ARIZONA OWENS

Christmas 2011

2011-12-30T10:58:00.000-08:00

Jenny and her Castle

Bailey and her doll

Josh and Zelda

Zane actually smiling

Matching overalls

Brothers getting along

Bailey out at 6pm on Christmas Night

Christmas was nice this year. I don't think I did very good with taking pictures... but I did get a picture of each kid with their favorite present and Grandpa and Grandma in Matching Overalls. :) We had company all of Christmas break and Jake worked clear up to Christmas Eve. Bailey was our peeker and sneekee one this year. I noticed tears in a package of hers and she woke up at 3am and looked thru everything and didnt ever go back to sleep and totally crashed at 6pm that night. I am glad that it is over and went well.

Josh turns 12

2011-12-30T10:34:00.000-08:00

Josh and his "Triforce" Cake

Not THRILLED to with the new white shirt and tie

Whew! That wasnt the only thing he got..

Getting the priesthood in Utah

Josh turned twelve on the 22nd.. and we had Grandpa and Grandma M here for Christmas and Uncle Brian and family up to see the temple lights and of course eat some birthday cake. I got Josh a new white shirt and tie which didnt impress him much. I also had gotten him a new 3ds game but I had completly LOST it with all the christmas presents that I had hidden in my bedroom. I felt so bad... so he got a "replacement" family gift bday gift until I could find it. Poor boy, his mother is losing it. We left to go up to Utah with Grandpa M and Grandma M to Joseph for him to get ordained up there. It was nice to have so many of Jake's brothers there.

Zane is Three

2011-12-26T10:57:00.000-08:00

Zane's Cake... we threw together last minute

Bike ride with the family

Zane's favorite thing to do "THROW ROCKS"

All the Kids skipping rocks..

Birthday Presents

Jenny was sick of me trying to get Zane to smile for a picture so she helped...

Zane's bday was pretty low-key this year. We stayed home went on a bike ride to the lake by our house to throw rocks.. (his favorite thing in the WORLD to do) and ate some cake and opened presents and that's it. Zane still loves anything CARS and TRAINS. He still won't sit still for a Thomas movie but LOVES seeing Trains esp. Thomas. Zane is still not talking much.. I'm starting to get a little worried and he is already signed up for speech starting this next month. I don't know how much of not talking is being the baby and having such" helpful" brothers and sisters or if its a problem. So we are now starting the speech testing and therapy. Zane is still loved so much by his family. He sure makes our life busier and crazier but we are so glad he came to our family.

Turkey Day 2011

2011-12-04T19:50:00.001-08:00

All Ears..

Walking at the museum

Katelyn, Bailey and Garret

All the cousins except Brady and Zane

Brady and Zane Digging for Dinosaurs

7 Boys in a tiny Jeep

The Little Boys in the Dog House

Motorcylce rides

Tooth Fairys

Pretty Nails

For Thanksgiving Becky and Brian's families came up to our house. We had 16 people in my little house. I worried about how we were going to fit everyone but we did it... and Shan and Brian and Becky and Shawn didn't even mind the bunkbeds. :) The kids camped out in the living room and it all worked out good. We met Brian and Shan the first day in Tucson and went to the Desert Musuem. It is a huge place set in the desert outside, wher you walk and walk. It was a beautiful day except I got lost with my girls.. long story but we used our "WITS" and found the rest of the gang. The Big Boys worked on motorcylces and trucks.. which led Becky and me on a wild goose chase for a part we weren't sure what it was called or where it went in the truck (Jake and Shawn were out on a motorcylce day trip) but again we used our "WITS" and camera phone and after 3 different auto parts stores found it!! We tried to go Black Friday shopping but decided it wasn't worth the lines and got back in the car and went home.. We didnt use our "WITS" on that one. I got to pull Garret's tooth out.. making my grand total of neices and nephews teeth pulled by Aunt Beth FIVE.. Merinda, Megan (hers fell out while I was babysitting so totally counting her) Katelyn, Dallin, Garret. I should start charging :) The last day we took all the girls and got pedis which cost us a pretty penny so I hoped they all enjoyed it. All and all it was a wonderful Thanksgiving spent with Family.

Desert Rats

2011-11-14T11:52:00.001-08:00

Josh (almost) 12

Bailey 9

Jenny 7

Zane( almost) 3

Z would not sit still...

Owens Family 2011

I finally got my "Desert Pictures" taken by our friend BreannWashburn in our ward. She was nice enough to fight with Zane and Josh who were being pills and try and help us get a family pictures. For you that dont know they call kids that have been born and raised in Arizona "Desert Rats" and all my kids dont know anything different now so here's our pictures to prove it.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-06T19:35:00.000-08:00

I opted for Cookie Halloween Houses instead of Pumpkins

Zane wouldn't stop eating his to even decorate it but he was happy

The Costumes...

This year for Halloween we had a Skeleton knight, an animal vet (small animal btw), woody the cowboy and Link from the video game Zelda. My kids think they are TOO BIG for theme halloween costumes.. SO they got to be whatever they wanted this year, although I begged Josh to be BUZZ LIGHT YEAR , he didnt go for it. We went to the wards trunk or trick.. The kids got enough candy to make them happy and we were done at 7:30 pm, which was nice. This is the only way my kids know how to trick or treat in the back of peoples cars.... in a parking lot ..in thedark. Maybe we need to take them for the "REAL" experience at least ONCE. All the kids Halloween costumes were fairly easy for me to put together EXCEPT Josh's. I tried to talk him out of it for weeks because I knew how much time and energy I was going to put into it.. but nope he wouldn't change his mind. So I enlisted Jake's help and we got it done... mostly. AHHHH!! Sometimes I feel like a SCROOGE and hate all the work that go into these coming holidays..yes I said ALL THE HOLIDAYS cause guess what is around the corner birthdays for the boys and CHRISTMAS.. I know I am awful right. ( I need a little christmas right this very minute...cue the music)

Dirty Laundry

2011-11-06T18:56:00.000-08:00

Josh bet Jenny she couldnt fit in the washer..

mystery solved

Josh waiting for his turn

Jenny shouting her white shirts.. Bailey was on folding and putting away duty

When I started having kids the ONLY thing I thought about was BABIES ARE CUTE....

Some of the things I didn't think about were :

#1. MONEY-how much dang money they cost to clothe, feed, entertain and for schooling, piano, sports, books etc.
#2. TIME- how much time they need and take from me and Jake
#3. PATIENCE- oh how they test your patience and make you want to SCREAM!!
#4. MORAL COMPASS- they need one taught by you.
#5. TESTIMONY- Another thing we are held accountable for and so important that
and so so many more .... but lastly the LAUNDRY having 4 kids makes... SOOOOO MUCH laundry. I dont think I did my own laundry till I was in college. I know I folded and put away laundry several times but actually sorting, starting the wash and changing it over to the dryer and folding and putting away all myself ... I can't remember doing till then. By the end of the week I am swimming in DIRTY laundry (or those clothes presumed DIRTY) It would take me 10 loads or more to get everyones laundry done and folded and put away.. until a few weeks ago when I decided I'm done. Josh and Bailey are old enough to do their own .. from start to finish and I was willing to help the others still. The first week went smooth and the kids thought it was mostly fun. The second week it came back to bite me a little when I realized that BOTH Josh and Bailey had decided to RE-WEAR their clothes so they had less laundry to do. I am embrassed to say it took me till Wednesday to notice they hadn't changed their clothes (they do wear uniforms every day so they do all look alike somewhat) what made me notice was the dried food and stains all over their shirts and empty dirty clothes baskets. Oh well, We are powering on little by little all these kids are going to be pitching in and making life easier for EVERYONE esp. ME and OF COURSE turning into responsiable little people.

Oh, and I blame Parents for making raising a good well adjusted family look so do-able and easy... and wish I could hug my mom and tell her just how much I love her and how much I appreicate all she did for me and all of us growing up... I hope she knows and knew. I guess my dad will have to do :)

October Hunt

2011-10-30T09:32:00.000-07:00

The leaves changing

Josh was thrilled to get the NEW Percy Jackson Book from Grandma

AND..not so thrilled when Jake took it away to pose for a picture and enjoy the GREAT OUTDOORS..

Chillin' with Grandpa and Grandma Owens and Sam in the camp trailer

Here's the HAPPY camper...

Jake and Josh got to go DEER HUNTING a couple of week ago in Utah with Grandpa and Grandma Owens and some of Jake's Brothers. Some of Jake's favorite memories are getting to spend time with all the MEN of the family for the deer hunt. He grew up with hunter orange, guns, bows and his favorite weekend of the year.. OPENING OF THE DEER HUNT. I did not ... although I do remember Blake being quite dangerous with a BB gun. :) However this is something I support WHOLE- HEARTLY and can't wait until BOTH boys can go.. and have this time with their dad and grandpa and uncles and cousins..

Dont Worry Be Happy...

2011-09-28T17:41:00.000-07:00

In Line for the Toy Mania Ride (My favorite)

It was Halloween Time ALREADY

Z finally put his glasses on but wasn't very happy about it

Ride Buddies.. these two rode every ride together

Trapped in the Toy Story Box

The Swinging Ferris Wheel..

We're not scared ... well maybe a little..

Coming in 2012

Tea Cups

The BIG seven year old asleep waiting for the shuttle bus

The Big kids fell asleep too .. the only kid still awake was Zane who was running around and around..

SO we went to the to the HAPPIEST PLACE ON THE EARTH.. DISNEYLAND!! Jake and I surprised the kids and went to Disneyland the weekend of Jenny's Birthday. We both felt like we were being completely irresponsiable but WHO CARES!! I have been so sad and depressed with life for the last year... Jake has been busy just trying to keep me happy. I wrote a couple of months ago that we were finally going to make some changes in our lives and I was so excited about that.. to feel SETTLED mostly. Jake did not get a transfer last year. So the deal was we were going to look for a bigger home for our family and just settle here in Arizona. So ....we started looking and since March we have put 4 offers on 4 different houses and have been outbid or its fallen through.
When we were in Canada and traveling both Jake and I loved the scenery and the green so much!! And then we came back to Arizona.. which I have grown to love too and have friends and family here but we WOULD really rather live somewhere with seasons and to get Jake in a safer job environment. Jake's been dealing with more and more drugs and criminals that are coming through the border. It seems like it is getting more and more dangerous. He IS willing to stay and SETTLE in Arizona but we both know his heart is not here. So we are tired of fighting to get into a home we arent sure we even want anymore so we are offically back in LIMBO. Hoping and praying to get to the place that is a good place for us and Jake can be in a safer environment and we can just be HAPPY is the main goal. I am giving all my worries and prayers to the Lord cause it is truely is his hands and we will go or stay whenever he wants us. AND I JUST CAN NOT MENTALLY HANDLE IT anymore so I'm letting go of them.

ANYHOW... Disneyland was fun. Zane screamed and cried the ~~whole~~ most of the time because he wanted all the toys that were EVERYWHERE.

SIDE NOTE*** I got a new nice expensive camera for my birthday last year and Zane threw it and broke it our first day BEFORE we left for disneyland so on the last day we broke down and went and bought a cheap one.. so not the best pictures but at least we got some right!

My Jenny's Seven

2011-09-27T12:46:00.000-07:00

Sassy

Katelyn dressed her up.. before she turned all boy

Megan and Jenny so little ..

Jenny .... seventh birthday 2011

Jenny is Seven. She is so big. I am so glad that Jenny is part of our family. She is full of sunshine and is very well natured. She is starting to like pink and is turning a little girly . I not totally sure if that is peer pressure or the start of a good balance. She still loves being a puppy or various animals.. we often have to say Jenny "No BARKING"!! Jake and I joke that if she and Zane came first ... we might only have 2 kids :) They are our wild ones for sure..

Squabble-Lings

2011-09-18T17:50:00.000-07:00

SQUABBLING

SIBLINGS AND

OUR COMIC RELIEF Z BIRD

This is a new term at my house.. Squabbling siblings. Well, except Zane because he remains the favorite among the kids. I have been having the hardest time getting the kids to get along. One of them always has to be a magpie. MAGPIE*(Know -it- all , Annoying Bird)- One that twerps in with un-wanted and un-needed andotes while mom is getting after other sibling causing the offender to lose focus on their redirection and yell at the "MAGPIE" instead of listening and learning from their wise mother..
All the children are fed up with sharing a room and are quick to tell me JUST how easy their life would be without this trial. Josh is sick of sisters and wishes he and "Zane" were the only children. Bailey and Jenny take turns either fighting with each other or Josh. Oh all the woes these kids seem to have.It has been exhausting being the mediadtor and brokering truces. Wish me luck cause weren't gonna need it.

School is Cool 2011

2011-08-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

The School Year of 2011 has offically been started for a week now.

Josh is in 6th grade and FINALLY has a BOY TEACHER!! He is so excited cause he has never had one yet in 7 WHOLE YEARS and his teacher lets them do their homework IN class which is apparently NOT FAIR to the girls who still have homework when we get home from school. So he just mighta hit the jack pot.

Bailey is in 4th grade and is a little sad one of her best friends is not in her class and is quick to tell Jenny just how hard school gets... " First it's EASY PLEASY Jenny... THEN it gets sooo hard!!" and I reply with "Bailey, please don't scare your sister... she will do just fine." and smile at Jenny who is looking quite sheepish by the minute.

Jenny is in 2nd grade and has the same boyfriend from last year... even though they are not in the same class. She came home and told me that Kaleb had to decided to break up with all his other girlfriends BUT her... and then let it slip that she was the one who was "BREAKING UP" with all the other girls FOR him. And so I also got to explain that was NOT COOL!!

Zane and I are the bus drivers and are always in the car it seems... he also has decided to give up his naps. SO sad for me because this means I no longer get my NAP either. :) He is now in the stage where he likes to watch a movie (the same movie ) over and over and over. His current favorite is Rio and Shrek. He loves anything with animals.

Jake is back at work and hating the heat and wants to go back on vacation. He is riding motorcylces again and has only fell a couple times so far.. heres to the new school year!!

Utah (second time)

2011-07-31T17:14:00.000-07:00

The kids with Grandma Owens.. Harry Potter they waited to see it with Grandma

Four wheelin' with Owens Side

Jenny and Uncle Andrew

Uncle Sam and Bailey

Zane's ride

Family Picture on top of Kimberly Mountain

We stopped by back at Grandma Owens house to see Uncle Sam who just got home from his mission (same mission as Virginia... She was his mission nurse) and went in the mountains alot. We love getting to use Grandma and Grandpa's four wheelers.

Idaho

2011-07-31T17:09:00.000-07:00

Jenny riding Becky and Shawns little motorcylce.

Brady and Zane in the bath tub

Brady and Zane watching a movie

Boys Camping out

We stopped on the way back to Utah at Becky's. Somehow I only took pictures of the brady and Zane, opps but look how cute they were being.. We made it to Shawn's 40 th birthday party and even got to have a sno-cone..

Oregon

2011-07-31T17:08:00.000-07:00

Cannon Beach

Jenny pose

writing in the sand

running in the sand and waves

chasing seagulls

Riding the waves

Family in a Cave

Cold wet little Boy

We were only at the Oregon Coast for a few hours but we had to stop and play even though the kids got wet and cold within the first 30 minutes we were there.. and salt water dries sticky.. (sigh) it was still fun though

Washington

2011-07-31T17:07:00.000-07:00

Bailey in trees near Vicki's house

Jenny and her hat

Port Angles, Washington

We stayed with Vicki for a few days in Washington when we crossed the border.. We also got to see my friend Beth but some how I didn't take one picture.

On the Way..... thru Alberta

2011-07-31T17:04:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pics of the National Park in Alberta we went through on the way to B.C. It was GORGEROUS!! So pretty we only got out a few times because when we did stop we paid for it twice as much with Zane.. he would be soo happy to get out of the car but then when we had to put him back into the car after twenty minutes he would scream to get back out for thirty minutes... We kept trying to get the kids to put down their electronics and see the scenery which they finally did when we saw the bears and moose.

Fishing in Canada

2011-07-31T16:58:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Lakes

The fisherman

Bailey

Jenny and Julia getting ready to net some big ones..

Fishing with Gulbransons Boys

Zane getting in on the action

Jenny

Bailey

Bailey, Jenny and Julia catches

While we were in Canada OF COURSE dad made sure Jake went fishing.. alot. He took the girls a couple times and Josh once.. no pictures of Josh because the battery died but he did go ONCE. My dad and Jake got a kick outta the girls because they would hold and even KISS the worms for good luck where Dallin and Josh wouldn't touch them.

Horsing Around :)

2011-07-31T16:51:00.000-07:00

Lisa let us all come out to her house and ride her horses... the girls were in love!!

Burns Lake

2011-07-31T16:48:00.000-07:00

Grandpa and Grandma Manwaring

Dallin and Josh

Cousins on the Ferry

Dad and Zane

Kids walking down the road

Red Neck Stroller

We drove, drove and drove and got to Burns Lake "sometime" last month. We had so much fun and hope we can go again soon. The Area was so beautiful, Jake called it God's Country. Virginia spoiled us and defentitly was the" hostess with the most-ess" for sure. We loved getting to visit and meet our newest cousins and family. We stayed in Canada for a whole week, it went too fast.

We saw the signs...

2011-07-31T16:35:00.000-07:00

6300 MILES

25 FILL UPS

11 MCDONALDS

27 POTTY BREAKS

33 ARE WE THERE YETS...

STAY TUNED....

No More Naps!!

2011-06-29T07:47:00.000-07:00

Someone thinks hes too big for naps... I beg to differ..
(Zane asleep on Jake's head at 5pm)

Dear Kids...

2011-06-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

I am so tired... I am running away from home. Please remember to brush your teeth and change your underware, oh and just in case you haven't heard what I have been saying please ...

Be Kind to one other...Because you are brothers and sisters and we love each other

No, I will not pay you to watch Zane while I shower.. cause your the oldest.. sorry

Do Not eat popcicles on the Carpet...Because they melt and I can't get the red stains out.

Take Turns..Because that is nice to do and I said so

Please share... there is enough for EVERYONE.. YES THERE IS!!!

No ice cream for breakfast... that is not healthy... yes I know ice cream has milk in it

Yes, It would be fun to go to disneyworld... yep, other families DO get to do fun things...

Okay, I will pay you if you can keep Zane happy for an hour while I take a nap...

I'm sorry your bored... let me find you something to do... what you dont want to do a job???

Zane, please don't throw cars at me.. it hurts momma.. don't laugh...Dont you dare... OUCH!!

You need to go to sleep before midnight... yes you are too tired..Boy, you sound tired because you stayed up too late..

Shhh! your brother is sleeping.. guess who is gonna be in BIG TROUBLE if he wakes up and I'm NOT GONNA BE HAPPY AND EITHER WILL YOU!!

Why dont you go outside to play.. I know its hot... read a book then.. I bet I can find you something to do..nevermind alright..

Work it out or I guess I CAN "solve" the problem but you might not like how I solve it.

I think that about covers it. Love , Mom

*Jake still away at camp ... So outta the three weeks we have been out of school I have been alone for 2 of them. I know he would rather be home with us and is trying to earn us extra spending money but I am so so discouraged. I have 2 more days until he gets home I hope I can make it.

Schools Out!!

2011-06-16T09:24:00.000-07:00

Josh and Bailey jumping into the Pool.

Zane giving his "sea horse" some luvs

Jake and Jenny's Boat

School's out and Summer is here. We got to go swimming in our neighbors pool while they were out of town and it was like we had our very own pool. (Sigh) It would be wonderful.. if we did.

Girls bedroom door

Josh's Response

Zoo

Jenny feeding the giraffes

We have been enjoying the summer so far.. had a little sibling rivary, gone to the zoo, swimming and to the movies (anything to keep cool.) Jake leaves tomorrow for his 2nd camp this month. We are trying to get geared up for our "BIG" road trip in July. Since Jake didn't take any vacation last summer because he was teaching at the academy .. he gets to take the whole month of July off. We are heading north to visit family and friends and end up to see my dad in Canada. We are so excited... even though Jenny has been telling everyone we are going to Romaina (not Canada) :)

Time Outs!

2011-05-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

"What your really going to leave me here?"

"Don't look at me!!!"

"Told ya you can't stay mad at me"

Zane has been being a little stinker lately. Oh, he defiently is the baby and he knows it. Jake and I are trying to lay down the hammer.. :) And it's sooo hard but it's gotta be done. Wish us luck!

Toothless at Last

2011-05-29T10:24:00.000-07:00

Jen's face when I told her her tooth was ready to pull

Ready, Set.... Yank!!

Toothless!!

Jenny has been dying to lose her first tooth.. she has watched Bailey and Josh lose their teeth and now that she has been in first grade EVERYONE has been loosing them. Since she is a "young" first grader she hasn't quite understood why her teeth haven't fallen out. So she has been trying to wiggle them all year and eat apples anything thing she could think of. SO she made it ... just barely 2 days before school was out and wasn't the only one in her class that hadn't lost a tooth yet... (Just wait until until all the kids in her grade get their licenses and she has to wait till the next year... she will love me FOR SURE :/ )

Mother's Day Run 2011

2011-05-09T15:53:00.000-07:00

Becky and Vicki

Kim and me

Before the Race (pic take my me)

Kim and Vicki in the home stretch

Their competition

After the Race ....WE DID IT!!

Out to Dinner with Aunt JaNell and Girls

I Did it!!!! I mean we did it. We ran a 5k. Us Manwaring girls( me and my sisters) went to Provo this last weekend for a sisters weekend and to run a 5k. Becky and I had set a goal to do it and we talked Vicki and Kim into it.. (actually triple dog dared them ) It was so fun and we laughed and shopped and ate and went to a movie and met up with Aunt LaNay, Michelle and Antionette (no pic srry) and Aunt JaNell and her girls too. I'm glad we got to spend our mother's Day weekend together.

The Case of the Sneaky Easter Bandit

2011-05-09T10:31:00.000-07:00

This is what I first found in the girls closet

and then waited for the suspect to return

to the scene of the crime

GOTCHA!!!!

I did not any cute Easter Pictures of my kids this year... still kinda hoping to get one but .... life happens. Anyhow, a couple of days after Easter I kept finding Zane with candy and I couldn't figure out where he was getting it.. cause I put his up and had warned the big kids to do the same ... so I followed him and this is what I found. I have to say I giggled a little to myself before I tampered with the crime scene and hid the evidence of stolen property before the girls got home from school.

Nine is Fine!!

2011-03-27T21:01:00.000-07:00

Bailey turned 9 this week.. it wasn't a party year so we got her all to ourselves.

She wanted the new Pokemon White game for her DS

She also wanted an ice cream bday cake... I wanted to see if I could make one and after watching a new instructionals on youtube ... I was ready !!

Bailey and I also went and got pedis mainly cause I wanted one :)

Then we went and saw a movie with the whole family

Then all the kids went on a ride with Jake in his "four wheeler"

(They sit down ..I just wanted to see them all and lady squished in the back)

Bailey with her Dad.. whos birthday is this week too. He always tells her she was his best birthday present because she came home from the hospital on his bday. The cake was actually pretty dang good. Good thing its pretty hard to mess up ice cream. Bailey is a lot me and I can see myself in her alot these days. She can be super sweet and super dramatic the next minute. She does have a tender heart and love for any animal as well. We sure love her and are glad she is in our family.

Spring Break 2011

2011-03-24T21:43:00.000-07:00

We stayed home for Spring Break ... I know kinda lame so we sat down

and made a list of rules so we all would be happy and fun.

Then we made a list of fun things to do.....

1. Go to the library 2. Go to Water Park 3. Go to Mcdonalds 4. Have a friend over

5. Go to the treehouse 6. Set up the swimming pool 7. Play laser Tag

(jenny was in charge of this list)

I did my "weekly" loads of laundry

Josh went to his first scout camp out

Bailey got stung by a bee

I ripped my shirt when I was swinging my arms trying to KEEP running

(Im attempting to run a 5k )

Jake and Zane fixed bikes...(shh! Dont mention the bald spot)

The three big kids waiting in line at the waterpark (we left Z with a sitter)

The week went too fast... I felt like we didn't get anything done! We ended up getting 4/7 things done on the kids list. Whew!! Maybe next year we will be more exciting.

Join the Club

2011-03-06T21:23:00.000-08:00

Bailey in her new glasses

Josh showing her how to strike a pose

Twins

Jenny wanted in on the fun... Josh ran and got her his old pair

Kicked out of the club... for being toooo handsy

Bailey got glasses last month... She failed the eye test at school and I being a good mother waited a couple of months and then waited for our vision coverage to kick in January 1st and then finally made an appointment and she REALLY needed glasses. She had never complained and I thought maybe she"might " need some but yep she is part of glasses club now and can totally see the board at school too now

Training Wheels

2011-02-02T07:19:00.000-08:00

Bailey and Jenny can now ride their bikes without training wheels.. Bailey is almost 9 and Jenny 6 ...yep, it's about time. Pat on the back for Jake and I as negectful parents that hardly ever ride bikes with their kids. Hopefully that will change since everyone can now go the same speed! Today I am excited that my kids are getting bigger and we can do something all together as a family until Zane grows outta the baby carrier anyways.

or when Jake and Zane run away to the circus... (this is not the baby carrier)

Zane throwing a fit and threw himself backwards when Josh wanted his bike back... after they got off the bike thankfully.

The kids rode till dark

Animals vs. Siblings

2011-01-31T21:22:00.000-08:00

Zane has started playing outside a lot more now that its cooler... and has found a new "playmate" in Lady.

I'm glad because he has been so lonely during the day without the big kids.. but then he still always has the kitty to hang with too.......

Of course he LOVES it when a big kid gets the occassional sick day too.

O-H M-Y H-E-C-K... Oh my heck!

2011-01-30T14:53:00.000-08:00

Josh won his 5th grade class Spelling Bee.. HOORAY for him. He was so excited that he now got to complete in the school wide Spelling Bee. I was proud at first then I quickly moved to being annoyed. Why you ask? More work for ME I mean Josh. During CHRISTMAS BREAK they send home this HUGE spelling list for the contenders to study. Who wants to study spelling words during Christmas Break not me and defiently not Josh. I didnt worry about it at first cause we still had plenty of time... but the weekend before we were to start school again and the week before the actul Spelling Bee I started to sweat a little..

I reminded Josh that he only had a week until the Spelling Bee and everyone else probably studied ALL break so he probably should start. Each time I brought this up, I got a "Don't Worry Mom, I have a system.. I just close my eyes and see the word .. No Problem." As the days got closer I continued to "bug, ask, threaten and finally DEMAND" him to study. I told him that he was going to get out on the very first word if he did not put any effort into it. Again.. he explained his system and how it was going to work and rolled his eyes and complained when I pulled out a spelling list to study when he was trapped in the car with me.. or slid one under the door while he was going to the bathroom.. um,you know something to do while he was just sitting around..
Oh, the fights that week.. I didnt care if he won, I just didnt want to go to all the trouble to get a babysitter for Zane and show up for him to get out on the first word esp when he had not put any effort into it and mostly for him not to be embrassed. BUT... I gave up. This was going to have to be a learning moment for him and I was done trying to save him. So the day of the Spelling Bee I wished him Luck and dropped Zane off with a friend and showed up to watch his "DOOMED" Spelling Bee Experience. When I got there all the parents were sitting in their designated place ready to see their child SHINE.... I however, wasn't too optmistic. Josh was the 2nd one up... and they gave him is word and he paused and spelled and got it RIGHT! Whew, I thought as I watched the others get up one by one... and started dropping like flies.. 12 got out the first round out of 24. They needed 8 for the state wide Spelling Bee that was coming up. I did the math.. they only needed 4 more kids to get out and then the rest were going to the next Spelling Bee. Thats when I started to picture the next month of fighting Josh to study and trying to get him to put an effort into it... and I started to pray that somehow his system for knowing the words would fail him with a tiny bit of hope that he would keep going because I'm not total evil you know. He got up and asked to spell, paused, started to spell his word... and ....got it WRONG!!
I was a little happy about this but sad for him as well, because again I am not totally evil.... so as he walked by me (And all the other parents)to go sit with the other kids that got out. .. I conjured up by best smile and thumbs up ..you know to be the supportive mother I am. He glared at me and said very LOUDLY(in front of ALL the parents) "SEE MOM, I TOLD YOU I WOULDNT GET OUT ON THE FIRST ONE!!" Yes, all the parents turned and looked at me like I was EVIL.. guess you can't win everything right.

New Year 2011

2011-01-05T21:10:00.000-08:00

Grandpa Owens, Zane, Josh and Bailey

Jenny "in" a turtle shell

Josh "stuck" in a turtle shell

Kids sitting on a turtle statue

Mountain Goats

Bob Cats

Prettty bird

Z trying to keep warm

Grandma Owens and Zane, Jenny, Josh and Bailey

Fireworks

Grandma helping Z get in the fun...

This year for New Years weekend we got Grandma and Grandpa Owens at our house... It was FREEZING!! I think the coldest it has ever been in Arizona since we have lived here. Burrrr! We still had lots of fun by going to a desert museusm and lighting our own fireworks on New Years Eve and then we even got grandpa to go to a movie with all of us the next day. We love it when Grandpa and Grandma come to visit and the kids start crying the night BEFORE they leave begging them to stay. Jenny used to ask "Grandma ... why cant you move your house next to mine house in Arizona" Maybe someday...

CHRISTMAS GIFTS (NO EARLY BIRDS PLEASE)

2010-12-25T16:13:00.000-08:00

Kids x-mas morning .. unhappy Z

Aftermath

Zane's new blanket

Jenny posing for the camera and Josh reading...

It's a pillow ... it's a pet!

The big kids woke up at 4am. I can't belive it! I made them stay up until almost 11pm since Jake was working a graveyard shift and I wanted them to sleep in as long as possiable... so didn't work.. This is the first year they have woken up SOO early. I think next year we are going to have some rules in place. Santa had brought the kids a couple of wii games and left them unwrapped so they could play them until their dad got home and help them be patient to wait to open any other gifts until then... so what woke me up at 4am. ... the wii being turned on! I came out and said NO WAY!! I did let them look through their stockings but then I sent them back to bed until 7am AT LEAST!!!! They were quiet after that but I have a feeling some (BAiley and Josh) didnt go back to sleep cause boy have they been grumpy today. We were ~~all~~ the kids were spoiled this year with toys and books...Zane didnt understand why all the presents werent for him and cried until it was his turn again... Exhausting but it was a good christmas just glad it's over

Birthday Hangover Part 2

2010-12-25T15:02:00.000-08:00

Multi-talented reading and playing at the same time

His Mario Blanket I made and is FINALLY finished

Josh and Zane's B-day cake (first time)

Josh and Zane's b-day Cake (2nd time... we saved the words Happy and Josh )

Josh turned 11 on the 22nd... We were still recovering from Zane's but his birthday still came.. It wasn't his year for a friend party so he invited a friend over and went to "TRON" the movie and then they came home and played video games all night..what more could you want right... On his actual birthday the next day we got our cousins to come up for a sleepover and leftover birthday cake. He got the new Nintendo DSi that he has been wanting for a few years now. I told him that I would only pay $50 towards it for his birthday so he gathered up his DS and decided what games he didn't want to play anymore and asked his dad to put it on Ebay for him.. he was nervous esp. starting the bidding at $ 0.99 cents but it sold for $170.00 so I ended up forking over his birthday 50 bucks and he got $70 to save... but he did have to go without any kind of DS for a month until his birthday.... but Im not worried Im sure he will make up for lost time somehow.

Christmas Pictures 2010...

2010-12-20T22:23:00.000-08:00

I have never sent actually christmas cards out. Nope, not once since we have been married.. I attempted to this year.. but so not gonna happen. I don't have a scanner so I took a picture of the professional picture I got of the kids sorry it is a little ghetto but oh well I am past caring on this one.
Let me just tell you I HATE trying to get my kids pictures taken. HATE, HATE, HATE!! I asked for this expenisive camera for my birthday this year so I could just take them my self but Zane is horriable and I can not get him to stand still... so I decided to go professional cause I have not gotten one "professional picture" of Zane yet and he's now two.
So I sucked it up and went by myself... (jake was working) drove an hour to get there,After searching and stressing for the perfect matching outfits.... (I actuallly cut up and glued flowers on Jenny's dress to get it to match Baileys a little more.) Jenny poked holes in her tights the whole way there, Josh was slouching and making faces in all the pictures, and some lady gave me the pity look and pity sigh for having 4 kiddos.. (Honey, She's got some holes in her tights... (she said to me and pointed at Jenny) "I'm aware, she did that on the way up here.." I said. ... and then she responded with " I guess you did the best you can do with FOUR children.." AGHHH..kinda wanted to punch her in the face but I didn't... and look I got them back and they kinda even look nice BUT now I can't find the christmas cards I bought to put them in so I give up.. Merry Christmas RIght.

Zane's Two!!

2010-12-20T22:01:00.000-08:00

Waving at me instead of posing for a picture

making a funny face at Josh while he is fixing Cars for him on my ipod

His favorite ride of the night

The kids in front of the Zoo Light entrance

I can't belive that it has been two years since this little guy has joined our family.I still wish I would have held out and had him in January or after Christmas.... what was I thinking?? Josh and I were talking about birthday presents the other day and he said "You know what .. Mom, I think Zane is still my best birthday present ever! (Zane came home from the hospital on his 9th birthday) but my most challenging one as well.. you know cause he runs every where and screams and always wants to watch Cars or Chuggington... but he's still my favorite." Other sweet moment with my two boys. This year for Zane's birthday we decided to go to the Phoenix Zoo Lights.. we had heard that it was super neat so we drove up to the valley and went. We were not impressed... it cost alot to get in and then there were sooooo many people. Jake and I both decided next year we will go to the "free" temple lights instead and save our money but hopefullly it was a memory right. We also went to Red Robin our token birthday resturant and the boys got sung to and everyone left full and happy with ballons..

For a good time.....call

2010-12-13T19:13:00.000-08:00

Jenny's got a boyfriend. Not a boy that is a friend. An ACTUALLY boy that asked her to be his "girlfriend". What!! She is six ... and I think I failed my first mother/daughter girl talk session with her. This is how it went down...

Jen- Mom, "Can you keep a secret?"

Me- Sure.

Jen- "Promise you wont tell ANYONE!!! Esp. Dad and Josh....

Me- Okay.. what? ( yes, I am aware of the fact I am telling the whole blog sphere but she's six! )

Jen- I have a boyfriend .... (and hides her head in her hands)

Me- What! What do you mean... silly girl.

Jen- Caleb asked me to be his girlfriend yesterday and I said YES!! (Hides her Head in her hands again)

Me- Oh,... (pausing to think of what to say) do you really need to be boyfriend/girlfriend Jenny that is kinda silly you guys should just be best friends.. you are too little to have a boyfriend... What does it mean to be his girlfriend?
(kinda came out sounding like my mother a little...augghh I think to myself Im getting old and uncool)

Jen- Nothing... well, today at music we sat together and let our backpacks touch and we pretended that they were married and were kissing...

Mom- (A little shocked...) Oh... (pause) That is silly (giggle) you guys don't kiss right...( pause) JENNY RIGHT!!

Jen- (head in her hands again, refusing to answer) I don't wanna tell you ... (whimpering and starting to cry)

Me- Jenny, just tell me okay..

Jen- I'm afraid to... I dont remember...

Bailey-( who has been quiet until now) Ewwww!!! Jenny you are in so much trouble Dad is gonna rip his lips off!

Me- Jenny...

Jen- I'm afraid .... you will (sob) make us (sob) break up! (sob)

Me - (giggle couldnt help it she's SIX) Jenny.. its okay just tell me

Jen- Okay... He kissed me TWICE... on the cheek. (whew)

Me- ( a little dumbfounded at this point) um, um, Jen I think you guys shouldnt be kissing each other ok you can be best friends and show him you like him by giving him a .....high five or something?? ( again lame mom comment out of my mouth)

Jen- But he just broke up with Lauren cause she wouldn't do the baby part when we play house.

Me- WHAT! WHAT IS THE BABY PART JENNY!!!! (shocked)

Jen- You know when you play house and you pretend you are married and then you pretend to have a baby.... well ...I 'm not sure I'm usually the dog.

Me- Oh.... (pause and giggle ) If it was me I'd totally keep being the dog cause you know DOGS are more fun then anyone else ... they get to bark and bite and run around.. ( she didnt sound conviced so I threw in.. ) and sniff their own butts..

Jen- LAUGHING... maybe your right... That is funner then having a baby. (whew)

Up A CRICk

2010-12-13T19:10:00.000-08:00

Doesn't he look RESPONSIABLE....

So.. I did something scary this week.... but I was UP A CRICK (hence the title) no judgement please...
I let Josh babysit Zane.( He will be 11 next week rite) Oh, How I stressed over this. I HAD to be at the kids school to volunteer on Friday night and Jake got called out on a detail and I could not find a babysitter..
It just happened to be the ward Christmas party that night as well so I really was having a hard time finding anyone I knew. Josh keep telling me that he COULD do it. I was taking the girls with me so it was going to just be them. And Zane would only be awake an hour or so after I left... so I started to consider it while in the back of my mind trying to think of how I could possiably get out of this commitment all together..
So all week Josh practiced.. He changed diapers( even poopy) and fixed Zane's sippy cup and tucked him into bed everynight (with me right beside him) but I wanted to make sure he could do it.
I went back and forth and back and forth and stressed and stressed about it and was ready to take the crap from the PTO ladies and cancel on them but Im chicken and thought maybe I should give it a try so ...I made sure I had a friend on notice that lived close that would be able to drop everything and run over if he needed her.. and I left.(GULP)

I called to check on him every hour... and which he started to just answer the phone " RESPONSIABLE OLDER BROTHER SPEAKING" which made me laugh and relax a little and when I got home all was well. Zane was tucked in sweetly and when he woke up the next morning I ran to get him and he held his arms out for me to lift him out ...and then demanded for his "JOSH" and looked around for his brother.
... my sweet boys oh how I love them.. but I dont think it will be a regular occurance until Josh is a little bit older but I am grateful that they love each other and I think they always will. Maybe 9 years is a good age gap after all.

What I did over Thanksgiving Break.....

2010-12-09T07:04:00.000-08:00

Josh had to write two paragraphs about his thanksgiving break. I thought it was funny so I took a picture so I could remember what it said:

During My thanksgiving break I went to my grandparent's house in Utah where I experienced the cold shoulder, a wizard movie, no elk, and the opposite of a hot dog. (a cold one)

The cold shoulder I experienced was when I slipped on a ice rink (a frozen pond) and in a snow bank. The wizard movie was "Harry Potter and the deathly hallows Part one", it was so good I can't wait for Part two coming in June. No elk was when My dad, grandpa and me went hunting but didn't catch anything. The cold dog was my aunt's dog Max (who I raised myself, Thank you), I played with him all break.

The rest of Thanksgiving was quite a HAIRRAISING time. Let's see first we drove over a 2,000 miles... in the snow. (Well, only out of Arizona) My dad got married, I got stuck driving in the snow ALONE... (after I dropped Kim off) which was scary.. Drained and tired got back to my in-laws where we had some "new" experiences and I got the flu all night the night before thanksgiving... and lived on coke and crackers thanksgiving day.When I was finally feeling better emtionally and physically it was time to head home and back to LIFE AS I KNOW IT.

Sidenote: I DID NOT take one picture during thanksgiving so I hope these do.

Cat and Mouse

2010-11-10T17:32:00.000-08:00

A big kitty hug

telling the kitty whos boss

will not change his handling grip aka thoart hold

Loses the kitty after mom tries "again" to show him how to hold him around the stomach

Kitty is resourceful and HIDES well

Zane has found a new playmate during the day while the kids are at school. The Kitty is less then thrilled about this new friendship however. ... but has yet to bite or scratch Zane. (others of us have not been so lucky including moi) Zane chases the poor kitty around all day and he is a pretty good sport about it and usually hides when he has had enough. I tried to get just a cut picture of zane holding him but he wouldnt stop shaking him long enough :)

Witches and Wizards and their cat & owl too

2010-10-31T13:41:00.000-07:00

Bailey as "Hermoine Granger"

Megan "the witch" and her "black cat" Jenny

Harry Potter (Josh) and a dark wizard " he who should not be named"..

(really I dont think he had an offical name)

Zane as "Hedwig " Harry Potter's owl

The girls haul

and the boys

This Halloween we went down to Brian's and went Trunk or treatin' with cousins. We only went up for the day so it was short but VERY sweet!

Lottery ticket

2010-10-24T19:36:00.000-07:00

It's here. Our ticket to move North. The question is.... do I (we) want it? When we joined the BP we thought we would only have to be in Arizona for 3 years max and then we could transfer to a BLM job back in Utah or go to Washington State where I begrudging left as a junior in High school and ALWAYS wanted to go back.

Not so... we have applied and applied but nothing. We have now been here in Arizona for 7 years this month. I have gotten to really enjoy the weather and found good friends, finally gotten the kids into a wondferful school that I really dont want to leave, have close cousins just two hours away and there are so many things we havent gotten to do and explore here yet.

I DO like living here.... But... We have always half- heartly lived here and thought of it as meerly a stepping stone and I am done feeling that way. I want nothing more then to feel SETTLED! It scares me the thought of completly starting over someplace even though that is what and where we have always dreamed of going and doing maybe I'm not as adventurous as I once was.
The transfers have opened again and Jake is going to put this name for some washington stations, Idaho and a montanta station. This is it though our last chance If we get passed up again we are done and we are going to SETTLE DOWN AND BECOME REAL ARIZONIANS.. with both feet in the state :)

I'm excited for the answers that are coming.

Road Trip

2010-10-18T13:24:00.000-07:00

Grandpa manwaring telling storiesb

grandkids listening.....hopefully

Me and the kids tagged along with Bri and Shan for fall break to my dad this last week. It was a looong drive. We wimped out and stayed in a hotel each way since it was over a 1000 miles each way. I checked into a hotel all by myself a first for me ... well, Brian was next to me and the hotel lady thought we were married but whatever I still did it and stayed in my very own hotel room all alone with all the kids. WE helped dad shovel dirt outta his basement and played with cousins and enjoyed being together.. you know after I got my keys back from locking them in the van at a burger King in Kingman, AZ and kids throwing up in hotel rooms and having to get two new tires went I got home... and two kids home with sore thoarts and fevers (a possiable strep watch.. we still love you kim) It was still a really good time. :)

Long Distance Dad

2010-10-05T16:43:00.000-07:00

Jake's fridge in Roswell covered with all the cards and letters we have sent while we have been home..

i think he misses us too.

I have done pretty good while Jake has been gone, I miss him like crazy and can't wait he is here to help with the fanastic four. But it has been a learning experience as well for me. I have a wonderful, wonderful husband that does sooo much for me. While he has been gone I have had to pick up his slack like you know take out the trash, :) (well, I try to make Josh do that one), feed the dogs and take them on runs, change the fire alarm batteries (which I have NEVER done and it only took me like 6 hrs to get them all changed and stopped beepin), even taking Z's carseat out and harnessing back in. all simple things that my hubbie does without me even asking) The other things I have had to do alone that were a little harder were bullying issues with Josh and another boy at school, red spots somewhere he didnt want to show me and I didnt wanna look ... Jenny crying and wanting her dad and our family back together hysterically. Two bunnies dead.. (died while we were in NM) 3 book reports, homework, homework, homwork, fighting, fighting, fighting, a crying baby.. going grocery shopping with all four children and the looks of pityand hatred of other shoppers. I have SURVIVED!!! Yeah, but this week I broke down. I had put the baby to bed and remembered something (wont tell u what but COULD NOT go with out) I needed a the store. It was past 8pm and I decided to leave Josh in charge and run quick.. so I gave Josh instructions and made him PROMISE to keep the girls quiet and left. I wasnt even gone 5 minutes when I remembered my purse at home. So I turned around to go and get it.... I walk in the house and Josh was sitting on top of the girls in a dog pile and they were screaming (happily but screaming) I had HAD IT. I told Josh he was fired and I picked up the phone and called Jake put it on speakerphone and informed everyone Dad was babysitting while I was gone and to be quiet!! so thats what they did.

DONT WAKE THE KITTY

2010-10-05T16:27:00.000-07:00

We got a kitten this week. Yep, another animal.. have you lost track in how many we've had cause I have. The bunnies died while we were in New Mexico. Seems our bird dogs are also bunny dogs as well. : ( So we are trying a kitty this time. (An INDOOR kitten) So far is going good and the kids are loving it and taking care of it and it is litter trained so thats a plus and Zane hasn't gotten in the kitty litter either so EVEN BETTER!!! But yesterday morning Jenny woke me up at 5:30 am asking if she could use my bathroom (cause the kitty is in hers) cause she didn't want to wake the kitten up... so I sleepily nodded and remembered that Zane can hear the toliet flush from his master closet bedroom and just as I tried to warn her not to flush "MAMMA!!! " WAHHH!!!! So I have now explained to the kids to "forget about the kitty, dont you DARE wake up the baby! BTW we named it Scout (notice I have been refering to it as it cause we don't know if its a boy or a girl yet)

Jenny-Poloosa

2010-09-28T12:12:00.000-07:00

Jenny turned six this past week and boy did we celebrate!!! We went down to Uncle Brian's and played with our cousins, (the weekend before) on her "offical" birthday Jenny got to go out to lunch and a movie with friends, but refused to have ANY cake or ice cream without her dad who missed it. So last weekend we headed down to New Mexico to see our dad and finally had our cake and ice cream. :)

CARS

2010-09-15T11:19:00.000-07:00

To say Zane loves Cars would be an understandment.

School Year 2010

2010-09-05T17:24:00.000-07:00

Well, we started school last month and came home from New Mexico.. Here is a picture of the kids on the first day of school this year. They look thrilled don't they. Josh is now a 5th grader, Bailey is in 3rd and Jenny is in 1st. grade. So far school is going well and the kids are enjoying it. I am suriving here alone without Jake (he comes home in oct) and dealing with the kids alone... just barely. We all miss our dad and can't wait to have him back, FULLTIME. It is a little discerning when the kids talk about going to their dads or.. saying oh, thats at my dads.. etc. Zane cries everyday when the kids leave him and run into school and has to just deal with mom till they get home BUT we are both enjoying ~~our~~ his naptime.

Sante Fe

2010-08-02T10:55:00.000-07:00

We went to Santa Fe, New Mexico... which I may or may not have thought was in Texas..maybe I need to start studying some maps. Anyways, We took the kids on a Train ride to Lamy, New Mexico got to eat lunch there and then ride the train back to Santa Fe.

This is what the train looked like and the kids were sooo excited.

The had a place between the cars that you could be totally outside during the ride. This is where we spent most of the ride.. esp. Zane he didn't want to ride inside even though he was sooo tired. It made me a little nervous and Jake kept getting upset at me when I would sneak a hand on Zane's leg when they were leaning a little to closely to the edge. ( you know for extra insurance in case he fell outta Jake's arms I could quickly grab him) Jake thinks I am turning into a nervous nelly like my mother.. likely so

The kids inside the train

Jenny just "resting her eyes" for a minute

Zane almost asleep outside with Jake.

It was fun and hopefully a memory for the kids. Josh said " that a train was his favorite vehicle probably until he gets to ride a rocket." Jenny said " Trains are faster then motorcylces." Bailey is ready to go again and Zane .. well we will all have to tell him about it someday.. We enjoyed the weekend and exploring Sante fe.

Side note: After two kids you have too many kids to stay in a hotel. Unless you bring the bendryl.

Carlsbad Caverns

2010-07-17T21:52:00.000-07:00

Josh and Bailey EARLY in the morn to watch the Bats

(This is where they sat and the bats flew over their heads.)

We went to see the Carlsbad Caverns this weekend. It is only about 2 hours away from Roswell. Jake, Josh and Bailey woke up at 4am to go and watch the Bats return back into caverns. They said there were millions and millions that flew over their heads and back into the cave. Then later that afternoon we all went to the caverns and did the tour, which was family fun and educational according to Josh. (As well as "Man, I better not get Bat guanno (poop) on me. Jenny was worried and got after us when we talked to loud because she didnt want us to wake up the bats.... Zane sleep through most of it. It was interesting and the tour took over 3 hours to do with the kids.. we walked and walked and walked. Jake rented these audio devices for the kids to listen to at certain points of the trail and they would tell the kids about the history of the part of the cave. They loved to listen and I was so glad that there was an elevator at the end... that took us all back to the top.

Bailey Bait

2010-07-17T21:25:00.000-07:00

Bailey was outside playing in the backyard and a turtle crawled by her foot.

So of course we kept it and she named it LAUREL which she may or may not name her daughter someday. Bailey is such an animal lover no matter what kind. She hates it when she gets out voted to watch cartoons instead of animal planet or the national geographic channel by her brother and sister. Jake keeps telling her she has to grown up to be a vet so she can buy him a corvette.

Bottomless Lakes

2010-07-17T21:17:00.000-07:00

We went to a place called the bottomless lakes that is only a few miles away from here a few weeks ago. It was pretty fun, It reminded me alot of Whatcom Lake without the swimming docks to swim out to. The Lake was blue and pretty but next time we are going to go better prepared. ... like sunscreen and enough towels for everyone and maybe chairs and a umbrella to set up over the chair and a really good book for me to read. yah..... that would be perfect next time.

Fishing for Pansies ( and I loved it)

2010-07-17T21:11:00.000-07:00

Look at that smile! Sweet Sucess!!

Josh looks a little sure of himself

Jenny refused to touch the fish!

The happy explorers

And of course ZJ with his first catch

We went up to the mountain to fish and explore one of our first weekends here. We drove and drove and DROVE.... looking for the perfect fishing spot. Jake still didn't have a fishing license so that complicated things because after we found a good fishing spot, he couldn't find a place to get a license so the KIDS...( and me) were so tired you know from all the DRIVING and just wanted it to end so Jake found a place where we were promised to catch fish and you didn't have to have a fishing license (that was included in the price) We went and it was pretty much like fishing in a fish hatchery cause as SOON as the fishing pole went into the water the fish would bite and there was your fish. Yeah!!! The only problem was it didn't take that long for all of them to catch ~~ONE~~ , three or four fish and we had to pay $3 a inch.. So we dragged the kids away after a half hour and $ 93.00 later. Jake rolled his eyes at me while he payed but ~~ALL~~ , well me and the kids were happy to be done and headed home.

Camping 101

2010-07-05T16:35:00.000-07:00

We went Camping this weekend in our trailer and I learned ..........

#1. It is never good to set up camp while it is raining and hailing

#2. Duct tape can really fix anything like your tent holes that have ripped in the rain and hail

#3. I never will bring enough dry clothes EVER!!

#4. Hot dogs cooked over a campfire are sooooo good even if they turn black from the flames.

#5. Little girls refuse to eat hot dogs that look black and will only eat the buns.

#6. Cleaning up vomit in the middle of the night is still not fun in the outdoors.

#7. When you spill oj all over you it doesnt dry quite the same as water.

#8. Although flip flops are nice to slip on and off... there is no way too keep your toes clean.

#9. Tennis shoes are soooooooooo much better to keep feet clean but not so fun when they get wet.

#10. Maybe I'm not a happy camper.

#11. You always sleep better the second night cause you are sooo tired.

#12. Sleeping with a baby that likes his space is not the easy thing to do.

#13. Worms can be the most exicting pets EVER.

#14. Kids actually fight over who has the best walking stick.

#15. Boys have an unfair advantage when there isnt outdoor bathrooms.

# 16. I have two girls..

# 17. I need to learn more campfire songs and stories.

#18. I did have fun but boy am I tired.

Josh.. big feet... Owens

2010-06-25T12:36:00.000-07:00

Today I couldn't find my shoes... and I needed to run to the store so I went to the hall closet and looked one more time. Josh's sandals caught my eye, would they, maybe well.... I tried them on and they fit. So off to wal-mart I went and when i got home i left them in the hallway and i hollered at Josh to put his shoes away and he came and said " Man, how did these get here... I swore I put them away." Then I giggled to myself and thought there are even more good things about kids getting bigger.

Shell City

2010-06-14T16:37:00.000-07:00

Bailey found these snail shells in the backyard and cleaned them up and painted them all these bright colors. She was so proud of her work she decided to sell them .... for a 1 dollar each. We tried to discourage her and distract her but that wasn't going to happen. I was glad when she picked grandma out to hold her signs and yell loudly that SHELL CITY was open. So .... grandma was a good sport and went outside and QUIETLY yelled they were open for bussiness. I thought it was pretty funny and went and took pictures. Jake went out after a bit (and no customers ) and told Bailey that the city had called and she needed a permit. It was so sad to see her face drop so he quickly bought her inventory and grandma too. I am not sure if that taught her the right lesson but she better realize how much her grandma and dad love her.. anyways.

Aliens

2010-06-14T16:27:00.000-07:00

The kids in a tree in our front yard

our street

the mcdonalds looks like a ufo ship too

So we got here in Roswell last week. It is a pretty area if you take out all the alien stuff. It was fun at first but now Jenny is having alien nightmares at night. We can't even go to wal-mart without seeing aliens on the walls weeeeeeeeeee oooooooooooo weeeeeeee ooooo. I am really liking the area though, it has beautiful big trees and sidewalks. The house we are renting is only about 500 sq. ft bigger then our old one but it feels huge to us. Zane even gets his own room and doesnt get stuck with a closet. It kinda has an interesting floor plan but I do like it. The best part about the house is the the backyard, which is not huge either but has a full back porch with furniture and a bbq. We eat out there alot and it is really nice. I haven't met a soul yet and am starting to feel a little isolated but on the other hand I love the fact no one knows us yet too. Jake is enjoying teaching and maybe would be tempted to stay if that was ever offered. There is alot of fishing and camping places around so that of course really tips the scales.

Zane loves his blankies

2010-06-14T16:09:00.000-07:00

Is there anything cuter then a baby dragging a blanket around.... what about 2 and sometimes a pillow.

GOOD COP, BAD COP ( instructor)

2010-05-25T18:39:00.000-07:00

Jake is leaving on Monday for New Mexico. He is gonna teach firearms at the academy until the middle of October. We are excited to actually get picked for something and the opportunities that it will bring(hopefully) but sad because we love our new school so much I'm going to come home in August to get the kids in school and be all by my lonesome (well plus 4 kids) for 2 months while Jake finishes up out there. School doesn't get out for my big kids for another 2 weeks so we are staying behind until then and then we are following him out there for the rest of the summer. They say that it is at least 10 degrees cooler in NM so yah for just 100-100.5 degrees this summer.

A SAD TAIL..... COTTON BUNNY R.I.P

2010-05-25T18:29:00.000-07:00

We lost our dear "beloved" Cotton last Sunday. She became just too daring and jumped into the dog kennel with the dogs, who quickly caught her and sent her blissfully to heaven..... then Bailey went outside when she remembered her bunny was still outside roaming and screamed bloodly murder!!!!!!!!!!!!! After a few hours of hysterically crying and sobbing between Jenny, Bailey and Megan. We still werent able to find "Nuts" and decided maybe she had gone to a better place too and were content to be bunni-less for a while but later that night we found her (Nuts) hiding in the backyard and we were so happy but sad because who knows if rabbits get lonely so..... meet Nuts's new best friend (cinderella) Cinnamon.
P.S. Josh just informed me that my use of satire in the title wasn't appropiate.... guess he doesn't get my humor but has succeeded my vocabulary.

ZANE-NADO and A little BOTHER

2010-05-11T17:01:00.000-07:00

Zane is almost 17 months at the end of this month and boy is he a handful. He is keeping us all busy chasing after our little "tornado" He throws everything and doesnt talk much just grunts or screams.. (Yes, I am watching that and trying to get thim to verbalize what he wants) but the only word that he says consistly is "DAD. " He knows how to open doors and loves to play cars on the toliet lid.. (until I catch him) digging in the bathroom to find curlers. ... climbing on the bunk bed to list a few.The novetly of having a little brother has also worn off with the kids.. now that he is ripping everything apart and throwing all the books out of the bookcases and smacking them in the head with cars and remote controls. I hear the girls getting after him often yelling "bad boy.....Bad Boy.....BAD BOY!!!!" Followed by a MOM!!!!!!!! Help... get Zane!!! I am still enjoying him even with all the excitment and am glad Heavenly father saved him for last I just hope I can find the balance that keeps him a good boy not A BAD BOY (spoiled baby boy)

Hand Me Downs

2010-04-11T17:49:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you have an older brother and older sisters

101 stuffed animals on the floor (really 101)

2010-04-11T17:47:00.000-07:00

My girls love, love stuffed animals and I have noticed that the are kinda getting out of control so I have been slipping out bags of stuffed animals every couple of months and i thought that maybe they were big enough to pick their favorite 10 and we could get rid of the rest.... nope. I only could talk them into getting rid of 10 together and I think I am going have to go back to the old system and seek them into the SRP (stuffed animal relocation program)

Easter 2010

2010-04-11T17:40:00.000-07:00

The Easter Bunny came and almost forgot poor Zane

Brian and Shan got new couches which I hit my knee on at least three times.

For Easter we went to Sierra Vista and I took one picture... we did lots of fun things... like we went to a 3-D movie with the kids and we all looked so silly in our glasses I would crack up everytime I looked at anyone and poor Zane kept trying to rip the glasses of us every chance he got. (Totally missed the picture opt) Then we went swimming at the wave pool and that was a lot of fun..( missed that picture opt on purpose)

I was a slacker on the picture taking but I did take a picture of my knee when we got home cause owwwh it hurt and I wanted some sympony.

The Big Day in the Splash Zone

2010-04-11T17:29:00.000-07:00

grandpa Manwaring

Grandpa Manwaring got Bailey pink roses and a pretty pink necklace which she loved.

I was really trying to smile in the picture

Grandma Owens and Aunt Cami made a Baptism Blanket

The Arizona Manwarings got creative with candy (and Josh was jealous cause he got a picture of jesus)

Grandpa and Grandma Owens

Bailey did it, she got baptized this last week. We had a short and sweet baptism, which we all loved. she was the only one in our ward so it was all about Bailey. We had all the grandparents and Uncle Brian and Shan and kids of course(I didnt get a picture of them though) It was a good day.... I remembered the white underware but forgot towels so maybe by the time Zane gets Baptized I will have my duties of a good mom perfected... ;)

Bailey's Birthday

2010-03-31T21:57:00.000-07:00

finally a use for the deer in the living rm

everyone with their stuffed animals

Bailey turned eight last week and it was her year for a party so we had an animal party... She still loves horses but has now rounded out with a love of all animals. ANY and ALL. I have caught her bringing flies home in her back pack.. (don't ask me why) Anyways... I found a good deal on un- stuffed animals online that you could stuff at your house and I made outfits for the animals.. (I cut up a newborn oneies and made a shirt and panies) and a skirt for each girl to dress their animals up in. It was fun and all the girls had fun whew I am glad we dont have a party for another 2 years.

Bailey's Taking the Plunge

2010-03-31T21:46:00.000-07:00

Bailey is getting baptized on April 10, 2010

at 10 am.

..Like bunnies

2010-03-21T18:22:00.000-07:00

We are weak.... we tried to resist. Bailey wanted a kitty for her birthday Thats all just a kitty. Some friends of ours in the ward have bunnies and Jake thought this was a better option since they could be outside and can't meow. So we went to look and we ended up with two... (Girls) so that they can keep each other company and they were so cute. The kids have been playing with them all week. Zane isn't too sure of them and doesnt want to touch them and Bailey and Jenny learned the art of dressing live animals up in doll clothes.. who needs barbies (we do have them btw I am sorta girly) Oh, the girls each named them..... Bailey named hers Cotton and Jenny named hers Nuts... (she said because hers looks like a peanut, but she giggles everytime she says it so I am not so sure)

High heels baby

2010-03-21T17:42:00.000-07:00

BANG!! BANG!!

My almost eight year old.

Bailey got her first pair of high heels.... she was so excited, so excited I felt a little bad. I used to think I was cool when I was younger and thought well knew that I was gonna be the coolest mom. Now I am not so sure maybe I am not so cool and not girlie enough with my girls. So anyways Bailey was thrilled and looks so grown up and Jenny however was confused ..... she thought they looked like guns.

Binky Boy

2010-03-21T17:35:00.000-07:00

Zane will not take a binky but he needs something. He has been using his old bottle nipple to comfort him lately. I know it is too late to even think of the binky... but this little boy.....i dont know

JENNi-FUR

2010-02-22T11:28:00.000-08:00

An old picture but so cute....

Jenny came home from school the other day and told me that she wanted to go by her nickname JENNiFUR. I told her no thats not a nickname and that isnt your real name, you are just jenny. She quickly said that she hates being just jenny because JENNiFUR sounds cooler like a dinosaur or a tree. I thought that was funny.

INSANE ZANE

2010-02-22T11:16:00.000-08:00

My other son is CRAZY. He is now 14 months and finally walking a little. Again, I realize that these little spirits come into our families with their own personalities. Zane has already chipped his front tooth, lost a fingernail, I think I counted 5 bruises on his face from last week alone,(I called Jake 2x to ask what exactly to look for in a concusion) , has at least 2 baths a day and is fearless. He is busy, busy, busy. He climbed out of his crib and landed on his head and learned how to climb into the bathtub last week. Josh was such a different baby calm, quiet, neat and so easy going. Zane will already throw full on tantrums on the ground if you shut a door or take away something from him. 2 sons and so different and 2 girls and so different.Some are easier to get along with and I am SCARED for the teenage part. I just hope they all grow up knowing I love them all the same. Heavenly Father just knew he had to sent the calmer ones first so I would think I could handle Jenny and Zane.

A softer touch

2010-02-22T11:04:00.000-08:00

Josh is our first born son. Jake had a lot of things envisioned for him for his future and so far not many of those things have come true. He is a good boy and loving brother most of the time and loves to go to church. He has unwaivering faith and loves the gospel and his heavenly father so that is something to be proud of but father and son are so different. Jake hates to read, Josh loves to read and always has his nose in a book. Jake tends to like sports(aka. motorcylces and fast cars) Josh perfers to walk and has only ridden his bike when bribed or forced to do so. These two butt heads ALOT. Sometimes I wonder if it is my fault cause I am the one home all the time and somehow broke Jake's son. But then I have to remind myself that Josh isn't broken, he just has his own spirit and personality.It is painful to watch them try and do the dishes together.Josh is getting older and has really expressing his own will power and thoughts. I have been trying to think of something to do so I dont feel like we are always getting after him. So....Josh and I started running a few weeks ago. It has been kinda fun. At first I had to talk him into going and he would complain .... "we have to walk how far.", "can I play my ds when I get home.... my side hurts..... I gotta pee....... I'm tired etc. etc. Yesterday he came and got me off the couch all dressed and ready to go. Come on Mom let's go. It has been so fun having this one on one time with Josh. Even though I have to listen to endlessly about Pokemon and Mario during the our walking periods. (did you know that mario and luigi are plumbers from Brooklyn) I didn't.

80% Owens....

2010-02-09T18:18:00.000-08:00

Josh told me the other day that he was 80% Owens and 20% Manwaring.... I quickly responded by saying no you are 50/50. Then I gotta thinkin... maybe he was right. I think I lost on percentages with both my boys. It's okay cause I will be happy if they grow up to be just like their daddy.

In the Jungle the MIGHTY Jungle....

2010-02-02T19:45:00.000-08:00

A grass biniki

Can you see Bailey

We buried Josh in Grass pickins'.. like sand but green

Zane is standing up... or is he?

We need to mow our lawn.... what do you think? I need "Triple B" all I have is Triple "J" and they are fired!!

Best buddies...who woulda thought??

2010-01-21T10:40:00.000-08:00

Jen giving Zane a lift

just a cute picture of Zane

lately.... Jenny and Zane have become pals... they play cars together and Jen likes to hold him and tickle him and zane will even crawl over to her and put his head on her lap it is so cute... I love it. A couple of weeks ago I let Jen play hookey from school and Zane was laying down in his crib(closet) and I went to take a shower while Zane was still sleeping. In the middle of my shower Zane started to cry and I hear Jenny run through the bathroom to my closet saying "I got it.. I got it Mom. I panicked because one... I was naked and Two.... Jenny only outweighs her brother by about 15 pounds and I could picture her trying to lift him outta the crib and it ending badly so... I started yelling..."Jenny, Don't you dare lift him out.... he is okay Jenny...JeNNY..JENNY!! There was a eeirry quiet and then giggles.. I threw on a towel and ran into the closet and found them together in the crib.. Jenny had climbed in to keep him company until I COULD lift him out. and I just had to take a picture.

A Winter Wonderland

2010-01-01T20:07:00.000-08:00

all the cousins

the girls in their fort

josh and bailey making snow angels

jake and zane

Let it snow! Let it Snow! It is pretty sad when my kids thought that ice that I had to scrape off my windsheild was snow this winter so we decided that we wanted to do a real snow trip this year so we went up to Greer this week with Brian and his family. I found snow suits for everyone at Savers all throughout the year for cheap so the kids could actually play in snow gear(we have always used socks for gloves in the past) It was so fun and we enjoyed spending time as a big family.

My Christmas Babies

2009-12-24T08:40:00.001-08:00

helping upwrap

what the heck?

Jenny DEAR

Zane loves candy canes

pjs i made that were a little different

Josh turned ten on the 22nd. He opened his present early (which was a ds game) so he could have a new game to entertain him on the way to California and help him be kind to his sisters. ... (his words) I told him that if I gave it to him early that he wouldn't have anything to open on his actual birthday which might be a little sad (hoping to defer him ) but he still wanted it early. I am either a wonderful mother or awful because I waffled.... let me explain. I felt bad that he didnt have anything to open and he was fine with not having anything but I WAFFLED... so I still had a wii game that I had bought back in November and it was one that Josh and the kids had really wanted and I didn't really need it for a present so I wrapped it up in bigger box and wrote ZANE on it.. you know since Zane didnt even get a present. (yes, this brings me back to horriable mother status) anyways, I brought out the present and told Josh that maybe he could help Zane open his present and did have a magazine wrapped for josh. So they opened it together and Zane was thrilled with the wrapping paper and josh was shocked with the contents..... a wii game why would you give this to Zane.... Then I am not sure if he has his mom figured out but he turned to Zane and said "Hey, buddy can I play this... and Zane of course Babbled and Josh smiled and said He said yeah, I know baby talk. " so Josh and the girls played had birthday cake and sang. I always feel bad for my christmas babies because this is the only time of the year that they get to celebrate and it is hard to actually have a party on their birthday with friends because of christmas loming. I realized something this year though having a sister that her birthday is on Christmas day and being born right after her. ... sometimes I think that the christmas birthdays are harder on the siblings. :) all the extra presents and extra effort from the parents to make it special for her. Bailey and Jenny have been so excited for christmas and see there presents under the tree and are dying to open them but they have to wait and wait and here Josh and zane get presents early and cake and ice cream and singing.... and of course special christmas treatment. They have been in tears a lot this week from all the added attention for the boys. Ahh, the ups and downs of the SEASoN.

LIKE men

2009-12-21T11:51:00.000-08:00

Jake and I gave Zane his first haircut which was a little scary but turned out better then I thought.. and he looks so growup. (A funny tidbit... josh has moved up and doesnt want kid meals anymore and the other day went we went out to eat he said that he eats like a man now) I had to laugh

Sea World birthday

2009-12-21T11:32:00.000-08:00

We got home at 2am and the kids slept all the way

The big kids got soaked

Zane did not like the water

but he did like the sand

Jake and Jenny checkin out the tide pools

Josh feeding the sea gulls

Bailey chasing the sea gulls

My almost 10 year old is still not to old for stuffed animals...

Zane wearing jennys hat (look close and you will see a hand about to grab it back)

Jenny's hat she just HAD to have and we caved and got it

Birthday Boy

Grandma was the only one willing to sit in the SOAK zone with the kids

Our family

We went to Sea World this weekend and met up with Jake's parents and brother Aaron and his family (who graduated law school this week YEAH!) and it we just happened to be going on Zane's Birthday. We will have to sing and do the cake with Josh tomorrow for Zane but we got see Shamu and go to the beach which was so pretty I loved it.

11 months and a KISS

2009-12-13T20:16:00.000-08:00

well, it finally happened jenny likes Zane enough to kiss him. I was putting him down and I asked her if she wanted to give Zane a kiss and she DID. Yeah.... they might become friends yet. We are getting ready for the big birthdays next week and christmas. No wonder I was a mess last year. We took the kids to the park today and tried again to get pics of them for christmas but over 50 tries later we only got a few that would be good. I think I am gonna leave it to the professionals from now on because it is impossiable to get them all looking at the same time and zane to sit with the big kids at all.

Jennie o turkey

2009-11-29T12:25:00.000-08:00

Things you probably should think about when naming your kids

josh and braxton 'man huggin"

all cuzins

girl cuz

boys

my kids

Thanksgiving was fun this year. I was so thankful for not being pregant this year and I had a cute baby this year instead of a huge belly. Brian and Shan came up and we went and saw the temple lights and the kids played and played. We adults snuck out a christmas present and tried it out while the kids were "supposed" to be sleeping and got caught. The boys played on the fourwheeler and motorcylce. Brian was a "wild" man on the motorcylce and gave us all a little excitement. We tried to take some family pics each other but found out there is way too much SUN in arizona. I didnt take many pics but this is what I got. :)

Zaney bug (10.5)

2009-11-12T16:40:00.000-08:00

I have been a little slow updating Zane on his ten month status. He is mobile... oh my is he ever! He finally started to crawl at 9 1/2 months and now he is standing up and on everything!!! We have had to remember to pick up things on the floor that we don't want swallowed and shut the doors to all the hidden treasures esp. the porcelin throne. Here are some cute pictures of our Z bug.

Jen's New Digs

2009-11-05T19:40:00.000-08:00

jen's bed and shelves

a little desk

finally her own space...knock first

Poor, Poor Jenny.... due to the current economy she is stuck with the rest of us in our tiny house. We making the best of our square footage and we now have 5 bedrooms instead of three. How did we do this you ask. ...simple I moved Zane's CRIB in our closet and I love it. It is so quiet and he sleeps so well and Josh has his own space back again. Jen and Bailey have been fighting and not wanting to share a room and Jenny decided to move out... in to our laundry room. She squatted in there for two weeks and I didn't think that she would last but she has and she loves it. SO I cleaned it up and tried to make it a little bit more comfy for her. It is now the place to be and Josh and Bailey always want to go and play in her room. So I am offically counting it as our 5th bedroom. :) and she is always a good sport and lets me know when the laundry is done... (I am funny)

On Hallow's Eve...

2009-10-31T20:45:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

ARGHH!! WALK THE PLANK!!

HOWDY PARNTER!!!

THE FORCE IS STRONG!!!

THIS IS THE BEST I COULD DO WITH FOUR KIDS AND GETTING THEM TO ALL LOOK

This year for Halloween we got the kids dressed up and went to the wards trunk or treat. Jake was off and it was so nice to have him with us. He is on a new schedule that gives him weekends off and I love it, love it. Josh went as a jedi, zane as master yoda, Bailey as a cowgirl and Jenny a pirate. I did try and talk jenny and Bailey into doing a star wars theme with the boys but they wanted to do their own thing and I decided to pick my battles.

A Campin' we will go....

2009-10-01T18:08:00.000-07:00

the happy campers oh the stress having little ones by a roaring fire

the only place Zane was happy was in this laundry basket so he didn't feel contained

I couldnt fit the playpen in the trailer so Zane was at home in a towel closet...

I have always thought of myself as a fairly good outdoors girl and that I liked camping but I have decided that I am not a camper esp. with little kids. We went camping last weekend for an extra birthday celebration for Jenny. Jake was so so excited and we borrowed a 26 ft. camping trailer from one of his friends. We were all ready to find out if we are "trailer" people (not trash) We went grocery shopping and Jake had all these ideas for wonderful campout foods and i let him buy all his ingedients while slipping in easy things like donuts, lunchables, and crustables in the cart. After spending 200 dollars on food for our 2 day camping trip we packed bikes, fishing poles, playpens, bumbo and clothes for hot and cold weather...... so much work. So we went camping in Payson which is i think normally only 3 hours away but it took us over 5 and it was dark by the time we got there. Jake's yellow beast isnt as tough as it looks and we could barely go 35 mph up the hills. By the time we got parked we had a screaming hungry baby and starving kids that wanted their dinner and smores NOW. Jake still had to unload the generator and hook it up so we could have power and park the trailer(and put all the feet down) so I quickly threw crustables at the kids and a pop so they were happy and Jake was disappointed to not get to try out the dinner he had planned (which probably would have been delicious but taken too long at that point) The kids did get to roast marshmellows before bed that night. The next day we went on bike rides around the camp and Jake got to take all the big kids fishing while zane slept in the trailer with me.Jake was trying hard to be a good sport but was at his limit when he came home with all the worms because Bailey had named them and hid them to save their lives and josh decided that he had to use the bathroom after they had hiked a mile into the lake and Jake told him he would have to wait so he started to convince his sisters they had to go too figuring his odds were better if more then one person had to go and he was right. Jake really was done when he came back to camp to make one of the wonderful planned dinners he had prepared and the meat had all gone bad because the fridge wasnt cold enough. So good thing we had some luchables. It was a fun trip and the kids enjoyed it but next time I am all for a cabin or hotel.. cause when we got home I had bags full of smoky clothes and had to unpack the trailer and clean it aughhhhhhhhhhh... did I mention the kids had fun.

Falling in love

2009-10-01T16:16:00.000-07:00

I am in love.. with my baby. I think you love your baby right away when they are born, but you really fall madly deeply in love with them when they start to interact with you. Zane is such a joy and I love his big smiles and when he snuggles with me and the best is when he reaches up and wants me. He is 9 months and almost crawling and is pulls himself up on everything and everyone. Jenny will now give him hugs and tells us that Zane loves her the best and we dont dare correct her. The novelty of having a little brother has started to wear off a little on Josh who asked for the last cracker the other day and I told him no and that we should save it for Zane and he responded with "Why does Zane get everything..." I knew it wouldn't last forever and will only get worse but I do however enjoy him being old enough to hold Zane for me esp. when I gotta use the restroom in public places.I am loving this age gap.

MOTOR CROSS JEN

2009-09-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

Zane's first ride

Is it meaner to not let her ride her new bike or let her in 1oo degree weather......???

Jenny turned five today. I can't help associate her birthday with my mom's death. It has been five years since she has been here. Jenny was the last baby to be born before mom passed away and I would like to think that she has been up there with all the other grandkids that have come since then (dad would tell you no, and that they are in two completly different places in heaven) but I am still going belive it. Anyways.... Jenny was all about motorcross and dirt bikes this year. I made a dirt bike cake (well..tried) and made her a cute dirtbike skirt (and yes i let her wear it to church ) She also got a bike... she wanted a DIRT bike but we are a little weary since Josh's broken arm which was a year ago this week. So she had to make do with a PEDDLE bike and told her to peddle fast.

I want comments!! COME ON PEOPLE

2009-09-05T15:09:00.000-07:00

I never get comments! I write but hardly any comments then I relized that I dont make comments so I have been trying and making comments on the blogs I read so pretty please let me know someone is reading this. Please only people I know cause when I dont know you it is a little creepy :)

Zane's outta the closet

2009-09-05T14:54:00.000-07:00

I want a bigger house!!!! I need a bigger house. Someday right. Jake and Zane have been sharing our bedroom closet. WAIT!!! Before you judge me listen .... Zane needs somewhere to sleep that is quiet during the day and until Josh is asleep at night in their room and Jake needs somewhere dark and quiet when he gets home at 4am from work. So I put a twin bed in there on the floor and it has been working until now.... Zane is figuring out to get past all the pillow barriades and has ended up off the bed and even behind the door or sleeping in shoes this week so do I move the playpen in there too then Jake and Zane would really be roommates.... I need a new house so at least my kids can stop telling people that their dad is in the closet.

Hit the Road Jack.... and (Bailey)

2009-09-05T14:33:00.000-07:00

I took at least 10 pics of the four kids it is impossaible to get them all looking at me and smiling.

School finally started for Josh and Bailey!!! Yeah! They are doing good in their new school. The only thing that I hate is all the driving... It takes me a hour roundtrip to take all the kids to school and get back home and even longer picking them up but it is worth it to have them in good schools.. their only complaint is all the homework. All I can say to that is get used to it guyes that is life. Mean mom I know. I gotta deal with them doing it and complaining so it is HOMEWORK for me too. So here's to the new year Josh is a 4th grader and Bailey 2nd grader. They are getting so big.

"Sew" Long Farewell......

2009-09-05T14:03:00.000-07:00

I made this shirts with fabric paint and freezer paper so cool

allyssa's bandana blanket, pillows and I even made curtains .... I bought over 60 bandanas (Not for this but I have made 4 blankets with all of them so cute.

I dont know I got 2 pics on here but I cant get it off

In the past few years I have started to sew more and more... and I am getting better and better at it. Nothing I would ever want to sell or make a profit at to my husbands disappointment. He thinks that I spend enough time and energy on my sewing projects I should start a bussiness hah!!! I am not a good enough or patient enough sewer. I don't take time to read patterns or pin fabric I just love to sew you know with all the guidelines. I would much rather throw away the fabric then unpick AUGHHHHH!! I hate to unpick, although I did recently buy an unpicker... maybe I am growing a little in this area. Anyways, my projects have always been and will be for my family and loved ones.. Because there is NO REFUNDS on LOVE right and they havent complained so far. I miss my mom and wish that she was here to see me be so domestic I think there was doubts of that when I was a teenager. I still laugh when I sneak a little sewing on sunday (I cant help it sometimes) and remember her telling us that if we sewed on sunday we would have to unpick it with our nose. Anyways.. what I am trying to say is Goodbye to my sewing machine for a little bit (Maybe a month or 2 weeks, well at least 1 week) because I have lost my balance. I have no idea how much I have spent on fabric except I love it. I wish I could make my own fabric. Yes, I sound a little obessessed I think. Jake is constantly picking strings of my clothes, oh boy I sound sad don't I. Before I say goodbye for a little while I wanted to show off some of my projects I am proud of... hey family let me know if you want to order something you know like in a few weeks.... :)

The party is over...... at least for some of us!!

2009-08-18T08:15:00.000-07:00

Jenny started (pre) kindergarten last week. Which is all day long and five days a week. She has been doing really well... except for a little boy trying to steal her lighting Mc Queen lunch box the first week. In my head I think of her as my baby too. With the age gap I quess I have too. I worse then Jake who treats her like the other two big kids.... I know this is dangerous and I am really trying to make a conscious effort not to baby her. Josh and Bailey are starting a new school this year and it is still not ready to start.. so I am holding my breath cause I hope I made the right decision to send them to this new school since their old school started last week and yet they are still home with me until the new one gets up and running. I am not the kind of mom that could home school so it better happen!!!!

And the winner is........... MAMMA!!

2009-08-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

My first try on Pajamas. I thought I did so good for winging it without a pattern but opps the shirt didnt quite fit.

I am swimming with bandanas for some super cute sewing projects I am working on. The kids dressed Zane up with some I had layin around.

I won!!! 2/4 kids said my name first. I have to admit I have been working on him for months but yes... success is mine. Life continues to fly and Zane is eight months old. He still is not crawling he has started to scoot on his back for things but is content to get carried around and his brother and sisters come to him to play and talk constantly so why bother right. I am trying to remember to enjoy this time with my last little baby and it continues to be so special to me. I wish I remembered to enjoy the other ones this much. You know before they knew how to talk back.

Evil Nevel update and Back to Utah/Idaho

2009-08-09T17:10:00.000-07:00

Bailey and Jenny sliding down my dads stairs in a sleeping bag

Bailey and Jenny with the fish they caught out of my dad's pond.

The patient

Jake got his surgery two weeks ago and I am for sure the better patient between us too. He was sick from all the meds and is feeling better now. Grandma Owens came and got the kids for a summer time break with her so we went up to go pick them up and ended up clear in Idaho at my dads. We got to enjoy the weather and SNOW CONES!!!! yum. I only took three pictures the whole time but it was fun. We also got to go to Luke's blessing and I learned how to make sock monkeys... so exciting. ANd now We are all home with a sick with a cold just in time for school to start.

"TUB" for one

2009-07-19T18:34:00.000-07:00

Zane is seven months and has gotten so active all of a sudden. Grabbing and reaching for everything. I was feeding him in the kitchen and he had made a MESS eating and I a thought and stuck him in the kitchen sink. PERFECT fit and it doesnt even hurt your back to lean over. Who needs a baby bath tub not me. Of course I now have to keep my sinks super clean.. Last night I was getting the kids ready their baths and Zane was the only one that I had to bathe...awhh so nice. (Bailey washed Jenny's hair for me while they were in the bath together.) Not too bad either.

Just a nibble,gotcha and random

2009-07-11T14:11:00.001-07:00

LOOK she's holding him and smiling.... I told her I would get her a popcicle if she would hold Zane for me so yes... techically I tricked her but it worked.

Bailey is such a good helper and such a mini mom and Zane loves her.