Mr. Smarty Pants

We're so happy for our little first grader! At the awards assembly today, Aiden received certificates for A-honor roll, perfect attendance and citizenship. The only let down was that in each class, a special award was given to one student. All of Aiden's friends in other classes were selected, however, in Aiden's class another little boy was selected by his teacher for the award. Kim saw the tears well up a little in Aiden's eyes, but he hasn't said anything about it. Poor kid. He is such a pleaser that it really gets to him if he is not at the top. We love him regardless of what recognitions he is bestowed and are just so grateful for such a great kid!

Way to go buddy!

Buns, Buns, and More Buns

We had a ward activity yesterday, and let's just say that my boy scout husband was more than prepared! We had bags and bags of buns left over. We have given away 4 or 5 bags, and we still have loads. We made french toast this morning (which the boys adored, even Cooper.) with the hamburger buns. Now I am going to venture in making some bread pudding. It is one of my favorites and apparantly one of my Father's as well so in honor of his 64th on Tuesday(I think he is 64 this year.) I am making some bread pudding. He lives in Reno, but Dad, we will let you know how my first stab at it goes! Bon Appetite!

On Two Wheels- FINALLY!!!!

Yes. I am embarrassed to admit that my seven year old is finally able to ride a two wheeler. The funny thing is that he essentially got on the bike and rode. HE DID NOT FALL ONCE! I ran behind him two times and he was balancing so well I said, "Try it yourself." He no sooner started pedalling and he was four houses away and said, "Mom, I think I am riding." I laughed. Yes, indeed, I think so! Now only if it was that easier for the others. Aiden and I did enjoy a picnic breakfast with Lex, his cousin and her friend, Emma to celebrate his accomplishments. We rode our bikes to the park and had mangoes and cinnamon struesel coffee cake- Aiden loved it and the girls hated it, but, oh well! The next weekend, Mitch and Aiden rode their bikes back from Grandma's house (about 3 miles- maybe 4), and Aiden is asking when we can ride to the grocery store. Funny thing, Aiden...when you are buying groceries for a family of 7, no basket alive can fit all that food. Gotta love the reasoning of 7 yo! Grey is anxious to learn, but we have a few weekends of front yards and backyards, so that may be put on the back burner for a few weeks.

Naughty Gnome

He's not just a Naughty Gnome, but a Naughty Pirate, as well! Arrrrrrrgggghhh!

Come on Everybody It's Family Night

I can't be the only one to remember that cheesy song "come on everybody it's family night, family night, family night..." Anyway, the other night during a stirring discussion on King Benjamin, this is what occurred. All but Aiden fell asleep. What made this one remarkable, however, is Cooper and Bubby. Take a closer look.



Kim is holding Cooper and Bubs, and I guess Bubs is holding Cooper. What you can't see is his little hands wrapped around Cooper's neck. Just kidding.

Gage the Night Owl

Gage had meltdown today over mom cutting off Game Boy priveleges! He was sent to his bedroom, OK, I mean locked in his bedroom, and luckily for the both of us- he CRASHED. He stayed asleep from 3:30 to 8:30, and, thus, at 10:08 while I am posting, he remains awake and begs for goodies. It is good for him that his mom can not recall much that transpired earlier this day. And I am a sucker for late night ice cream.

Three Long Days

Two weekends ago, Mitch took Friday and Monday off so that we could finish a few projects around the house....Well, the play structure is FANTASTIC, but it took nearly his entire weekend- ARGH! On Friday, we graded the dirt and I labeled the hardware and the lumber for four hours! His brother helped him begin, but technical difficulties prevailed. Another story for another day! On Saturday we awoke at 6:30 a.m. and he worked all day until 4:00 to go to priesthood. And on Monday, his Dad and then brother again came over and he worked the entire day. I did help, but I provided windows of help since I have five boys who need me. I guess I am indispensible after all!



The shelves, airplane teeter totter (from Grandma Kathleen and Grandpa John), and Backyard Grandma's internet had to wait until this past weekend. Yes, the swings are still unattached since the ground is so hard that he bent the stakes and we need to purchase new ones. Gotta love projects in Las Vegas.

Backyardigrandma!

OK, so I realize that we haven't posted anything in months. It has just been one of those times. But, I'm happy to declare that the casita is done and Far Grandma is now Backyard Grandma. Kim's mom, Dian, moved in about a week ago, and we have spent every second working on moving, fixing stuff, etc. Kim is so excited that she and I actually were able to fix her phone lines (since they didn't work after the phone company came and connected us at the street.)



Our next big project has been setting up the kids' playstructure. I took a couple days off work to try and whittle down the honey do list. We have spent two full days on that swing set and it is still not finished. Is that incredible. I think I need to pay closer attention to the "pay $100 for installation" advertisements that they put on those things. Money well spent I would say.

The last and most incredible thing - we finally have internet at home, so you might see more regular posts from Kim now. I say might, because if I were you, I wouldn't hold your breath. You do know that we have five little boys right? Of course you do, their pictures are to the right!