The Warmest Halloween Ever!!!

We haven't celebrated Halloween in Utah since 2003 and we don't ever remember it being this warm, even in all the years we lived here growing up. It was about 70 degrees when the kids started trick-or-treating. Crazy right?! I didn't even make the kids wear jackets or coats over their costumes like we always had to. Its funny these days because the festivities begin several days before Halloween. I swear that when I was a kid, you got to wear your costume on Halloween and you couldn't go out until it was dark for trick-or-treating...and that was it. This year there was a trunk-or-treat/carnival with our ward (three days before), and then Kamden had a Halloween party at preschool (two days before), and THEN the big day came. Kole got to wear his costume (minus the mask) to school and then of course trick-or-treating. We had Bryan's parents over for "Jack-o-Lantern" pizza (provided by Papy Murphy's), salad and sugar cookies (I made those.) Then Grandpa, Bryan and the boys went out while Grandma and I stayed back to pass out candy. The kids looked so darling in their costumes. (Don't tell Kole that though. He's at the age now where he doesn't want to be called "cute" or "darling." Only such words as "scary" "macho" or "awesome" are acceptable.) At any rate the costumes are definitely my favorite part of Halloween. After trick-or-treating my sis Jessica came over and the adults watched a scary movie. We had a great time!

Kole was a "Ghostrider" (like the movie with Nicholas Cage) this year. Of course I prefer the more cutesy costumes but he wasn't having it. This is the way he wore it to school since masks aren't allowed.

With the mask

Kamden the cowboy


Logan the lion...he was just a ball of fur..it was so cute!

Kids Eat Free!

So in my efforts to try and be more frugal in our dreary economy I have researched some websites that might be beneficial to some of you. There is a website where you can search by your city and find out what restaurants have FREE kids nights and you can also search by day of the week. Its pretty neat! The website is www.coupondivas.com There is another website called www.couponmom.com that is supposed to be really good for finding deals for groceries and other stuff.

Also, any of you with some money saving info/advice that you would like to share, please pass it on! I can always use more ideas.

Welcome Fall!!!

I have to say that fall is definitely my favorite time of year. I am always happy to welcome the cooler weather, changing leaves, yummy garden food, pumpkins and apple cider, and of course..cozy sweats and sweaters. We have had some new things happen since my last update:

Kamden is doing really well at potty training-yeaahhh!!! He hasn't gotten #2 down yet (sorry for the gory details..) but he's making steady progress in that direction and is wearing "big boy underpants" all the time. We are very proud of him. He also started preschool two days a week is loving it.

Kole has been off-track for the past 3 weeks and is going back tomorrow. I think he had fun for the first 2 weeks but now is just bored and ready to go back. He has been playing soccer and did I mention that Bryan and I have been coaching his team? The kids are so much fun and we have had a great time with them. Kamden loves "practicing" with the team and is actually a pretty decent player. Though he doesn't like it when he can't play in the games!

Logan is crawling all over the house now and somedays I have trouble keeping up with him. He does seem happier now that he can get where he needs to, so for that I am grateful! He is getting so big and it makes me sad to think that his baby days are numbered. Each stage they go through is fun in its own way, but I know that I will miss having babies around when they're gone.

Bryan and I are starting to get a handle on our calling (Activities Committee Chair) and are staying busy in that respect. If you have great activites that your ward participated in then please let me know! We would love some more ideas...

Kamden's 1st day of preschool!

Showing off his Elmo backpack

Logan taking a bath in the sink.

Kamden and Addie at the splash park when she came to visit.



The two of them at the "Jumping Jacks" place.



My Aunt Barbara and I at the Page Reunion at Reed Ranch in late August.

Horseback riding.

Kole and Nicole doing archery.

Kamden trying to fly his kite.

Uncle Henry and cousin Derek trying to help him fly it!

Kole on the pony...Look Mom, no hands!

Looks like no more smores for Kamden..what a mess!

Madison reading to Kamden...what a great Aunt!

My Blogging Hiatus Has Come to an End!

No, we didn't fall off the face of the earth and as far as I know we haven't been stricken with any diseases (fingers crossed) that would keep me away from my computer. So my excuse, if you will, is that I've been totally lazy about blogging since we moved. It started with unpacking, and then summer hit us and with the kids keeping me busier than ever I got completely "out of the habit" of updating our blog. But alas, the hiatus must come to an end (at least for posterity's sake) and I am filling you in on the happenings of our lives.

Bryan and I got called to be the Ward Activities Chairmen which came to a suprise to us. But...its been a long time since the two of us worked together on a calling so that should be quite fun! This week we are preparing for the ward campout Friday night. Apparently it was a big success last year so we are determined to make it bigger and better this year! I am staying very busy with Lia Sophia and I absolutely love it! Bryan is getting to know the people in his office as well as the projects he is in charge of.

Kole started first grade and is doing great! He is quite the little reader around here now and we are very proud of his desire to be such a great student. He has many friends around here and loves to go out to the field behind our house and catch grasshoppers and praying mantis's. Yikes!!!

Kamden is starting preschool in September and we are working on potty training. So far the progress is slow-going but we are optomistic and he does seem to be showing some interest (again, fingers crossed). He continues to keep us laughing with the funny things he says. For instance, the other day we were at a salon gettig Kole's hair cut. Kamden turns to a lady sitting next to us and says, "I like to wear my hair spicey!" Of course he meant "spikey" but it was hilarious!

Logan is the happiest little baby and I am loving every second of it! I think he must be trying to make up for the constant screaming he did for the first 4-5 months of his life. He will be 9 months on September 2nd and I cannot believe how fast time goes. He is not crawling yet but he gets up on all fours and rocks(a very recent development) so I know it isn't far off. Translation: trouble is up ahead!!!

Well, I've posted a few pics of the last couple months. Enjoy and there's more to come...

Kole on his first day of school

Kamden at a company picnic

Giving us a lovely photo-op

Our sweet, happy boy Logan

Kamden's 1st Haircut

Kamden received his first "official" haircut (one done outside my limited cutting ability) this week. We went to the haircut place and it took a little bit of coaxing to get him into the chair, but he did it without too much trouble. The stylist gave him a sucker to appease him which he gladly took but would only hold it in his hand. He then proceeded to glare (without moving a muscle) at the stylist in the mirror for the entire haircut. He didn't say anything, he just sat there stone-faced. It was really hard not to laugh! Anyway, the cut turned out really cute so just wanted to share the pics I took that day.

Cruisin' Together

For your viewing pleasure, the following photo montage chronicles our journey from the Pacific Northwest to the Tops of the Mountains. We spent the first night at the Ameritel Inn in Olympia after all of our belongings had been loaded onto the moving truck leaving our home on Apple Hill completely empty. This allowed to spend our last evening in Olympia with our friends at the church with the opportunity to say goodbye to each one of them. Thanks again Brandi for sponsoring the event.

We drove to Pendleton, Oregon, the following day as part of the first leg of the journey and stayed at the Oxford Suites (Michelle didn't think there was anything "suite" about it though). A sign told us it was where the "real west begins."

The second took us to Boise, Idaho, where we stayed in a wonderful suite at the Ameritel Inn complete with a 60-inch big screen and jetted jacuzzi tub. The kids loved it and I got out of going to the pool for the first time because of it. We also took our kids to see Kung Fu Panda while we were there. Great movie.

Our third leg brought us to the valley of the Great Salt Lake where we too have decided to settle down and plant our seeds as pioneers of old.

On our journey we passed 8 temples (Boise, Twin Falls, Ogden, Bountiful, Salt Lake, Jordan River, Draper, and finally the Oquirrh Mountain Temple) all of which Kole delightfully pointed out to us. We also passed by the new Real Salt Lake soccer stadium that is currently under construction and slated to open in October.

All in all, it was a pretty good adventure for us. We highly recommend the Ameritel Inn. The spread at the continental breakfast was ample and delicious. Be wary of the Oxford Suites in Pendleton. I do, however, believe it was the nicest hotel in town.

We're glad to be "home."

Enjoy the show!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Bye, Bye Washington

Well with the big move and getting settled, blogging has been the last thing on my mind but I had to sit down and give an update on these past few weeks. We said goodbye to Olympia on June 9th and were off to make the long trek to Utah. It was a very stange (and sad) feeling driving away from our home knowing that we wouldn't being coming back. Thanks to Mitchell Moving Company (as well as Federal Highways) for packing up all our stuff and hauling it all to Salt Lake for us. We decided to take a few days as a family to drive the 900 mile journey instead of hammering it out in one stint. Overall the kids were really good. Kamden had a hard time on the second day, which happened to be the shortest distance (but ended up seeming like the longest) but we got here just the same. We are in our house in Riverton and have got things pretty well unpacked. We love it and as far as we can tell the ward and neighborhood seem really great too. It's always interesting being the "new people" in town but so far we feel very welcome. The kids are adjusting and are enjoying the newfound sunshine that we have missed while being in Washington and are already making friends. Kole is currently at my Dad's house in Hyrum, Utah visiting his Grandpa and aunts (who are ages 10 and 8). They are taking part in a 2-week summer camp where they get to do swimming and art classes. He is having tons of fun and hasn't missed us one bit. To our Olympia family...we love you and miss you already! Please keep in touch.

Calling 911...

So I had my first (and hopefully last) experience dialing 911 this week, thanks to our classically middle-child syndromed middle-child Kamden. Bryan was away that day and I was still recovering from my hernia surgery so I asked a young woman in my ward who is home from college to come and help me that day because I still have trouble lifting and such. Anyway, we made it to the afternoon and I got Logan down for a nap and could tell that Kamden was going to give me a hard time about taking his nap so I decided to let him watch a movie in my room on the couch. We started the movie for him and the babysitter and I started a movie in the front room. We had been checking on him regularly and he'd been doing great until about 3/4 of the way through our movie when he comes out of my room holding an empty prescription bottle! I had completely forgot that I had some pills from my surgery (some muscle relaxers) in my room in their closed bottles next to my bed. When I asked him where the pills were he told me he had eaten them! AHHHHH!!! COMPLETE PANIC!! I went into the room and found 5 pills, I had started with 30 and had probably taken about 12 myself. That left at least 13 pills unaccounted for. I repeatedly asked him where the pills were and he continued to tell me that he had eaten them. I looked all over the room and on the floor to see if I could find any more. It was at the point that I realized I needed to call poison control. Upon calling them and as calmly as a frantic mother can, explained to them what I believed my child may have taken and she told me I needed to call 911. We live only minutes from the hospital but I obeyed and called immediately. 3 minutes later a firetruck, ambulance and crew of 6 EMT's were at my door. At this point Kamden was still his happy smiling self and was happy to greet them with much excitement. The babysitter stayed with Logan while I went with Kamden for a little "joy ride" in the ambulance. He loved every minute of it. We got there and they made him drink this awful black charcoal stuff that absorbs everything in your stomach to keep it from going into your system. I was shocked that he took it without much complaint. It looked terrible! I called to check in on our babysitter and she told me that she had found 7 pills under my bed. That still left some unaccounted for but we really had no way of knowing where the rest had gone. They gave him a popsicle after the charcoal stuff and he remained happy and content. Next he had an IV put in to keep him from getting dehydrated and he again was unhesitant and didn't cry once! I was so amazed! After 6 long hours in the ER (which I found out was the required protocol for a poison control incident) we headed home. I don't think that the trip fazed him much and we'll never know how many pills he took whether he took any at all. KIDS!! I now understand what my mom was talking about when she would tell me that us kids were going to give her gray hair!

In case you're interested...

This is our new house in Riverton. The pictures don't do it justice. We're really excited about starting a new chapter in our lives back home in Utah. We'll be moving in on June 11.

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Kamden the Prince vs. Pine the Dresser

Yesterday, Kamden was in his room when Michelle and I heard a crash and muffled screams. Michelle and I ran into his room to find the dresser on top of Kamden. Kamden had decided to take on the mighty Pine and scale its dangerous heights. Much to his chagrin, the dresser retaliated throwing Kamden to the floor and pinning him underneath its girth. Check out the montage of his black eye and bruised ego. Pine the Dresser: 1. Kamden the Prince: 0.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Kamden's Birthday Dinner

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Kamden turns three...let the festivities begin!

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Kole Loses First Tooth

Kole would say that this has been the best day of his life. Michelle and I get almost a daily update on which of his classmates have lost a tooth along with the total amount lost for each friend. Kole has been working this tooth back and forth for weeks now and it finally came out last tonight (much to Kole's delight). However, he promptly lost his tooth somewhere in the house (Kole thinks it's under the refrigerator). I wasn't sure the tooth fairy would come if he didn't have the actual tooth as evidence, but his maternal tooth fairy took pity on Kole and gave him a whole dollar. When Kole awoke, he exclaimed to Michelle that the fairy must have ironed the dollar before placing it under his pillow because it was so flat.

Bryan vs. Michelle

This is one of those silly quizzes but this one is fun because its about you are your spouse. Post one on your own blog cause we'd love to read it!

1. Who eats more?
Probably Bryan but when it comes to delectable chocolately desserts or just chocolate in general, I could out eat him with one arm tied behind my back!
2. Who said "I Love You" First?
It was me, but he followed later that evening....I know, you're thinking what?! He didn't answer back right away?! No, he didn't. He had never said it to anyone before and it was a pretty big deal for him.
3.How long have you been together? We will celebrate our 8th anniversary in July!
4. Who sings better? Uh...well I did the whole choir/Madrigals think in high school so I guess you would say me but Bryan can definitely hold his own in the singing department.
5. Who's older? Bryan is 3 1/2 years older than me.
6. Who's smarter? I always think that Bryan is smarter because he has the college degree but the older I get the more I realize that in some things I am smarter and in some things he is smarter. Thats why we make such a great team!
7. Whose temper is worse? Thats a tough one. Probably me. I can be a yeller and am trying to work on it.
8. Who does the laundry? Me. But he helps whenever I get behind, which is frequently. So I guess we both do.
9. Who does the dishes? I'd say we take turns.
10. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Me.
11. Who snores? Occasionally if Bryan is sleeping on his back he will but then I just nudge him and he rolls over...simple as that!
12. Who's hair is longer? Definitely mine, though I think Bryan would love to have long hair..I know, weird!
13. Who's better with the computer? Bryan is definitely better when it comes to things like computers, ipods, digital cameras, etc. I'm just not that great with advancing technology!
14. Do you have pets? No pets for us. That is one thing we both agree on. We are NOT pet people.
15. Who cooks dinner? Usually me. However, he helps in the kitchen a lot and I am hugely grateful for that.
16. Who drives when you are together? Bryan
17. Who pays when you go out to dinner? He does.
19. Who is the most stubborn? I would definitely say me.
20. Who is the first one to admit when they're wrong? Bryan is always better about this. I am working on it!
21. Who's parents do you see more? They both live far away (for now) so I would say its about the same.
22. Who named your pet? No pets.
23. Who kissed who first? He kissed me first, on our FIRST date! It was amazing that he didn't scare me away.
26. Who's more sensitive? I am definitely more sensitive. I need to learn to be better.
29. Who has more siblings? Me, 4 sisters, 1 brother. Bryan has 3 siblings.
30. Who wears the pants in the relationship? Uh...if you asked Bryan he would definitely say I do which...is probably pretty accurate!
32. Who sleeps naked? Uhhh...what kind of game is this anyway!
33. Who's the better cook? It depends on what is being made. Bryan is probably better than me at most things but I can hold my own too.
34. Who has more money? Is that really a fair question? Right now, neither of us have money!
35. Who has more tattoos? Neither of us.
36. Who eats more sweets? Definitely me, did I mention the chocolate?
37. Who is closer to their family? We both are. Just in different ways.
38. Who has the older car? We only have one car.
39. Who has bigger dreams? I'd say me. I still have dreams of finishing college and traveling the world. Bryan has dreams but he tends to let the cost of these dreams stifle his thinking!
40. Who cries more? Me, for sure. Unless we are watching some sappy sports movie like "The Rookie."

Bryan and I are the best of friends. We truly balance each other out so well and have a great time together! Love you honey!

It's Official...

In case you haven't heard the news....we're moving to Utah! Bryan got a promotion at his job and we are going to be officially leaving Olympia on June 23rd. When we moved here we never thought we would come to love it as much as we have and it is going to be hard to leave the many wonderful friends we have here. We are very excited to be moving near our families again but there are lots of things we'll miss about Olympia. Here are a few:

1. Never having to wait at restaurants.
2. Very little traffic.
3. Our awesome ward!
4. Fresh fruits/veggies from farmer's market.
5. Yummy seafood and BBQ!
6. Beautiful summers..not too hot or cool.
7. Not having to drive in the snow.
8. The beautiful tall trees.
9. The smell of the Puget Sound.
10. Apple fritters and cider from Latin's Cider Mill.

Happy Easter!

On the Saturday before Easter we went to the annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Mahoney's house. It was an amazing miracle because IT DID NOT RAIN! It is the first time since we have lived here...and apparently it is the first time since the Mahoney's starting hosting this event (6 years now) that it hasn't rained. It was so much fun! Bryan was at a softball tournament the entire day (he didn't get home until 10:30 that night) and missed out..and yes..he owes me big time! I need a vacation! Anyway, the nice weather didn't last long and Sunday it poured but we had a good day anyway. I know I am not biased at all but I swear my kids were the cutest in their Easter outfits. That is definitely one of my most favorite things about Easter, seeing all the little kids dressed up!

Together Forever

Earlier this month we had the pleasure of going to Utah to be a part of Kaitlyn's special day, being sealed to her parents for eternity. I am so grateful for the blessings of the temple and for the opportunity that it gives for us to be sealed to our precious children. It was so neat to see the joy in their faces that day. Kaitlyn's adoption became final the day prior to the sealing and then she was blessed the day after. What a weekend! They looked so radiant in their temple whites! Congratulations you guys! We love you!

A New Business..

So I have decided to start a business with Lia Sophia. If some of you haven't heard of it, it is a jewelry company. I love their stuff! All of the stones are real and they guarantee everything for life. You can go to LiaSophia.com if you want to look at some of their stuff. Some of you know that I use to sell Mary Kay but have since just started buying it wholesale for myself, as well as some family and friends. There were many things about Mary Kay that I did not like, such as having to keep an inventory (hated that), having to deliver product constantly (hated that), going to weekly sales meetings (hated that too) and having to manage the money side because all the money goes through you (50% profit, 50% back to inventory). Well, the awesome thing about Lia Sophia is that its so much simpler!!! No keeping an inventory, the products are sent directly from the company to the hostess or buyer, and when you have a party, a percentage is taken and directly deposited into your account! Not to mention, there is only ONE sales meeting a month. Awesome! A woman from Utah is signing me up (because I originally went to a show of hers while visiting there) and is flying to Washington for my first couple of parties. We booked them all in the same weekend (March 28-29th) so she can help me get started. I am very excited about this new endeavor and hope to be able to help bring in a little extra income for the family without having to be completely stressed out!

Kole and the Salamander

While doing yardwork yesterday, I was using the watering can to fertilize our plants in front of our house and I noticed the can was clogged and not working properly. I untwisted the cap and a tail was hanging out of the end of it! Of course I screamed and jumped back but Kole was right there to capture the little guy before he could get away. A salamander had taken up residence in our watering can and was just waiting to scare the heck out of me. Well it turns out the salamander is quite calm and Kole has completely taken him in as his little pet. He is currently living in a plastic container in our garage and Kole checks up on him regularly. What else can I say? Boys!