Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Christmas 2009







Wow! It's already over? This is my reaction every year....the 10 minutes it takes to open all the presents doesn't seem to make up for the countless hours it took to shop, organize and wrap those maticulously thoughtout and stressed over gifts. I tell myself every year that it's time to simplify but somehow or another, it's still complicated.

Jaysie has grown out of dolls and dress up, so it was a karaoke machine for her this year. She loves to sing and secretly dreams of being a pop star, so I thought we could keep the dream alive. I mean who doesn't secretly want to be a rock star...right? We've had a good time belting out the tunes...I've even introduced her to some great "old people" music.
Teegan is at that age where he wants everything he sees on TV or in the ads. It was hard to decide what to get and I don't know how many things I bought and returned because he changed his mind. The one thing that was constant was a "spark scooter". As the days to Christmas drew closer, he kept talking about this spark scooter that Santa was going to bring him. "Santa" hadn't got one for him and was starting to feel bad, so Christmas Eve rolled around and Santa was scrambling to find one....but the magic happened and it was under the tree on Christmas morning. Whew!

Kate could have been happy with one toy. She was worn out from opening birthday presents! Jaysie ended up opening most her wrapped gifts because she was busy playing with her princess vanity and riding her horsey. She had so much fun just playing in la la land.
We enjoyed watching the kids have their magical moment...it doesn't last forever so we'll enjoy it while we can.




Saturday, December 19, 2009

Kater Mater turns TWO!












With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it is a great change of scenery to celebrate a birthday. No jingle bells and Christmas carols, just spit-filled balloons, birthday wrapping paper, cake and candles.

Kate is one of the deprived kids with a Christmas birthday. I've heard all about it from my sister, Noelle, because she shares the same birthday as Kate. So as a promise to my sister, we make sure that Kate gets her day.

On Sunday we had the Humphreys family over for dinner & dessert to celebrate. Kate is really into Dora the Explorer at the moment, so Dora was the theme of the decor and gifts. She was overwhelmed with gifts and had so much fun with her cousins. Trent is the cake decorator in the family and creatively made a Dora "Backpack" cake. It was awesome!

On Monday, her actual birthday, we celebrated with Aunt Noelle at Grandma Meyer's. This year is a special year because Noelle will be leaving for a mission to Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia in one week. We are going to miss her immensely. She is a fun, smart and very spiritual girl who will maximize her calling to serve the Lord. I am so excited for her!

I can't wait to see what this next year brings for both Kate and Noelle. It will be fun to watch both of them grow, but in very different ways.

Kate, I love your spunk! Your cute, curly hair and hazel eyes melt my heart. I love watching you grow and learn new things. My favorite times are when you sing...you know the words to I am a Child of God, Once there was a Snowman, Wheels on the Bus and many more. You love it when Teegan and Jaysie come home from school and look forward to playing with them. If they're not around, Roxy (the dog) patiently takes their place. We all love you and hope your 2nd year of life is full of fun! Love, Mom






Monday, December 14, 2009

The Portneuf River Nightmare!


So I was looking through my pictures and saw these photos....I know this is out of the timeline order but I had to document this story.

It was mid-September and Trent had some training in Lava, ID. We decided to make it a weekend trailer trip and invited the inlaws to come along for a little R&R. We rolled into town after dark and pulled into the campground with plenty of open spots to choose from. Now the Humphreys family isn't known for being able to make a decision without discussing all the options for hours on end, so just to pick a spot was a challenge. After hashing it all out, a spot was chosen and we landed for the night.
We got up the next morning and decided to rent some tubes and float down the Portneuf River. The big pool and waterslides were closed for the season, so there wasn't much else to do. We scoped it all out and determined that it was safe and headed down Main St. to rent the tubes. Dave and Debbie weren't planning on floating with us, but when we got a two for one deal on the rental they succombed to the pressure.
Off we went in our shorts and flip flops (not river running approved attire) to the river for a leisurely ride or so we thought.
Trent, Teegan, Kate and I went first and decided to be adventurous and take a good sized drop off right from the start. Jaysie, Dave and Debbie watched us go and were going to follow our path if all went well. So off we go with no problems...smooth sailing. That wasn't the case for tube #2. Dave, Jaysie and Debbie flip the tube and are now soaking wet in some pretty chilly water.
They're troopers though...they get back on and follow us down calling it a case of a little bad luck. Well that was only the beginning...the next drop off had some stronger currents but those of us in tube #1 went right through it with no problems. Tube #2 heads down the same path but right as they start to descend the tube flips again and all heck breaks loose. Dave is trying to get his feet under him and keep Jaysie safe but ends up pinning Debbie's head under the water with his legs. She finally gets loose and is gasping for air just to realize her prescription sunglasses are nowhere to be found. Trent and I were dumbfounded! We couldn't understand where it all went wrong! We felt horrible and they looked horrible...bumps, bruises and scrapes from head to toe. They got back on though and made it to camp, vowing never to do that again.
Back at camp, the Harley Davidson riders had moved in. There was a charity motorcycle ride and concert that day. So we got to enjoy the peaceful sounds of motors roaring and rock bands blaring all day and all night long. After the concert, they brought their drunken party back to camp and kept everyone up until they passed out.
Needless to say, the next day was spent recovering in the mineral pools. It took Dave nearly 3 months to even walk straight again. I hope they will consider vacationing with us again even after the nightmare in Lava Hot Springs!

Three and a half years....DONE!


Well it is official...Trent passed his Journeyman Lineman test and the long, grueling apprenticeship is over! YEAH!!!

To explain what Trent has had to endure over the past 3 1/2 years is almost incomprehensible. I don't know how he did it, other than by pure faith and determination. He truly is my hero.

We have been to the lowest of lows and the highest of highs these past years and everywhere in between, but where there's a will there's a way and we made it!

We couldn't have made it through without the support of those around us. There were many times when I poured my soul out to whomever was the unlucky one to call that day. Thank goodness they were nice enough to just listen and give encouraging words of advice. Thank you, thank you for your support!

I can't wait to see what the future holds for us. It's always an adventure but as long as we do it together then nothing else matters.

Congratulations Trent, you deserve it!

Monday, November 2, 2009

HALLOWEEN


This year we had an overweight UPS man, Dash from The Incredibles, and a scaredy cat running around the neighborhood asking for free candy. Jaysie decided to be a UPS man this year because we had the whole attire left over from Trent's stint as a UPS man. There was only one problem...the only way to keep her pants on was to stuff her with a pillow. So now we have a fat UPS guy with a unibrow, mustache and chest hair. No disrespect to all the UPS drivers out there!! Teegan wanted to be Dash and dashing is what he was. He has been running around the house for 3 weeks with that costume on. Thanks to Aunt Rachie for Kate's kitty costume..lovin' the hand-me-downs. She got the title of scaredy cat by the end of the night because she is afraid of everything. She doesn't like the dark, scary masks or pretty much everything Halloween has to offer....except for pumpkins and candy.








Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Birthday Boy!


Teegan wanted to smash his face in his birthday cheesecake...so I let him.


A birthday card from his big sis...they really do love each other!

iFly was incredible!!

It's the big day! Teegan is offically five...that's crazy! I tell you what, I think raising a boy is just the funnest thing ever. Teegan is the coolest little boy I know. He does things that are way beyond his league and never looks back. He has been begging to go to the skate park forever and to be quite frank, those skater boys scare me! I didn't want to take my innocent baby to play with the big boys. I finally gave in and took my boy to the skate park. As we were driving there, I gave him a quick speech about never wearing girl pants, never piercing body parts and never swearing. He promised me he would never do anything like that. I've documented this forever, right? So he got out there with the big boys with no hesitation and much to my surprise, the skater boys were great. They called him, dude, and thought it was cool that he was there. I was grateful and really enjoyed watching their cool tricks. It makes me want to sing the Avril Lavigne lyrics..."He was a skater boy, she said see you later boy...."

I hope he enjoyed his birthday....he chose to go do iFly instead of having a party with friends. I know that was a tough choice for him to make but we sure had fun together as a family. I'm glad he still wants to hang with us occasionally and hope that continues. Trent and I will always be Teegan's biggest fans and enjoy watching him grow. We love you, Teeg. Happy Birthday!!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Anticipation



Teegan's 5th birthday is tomorrow and he finally realized how close it was today. He was quizzing me this morning about his presents and asking for some hints. First hint....Teegan you will get something that you really want. So he started rattling off things like a real rock guitar, a TV for his bedroom, a go-cart....these were all news to me! I started getting a little worried that maybe he wasn't getting something he wanted. Finally after getting nowhere with that one, he asked for another hint.
Second hint...it starts with the letter "S". I thought I was safe because he's not really reading yet. So he guesses a video game, a gun and then says a skateboard ramp! His big present was the skateboard ramp. Luckily his ride to school showed up and I conveniently scooted him out the door.
Later that evening, the whining began...it didn't help that I had his presents already sitting on the fireplace hearth. I thought he had better willpower, but I was wrong. He begged to open just one present. I stood my ground and said..."You know, I had to wait 9 long months for you to come out of my belly to even be able to celebrate your birthday. I don't think waiting one more night is too much to ask."
The anticipation was almost too much for an almost 5 yr. old to handle, but he made it and tomorrow will be worth the wait.....it was worth it for me.
PS...I really wrote this last night, but lost my internet connection before I could publish.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

We're not in Kansas anymore...








When Trent and I decide to take a much needed couples getaway, we don't need sandy beaches, sunshine or tropical drinks in our hand. We opt for the great state of Kansas! Now you ask, why Kansas? Well, beggers can't be choosers and it just so happened that Trent was asked to compete in the International Lineman's Rodeo which is held each year in Kansas City. The company pays for it, so I tagged along and enjoyed 4 days of adult time.
Trent and I had a great time hanging out with our power co. friends, eating BBQ'd everything and jumbolaya (however it's spelled). In between all of that, Trent competed against 200 or so other apprentices from across the country and even some from Canada. He did really well and even came away with a 3rd place plaque in one event. He was kicking himself because he had a few minor mistakes that prevented him from being within the top 5 overall. Oh well, you live and learn....plus he came away without injury so that is a bonus.

The kids couldn't wait for us to leave and enjoyed every minute at the grandparents. Gpa and Gma Meyer had them the first few days and said they were angels. Teegan scored brownie points with Grandma by telling her that her lasagna was the best in the world and that his mom doesn't even know how to make good lasagna. (Traitor!) Kate was my worry, but she takes 3 hour naps for Grandma which is unheard of around home.
Gpa and Gma Meyer handed the kids over to Gpa and Gma Humphreys for the last couple days. They got to go to the corn maze and out for pizza...so they were happy. They got royal treatment and are already asking when we are leaving again. Gotta love 'em!

An October fright!




A few weeks ago, when it was warm outside, Trent and I were testing out his new binoculars in our backyard and looking for deer on the mountainside. Trent had some spotted and was handing over the binos to me when all of the sudden he lets out this girlish scream! Ok that's not true, but it makes the story better. Anyway, he points down to the ground and there is a hairy, eight-legged spider walking across our patio like it owns the place. I couldn't believe it....a taranchula in my yard. I swear we have the craziest creatures come down from that mountain to visit. So what do we do....we scooped it up and made it our new pet. There I was the next moringin in Petco buying ten dollars worth of supplies and food for a spider. In a weird way, I was kind of intrigued by this hairy creature.

Well, Larry the Taranchula, got a new home. We sent him to Jaysie's 3rd grade classroom to officially be the classroom pet. I am waiting for the day when word on the street is that there is a taranchula on the loose in the school. I claim no responsibility....

Saturday, August 29, 2009

1st day of school 2009

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The first day of school is always full of excitement! Jaysie was up early and ready to go in no time. She and the neighborhood kids (about 15 of them) made a plan to walk to school. They have a route they take and make sure to never be late or it screws up the timing of it all. I think it's great, they think it's great and we're all happy!
Teegan got to start his 2nd year of preschool the same day instead of waiting a week. He was super excited to go to his new preschool. He is meeting new friends and enjoying his new teacher. He even has become quite the gentleman...he always carries in Jocelyn's backpack for her. (Jocelyn is a little friend in our carpool)
Now Kate and I get to hang out together and the whole time she asks where Teegan and Jaysie are, so I know how I rate! Both of us can't wait for them to come home each day....they are truly missed.
Like every other year, we'll get over it and wonder where the day went by the time they come home......

Thursday, August 6, 2009

10 days and 2200 miles....

A trip to a lineman's rodeo in Montana turned into 10 days of living out of the trailer and miles of beautiful country. Many of you may not know that I'm married to a rodeo champion. (I've secretly wanted a rodeo man all my life) My dream came true when Trent won the SLC Lineman's Rodeo in June. (Hey, it counts!) To prepare for his International Lineman's Rodeo that the company will send him to in October, he decided to compete in the Montana rodeo for practice. So we started out in Cascade, MT watching Trent and his friends from work (Tom & Shane) compete. If you've never experienced a lineman rodeo, they are unique to say the least. My favorite event is the people watching event....just imagine a party tent in the middle of nowhere with free beer, karaoke and a dance floor.


Our next stop was Glacier National Park. What a beautiful place! We had a great time skipping rocks in MacDonald Lake, driving up the Going to the Sun Road and getting almost close enough to touch this Big Horn sheep and the mountain goats.

This mountain goat had quite the hairdo.



In our rock skipping competition, Trent took the cake!

We couldn't wait to get to Aunt Becca's house in Sandpoint, ID to see baby Porter. He was 10 days old and soooo cute! It was great to visit with Becca and Jeff and see the beautiful area that they live in. They were great hosts especially with having a new baby. My kids will say that this was their favorite part of the trip....

I've trained my kids well.....we LOVE bleu cheese salad dressing! Nothing tops Litehouse Bleu Cheese and it just happens to be made in Sandpoint. We made sure to leave with a BIG bottle. The other day we had spaghetti for dinner and Teegan decided to top his spaghetti with bleu cheese dressing instead of parmasan. He said "It's cheese, right?"

Our last stop was at Henry's Lake just outside of Yellowstone & Island Park. We met up with Trent's family for a little fishin' and some good fun. We went into Yellowstone Park and saw everything except wolves and bears. We swam in Firehole River and didn't forget Old Faithful. We always seem to get there just after Old Faithful has errupted and have to wait a good hour and a half for the next show. The kids never seem to think it's worth the wait.....



After 2200 miles and no DVD player, the kids did surprisingly well. We only had one meltdown from Kate, a few tears from Teegan because Jaysie kept beating him at tic-tac-toe and lots of mosquito bites. I'd do it again tomorrow.....I love vacations!!

































































Tuesday, June 2, 2009

M-I-C-K-E-Y (you know how it goes...


Our first trip to Disneyland! It took a lot of sweet talkin' but I finally talked Trent into taking us to Disneyland. The kids enjoyed seeing all the characters, the parades and riding every ride possible....but overall, they just wanted to swim in the pool at the hotel. Isn't that fitting? We went to the beach a few times and even though it was too cold to swim we still managed to leave wet. Those waves are deceiving....




Even though Teegan says he's too big to like Handy Manny....he sure was excited to see him!










It's great to be eight!!

Jaysie turned the ripe old age of eight in February. She wanted pictures taken by her favorite temple. So on a whim...the kids and I drove to Bountiful one Sunday afternoon for pictures. Much to my surprise, we had a great time and always seem to enjoy being on the temple grounds.


The big day!! As I was frantically trying to get food prepared, trying to make the family look somewhat presentable and stressing out on the inside while trying to portray calmness on the outside, Trent looked at me and said...."You know, all this stuff you're doing doesn't really matter. I have the stressful part." I was a little offended at the time, but realized he was right in the end.
Everything turned out great and Jaysie had a wonderful eight birthday and baptism that hopefully she will remember forever.