The Birthday Girl Speaks

I had a terrific anniversary of my 28th birth year yesterday. Thank you to all who sent me well wishes!

I started the day at about 6:00 am when I have to get the precious angels up and at 'em for school time. I was greeted with a birthday message from my sweet hubby written on our bathroom mirror in my favorite lipstick color. Hopefully, I will be getting a new tube of lipstick for my birthday.

Next, Mykie gave me birthday love hugs and a cute I love you card she made herself along with some sun catchers she made.

Brigam gave me a magnificent framed piece of art that he himself made. He's really quite the artist in an abstract sort of way.

Birthday wishes were given by all my precious ones as they left for their institutes of higher learning for the day.

Then I went into work. Yes, I said work, what else would I do by myself on my birthday - stay home and eat bon bons on the couch all day? Really, does that sound like me? I did go to work and there waiting for me were balloons blown up from a co-worker from the night before. Peggy was also there blowing up balloons a being a bit upset because I spoiled her surprise by coming into work a little early! SORRY! But she gave me the coolest singing card with the song, "Do You Believe in Magic" which I thought was so cool because I had never gotten a singing card before, the cutest feet covers, some WW items worth less than 2 points each, and my very own birthday/princess crown. I was so excited about the crown and I was not afraid to wear it. Peggy knew that I was going to kickboxing as well and challenged me (or actually told me) that I was to wear it during class as well. I have no problem with that. It's my birthday and EVERYONE should be celebrating it and me!!!!!

So I wore it to class where I think it brought much giggles to my fellow kickers. The great thing about that class was that as my birthday gift, Tina (one of the instructors) played my favorite kickboxing song and told me to come on stage with her to do the routine! I was a little hesitant, but went up there and loved it!!! I just don't know how they get the routines into their heads and can talk to the class at the same time. I am breathless when I am doing it!!!

After that, I went back to work (thanks Sylvia for letting me break for my class) and enjoyed the rest of my day in my birthday crown.

When I got home, I took a nap (it was my birthday) and got up to attend Jeremy's game. This is the only picture I have of him. If you look closely you can see his cleat there in the middle of the shot. I would have had many more pictures in action, but to do that, your kid has to be in on the action. His coach didn't even play him for almost the entire game. He was put in at the end with only seconds left, the other team ahead by a touchdown and they (the opposition) had the ball. He was there for 3 downs where Enterprise's quarterback just kneed the ball 3 times. And on the sidelines his "super great wonderful coach" was yelling, "Number 41, get that ball!" (Jeremy being #41). Fat chance of that happening. Maybe they wouldn't have lost if they put Jeremy in MUCH earlier. But I digress from my lovely birthday.

After we came home and dropped the kids off, Mike took me to Olive Garden. We don't take the kids to Olive Garden because I can't stand to see the bill come after the kids have ordered pizza or spaghetti and they don't like the taste of it because it doesn't taste like moms so it is a big pile of waste on their plates. To spare the bad feelings that this would bring on - we left them home.

After a delicious dinner, Mike and I went to Dairy Queen to get an ice Cream cake to take home to the kids to celebrate my anniversary birthday. There were so many cakes to choose from. I love Oreo, and they had a chocolate lovers, what I really wanted was the Strawberry Cheesecake Cake, but I knew the kids would HATE that and I thought that I had left them out of the celebration enough so I went with one everyone would like. A regular ice cream cake with a picture of .........

Hannah Montana!

This one I knew everyone would love. Tyler thinks that Hannah is really pleasant to look at (he doesn't think Miley Cyrus is cute. I told him that he is missing the whole plot of the show), Jeremy uses many Hannah Montana episodes watched in a row to calm him down after watching a scary movie, Mykie giggles as she watches her show and Brigam loves ice cream cake so I knew that we had a winner.

In fact, Brigam and Jeremy show you just how lovely they think she is "Quick!! Take the picture before those kids make kissy lip marks in it!!!"

By the way, isn't my crown so cute??? As you can see from the background, one of my birthday presents WASN'T that someone did their dishes and cleaned up the kitchen on time. Thank goodness I could crop the rest of that photo out so you don't see what else wasn't done! And from that shot, we can clearly see that my hair and make-up people had already taken off for the evening.

After Tyler got home from his football dinner, he and Jeremy went out shopping (normal for a man child - the delay of the birthday gift purchase). Jeremy came back with a package of Oreos and introduced me to "Milk and Cookies" using an Oreo and real milk. Usually I eat my Oreos with water. No, I don't dip them in it, I just don't like soggy Oreos. I had two and they weren't too bad.

Tyler gave me a bag of my favorite candy bars (I did tell them both I couldn't eat anything that they bought. Don't give me food. Someday they will listen to me) and a card that said "You're almost TOO good to me! on the front. You open it up and it says, "Not that I'm complaining." and plays the song "Your Unbelievable". Yes, that was from my 17 year old son who signed the card "LOVE, TYLER" I'm so lucky. Two musical cards in one celebration!!!

I had a great birthday. Thanks again for all the well wishes.

The Football Report

As I informed all of you before, it’s football season. We’ve had 3 games since I announced the season. Two of them Tyler's and one of them Jeremy’s. Here’s some shots of Jeremy.

Jeremy is in the middle of this shot in the red uniform. He is number 41.

The kid that has finally hit the 100 lbs mark is on defense (truly the best place for my Bear at this time) and they’ve put him in as nose guard. For those of you who don’t know this position, it is the player on defense right across from the huge center who is hiking the ball to the quarterback on offense. Um, Jeremy better watch the center closely. If some of those centers were to get off balance and fall forward, it’d be curtains for my Bear. His determination is quite admirable. He really puts 110% into it on the field. Just like in about everything he does. You might wonder the training that has to happen to create such a focused player. I have photos of that too.

It's call the "X-Box trainnng." Thanks to Madden 2000-2008 my boys are more than ready for any football situation (especially their thumbs!)
His team lost the game, but he still looks so cute in his uniform. Yes, I am talking about a football player and I say cute. They just are. Even though he doesn’t resemble a bobble-head doll like he did when he had the uniform on and he was 6 and 7, I still think he is cute!
Jeremy’s team had their second game this past Thursday, but Jeremy was unable to play because of an earlier injury he sustained on the trampoline on Sunday. Now, I was trying to be the “teaching mother” again when this happened. I have told them that they shouldn’t be playing out there on a Sunday, that something bad was going to happen, and it finally did. Brigam was out there with him, Jeremy claims he was doing a regular flip and landed on his neck wrong, but I think he is covering up for the amazing Ninja in Brigam. I am sure that Jeremy thought he was going for a regular flip, but Brigam brought out his pinky and in one small “Skidoosh” …. Tisk, tisk, tisk – Jeremy never knew what hit him.
I told him (after the fact because that’s what moms do) that he should have been in reading scriptures like the rest of us. He claims that I was sleeping – not reading when it happened, but I set him straight. I told him that I was praying REALLY HARD about what I read. Maybe he’ll learn.
Anyway, he is fine and will be back on the field on Monday barring any inappropriate Sunday activities, that is. But here is a shot of him on the field at that first game.

Tyler’s team has also had two games since I last posted. We drove up to Wenatchee on the 19th (2 ½ hour drive with the rest of the kids and two of their friends with us. I am sure that the ticket takers thought we were Mormons for sure with all those kids. It just shows our dedication as parents and makes my birthday gift from the kids seem a little more needed for all I do for them. It’s two fold rewards, really.) By the way, the ride up there was very entertaining with those extra kids. I guess they got bored in the back so the girls decided to do Devin's hair with their extra pony tail holders. Jeremy would have been happy to comply, but his hair only raises off his head by about 1/2 inch. I thought I'd put in a pic of that too.

Back to the game, they won that game in over time – Pasco scored first on the Kansas City Tie-Breaker. I really wonder why they call it that. Whatever.

Here’s Tyler and his defensive line with their coach getting some last minute instruction. I can just imagine the pep-talk now, “Don’t let him get past you!” Great coaching, Coach! (By the way, Tyler's number is 17)

What is important is this little piece of viewing pleasure. This play was in the end of the fourth quarter. If Tyler had missed this defensive tackle – there would have been no overtime. Pasco would have gone home with their heads hanging low because that offensive player would have made it to the end zone for a touchdown.

But my magnificent Tyler made the tackle and saved the score!

Here's a video of that great play.

Then there's the one of the celebration afterwards in front of the crowd. Such pride!

Their game this last Friday against Moses Lake was a different story. They lost 3-14. Sad stuff. Pasco was in the red zone early two times in the game, but didn't get in the end zone. They should have taken advantage of that - and maybe tried NOT to get so many penalties. This is a pic of Tyler and teammate digesting what the score was telling them.

Sad, but maybe they will learn from it and maybe the pressure of being undefeated will be off! Then they can just relax and enjoy the game like it was just in their backyard - with big lights, AstroTurf, a huge crowd yelling - well it was a nice thought!

See you under the lights!

Hello Pumkin!

So it’s been a while since I’ve reported on any success in the garden. For one, I think the garden is just to big for me and the kids which is weird because it’s really not like its ½ acre or something like that, it’s just that it’s full of weeds. That may be my fault because of the way I chose to water it for so long. It wasn’t until my smarty-pants Jeremy made little “canals” down each of the rows to water it that watering became easier.
Jeremy’s corn was good, but we only got about 12 ears because the farmer refused to harvest. I was confused a bit when I’d ask him to go to the garden and get some corn for dinner and he told me he didn’t want any. Being the “training” mother that I am, I decided if he didn’t want to share his corn, I wasn’t going to make him. What comes around goes around – or so I thought. What I didn’t know is that Jeremy needed more info on gardening. The time that he did actually go out to the garden to retrieve corn for lunch the corn was old and yucky tasting. He wanted to go get more, but I told him it would all taste like that because he didn’t harvest it soon enough. He was confused, he thought that if he left it on the stalk, it would just get bigger and bigger along with better tasting. Law of the harvest. Why did I fail to teach that one?

As far as Mykie’s gardening opportunity, she had no problem harvesting her potatoes. We had fresh potatoes anytime we liked. Everyone appreciated her efforts. It was Mike that was confused at this gardening venture. Two weeks ago I went to the garden to harvest some potatoes myself for some Crock-pot Ham and Potatoes recipe. When I had them all cleaned, peeled and sliced, Mike came in and asked me where I got those potatoes. “The Garden?” I answered thinking this was a trick question. I mean he knew what we were growing out there. “The garden?” he said, “I sprayed the garden with weed killer yesterday.” “You sprayed her potatoes with weed killer?” I calmly questioned. “Yeah, I thought we were all done with the garden.” He said. I was a little fuming knowing how many potatoes were still out there. He must have recognized the look because then he said, “I didn’t spray the pumpkins though.” Arrrrgh!

Anyway, that brings us straight to the pumpkins. Brigam’s labor of love that he gave up long ago. Good things those vines go looking for their own water after a time. But Brigam got to harvest his garden yesterday. He got some loop-sided pumpkins, but they don’t look half bad if you lean them against the house.
Here’s the few that he got. I think he got 6 or so in all.

But here’s the MAMA pumpkin. It’s pretty hefty I must say (I should know, I’ve lifted the dang thing.) It’s ½ as big as him.

It really tried to grow hard despite not being watered, fed or talked to on a regular basis. Thank goodness for Mother Nature and her occasional outpouring of rain. Isn’t it nice? Still, it’s not as good as the one that mom and dad Anderson grew for us a few years ago. That one was so big that the kids could each sit in it (one at a time, of course) and I have pictures to prove it. But for a 7 year old’s first try – it’s all right! I really don’t think that Brigam is as impressed with it as I am. He asked me if he could have the little one (yes, that little yellow one that looks like a spaghetti squash). Whatever!

Happy Birthday Roxy!

Instead of the traditional "Happy Birthday Song" I have decided to go with the non-traditional, but more personalized song of

"Roxsan, you don't have to turn on the red light"

by the Police

in honor of my, since high school, BFF Roxsan!

Isn't she beautiful? Yes, she is truly a blonde - but not in the traditional sense of the word. She is super intellegent as well. She is beyond creative - she thinks up something in her head and can use a multitude of materials to make it become reality (seriously, remember your "fish" costume so many years ago? And your creative jewelry. You're awesome!)

She's also a great mom and wife. She just had this beautiful little boy not too long ago and has 3 others at home.

Best of all (for me) she's a good friend that is always there for me, always willing to go the extra mile or two to make my life easier and I LOVE HER!

Happy Birthday, Roxsan!

Another Super Cool Athlete

This is a picture of my favorite soccer player in the world - my niece - Sasha

She has always played soccer and has been good at it. She is a Junior in Utah and happens to be ranked the 2nd best goalie IN THE STATE. By the way - she is one of those girls that are beautiful inside and out. If you meet her, you instantly love her!

Go Sasha!

Who's ready for the next BIG SEASON?

Now that the kids are back to school you might think that the next big season we have coming up is Halloween. But you'd be wrong. The next season is

FOOTBALL, BABY!!!

Jeremy has yet to play his first game, but Tyler's inaugural senior game was last night -

-Friday Night Lights-

It was a fun game against Richland High School at Richland's field. Partially fun because it was the first one and it is football and the rest of the way fun because Pasco WON! The score was 22-7. Tyler started and played Defense the entire night. He was awesome especailly when they tried to pass to a teammate in Tyler's general direction. He's very good at knocking down those passes and sometimes he'll even decide to hang on to one and run the opposite direction and before you know it TOUCHDOWN! Ok, that didn't happen last night, but it has happened before and I am sure that it will happen again this season.

It's so much fun to watch your kid play under the lights. And fortunately for me, it doesn't make me feel old. 28 is the perfect age to be (for me). You know me, once I put my mind to something, that is where it will stay.

Anyway, back to Tyler and football. As if the game and watching Tyler's talents weren't exciting enough - opening the Tri-City Herald this morning brought us this little treat:

It mentioned that "Pasco's Tyler Nelson, left, breaks up a pass intened for richland's Trevor Hay on Friday at Fran Rish Stadium in Richland." OK, it didn't mention it - that's what it said exactly! I think he was more thrilled than he let on, but I didn't care who knew that I was thrilled. I'm sure that comes as no surprise since I am blogging about it!

Well, there is a game on, so I have to go. Hope you enjoy "the season!" I know I will!

The Swing of Things....... WE'RE BACK IN IT!!

How cute is this? I would have to say SUPER CUTE since they are sporting backpacks and lunch pails and this is NOT a trial run. It's the real thing. They are back to school.

Three of the four precious little ones in my household are back in school. Now I know that many of you were able to get the pictures with the beautiful educational buildings your little ones attend in the background, but I guess when they get to middle school, they don't want to have actual photos of the building. They would much rather have their very own memories of what that building looked like. I am sure that it has nothing to do with 1 parent trying to get 1 child to pose in front of the building while no other parents and 400 students watch the show. Whatever!!!

Jeremy is happily going to Highlands Middle School. Isn't he so cute? His super cool Nike bag and the year round shorts that he sports. I know that many of you think that there are two points in the year when you pull out one season's clothing and put the previous season's clothing away. Jeremy takes that extra chore off of my to do list. He just wears shorts year round. Once in a while he'll sport the jeans, but like his big bro. Tyler, he loves to have his calves see sun, sleet, rain or snow 24/7.

Here's a cute close up of my second teenager. Look at that those eyes and that great smile. All that and a great personality (he still opens the doors for his mom - what do you think he does for the girls???) Watch out girls! Your hearts are going to break (but he's not dating until 16 years old!! Sorry!)

Mykie also avoided the photo op in front of the Desert Hills Middle School. So the front door is what we've got her at as well. Although, on the second day of school, she wanted me to come in with her to put all her stuff in her locker. Brigam and I both walked in with her. You think to yourself, "Oh, that's nice." But it gets better. You should have seen what I was dressed in. I was ready to workout ladies. I was wearing a tee-shirt that had an ink stain on it and a pair of men's shorts. My hair was in the "workout pony look" and I had no bangs as they were whipped up with a headband. And it goes without saying, I had no make-up on. But my girl didn't care. She wanted me to see her locker and help her put her stuff in it. How sweet was that?

Talk about a knock out! All that blond hair and dazzling smile. The boys are already asking her out and leaving requesting love letters in her locker. We have barely been in school for a week, boys! You'd better knock it off or I'll have to have Jeremy (my 8th grade Nose Guard (no kidding) Football Player) introduce himself to you - very close-up and IN. YOUR. FACE.

Here's my youngest. He's the only one left at Lincoln Elementary School from our family. He's sad that Mykie isn't with him anymore.

I took him to the bus stop and got the annual "getting on the bus" photo. He thinks that is so cool. His bus driver is a really great lady. By the way - isn't that football lunch bag so cute?

I went to the school to wait for Brigam to get delivered off the bus and walk with him into the second grade classroom that will be 1 million times better than last year's classroom (and I'm not talking better because of a change in furniture here.) To ensure this happens I have sunk to bribing him to be happy in his class. I told him that if he would tell me 5 good things that happened to him at school each day that I would give him a pack of gum each Friday. So far, so good! I'd better make it sugarless or then we'll have to bribe him for a trip to the dentist!

Like I said, I am happy for them to be back to school. It's great for everyone - absence makes the heart grow fonder you know. My heart is fonder, fonder and FONDER!!!! Well, I have to go! It's my turn on the swing. There is no time for me on the backyard swing when the kids are here and they're all in school. Now I have it all to myself! BYE! :)