.

I love you Grandpa!!

Gone Fishin'

Sam acquired a canoe from someone he did a job for (he has a way of doing this but he assures me they offer and he doesn't ask). So we have enjoyed fishing as Lost Creek. It has become a pretty fun family outing. The first time we were all a little nervous that we were all going to tip over in the lake. But we have mostly got the hang of it and love it. We usually lose one or two things at the bottom of the lake when Dawson says "in the water" or "bubbles" which means he has thrown something in. We have learned not to take anything too valuable.

The fishing isn't bad either and I am getting better at it. Still Stockton has caught the biggest fish and he'll let everyone know that. Sam is becoming quite the fish chef and the rest of us are learning to like to eat fish. When the fish aren't biting we can always catch Craw Fish which is entertaining for all because they snap at whatever is in front of them.

First Day of School

Today was Stockton's first day of pre-school. He was so excited. He got his book bag ready last week (it is full of paper, books that he made, tissues, pens, notebooks and a folder of his favorite pictures - I tried to convince him he only needed a few things but no success). Last night he had his clothes and bag set out. At 7:30 this morning he was dressed and asking if he could go. I am glad he is excited for school. When we picked him up, he reported that it was fun, they colored pictures, ate Graham crackers and milk (his favorite) and he got to be the first calendar helper. What a day!

Dawson had a sad day when he learned that he couldn't go to school with Stockton. Now Dawson and I have some one-on-one time. Dawson isn't so sure about that because he kept asking if we could go get Stockton. Dawson and I colored pictures, had a sword fight, went to story time at a library, and cleaned out the car. Soon, I was ready for Stockton to come home too.

Why not.

Well I have seen so many blogs and I love reading them. I have just never thought I would have my own. But today Dawson is sleeping, Stockton is playing with a friend, Sam is at work and my house is clean (this is a rare moment that doesn't last long) so after reading a few other blogs I figured why not? Therefore this is my first official blog spot.