Happy Holidays!

MERRY CHRISTMAS from our family to yours! We love you all and wish you the happiest of holidays this season.

"Busiest Time of the Year"

This time of the year can be sooooooo stressful. I feel like I am going to war each morning and my daily victory is when I can finally go to sleep before midnight. In light of the "busyness" I thought I would share my Christmas letter addressed to Santa Claus.

Mom's Letter to Santa

December 2008

Dear Santa:

I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned, nagged, chauffered, and cuddled my four children on demand, visited the doctor's office so much that I doubled my insurance deductible. I purchased sixty-two cases of candy bars, enough wrapping paper for at least 505 presents, enough fireworks to have my own “stadium of fire” and 8 tubs of cookie dough all so that we could contribute our fair share to the cheerleading, drill team and soccer funds. I have also learned how to mend choir robes and dance costumes with staples and a glue gun. I lost my mind but ended up with more logic than I started with.

I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a grocery receipt in the laundry room, between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 10 years.

Here are my Christmas wishes:
I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache after a day of chasing kids (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and a back with muscles that do not require six ibuprofen tablets and a heating pad at the end of the day. I want arms that don't flap in the breeze but are strong enough to carry a screaming seven year old from the candy aisle in the grocery store.

I'd also like a waist, a SMALL one, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my third pregnancy. If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like a car with fingerprint resistant windows, a stereo that only plays adult music and includes a feature that prevents a teenager from increasing the volume and changing the station. If it can be equipped with automatic seat belts in the back seat, that would be great.

It would be nice to have a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals or super model reality shows and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can stash chocolate. I would also like a closet with only a door knob on the inside and space that will allow me to hide so I can talk on the phone or finish the book, “Breaking Dawn.” A double bolt lock for the bathroom door would be a bonus.

On the practical side, I could use a talking daughter doll that says, “Yes, mom,” to boost my parental confidence, along with one seven year old who can manage to sit through school all day without sudden bursts of energy, four kids who never fight, perfect report cards, clean bedding and bathrooms, a robot who does laundry (and never mixes the whites with reds) and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools or a girdle. I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting, “Don't eat in the living room” and “Take your hands off your brother,” because my voice seems to be just out of the hearing range of my children and can only be heard by the neighbor’s dog.

And please don't forget the Playdoh Travel Pack, the hottest stocking stuffer this year for mothers of first graders. It comes in three fluorescent colors and is guaranteed to crumble on any carpet making the neighbors’ houses seem just like mine.

If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth, blow dry my hair and put mascara on both of my eyes all within the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature and without it being served in a styrofoam container.

If you don't mind I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could coerce my teenagers to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family; or if you could make my 11 year old not so cute while sneaking goldfish crackers upstairs to eat in her bed at midnight.

Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the chimney and come in and dry off by the fire so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.

Yours Always,
Mom

P.S. - One more thing...you can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children young enough to believe in Santa forever and happy enough for a lifetime.

I hope this helps add a little humor to your "busiest time of the year." A good laugh is a good remedy for me. If you have any requests for Santa, I can put in a good word for you.

Giving Thanks

I wish to send everyone a belated Happy Thanksgiving wish. What a joyous time of year. I truly am so thankful for the blessings in my life. I have been feeling a bit unsettled during these tumultuous times. Sometimes I get too caught up in the "world's events" and feel too anxious. When I remember the important stuff and focus on the gospel principles, then I feel at peace. How grateful I am for my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ and for all the blessings in my life. Here is a quick list of my top 10 blessings:

1) My beautiful children, all four of them. They enrich my life and bring me so much happiness and joy and laughter and tears and worry, I am grateful to be called "mom" (I could be called worse)!

2) My cute love muffin. He works so hard to provide for our family and still manages to be the best dad ever and do a dish or two. He vacuums the stairs as needed and will always take out the trash. He is a blessing to my children and me!

3) My mother and my mother-in-law. What two wonderful examples of strength and womanhood. How grateful I am for their wisdom and their wit.

4) My testimony of truth. I know the truthfulness of the gospel, I know the richness of its blessings and I am so grateful for my Savior and his love for me.

5) My employment. I have a job, a great job that allows me the flexibility to meet the needs of my four active and busy children. I am close in proximity to them and to my home. Employment is becoming increasingly more difficult to find and I have a job that allows me to serve others and help bring more souls unto Christ.

6) My home. Although the mortgage is more than I had bargained for...it is a nice home with sufficient space for all my children and their friends and for family and strangers who may stop by. I have great neighbors and it keeps us warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

7) Food on my table. I have been able to feed my family because I have been blessed with food in my kitchen. There have been some difficult times when there was less food, but nonetheless, there has always been food. No one goes hungry at our home. Infact, some of us probably should go a little more hungry a time or two to help reduce the waist line size.

8) Energy and health. I am so grateful to be blessed with the necessary energy to do all that I am required to do. There are many who may think that I have too much energy...but it has a purpose. I usually can work 8 hours out of the home and then work 8 hours in the home and chauffer my children and attend their events, fulfill a church responsibility, be the homework monitor, feed the family, attempt to clean up a mess or two and still have enough strength to make it to my bed after locking all the doors and turning off all the lights at night. I have been blessed with lots of energy and good health.

9) Call to serve. I have always loved any calling I have been given within the church and that I have the opportunity to serve.

10) The best of the best of friends. I have so many friends who are the best of the best. They laugh with me and at me, they cry with me, they pray for me, they teach me, they endure me, they influence me, they are always there for me, they love me. What a true blessing it is to have so many to call "friend." They all make my life better and there are many, some are far away, some are next door. No matter where they are they are loved by me.

How was that for a top 10? I am truly thankful and need to spend more time showing gratitude.

Thanksgiving was so nice. I cooked for my mom and brother and for my sister-in-law. Eric's boss and his family also joined us. It was a pretty casual meal, nothing too fancy, but traditional, except for the yams part. I hate yams, so I never remember to include them on my menu. My mother loves yams baked with marshmallows on top, sorry mom, I forgot! We also spent some time enjoying pie with the Thomas side of the family. It was a great time. We missed Missi and family and Adam and family, and Justin, the fireman who was protecting the community, maybe next time.

Now for the Christmas countdown. It is total madness, not much time left to decorate the house, trim the tree, buy the gifts and partake of the Spirit of the season. Happy Holidays!

Chaos, Chaos, Chaos

Caitlin perfoming with the LHS Pionettes at their dress rehearsal performance. Caitlin is 2nd row on the end! The really cute one!
Ouch! No pain no gain! Caitlin doing her thing at her drill performance. Caitlin is the end dancer on the front row. It is fun to watch her, she shines!
Caitlin....she is so cute and has such a great time performing with the drill team! Catilin is still on the end on the front row.


Hannah looking good! She is absolutely the most adorable and energetic cheerleader in her group. Mac's Gym had their annual "Friends & Family Night" performance this weekend.

Hannah with Grandma & Grandpa Thomas at her cheer performance! She was thrilled to have them attend so she could "shake it up" for them!




Why is life so chaotic? I think I increase the chaos in my life all by myself. If there is no stress or chaos or madness, I create it! It is how I accomplish things and stay productive, otherwise I would just sleep or something like clean my house. How boring is that?! Time has flown by, it is already the middle of November and Thanksgiving is next week! I love the upcoming holiday season, it is my most favorite time of the year. Thanksgiving is a time for family and remembering our blessings and being together. Christmas is family and just pure magic. A time to reflect on our Savior and his life and example and improve ours. A time to enjoy the magic of the holiday and watch the children delight in it. I am so grateful for my beautiful family and for the joy it brings to me when they feel the magic of the season.

We have been so busy the last couple of weeks. Courtney got a job at Rue 21, a clothing store that is close to home and pays pretty good. Now, if she can save her paycheck instead of buy more clothes with her "killer" discount. Caitlin is her usual busy self, she received her first report card of the school year and she managed to maintain her 4.0 GPA. Good job! She had a performance for friends and family last week with the drill team. They looked good and almost ready for the upcoming competition season. Hannah had her "Friends & Family Night" with Mac's, her cheer gym. She has been ready for weeks and so excited to show off her team's competition number. She looked great and so did they team. They pulled of every stunt flawlessly and looked so sharp and energetic. She did a beautiful tumbling pass with her "high" back handsprings. I worry, she flies across the floor mat because she is tumbling with speed and height. She says she needs the height in order to do a triple! Nonetheless, she was so cute and smiley and thrilled to have her grandparents attend just to watch her show off her "stuff."

It was the annual Sadie Hawkins dance at the high school. Courtney had a great time with her date. She and her friends planned a great and fun time. There were about 20 couples in her group. They had a "paint" war planned prior to the dance and then they went directly to dinner and the dance, all covered in the paint. What a mess! They had paint ball wars, paint ball balloons to throw at one another, paint filled squirt guns to battle with and simply painted one another with brushes. Each couple wore a matching set of sweats and then they put on shower caps with safety goggles. Unfortunately, Courtney got into the paint war prior to putting on her shower cap. She had lots of ammunition in her hair before she got on her protective cap. We spent all night last night getting blue and red and yellow paint out of her hair. I think we will have to get it cut to help eliminate the damage, but it was all worth it, she had a great time! The dance theme was "Survivor Jungle," they looked the part in the paint covered clothes. Including the smell, they stunk all night long. Caitlin attended the dance, dateless, oh the humiliation, because the drill team was in charge of the dance. She had to decorate, help with treats at the dance and then tear down the decorations afterwards and clean up. It is not fun when you have to wait until your 16th birthday to date....she has the "meanest" parents ever! But she still had fun and got to dance with Courtney's group as long as she could stand being with them....they were all really STINKY!

So much to do before Christmas arrives...anyone willing to shop, decorate, bake, wrap and/or plan festivities for me is invited! I am willing to negotiate just about anything! "It's the most wonderful time of the year......" it truly is!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from the Thomas Family. Everyone had a great time! The parade at Lehi Elementary school was fun...for me and the kids. I love seeing all the fun and original costumes. There are some very creative super moms out there who make some incredible costumes. The kids love walking up and down the halls, showcasing their costumes. The older girls wore their costumes to school. Caitlin had to dance "Thriller" for the student body at the school's assembly. She was the Zombie, creature, dead thing all day and all night long. She is so cute in her black tutu and striped socks. Courtney went as "Hannah Montana" to school. She looked just like her, except more beautiful! She could not endure the hot and long blond locks anymore so she dissed the Hannah Montana look for Hermione, her most favorite Harry Potter character, to enjoy the eve's events. She had to rummage through the costume box to find something that worked...I guess Hermione did! We went to the church party and "trunk-or-treat" (the congregation members park their cars in the parking lot and open their trunks for the kids to walk by and get the treats). The older girls had a party at the Zunkowski home and Hannah went trick-or-treating with her friends. Bowen went to a few houses in the neighborhood and was very content to watch "scary" movies with mom and give out candy to the kids.

The pumpkins were carved the night before Halloween and Bowen and Hannah did such a great job. They turned out so cute! We ate taco soup with chips and snacked on donuts and candy all night. My favorite costume was a little two year old guy dressed as "R2D2" or "R2R2" as he called himself. He could barely walk, but well worth the sacrifice to score the treats! The weather was so perfect, light sprinkles of rain and warmer temperatures. No snow or wind or hail or sleet. The kids did not have to cover their costumes with heavy parkas, they were able to show off their pretties this year!

I was a pirate...longing to find Orlando Bloom or Johnny Depp, but my ultimate Eric finally arrived after the state playoff football game. The Vikings beat Brighton and are off to the quarter finals this Friday...so joyous was the event that Eric was a football coach all night for Halloween! Hope your holiday was scary and fun!

Hannah & Tongue at the Halloween Parade!


Bowen at the school's Halloween Parade!


Hannah Montana Courtney Who?!


Hannah as the Queen of the Nile....Cleopatra never looked so good!


Ooooh, Bowen is so adorable....he is giving serious competition to Harrison Ford.


"Aaargh"....the pirate mom is ready for Halloween fun!


Hermione (Harry Potter), Zombie, Indiana Jones & Cleopatra all ready for the Halloween Eve's events!

A Night to Remember....

Hannah with her friends at High School Musical 3...a definite night to remember!



October 24th was the release date of Disney's new High School Musical 3 movie. Of course, I have an 11 year old daughter just dying to see it along with her friends. Why not, it would not be a newly released movie without the Thomas Family Clan. She plans an HSM 3 party with her friends and I purchase tickets, only to find out that her sisters and friends want to join us and so does the Zunkowski girls, WOW! I spent over $100 on tickets, of course everyone paid me back, but....it was a little sickening buying 12 tickets to one movie.

Needless to say, it was quite the experience. High School Musical quickly turned into High School Chaos. Imagine,an entire theater full of girls aged 10 to 20 screaming at the movie screen everytime Zac Efron or Cordon Bleu appeared. They sang to the songs and screamed at the awesome dance moves. They gave advice out loud and yelled things like "I Love You," "You're my man," "On fire," and my favorite, "Will you marry me?" I have never experienced such an event and hope to never have to again. Although, it was truly fun for the little girls and dancing and singing through the entire movie. It was almost as fun as the premiere of Footloose oh, so long ago!

What a night to remember......

More Thriller!

It took a bit but finally we have them....more photos from the infamous LHS Pionettes "Thriller" half time performance. It will repeat tomorrow at the school's Halloween assembly. Just thought you might enjoy seeing everyone in full costume! Now you know why this is one of their favorites to perform!

LHS Pionettes!

They are sooooooo adorable!


Arriving in Style! The ambulance delivered all the girls to the football field...they had to arrive in "Ghoulish" fashion!



The ZOMBIES








Having fun at the football game...even the coaches got into character. Can you find Caitlin?! She is the really scary one in serious need of a total makeover, oh wait, that is all of them!


They "TERRORIZED" the football game!

"THRILLER"

"It's close to midnight and something evil's lurking in the dark"......Caitlin in her "Thriller" costume waiting to perform at the football halftime!


"You hear the door slam and realize there's nowhere left to run"......Caitlin & Frazier, what happened to our beauties?


"Cause this is Thriller, Thriller Night"......Caitlin & Ashton are scary creatures of the night!


Last night Lehi High School had it's last football game. The Pionettes gave an awesome, show-stopping half-time performance. They performed their version of Michael Jackson's "Thriller." They were all dressed up as dead zombie creatures or something. There were some interesting costumes. They arrived on the field in an ambulance with lights and sirens, the back ambulance doors opened and out they danced...well walked...well crawled...well it was some kind of dead, coming out of the grave walk. They made it to the center of the field and began to perform for us all. It was great, they danced and lurked all over the field, there were faces of terror and lots of groans and grunts and scary noises. There was blood oozing from mouths and you could tell each one loved this routine. There were smiles amongst the dead and lots of energy. We had a great time watching them all. The girls will repeat the performance on Halloween at a school assembly!

Caitlin made up her own costume and hair, she needed a bit of help with the make up is all. Bowen was a bit nervous that she was going to the football game looking like she did, he said, "Um, people will see her and wonder what happened." I think many think that anyway. She was in character the entire time and loved it!

I am just glad to have another weekend arrive. This week we survived family pictures, end of the term finals, lots of homework, lots of housework (which, by the way, is not yet completed), extending an invite to the Sadie Hawkins dance via Santa Claus with a cake that had the invitation baked inside, dance, cheer, and karate lessons, a dance concert at the high school, two major deadlines at work, Eric adjusting to his new high blood pressure medication, another birthday (just means I am another year older), making dinner for the neighbor who just had a baby and spilling orange juice all over the kitchen, twice! Whew...did you get all that?!

This month is just flying by...it will be November next week! I am excited to have the Halloween holiday next week, it is fun to get everyone in costume and party and watch scary movies and eat lots of junk food and treats. The older girls have a party planned and Bowen and Hannah will trick-or-treat. It ought to be fun! I enjoy this time of the year!

The Karate Kid

Our Karate Kid...Bowen earned his "white belt" and broke the board with his foot.
Bowen is so proud....now if only he could find a bully to spar with and a Mr. Miyagi to inspire him...he would win the girl in the end for sure!


Bowen, has just begun karate lessons, oh boy, that is a treat. I think the teacher is earning his dollars with Bowen in his class. He is actually well behaved and very much intrigued with the whole karate thing. He just asks the teacher a million and one questions..."why do you do this," "why do you do that," "why do you have a black belt," "how come you kick up instead of down,"....and it goes on and on. He seems thrilled with his efforts and wants to keep his broken board forever! It only hurt a little, don't you know! We love our Karate Kid!

Fun Times - Homecoming Dance 2008

The Homcoming Dance was last weekend. It was a fun time for Courtney. They began the day with a little body surfing at an indoor facility. There were real waves and you could body surf or attempt the surf board. Courtney enjoyed it, however, was full of bruises and scrapes when she returned home. She went with Ryan and a big group of kids and they all had a great time. The dance was fun too! Courtney looked so beautiful and Ryan picked her up for dinner and the dance in a matching suit with a green tie, Courtney wore a green and black velvet dress.

Courtney & Ryan Homecoming Dance 2008! They match and are so adorable!

Mini Drill Camp 2008

Caitlin with Jocelyn and Hannah after the performance! See how adorable they all three are!


Hannah waiting on the football field sideline to perform!




Caitlin and the Lehi High School drill team had a "Mini Drill Camp" for young girls aged 3-12. It was a great opportunity for the little girls to perform at a football game half time and for the drill team to gain extra cash from the fundraiser. Caitlin was excited to teach the little girls and made sure her niece, Jocelyn and little sister were part of the Mini Drill Camp. Caitlin made certain she had Jocelyn in her little group of 5 year old girls and she enjoyed getting know Jocelyn better. Hannah and Jocelyn pulled through and stold the show at the half time performance! They all looked so cute and everyone had a fun time. I'm not sure who had more fun, the little girls or the drill team girls! The football game was chilly but worth it as Hannah and Jocelyn and Caitlin were absolutely adorable (I am bias as I'm the mother and the aunt)!

The Hard Loss.....

Lehi had a hard loss to Brighton last night at a 3-0 final score. The girls did not play to win the entire first half. They buried themselves into a 3-0 hole and although on fire the second half, were not able to dig themselves out. Nonetheless, the girls need to hold their heads up high, they had a great season and it proved to be an exciting senior year of varsity soccer for Courtney. We love you girls!!!!

Senior Game 2008

The final home game was last week. All four senior varsity players were honored. All four showed up with some interestingly painted faces. It was a bit tearful at times, but all four smiled and played hard together on the field. They beat their opponent, Spanish Fork High School, 12-0! What a way to end the season. Now on to the playoffs.....today! Lehi had to share the region title with Timpanogos High School and Lone Peak. It was a three way tie for 1st place. After a coin flip (I know, totally insane, was not my idea), Lehi got a second seeding. We play Brighton High School today on our home field! Go Lehi!

The Varsity Starting Line-Up! Courtney is the TALL one, #11!

The girls, the tears, and the coach!

Oooooh, Court got flowers!

The Four Senior Varsity Soccer Players! We Love Them!

They are so adorable, war paint and all!

Jessie & Courtney...All Growed Up!

The girls giving us their "diva pose!" Courtney sporting her "Pioneer Purple" and Jessie wearing T-Wolves colors....regardless of her jersey choice, we still love her!
Jessie Beck and Courtney grew up together. We were neighbors back in the old "PG Hood." They were the best of buddies and still are. Even after playing as rivals on the soccer field. Lehi and Timpanogos high schools played soccer yesterday. Timpanogos gained their victory after we beat them at home earlier in the season. They beat Lehi with a score of 2-1! Even after the game they still share the LOVE! They are all grown up and so adorable. Long ago were the days of popsicles and legos and bald barbies (they liked to shave their heads, not play with them) and ruling Cherokee Drive. However, both are still bossy and both are still kinda naughty!

The Fall is Upon Us....

Wow, another week has passed by. It is already October and fall is officially here. Although, you would not know it with the hot temperatures and sunny weather that has been bestowed upon us. But it is general conference weekend for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this is when all the "Mormons" gather in Salt Lake City, Utah to the conference center to hear the words of our prophet and his apostles. It is the custom that every first weekend in October due to the conference and the gathering of the saints, it will mostly likely rain. The weather man has not let us down, it is predicted to rain and snow in the mountains. I am feeling a little bit "shorted" in the weather department. We had no mildness, we are going from 85 degrees to low 60s or below and snow in the mountains! Oh, Utah weather, always mixed up and never dull!

The week has been an eventful one. Caitlin has been working hard at learning her drill team dances for competition. A few of the dances were difficult but she has conquered them and looks beautiful and energetic when dancing. Bowen is adjusting to first grade and the long day does not seem quite so long anymore. He has made some friends and is excelling in math and reading. He hates to write, however, it is just too hard. "Why should he have to write sentences anyway? Can't he just speak them?!" "He does not write letters, he asks or tells his mother when he needs something or calls her on her cell phone." Makes sense to me. Hannah is doing well in 6th grade. She seems to love reading, she spends almost an hour every night reading in her bed. This is such a great thing as learning to read was challenging and she never enjoyed it until now. She is growing up and so pleasant. She loves her family and is so considerate. She writes little notes or leaves messages for her sisters or little brother. When someone is having a bad day, she will draw a picture or leave a note for them in hopes of cheering them up. For Courtney, the regular soccer season is coming to an end. The last region game is next Tuesday then it will be on to the state playoffs. Lehi has now lost twice in region, their record of 0 losses has come to an end. They split with two of the 'big' region rivals and now all three teams are tied for the best record in the region. Unless one of the teams has an upset on Tuesday, they will all be tied and have a "coin toss" to determine the region title winner and which seed the teams will take for the state playoffs. Whoever decided a toin coss was a great idea should probably retire......being "lucky" is a terrible way to determine a region title. Oh well, what do I know? So soccer with its ups and downs has been memory-making for her.

I am looking forward to the relaxing weekend (yeah, right) and time at home. I am hoping that someone will just come in and clean my house so I can just hang out and enjoy conference and the words of our church leaders from my television while sitting on my couch. Any takers?!

High School Survival!

Caitlin having fun with the drill team! Can you find her? Nice to know that those early morning practices are beneficial!


I worry, at times, about my "over-achieving, perfectionist" daughter, Caitlin! She is fully stressed with the adjustment to high school. She has always been our 4.0 GPA student who has never received anything but an "A" on her school work. She is full of anxiety, high school has proven a bit more challenging than junior high and she actually had to retake a test that she did not score an "A" the first time around. This has driven her to tears. I think the early morning hours of drill team practice (she has to be at the school daily for 6 AM practice) and the frustration of learning so many new dances is adding to her anxiety. She needs to understand that it is okay to not always be the best at everything (hmmmm, I wonder where she gets it?). If she is giving her best and/or working as hard as she can, sometimes that is all we can do! It may be a life long lesson. However, it is that same motivation to be the best that drives her and motivates her to succeed. She is terrific and we love her soooooooooo much! She will be a great succees in high school and go on to do many great and wonderful things with her beautiful life. She is highly intelligent and could rule the world, WELL, I might add! Plus, she is our beauty and fun and giggly and social and full of life! We love our Caitie Bug!

Soccer Mom

Bowen and the "Tigers" soccer team. Bowen is ready to rip up the field and "put it in the kitchen!"



It is official, I am a "soccer mom" with three of my four children playing the sport. What is it about soccer? I have no idea, other than it keeps my children in excellent physical condition with all the running. Courtney has excelled, she has the most skill and finesse and she is quick. Caitlin was aggressive and fast and so tough. You did not want to get in her way, ever! Bowen, the little beginner, runs fast and is determined. He gets upset when he looses the ball and is not quite satisfied when someone else scores on a ball that he kicked to them. I guess he does not get the concept of a "team" sport and what exactly it means to get the "assist."

It has been beautiful soccer weather, temperatures ranging in the mid 70s to 80s. I can only think of one high school game this season that there has been wet weather and Bowen has only had one game with clouds and the threat of rain.

I enjoy this time of the year with the fall like weather and the temperatures beginning to cool down. I enjoy the cool nights and waking up in the morning to "cold" throughout the house because the windows are open! The leaves are turning to gold and orange colors and the mountains are picturesque with all the brown, red, and bright yellow that paints what was green. It is fun to get out sweaters and hoodies and boots and put away the swim suits, flip flops and sandals. It is all about layering, jackets and sweatshirts for the morning and then peeled off for the lighter shirts in the afternoons. Barbecues and burgers are replaced with fire pits and roasted marshmallows, S'mores are the best!

Fall Time Rocks!

Homecoming Invite 2008

The mess is the best! Courtney's invitation to the Homecoming dance was fun and messy!


Oh the stress....Courtney will have to get a new dress!


The Homecoming dance invitation included a lot of decorating to Courtney's bedroom. How fun, she has been asked to go to the dance by one of her best buddies. He is a great guy and they will have a great time. She is excited, but wouldn't want to express any kind of positive emotion to anyone.

Now, the stress for mom, the dress shopping. Not so bad if we can find one with a smaller price tag.

Caitlin was invited to the dance too....she was tearful when mom and dad reminded her about the age limit of 16 years old to begin dating! She understands but is afraid that she will not get invited next year. Oh, the drama of high school!

Lehi Soccer Undefeated!

Courtney's fan club...like the t-shirts!

The paper had this great action shot of the soccer game on Tuesday. This is Jessie Beck, Courtney's good friend who plays for Timpanogos High School...the enemy! She is awesome, even if she plays for the enemy!

Courtney at Tuesday's soccer game against Timpanogos High School. She is like....Mom, it's half time...I have to go with the team...leave me alone!

Lehi High School Girl's soccer team rocks the world! The girls are undefeated this season and have SEVEN shut out games. So far, they are playing well this season. They beat the region queens yesterday on home turf. It was a tough and grueling game but they managed a 1-0 win! This is so much fun for Courtney's senior year, to be a part of a great soccer season with girls she adores and skilled players who don't give up. Go Lehi Soccer! We love you!

Happy 7th Birthday Bowen!

Happy Birthday Bowen! It's hard to believe that the little guy is already 7! He is growing up so fast. We celebrated his birthday for two days. His birthday party with his friends was on Saturday at the bowling alley. It was "Bowen's Bowling Birthday!" We had 14 little boys aged 5 to 7 years old running all over the bowling alley. Wow! I think everyone was glad when we finally left and the party was over. The boys bowled and ATE lots of pizza, one little friend ate 10 pieces (can you say aching tummy). They also played a few arcade games and opened presents and ate birthday cake. I think they all had a great time. At least Bowen did! He smiled all day long. He loved all the presents and attention and was so generous, he told everyone thank you and let his friends play with the new toys he received afterwards. We then had birthday cake and gave him our presents on Sunday, the real birthday day. He arose at 6:00 AM in hopes of getting everyone out of bed so he could open his birthday presents. He did not have much luck as his sisters either threw shoes at him to get him out of their rooms or groaned at him to "get out." So, he hung out with mom until all the morning zombies finally awoke.

Look at what Bowen got for his birthday! Yes, he loves Indiana Jones and can now dress official any time he wants. Bowen especially likes the whip, I think that is an invitation for injury. I guess his sisters better get tough and whip resistant. Bowen also got "Indiana Jones Legos" and a new CD boombox and a couple CD's to play. He thinks he is so grown up. He had a great two days and we love him so much. He was so sweet and requested a chocolate "coke" cake for his birthday. I spent a little time making it for him and then he only wanted ice cream and no cake. Go figure! He is alot of fun and keeps us all on our toes. He spends most of his days asking questions, to which I usually have to research the answers on the internet (I have no idea how to install a satellite dish on the house or why Harry Potter has to wave his wand twice to make a spell work) but I usually can find the answer on goggle. If he does not like the answer he is given, he usually thinks up his own more logical answer after much deliberation. He brings laughter, silliness, sweetness, and action to our home. He is adored by his three older sisters and his mother. His dad enjoys his company but is also easily tired out.

Happy Birthday Bowen.....We Love You!

Happy Birthday Courtney!

Be careful on your 18th birthday....you never know who may show up to sing to you!

My baby is 18 years old today! I cannot believe it. It truly does seem like just yesterday that I was laying in the hospital with her in my arms as a newborn. Wow, what a fast 18 years. She has become a beautiful young woman with many remarkable qualities. She is FUN, silly, full of life, nurturing, children naturally are drawn to her and she is so attentive to them, a leader, quick witted, intelligent, bossy and in charge, deep thinker, strong, happy, compassionate, loyal, adorable! I could go on and on with adjectives.

In honor of her adulthood it was determined that her day should be celebrated with humiliation and bling. A "cookie cake" (the bling) was delivered to the high school along with balloons. Her friends decorated the car in the school parking lot and her locker too was adorned. Finally, her little sister, Caitlin, decided that was not enough attention and/or humiliation, so she arranged for her uncles and dad to show up at lunch and serenade her for her birthday (the humiliation). So, they did........Uncle Evan even enlisted the help of the entire student body whom were also eating lunch to sing along too! Her dad gave her flowers (more bling) and she was embarrassed and a very nice color of pink (yeah, humiliation). It was fun and everything she deserves!

We love you Courtney! Happy 18th Birthday! May your day be as bright and sweet as you! We could not ask for a better daughter and we are so proud of you!

Labor Day Weekend

Ahhhh, the Smile Appears!
Courtney, Friends & Family Enjoying Courtney's Almost Adulthood!
The Smiley Birthday Girl!


We love long weekends! Labor Day provided such a weekend. We enjoyed the extra time off of work and school and normal activities. Not that we did anything great or exciting, but just being able to have another day to do whatever we want is enough of a celebration. Courtney's birthday is this week. She will turn 18! Unbelieveable! It does not seem like too long ago that I was 18 and a senior in high school ready to take on the world. Now it is my daughter's turn.

Courtney would not commit to doing anything for her birthday, what her 18th birthday and she does not want to party?! Well, I could not have any of that so I planned a "mini celebration." I invited her two best friends and took our family and the Zunkowski family to the Desert Star Playhouse to watch "Scary Poppins," melo-drama at its best. Her friends told her that they were going to a movie with her sister Caitlin and Katlyn Zunkowski. They picked her up and then picked up Katlyn, well, we were already at the Zunkowski home with cake and balloons in hand. We gave her the big "surprise" announcement and she was not smiling so big! We celebrated anyway. We sang a beautiful rendition of "Happy Birthday" and made her blow out ALL those candles and open a few gifts. She got a little more smiley. Apparently, she is not too keen on surprises, especially when she thought she got to spend the night with her friends and her family ended up tagging along as well.

We finally left for our destination (which no one would tell her about) and arrived at the playhouse. She was still grumpy, at least she wanted us to think she was, but her eyes were showing a little sparkle. Nonetheless, the actors came out and announced her 18th birthday and made her stand so everyone could see! This was embarrassing but fun! Scary Poppins was silly and full of laughs. She ended up having a great time and giggled through most of the play. Overall, it was a great time and she admitted it was lots of fun, she just hates being surprised. I think she just hates not knowing the plan (or at least not being in charge of the plans). We love her so much and are so proud of the young woman she has become. She is beautiful, nurturing, fun, open, a leader, in charge, sweet to her siblings, responsible, witty, strong, full of character and good company. The list could go on and on.

We also spent some time shopping and took the two little ones to see the new "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" movie. The long weekend was great and we are so glad to be back in school and back to work!

Be Smart

School has begun! School started on 8-18-08 (there has got to be something tricky about all those "8's"). The clan began without difficulty. We pretty much had to put a second mortgage on the house to pay the registration fees and purchase the school supplies, not to mention shoes and/or clothes (if Bowen and Hannah would stop growing). But, we managed and everyone seems to be adjusting to the new school schedule.

Courtney, Senior at Lehi High School (I cannot believe it). She is absolutely bored with school and ready to take on the world. She has a few challenging AP classes and lots of electives that are time fillers. The college prep math class will prove the most challenging, she says, but it will be a great preparation for college Algebra. She is contemplating her college options. She is considering Utah State, Utah Valley University, and maybe Snow College. I keep suggesting BYU-Idaho and like the idea of Snow College as well. We will see which options are preferable after she applies and begs for financial assistance and scholarship help. She is still interested in studying secondary education or social work. She keeps hinting at fashion design, not sure which college will offer such a program. But, whatever she decides, she will be great. She just needs to survive her senior year. I think it will be one big party for her! Soccer is going well, she is getting lots of varsity play time and Lehi is 2-0-1. Pretty good start to the pre-season! The team will take on Riverton and Wasatch this week and next week all region games will begin! Go LHS girls soccer!

Caitlin, Sophomore at Lehi High School (I also cannot believe it). Caitlin is so excited about what is ahead of her. She is thrilled to be in high school. She has a challenging schedule. She has a couple of honors classes and Geometry, in which she already has stress! She is also very busy with the drill team, dance company and choir. She loves music and performing, but with all the electives, she has to take Health on-line in order to have all her credits for graduation. There will be no rest for the weary. She looked darling everyday, making certain her outfits for high school were just the "right ones." She performed at the school assembly on Friday and really had a great time. The drill team also performed at the football game this weekend. She was so cute! She looked great dancing on the football field and really shined! The whole drill team looked sharp and in sync. Go girls! We love LHS Pionettes!

Hannah, 6h grader at Lehi Elementary (growing up quick). Hannah is excited to "rule the school" and be in sixth grade. She is still getting acquainted with her teacher but says that all of her friends are in other classes. She will just have to get to know the kids in her class, this should not be too hard, she is quite sweet and social. She has already begun reading a biography (almost done) so she can write a report. She completes her homework without supervision and is so responsible to get her planner signed daily. She is a sweetie! She is so careful selecting her new outfits to wear and is doing a great job styling her long and thick hair. She has an eye for fasion and enjoys "dressing trendy" or making her own style.

Bowen, 1st grader at Lehi Elementary (finally). Bowen is already breaking in his teacher and taking charge of his class. The best part of his day is getting school lunch (you get your own tray and pick your own meal) and recess, thank goodness there are three of them! He has not said much about his teacher or what he does in the classroom, however, he seems to be adjusting, even as difficult as it may be. He is our "likes consistency and dislikes any change" boy! He feels secure in a repetitive schedule and gets stressed whenever flexibility within the schedule is needed. I think he will love school once he adjusts to the new school year and his teacher. He says first grade is sooooooooooo long! "Being at school all day is so hard" according to him. He also let us know that it took so long to get to Wednesday, I did not have the heart to remind him he has school until Friday. Bowen was very happy to have the weekend arrive and to be able to play video games and jump on the trampoline at his leisure. He will be so great! He is an intelligent little guy with alot of personality and energy! We love him!

Mom has adjusted too! I feel divided every new school year. I love having the kids at home and schedules not so strict! I enjoy the play time we have and the freedom during the summer months. But, it is nice to get everyone back into routine and back into the classroom, that way they don't complain of boredom and near starvation (after they have eaten the entire weeks worth of groceries in two days)! I love them all soooooooo much! I am excited to see Courtney become a sweet and awesome little adult and commence into bigger life experiences. It is so fun to watch Caitlin grow up into such a beautiful and talented young woman. Hannah brings so much joy and teaches me so much about compassion for others. Bowen continues to make us laugh with his wit and wisdom!

Total Survival

I feel quite accomplished as yet another week has flown by and I still living to tell about it!

Caitlin and I ventured and survived the girl's camp experience. Our stake camped at the Lehi Utah stake property in Heber, Utah. The area is beautiful and the whole girl's camp thing is always such a spiritual high, however, it rained everyday, which added a bit of gloom and doom! This year, I was a stake leader and I have to admit, it was a little hard camping with all women and no girls! I was a bit envious of our ward leaders who were camping with the young women. I enjoy the company of the young women, that is what makes it fun. The other stake leaders I camped with however, are so great. I enjoyed getting to know each of them, they are very talented and valiant women who love the Lord and the young women of our stake. They are also a bit "crazy," so I fit in well! Caitlin was a trooper, she was not so thrilled about going, however, she had a good experience once she got there. She shared a beautiful testimony and was grateful that she was able to develop relationships with her leaders and with some of the girls that are her age. I had a great time with her, she visited my camp site frequently and we giggled alot. I even shared (this was a great sacrifice)some peach cobbler from the dutch oven with her. She is so sweet and cute! Eric is the high councilman assigned to the young women, so he spent time at camp as well. He was the fireside speaker on the first night and did an outstanding job. I think that the girls and the leaders were all touched by his love and testimony of self-worth. He worked hard at setting up tents, taking down tents, digging trenches, and obeying orders from women!

Hannah and Bowen were well cared for by Grandma Thomas and the Zunkowski family. Bowen wanted to know when I could go back, he had fun and wanted to have some more, apparently! Courtney was missed by me, her sister and our ward. She did not get the opportunity to camp this year as she had soccer tryouts at the high school. I was a bit nervous for her, but all prevailed.....she is a VARSITY player!

Tuesday morning was worrisome, she had a collision with another player and a ball, they both came directly at her, she turned her face to protect the nose (oh, the priorities) and ended up on the ground and out of it! The ball knocked her on the back of her head and neck and sent her to the ground. She quickly jumped up and finished the scrimmage, however, a bit loopy and confused. We had to take her to the doctor, who verified she had suffered a mild concussion and would have to take the rest of tryouts a bit more carefully. She was tearful and fearful of her team placement, however, she still made the varsity team and hopefully this will prove to be a great soccer year for her. Now, she is going to have to work hard for her play time. Oh, the rigors of high school athletics. She is so great and makes a valuable addition to any team she plays with. I am so proud of her!

This is the last week of summer break! School begins next Monday, the 18th! But, the girls are already busy, Caitlin resumed early morning drill team practice, daily at 6 AM and Court has soccer practice this week and a pre-season game on Thursday with Bingham High School. All is well....the craziness begins!

Yellowstone Adventure in Photo

Jenn & kids...aren't we all sweet?
What do they all have in common?
Hannah loves the animals!
I hesitated, little stressed, and got the better end of the buffalo...ooops!
Courtney & Hannah are not afraid of goats!
Dad & Caitlin having fun!
"The Dragon's Mouth" at Yellowstone!
Bowen & Hannah, see they really do get along!
The Four Scary Bears!
The Cutest Bear!
The Three Little Bears!
The Gang at Yellowstone...so cute!
Old Faithful proved faithful!

"Bowen & the Big One!"