Our Trip to Jackson Hole...Happy Memorial Day

Okay, so we decided to do something FUN on Memorial Day since Troy only did tortillas in the morning. We love to go different places...I didn't want to stay in IF with nothing new to do. So, we packed the kids and picked up Heidi (Troy's little sis) and headed out to Jackson Hole, WY. We were so excited for the day's activities: walk around, do some shopping, eat at a really great place, and attend the cowboy shoot out. About Rire I remembered that I didn't pack jackets for Troy and I, just the boys. The weather forecast said 40 degrees with thunderstorms and rain. So there was strike ONE.

Strike TWO: We pulled into Jackson and it was RAINING. Not just a little rain, but at times, POURING. But, luckily I had bundled up the kids and packed the double stroller with double umbrellas. The first store we found was Eddie Bauer. I decided I love this store. Not only do their pants fit me well, but a size SMALLER!! That was super great. Oh, and the two pair I bought were on SALE: $20.00! Troy and I also found coats on CLEARANCE. They even had hoods on them. So, we were then set to go out, yet again, in the rain. We ventured the streets of Jackson Hole, WY finding some fun stores and cute things to look at. I wanted to buy so much more, but I was feeling guilty about the money already spent on jackets and pants.

The rain increased and finally, after searching out the candy store, found refuge. We spent a good twenty minutes to a half hour in the candy store. I got a piece of fudge, Troy picked a haystack and Daeson got a HUGE lollypop. I was, however, very disappointed. The fudge was not that good and Daeson broke his HUGE lollypop into pieces. Strike THREE. I would much rather have fudge from the PLAYMILL!!! Delicious.

Yes, there are two more strikes, here is strike THREE. We then decided we were starving. Not just hungry, but fussy kids, grumpy wife STARVING. We were not expecting to find a cheap place in Jackson, but reasonable would have been nice. We walked into Teton Steakhouse (I think that is it...I had heard good things about it) and looked at the menu. $29.00 each person? Are you out of your minds? We had three adults and two children to buy dinner for...I don't think so. We left that restaraunt and went back to the car. We found a Village Inn just on the outskirts of town and decided that is where we were going to eat. We all got full and it didn't cost us a fortune, but the service was not great. In fact, it was on the verge of TERRIBLE. So, if you are looking for a place to eat pretty good food at reasonable prices, but not have great service, Village Inn is your place.

Now finally strike FOUR. (you didn't know there were four strikes in the game, did you?) We didn't get to see the cowboy shoot out show. The rain was beating down and it turned COLD. I was so glad that I had packed extra outfits for the kids because we ended up using them. Daeson was extremely disappointed that he didn't get to see the cowboys, but he got over it.

I know this probably sounds like we didn't have a great time...but, we really did. We got to spend the day as a family and that is something we don't get very much. Troy is so busy all the time between his three jobs that we hardly ever see him. So, it was very nice to have that. And, I got new clothes :) now who wouldn't be happy with that? Here are some pics from the trip...a picture is worth a thousand words, right? It really was a good time, there was the good points in with the bad.

Pictures from Jackson Hole

This was the weather to and from Jackson Hole, fun, fun!

Daeson and Heidi waiting for their food at Village Inn...waiting...waiting...

Yes, I will have the filet mingnon and the creme brulee...and your finest bottle of milk.

All tuckered out...long day....

I love the naps...especially after a HARD days work....

Aunt Heidi couldn't resist the lull of the van as we drove home. I fell asleep for a bit, but I woke up just in time for a square icecream cone...I was the only one awake...oh, and Troy of course. But he, too, couldn't resist the sleep so I drove the rest of the way home. And here is yet another weather picture...do people really take these?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAESON

Well, today was the BIG day...Daeson's third birthday party. We were supposed to have it at the park, but instead we had it at Leo's Place. He absolutely LOVED it, and I think everyone had a good time. We had a great turn-out...Grandma Tom, Great Grandma Grover, Mikayla, Shalese, Katie, Grandma and Grandpa Blue, Adam, Kayla, Adalyn, Mieley, Jaden, Brayden, Kayla (a different one), Harley, Kelly, Brother Gallup, Sasha, Bianca, Ashley, Heidi, Kaden, Baisden's (some of the family was there having dinner and they came in for cake and icecream), Tevan, Mom, Dad and, of course, The Birthday Boy. We had pizza, salad, icecream and cake. He recieved a TON of great things: bubble machine, 101 Dalmations, a couple of monster trucks, a swimming pool, shoot guns and a cowboy hat, money, bubble gum machine, clothes, books, Wiggles DVD, Tball (actually he got two of them :) ) and some other really great things. I have drawn a blank...it is late. The kids had a great time playing in the play gym and the adults had a great time chasing them...right Kayla??? I am so glad we had changed it from the park. It looked like a nice day early this morning, then about 1:00 it poured. I was happy that I had already made reservations at Leo's...they were packed today. Thank you to all of those who could be here, and for those who could not, we missed you. We are so proud of our little 3 year old. He is such a joy in our lives...he is so smart and fun. WE LOVE YOU!!!

Our celebration day

Well, I guess I am not too great at the picture organizing. I wanted to have these after the next blog, but can't figure out what to do. Here are the pictures from today's festivities.
This is Daeson after the party in our kitchen with his new shoot gun.

This is Tevan at Leo's riding the ride. At first he loved it, then not so much.

Happy Birthday, Daeson loved the prestents. Thanks again everyone.

Thanks Grandma Blue...Daeson did this last year all by himself. This

year he had help witht he idea. I can't believe a year had gone by already!!!
These are my cousins. Super cute girls. In fact, Katie and Shalese hung out most of the night with us. Way fun!!!

Katie and Shalese...cute girls!
Grandma Tom and Tevan at Leo's before the partay began...the hat didn't last long.

Three Dog Night

Three Dog Night? I know, a little bit before my age...a little...but I am so stinking excited they are coming to Idaho Falls July 26. I already have tickets purchased so all I need to do is get a sitter!!!! My parents are coming, too. And Troy's mom and dad. It will be a regualar partay!!

I grew up listening to my dad's music and to this day that is the music I prefer. The 70's was such a wonderful era...aside from the war and hippiees :)! Actually, I love the hippiees. But, I get to experience the music first hand. We have seen ZZ Top, Styx, and now Three Dog Night. What great experiences.

Tagged again...

Tagged again by Mandi...here it goes.

4 jobs that I have had:
1. secretary for my dad's Dr. office
2. front end manager at Broulim's in Rexburg
3. bookkeeper at the same place as above...AKA Hell (pardon the language, there is not another word to describe it)
4. vault teller at Bank of Commerce in Rexburg (loved this job)

4 movies I could watch over and over: (this is a HARD ?)
1. The Other Sister
2. Simon Birch
3. Pursuit of Happyness
4. anything from the Shirley Temple era

4 places I have lived:
1. Pocatello, ID 1980-1987
2. Kirksville, MO 1987-1991
3. Denver, CO 1991-1994
4. Malad, ID 1994-1998...Pocatello, Malad, Rexburg, Idaho Falls...Hopefully here to stay

4 places I would rather be:
1. Scrapbooking, I am sooo far behind
2. Reading my book from the library that is due soon
3. On a fun vacation with my family
4. On a romantic vacation with Troy

4 things I am looking forward to in 2008:
1. Not being Pregnant or nursing
2. Daeson's 3rd bday party on Saturday
3. Tevan's birthday in June
4. My basement's remodel finished

4 people I am tagging:
1. HAHA Kayla
2. Kristy
3. Nicole
4. Kelly

A Knack for motorbiking

Uncle Adam with Tevan on the motor bike...his very first time. I was freaking out because he didn't have a helmet on. This is probably why they did it while I was inside getting the cake ready.

So, I think riding a motorbike comes naturally for me. I was absolutely brilliant last week when I gracefully rode my father-in-law's motorbike. I really wanted to learn to ride...I have tried once before and did okay, so I thought "How hard could it really be?? I have ridden 4 wheelers and jet skis, so really how hard is this?". Let me just say that it was much easier said than done. I actually think I gave my brother-in-law, Adam, a heart attack...or atleast made him sick to his stomache. Let me back up and tell the story of my brilliant skill.

My sis-in-law, Heidi, turned 19 on the 15th. Yes, I said 19 and she is getting married!!! Oh, so young. But that is another story all together...back to the bike riding. Happy birthday, Heidi! After we ate a delicious BBQ dinner, we played outside. Daeson knows that everytime we go to Damma and Papa Blue's he gets to take a ride on either the 4 wheeler or the bikes. So the guys fired those babies up and away we went. Troy and I have been riding our Honda Shadow around a lot lately and I think I have the bike bug. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the bike. So, I thought why not try to ride one. Troy explained to me what handle does what and away I went...very unsteady. I did okay, until I came around the corner. Let me try to explain this as closely as I can for you to picture in your minds. My in-laws live on a huge piece of land. Their house sits in the middle and they have a circular drive way. As you come around from the back of the house to the side, there are big trees and then the drive way. On the other side of the driveway there are more big trees, big, full pine trees. On this particular day Adam had his Ice truck and trailer in the driveway, there was a trailer with snowmachines on it, Heidi's car, Adam and Kayla's Acadia, our van and Peggy's car. Well, as soon as I cleared the trees I saw all of these lovely things parked not two feet from me...keep in mind I paniced and could not remember, to save my life, which was the brake, the clutch or the gas. So after frantically trying all of them, I sped up...this is the point Adam had a heart attack. Well, I thought to myself, "I either hit the very expensive-brand-new Acadia, or I go through the trees and take my chances. So, I ran through the trees. Atleast I did it gracefully...I threw my hands up in the air and I think I even screamed. I still couldn't remember how to stop, so I was extremely grateful the bike killed and stopped on its own. Adam came running, thinking I had hit his car, and took a sigh of relief when he saw that I chose the trees instead of the cars. The worst that happend was all the scratches from the tree...OUCH!! and my bleeding knuckles. I was so disappointed that Troy missed the whole thing...he was inside getting the camera. But, they let me back on and I did okay. I am not ready to buy me a Harley yet, but we are getting there. I asked Troy if I could take his Honda out...he just laughed. The last time I tried to move his bike, I nearly killed Daeson and me...and Tevan as he was in the womb. But, that is another story in itself.

My Weekly Update

I guess I should post more frequently and post pictures, but I have to use the computer in our living room because Troy is sleeping...and the time I find to actually sit down and do something for myself is after-hours. The boys took late napes today...like 6 p.m....so they just barely went to bed. LUCKY ME!! But, I thought I would recap this week.

Besides the usual house cleaning, this week was rather dull. Tuesday we went to Pocatello and visited Grandpa and Grandma Lish. The kids had fun playing on the playground. I enjoyed the sun, but got FRIED. We ate at a really quaint Indaian restaraunt in downtown Pocatello. It was good, but mine was a bit spicy. None of us got full, so we stopped at Arbys on the way to my brothers' house. Daeson got to play with Brookie and Troy and I visited with Jesse and Jaden.

Wednesday my friend Nicole, from Washington, came for a visit. She has four little ones. We also had some neighbor kids come for a spell. It was great to see her, but Daeson decided to be a terror and was very mean to the kids. He threw dirt in their eyes, hit them with bats, and was very bad. He didn't like it much when I put him in timeout with a spank and told him he had to stay there until I thought he should get out. He is at the "I don't have to listen to you" stage. It is old already and it just started!!!

Friday morning I set out with the kids for a walk. We made it across the street to the church parking lot. My neighbor was out walking so we joined her. It was a great opportunity to get to catch up with her. I used to visit teach her but then we switched sisters. She is a really great lady. We walked for an hour...I loved it, but once again got FRIED. I really need to use sunscreen!!! After Troy got home, we had to visit the accountant, so Sasha babysat for us at her house. Daeson loves the Gallup family very much. Troy and I took the bike across town to the accountant's office. Man I love that bike. It was so nice to hold on and let the wind blow through my hair. (or what it could, I had it in a ponytail) The kids and I later went to the library and Troy went to his office to do paper work. After the library, I convinced Troy that we needed to go out to eat. So, because my kids eat free, we chose Sizzler. It was actually really good and my kids loved it. I think they eat better there than any other restaraunt. We went to Toys R Us to shop for a swing set. That was a disaster. Troy all of the sudden decided he didn't want a swing set so we argued and I got mad. I never thought this would be such an issue...I mean really. He is worried about his lawn getting messed up...HELLO, WE HAD TWO DOGS!!!! How much more messed up could it get?? Then he told me to take them to the park everyday. With the price of gas I could OWN the park. So we still don't have anything picked out for Daeson for his birthday...it is in 10 days.

Saturday after Troy got off work we went to NARNIA, Price Caspian. VERY GOOD MOVIE!!! I really liked it. Bianca and Mahana came over to watch the kids. We were gone about 3 hours. Tevan was asleep when we got home and the rest of them were watching Monster House. The girls stayed to finish the movie and then their family came over to dinner. It wasn't a fancy dinner at all, but they seemed to not care. We had potato bar and fruit salad. It was nice to visit them. We really love that family. They are so kind to us. After dinner, the Gallups left save Bianca and Mahana. They stayed until about 9ish. Troy's cousin Josh and Uncle Gary stopped by for a quick visit. It was great to see them. I hadn't seen Josh since the 4th of July and Gary before that. We had a nice chat.

That brings us to today. The boys and I went to church...we were 15 minutes early today!!! YEEEHHHHAAAWWWW!! I fought with both kids through Sacrament Mtg. Then I lead the music in RS and really did a bad job. Tevan cried at my feet, I picked him up, lost my spot, put him back down, lost my spot again, and wanted to CRY. It was awful. Thank goodness the sisters are understanding. I really would like to be released from that calling. I have done it for three years now and I am ready to be done. For some reason I am still in there, so I guess I better just enjoy it. Maybe one day I won't have a Sunday calling. But, maybe that is what keeps me active. Anyway, today was not a happy day in the Grover house. I will spare you the details. It is about 11:15 pm now and my kitchen floor is calling me...oh, wait maybe that is the laundry...no, it might be the bathrooms. Who knows, I think it is my menu and schedule planning for this week. What ever it is I will ignore.

I think I will just read my book instead and enjoy the rest of my night...If I start now I will get a few chapters done before bed time. (My bed time is when I get everything done...most nights 1:30 or 2) Happy new week to you all. Maybe next week I will actually get some pictures on here! We'll see!

Happy Mother's Day

First of all, happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there. I hope your day was filled with laughter, smiles, and cake...or atleast some chocolate.

Second, I would like to write a little something about my mom. My mom is really great. She is there for me when I need her, she listens to my daily meltdowns and she loves my children more than words can say. I know that if I need something, she will help me in the best way that she could. She sits through the phone calls from Daeson and excitedly listens to every word he says. She can even understand him almost better than I can. She is a great mom and I am thankful that I get to have her as MY MOM.

Third, I would like to write a little something about...bumbumbum...the MOTHER IN LAW!! Actually, I really like her. Peggy. She is a great mother-in-law, and I used to not know how fortunate I am to have her. Because my mom lives so far away, it is hard to manage my kids sometimes by myself. She is there to help me. At first, it was hard because I didn't want anyone to replace my mom. Then I realized that she wasn't ever trying to replace my mom, she was just trying to love me the way she knew. She really is a great person and I am very lucky to have a mother-in-law who is there for me...not taking place of my mom, but loving me the same.

Now, I would like to reflect on today's events. I am not sure if I am ungrateful, moody, or just throwing a fit, but I need to write things down. I am not sure how it will all come out.
I guess it all started yesterday. My sister-in-law, Heidi, is back from Florida and I volunteered to pick her up in Malad...her friend drove her from SLC to Malad. I was excited because I used to live in Malad...I know, I know...and wanted to visit a special family I know. So I packed up the kids, put in a movie, and left frantically. I didn't know how t he trip would go...two hours is a long drive with an almost three and almost one year old. Tevan does meet the weight requirement for forward facing, but he is not quite one...only a month away. So, I cheated. For the first time in his little life he rode forward. WHAT A GREAT THING!!! I was so excited that he could see me, I could see him, and he ate apple slices and a quesadilla. He was quite content.
I ended up picking up my littlest brother in Chubbuck to take him with me. He had to go down and it was great to have the company. He is so, so great with my kids. Ladies, he is available!!! He is such a great kid and I love him.
I picked Heidi up at the BK off the exit. That was so wierd. I hadn't been to Malad since my mom and dad moved. I drove to town heading to Heather's. It was so great to see all of them. Well, I only got to see Annette, Heather, and Natalie and Garrett's little boy, Mikey. Daeson had a blast playing with him. I had a great time visiting and catching up. On the way back into town, we drove past my old house. It was the hardest thing I have done in a long time. That is when I decided that I am angry. Yes, there, I said it. I am so angry that my parents moved. I am not angry that he found a better job...he actually gets paid at this one...but I am angry that they are not there anymore. I am angry that I don't get to drive two hours away and see them. I am angry that they miss everything... birthdays, blessings, Mother and Father's Day. I know that is is good for them and I should be happy, but it is so hard. My brothers and I are not close, my grandparents stay busy, and so it is just me. Just me here in Idaho Falls. I know it is hard for my mom to be away. I know that she might read this, and it will make her sad. But, I miss her so stinking much. It hurts. So for all you people out there who live close to your moms and complain, shame on you. You don't know what you've got till it's gone.
Back to the trip...after our visit, we stopped at the Malad Drive In. HOLY SLOW!!! It took us almost 40 minutes to get our food...then she told us that they didn't take debit cards. Great...I never have cash and I never carry my checkbook with me. I had to drive to an ATM to pull cash out. My kids were starving and I wasn't too excited that after we got back we still waited. But, the fresh strawberry shake was delicious. We stopped in Inkom to bath the kids and wish my grandma a Happy Mother's Day with some gerbera daisies. Then a quick stop in Chubbuck to see my other grandma and wish her a happy day...yup, with gerbera daisies. Finally back on the road to IF. I thought my kids would fall asleep being after 8 pm, but that didn't happen. Tevan cried and Daeson whined. After an hour of it, I was ready to pull my hair out. When I got home, Troy left to go to the movies leaving me to take care of the kids by my self. Tevan was easy, I nursed him and he fell straight to sleep. Daeson on the other hand was up until 11:30 pm. I could not get him to sleep at all. Finally he dozed off. I decided the house could wait and that I was going to bed.
Now to this morning. Daeson woke up at 7:30 and I was glad that Troy got out of bed. I wasn't asleep, but I stayed in bed as long as I could. Finally at 8:30 I got up. That is when Tevan saw me. I fixed breakfast and fed the kids while Troy went back to bed...I know, huh? Then I made Troy get up at 9:30 to help get the kids ready for church. We were actually ready at 10:00 this morning. WOW. But, I decided never to get ready that early again. Daeson thought that since we had our clothes on and ready for church that we had to leave right then. It just about killed him that he had to wait for 11:00 to come. Troy left to do tortillas, so I had to entertain him for an hour. Finally it reached 11 and we left. All through Sacrament Meeting I wrestled my kids. I am used to it since I do it every Sunday by myself, but today would have been nice to have help. I sat by my VT and she helped me a k=little...thanks Jana!! I brought Tevan home after Sacrament meeting and laid him in his crib...Troy had returned. I went back and actually got to sit through a meeting without kids. WOW. What a feeling. I got home after church, my house was a complete disaster. I just closed my eyes, got ready to go to Rexburg for our Mother's Day picnic, and left. We had a great visit with our extended family. We never see them so it was nice. Daeson came in to tell me he had gotten bucked off the horse at Scott's. They have a mini horse and Daeson was thrilled that he got bucked off. Luckily Jaedyn was there to catch him. He actually wanted to do it again. It made his day to think that for a second he was actually a cowboy. :) We took the kids to Peggy and Richard's, bathed them and then left for the night. I came home to a mess. My house is trashed after two days of in-and-out. I feel like it will take a while to get it back to normal. I did get the dishes loaded in the dishwasher and the counters sorta cleaned off. I have laundry that needs folded, clothes in the dryer and washer that need changed over, and church bags that need cleaned out. But, I decided it is Mother's Day and I will blog if I want to. FlyLady would roll over if she saw what kind of CHAOS I was in. But, the day is done and I am going to go to bed. Troy got me flowers, cake and clothes. It was thoughtful and nice. I guess the thing that I am most sad about is that I didn't get any help getting things cleaned up. I am swimming here...or is it mostly the dead man's float. I will be so, so glad when my basement is all the way finished so that I don't have desks and computers in my living room. They will be down stairs in the den where they go.
I am falling asleep at the keyboard, so I am going to bed...once again, happy Mother's Day!!!!

What a weekend!!!

We had quite the weekend and since this is my way of keeping track of things, I better get it all in here. Friday Barbara, Cameron, Daeson, Tevan and I went to the library. We had a great time. Troy and I went out on a DATE...meaning without kids. Troy's parents watched them for us. We went to Winger's and then Troy took me shopping for new shirts. I have a belt that eats holes in all my shirt bottoms...looks pretty bad! So I got three new shirts. It's always fun to get something new. Then we went out to pick up our kids, and came home.

Troy worked Saturday...most of the morning. He is so busy lately that we hardly see him. We went to Town and Country Gardens in the afternoon to pick out some stuff for our yard. We got some pansies and a shrub/tree thing. We also got a pretty flower for Grandma Grover. It was her birthday yesterday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA SARAH! Some of our aunts, uncles, and cousins went to eat last night. It was nice to see them. We live so close to each other, but rarely see anyone. After dinner, Troy and I drove around with the kids to look at other yards to get ideas for our own. We have big dreams...it will all take time I am sure. Our yard needs a lot of help...it never was a pretty lawn. But we hope this summer to get it ship-shape.

Today the boys and I went to 11 o'clock church. I was pretty excited that we got there before the end of the first song, and I got the kids ready all by myself. I even had time to practice my RS songs. That never happens. (I lead the music...still) Then we spent the day outside walking, visiting, planting, bike riding. I even got sunburned. The boys love it. Daeson rode his trike around the block. He did very well. He pedaled the whole way. Then Troy put training wheels on his other bike and tried to teach him how to ride it. Daeson didn't like that if he pedaled back he stopped. The brake thing is a new concept to him. Troy's family came over tonight for dinner. In celebration of Cinco de Mayo we decided to have mexican food. I made enchiladas, Troy and his friend made carne asada and Troy's mom brought a huge salad...not mexican, but very delicious. Adam and Kayla brought chips and salsa...very mexican. We also ate on Dora and Diego plates :). My neighbor let us borrow Mexican Train, but we never got to play it. Baths came and went. Then Troy and I, about 9:30, put Dan in Real Life in. Now that our family room is done downstairs, we don't have to watch our movies on the computer anymore...it is so much better on a big screen. We both can see the movie. It was a great show. I thought it was cute. Now the kids are in bed, Troy is in bed, and I should head there shortly.

Oh, Kayla helped me put my playlist on. Thanks!! I have had a super fun time picking songs. In fact, I want to put some songs on from High School. It is my 10th year of being graduated. HOLY COW!! I didn't like high school all that much, but it is still hard to believe that I have been done for 10 years. So, I will have to put some Smashing Pumpkins, Stone Temple Pilots, Cranberries, Savage Gardens and what ever else I can come up with on my list to remind me of how fun...or not fun...high school was. So stayed tuned while I figure it all out.

Feeling organized

I took on my kids' closets yesterday and this is how it turned out (before I finished the top shelves). I am very, very excited about them...I can find anything at a glance. I no longer have to search for the next size of clothes on the day we wake up and they have outgrown everything. I had bins of clothes in Tevan's closet...now just organized racks. I added one closet extender in Daeson's room and two in Tevan's. These can be purchased on the closet/room organizing isle at Wal-Mart for about $10.00 each...or Shopko for $6.99 each. I actually got mine at Shopko on sale, $5.49 each or something like that ($17.36 for 3). They are 30 in. wide and I think about 36 in. long. They are the best things!!! Tevan's rods overlap about three inches, but it is okay. Also, the rods swing a bit...so far Daeson hasn't figured this out. I am hoping nobody shows him (Grandma Blue!!). He was a great helper and took all the clothes out of the bins and put them on hangers. Then he handed the clothes to me and I put them in Tevan's closet. Tevan played very patiently in his room by himself. I was shocked to see that it was 1:30 p.m. and we hadn't even eaten lunch yet. They were great kids and super patient with me. Daeson is standing in front of Tevan's closet...all in a day's work!

Uncle Kip

Because I want to eventually make my blogs into a book, I want to incorporate some of my family members and what I remember of them for my children and their children. So today's highlight is Uncle Kip.
My Uncle Kip has always had a special place in my heart. When I was little, I remember him coming to my house and making deals with me. One time he even "offered" to pull my tooth. He bribed me by saying he would clean my room if I let him pull it. But, I think the thing I most remember about this uncle of mine is that he always treated me with respect and love. Every time I see Uncle Kip, he pulls me tight and squeezes me until I can't breathe. He has done this since I was very young. I also remember that he came to my baptism. I had invited him and honestly didn't think that he would come. I can still recall the way he smelled when he gave me one of his sqeezes. He gave me a small teddy bear that held a pair of heart socks. I loved that bear...literally to death. I think it fell apart a year or so ago.
Uncle Kip lives across from my Gram Smith. While I was living with her, I made a lot of homemade bread. A couple times he asked me to whip him up a batch of rolls. He ate them up...even if they weren't the best. He made me feel special.
He also makes my children feel special. In fact, Daeson used to call him Papa Tip and ask me if he could call him on the phone. He takes Daeson down to the farm and around on the tractor. He is so good to us. Uncle Kip is a good man, the type that would do anything for anyone. He would help a stranger in need, give the shirt off his back, and never expect anything in return. I think my Uncle is often misunderstood. He truly is an important person in my life as well as in my kids'. We love you Uncle Kip and couldn't be more proud to have you in our lives.

Bargains

So, I decided it is getting very expensive to eat, clothe my family, and drive my car. For all of you bargain shoppers, I will post the sales I find to help you and your family save money!!! Check back and I will let you know of the great bargains!!!

I found one today...ends tomorrow though. Smith's: Cereal (Choc. Chex, Straw, Chex, Trix, Cheerios variety), BC fruit snacks, Nature Valley granola bars (variety...sweet and salty nut yum) and a few other things 8/$8...buy 8 and get them for a buck!!! Holy cow, what a deal!!!

Tiny fingers, big burns

I feel just awful about tonight's events. I was dishing up my children's potato soup and holding Tevan at the same time. The soup was very hot, just seconds before it was boiling. As I dished up a bowl for Tevan, he grabbed it and stuck his tiny hand right in the center...the hottest part. The worst part about it was that I saw it all happen and could do nothing for him. I rushed him to the sink and ran it under cold water. I am so grateful my neighbor, Barbara, was there. She helped me to calm down and take care of the problem. She had some burn ointment that her husband, Jon, brought down. It took forever to get him settled (an hour and half)...I gave him Tylenol and tried to keep it in cold water. He screamed and screamed and I felt so, so terrible. Barbara went down to her house and I called my mom to see what she thought. Run it under cold water...easily said, but not done. After an hour of screaming, I took him down to Barb and Jon's and Jon gave him a blessing. It was so nice to be able to go next door. Shortly after, Tevan calmed down and started acting like himself. Barbara gave him a popsicle...two reasons: he needed something cold on his hand and he hadn't eaten anything since his 2:30 snack. She was so smart to come up with that...I was still in panic-stressed mode. I am so grateful for her and Jon tonight. What wonderful neighbors and friends. Tevan is doing much better and he finally dozed off to sleep. His little hand is still red and swollen, but as long as he is careful it should be okay. I feel so terrible...but Jon said tonight that we can't keep our kids in a padded room...there is not one kid who hasn't had something happen to them. I just feel bad that I could have prevented it and didn't. I guess I am just so used to doing everything with him in my arms...next time he will just have to wait to be picked up. Poor little fellow...I am so sorry!!!!

One of those days

It is one of those days today. BLAH! I don't know if it is because we are getting SNOW right now, or if it is just that nothing seems to be working out right today. I won't go into detail, save you some boring reading. But, I guess I should look at the positive side of things...we are getting more snow so that we will have more water this summer. I am wanting to plant my garden, so maybe I can actually have water to make it grow.

I also wonder if today is one of those days because I have a lot on my mind. I never see Troy...he is gone a lot the last three weeks and now he has to go to a stupid (sorry for the language) meeting in Boise Sunday...leaving me here with the kids, alone. That is exactly how I want to spend my Sunday and Monday...alone. We wanted to go, but it just didn't work out with the van being broken down. So, I will just buck up and deal with it.

I am also starting to be very concerned about the economy, the elections, the state of our country and the whole picture. I worry about what kind of world my children will live in. It is becoming harder and harder to be a stay-at-home-mom and I would just be crushed to leave my kids with someone and go to work. I am realizing more and more how very lucky I am to be here with them. It is a frightening time and I fear it will be worse. Our friend, Andy, came over yesterday and we were talking about the end of the world. We, at first, were joking about it. Then it got turned into a very serious matter to me. I cannot shake it. I know that no one know the day nor time of the Second Coming, and if we are prepared we should not fear...HOLY COW, I AM NOT PREPARED AT ALL!!!! I am not spiritually prepared, I am not disaster prepared, I am not monetarilly prepared and I do not have enough food storage or emergency stuff to be prepared. I know we have been told for a zillion years to get prepared, and now I am starting to panic. I would love to just get things in order and not worry. II am not prepared and I have a lot to do to get there.

Daeson and Tevan, however, are doing great. Daeson tests his waters on a daily basis and my patience run quite thin. But he is a normal two year old boy. His birhtday is coming up and he is extremely excited about that. He asked for a swing set and a puppy. We just got rid of our dogs and already he is asking for more...oh boy. I jsut feel bad I am the mean mom who has to say no. But, we might be able to do the swing set thing...we will see. He doesn't want anything else, so I hope we can pull it off. Maybe for both their birthdays??? My birthday is also coming up...I have given some thought to what I want. I decided there is a lot of things that I want but what could I get the most use out of??? I think I decided on quilting racks...Troy gave me the leg things for Christmas, now I need the 2*4s to go on them, and the clamps and tacs. I also would really like a new sewing machine. BIG ORDER!!! But, I have a lot of sewing and quilting to do, so that is the final wish. Tevan doesn't really understand anything that is going on. He is such a carefree, easy going spirit that he just goes day to day happily. I could learn something from him, I am sure of it.

Well, Happy Thursday to all of you!!! It is almost FRIDAY!!!! HHOOORRRRAAAAYYYY!!!...oh, that means nothing to me, but maybe to the rest of you...one more day to go!!!

Can't we all just get along?

I am on a soapbox...watch out...Okay, so the church that I belong to teaches that we can all be sealed together and live in the life after for Eternity with our families. My question to you is this...what in the world makes us think that if we can't get along in this life that we will be able to get along in the next? I know that our church is true, I do not want to put it across as anything else. I guess maybe I should explain the reason for this particular blog.
Far too often in my family there are quarrels...if they are going to be there, then I am not coming...or, why do you have to invite them?...or, why did you invite that grandma and not the other one? I get so tired of trying to please everyone. Most of the time the reason I don't invite everyone becasue 99% of the time, not everyone comes. It is the same people (which I am grateful for) that come everytime. Why should I waste my time and energy inviting people only to be turned down and then later told that I never invite them and they don't feel welcome. So, back to the title...why does it matter who I choose to invite? Isn't the fact that it is my child's birthday, or my brother's birthday, or my parent's farewell party, or a just because party enough? My sister in law, Kayla, has the most wonderful parents who so happily come to everything. Never once have they said, "Well, if the Grover's are going to be there, I won't come." They have come to so many of our family things and it is wonderful. Not only do we get to be blessed with Kayla in our family, but we get to be blessed with her family. It is such a dream of mine for the animosity to be gone. Why can't people see that it is not the pettiness in the world that matters, but we should just all get along and be happy. If this is how the hereafter is going to be...bickering and fighting over what family member are welcome...then I don't want any part of it. I try so hard to make everyone feel happy and comfortable around each other, but I feel like I am wasting my time. I think that some of the members of my family have it made up in their minds to not be happy. IT IS A CHOICE we make everyday. We can CHOOSE to be happy, WE get to make that CHOICE!!! Redundant? Good...I think it is something we all forget. So, now that I have vented all of that emotion out, I feel better. Sometime I need to just say it...what better way than a blog? My next entry won't be so AAUUUGGGHHH...it will be more pleasant to read. Venting is healthy and it works. I look at my blogs as my journal, so this is the way I choose to vent. SORRY!!

Mom, I pooped outside!!! (He said with a look of accomplishment and joy.)

What can I say? I have been blessed with two boys...one of whom thinks it is a great thing to use the outdoors as his private (or not so private) bathroom. While we were at my mom's house, Daeson had to go frequently. So instead of bringing him inside, taking off all of his clothes, taking him to the bathroom and then dressing him all over, we let him pee off the deck. Well, I guess this has carried over to the city life. This is the conversation I had about five minutes ago.
I was in the garage cleaning and vacuuming the van. Daeson was in the back yard playing in the garden spot. He came running to me...
Mom, I poop in the back yard!!
Daeson, what are you talking about?!? You pooped in the back yard??!!??!!
Yes, I poop. See? (leading me to the back yard) I poop, I show you.
Daeson, why did you poop in the backyard? Who told you it was okay to do that? That is YUCKY!! You don't poop in the back yard...who wiped your bum?
Nobody, see it in my pants.
Daeson, where did you learn that?
No where, I just did it.
Don't do it ever again, do you know how yucky that is? Gross Daeson, gross.
BUT I HAD TO POOP.
I guess that pretty much sums it up. He had to poop.

CONGRATS, HEIDI

My sis in law, Heidi, is getting married on Aug 1, 08. We have not met him yet but we are all excited nonetheless. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

A Whirlwind of a day

What a day today has been.

My best friend's dad passed away today. I am still in shock. He was a great man, one who would help anyone in need...I know because I was that person in need a few times. So my prayers and my deepest sympathies go out to her and her family. Kim will be missed...

Barb and I had a date with our kids to visit Reed's Dairy today. I decided to take my boys over there...I told Daeson he could pet the cows and see where the milk was made. When Barb's mother in law picked up her boys from my house I had told her the boys were very sad they couldn't go to the dairy today. As I was walking out, they walked in. Daeson was thrilled to see them...and they were glad to see Daeson and Tevan. It all worked out as a suprise. Daeson had a blast. We ate strawberry icecream and saw the calves. We even got to see where they milked the cows. It was a great, inexpensive field trip. I really enjoyed it and so did the boys.

We ate at Gandolpho's for lunch today. I was in a hurry to grocery shop and all but inhaled my food. Daeson was chattering like normal and I, only half paying attention, told him to hurry and eat. He kept telling me something...I couldn't quite get it. Finally he said, "Mom, we fordot to tay payer." So I stopped and he said a sweet prayer. I was humbled at this, I never think to pray when I go out to eat. I can learn a lot from him!!!

My Grandparents stopped by today. It was great to see them. The boys slept while they were here, but I had a great visit...in between stirring the food to make for Barb. But they were patient with me and let me do what I needed to do.

Now it is almost midnight and I am not going to proof this, just pst. I have to go switch laundry out...we are leaving at 10 to go to Pocatello tomorrow to bid my parents farewell. BUSy BUSY!!!! Till next time...

I forgot a picture...

Daeson and Dad had a great time. My dad was on call a lot so our days with him were numbered. But, Daeson just loved being out with him...like a shadow. :)

We're back!!!

Well, we are back from Grangeville and we are supposed to be in Las Vegas right now....but plans changed. I don't know if it is for the better, but things happen. It is so nice in Vegas right now. My parents just arrived and are having a great time. Despite the COLD outside...I think it is 45 degrees or so...I bundled the kids and went out the door for a walk tonight for part of FHE. It was nice to be out and we had a great time. Daeson had his cowboy boots on with no socks though and now has a blister on his foot...OUCH. He forgets easily. The nice part of being two.

I have been worked on this blog literally every chance I got today. I moved all my scrapbook stuff downstairs today and now I have a big mess. The joys of remodeling...things get moved a gazillion times before finding a final resting place. I missed the WildFlower Blossoms sale and I actually am not too sad. I would probably have bought new stuff just to sit and accumulate. So, I have decided I am going to get organized this week...during nap time...and clean out all my scrapbook stuff. It needs done badly and I will finally be able to face the task now that I have room to put everything. My mom, for an early b-day present, gave me a paper rack (like the ones in the stores) and I now have all my paper out...calling my name. I am hoping now that my stuff is out of Tevan's room and downstairs I can work on it during nap time. Then I can pound and make noise and he won't hear it. Troy also got the speakers and projector hooked up down there so now Daeson can have movie time. I should spend that time with him, but I think we both need breaks from eachother. Nap time is perfect for that. Enjoy the pictures...it is good to be back!
Tevan had a great time playing in the seed packets. He played for about an hour. I don't know if he was excited for the reflection in the glass or the seeds, but it kept him busy. He loves crawling and does a great job at it. He likes to be able to move around where he wants and when. BIG BOY!!!

We got creative in the bathtub. I gave Daeson my shaving cream and this is what we came up with. It was fun...he ended up covered from head to toe.

We played hide and seek almost every day. I finally got creative and hid Tevan in the laundry basket. Daeson could not find him until Tevan started wiggling and gave the hiding spot away. They have so much fun together and play very well. Daeson and Tevan are quite the pair...best buds.

We went to the park on a whim one night while dinner was in the oven. The weather turned nice for about an hour, so we went out the door to the park. It was so nice. The boys had a great time...and a bit later one of Daeson's new nursery friends showed up at the park. He had a blast playing with his new friend. It will be nice as he gets older to have some summer friends at my mom and dad's house.

Tevan loved the swing. Everytime we tried to take him out, he cried until we put him back in. It was so funny. He loved it...the baby swing is the best invention!

This was the cutest thing. Not five minutes after the other picture was taken. How sweet is that?

Poor Daeson. This was one of the three times he got to play outside. He went out a couple times with my dad, but this was a rare treat for him. The mud in Gville is so black and clay-like and STAINS bad. He ruined a lot of clothes this way. So he got to play in the potting soil with his dump trucks. He had a lot of fun and that is all worth it.

Daeson had a great time dying Easter eggs. He did a good job, too. He made one of every color and was sooo proud of his accomplishment.

This was the egg hunt. He had a lot of fun doing this...I had a lot of fun eating the candy...YUM-YUM! I told you I gained a ton of weight...heheheh.

This is my little cowboy...with the hat and rope mentioned earlier. The rope stays on the fridge most of the time due to the urge to rope Tevan. He thinks he is quite the stuff with this get up!!! All he needs now is a stallion and some Wranglers!!! He even has the "Hello Ladies" down...Thanks to his dad.

This is Tevan's first bath without his bath chair. He loves it. He went under a couple different times, but still wanted to get in and splash around. Daeson thought it was pretty cool to have someone to play with. My mom bought a couple of really fun bath toys and they had a blast!!

This is the boys with my mom. She was happy to see them...it had been since Thanksgiving. That is a LONG time for a Grandma to go without grandkids. So she loved them lots while we were there. She and my dad read to Daeson every night and told him stories...honestly I had no idea my dad had it in him. It was fun to see them interact with my kids.

Oh What a Beautiful Morning

The last two mornings, as soon as Daeson woke up, he said, "Mom, today is a beautiful day." Two year olds have the most positive outlook on life.

It has been nice the last two days...nice meaning no snow and above 35 degrees :). Today we are doing laundry...we leave tomorrow to come home. YIPPEEEEEE!!!!!! I am excited. I won't be back in IF until late Saturday night, but we will be there. I will miss hanging out with my mom and dad, watching American Idol (finally Ramiele is OFFFFF!!!), and I will miss Dancing with the Stars, but it will be nice to be home with my HUSBAND!!! I called him on April Fools to tell him we were staying another two weeks, but he didn't believe me. Not for one minute...or so he says.

Well, I will post some pictures on here in the next few days...as soon as I get home. I filled three cards since I have been up here, hopefully something worth posting. Have a beautiful day...be grateful for what we have...this may mean no drought this summer!!! Yeah! See you all soon!!!

Daeson

Okay, I know I have posted once today but Daeson said a couple things I wanted to post before I forgot. I know I am on vacation, but I am tiring of the indoor scene very fast and so is Daeson. I wish that he could go out to play and be free...but we are couped up in the house...a brand new house that I am worried everyday of tarnishing. But tonight Daeson said some very cute things. I will try to do them justice.

This was a conversation that took place during dinner.
Daeson, you need to eat your food.
Daeson...eat...now. This is supper and you don't get pie if you don't eat.

I have to go potty.

Then go, do you need help? ( I asked because earlier today he was peeing and had his thing (sorry for the graphic content) in one hand and his other hand playing in the stream of PEE..YUCK!!!)

Is the light on, Mom?

No, but I will turn it on. (I returned to the dinner table after turning the light on to feed Tevan. A couple minutes later:)

Mom...(he was standing at the table with his jammies still down and holding a barrett...hands wet)

Daeson why are your hands wet?

Mom...

Daeson, did you pee on your hand again?

Mom...(handing me a barrett that I had earlier taken out of my hair)

Daeson, get in there and wash your hand...why are they wet? Did you already wash them?? Get in there RIGHT NOW!!!!

Mom....I DROPPED IT IN THE TOILET!!!! (it being the barrett that I had taken right before...yuck, yuck yuck!!!)

We all stopped and laughed. My dad said that if I would have just let him finish he was trying to tell me all along. I felt so bad. The whole time Daeson had a look of concern on his face and he was trying so hard to get a word in. Sorry, baby!!! Sometimes I just need to relax!!!

The second thing that happened tonight...after struggling to have FHE and I was tired of him fighting me...was the following.

Daeson had to go potty so off he went. He can't quite reach the sink so my mom has a little stool in there. I hadn't quite finished cleaning up the dirty clothes and towels, so they were on the floor making it very difficult for Daeson to scoot the stool. So he fussed and I went to the bathroom saying.."What is your problem???" Instead of being the great mom I should be and offering to help, he told me the situation. I told him he needed to ask instead of boobing about it and then he would have better results. He fussed and told me he needed help washing his hands. So I turned the water on. It was too cold, so I turned it the other direction. It was warming up so I tried to cool it down after he complained that it was too hot. I said,"Daeson, why do you always complain that it is either too hot or too cold? I can't get it right!!!" By this time I was frusterated. He looked up at me innocently and said, "I don't 'plain if it is warm." Slap me in the face. I felt so bad. I realized I am too hard on him...HE IS TWO!!!!!!

Anyway, one funny story and one very humbling story. Goodnight and sweet dreams!

Another update from the three of us

I guess I should do another update, even though not much has happened.

Tevan continues to amaze me. He crawls, moves around and climbs on things. I shouldn't be suprised I guess...he tries something and goes for it. His second tooth is still trying to break all the way through, and the first is just fine. He is eating big people food now and today had pancakes for the first time. He loved them.

Daeson is ready to come home. He cries for Troy and is wanting to be in Idaho Falls. He misses his friends, but made a new one yesterday at church. His name is Johnny Vannoy. He is a cute boy and a fun friend for Daeson.
I also met a friend yesterday at church. Her name is Cody Farmer. She is my age and is absolutely amazing. She has five children ages nine to 3 mo. What an amazing woman she is!!!!!! I guess she really got me thinking about a lot. I look at other moms and constantly compare myself to them. I am a woman and that is what we do. As I talked to Cody...I spent most of my time in the mother's room with Tevan...I asked her how she did it all. She seemed so organized and together. Her husband goes to school in Lewiston and stays there all week. So she is home with her children (5) by herself Monday thru Thursday night. She has so much to do. They live on a little farm and I am sure she has things to help with that as well as take care of her children. She was an inspiration to me. She admitted to not having her laundry folded and on some nights giving her kids corndogs for dinner, but otherwise she was very put together. I look at my life and I think I often use motherhood as an out. I use it for my excuse as to why things are so hard. But, no more. Yesterday morning I didn't want to go to church because I spend most of the time in the mother's room, but I am so glad I did yesterday. I was inspired. Not by what was said in the meetings, but what was said to me in the mother's lounge as I listened closely to this amazing mother. I decided I am no longer going to make excuses, I am going to try not to complain, and I am going to be the woman I was sent to Earth to be. I am going to bump it up a notch ( or two) and just do it!! I am a woman and I have the strenght to pull it off...it being life. I can do this. I know I can.

Now that I have pep talked myself, I will close. We miss you all and we are so ready to come home. Troy has been staying busy, and I am sad he will be really busy when we get home, but we miss him soooo sooo much. I am ready to be home.

UPDATE FROM GVILLE

Still in Grangeville...with SNOW!! We woke up to three inches this morning. The only one excited was Daeson. But, Saturday and Sunday was nice. In fact, Daeson went on an Easter Egg hunt Saturday at the park. I was nice. He got 27 eggs and they had YUMMY candy in them. He even got one egg with a dollar. That made his day. It took us an hour to get through all the eggs, and another hour to explain to him why he couldn't eat all the candy in one sitting. After the hunt, which I got on video, he played on the playground. He loved that. Tevan just hung out and had a great time watching all the kids. They even got pictures with the Easter Bunny. It was cute.

Tevan has changed so, so much in a week! Troy is going to be so suprised when he sees him. Tevan and Daeson even wrestled today...no one cried!!! Tevan crawled up on Daeson and then Daeson would "get" Tevan. It was so cute to watch. They are growing so quickly.

And a last note...I am gaining sooooo much weight!! This is what we eat: sausage, eggs, muffins or toast, fruit and juice for breakfast, leftovers usually for lunch, and then an huge dinner. Last night we had ham, funeral potatoes, candied yams, fruit salad, fresh baked rolls, carrots and olives, and strawberry shortcake. IT WAS SOOOO GOOD!!!!! I tell ya, I am going to come back as suculent as the pig we ate!!!!! But, nothing is like being at MOMS and eating yummy food. She told me it was like cooking for family all over again. Poor Troy, he is eating RAMEN!!! YUCK. I am sure he has better meals than that...Happy's, Perkin's and wherever else he is doing his seminars, and his mom's for Easter dinner. Plus, I left food in the freezer for him. He's a survivor!!!