Hardman Household

Creative Kid :)

2012-01-18T22:28:00.003-07:00

Earlier this month, Archer won a Character Counts award for "Imagination". Jeremiah and I were there for the assembly and when they announced what the theme for the month was, we both laughed. Archer was a shoe-in for this award. There is no kid quite as creative / imaginative as this little guy that we have ever met (and his teachers all agree)! He was SO excited to win. He said that when he saw us at the assembly, he knew it was either him or Tanion that had won something, so he crossed his fingers and toes and hair, hoping that it was him. ;) Cute little guy.

Speaking of using his imagination and creating things, Archer has wanted to build a robot for a while now. Grandma and Grandpa Hardman were aware of this and bought the coolest present for Christmas. It was a make-your-own Tin Can Robot. Archer had been begging to build the robot, so Jeremiah finally sat down and took an afternoon to build it with him. Jeremiah helped, but we made sure that Archer did a lot of the work himself.

This lovely little tin can robot (whom Archer named Gary) will walk around slowly, but surely on the kitchen table or floor. :) Archer is super proud of his "invention". :) Now, if only Fred (Archer's new imaginary friend who gets the blame for everything bad) will leave it alone!!!

Things from 2011 that I never posted...

2012-01-02T09:30:00.009-07:00

I didn't do a lot of posting in 2011 and since my whole family is still asleep and I have the day off, let's start 2012 off right with looking back at 2011!!

Archer's SMOLDER face (from Tangled)... Not bad!

Robynson's first day of Preschool
She loves it and has a great teacher!
We love that school!

DarTanion is in Scouts and has already got his Bobcat :)

My parents gave us a trampoline. The boys can now do flips (yay, more broken bones to come!) and Robyn just loves to bounce. Everyone had fun when we spent the night outside on the trampoline on Labor Day weekend.

Halloween is one of our favorite Holidays. Robyn had 3 different costumes (a butterfly, Thomas the Train, and a sandbox - her idea). Archer was the cutest Harry Potter you ever will see. DarTanion was a guy from the movie TRON. Jeremiah helped to make Tanion's costume (out of an old costume and orange duct tape!)

Our family at our Ward Halloween Costume.

DarTanion went hunting with Grandpa Sherrill. This kid has never been so excited to be awake at 5am!

This is just a great picture of the kids playing together in the dirt circle (the lawn under where the tenants pool was this year). Robyn got covered and Miah was getting ready to put her in the shower to wash off some of the dirt. He had to take a picture because when he took off her shirt, you could see the line where the dirt ended (at her sleeves). She really WAS covered!

This is just because I LOVE the bottom of Robyn sticking out her tongue. SO HER and SO FUNNY!

The day before our first family Christmas party of 2011, we realized that we didn't have a typical "cute picture of all 3 kids" for the Christmas cards. So we ran out to the park near by (in 35° weather) and made the kids smile for pictures. These are a few of my favorites of all 3 together.

*******************

Anyway, I just wanted to post a few so that there was some of 2011 documented for the world (and family) to see. Love you all!

New Idea for the New Year...

2012-01-02T09:22:00.002-07:00

Since I have been REALLY great at NOT posting anything on the blog this last year, I've decided to try and be better. My new Bloggy Goals for 2012 are:
*Each blog post doesn't need to have a picture (though it probably will).
*Each blog post doesn't have to have a HUGE story (though some might).
*Each blog post doesn't have to have a story for each picture (though they might).

Instead, I'm just going to try to post things that I love. Like a little story from one of the kids that I don't want to forget. Or a picture that is just wonderful. That way, you still get to see a little snippet from our lives - exciting or not (and whether I have "time" or not!)

We'll see if that will help us end up more than our whole 20-ish posts from last year!

Loves!
~The Hardman Family

Happy Halloween!!!

2011-10-28T21:34:00.001-06:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Just incase the video doesn't work:
http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/aaeH4w16y3w4b9Nf

MONARCH WINNER IS:

2011-09-22T07:03:00.002-06:00

A very sleepy Archer came out just as I was getting ready to draw the name from the paper bag (sorry, couldn't find a hat), so I let him be the "picker" for the contest.... And the name he drew is....

PAUL!

Congrats to you, Paul! :) I'll need your address so that I can send it off to the publishing company so they can mail it out to you!

Thanks to all who signed up. I do have a copy of Monarch that you can borrow, if you would like. OR you can purchase it now at Amazon!

Monarch - a book review (and giveaway!!!)

2011-09-13T21:53:00.008-06:00

I have amazing friends. Very talented, amazing friends. Very talented, amazing and successful friends who are following their dreams and living life to the fullest. With that said, I'd like to let you all know about a fabulous friend of mine:

Michelle Davidson Argyle

Michelle has been writing for as long as I have known her. I remember her sitting down the hall from me during lunch in high school, always writing away. She always had some fascinating story running around in her head and I loved hearing about them. Now that we are what some people refer to as "grown ups" (psshh!), she is a published author. An amazing published author. And I expected nothing less!

As you can already tell by my first 2 paragraphs, I am NOT an author. I write how I talk, which is not proper or correct or fancy in any way. :) But I will try to do her justice.

My Michelle has had 2 books published - one she self-published (Cinders) and the other (Monarch), she has signed with Rhemalda Publishing and it is available to buy NOW! Michelle will have a few more books coming in the next few years and I can honestly say, I can't wait!

NOW, All about Monarch....

(Monarch Synopsis....)

Nick’s life as a CIA spy should be fulfilling, but it has only given him unhappiness—a wife who committed suicide, and two daughters who resent everything he has become. Now, stuck in the Amazon on the last mission of his career, he must track down Matheus Ferreira, a drug lord and terrorist the U.S. has tried to bring down for years. If he succeeds, he’ll have the chance to start his life over again.

Just when Nick is on the brink of catching Ferreira, he’s framed for a murder that turns his world upside down. His only chance of survival lies in West Virginia where Lilian Love, a woman from his past, owns the secluded Monarch Inn. He’s safe, but not for long…

How much do you LOVE that cover?!
And the book?
It does NOT disappoint.

NOTE: The type of book that I normally read is probably more aligned with Michelle's other book (Cinders) because I tend to find myself reading what is now classified as "paranormal teen romance" books (and I am kind of embarrassed to admit that!) Monarch, however, falls more under the Contemporary Thriller genre.

Michelle is great at developing her characters. There are several characters that you get to know in Monarch - some you like, some you might not. Michelle does a fabulous job at making each one real. I found myself getting angry at a few of the characters for their decisions because 'they are better than that'. I know I like a book when I start talking out loud to the people inside. :) Her characters are realistic because they are flawed people - each one with their own struggle.

Another thing that Michelle does well is making you feel like you are there. Her descriptions allow you to be there in the mountains, to smell the rain and trees. You can smell the brownies cooking. You can feel the sweat from the blistering heat.

As I mentioned above, this isn't the genre I normally read, but as long as Michelle is the one doing the writing, I will read them! And not just because I know her and think she's an amazing person in real-life, but because she brings the STORY to life.

I feel like I should mention there is violence in the book but you should have probably already guessed that by the synopsis above (you know, drug lord terrorists and framed for murder and all). There are also a few steamy scenes in the book (which, to me, make it all the better!)

If I were to do the critic thing and give the book a score (1 being bad, 5 being best book ever), I would say Michelle has nailed it with a solid 4.

SO... Want a free copy?

Just leave me a comment below with your name and how I can get in touch with you (email preferably). Simple, right?

I will draw a name from a hat (fairest way I can think of) on September 21st, 2011 and let the winner know. I'll get your address and Rhemalda Publishing will mail you your very own copy!

And so, I leave you with a book trailer (kind of like a movie trailer, but for books!) for Monarch.
(double click on the video to see the whole screen!)

If you can't view it, click here: http://youtu.be/TOjDLvcRHUA

Don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win your own free copy!!!

DarTanion's Baptism

2011-09-09T22:18:00.004-06:00

So in the crazy busy madness we call life, I totally forgot to mention DarTanion's baptism on the blog!!! DarTanion turned 8 years old on July 8th and was baptized on July 9th @ 4pm. We had a special baptism so our friends, the Hartley Family, could be here with us and so that Tanion and his little friend Maddy didn't have their baptisms on the same day (and not be able to attend each others)...

The day itself was pretty busy. Angie and kids were staying with us, which meant an extra 5 people in the basement but it was actually a total blessing. Nothing like 2 moms who can rock out in the kitchen to the random mix of music that is "Mandy's Ipod" all while feeding 8 children breakfast and lunch AND preparing 4 different kinds of soups and 3 different kinds of salad and 3 different desserts for the dinner after the baptism!!! Yeah, we are awesome. And don't let me forget the awesome hubby who ran to the store probably 5 or 6 times getting "one more thing" that we forgot!!

At the baptism, DarTanion was excited, Jeremiah was nervous and I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I gave Archer and Robyn to my parents and Jeremiah's parents and tried to make sure everything was ready. You'd think I'd have it all together for a 4pm baptism, but oh no - just gave me more time to NOT be ready...

DarTanion went under on the 1st dunking (YAY Tanion!) Jeremiah gave a short but sweet blessing (I honestly only remember him saying that DarTanion would be a good person and make good choices in life). The songs were great, the kids were decent and the talks (thanks to both my mom and Jeremiah's mom) were perfect. And you couldn't ask for much better weather!

And our Primary does a "baptism book" for the kids who get baptized. It's what we do while the kid and dad are getting dressed in dry clothes. You get to draw a picture, write a letter or share your testimony with the person who just got baptized. It's such a cool little book.

We had a great turn out of family and friends there to support Tanion in this big decision / day... We had enough food for everyone and great conversation. All in all it was a perfect day for our little guy...

Silly Smurf

2011-08-28T23:29:00.006-06:00

Last year after Halloween, we went to Walmart on the right day... We were able to pick up about 8 costumes for the boys for 90% off. So most costumes were about $3-$4 dollars. All the little girl ones were gone (my guess is because all little girls love to play dress up), but I did find one in a size 8 that was a "Smurf-ette" costume. I figured that my boys have a few friends that are girls that would like to play dress up too, so we bought it...

Robyn has taken this costume over (even though it is WAY too big on her... A few nights ago, she decided she was going to be Smurf-ette and refused to go to bed until she found the entire costume. After emptying out her dress up box, she finally found the complete set...

Ladies and gentleman,
I give you my favorite smurf -
"Silly Smurf", aka Robyn :)

Robyn LOVES this thing. Especially the hat. :) She will wear the hat around the house with whatever outfit (or swim suit) she is wearing at the moment.

Doesn't everyone need a favorite smurf? :)

Barlow Family Reunion 2011

2011-08-28T19:41:00.009-06:00

Because of a special request from my dad, here is a bunch of pictures of the Barlow Family Reunion from July 2011...

The Parade

4-Wheeling

Skipping Rocks

Playing in the Water
(because we couldn't fish here!)

Our Family
(and Gma Bagley)

Our Friend, Alona Bagley
(she thought the sign was funny)

Grandma and Grandpa Barlow

To read about it and see a few extra pictures, try this link to my aunt's blog...
http://hafenharbor.blogspot.com/2011/07/barlow-family-camp-out.html

The Boys' First Day of School

2011-08-22T22:42:00.005-06:00

I promise to post an update soon!!! But for now, enjoy these "1st Day of School" pictures of DarTanion and Archer. Tanion's going into 3rd grade and Archer into 1st grade!!! (Robyn starts preschool next week, so more pictures of that to come!)

Quick Post... We're still alive!

2011-07-13T22:50:00.007-06:00

Ok, so I have had a few of you ask if we're still around or if I have forgotten how to blog. I haven't. Just busy (and lazy). SO.... Quick post...

THE WALL / GARDEN
I wanted a wall in my back yard for my birthday. Silly? Maybe. But I don't care and don't regret it either. With a lot of hard work (mostly from Miah) and about $400-ish dollars, it went from the dirt hill to the wall and "garden". We (and by we I mean Miah) are attempting squash, pumpkins, tomatoes, cucumbers and other small garden type plants (sorry, I'm tired and don't remember what all we have growing back there!)
ARCHER / KIDNEY STONES
Archer takes meds that help his stones from getting too big (they still can, but the meds help). On Mother's Day, Archer had a kidney stone that was too big to pass (2 cm by 1 cm) and the poor guy was crying because he couldn't pee. After spending hours in the Heber Emergency Room (and trying 3 different sized catheters to remove the blockage), they sent us to Park City for Surgery with a Urologist. It was a same day / emergency surgery. They blasted the stone (that was too big to pass), which broke it into lots of little pieces. The kid peed stones (relatively pain free) for a week, but hasn't had a problem since then.

MIAH GOT A JOB!
Jeremiah got a job as a Backup Line Mechanic for BD Medical in Sandy. He works the night shift (5:45pm to 6am). It pays ok but I'll still work to keep insurance and to keep us paying off debt faster! I leave for work at about 6:50am - Miah gets here about 6:35am. I get home around 4:40pm - Jeremiah has to leave by 4:50pm. So we don't really see each other on work nights, but when we do, we actually spend time together, so that's been nice. :) Kids are having fun playing with the upstairs neighbor family (they watch the kids while Miah's sleeping).

THOMAS THE TRAIN
Jeremiah, Robyn, Archer and I rode Thomas the Train again this year. Tanion decided he was too big to go this year... Archer's still obsessed and since Robyn loves anything her brother's do, she loves Thomas too.

DARTANION GOT BAPTIZED!!!
DarTanion turned 8 years old last week and was baptized on Saturday. I have the baptism pictures on the camera still, so here is his "dressed up" pictures to go with his baptism invites...

Ok, very tired and I work early, so I'm going to leave it at this for now, but I love you all (shout out to you, Kim and Jenn!) and shall try to post again soon. Still so many adventures to catch you up on!

Collages

2011-03-16T22:38:00.004-06:00

OK, I'm tired... This is the last one tonight...

Classic Robyn
messy and pantless

Archer and Ted E. Bear

(from his kindergarten class)

Ninja Tanion
Cutest Ninja I know!

Who knew going to the dump in
Dad's blazer could be so much fun?!

I think they might even like each other... :)

Fairy Princess Tea Party

2011-03-16T21:38:00.007-06:00

I love the Provo Library. :) They have such fun events. The boys look forward to going to "Big Guys, Little Guys" every year with Jeremiah. It's a "just for boys" event. They also do a girls event called the "Fairy Princess Tea Party" and I've been wanting to go since I found out about it. BUT, it's for girls 3 and older. But guess who turned 3 and can dress up and go to the party with her momma?! :)

I bought 4 tickets the day they went on sale thinking my sister Keena and my niece Kaylee would be able to go with us. Well, unfortunately Keena had to work, so I invited my awesome friend Jerusha and her little girl Callie to go with us (don't feel bad I didn't invite you - it's probably because you had more than 1 little girl and I didn't want to leave anyone out - I wish I could have invited all of you!!). I was Jerusha's visiting teacher for a while and we became friends. It's nice because Callie is just 6 months younger than Robyn and they like playing together.

SO... After changing 4 times, Robyn finally agreed to at least wear a tutu (yeah, she's not so girly...) and I somehow managed to squeeze (and I DO mean SQUEEZE!) into a dress I bought before I got married (and had to worry about arm fat and garments hanging out). I covered up with a cardigan and made Jeremiah take a few pictures of us and we were off!

We watched some ballerinas dance and then got to go meet the Fairy King and his court... Robyn didn't really like the king - she ran away from him. But she loved the main girl fairy...
Anyway, they had a 'meal' of cheese, a cookie, a strawberry, 'clouds' (white cotton candy), and a 'fairy cake' (muffin) with lemon water. It was a very pretty (small) meal. And each person got a fairy charm on a silver ribbon and a bottle of fairy dust (pink sand). Robyn wanted to eat the fairy dust, but finally stopped trying to when I told her it was poison and would turn her into a real frog. (Hey, whatever works, right?)

Afterward, we went back to my house and let the girls play on the swings. There is just something about little girls in fluffy skirts that makes me smile... And I kinda love these little girls.
Robyn and Callie play so cute together. They talk about each other all the time too. Callie has the prettiest blonde curls and soft voice. Robyn's loud and doesn't care at all about wearing shoes outside. :) The girls got their pretty princess clothes dirty (and I'm sure it looked awesome to my neighbors with Jerusha and I dressed up, taking pictures and pushing the girls on the swings...)

Sometimes it's hard with 3 kids and I think "WHY didn't I stop at 2?!" But then I get to play with her and see her sweet, yet fiery and spunky personality and remember - THAT'S why.

Teeth...

2011-03-16T20:57:00.007-06:00

There have been an excessive amount of loose teeth in this household! My boys seem to be losing 1 a week for the last few months. This tooth fairy is BROKE! And then we have dentist appointments that are making it even worse! Here are a few pictures...

Remember a few weeks ago when I did the update on Archer and mentioned he lost his first tooth and he wrote a letter to the tooth fairy asking to keep it? And that the picture showed Archer in bed farting and the tooth fairy flying farting? Yep... Totally Archer. :) Well, I saved it, but the kids spilled liquid on it before I got it put away, so now it's crinkled, but still cute. Here's that letter...

Since then, he lost his other front tooth! And it's cute when he talks!

And then he went to the dentist and had one pulled. Here's a picture of his smiley, swollen face from that night...
And that silly boy... He keeps trying to pull others that are barely loose because he wants more money...

OH, and Tanion? Yeah, he lost another one. His smile consists of a bunch of spaced out big teeth now. Super cute, though...

And today he went to the dentist and was put under sedation to do all his work that he needed done... The dentist pulled 1 loose tooth and instead of capping some like he was going to (darn you, weak enamel!), he decided to just pull 2 more. So yeah, that's $3 (in gold dollars, no less) this tooth fairy has pull out tonight! Here are his swollen / slightly drugged face pictures...
Notice the lack of teeth? MAN! How's he gonna chew!?!

Okay, one more post then bedtime. :) Hope you guys are enjoying these!

Tanion's Award

2011-03-16T20:20:00.002-06:00

So I already posted the video of Tanion singing at the Manner's Assembly on Valentine's Day but here is the 'reason' I was there...

The school called me Friday to let us know he would be receiving an award on Monday so I talked to my boss (who is great, by the way) and he said he was fine with me leaving to go to the assembly. Jeremiah and I sat in the back of the auditorium again and watched him sing his song and waited patiently for his turn to get the award. We kept it a secret for the weekend and thought it'd be neat to surprise him...

By the way, he won an award for having good manners. :) Archer got one for being kind the month before - Tanion gets one for good manners. Guess we're doing something right! :)

This little stinker (love him as I do) REFUSED to look at me and smile. I'm back there waving and smiling and giving thumbs up. NOTHING. More of a frown than even a smirk! So after he sits down (and I get some incredibly terrible pictures of the event), we leave. He comes home and tells me that he saw us but that he didn't want to smile or be weird in front of everyone.

So those are the 'best' pictures I got of the day. The camera does NOT like the lighting in that auditorium. But we're SO proud of our little guy. :) He's awesome.

Tanion's Manner Video

2011-03-16T19:51:00.003-06:00

This video was taken on Valentines Day this year. The school's office called to let me know about Tanion winning an award for this assembly (a post on that coming up) so I talked to my boss and was able to go. The 2nd Grade performed a song about Manners (the theme for February). It'll probably take a while for the video to load, but if it does and you want to see him, he's on the top row, 4th from the end in the blue Scooby Doo jacket. :) He was pretty proud of his 'solo' part at the end. :)

A new not fun experience...

2011-02-25T22:13:00.002-07:00

(First I want to say that I know that there has been a severe lack of DarTanion on our family site. No worries, he's still around. It's just that he's healthy so very little drama there! And I do have a post that I shall dedicate to him - as soon as I download the pictures / video from about 2 weeks ago... My bad... Sorry.)

But this story is about today. Or tonight really.

I've been a crazy, emotional mess about some unnecessary stupid drama since last night and started feeling better tonight around 5ish (FINALLY!). I came home and just wanted to sleep, but Miah got invited to go play video games with some of his friends in Heber and he REALLY deserves to go do that. (I tell him to all the time, so I'm glad he's finally listening!) Plus, he was really stressed out about stuff too, so he REALLY needed it. ANYWAY...

So I've been looking forward to bed time since waking up this morning. My awesome Visiting Teachers came over and we visited and laughed and had a great old time. When they left, it was about 8:45pm and I still had to get the kids their night time medicines and get them to bed before I could go to sleep. Tanion is sleeping over at the neighbor's house, so it's just me and the youngest two. Archer was playing on one of the preschool games websites and Robyn was watching him. I got the meds together and took them in the computer room - where both kids were. Archer's medicine for his kidney stone stuff has to be mixed with liquid, so his is in a cup of punch (as always) while Robyn's med is still in a dosage syringe. I put them BOTH in the computer room and took Robyn to go to the bathroom so that she doesn't pee the bed. As I leave the computer room with Robyn I tell Archer - "There's your medicine. Make sure you take it all before bed time."

Robyn goes pee and I am helping her wash her hands and Archer comes in the bathroom. He set the syringe on the counter and said "Is this Robyn's medicine?" I told him thanks for bringing it in the bathroom for Robyn's but he needs to go drink his medicine that is in the punch. He gets this totally scared look on his face and informs me that HE just took Robyn's heart medicine because he thought it was his. For some reason, I didn't notice the lack of medicine in the syringe until he says that. I look at the dosage syringe and it's gone. *Crap!* And my hubby isn't home and I'm already emotional today. Super. Not wanting to deal with this.

So I call the husband and interrupt his 'guy time' to inform him of the situation and ask what he thinks. We decide I should call the pharmacist to see what he/she thinks and then, if they don't know, possibly poison control. Pharmacist couldn't help but gives me the number to poison control.

I call Poison Control for the first time ever. (Now, honestly, are you as surprised as me that this is the first time with MY KIDS that I've had to do this?) The lady (Libby!) was fantastic and calm and was telling me what she was doing the whole time. I'm fairly calm, considering the situation, and just keep telling her that it's okay that it's taking a minute to look it up and how appreciative I am that she is just there to help. After giving lots of information off of both medicine bottles (to make sure they aren't a bad combo and such) and getting personal information about Archer's age and size and health and such, she decides that it's probably not enough heart medicine to do any damage, but that I should keep him awake for at least the next hour to make sure. She said I'm lucky that Robyn's heart medicine is a fast acting drug because they can tell sooner, rather than later, if he'd have to go to the hospital. After thanking her again for everything, she says she'll call me in an hour to make sure he still seems ok.

SO, an hour of video games for Archer and prayer / reading scriptures and church magazines for me, I get a call from Libby to check and see how Archer is doing. Archer is still Archer, but perhaps a little tired. It's a little past his weekend bedtime, but pretty much normal for him. She says how glad she is that he seems to be doing fine and he should be okay to go to bed now. But that if he complains of any pain or acts 'funny' to take him to get medical attention. She then asks if she can call again in the morning to check on him and I tell her absolutely.

Ok, so really? Amazing experience. Good job, Utah Poison Control Libby! You kept a slightly panic-y, emotionally drained mom from losing her sanity completely. And you are going to follow up on my little guy in the morning? Really? You're awesome. Thanks for being there so I didn't have to worry other people (family) because of my *not* thinking. Thanks for being there to look up information about medicine that isn't common for little kids - and for apologizing because it's taking 'longer than it should'. To me, 10 minutes is NOT that long when you are helping me out as much as you did.

Now that we've gotten our first Poison Control call out of the way, can you think of any other not so fun experiences we need to go thru? Am I missing anything? I mean, we've done stitches, ER visits, broken bones, surgery, hospitalizations, life flight, heart problems, kidney stones and now Poison Control. Man. I was just thinking as I wrote that out - we have gone thru some crap in this little family, haven't we?! HA!

Love you all. But now, I'm going to go snuggle some babies (okay, so they are 3 and 5 but they are still MY babies) and go to bed.

Archer Update :)

2011-02-13T15:48:00.003-07:00

We met with a Pediatric Nephrologist (Kidney Doctor) on Thursday. Dr. Sherbotie told us more about Archer's kind of stones and what he should / shouldn't eat. He also told us an amount on how much sodium is too much (1200mg or less daily).

KEY POINTS:
*Drink at least 50 ounces of fluid daily, avoiding electrolyte containing drinks and sugar drinks - water is always best.
*Limit salt / sodium intake to 1200mg or less daily
*Limit animal protein (eat less meat / dairy) but make sure he still gets enough calcium (800-1000 mg/day)

We'll need to do another 24-hour urine collection to measure the amounts of cystine and creatine in his urine sometime in the next few months. Also, he'll need to take potassium citrate to help make his stones occur less frequently, but will require him to drink lots of water (which he needs to be doing anyway). He recommended that we maybe pack lunches for Archer to be sure to limit his salt intake - and Archer LOVES that idea. :) The boy loves taking home lunch.

Other than that, business as usual. He was sad on Friday when he woke up hurting because it was a party for the 100th day of school. He was crying because of pain and disappointment. But now we know how to combat the pain (ibuprofen) and at about 10am, Archer got to go to class and play on the 100th day of school. He was super excited. :)

It seems like he's having a bad day (which we think means he's passing a stone) about once a week. The one I posted a picture of is the biggest. Most look like a crumb of something. We aren't sure how many he has passed so far because we quit straining his pee. :)

Want to know more about his type of stones / disorder? Check out: http://www.cystinuria.com/what-is-cystinuria/

SO, other than that, life is good. Archer actually lost his first tooth on February 5th. The Tooth Fairy had to rush to a grocery store at about 9pm and they luckily had a golden dollar (because that's what our Tooth Fairy brings for lost teeth). Archer wrote a letter to the Tooth Fairy (I love how he spelled things):

Diiir tootH faiRy, cAN I ceep miy tooth? fRoM ARcheR

...and at the bottom, he drew a picture of him sleeping and the Tooth Fairy coming to visit. And both were farting. Yep. Love that boy. :)

* * * * * * *

Thanks to everyone for thoughts and love. He's a strong boy and will learn to live awesomely through all of this! :)

:(

2011-01-29T11:32:00.002-07:00

Bummer... It seems as though our little guy (Archer) has a bunch of those evil little stones trying to work their way out. He came home early from school on Thursday because he was in pain. He stayed home Friday and cried or slept most of the day because of pain. When they hurt, he feels like he needs to throw up so that's not fun either. He's a tough little guy, but this is starting to wear him out. It's the saddest thing to hear him cry / whine because its hurting him... We're hoping that with the combination of pain medication and anti-nausea medicine, that he can be fine this weekend...

Prayers are welcome. Loves, Us.

Pictures of a stone...

2011-01-25T18:23:00.002-07:00

I don't want to gross you out, but I thought I would show you what Archer's stones look like. He passed this beauty today. It's probably the one that was causing his pain on Saturday.

Today he came home from school and went to the bathroom. Jeremiah said that Archer started yelling for him to 'come here!' so Jeremiah went in to check on him. Archer said that he stopped peeing because the rock got stuck! (We told him that he needs to tell us if it really hurts to pee or if he stops peeing but he still needs to go because we didn't want it to cause an infection!)

So Jeremiah grabbed the tweezers and the sterile jar that the hospital gave us and helped get Archer's stone out... Jeremiah said part of it broke off when he was removing it but Archer was able to pee out the rest... (I know, this is probably really gross to you, but) we measured this little beauty and it's 1 cm (10 millimeters!) long and 5 millimeters wide! That's a BIG stone - especially for such a little guy! I took a picture of it next to my fingernail so you could tell about how big it is... (I mean, I was interested in what they looked like and thought maybe you would be too!)

It's almost as big as my pinky finger nail!

Good news? It was passed with no pain! The pain seems to come a few days before for him...

Stone Results and an Award

2011-01-24T20:55:00.004-07:00

Well, the doctor called us towards the end of last week to inform us of the type of Kidney Stones that our little guy (Archer) has... It is...

Cystine Stones. These are NOT the most common type (which I TOTALLY knew it wouldn't be!) Actually, this kind accounts for less than 3% of kidney stones. Of course, after the doctor called, I looked up information on this type to find out what I could about them. Below in BLUE is the most helpful info I've found:

Cystinuria is a condition passed down through families in which stones form in the kidney, ureter, and bladder.

Cystinuria is an autosomal recessive disorder, so you must inherit the faulty gene from both parents in order to have symptoms.

Cystinuria is caused by too much of an amino acid called cystine in the urine. After entering the kidneys, most cystine normally dissolves and goes back into the bloodstream. But people with cystinuria have a genetic defect that interferes with this process. As a result, cystine builds up in the urine and forms crystals or stones, which may get stuck in the kidneys, ureters, or bladder.

(BAD NEWS) Cystinuria is a chronic, lifelong condition. Stones commonly return.
(GOOD NEWS) However, the condition rarely results in kidney failure, and it does not affect other organs.

(info found at: https://health.google.com/health/ref/Cystinuria)

So yeah, it's a bummer deal because, not only is it Jeremiah and my fault (darn genetics!), but it's a life time thing. But it's good that we know what it is and what causes it. We will be meeting with a Nephrologist (kidney doctor) in a couple of weeks. And for now, he has had one more painful day (which most likely means another stone is on it's way out soon) but it wasn't as bad this time because we gave him the pain medicine when he starting complaining that he hurt...

So, ready for some happy news?

That cute, little guy is Archer at the school assembly last Wednesday. We got a call on Tuesday from his school saying that Archer was going to receive an award and they'd love it if we could come. So, because I have a great boss, I was able to take a long lunch and go see Archer receive an award for "Being Kind" to others. He was really excited to go up in front of the school and even more excited when he noticed that Jeremiah, Robyn and I were in the back taking his picture and giving him thumbs up. Unfortunately, we were far away and the camera's lighting wasn't ideal, so the picture isn't great. Because he is great at "Being Kind", they gave him a gift certificate for a free kids meal at both Wingers and Ruby River Steak House! But I think he was most excited about his "Being Kind" certificate. :)

Archer really is a strong, kind and good little guy and we love him a lot! We'll keep you updated as anything new happens.

Brown Pee Drama, Part 2. Kidney Stones.

2011-01-11T20:32:00.002-07:00

Darn that brown pee...
Friday night we went to bed not knowing what was wrong with Archer and why he was peeing blood... By Saturday night, we knew.

SATURDAY...

Archer woke up at about 4:45am on Saturday throwing up and crying because his tummy hurt. Jeremiah was convinced that he probably caught a flu bug from one of his many trips to the hospital / clinic. I was worried because the doctor had said "as long as he's not throwing up or complaining of pain, I'm not as worried". And now, he was throwing up and in pain. I stayed up with the poor little guy and watched the same Thomas the Train video about 5 times in a row. He was throwing up about every 15-20 minutes and trying to sleep in between, but his tummy really hurt.

At just after 6:15am, I called Dr. Dave (whom I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!) to see if he thinks we should go to the hospital. Of course, I had to leave a message because it's a Saturday and it's early in the morning and I wasn't really expecting a call back until later that day. At 6:30am, Dr. Dave called me back (see why I love him?) to tell me that he would recommend we go to an ER or Urgent Care soon because it was most likely related to the blood in the urine. Jeremiah wanted to go to the Urgent Care because it would be cheaper. It opened at 8am and luckily Archer finally passed out for longer than a few minutes at 7am. He slept til about 8am, so he got dressed and they headed out to the Urgent care at about 8:30am.

At 9:15am, Jeremiah called to inform me that he was heading to the ER at UVRMC because the Urgent Care thought it might be appendicitis. I called our upstairs neighbor to ask if she could keep an eye on Tanion and Robyn so I could go to the hospital too. She agreed and by 10am, I was at the hospital with Jeremiah and Archer (parked by the very same Life Flight that took Robynson to Primary Children's).

We didn't want to worry our family until we knew what was wrong, so we just hung out at the hospital while Archer cried because his tummy hurt and he was hungry. They had already put in an IV to give him fluids (he was dehydrated from throwing up all morning) and so that it would be easier to administer everything else. The checked him out and right before he went back for an ultrasound, they gave him morphine for the pain and Zofran for the nausea. He was definitely drugged. He quit crying and was very sleepy... They couldn't see the problem on the ultrasound, but thought it might be kidney stones. SO, they did a few X-rays. Couldn't see anything on the X-rays but were pretty sure that's what it was, so they asked to do a CAT (CT) Scan. We agreed and off he was wheeled again.

SIDENOTE: Archer was SO big and SO brave for all of it. Jeremiah said that when they put in the IV that they brought in 3 nurses to hold him down. Jeremiah told them that he's been pretty good about it and if they will just let him hold Archer, that he'll do just fine. And guess what? He was. He held out his arm and Jeremiah held his hand and Archer watched as they put the IV needle in. No crying, no pulling away. NOTHING. Kinda sad because he was getting used to getting poked, but VERY brave of my little guy. (I mean, I was kinda freaking out that I had to park next to Life Flight and had to walk through the halls they walked us through to take Robyn to Life Flight.) Okay, back to the story.

Only 1 parent could stay in the room for the CT, so I let Jeremiah (that stuff fascinates him and scares the beegeebers out of me). Jeremiah said Archer was shaking a little because he was cold and scared (ever notice how cold those rooms are?) but that he was really brave again. Then they wheeled him back to his ER room for more waiting. We finally decided we should let our parents know that they thought it was Kidney Stones. Of course, our parents were just as worried.

After waiting FOREVER, the doctor came in to confirm it was, indeed, a Kidney Stone that was causing all the pain and drama for our little guy. He gave us some "what to do's" and a prescription for anti-nausea medicine and pain medicine and sent us on our way. Archer tried to take his IV out himself, he was so ready to go. He was walking out the door to go home while I was getting instructions from the doctor on using the "stone catching strainer" and medicines and everything else. :)

We came home to my mom and Jeremiah's mom there with the kids. They came to check on Archer and help out with the other kids. Both Grandma's were willing to take on the other 2 so we could focus on Archer - in case we needed to go back to the hospital (THANK YOU!). Archer ended up taking more pain meds and going to bed until about 9pm when he woke up and demanded the Taco Time he was promised for being so brave. :) (Kid after my own heart, right there!) We gave him his Taco Time and he stayed up playing with his trains and watching Thomas movies until around 3:30am when he finally passed out again.

Also, Jeremiah canceled our appointment with the Nephrologist (kidney doctor) because the ER doctor didn't think it would be necessary since we knew what was causing the problems now. He said that we needed to see a Urologist instead!

SUNDAY

Archer woke up at about 7am on Sunday and wanted to eat and play video games with Jeremiah. He didn't ask for pain meds or anything until after lunch time! He was his normal little self, but would pause every once in a while because his tummy hurt a little bit. He thought it was funny he had to pee through a strainer (to catch the stone if it passed). That afternoon we headed to Heber to pick up Tanion and Robyn and visit for a second with our families. Archer got a little more pain meds at dinner time, but really seemed fine! He did go to bed early, but I think that's because he was up half the night the night before!

MONDAY

We decided to keep Archer home from school, even though he was acting just fine. We weren't sure how to ask a Kindergarten teacher to make sure he used a strainer to pee and to let us know if he needed pain meds. Plus, we wanted to monitor him a little more. I had to go to work, but Jeremiah just kind of let Archer have his way. Archer only took pain medicine twice during the day (once at 11:30pm the night before and once around lunch time). The little guy built 3 different train tracks in the front room, requested ice cream for lunch and had a 'dinosaur dig' in his room. Yeah, he seemed pretty fine. Our friends the Bagley family stopped by to see how he was doing and he had fun playing with his friends. He requested an extra cup of water for bed and a puke pan just in case. Jeremiah had scheduled an appointment with the Pediatric Urologist at Primary Children's, as per the ER doctor's request, for Tuesday morning.

TUESDAY (today!)

Since Jeremiah had a job interview at the same time as Archer's doctor's appointment, my mom and I took Archer to Primary Children's. When we got to the hospital, Archer really had to pee, so we asked the Receptionist in the Urology Department if they had a pee strainer and a bathroom he could use. Glad we did because he passed part of the stone!!! Since he passed part of the stone while we were at the doctor's office, we could put it in the collection cup and have the labs done on it (and not have to drive back to Salt Lake to do it later!) and find out what is causing those darn things... The Urologist also said that when looking at the CT Scan results, he saw that there were SEVERAL stones in Archer's kidneys and the one that was on it's way out. He didn't think that Archer passed the entire stone (or mass) in his office, and that there was probably more on it's way soon.

After dropping off the passed stones at the lab, Archer went pee again. He sighed and said "Oh no, Not Again" because he was, again, peeing blood. (We couldn't see the blood Friday - Monday.) This could mean he's got more stones or pain on the way. But, the good news is that he hasn't had pain medicine AT ALL today and that he didn't hurt when they passed today. (He passed more today when we got home but we no longer have to collect them since we have a sample at the lab.)

SO, Archer has SEVERAL Kidney Stones. Hopefully soon we'll find out what is causing the little buggers so that we can change his diet to avoid getting more of them. Also, he'll have to have follow up appointments about every 6 months until there is no more sign of them... Which might be soon and might be never.

We thank you all for your love and thoughts and support. Archer thinks it's funny every time I tell him that someone says they love him or to give him a hug. :) I'll try to keep this updated as new things arise, but for now, know that he's doing ok!

Loves!

The Brown Pee Drama.

2011-01-07T19:58:00.004-07:00

(Archer with a dog he named Dobby that he really wanted us to take home with us)

So I decided we'd start the new year off right - with health checkups and dental appointments. You know, make sure we are all healthy and such. Good mom thing, right? Plus, the kids were over due for Well Child checkups (since they didn't get them this last year when they should have) and it's always good to go to the dentist. (Still haven't made it to the dentist, by the way. That will be postponed until a little later, I'm afraid.)

So on Tuesday (Jan. 4) we took the kids to our favorite doctor, Dr. Dave in Heber City. He's known the kids since they were born and I love how great he is with them. And how well he understands that I have WILD children. All 3 kids get checkups and none need shots (cuz Archer got his Kindergarten ones right before he started Kindergarten down here). No problems, we head home. No big deal. Co-pays for 3 kids, $75. New medication for DarTanion $140...

Wednesday (Jan. 5) morning, Archer is laughing and tells Jeremiah to come look at his pee. Yes, his pee. He thinks he's pretty cool because he has changed his pee color to brown. Doesn't know how, but his pee is brown and he's awesome because of it. Jeremiah's a little worried (and not the basket case I would be!) but decides to see how it goes the rest of the day. He quizzes Archer on if he ate something funny in the last few days, trying to see if something food-wise would make his pee change color. Nope. Nothing. And the kid pees different shades of brown all day. I find out about it around bedtime when Archer says his pee isn't as brown anymore and I laugh... Jeremiah informs me that it has been brown all day...

Thursday Morning I go to work again but tell Jeremiah to get Archer in for a doctor appointment as soon as possible. I talk to my boss and he's great about it and tells me I can go home and take care of him or do whatever. Because Archer isn't experiencing ANY kind of pain / fever / anything else, I stay at work til the appointment, go with Miah to that and come back to work after. Archer stayed home from school so Jeremiah could monitor his pee more. Archer is acting COMPLETELY like his little self. Bouncing off the walls, no issues at all. He got poked and prodded and labs done (both blood and urine) at his appointment. Archer thought it was awesome he got to pee in a cup and keeps asking to do it again.

Friday: Results came back today: They have NO idea why but he has "large amounts of blood and protein in his urine"... Super! Jeremiah takes Archer back for blood pressure and labs. Archer was awesome and didn't even cry when they took blood today. And he was all sorts of upset when he didn't get to pee in the cup again. Those blood results came back quickly. Still more normal blood results. Still no idea what's wrong.

SO... On Monday, we have an appointment with a Pediatric Nephrologist (Kidney Doctor) to see if we can find out what's wrong with Archer. I'm just glad he's acting as normal as he ever was and that he doesn't seem to be in any pain. I'm hoping that means he had a little infection and he's on the mend. Or that it's something that he takes some antibiotic for a few days and he's healed... Nothing serious. That's our hopes...

SO, I'll keep you updated on our latest family drama!
Thanks in advance for the love and prayers!

Kitty's birthday party

2010-12-05T21:15:00.003-07:00

Archer has a stuffed cat he calls Kitty.

Archer kinda loves this cat.

And Archer has a cute little personality that I really can't resist... So when he informed me that October 10th was Kitty's birthday, we just HAD to celebrate! We had a birthday party for Archer's Kitty. We invited our friends, the Bagley family, over for Cake and outside play. I made a collage of the cute little chocolate cake covered faces...

Did you notice that Kitty has a piece of cake, too? :)

Halloween

2010-12-05T20:42:00.005-07:00

You might ask yourself, "Is Mandy behind on blogging?" The answer is 'Yep'.

Here are some fun Halloween pictures....

Tanion was a ninja, Robyn was a butterfly and Archer had 2 costumes - an Army guy at school and a Pirate at the church trunk or treat parties...

Also, we went to a pumpkin patch to get our pumpkins again this year. The kids had a lot of fun finding their PERFECT pumpkin... And then cutting it to pieces later on that day. :)

Hope you all had a great Halloween (you know, over a month ago!)

Kid Pictures

2010-12-05T20:25:00.004-07:00

My kids (all 3 of them) have decided that taking pictures is pretty darn fun. Hmm... I wonder who they get that from? :) I have an old digital camera (that likes to randomly turn itself off when you are about to take the best picture of your kids) that I've let the kids take pictures with. I think in the months of October and November, the kids took about 400 pictures. It's fun to see what they take pictures of. Here are some of their fun pictures...

Hardman Family Pictures :)

2010-11-22T20:58:00.003-07:00

So I have a lot of pictures and a lot of blogging to do, but with working at a 'real job' kinda makes me tired at the end of the day! So I thought I would share these beauties and try to post a few blogs over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Jeremiah's mom decided to do family pictures for Christmas this year (no complaints from me!). They took some really great pictures. I have attached some that I was able to scan. I think they turned out pretty fantastic. :)

Much Love! :)

The Hardman Grandkids
*I took the first one in the leaves, the rest were taken by the professionals*

The Twitch and Sandra
Hardman Clan :)

back: Sandra and Twitch
front: Jed (29), Jeremiah (30), Jessica (25), Jake (21)

Just an update...

2010-10-24T19:06:00.007-06:00

Hi Everyone!

Sorry, I know it's been a while. And I don't really even have any pictures to show for it. (I've lost my cord that I connect to my computer to download pictures, but as soon as that is found, I will post some. PROMISE). But lots has happened so I thought I should share, even though there aren't any NEW pictures to go with it. READY FOR AN UPDATE???

MANDY UPDATE:

I got a job! Well, actually, I got 2 jobs! :) I had been applying for like 3ish jobs a day. For 3 weeks. I had lots of interviews for lots of positions.

JOB #1: APX ALARMS, SCHEDULER:
I was offered a job on Oct 6th or 7th or something (started on October 11th) with APX Alarms. The company has some amazing perks and some equally amazing staff. My job title: Scheduler. Basically I call technicians to go to people's houses to install new alarms, upgrade to newer alarms, or fix broken alarms. Here's the kicker: I have to get appointments for people that aren't already available... Meaning I have to call people and ask them to work overtime. IT'S SUPER BUSY, KINDA STRESSFUL. But the company is good. The perks are good. The food is FABULOUS! I put in my notice to leave last week (with an "I'm really sorry I didn't last longer!" letter) because I got job #2.

JOB #2: UTAH STATE, OFFICE SPECIALIST (ie. SECRETARY):
On week #2 at APX, when I left for the day, I turned my phone off silence and saw I missed several calls and had a few messages. I checked my messages and to my surprise, I had a message about the State job I applied for. A Secretary for a Maintenance Department at a hospital for people with disabilities. It was the job I wanted. I called him back and was offered the job! :) Super excited! So I have accepted and start on November 1st. I can't wait. The pay is more and you get insurance from day 1. :) :) :)

JEREMIAH UPDATE:

Jeremiah was laid off from Utah Timber Frames because it's just too darn slow in the construction industry. His boss there said he will give him a superb reference (because, you know, the boy has SKILLS!). Jeremiah has been applying for pretty much everything, everywhere. Hoping he'll find something stable that he likes soon. He's had lots of leads, so hopefully one will pan out. In the mean time, he's staying home with the monkeys and showing me up on the house wife duties. I hate to admit it, but he keeps the house cleaner and dishes and laundry done better than I ever did.

Also, Jeremiah and I are attending Dave Ramsey money management classes. Jeremiah's done great about selling things we don't need anymore. He's actually got almost $500 in our emergency fund. He's sold guns, ammo, scuba equipment, skates, sunglasses - I'm super proud of him and his dedication. He also called Dish Network and canceled our satellite (which was the last of our 'luxury' items!

DARTANION UPDATE:

DarTanion has finally decided that reading isn't terrible. In fact, he's finally starting to enjoy reading! YAY!!! He's been reading our family a chapter or 2 each night from different Frog and Toad books. DarTanion is doing better at school and is making new friends.

Since I had training at APX, Jeremiah took DarTanion to see Odyssey Dance Company's Thriller (I won 2 tickets on Facebook). Jeremiah laughed because they were probably the only Father / Son combo attending (without a wife/mom). They both loved it. Tanion, of course, liked the dance numbers with guns, swords, killing, blood - oh, and the clown. :)

ARCHER UPDATE:

My cute little Kindergartner has been doing super awesome in school. His teacher has said that sometimes she still has to do some redirection with him, but that mostly, he's doing as he is told. :) I think it might have to do with the reward sheet we've created. Looks like I'll be buying a new Thomas train next weekend! His teacher has also decided that Archer is ready to start learning to read. She has sent home little books for him to practice. So exciting!

Also, Archer has a passion for making his own books. He's made probably 2-4 per week, about everything and anything (food, bodies, numbers, letters, animals). I look forward to each little book's completion. I've got a surplus of little blank books (construction paper front, blank pages inside) for him to make.

ROBYNSON UPDATE:

Oh, Robyn... She is learning more every day about using her cuteness to get what she wants. She will come up to you and give you a big hug and say "I love you!" then she'll smile and walk away. Usually into the kitchen, where she grabs a cookie, Root Beer or a string cheese and ask you to open it. :) Or into the computer room and get a game (her current favorite is 'Break the Ice') and bring it out for you to play with her.

Robyn has been more whiny lately, but I think it's because suddenly it's not just Robyn and Mom at home anymore. It's Dad and Robyn. And Dad doesn't give Robyn the same kind of attention as mom. And he isn't as big of a push over. :) She loves chasing the boys around when they get home from school. I think she misses having them around, too.

The Family :)

(except Jeremiah - he had to work)

Well, that's a condensed version about what's gone on with our little family. Of course, there was a trip to Tooele to Jillian's birthday (still have to upload pictures, sorry!) and Alona's baptism (I'll do a post on my other site: www.itonlymatterstomandy.blogspot.) I hope I can post pictures soon of our pumpkin patch / carving adventures and other fun things... As soon as I find that darn cord...

Hope all is great with all of you! Much love!

Playing Catch Up...

2010-10-01T10:18:00.016-06:00

Sorry, friends. I've had kind of a busy month. Or so it seems. :)

I've been applying for jobs like a crazy woman. And going to interviews. And watching kids. And helping out at the boys school. And trying not to lose Archer. And running errands. And writing the Primary Sacrament Program for our ward. And staffing our Nursery. And organizing my still messy and cluttered house. And garage. And I've typed and lost this blog. TWICE. And you get the idea. :) So here are some cute pictures to hopefully make up for my absence... Hope you enjoy! :)

Robyn still likes to get dirty...

I found her a costume at Savers for $7!

Archer got a hair cut and hasn't tried to re-cut it yet!
Don't you love the mullet he had going on? :)

Archer LOVES making crafts
(he insisted I take all these pictures of his playdough truck!)

DarTanion's still obsessed with guns and swords!

Our kids and the Bagley kids formed a band :)

Our Nephew Draysen turned 9!

I found this great picture of me and my Jedd (circa 1993)
I added the one from his wedding to show you how much we haven't changed!

Jeremiah has been a horsey a lot lately...
Robyn named him 'Pinto', like the horse on Dora

He's going to be the death of me.

2010-09-14T12:59:00.006-06:00

Cute Smile - Devil Hair

If you guessed (by the title of this blog) that this will be about my sneaky little Archer, then you were CORRECT!
Archer's first day of full-day Kindergarten was last Thursday. I've been meaning to do a post about that, but haven't yet. It was even semi-eventful. My little guy decided that since he never walked home before (because I'm such a mean mom and don't let my 5 year old little guy walk 5 blocks down a busy road by himself) that he was going to. Without telling anyone. Yeah. Lovely.

Archer's 1st day of school... Shirt says "I walk to my own beat"

VERY TRUE.

I showed up at the school for Parent Teacher Conferences with Tanion's teacher but had to get Archer from his class first and he was no where to be found. I wander the playgrounds and halls yelling for my 5 year old who is gone. I ask our friends if they have seen him. Nope. He's vanished. I start to panic when the playground is empty and all the other kids have gone home and he's still not there. I call my neighbor to see if he, by chance, walked home. Sure enough, Archer was there with her little guy, Sean (who is 10). Archer ran through the other 3-4 intersections before he caught up with Sean who was almost at the stop light by our house. I don't want to think about it too much because I'm sure he probably didn't look to see if cars were coming or if he was okay to cross. I asked her to keep an eye on him while I went to the Parent Teacher Conference that I was now 25 minutes late for. She agreed. When I got home, I asked him WHY he would walk home when I told him that I would be picking him up... His answer? "Because I've never walked home by myself before." Yep. Just wanted to do it. Me, Jeremiah and my upstairs neighbor lady all gave him the whole "That's dangerous for reasons 1, 2 and 3 and don't do that again cuz you scared mommy" lecture.

Think that story is the reason for this post?
Nope.

That's just a "SEE!?!" story. So you can sympathize and know that he is a child that just likes to do stuff like that.... There are actually several on the blog about him doing things like that... But now for the story that inspired this post...

stupid tube slide...

This morning, I decided to let him walk to school with Tanion and Sean. They agreed to stay right with him and make sure he was safe. I am trying to be an understanding mom and let him have freedom. But, yeah, maybe not anymore... The boys all headed outside without jackets on. I told them to come downstairs and get their jackets on and Archer still needed his backpack. I had to use the restroom so I said to Archer - "I'm going to the bathroom and when I get out, I'll get your book order in your backpack and you can go. Come get your jackets." Less than 2 minutes later, they were gone. They had grabbed jackets and left. Without Archer's backpack.

I was annoyed but not bad. I know how panicky Tanion gets about getting to school on time so I figured he was trying to rush everyone else. I changed Robyn from jammies to regular clothes and grabbed my shoes and purse. I put the book order in the backpack and headed out to my car. I figured I'd just go drop it off to his teacher with the other school supplies that I was finally able to go buy. I got into his class just as the first bell rang. That's the "okay, come inside" bell. The kids have 5 minutes to get into class before it starts. I watch kids filter in through the doors and hang up coats and backpacks. No Archer. I hang out until the 2nd bell rings 5 minutes later. Still no Archer. So I head outside and start looking around the play areas. I'm yelling his name, walking around - nothing. All the kids are inside and Archer is no where to be found.
So I'm thinking he just realized that he doesn't have his backpack and maybe he went to his class anyway or maybe he's at the office checking on it... Or maybe (thinking it's a worse case scenario here), he's walked back home to get it. I check with his teacher and he's still not in there. I tell her I'm going to go see if he's walking home to get his backpack and ask her to call me if he shows up there. I left the backpack in his cubby area and head down the hall. I run into Tanion and ask him - just to be sure - if Archer stayed with them while they walked to school. He said that they all stayed together and maybe Archer went to Sean's class. I knew he wouldn't so I kept walking to the office. No Archer.

I drag Robyn to the car, load her in and drive home. He's no where on the sidewalks on the way there. I check my house - he's not inside there. I knock on my neighbors door. He's not there. Great. Lovely. Dang child! I tell my neighbor to call me if he shows up and let her know that I'm heading, once again, to the school.

I call the school while I'm on my way there and asked to be transferred to his teachers room. When his teacher answered the phone, she said he still wasn't there - but then her door opened. In walks Archer. Without shoes or socks on. She asked me if I wanted to talk to him and handed him the phone.

I was fighting the urge to scream at my kid - I could feel the anger boiling up and my voice raising. I tried to calm myself down enough and ask him where his shoes and socks were. I know he had them on when he left the house. He informs me they are on the slide outside. Then I asked where he had been. Again, he says the slide outside.

He told me that he saw AND heard me when I was out on the playground before, but that he didn't answer me. He was in the covered tube slide - hiding from me and everyone else because he still wanted to play outside. I calm down enough to tell him that he scared the beegeebers out of me and that I would go get his socks and shoes off of the slide and come talk to him in his class.

I hang up and am ready to hug, then kick the kid across the street.

Seriously, I love this little guy. I mean, how could you not? He's the cutest little independent stinker around. He's super curious about thing and he likes to do his own thing. Play by himself. I love his facial expressions, personality and his cute little apologies. But it's honestly going to drive me batty! I don't know how many times I can handle him disappearing (or so it seems) from school. I think the kid needs a 24 hour chaperon.

Any takers?

Marriage of 2 Young People - 11 Years Ago

2010-09-08T17:24:00.010-06:00

We're not very romantic.

Our First Date - we went as friends to a girls choice dance

Jeremiah and I decided since we were still together after a year of dating and neither one of us went away to college and we were happy together that we might as well get married. It was the next logical step in our 18 year old lives.

We told our parents and they were excited at the idea. {This still baffles me. I can't imagine my 18 year old kid - that's only 11 more years for DarTanion - coming up to me and saying, "So, we're getting married!" and thinking "YAY! That's great, sweetie!" (Well, unless it was Tanion and Shandy but come on, I've been planning that since he was basically born!)} We went and picked out a ring. I can only imagine what the sales guy was thinking...

After a few date changes, we decided on September 9th to get married. It would be a cool date - 9/9/99. Except it was a Thursday. SO it got changed again. To September 11th. And the darned terrorists ruined that date few years later. Stupid Terrorists.

It was a really pretty day. Lots of people. Lots of pictures. Lots of craziness. Lots of love.

19 years old and engaged

The Bride

The Groom (and the picture of the mission bound friend)

The Wedding Line (except where is Jake?)

The Girls

Some of the Guys (where is Jed and Jake?!)
please notice my shoes! they were fabulous!

And my favorite picture(s) of the day?
The ring exchange...

Really, it's a 3 part picture.

FIRST PICTURE: We've said the vows and I'm putting the ring on Miah's finger.
SECOND PICTURE: I giggle because I realize that I put the ring on the wrong hand. :) I laugh out loud, turn to the crowd of loved ones who are watching these young kids get hitched and say - "It's the wrong hand!" and they all giggle.
THIRD PICTURE: Everyone is smiling. We're all happy. Ring is on the correct hand. I am a wife. Jeremiah is a husband.

* * * * *

Fast forward to 2010.

Because numbers are fun...

11 Years Married
12.75 Years Together
80-ish extra pounds (between the 2 of us)
3 Rambunctious Kids
2 Cats, 1 Dog
4 / 5 places we've lived
2 trips to Disneyland, 1 to Disney World
1 Temple Sealing

Happy Anniversary, Jeremiah!

Here's to the rest of
an eternity together...

* * * * *

P.S.
I still can't believe we were so
YOUNG
when we got married!

First Day of School

2010-08-29T08:03:00.006-06:00

It probably shouldn't be this weird to me, but it is.
I have 2 kids in Elementary school.
How does it happen so fast?!

DarTanion is a 2nd Grader and Archer is a Kindergartner. Can you believe it? My boys are big and going to school and it's just going to be me and my baby girl at home (well, until I get a job, that is!)... I guess it shouldn't be weird to me because Archer's had 2 years of Preschool at Hobble Creek Learning Center (highly recommended by me, by the way!) but for some reason, KINDERGARTEN seems like a whole new world.

Anyway, DarTanion was super excited to get back to his school and be with his friends. When I asked what his favorite part of his first day was, he said recess. (Ah, the beloved RECESS...) Second favorite was seeing his friends. Third was lunch. :)
On DarTanion's 2nd Day of (2nd Grade with Mrs. Day!) school, he informed me that he's liking his teacher more because if you bring your homework back, you get a sticker AND a gummy bear. :) Can't beat that, I suppose. He had homework the 2nd day of school...

(Tanion and our cute upstairs neighbor boy, Sean)

Archer had to do some Kindergarten testing to see what he knew on the same day as DarTanion's first day of school. He wanted to wear his backpack (which he put his stuffed animal Kitties in) and school jacket and look nice, too. :) So we got him ready and we even packed him a little snack to take along for after testing. :) The school has one full day and 2 half day Kindergarten classes. Archer wants full day because he wants "the school with lunch". I would like him to have full day because I think it would be easier / fun for him to have more time to learn and play with friends. Poor kid really does need the social skills... We should find out tomorrow who his teacher is and if he's Morning, Afternoon or Full Day Kindergarten. I'll keep you posted and take some official "first day" pictures of him on Wednesday, when Kindergarten starts. Until then, enjoy testing day pictures.

Batman has REALLY let himself go!

2010-08-28T11:33:00.005-06:00

My little Archer is such a goofball! I love that about him. :) He is always finding different ways to make me smile - most of the time by just being his cute and creative little self. :)

Lately, he's been wearing a Batman Costume around the house. Yesterday he discovered that he could fit a full-sized comforter in the costume. When I first found him dressed like this, I laughed (like full on hysterics laughing) and made the mistake of calling him "Fat Batman". He promptly frowned and took off the costume.

When Jeremiah found him in the costume later in the day, he knew what Archer was going for. He said "Hey, Nice Muscles there Batman!" Archer beamed with that irresistible smile that he has. He wasn't Fat Batman, he was Super Muscle-y Batman. :) Smart Dad. :)

He wore it all night last night. He put it on again first thing this morning. He LOVES this costume. I had to bribe him to take it off so that I could wash the Chocolate Milk off that got spilled on it at breakfast this morning.... SO... as long as I don't call him Fat Batman or giggle everytime I see him (which is really hard, let me tell you!) - I' thinking I will have this awesome little character at my house for a while. :)

DarTanion

2010-08-21T10:08:00.005-06:00

I haven't done a post just about my DarTanion since, well, his birthday last month... But I figured that he deserved something just about him.

DarTanion is a good boy. He's been a really big help to me. He'll help keep an eye on his brother or sister. He likes to be independent, but at the end of the day, he just wants to snuggle with his mom (lucky me!) :) I love it.

DarTanion still has his own little sense of style. Lately, his favorite shirt is a little bit too big hand-me-down from our upstairs neighbor boy. It's an AC/DC shirt and even though he doesn't know who AC/DC is, he knows they play music - like KISS (his 'favorite band'). He came up to me the other day to show me that he found a way to make the shirt fit a little better. Tuck it in and roll the sleeves in... Take a look. :)

Can you say 80's? :) All he needs now is a mullet. :)

DarTanion is sometimes a drama-queen or KING, as it is... He will whine about things that are not important (like the shirt he wanted to wear is dirty, he can't find his toy, he wants to spend money we don't have)... So when he started whining at my grandma's house this weekend, I gave a frustrated sigh (like every good mom would do) and said "What now?" without looking at him. He moved his hands away from his face and he was bleeding. Like a lot of blood pouring from his mouth bleeding. I freaked out and handed Robyn to my cousin and pulled DarTanion in the house. He was trying to pet my Grandma's dog and he (the dog) jumped up to see him at the same time. They bonked heads and Tanion ended up biting thru his lip on the inside and outside. We cleaned it off and saw it wasn't as bad as it had looked at first (with blood EVERYWHERE)... Still, it was a pretty bad cut. SO, I guess I shouldn't be so quick to frustration. Sometimes there is a reason for the whining. :)
DarTanion really is a sweet kid. He has sensitive feelings (more often lately, it seems). He love his family and friends. He wants to please people but he's also good to stand his ground if he doesn't think something is right / fair.

Anyway, I love all 3 of my monkeys... They are all so different and funny and just awesome. They have taught me a lot and make me want to be a better person / parent. I'm super grateful for the opportunity I have to be a mommy to such sweet kids. :)

Farm Country

2010-08-10T23:00:00.008-06:00

Today was another 'FUN' day in the Hardman Household. :)

Tuesdays in August are $2 days at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, UT. We decided that we would take that lovely discount (discount varies by venue) of a whole $1.50 per person and visit Farm Country with some friends - Stacy, Lance and Kimmy.

Now, my kids are no strangers to a farm. Grandpa Twitch has some small barnyard animals (chickens, a turkey or two, etc.) and Grandma Bagley lives on a farm with horses, cows, sheep, etc. Farms are normal. But this was still fun. The kids had fun looking at (and feeding) all of the different animals. They even got to ride on some horses (highlight of the day, I'm telling you!) I think it may have been their first time? They were excited, either way!

Baby Cow that was born THIS morning - umbilical cord is still attached!

Goat

The coolest colored pig you ever will see!
Llama Face!
Messy Haired Alpaca

THE HORSE RIDING PICTURES!

Robyn LOVED it - she insisted on doing it by herself!
Archer had a moment of hesitance, but then he loved it
DarTanion being too cool to smile for his momma!

OTHER RANDOM FUN PICTURES

Our little group: Lance, Archer, Kimmy, DarTanion and Robyn

Some of the monkeys in jail :)
Funny sign that made me think of my old friend Kelly Cook who,
thanks to a horse, is missing part of one of her fingers. :)

Archer insisted he worked there putting milk in bottles. He informed me that he has to work there tomorrow too. This was just a fun "hands on" exhibit to try and show kids how milk made it from the cow into the jugs. Archer assured me that his milk was the best. :)

I think Archer's favorite part was getting to see 'his Kimmy' again. The boy has a HUGE crush on little Kimmy (always drawing pictures and things of her and him holding hands, writing her letters, wrapping her presents, etc). You wouldn't know it how he acted around her today, but when we got home after our visit to Farm Country, it was Kimmy this and Kimmy that once again. :)

Ah, a boy in love :)

(and did you notice the little girl in the background is flipping us off? Yep...)

We had a fun day and are really glad that Stacy, Kimmy and Lance were able to join us. :)

She's a Rockstar!

2010-08-03T11:10:00.002-06:00

pictures from this morning with the portable heart monitor

Hi All -
I think most of you follow the blog where I post updates on Robynson's Heart (robynhardman.blogspot.com) but just in case you don't, here is the post I wrote there yesterday. :) All of our love...

http://robynhardman.blogspot.com/2010/08/shes-rockstar.html

I was having quite the emotional day on Saturday (7/31) because it was exactly one year to the date of when they took my baby by life flight and I couldn't go with her. I just watched her leave - not knowing what was going to happen. After a super scary week in the PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit), a couple of freak-out breakdowns by me, lots of prayers and lots of loving care - she came home. My little girl will now be known as a person with a 'heart condition'. But you wouldn't know it by watching her, looking at her, knowing her.

Robyn is a super active, very smart, great talking, spunky little 2 year old girl. She likes ants and bugs, Mickey Mouse, Dora the Explorer, her Daddy, her brothers, swimming, running, jumping, chasing and hitting. She's a boy in a little girl's body. :) Though, sometimes, you see that she's a girl. She'll carry around a baby, a purse and talk baby talk to & want to hold babies. We are SO truly blessed to have this strong little angel in our lives.

So today was Robyn's "Official One-Year-Later Checkup" with her Pediatric Cardiologist. She started her appointment with a limited echo cardiogram. The guy who did it couldn't have been any nicer to her / us. He was being silly with her and talking like Blue from Blues Clues while she watched the movie. I kept watching the screen and her little heart beat. I was a little freaked out by the blue and the red with the occasional yellow/green colors on the screen. But it was also kind of cool to see the little flaps opening and closing - moving SO quickly. Soon that was over - before Blues Clues was, even - and we headed to our Clinic room to meet with her doctor.

Dr. Everett was looking at her charts and the new notes. She said that Robyn is a total little Rockstar and that she looks completely healthy. So much so that if you didn't know her history, you would think that she was a totally healthy, completely normal little girl. Her heart looks how it should for her age. :) Robyn is healthy. Robyn is normal. :)

We will keep her on her current meds for now. And that's okay. They also wanted to do another portable heart monitor for 24 hours - just to make sure everything looks okay during the day / night when she's NOT on the table in the Echo room. I'm not worried. We've done that before and everything was fine - as I'm sure it will be this time. Robyn doesn't have to see the doctor again for another 6 months. I can do that. I'm totally okay with no doctors visits til after she is 3 years old. My daughter is a Rockstar. And she is healthy and normal. :)

I have to say it again, and I hope you know how absolutely genuine it is every time I say it, but I am SO grateful for all of you. For all of your prayers. For all of your encouragement. For all of you love. Without it, we'd be lost. Thank you and we love you all VERY much!

Today, I am grateful.

2010-07-31T22:12:00.012-06:00

It's been one year. One year ago today, actually. And she's still here.

Not only has it been a year and she's still here, but she's doing great. If you've spent any amount of time with this monkey in the last, oh, 11 months, you know that she's not what you think about when you think of 'kid with a heart problem'.

If you want to relive the journey - because, to be honest, I had to stop reading because I couldn't see through the tears - you can here: RobynHardman.Blogspot.com There is a link towards the top of her blog that if you click, it will take you to the beginning and the details of how we found out.

So even with Viral Myocarditis / Dilated Cardiomyopathy - my little Robynson is normal. She is healthy. She is happy. She is a wonderful, spunky, hyper-active and whiny little girl. Whom I love.

And now, I leave you with some pictures from this time last year...

The day before she was taken to Primary Children's by Life Flight.

When we thought she 'just' had pneumonia

Robyn strapped in 'her' helicopter - just before take off.

These ones make me sad. See all the wires and the 2 IVs and she also has a PICC line to her heart. And she was so sad. She missed her brothers. We have a few books with family pictures in them and that's all she wanted to look at. In the second picture, the pages she is looking at are of Colleenia and her family. That in itself is sad because Sean has now passed away...

And this is a bunch of pictures from her stay...

This is my favorite picture of her in the hospital...

This is the first day home - notice her hot pink bandage?

These are from followup visits when they monitored her heart activity while at home doing 'normal' things...

We have her ONE YEAR followup appointment on Monday. We will hopefully see how much progress she has made and see if she still needs the few medications that she is currently taking. I will update all that info on HER blog...

But for now, she is healthy. She is happy. She is a wonderful, spunky, hyper-active and whiny little girl. Whom I love.

Thanks for loving her.
Thanks for helping us while she was in the hospital.
Thanks for the get well cards and wishes.
Thanks for the prayers.
Thanks for the help.
Thanks for loving us.
Thanks for everything. :)
We love you all.

A Full Week of Fun, Collage Style

2010-07-27T10:38:00.009-06:00

Last week the kids and I did SO many fun things together.

We swam... A LOT...

Thanks Roberts family, Bagley Family and Hartley Family!

We went to Uncle Jed,
Uncle Jake and Aunt Shaylee's house.

Archer was having a blast playing with the exercise ball in the backyard...

We went to the Thanksgiving
Point Children's Gardens
with some of our friends.

Thanks Rohrbach, DeVries, Dome and Roberts families!!!

And ...
we ended our fun week with
the Barlow Family Reunion.

Love you all!
Sorry I didn't take many pictures this time!
You all should send me the ones that YOU took!

Believe it or not, I have about 500 pictures from this last week that AREN'T included on here. And I forgot to pull out my camera for most of the reunion! So consider yourselves lucky!

Awesome Neighbors

2010-07-18T22:47:00.007-06:00

I thought I would do a quick little post about our awesome upstairs neighbors (tenants) that everyone should be jealous of. :) For their privacy, I won't post their names. :)

Upstairs neighbor guy with Tanion / Robyn on July 5th...

They pay rent almost a month in advance. They don't mind when my crazy kids run as fast as they can into their house when the door is open. They are SUPER nice and friendly and invite us to come up and watch movies / play XBOX / eat food with them. They are great with our crazy kids - Robyn especially loves them! They gave my kids dress-up costumes. They are quiet. :) They have a little guy who is great with my kids. They have a beautiful baby girl (with tons of hair!) that I get to snuggle with.

They are just awesome.

So why the post now?

They've bought a pool. A nice (not the super small only for kids type but big!) awesome pool - that is FUN! That they are okay with if we take a family swim on a random hot night. :) That they actually encourage us to come out and soak in with them! YAY!!!

SO TONIGHT:

DarTanion started swimming (for like 4 seconds at a time until he has to breathe) on his own. Without a life vest. :) It's pretty awesome.

AND:

Archer wasn't afraid to be in the water. He even went into the middle all by himself. Granted he could touch the bottom and he spent the weekend with Aunt Jessa (thanks Jess!) and played in the water for most of the time. :) But still!

Progress, people. :)
My kids are making water progress.

And it's awesome.

Just like my neighbors. :)

SEVEN.

2010-07-08T23:58:00.005-06:00

I'm a number person. Numbers make sense to me. I like things that are a play on number... DarTanion must have known this.

On 07/08/2003, DarTanion came into this world. He weighed in at 7lbs 8oz and was born at 12:30am. Notice the numbers? He was eager to please. :)

Today, my big boy turned seven. SEVEN! Where does the time go? How does that happen so fast? Each time he has a birthday, that age seems so much older. I was okay with 5 until he was 5. I was fine with 6 until he turned 6. And now - SEVEN! Man. He's so old!

He was SUCH a cute baby. I always got compliments on what a pretty baby (and what a cute girl) with such beautiful curly blonde hair and such big eyes! I still get compliments on what a cute kid he is. I used to say that his easy going attitude and total cuteness tricked us into having another baby so quickly!

DarTanion likes blankets with bears on it. I don't know if that is because his nursery was done in bears (blue jean teddy, to be exact) or because that's something he's just decided he likes. He doesn't seem to be embarrassed about who knows that he likes blankets. He calls them Lie Bears (not sure how he would spell that!) but I'm not sure how he came up with that one!

DarTanion is a leader and a follower. He likes to be in charge with most of his friends. He likes to boss them around (which probably comes from being the oldest). But he also will choose things that his friends like even though he knows nothing about that item / toy. I'm hoping that he will be a good example and a leader to them.

DarTanion has a girlfriend (and has since he was probably 2). Shandy is the only girl in his heart and I'm a little nervous about that. Shandy turned 16 last month and is now dating. We haven't dared tell DarTanion for fear of emotional breakdown. Even though he has other friends who are girls, only Shandy melts this kid. He'll go from mach-90 to zero with one word from her. She has power. And if she's smart, she'll stick around and wait for him. :)

I know that he looks like his daddy (which is good because Jeremiah's handsome), but I like to think that there is a little me in him. I like to take a little credit for his good looks. :) Jeremiah can take his awesome sense of personal style. :)
I love my little (BIG!) Tanny-man. He's such a good boy and a great joy to our whole family. I know that he understands more than I give him credit for. I know that he knows more than I'd like him to. I know that he'll be an amazing husband / dad one day. For now, he can just be my (oldest) baby boy.

Robyn's Blowey Flowers

2010-07-03T22:28:00.002-06:00

I realized that some of you might not be on FaceBook or might not check my pictures faithfully (shame on you!) but I took some great ones of Robynson playing in the field by Twitch and Sandra's house that I think everyone should see. :)

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2069363&id=1147997604&l=8c76b39b08

Here are only 5 of the 80+ that I took. Maybe that will entice you to click on that link and see all the pretty pictures of my pretty girl playing with the Blowey Flowers (dead dandelions)...

Rest In Peace, Dear Brother

2010-06-23T22:25:00.005-06:00

Sean Kranendonk

February 15, 1981 - June 18, 2010

My little sister is stronger than I am. The last 2 years has shown that. Her husband was diagnosed with cancer 2 years ago and she fought it with every ounce of strength she had. She was there every time he needed her. She was there, holding his hand, when he left this earth to go join our Heavenly Father. And she loved him with everything she had.

Today, she had to watch as a casket closed on his mortal body. She had to say goodbye to the person she loves more than anything, yet be strong for the other person who holds that title. And she was strong. Of course, many tears were involved, but that's expected. I think that even Sean - being on the other side - was weeping for his loss of time with them. He loved her and their daughter Kaylee Belle so much. I've never known a more proud Dad. He would have - and did - give her everything he could. And he fought valiantly for them.

So, my dear brother (in law), Thank You. Thank you for loving my sister. Thank you for letting her know that you'll always be watching out for her. Thank you for giving her a beautiful reason to keep going on with her life. Thank you for letting us be a part of your life. Thank you for fighting and not giving up - even at the very end. We love you and you will be missed more than you will know.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Sean's wonderfully written obituary...

Roy, UT - Today two of Sean's wishes have come true: he is free of cancer and free of pain. Sean Mikelle Kranendonk died on 18 June 2010, following a long and hard fought battle with cancer.

Sean was born on February 15, 1981 in Ogden to Kristy Wright Kranendonk and Mike Kranendonk; he was their only child. Growing up in West Point, he graduated from Mountain High School in 1999.

On August 22, 2003 he married Colleenia Barlow and on December 8, 2006 his Little Princess, Kaylee Belle was born. He often said those two days were the happiest of his life. Sean had a great love for his family and it was for them that he fought so hard and so long. Sean loved life; he enjoyed working on cars, playing video games, going to concerts, and he was a big Steelers fan.

Sean was employed at Model Linen since he was 17 years old. He thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated his job, his co-workers, and his bosses. Sean asked that his deepest thanks be passed along to all of them for all their tireless support and sacrifice for him and his family, during this difficult time.

He also asked that thanks be passed along to many others for all their help, care, and love; to Ogden Regional, Huntsman Center, and University Hospital. Thanks to all his doctors (especially Doctors Gray, Moesinger, and Gonzales) and their staff. To the nurses for all the special and personal care, time and encouragement; he loved you very much. Thank you also to CNS and Kent's Pharmacy; the Sons of American Legion Post #134, Ogden Eagles #2472 and all his family and friends. A special thanks to his Grandma Denice for all she did for him.

Sean is survived by his loving wife, Colleenia; his princess Kaylee; mother Kristy; father Mike; grandmas and grandpas; and many aunts; uncles; cousins; nephews; a niece and in-laws.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 23, 2010, at Myers Mortuary of Ogden, 845 Washington Blvd. Friends may call on Tuesday, June 22nd from 6 to 8 p.m. and prior to the service Wednesday from 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Interment will be at the West Point Cemetery.

Another Year, Another Graduation Post

2010-06-20T20:46:00.009-06:00

Sorry this has taken so long. Life has gotten busy yet again. I thought I would post a few pictures and videos of the boys' graduation from the school year.

ARCHER GRADUATED
PRESCHOOL!!!

(l-r) Mrs. Hardman (yes, we're related), Archer, Mrs. Tate

Archer's Graduation Cap / Certificate :)

AND... Here is a video of Archer from his preschool graduation. :) In it, he says "We learned about Stranger Danger." Then the class gets ready to sing a song. Archer acts like he always does. :) It's a true Archer video. :) Sorry it zooms in and out so much. Trying to get it to focus...

NOTE: If you are emailed this, you have to go to the website to see it.
It's at www.mandyandmiah.blogspot.com

DarTanion also 'Graduated'!

He finished his 1st Grade Year at Provost Elementary. He really liked his teacher, Mrs. Chrystler. So did I. :)

At Provost, they have a last day 'Dance Celebration' and each grade dances a specific dance. This year the 1st Grade did the Mexican hat dance. :) Sorry, the video is shaky... DarTanion is the one in the Blue and Red long sleeved shirt and long pants. :)

I really hope that the videos work. I tried uploading them a few different times. It was giving me some troubles. Either way, they did a great job and we are super proud of them. :) We're excited to have a Kindergartner and a 2nd Grader next year!

Pictures

2010-05-26T10:46:00.015-06:00

Since I wrote last...

Archer has graduated Preschool.

We took video and pictures. Great ones. BUT... My camera cord (the actual camera, not just my cell phone camera) to download pictures isn't working.

So enjoy these other pictures
about other random things!

I have recently started braiding Robynson's hair. :) I love it (isn't she cute?!) and it's super quick to do.

We went to Jeremiah's cousin, Tagg's house for a fun night and dinner while the guys were working on the roof. :) Good times, friends and food!

The kids have discovered how to take pictures with my cellphone. Their favorite thing to take pictures of? RatDog. :) I love the one on the bottom. :) He was sleeping with his feet in the air. :)

My sister, Colleenia, sent a bag of clothes for Robyn. Robyn decided that she needed to wear the jean hat, pink and yellow socks and the floaty swimsuit - all at the same time. :) She played in that combo for about an hour. :)

We had the Hartley's over and the kids were being SO silly! :) They were painting their faces with the ketchup from dinner and crawling UP the walls...

Jeremiah has been working at my sister's house on weekends for about a month. She wanted to add a bathroom downstairs so that Sean could be in his game room when he felt okay and wouldn't have to try and make it upstairs to go to the bathroom. He did everything to make an empty space a bathroom - framing, sheetrock, tile, water, tub, sink, toilet, paint! He is amazing. :)

Archer (finally!) had his Kindergarten / 5 year old doctor's appointment. Since the Pediatrician's office that we have ALWAYS used (since Tanion was born!) isn't covered through our Medicaid plan, we had to choose a new one. Utah Valley Pediatrics in Provo were really quick, nice and helpful. And their rooms had Dinosaurs in them! :) Archer was really brave and only had to have 3 shots instead of the normal 5 - which he was REALLY happy about!

We've had a few different sleepovers lately. :) Tanion and Carter took a sleepover. Archer and Zak had a sleepover and Alona stayed the night so that her mom could take her brother to get tubes in his ears! I had to throw in the few with Jeremiah and Robyn snuggling. :) She loves having Daddy time! :)

Archer has discovered that he can climb trees. We were at our friends (the Hartley's) house and he just went to town! :) He thought he was pretty hot stuff because Tanion was afraid to do it and he wasn't. He would hang on the branch and then jump down and do it all over again. :)

Robyn wanted to try it, too. (Please forgive the fact that she has NO pants on!) I let her hold on to the branch and took pictures. She was moving her legs so that she could swing back and forth. :) She is SO Archer's little shadow... Which makes me nervous!

I let DarTanion get himself ready for school. He did his hair (complete with side horn), picked out his mis-matched clothes and long black socks with Archer's running shoes. :) I giggled, tried to steer him to better matching clothes, but he insisted that this was the perfect outfit for today. So I let him wear it. :) I hope I (he) made someone smile by doing so.

I cleaned the boys room (it was SO messy!) and got rid of a bag of trash and broken toys as well as a whole box of toys that they really don't play with. In doing that, I organized the trains, tracks, star wars guys, action figures and blocks. Archer promptly built his trains, track, and freight cars. :) He's a little obsessed....

Every time we've gone to Heber City for the last month, we have taken the back road that goes by the train station. We knew that Thomas the Train would be there for Memorial Weekend (because we have tickets to ride on Thursday) so we've sort of been stalking it to see when he arrives. Yesterday we took cupcakes to my mom for her birthday (which is today - Happy Birthday, Mom!) and Thomas was finally there. Archer and Robyn were beyond excited! :) We drove by 4 times before I stopped and let the kids (Tanion's friend Stuart was with us) get out of the car and go up next to him and see him. Thursday is going to be fun. :)

ONE LAST THING
(and 4 more sets of pictures...)

My neighbor friend (Rebecca Heaps) is starting a photography business. You can check out some of her pictures HERE. She took some great pictures of my kiddos (and Angie and Kiah) and she said it was okay if I shared them here. I threw them into a collage (because that's what I do these days) to share them with you...

Beautiful Angie and Cute Little Kiah :)

Archer Moe (being my goofy little guy) :)

Robynson being her cute little (drama queen) self

... and my handsome, grown up DarTanion boy :)

**********

I hope to post some things about Mother's Day and my Mom's and about Jeremiah's birthday and my Mom's Birthday and about our adventures with Thomas that will happen tomorrow. And I hope to post them soon. So watch for them. :) Until then, much love. :)

Potty Training

2010-05-12T13:22:00.004-06:00

Can I just say how much

I HATE Potty Training?!

Don't get me wrong - I love my kids and I love when they can go to the bathroom by themselves, but getting to that point - NOT FUN.

Current child in Potty Training would be Robynson. We've been working with her for pretty much forever now (or at least it seems that way). I'm not one of those Mom's that has to have it done right away. I'm all about taking their time and helping them realize when it's time to go / not to go. Tanion wasn't potty trained til almost 4 and Archer was just after his 3rd birthday. Robyn's only 2 1/2. So why do I feel like she needs to be going to the potty?! Uuuggg!!!!!

We've been working with her since last September.

Since before she was 2.
We've bought Dora Pullups - because she loves Dora.
We've bought big girl panties, hoping that would help.
We've let her run around naked.
We've borrowed Potty Training movies from the library.
Read potty training books.
I've set up a timer on my phone to go off every 30 minutes
and I would ask her if she wanted to go potty.
We've tried a little potty.
We've tried the big potty.
We've tried a small potty seat on the big potty.

Sometimes she goes,
Sometimes she doesn't.

It has to be her idea.
And she likes to be naked.
And that's embarrassing.

Some days are better than others. Today is not one of those days. And I am frustrated. Because I've been trying really hard with her lately and I don't feel like we're making much progress. But how can you really be mad when you walk into the bathroom and see this. :)

And yes, I realize this will embarrass the crap out of her (no pun intended) when she's older. I just had to vent and I thought why not post some fun pictures while I was at it. :)

Happy Birthday, Little Landen!

2010-05-10T12:50:00.006-06:00

Robyn's cute little boyfriend, Landen, turned 3 this last week and we were lucky enough to be the one family that was not actually 'FAMILY' (yet!) that was invited. It was lots of fun and the kids LOVED just playing. The older boys were playing in the cherry tree or would play soccer, while the younger (more mischievous) boys played in the play house. The girls played inside or on the swings. :)

Angie (and sister-in-laws) made an adorable puppy cake complete with a bone and extra cupcakes with paw prints on them - which were all just completely amazing. I'm thinking Angie's going to have to make MY kids' birthday cakes from now on. :)

the cute Birthday Boy and his cake!

Of course, when you get mischievous boys together, something mischievous happens. This time it involved the playhouse... And poop... :( I'll spare you the disgusting details, but because of it, Archer and Zak were in time out and couldn't have their sleepover. It wasn't pretty... Actually, it was really, really gross and really, really embarrassing. Luckily, Angie (and everyone else) was really understanding and told me not to worry about it...

Anyway, it was mostly fun. Everyone had fun and Landen loved his gifts - lots of action figures and puppy toys. :) (And it's me, so you know I took like 60 pictures or something, but here are a few of my favs.)

Wheeler Farm

2010-05-06T18:49:00.007-06:00

While DarTanion and Alona were in school today, my friend Heather and I took the rest of the kiddos and headed out to Wheeler Farm. We wandered around in the pretty chilly weather and let the kids chase ducks, ride in a wagon pulled by a tractor, see lots of random farm animals and eat lunch in a play house. The kids had LOTS of fun... Other than it being chilly, I think us mom's had fun too!

I think we might make this trip again when DarTanion and Alona can come with us! :)

Driving us crazy

2010-05-06T15:40:00.002-06:00

Our little Archer Moe...
such a little adventurer...
His newest 'passion'?

DRIVING.

So anytime we play outside and Dad comes home from work, you will see a little boy - most likely who doesn't have shoes on - run as fast as he can to the gate to let Dad in and to help him drive.

And he's actually getting pretty good. :)

This will take a while to load... LOTS of Pictures - Collage Style!

2010-04-27T22:43:00.013-06:00

So I think I've sort of figured out the whole COLLAGES thing on Picasa (have you tried this? Do you like it? I've just started, so tell me - what am I missing?) And I've kind of been having fun with it... Maybe a little TOO MUCH fun... Here is a post with LOTS of collages of events over the last few weeks... :)

* * * * * * * * *

We had a friend party for Archer's
'Big 5 Birthday'...

And when Grandpa Sherrill came home from Arizona to visit, he brought more presents -
A Red Ryder BB Gun and Mighty Mac the Train!

The boys showed off for Grandpa Sherrill by beating the crap out of each other.
I've been told that is what ALL boys do, but I have to wonder...

But I do know what girls like - Robyn and I had a girls morning. We went shopping, then came home and gave ourselves a pedicure!

My kids have LOTS of energy, so it's not uncommon to find them passed out somewhere - like the car, couch, my bed or in the middle of their pizza!

Archer has decided that he likes his picture taken...

And Robyn LOVES it! She'll even pose!
Gotta LOVE her wild fly-away hair!

We've been playing outside a lot,
which means riding in Lightning McQueen!

And playing at the park!
(look at my little monkey!)

We were happy that Grandpa Sherrill was able to come home for a visit. He even had cousin Kaylee with him! The girls tend to fight over who's Grandpa he really is... :)

Robyn was playing with her little friend and got 'bonked' in the eye... It was instantly purple. These pictures are from the day after...

Even with a black eye, she is a little (posing) princess.

(Thanks for letting us borrow the dress, Angie!)

Lately I have been loving digging in the dirt. Maybe my inner child is coming out. Or my inner boy! But I've loved it. I've weeded most of my front garden, some of my back garden areas, some of the dirt hill and even some of my MOM's side garden! While weeding my mom's, I stole some of her 'chicks and hens' - their technical name is Sempervivum tectorum but really, no one knows that! I've replanted them around one of my trees at my house...

Anyway, on to another BUSY week

so I'm sure I will be back with more soon!

**Plus, I have a few pictures that were single pictures that were great that I'm going to have to share!

Um... I forgot?

2010-04-21T15:48:00.005-06:00

You know when you have one of those days where you are pretty sure it's special but you can't remember why? Or you think you have something going on, but you don't remember what or when? Yeah. Whoops.

April 19th.

Does that date mean anything to anyone out there in blog world?
How about April 19, 2007?
No?

Yeah. It's my little family's sealing date. As in sealed in the temple. As in Anniversary of sorts. And I forgot. Totally spaced it. I was feeling all spiritual and happy and sappy romantic-y for a little bit. I kept thinking - there is something going on today but I don't remember what. I checked Facebook to see if it was anyone special's birthday and I was forgetting it or something. Nope. Not on there.

Just as I was falling asleep late Monday night / Tuesday morning, it hit me. I, then, hit Jeremiah and said - 'You forgot our anniversary.' He was asleep so he was a little groggy and awnry and said - 'No I didn't, you idiot. It's in September. Go to bed. You're dreaming.'

Ah, love.

Our little family after our sealing on April 19th, 2007
(Robyn was in the belly)

Our little eternal family now
(well, Nov. 28, 2009, actually)

* * * * *

I love my little family and am super grateful for Jimmy and his late night talks with Jeremiah about life, church and the temple. I'm thankful for Kirk for never giving up on our family and our eternal goal. I'm thankful for Sheri and Amanda and their 'inspiration' to give me a calling in Primary. I'm thankful for Joseph Smith and for his life that he gave for his beliefs. And I'm thankful for Jesus Christ and the Atonement.

If you want to know more about my religion, check it out at www.lds.org

Spring Break 2010

2010-04-19T15:58:00.013-06:00

Jeremiah's mom rented a condo in Mesquite from April 4th til April 11th and invited us to spend the boys Spring Break with her, Jessica (Jeremiah's sister) and Draysen (Jessica's son, my nephew). Since we didn't have any plans and a get-away to somewhere warm is always tempting (especially when it's snowing at home!), we went and had a great time. :) Jeremiah couldn't go with us because he just got a new job (Utah Timber Frames) and started on the day after we left. YAY and BOO. :) Here's the rundown on the trip and some fun pictures to remember it by...

SUNDAY

We started the vacation on Easter. Jeremiah's aunt Karri came over to Jeremiah's parents house with her kids and we had an Easter Egg hunt. :) I didn't take too many pictures, but here are a few...

After the Easter Egg Hunt, we ate some great food and headed to Mesquite. We all piled into Sandra's Pilot - don't ask me how we fit everything because I still have NO idea! The weather was windy, but warm. We picked up some groceries for our stay and went back to the hotel for an easy night.

MONDAY

The next morning, the kids were begging to go down to the pool. We tried to tell them it was super windy and cold and that they really didn't want to be down there, but they insisted. Sandra and I took them down to feel the pool water. That didn't work. Draysen jumped right in and my boys were trying to follow. :) So, with the kids in their street clothes (except Tanion who went back to the room to change), they all played in the water for a little while - the wind blowing the whole time. :)

That afternoon, we made a trip to St. George. It was windy and rainy in St. George, so we played inside at a Dinosaur Museum... It wasn't like the one at Thanksgiving Pointe. This one was more informational and showed you things like Dinosaur tracks. Archer and Robyn thought it would be more fun to just run around and try to climb on the actual excavation dig sites. Yeah. A panic attack later and we were sitting in the car waiting for everyone else to be done.

TUESDAY

Tuesday brought sun and a semi-warm (mostly cool) pool. We played in the pool a little but spent most of the time in the hot tub (which was really a warm tub). We just took it easy that day - played at the pool some, went back up to the room for a while, went back down to the pool. Ah, vacation life is tough... Here are some pictures of the kiddos - all ready to head down to the pool. :)
I can tell you that something scary happened. It was time to come back up to the room and Robyn was over by the gate, waiting for me. I ask Sandra to keep an eye on her while I go over to the boys and see if they want to come back and to get towels. Mind you, I was already IN my swimsuit cover-up type dress. The second I turn around, I hear Sandra saying "Robyn! Robynson! Robyn!" I turn around to see Robyn babbling about something, not watching where she was going and walk (fall) straight into the pool. Picture Sandra and I both on a dead run, me reaching the pool area first, JUMPING IN and grabbing Robyn (just out of 3ft, but still!) - trying to pull her out of the water but my swimsuit cover-up dress thingy is over her head. The whole thing lasted maybe a whole 5 seconds, but life really does move in slow motion when you are scared to death.

Robyn was totally fine. She coughed a little, cried for maybe 2 seconds and then started telling us about a spider. I'm guessing she saw a bug, was worried it was going to get her so she didn't take her eyes off of it, and then she fell in the pool. The rest of the trip, she was telling everyone who would listen "I fell in the water!"
WEDNESDAY

Just like the rest of the days, we started Wednesday with swimming at the pool (and hot tub). We were generally at the pool a few times each day, actually. :) We stayed at the pool until after lunch time. Then we decided to go play on the grassy area of the condo area. Archer and Robyn had a fun time looking for blowy flowers (dead dandelions) and pine cones. DarTanion and Draysen would chase each other for a while, then get bored and just sit down. I rented Astro Boy for the kids to watch after dinner (they really liked it). Just another fun, relaxing day. :)

THURSDAY

April 8th (Thursday) was Archer's birthday. Since we were in Mesquite, I decided I would let him celebrate however he wanted to. Well, that meant bowling. We went bowling over at the Virgin River (I think!). Everyone seemed to have a fun time. :) Then Sandra traded in money for coins in the arcade for the kids. They played for about another hour in there and each got a little sack of goodies off of the tickets they won. After bowling and the arcade, we got some pizza, cake and ice cream and headed back to the hotel. We sang to Archer (who HATES when people sing - especially to him), ate dinner and took it easy. :)

FRIDAY

On Friday, we did the usual morning swim and then headed to St. George. Sandra wanted to check out a few fabric stores, so Jessica and I packed a lunch and went to a 'park' with the kids. It was actually the St. George town square and they have lots of different ways to get wet in 'not scary pool-like' waters. My kids LOVED it. They wanted to know if there was one in Provo, too. :) I actually really liked it there too. We ended up staying there for around 4 hours! Afterward, we met up with my Aunt Candy and her family (who live in St. George) for dinner at IHOP (kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal!). Dinner was good, but it was really great to see Candy and family. :) {Thanks for coming! We love you guys!}

SATURDAY

The realization that this was our last full day in the sun made me kind of sad. I had enjoyed getting my sunburn in St. George - even though I know it would be gone with no sign of ever having one by Sunday afternoon. Instead of going to the pool by the condo, we went to the CasaBlanca pools across the street. Can I just say how much I LOVED their pool!? It wasn't cold, there was a water slide and a water fall, lots of room to sit and tan or enjoy the shade AND they had a place to get drinks. HEAVEN! :) We hung out there all morning on Saturday. I tortured Robyn and Archer by making them swim instead of just hang out on the side of the pool (I know, I'm mean). Then Jessica took both DarTanion and Robyn down the water slide at different times - I went down it with Robyn right as we got there and dropped my glasses (and Robyn) in the water. No worries, though. We found them both. :) It was after 2pm when my DarTanion and Archer both insisted they were starving TO DEATH and Robyn fell asleep in my arms. I asked Sandra if she could take us back to our room so we could have lunch. Sandra took us back, but then her, Jessica and Draysen stayed at the CasaBlanca til almost 6pm! Everyone had some sort of sunburn after Saturday. :)

SUNDAY

Sandra woke up bright and early on Sunday and we all got to packing our things and getting them back in the car. I had packed a few things the night before so that Sunday morning wouldn't take as long, but it still took a good hour and a half! We finally all got loaded in the car and by some miracle were able to drive straight from Mesquite to Provo without a bathroom break! (I was shocked!) We listened to a book on tape (Don't Cry Wolf) for most of the ride home and since we were missing a few discs and because I had to leave before it was done, I have now borrowed the book from the library. It's pretty good, so far. :)

It is good to be home, back to my computer, my blogs, my FaceBook, my house, my hubby! It's good to be back into our routine and back to basically normal.

BIG, HUGE THANKS TO GRANDMA SANDRA HARDMAN FOR TAKING US WITH YOU AND LETTING US HAVE LOTS OF FUN!!! WE LOVE YOU!

Archer Moe is 5.

2010-04-12T19:49:00.009-06:00

I love my Archer Montgomery.

:) Archer's a great kid. April 8th is his special day and since we were in Mesquite without internet access (not to mention none of my FABULOUS pictures) on his BIG 5 birthday, I am doing a little post dedicated to my little man. :)

Here are 5 things everyone
should know about my little guy.

1. Archer is CUTE. And he knows it. He will use his cuteness for evil, trains, or fast food - and I will fall for it every time. And he knows it. And I know it. And neither of us care.

2. Archer LOVES Thomas the Tank Engine. He can tell you pretty much anything about any of the trains. Don't believe me? Come check out his collection and let him tell you stories. Or check out our movie collection. I think we have most all of the movies / trains / etc...

3. Archer loves animals of all kinds. He sleeps with 'Kitty' and other random stuffed animals. He loves visiting Grandma Bagley's house to see all of her animals. She has kitties, dogs, cows, horses, sheep, etc. But, he's scared of chickens. :)

4. Archer is SNEAKY! He will watch for you to NOT watch him and then he'll do as he pleases. This could mean run out of the yard or the playground. This could also mean raid the candy cupboard (or the stash of birthday party candy). It could also mean that he will soon reappear, dressed in a Spiderman Floaty Swimsuit (or some other completely random outfit). :) Possibly with a new hair cut, too. :)

5. Archer can play for HOURS by himself. He likes to play with friends, but the boy is perfectly content to play by himself with his trains or the XBOX.

I tried to do a cute collage on my photo program of only 16 of my favorite Moe pictures, but it wouldn't let me (ie. I couldn't figure it out)...

SO, here is one with 1232 pictures of him. Isn't he a cutie pie? :)

Birthdays and such.

2010-04-02T21:56:00.005-06:00

Well, it's officially happened. My 30th birthday has come and gone and there wasn't any horrible, life ending events that occurred. Actually, it was kind of fun. :)

We started celebrating the day before. Robyn stole my spot in bed with Jeremiah on March 28 / 29 because there was a spider on her wall, which I killed. Still, she refused to sleep in her room. When I went in my room after she had fallen asleep to move her to her room, I thought it was too tender to disturb. I slept half the night on the couch (until Archer kicked me off) and the other half in Robynson's room. :)

After school on the 29th, DarTanion agreed to go to the movie with me. :) We went and saw The Diary of a Wimpy Kid (which even though it's a kids movie / book series, I still really like it!). It was my 'present' from DarTanion. :) Which cost me $29!

After the movie, we took Archer and Robyn to my mom's house to spend the night. Tanion couldn't because he had school on Tuesday, so he came back home with us. But while at my mom's house, the kids went a little crazy... They were jumping off of my mom's couches on to the little kid couch. DarTanion was trying to do flips and spins. Yeah. My kids aren't really scared of anything! I did get some good pictures of it, though!

On Tuesday (my actual birthday), Jeremiah got called off of work (which he's actually been off all week and doesn't start til next Monday, now). So I was able to sleep in til a whole 8:30am. I woke up and ate some food and went back to sleep. :) Then I woke up around 11am, showered and got dressed and went out with my Angie to the Olive Garden for lunch and to see the movie Alice in Wonderland. It was great to actually go in public with a friend without our kids. :) We could actually eat our food while it was hot and enjoy each others company without having to yell at someone to be nice. :)

While I was at the movies, Jeremiah picked up the kids from my mom's house AND made me 2 cakes (German Chocolate with Coconut Pecan frosting and Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting because that's what I told him I wanted). Also, we had a pork roast cooking all night that he shredded and added BBQ sauce to that was TO DIE FOR! Did I mention he picked up a big container of Cafe Rio House Salad Dressing? The stuff I LOVE??? Yep. He did. :) Some of our friends and family (all of Jeremiah's siblings, actually) came over and had cake and ice cream with us. The kids had fun playing with their friends, too... :) I have great friends. :) I got cash (which is always wonderful), a cute wood saying about service, the 2nd Diary of a Wimpy Kid book, some make your own popsicle things (which I've been looking for everywhere!) and a cute figuring reading a book.

My birthday was awesome. :)

Today, DarTanion came home from school with his reading prize. They have 'milestones' in his reading program and when they meet the milestone, they get to pick a book to keep. He got the 3rd Diary of a Wimpy Kid book as his prize. He told me "Sorry it's a little late, Mom, but happy birthday" and "You don't even have to return it to the Library!" and "I got this special for you"... Can I say that is totally precious!?! I love that little guy!

And we were going to celebrate Archer's birthday today with his friends, but 2 of the 3 families that were going to come have sick kids, so we postponed it until we get back from vacation. Since we canceled his party, I asked him if he wanted to go on a date with me. We went to Kmart to see what trains they have and to find something for an Easter present for each kid. He saw the Jacob (from Twilight / New Moon) barbie and said "Mom! Do you want a half naked man for Easter?" :) HAHA!!! LOVE IT!!!

Then we went to the library and checked out 3 Thomas books and 2 Thomas movies. Afterward, we went out for ice cream at Baskin-Robbins. I had a coupon for a free scoop for my birthday and a kids scoop is only $2. We even ate it there. :) 'Kitty' joined us on every stop of our date for the night. :) He had a great time doing things that really don't cost much money and just being able to bring his 'Kitty' with us. :) By the way, Kitty didn't like the cookie dough ice cream, so Archer had to eat it all. :)

Can I just say that I love one-on-one dates with my kids? And I love it when their sweet spirit shines through. :) They are such little sweet hearts and I love them. They made my 'uhgggg, I'm getting old' birthday a good experience. :)

Archer and Tanion's New Hair

2010-03-27T23:43:00.006-06:00

Today has been a day
full of hair cuts.

Now, if it were me and someone said that, I would think that would mean that the family all had their hair cut. Nope. Just Archer and DarTanion. But see, with Archer I have discovered that a hair cut comes in stages. Don't believe me? Read this post from last July. Or this one from September of the year before.

This morning while eating breakfast, Archer informed me that his hair was getting too long and that he needed a hair cut. He even said that he would be 'brave and big' if I would take him to get it cut. I told him we would see and didn't really give it another thought.

Then around 11am, I went to do my hair in the bathroom and the door was locked. I knocked and it took Archer a few minutes to open it. That is normal for Archer. The kid likes to play in my cupboards or he'll take his trains in there so that he doesn't have to 'share with Sissy'... When I walked in, he looked guilty and I noticed chunks of hair on the counter and the floor. I asked him if he had been cutting his hair and he said NO. I asked him to tell the truth and he flashed his cute little devilish grin and said YEAH... Then he pulls out some scissors from the bathroom cupboard.

So, the kids and I got ready and went to Great Clips. On the way there, DarTanion said he wanted his hair cut too - which was a surprise since he's decided that he wants "hair as long as Dad's was". No problem. Two hair cuts in one day. We have a little money in the bank account still, I can do that.

When we got there, there was one stylist open. DarTanion wanted to go first. No problem. The stylist asked what we were doing and I said it was his choice. Of course, he said a MOHAWK. A long one... I told her probably a faux hawk instead (shorter, doesn't have to be a mohawk). It turned out pretty cute... Here is his before and afters....

BEFORE (last night)

AFTER (faux hawk)

Now, remember how it was Archer's IDEA to get a hair cut? Yeah - the kid fought me for like 5 minutes while I struggled to keep Robynson out of everyone else's hair or cutting station. Finally he agreed and was fine. He sat in the chair and had no problem.

ARCHER BEFORE

The girl who cut his hair asked him what he wanted and he said 'my hair cut'. I asked him if he wanted hair like Tanion's? Or Spikey? Or Shark Hair? Or just really short? Or if he wanted it all off? And my Archer, being the little guy that he is, said that he just wanted it cut. The girl cut it pretty short and Archer told her shorter. So she did it a little shorter and he said that he wanted it longer (yeah - how are we gonna do that one!) She offered to put some gel in it to make it stand up or be spikey and he said NO! Eventually, it ended up like this.

Cute, short and can be done with gel and made cute and spikey. No problem! And he said that he liked it. But I should have known better...

We had friends over tonight. We played outside until it was time for dinner. I went inside to pull dinner out of the oven and Archer came inside, too. He started playing with trains. No big deal, happens all the time. So I go outside, help put the bikes away and herd the children (mine and the Bagley kids) downstairs. Archer was inside by himself MAYBE 5 minutes at the most. By the time I came in, I found Archer in the kitchen with the scissors, cutting the middle of his hair off. As in, take the scissors, put them down the middle of your head - RIGHT NEXT TO THE SCALP - and cut. At least 3 times so that it's really noticeable and mom can't fix it.

I handled it well (though I forgot to take pictures). I told him that I was going to have to shave his head and that I was sad that I had spent money on a hair cut that didn't even last a day. I went into the bathroom and got out Jeremiah's electric beard trimmer and started trimming away the top with hopes that I could salvage SOME hair on his head.

Unfortunately, the electric trimmer hadn't been charged and wasn't holding a charge longer than about 5 - 15 seconds at a time. After about an hour of trying to cut his hair and getting too close in some spots, I gave up. While the trimmer charged for about 15-25 minutes, I grabbed the scissors and started cutting. I cut as much of the hair off (and as close to his scalp) as possible. I was able to use the trimmer in some of the spaces but most of it, I was on my own. Then I took him into the bathroom, lathered his head in shaving cream and shaved his head.

So after 2 brand new razor blades and one that had been used twice, I have a bald child. With a big (cone shaped) head. Who cried because he didn't look like himself. And asked if I would glue his hair back on.

**Sigh**

Oh well, hair grows back.

I reassured him that he still looks like Archer to me (even though when Jeremiah got home from my sister's house, he had to do a double take - and I had already told him what I had to do!), that we still love him, that his hair WILL grow back and that he still looks 'AWESOME'. :)

* * * * *

(By the way: Thanks Heather, for watching all the kids while I was preoccupied with this little project for most of the night and for reminding me - it could be worse. It could've been Robyn's hair!!)

He's got a job!

2010-03-26T14:44:00.002-06:00

I didn't mention this on my picture post yesterday, but Jeremiah finally got a job! :) YAY!!!

He starts Monday at Utah Timber Frame. Yeah, basically, it's Euclid's competition. He's really excited. Out of the jobs he has applied for recently, this is the one he was hoping he would get. :) It's just in Lehi, so not too bad of a commute and the people there seemed really nice. :)

Down side?
No insurance.

So, that means that I still get to look for a job. Probably just for insurance. And that stinks. But hopefully something will come up and we can get all caught up on bills and such.

Thanks for all your support and positive words! After 5 months of unemployment, he's definitely READY to work.

Catching up with pictures...

2010-03-24T23:24:00.008-06:00

I figured it would be easiest to see what we've been up to by posting some of the pictures from my camera phone. :)

Let the FUN begin! :)

Playing at 'Grampa Twitch's House' -

All 3 kids, Rat Dog and Rocky are in this 1 picture!

The Darth Vader and Yoda Mugs...
...that I scored at Savers today for DarTanion! I also got me some summer capri's, Archer some summer shoes, and some 'professional' pants for the job I am looking for...

My Grandma Bagley (right) and her friend...
...at the 'Old Folks Party' in Koosharem. :) I was able to go to Grandma's last weekend with my mom and the kids. Lunch and dinner are all 'home cooked' from the different people - and small town farmer type people know how to cook! It was fantastic! Then there is the dancing - Jeremiah and I call it 'Old People Bumper Cars'. I giggled and loved watching all the little old people dancing. :) There were a few 'younger' people too... Not many, but a few.

Some of the younger dancing people. :)

My Aunt Rhonda shaking a leg! :)

The New Bride and Groom...
...I guess a girl from Koosharem got married last week and they decided to have her reception in between the lunch and dinner at the Old Folks Party. GREAT IDEA! That's the best way to maximize your reception attendance! :) They stopped by near the end of the night to have a little fun dancing. :)

Bobby girl running around, dressed like Daddy

I know she's a girl, but...
She doesn't act like it very often! The weather here has been really nice outside, so we've been playing outside a lot lately. :) The dirt hill is still a huge success. :)

Driving Archer around in 'her' truck :)

For Archer :)
I finally got around to putting up Archer's Thomas stickers that I bought a couple of years ago. He came home from school and got all sorts of excited. He thought that Thomas came and decorated his room. :)

What my beautiful girl looks like first thing in the morning. :)

Darth Tanion, as I like to call him...
...using the choking part of the force on me as I take his picture. :) He's only slightly obsessed. You know, almost like Archer is with Thomas. ;)

Archer's favorite outfit.
A floaty Spiderman Swim Suit that 'makes your muscles big'. Sans underwear.

Even Spiderman gets tired sometimes. :)

Robyn enjoying her swing...

And cute baby Jesse enjoying it, too. :)

Lightning McQueen is back!
Darth Tanion, Alona and (new neighbor) Zack enjoying Lightning McQueen! :) Watch out, Heather! Alona already has all the guys after her!

Tanion and Zack trying to 'haul' Lightning

Robyn already likes fast cars!

Yeah, our house is pretty popular. :)
(L-R) Levi (new neighbor), Robyn, Stewart (Tanion's school buddy), Archer, Kacen and Abbi. :)

Cute baby Becca!
A couple of our old neighbors (the Dome Family) came by to visit. :) It was great playing with Baby Becca and Daniel and seeing Shiree again!

Spring Toes!
We had a nail painting night at our house a few nights ago. Yep. Time to get ready for spring. :) I like easter egg / jelly bean toes. :)

Mermaid? :)
Archer's school (the ever fabulous, Hobble Creek Learning Center) has a great St. Patty's party every year. They have a balloon guy who is the biggest hit of the party. He is absolutely amazing. You can check him out by clicking HERE. Below are some more of the balloon creations at our house after the party. :)

Alona's Flower and Tanion's Spiderman
(well, technically, Venom)
Another Venom
Abbi's butterfly

Ketchup. I mean, Catch up. :)

2010-03-08T11:25:00.006-07:00

So it's been a while. How've you been? Miss me much?

Lots going on... Lets see...

Robyn had another Heart Doctor appointment. She's up to 66%! YAY! She's now down to 2 meds twice a day (from 4!) Hooray! :)

She likes stickers and sparkly shoes...

Kaylee (my sister Colleenia's daughter) took a sleepover. I think everyone had LOTS of fun! We colored, played dress up, played video games, and played house. :)

Robyn has started Potty Training. We have made some really good progress - hopefully she'll be done by summer time... In the meantime, if you come over, she probably won't have pants on. Potty training and pants don't seem to go together. She has actually decided that clothes and potty training don't go together. Even when in the car! She's been quite the little stripper lately...

Archer had some dental surgery done. He had some cavities and an infection that needed taken care of... He had to have a back tooth pulled and a spacer put in (and is asking for MORE money from the tooth fairy so he can afford eat at Taco Time!) but he did super well.

DarTanion has started going to an early morning Reading class at school. It's done on the computers and is really fun, so he loves it. He's getting better at reading and is actually starting to enjoy it! We now make weekly (if not more often) trips to the Provo Library - which is awesome, by the way!

Jeremiah has had some job interviews and had some really positive feedback - but still no job. I think he's getting sick of being at home (and remodeling here) but I know the kids have been loving the extra DAD time.

I had a girls night with the Smith girls (just dinner, ice cream and fantastic company but it was super fun). I got to meet the newest 'Smith' family member - Kayle Richins (Kelsey's little guy) He's so tiny and cute and wonderful! He's only 1 month old! Makes me baby hungry. Almost.

Proud Aunt Ashley with Kayle

Did I mention ice cream? My newest obsession is Baskin Robbins ice cream. Mocha Blackberry Chip mixed with Love Potion 31. Tastes like a Cold Raspberry Mocha. My favorite coffee drink... MMMmmmm....

mmm.... ice cream!

Jeremiah has been doing lots of work upstairs to make it look better and get it renter ready. He's been painting, sanding, scraping, tiling, destroying, fixing, wallpapering, hanging doors, etc. BUSY BUSY! The wallpaper border in the upstairs kitchen ripped when he was taking the paint tape off, so we replaced it. I really like the new border better.

old boring blah border...
pretty new fruity border!

The upstairs bathroom has had the biggest makeover. Jeremiah took out the old cupboard / vanity thingy (see the left of the first picture), scraped off the tile on the walls, tore up the floor, took out the old sink vanity. Then he replaced everything and added some real tile to the floor and some great accent pieces for the wall and a dark linen cupboard. (Thank you tax money). Looks great - what do you think?

Before except with new sink vanity (not bad, but not great)

NEW and IMPROVED!!! YAY!

And last, but not least...

Do Not Kneel on your
flat glass top stove
or this may happen.

Glad we have a single burner that plugs into the wall and a stove / oven in our empty upstairs! Hopefully the repair guy will be here soon!

Hope everyone has a great week!

Definately NOT the same...

2010-02-17T18:36:00.002-07:00

Jeremiah used to hang out in Nursery with Archer and then again with Robyn before she got sick. The kids would flock to him and just stare at him. We figured that it was because he has (had) long hair and a beard - which living so close to BYU, you don't see that often. WRONG.

We found out that it's because Jeremiah looks like another guy they know...

I love it! :) We've overheard a few of the kids telling their moms and teachers - 'LOOK! It's Jesus!' They were so excited. Boy, were they wrong! HA!

I guess I can see the similarity! :) So I find it quite funny that now when our little girl sees pictures of Jesus, she says 'DADDY!!!'

Yep... We're trying to teach her the difference and I think she's starting to get it. But I thought I would share that little ray of sunshine with you. :)

Passing It Along...

2010-02-16T21:28:00.003-07:00

Click on the 'ad' above to donate to their cause. You can check out more info by checking out her blog right HERE.

Please help them out because, right now, I can't.

Upstairs Pictures :)

2010-02-10T14:44:00.005-07:00

I'm just too excited to show off the new paint upstairs. :) The living room is basically done. There is new paint on the walls and all the trim and the new ceiling fan is put in. :) We have a window guy coming on Monday to 'fix' the problem with our big window so we still have to paint the trim for that, but yep. Other than that (and shampooing all the carpet) it's done! :) YAY!

Isn't it PRETTY!?!

The bedrooms and hallway have new paint on the walls but the trim around the doors and windows (not to mention the doors themselves), the closets and the baseboard all still need their new coat of white paint.... But it's gonna be done. Probably by tomorrow! :) YAY for hubby's who are unemployed and can work on MY house for a change! (And for tax returns that are making pretty much all of this possible!) Ha!

Then this weekend, we'll tackle the new flooring and vanity in the bathroom. And then we will be done. Basically. You know, we still have to find the renters and all... :) And buy new doors... And other random things. But, you know, basically. Basically we are done.

Watch for pictures of the bedrooms, the bathroom and the outside of the house to be posted here (and at BYU and on KSL Classifieds and a Craigslist ad) soon! Loves!

Need a place to live?

2010-02-08T21:25:00.004-07:00

Just when you think you are about done (with whatever) more things always seem to happen.

We've worked out a pretty sweet budget and and are pretty much sticking to it. We had this fantastic plan of what to do with our tax returns - pay a whole crap load of bills, go on a cheap date with my hubby (without kids), another hopefully cheap date with the kids, and put on all the finishing touches in the basement (where we live). You know, a front door that is actually an exterior door. Frame the windows in so that you don't see the concrete in the walls. Put trim up in our kitchen. Maybe even some closet doors...

Now, it's not gonna happen.
At least not with tax money.

Jeremiah's brother moved out of our upstairs this last weekend so that he could be closer to his work and basically everything else he does. Plus, he has a place to store his rare motorcycle and other toys and tools. Good for him (and really, we're happy for him), bad for us.

So now, tax money is going towards finishing upstairs. Yes, it's technically 'done', but if we're going to rent it out to someone NOT family, then it needed a few things done. SO, we bought some paint today and started repainting walls. We're going to be buying 3 exterior doors so that we can put fire doors on the 2 doors going into the upstairs 'apartment' and one that goes down towards our little abode. We're putting in a new bathroom vanity / sink. We're putting new flooring in the bathroom. Changing all the door handles to match each other. Getting the broken window fixed. Probably gonna cost us close to $1000. So with the other money, we're catching up our house payment. And then, it's back to the poor house and starting to fall behind on bills - unless we get renters...

SO... Speaking of renters -
if you know anyone....

We have an almost 1250 square foot upstairs of a house for rent. It's 3 bed, 1 bath. It was almost completely remodeled about 2 years ago (new carpet, new windows, new pretty much everything). It will have new flooring in the bathrooms and new paint on all the doors and walls at the end of this weekend. It has a stove, dishwasher and a fridge and if needed we could keep our washer and dryer upstairs as a shared laundry. If not, there is a room for laundry. Some utilities (water, sewer, garbage, gas, electricity) are included. Pretty close to BYU. We're asking $950 a month.

Living room (front door) - we'll be re-painting the trim by Wednesday

another view of front room, kitchen to right, hall to side

Picture of one of the bedroom windows (see that we're painting?)

And a bonus picture of my cute little painter girl...

SO YEAH, if you know anyone, have them email me at mandysfriends@hotmail.com. We can show the place now and hope to have it move in ready by the end of this week.

A few pictures of Robynson

2010-02-02T20:14:00.002-07:00

I've taken lots of pictures of my kids lately (what's new?!) and thought I would post some of Robyn (since I haven't for a little while) for you all to enjoy... :)

"HUGS!"

And this is AFTER her hair cut! :)
It's long when it's all down and wet!

My pretty little girl :)

She passed out after her doctor appointment

Okay, this one is all 3 kids. A few days ago, both boys came out of their room (during the middle of the night) and slept on the couch. Robyn had also slept on the couch that night because she wasn't feeling good. I took this picture right as Robynson was waking up but both boys were still asleep. :)

Hope all is well for all of you (you know, all 4 or so who actually read this!) :) Much love!

I'm a Proud Momma :)

2010-01-31T21:49:00.004-07:00

My Cute (sneaky) Little Archer Moe :)

Yep... Spiderman Floaty Swimsuit and cowboy boots that are - oh - about 5 or 6 sizes too big. :) He had to 'get dressed' to go outside to help Dad and uncle Jed...

Archer climbing the 'pole' in our bathroom - what, you don't have a pole in your bathroom? :) You can't really tell, but he's almost half way up... and he has made it to the top (ceiling) before...

*****************************************

So, I'm pretty sure I know what you're thinking.
You're thinking "Is she really a proud momma or is this one of those sarcastic proud momma moments". Especially since it involves my odd little 'sneaky' child...

Well, I am REALLY proud of him.

Tonight we went to Jeremiah's parents house. All the adults were upstairs visiting (and we are a LOUD bunch) and watching the Pro Bowl while DarTanion and Draysen were running up and down the hall laughing and screaming at each other. Robyn is passed out on the couch. Archer (we thought) was in Dray's old room. We asked DarTanion to check on him and he said that Archer wasn't there. So Jeremiah went downstairs to check on Archer (thinking he was in the freezer stealing his probably 4th ice cream for the night). Jeremiah looks all over and doesn't see him. Jeremiah heard a noise in Jeremiah's parents bathroom so he went in to stop Archer from playing with WHATEVER he was into this time. (Has he done something like this before? YES.) Anyway...

Jeremiah sees Archer standing on a laundry basket trying to climb out of the open bathroom window (and ready to succeed at it, I might add). Jeremiah asks Archer what he was doing and sees that he was red in the face and upset. He gave Jeremiah a big smile saying "DAD!" and gives him a hug. Archer then explains that he was locked in the bathroom and he couldn't get out and he tried to yell but no one came down to rescue him so he was trying to get out of the bathroom. (Their lever type door knob is tricky - you have to pull it up to open it instead of push it down.)

Archer had dumped the laundry out of the basket, took it over to the window, climbed on top of it, opened the window (and it is a heavy, hard to open window) and had pushed on the screen until it bent. He was in the process of trying to crawl up into the window to hop out when Jeremiah saw him. Archer had no socks or shoes on and had probably just went into the bathroom to go pee and ended up stuck and upset. But did he let that get the best of him? Nope. :) My little guy thought 'Hmmm.... How do I get out of here?'

I gave him lots of hugs and loves and assured him that he wasn't in trouble and that I was happy that he was so smart to try and 'escape' when he was locked in the bathroom. And really, I am. He's so smart and such a good problem solver. He's a mechanical minded kid - he likes to know how and why things work. So this is one of those situations that shows his strength. :)

I love my little guy (well, all of my kids, really but this post is about my Moe). He's certainly a handful. He will sneak outside or into the kitchen at any hour of the day or night. He refuses to sit in his seat in Primary (he prefers under the table, under the chairs, or standing on the chairs in the back of the Primary room). He will do things just to get a reaction.

BUT...

He has a heart of gold. He will share (most of the time) his toys and snacks - unless it's with Robynson... He has a fabulous sense of style. He has a fast thinking mind. He's eager to learn. He likes to snuggle. And he's always cracking me up.

Ah, kids.
Reminding us that life is good.

Boy / Girl Sleep Over!

2010-01-29T21:44:00.004-07:00

DarTanion and Alona

DarTanion has had sleep overs before,
but they've always been with boys.
But tonight...
It's a girl. :)

We play with our friends, the Bagley family (no, not really related) probably more than any of our other friends lately and it works out really well because their kids are all close to my kids ages. They have 2 girls (Alona and Abbi) and 2 little boys (Kacen and Jesse). Alona is DarTanion's age. Abbi is Archer's Age. Kacen is between Archer and Robyn's age and Jesse is just a little guy (almost 8 months). DarTanion and Alona play SUPER well together and it's really fun to see. They'll be playing Star Wars one minute and house the next. :)

Well, we were playing with them earlier this week and DarTanion asked if Alona could spend the night. I told him NO because it was a school night but maybe on the weekend. Neither of them forgot and both were really excited that today was Friday (which means it's Sleep Over night!)

So what have we done so far on Sleep Over night? We've had popsicles, played Star Wars, played some Dr. Mario on the Nintendo, played some sort of chase each other around game, listened to the MP3 player and sang church songs together (see below!), the floor is hot lava game, and watched Ben10. Next up is the new episode of Star Wars, The Clone Wars and bedtime.

talking and listening to the mp3 player...
playing Dr. Mario

You know, having a little girl spend the night is nice. It's kind of quiet compared to the other sleep over's we've had!

Singing "Families Can Be Together Forever"
(if this is emailed to you, you have to check it out on the website: www.mandyandmiah.blogspot.com)

Robynson's First Haircut

2010-01-22T22:06:00.010-07:00

Robyn is two. Well, technically, she is almost 26 months old. And Angie just gave my little girl her very first hair cut. Robyn IS older than either of the boys when they had their first hair cut, but then again, they are boys!

The last few days Jeremiah and I have been saying that she really needed a hair cut because her bangs are always in her eyes - even if I just pulled it back! So I called my friend Angie (who went to school for these things) and she brought over her tools. I painted her toes (purple - she picked it out) while Angie trimmed up her hair and gave my Bobby girl bangs. :) She sat pretty still and was SO good for Angie!!! :) Her hair is really cute, but I'm a little sad because that is one more 1st that is over - and I won't get to do again!

Wanna see how cute

(and GROWN UP!) she looks? :)

New Family Photo

2010-01-05T15:40:00.004-07:00

My mom likes to do the 11 * 14 pictures that the Wasatch Wrestling team does for a fund raiser. After all, it's only $10 for a family photo taken by a professional (yet, he's really a pretty standard photographer). So we went on Robynson's birthday and did family pictures again this year.

Click HERE to see last year's photos...

This year, Archer cried and refused to participate in the original setup because he was 'scared'. Then because we fought with (and tried unsuccessfully to bribe) him for so long, Robyn started to cry and pout. That and she didn't get a nap because we had a birthday party earlier in the day. So after about 10 shots from the photographer, he said that he would see if there was something in there that he could work with. He seemed pretty stressed, but he didn't need to be so rude! The entire family photo (my mom & dad, Kaylee -Colleenia and Sean were at the hospital- and our family) didn't work out so well. It's actually a comical photo, but I don't have it on here... Sorry.

We signed up to pick up the pictures the same time as my mom. I went in saying that I was fine with the 1 picture that was already paid for (the 11*14) and that was it. My mom also said to talk her out of spending tons of money on the pictures. After an hour of 'should I, shouldn't I' conversations with my mom, she bought all 4 packets. I tried to convince her, but that lady wouldn't budge!

So thank you, Mom, for buying my $88 worth of pictures... Oh, and the "free" $10 picture. :) I like it. It turned out cute. :)

Bagley Family Christmas Party

2010-01-04T13:27:00.006-07:00

My mom's family came to Heber City for the last Christmas party of 2009, which was held on January 2, 2010! Almost everyone was there (only my Dad, and my cousins James and Justin were missing). Even Sean ventured out of the house to come see everyone! It was great to see everyone and to get to visit and catch up on everyone's busy lives.

Here are some pictures of the crowd...

Some pics of the kids opening gifts...

Tanion got 2 Bakugons (is that how they are spelled?) and some skate boards and Sharkboy and Lava Girl in 3D! Archer got a glow in the dark green basketball and some Lego Duplo's. Robyn got a baby doll and a dressup chest!
We draw names for the kids to exchange gifts with each other. My aunt Rhonda's family had both Kaylee and Robynson. They got the same kind of baby dolls and a Fairy Dress Up box to keep at Grandma Barlow's house and share. It had 3 little outfits and accessories - which was perfect because Colleenia's best friend Patti came over with her little girl Kiah (who is about 4 months older than Robyn and 8 months younger than Kaylee). They all dressed up and were running around the house playing Fairies. :) It was super cute!

My mom was excited to show off her new Kitchen (that Jeremiah has been working on since November!) and to have all of her family together at her house. Of course, she cooked WAY too much food, but that's okay with me because that meant I got to bring home left overs! :)

Thanks for the thoughtful gifts for the kids and for the trip you made to Heber. :) It was great seeing everyone!