I LOVE THIS GIRL!

Sydney is such a funny, crazy, free spirited, wild, hilarious, cute, beautiful little girl! There's never a dull moment with her around. She always has so much energy and always wants to do everything. It's no wonder she is such an amazing sleeper and doesn't wake up until about 10-11am. She's always been a kid that is all over the place and just does her own thing and doesn't even think about what's going on around her. She's not shy whatsoever which is good but sometimes not so good.

This leads me to a couple of funny stories about Syd. The other week Steve's sister Trish blessed her new little baby Kue. All of her husband Benny's family came up for the blessing so we were all looking forward to the yummy Tongan feast we were going to have. While people were coming in Syd greeted this one family by saying, "and here's the Hawaiian people." She's such a nut. Then while we were in Utah this weekend we were walking into the mall and we were talking about how nice the weather was and she said, "is so beautiful here, and there's Chinese people and beautiful people." Steve and I thought it was hilarious. She truly has no qualms about saying whatever is on her mind, she even asked Grandma Johnson if she was going to die soon because she was old. At least Grandma thought that was funny!

Yesterday I was on the computer and I could hear Sydney coming and she said, "Mom, look what's in my back pack." She then came in the room with Hadley sitting in her back pack looking like she was wondering what on earth was going on.

I really do love this little girl though. She might be goofy sometimes and say funny/crazy things but my life wouldn't be as fun as it is without her. She's so beautiful and has the biggest smile. I used to worry about Syd a lot when she was smaller because she was so all over the place, I thought she would get lost somewhere or get run over because she would just be that all over the place. As she's getting older she's growing into such a lovely little girl and is so kind, well most of the time unless she's getting mad at Spencer. She's so protective of her things and gets so upset if she thinks she did something wrong or if you do something that would hurt her feelings. She collects the craziest things and right now LOVES diamonds. She even asked the guy at the jewelry store if she could have the big display diamond that they had. She likes the big diamonds, I told her she would have to tell her husband that.

Ahh, I love this girl, she's the BEST!!!

Trip to Utah

On Friday the kids only had half a day of school so as soon as they came home we packed up the car and set off on our trip to Utah. We'd been excited about this for a while and I was even more looking forward to having a break from house work etc...

The weather was LOVELY when we got down there, I've been taking FULL advantage of being able to wear my flip flops. Our first stop was build a bear. I don't normally let the kids get bears very much but we hadn't been for a while and I had $25 in coupons so I thought we'd spoil them. It took Sydney FOREVER to pick what she wanted. Before we left she said she wanted a dog but the one she wanted was $22 so I said if she got that she wouldn't be able to get any clothes so after about 30 minutes she decided to get a cute pink monkey. They really love going there, it's such a nice store but you could spend tons of money in there. Before leaving the mall we got the girls a new pair of flip flops each and then we went to Ikea. I LOVE Ikea, every time I go there it reminds me of home. We rushed around there pretty fast but found a few nice storage things for the kids. We then went to Jackie's house (my English friend that lives here) and ate our Wendy's we picked up on the way there.

The next days was lots of fun too. The weather was still nice but a little windy. Our first stop was this craft store called the wood connection. There was tons of nice things there but we settled for some wooden letters that spell Madison and 2 wooden guns. We then made our way to Steve's cousins luncheon. That was the main reason we took the trip to Utah. We got changed and went over to the Luncheon with all Steve's family. His Mom, brother, Uncle Val and Aunt Karen and Grandparents were all there too from Idaho. It's always so nice to see all Steve's family, they're all so nice. Maddie wasn't feeling too good during lunch so she didn't eat anything. I stole a picture off Steve's cousin's blog from the luncheon. You wouldn't think that Maddie was sick from how she looks.

After that we went to Cabelo's! We'd always heard how amazing it was so we thought we would check it out. It was pretty cool, lots of cool stuffed animals all over the place and a cool aquarium with HUGE fish in. Some of them had really ugly mouths, that freaked out Spencer a little bit, I think he thought they could get him. After that we drove to Tai Pan, a store I love but they don't have it in Idaho. Only Syd and I went inside because Spencer had fallen asleep. I didn't end up buying anything but Syd really liked it in there because it had lots of beautiful things. (That reminds me of a funny story about Syd but I'll share that later). After that we went to Chucky Cheese's, the kids LOVE it there. We didn't get any food there but the kids played and played. We did get to see Chucky Cheese though and the girls got to hug him. Spencer started to feel worse at that point and threw up, HOW LOVELY!? Maddie has been sick for a while, she got better and then got worse and Spencer got it too. We were going to go back down to the wedding reception but decided we should probably go back to Jackie's with our sick kids!

The next morning we got ready and thought we would spend some time with Jackie but in the end she had to go to work. She didn't realise she had to work so I felt bad. She's always so nice to let us stay at her house and the kids love her. Just after she left we left to go to Temple Square. It was a bit colder that day but still not too bad. We went all around Temple Square which the kids loved. We also went to the museum but the kids weren't feeling too good so we had lunch which Spencer didn't eat and then we went to the zoo. When we got there the weather was getting bad and it was pretty cold. We can normally get into the zoo for free with our zoo pass but I guess they changed it this year so we only get a discount so that made the decision easy, we left! The kids were a little sad but I was kind of glad because it was sooo cold. We quickly drove up to the this is the place monument and looked there for a minute. We didn't realise that they had so many cool things there so we're planning on going back there when the weather is nicer.

All in all it was a nice trip even though the kids threw up a few times. It's always nice to go down to Utah but always nice to get home too. When we pulled into the driveway Spencer started to cry. He said he wanted to go back to Utah because he didn't get to give Chucky Cheese a hug. It took him a while to finally get out the car, it was pretty funny. Now it's back to the REAL world, laundry, getting ready for Super Saturday and the kids being sick STILL!!! Maddie came home from school today (THANKS Kristy, I had no car so Kristy went to get her for me) and both her and Spencer have thrown up! We're going to the doctors tonight so hopefully they can tell us what to do, poor Maddie has been sick for about 2 1/2 weeks. Life is crazy but I guess it always will be, FUN TIMES!!!

How blessed I am

So as I was taking the garbage out today I saw some broken red glass on the floor by where the garbage goes. Now this either could have been a coincidence that someone had broken their break lights right there or it indeed was me! This takes me back to last week!!!

Last week was pretty nuts but also was a very fun week. Here's s snippet of my week. Tuesday Steve was meant to fly out to Seattle but just after the plane took off they realised something was wrong with the plane so they had to land again. That was the beginning to the fun, I had to load all the kids up and go and get Steve and then take him to work. Then I rushed to get Syd to school followed by rushing to the store to get the food for our wards RS Birthday dinner. It wouldn't have been that bad but when I saw the price of the food we wanted to cook I knew we wouldn't be able to do that so after going to a few stores I went home to try and figure out what we could cook. With help from my mother in law and Trudy we figured out what to make so that night after I picked Steve up from work we went to the store to buy some ham but Sams didn't have any so we quickly went to Winco to get some.

Now here comes the part about the broken red glass. Trudy wanted a musical number for the RS Birthday so I said I would do it because I wanted to pick a song that would go with the theme and we didn't have long to practise. I asked my good friend Natalie to play for me, poor girl, I ask her all the time but it's because I know she's SUPER talented! Anyway we got home from the grocery store, I had some cereal for dinner and I left early so I could deliver a couple of invitations for the dinner before I went to the church to practise singing. I was rushing so I backed out really fast and SMACK!!! I backed right into the garbage, how lovely!? I checked the car and it seemed fine but I was mistaken! I just called Steve to have him confirm and yes, I had smashed the break light glass, joy of joys!!!

Isn't it lovely when things like this happen!? It's a good job I'm the kind of person that just gets on with life even though it's crazy at times. That doesn't mean I don't get stressed and frustrated, you can just ask my husband Steve about that, I'm sure he could tell you what I'm really like behind closed doors, hahaha! Anyway just thinking about all those things and the many other things that happen all the time like Spencer drawing all over the wood in the kitchen or getting bright orange stamps all over the wall in his bedroom. It just makes me realise that there might be crazy nuts things that go in our lives but it's those things that remind us of how unimportant those things really are.

Yeah, our homes might be a mess sometimes, we might smash out break lights or smack our heads on the steering wheel while reaching down for something, (yes that happened last Tuesday too)! But aren't we glad we have the kids that make those messes and sometimes drive us nuts. Aren't we glad we have a car to drive in even though I smashed into the garbage and it has a super glued side mirror from when I smashed that into the garage last year! How blessed we really are. If we just take the time to really think about what matters most and how silly it is sometimes when we get mad or frustrated about such unimportant THINGS! I am not good at doing this at all but I'm trying and trying is what matters most too. I really do love my life, I have amazing friends and family and a lovely house to live in and a nice car to drive, a husband that loves me and has a job that lets us eat nice food and be clothed. HOW BLESSED I AM!!!

Fun times!

This morning while Steve was shaving, the kids were all running around being crazy as usual. We were in the bathroom when Spencer came in and said, "Dad, can you shave the hairy's off my balls." I looked at Steve and just laughed. I then looked back at Spencer to see him holding his bouncy ball up. It had gotten hairs on it and he wanted Steve to shave them off. What a funny boy, well I guess he didn't really realise just how funny that was but I did and I thought it was hilarious. I really should write the funny things my kids say and do more often, they're so funny.

Today was a fun day. We just relaxed and did a few things in the morning and then we went over to the Stakers house to watch the BYU game, have dinner and play games. Our kids love going there, Spencer is a little out numbered but they all have a great time together. We love going there too and tonight I actually almost won Settlers, I was amazed. It's so nice to have such great friends in this neighbourhood to do things with. I LOVE WHERE I LIVE!

When we got home it was time to have a bath so while I fed Hadley Steve got the kids in the bath. All of a sudden I heard Sydney freaking out and them all saying that Syd's tooth was coming out. I quickly went to see what was going on because last I had seen her tooth was just starting to get loose. When I got there Syd was bleeding and was going crazy, she gets scared about blood so when she saw it she went crazy. So, what happened was, Syd had the wash cloth in her mouth and Maddie grabbed it. The wash cloth yanked most of Syd's tooth out and a minute later it just fell out while Syd was wiggeling it. Now it's all over she's so excited and she keeps saying that Maddie is the best sister ever. Syd is so lovely, she's so cute and full of life. I can't believe my little mini girl is big enough to loose a tooth, well I guess get a tooth yanked out!

I really do love my kids, they're the best!

Latest photo shoot

Last Saturday we went to get Spencer's 3 year pictures and Hadley's 6 month pictures taken. They turned out pretty cute, I just wish Hadley had smiled. Like always I tried to get one of all the kids and this was the best one. I can't believe I have 4 kids! How crazy but also how amazing is that. I love being their Mom, they're all so cute and so crazy but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Getting too big

Hadley is getting so big. This past week she got her bottom 2 teeth and has been getting up on her knees and moves backwards. She moves all over the place now so I need to be more careful and I think I'm going to have to get the gate out soon, I can't believe it. Time has just gone by so fast, I can't believe she's 6 months old already. We went to get her 6 month pictures the other day and she wouldn't smile at all, I was so shocked because she always has the hugest smiles. I'm tempted to go back, we'll see though. She's such a good baby and now sleeps through the night which is sooo nice! Letting her cry through the night worked and I'm so relieved, it's so nice to finally get a good nights sleep. I love my little Hadley, she's so cute!

Just thought I'd blog

Well, I guess I have been blogging more but not really anything about my family. I've been kind of busy lately trying to get things ready for our wards upcoming Mini Super Saturday, although I'm not sure how mini it really is, oh well! I think we have some cute things so I hope everyone likes them. I really do love my calling, it keeps me busy but I love working with the sisters and planning fun things for all the sisters in the ward to do. I feel blessed to have my calling! I put the new website address for our Super Saturday blog on the side of this blog, it's not totally finished because I haven't made everything yet but it gives you an idea of what we're making.

Anyway I just wanted to quickly write and say life is good and my kids are keeping me as busy as ever but I love them sooo much. I feel so blessed to be a Mom and have the children I do. I really am not the most patient person all the time and I'm sure my kids think I'm nuts sometimes but I love them so much and I hope I can keep trying to be the kind of mother my Mom was to me and the kind of mother I need to be to raise my children to be good people and strong in the gospel.

Here's a couple of pictures I took of Hadley wearing one of my latest hobbies, making hair bows. Steve said he's lost his wife to hair bows and crafts, SORRY! Anyway she's getting so big and so cute, she'll be 6 months on Friday, I can't believe how fast the time has gone.

Yes or No

1. You can ONLY answer Yes or No!
2. Now, here's what you're supposed to do... And please do not spoil the Fun. Copy and paste this into your notes , delete my answers and type in your answers. Then see what happens.You are NOT ALLOWED to explain ANYTHING unless someone messages or comments you and Asks!

Kissed any one of your facebook friends?...Yes
Been arrested? ... No
Kissed someone you didn't like? ... Yes
Slept in until 5 PM? ... No
Fallen asleep at work/school? ... No
Held a snake? ... No
Ran a red light? ... Yes
Been suspended from school? ... No
Totaled your car/motorbike in an accident? ... Yes
Been fired from a job? ... No
Sang karaoke? ... Yes
Done something you told yourself you wouldn't? ... Yes
Laughed until something you were drinking came out your nose? ... Yes
Caught a snowflake on your tongue? ... Yes
Kissed in the rain? ... Yes
Sang in the shower? ... Yes
Sat on a rooftop? ... Yes
Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes? ... No
Broken a bone? ... Yes
Shaved your head? ... No
Played a prank on someone? ... Yes
Felt like killing someone? ... No
Made your girlfriend/boyfriend cry? ... Yes
Had Mexican jumping beans for pets? ... No
Been in a band? ... Yes
Shot a gun? ... Yes
Tripped on mushrooms? ... No
Donated Blood? ... Yes
Eaten alligator meat? ... No
Eaten cheesecake? ...Yes
Still love someone you shouldn't? ... No
Think about the future? ... Yes
Believe in Love ? ... Yes
Sleep on a certain side of the bed? ... Yes

One word

Answer one word only-- Not as easy as you might think! Now copy and paste this to a note and tag your friends to see what they can come up with! Enjoy!

Where is your cell phone? Nonexistent
Your significant other/spouse? FANTASTIC
Your hair? Long
Your mother? Greatest
Your father? Faithful
Your favourite thing? Family
Your dream last night? Bows
Your favourite drink? Water
Your dream/goal? Family
What room are you in? Spencer's
Your hobby? Kids
Your fear? Everything (I'm just a chicken)
Where were you last night? Enrichment
Something that you aren't? Patient
Muffins? Chocolate
Wish list item? Saw (for crafts)
Last thing you did? Baby
What are you wearing? Sweats
TV? On
Your pet? Dead
Friends? Amazing
Your life? Crazy
Your mood? Tired
Missing someone? Always
Drinking? No
Your car? Smells
Something you're not wearing? Socks
Your favourite store? Target
Your favourite color? Brown
When is the last time you cried? Church
Who will resend this? Heidi
My favourite place to eat? Johnny's
Favourite place I'd like to be right now? England

I DON'T CARE IF ANYONE DOES THIS, I JUST THOUGHT IT WAS FUN AND QUICK! (If you do this though and you're American you might want to change the spelling of favourite).

More catching up!

I'm finally trying to catch up on blogging! I knew after I caught up last time I would probably end up catching up again a couple of months later and here I am!

We had lots of fun this Christmas, there's always so much to do and never enough time but we had a great time together with family and friends. The kids got SUPER spoiled with all their presents once again but they loved all their presents so thanks everyone. I was going to put a few pictures on here but after looking through all the pictures I decided I should probably just make a slide show. During December we fed Hadley rice cereal for the first time. The pictures are quite deceiving because she really wasn't having a fun time. We just caught the in between parts where she looked really cute. We also took the kids sledding for the first time, how sad is that? Maddie is 7 and we've never been sledding before, hopefully we'll go more now because the kids loved it. Once they were done though they were absolutely freezing so they didn't look very happy at all. I stayed in the car while they were sledding, Hadley was still abit too small for that. All in all December was a great month.

January was lots of fun too. Spencer had his birthday, he turned 3, I can't believe that he's already 3. He's my little man, I love him so much , probably too much sometimes because I let him get away with too much. He had a great birthday and got lots of nice things. He got a bunch more stuff for his geotrax train set so now when we set it up it covers the whole half of the living room downstairs where the kids play. Once again I didn't prepare very well to make a birthday cake. I went to the store to buy some cake mix and some other things but of course I forgot the most important thing, the cake mix! I ended up getting some brownie mix from Steve's Mom and making him a race track kind of cake. It really is a good job they think whatever you make is fantastic. We almost had to visit the ER in January aswell because Spencer got mad at Sydney, something that happens quite often in this house. Anyway he ended up cutting her head open, I couldn't believe it. The good Mom I am though, the first thing I thought about was, "great, this could have happened a few days ago, it's a new year now and a new deductible!" Also in January Steve helped Maddie and Spencer make a HUGE snowman in the front garden or yarden as my kids like the call it, hahaha! Maddie made a couple of little snowmen too, they had a great time. Our snowman kind of looks like the leaning tower of Pisa these days though, I actually can't believe it's still standing. Steve's sister Stephanie got engaged in January too. We went wedding dress shopping which was LOTS of fun, she looked so beautiful.

Well hopefully from now on I'll do a little better at blogging. This year so far has been good but also abit trying. How lucky we are to have the gospel in our lives though. Even though things may be hard sometimes it's so nice to know that if we stay strong and endure those trying times we will be blessed. I know life is hard for all of us sometimes but my greatest wish is that I can work through the trails we are given and keep strong so that one day I can be with my family in the eternities. I really do love all my family members, they're all GREAT! Especially my little family, thanks for always putting up with me and my grumpy/stress head times, you're all the BEST! I'll leave you all with one last picture of Steve and the kids. I took this yesterday, they were all just chilling out on Spencer's bed after church. Their nuts at times but truthfully I wouldn't have them any other way, I'm so lucky to have them all!