Health Juice

Look at these cute little froggies. When I was taking their picture, Jorja said, "It's just like we're getting married. The boy frog is on top of the girl frog, then they hop away." Mike and I about died laughing.

Preston & Jorja

Mike got a new toy in the mail yesterday. He has a juicer and loves it. He wants to make lots and lots of apple juice....surprise. The apple juice is quite good. He also made carrot juice and grape juice. The carrot juice is strong, but quite good when mixed with apple. Preston and Jorja were excited to make 'health juice'. Just like on Webkinz. On Webkinz, when you mix watermelon, carrot and apple in a blender, you get health juice. They tried it, but didn't really like it. I thought the watermelon taste was too strong. Probably if we put less watermelon and more apple it would have been good.

Mike & Jorja making health juice

Jorja

Preston

Tutorial

One day when Matt was here he was looking for a tape recorder. I didn't know where ours was, or even if we had it anymore. I said, "I don't think my phone has a recorder, I know the newer versions do, but I don't think this one does." Preston overheard me and said, "Yes it does." I asked him how. He took the phone and gave Matt & I a tutorial on how to use it. He had to show me a couple of times before I understood. It was so funny to have a four year old teach Matt & I how to use the iphone. I wish I had a picture of the two of us hunched over listening to Preston's every word. Priceless.

Amazing Things

I apologize if I have already written about this story, but Stockton told me I hadn't . . . and Stockton is usually right. Anyway, Preston and I were at Walmart. I was looking for Dinosaur Egg Oatmeal for him. They didn't have any. I told Preston he could pick out any cereal he wanted. He picked out Reese's Puffs. He kept saying things like, "Amazing things are going to happen." He was so excited about it. When we got home and he took a bite he said, "I think they were just trying to get us to buy the cereal." It was so funny!

Maysen came home sick from school today. Poor girl. She said she tried to stay until math, but just couldn't make it that long. There was a stake miamaid/teacher activity. It sounded like so much fun. Too bad Maysen had to miss it, she sure didn't look good enough to go.

I had my first Young Women activity that I was in charge of. We passed off Virtue #3. Reading Alma Chapter 5 and writing down all the questions took longer than I anticipated. I thought we would have about 30 minutes to play a game. Oh well, maybe next week. The girls were great, so that was wonderful. I made Apple Streusel Bars and Gluten-free brownies. That about took up my day.

Apple Picker

Mike made an apple picking contraption. He took a wire hanger and bent it in a loop. He then attached it to the end of the pole we use to get leaves out of our swimming pool. Mike and I filled up another bucket with apples. I liked being in charge of the pole, not the catching apple part. Some of those apples were bullets! Jorja was smart, she went and got a bike helmet on. Now we are trying to think of more things to make with apples.

MiaMaids

Maysen's first Sunday as a MiaMaid was today. I think she enjoyed it. I thought in honor of this occasion I would post a picture of the rose Sister Staker brought her. It really is beautiful.

Matt Has Hit the Road

Matt left early this morning. Well, he left at 8:45. My dad came over this morning and made french toast. Mike had no idea he was even here. He was up all night working. (He is on call this week.) The kids will be sad not having Matt around. It was fun having him here for a week!

Matt

Sam, Matt, Stockton, Jorja, Dad

Sam, Matt & Jorja, Stockton, Maysen, Preston

Same picture but with me (Stephanie) in it.

Preston....why do you pull faces in my nice pictures?

Dad, Matt & Jorja, Stockton, Maysen, Stephanie, Preston

Matt & Sam

...with the GPS

Bye Matt! We miss you already. Can't wait to see you at Christmas....and can't wait to find out when you are getting married! Love you!

Good-Bye Party

We spent our last night with Matt by having dinner and games at our house. My dad made scones and a roast . . . and fudge! Yum! Mike made an apple pie and applesauce. Sam was able to come along with grandma, Cathy, Bubs & Ange and their family. It was a really fun night. Grandma was funny. When it was time to leave, she couldn't find her purse. I showed her where it was. She didn't think it was her purse. I said, "Well, let's look inside." I pulled out her wallet. She still didn't think it was hers. I started opening the wallet. Grandma got a little nervous because she didn't want to go through another person's things. I opened the wallet anyway and showed her her drivers license. She said, "Well, look at that."

Matt

Sam & Matt

After dinner we played Dominion. We had two tables set up. An older person table and a younger person table. Ange and I got to sit at the younger person table. It was really fun. We had Ange, Ella, Lincoln, Preston and I play one game. Preston was so funny and knew exactly what he was doing. He was so excited when he got a Colony. He stood up on the chair and shouted, "Colony!" as he held his card high. I really thought Ange was going to win, but when we added up the cards, it was Preston. He was so excited and started shouting, "Trophy!"

Abbs - she LOVES getting her picture taken! Hilarious!

Stephanie & Preston - looks like Lincoln gets to go first

Ange, Abbs, Ella

Preston

Lincoln

My dad and Jorja watched Garfield in the movie room. My dad was in charge of taking pictures, but once he sat down the rest of his pictures consisted of his feet as he was watching the show.

Stephanie & Abbs

Jorja Porge

The second table of Dominion looks a little more intense then our table. I think Mike pulled off the victory here.

Maysen, Bubs, Mike, Matt, Sam, Stockton

Matt (with his game face on) & Sam

Thanks for the fun night! We even talked Sam into sleeping over! That was nice of Matt and Sam to spend their last night with us. Thanks Bubs and Ange for coming and staying so late. You will probably pay for it tomorrow!

Matt Owes Me

For the last couple of weeks Matt has been complaining about his housing in California. His orders are very specific. He needs to try to lodge at this certain place or get a paper saying they are full so he can be reimbursed for staying elsewhere. He has been complaining because they never answer their phones and they never return his calls. He tried to make a reservation online, but all it did was say he would be contacted within 24 hours. He never was. This morning Matt claims to have called the housing place ten times. He could never get through. I decided to give it a try. I got through on my first time. Matt was flabbergasted. He couldn't believe it. I assume they recognized his phone number.

I had parent/teacher conferences for Maysen today. I received numerous positive comments on what a hard worker she is. Maysen's science teacher mentioned how impressed he is with her. "She knows what she wants and won't let anyone distract her." "She's very smart and knows what she is talking about." "She has 103%. That deserves dinner and a show."

Anyway, I am very proud of her. I am glad she works so hard and takes school seriously. She will never regret it.

Frog Costumes

Jorja was looking at a website with Mike. There was a picture of a dog in a costume. Jorja asked Mike if they had frog costumes. I thought that was so funny. Then she said, "Probably not because it would be really hard to get them on." Oh man. I love her!

My poor little Preston was sick today. Mike and I stayed up late with Matt watching the presidential debate. I heard Preston crying around 3:30. He had thrown up all over his bed. We cleaned him up and brought him up to our room. He slept between us, but I didn't sleep well. Every time he moved I was worried he was going to throw up. He did throw up in our bed, but got every drop in the bucket. I was so proud! He threw up five times today. Once on his bed, once in the bucket, once on the floor and twice in the toilet. I remember because Preston said that many times today. Hopefully this is just a 24 hour bug and he will be back to his regular self tomorrow. Right now he is sleeping in the playroom on the giant beanbag I brought upstairs. I wanted him to be close to us. He looks so cute and sweet. It will be nice when he feels better.

One more thing I need to mention or Stockton would be annoyed with me. The kids and I played Dominion with Matt. I won the first game (happy to mention that). Stockton won the second game. Maysen was going to win, but on my turn I played the Minion card. It made everyone discard their hand and draw four more cards. Stockton ended up discarding a poor hand and drawing a hand that gave him a Province. That ended the game and he won Maysen by one point. Maysen would have won with her hand. I also messed her up the time before by playing a Ghost Ship. Stockton thought that was the greatest game ever. Maysen had a different opinion.

More Cupcakes

I wasn't really happy with the way Maysen's cupcakes turned out. First, I didn't get them all finished. Second, by the time we ate them they tasted like sparklers. I have been making cupcakes for each of the beehive girls and meeting with them and their mothers. Maysen pointed out I didn't make cupcakes for her, so I didn't feel too bad spending the extra time so she could have her own value cupcakes. Maysen was happy to see the cupcakes when she came home from school, she was not happy that I wanted to take her picture. I did anyway because I am the mom.

Maysen not looking at the camera

Yes Maysen, I am going to take your picture while you're eating.

I love you Maysen! You are beautiful, smart, wonderful, and all the other positive adjectives you can think of!

Happy Birthday Maysen!

I can't believe my little girl is 14! I don't like how fast she is growing up. At least I like who she is growing into. She is wonderful.

Mike made crepes this morning. We also let Maysen open her presents before school. I think she was very happy with her books. She also got a couple DVDs and some clothes . . . and an umbrella.

Maysen ~ 14 years old

Preston

Maysen ~ she wanted a see through umbrella

Jorja drew Maysen some pictures

Maysen

Today was crazy. The PTSA sent an e-mail out Friday afternoon about red ribbon week. I noticed that there was a morning assembly mentioned. I called this morning to find out when the assembly was. Stockton's class had the assembly first, then class after. That messed me up on so many levels. I let Stockton stay home during the assembly and I brought him to the school when it was over. I had switched car pool with Josh's mom so I could get a milkshake for Maysen for lunch. With the boys getting out late, she couldn't do it because she had a presidency meeting. She is the Relief Society President. I dropped Stockton off at his school, took Josh to his school, then I was driving to get a milkshake for Maysen. Preston started complaining of being really hungry. Then he threw up everywhere. I had to take him home and clean him up, but I had no time to get Maysen a milkshake. I made her a quick lunch and met her at school. I was worried she would be waiting for me at her locker. How horrible if I couldn't make it and she had to go hungry on her birthday. Anyway, I made it. Too bad she didn't get a milkshake. I'll have to try again next week.

After school is when the fun really begin! Sister Staker came over and gave Maysen a rose to welcome her into the MiaMaid class. We then packed up the car and picked Mike up at work. Maysen is turning an even number birthday, so it is her year for a party. She doesn't really have any close friends, so we decided to do something really fun as a family. I remember seeing something on Jana's blog about indoor skydiving. Maysen decided that is what she would love to do. We drove to Ogden and went to IFLY. Maysen LOVED it! We each got to go in the vertical wind tunnel twice for one minute each time. Even Preston.

We dressed in skydiving suits complete with goggles and earplugs. Our instructor, Dusty, took us in a room and gave us a quick lesson. The most important things were to keep your head up and don't wiggle. He said that many, many times. Preston obviously wasn't paying any attention. When it was his turn he kept swimming like a fish. It was so funny! He had a giant smile on his face the entire time.

The second time we went in the tunnel the instructor took us up high. It was so much fun. I did not like the feeling of the wind in my nose. It is still bothering me right now. No one else was bothered by it though.

There was a guy with us that obviously had a ton of experience. He was so much fun to watch. Dusty was fun to watch too. When Dusty found out it was Maysen's birthday he said, "I'll give you the DVD for free." Nice! I can't wait until Mike edits the DVD, it will be awesome. Right now it is too long and boring to put up here.

Once our flying was over, we went to Maggie Moo's for ice cream. Then home for cupcakes. I couldn't find our candles, so Mike got a sparkler. It was fun, but set off the smoke alarm. It also spread ash on the cupcakes, so it wasn't our most brilliant idea.

Maysen

It was such a crazy/fun filled day. I love you Maysen! I'm excited to see you grow this next year!

Surprise Visitors

When we got home from church today, the Stephens were waiting for us! I knew there was a slight chance they might stop by, but I didn't tell the kids. Jorja LOVES Alyssa. The Stephens were good friends in Georgia, now they are in our house! Kind of bizarre . . . in a totally great way. Anyway, Jorja was so excited to see Alyssa. I loved talking to Stephanie. She is going to have baby girl number 6 in December! How exciting! It was also Rylee's birthday today. Rylee and Maysen are one day apart. How cool is that? Anyway, Stephanie if you read this . . . thank you, thank you, thank you for stopping by! We loved it!

Jorja & Alyssa

Jorja with annoying buck teeth & super cute Alyssa

silly girls

Shelby

Stephanie

Bubs, Ange and Matt all enjoyed some pie. What kind? You guessed it . . . apple! Stockton and I hurried to the church to get Stockton's Tenderfoot. We were in such a hurry that I backed into Matt's car. Whoops. Sorry about that Matt.

I'm Glad Candy Doesn't Grow on Trees

Apples, apples, apples. We picked so many apples today from our trees in the backyard. It doesn't even look like we made a dent. My hands were frozen by the time we were finished. It wasn't very cold, but I am a wimp.

Bubs and Ange and their family came over this afternoon and we canned applesauce. Looks like we might be doing that for quite awhile. Better then letting the apples rot on the ground. Jorja was cute. She said, "I'm glad candy doesn't grow on trees." What? She explained that we would be eating a lot of unhealthy stuff. It's good that we have healthy things grow on trees. I thought that was funny.

I picked my dad, Matt & Sam up from the airport today. They had gone on a week long church history tour. My dad was the tour guide. Their flight was delayed, but that was okay. I was able to sit in the car and listen to the BYU game. They came off the plane with stories of almost being kicked off the flight. Apparently the flight attendant didn't like my dad's joke of not being able to handle the pressure of sitting in the emergency isle. She held it against them the rest of the flight.

New Champion

I taught Preston how to play Dominion today. He LOVED it! We had so much fun. Preston won. I didn't let him win, he won fair and square. Preston was so excited, he wanted me to call Mike and have him put his name on the sign in the playroom. He kept saying, "The first time in my life playing Dominion and I won!"

It was short day, so when Stockton and Jorja got home, we played again. Preston didn't win this time, but he understood what was going on. He was a little preoccupied with the Torturer and Thief. Stockton kept giggling and saying, "It's fun to play with Preston." It really was.

Really?

Locked Out - Again

I checked Maysen out of school fifteen minutes early so we could go to the eye doctor. She broke her glasses last week, then lost the lens. I knew I wouldn't make it home in time for the other kids, and I didn't think I would get home in time for their piano lesson. Luckily their teacher comes to our house. I put Stockton's garage door opener in a pocket in his backpack. I talked to him about it and asked him to make sure he closed the garage door after he got inside. I told him to let his piano teacher in and we should be back before his lesson was over.

Luckily we were able to get in a little early to our appointment. We made it back about ten minutes before the piano teacher was to arrive. As I pulled in the driveway, I noticed the garage door was wide open. What? I called for Stockton as I walked through the house. I heard him say, "I'm here." He was outside. He said he couldn't find the garage door opener. He had been waiting on our front porch with no coat for probably twenty minutes. Too bad he didn't know he inadvertently opened the door. It was super cold today. My poor boy was freezing when he got inside. Stockton was by himself because Jorja was at achievement days. Too bad. I think Jorja would have been able to show him where the garage door opener was because I put it in the same spot on her backpack last year. I did show Stockton where I was putting the opener before school, but he has a habit of not paying attention to me.

Things picked up before bed though. Mike took Jorja and Preston to DI. Stockton, Maysen and I played Dominion. It was really fun even though I did terrible. Stockton was able to get province cards almost every turn. Maysen almost caught him with all the gardens and dutchies she bought, but he remained victorious. Nice to have fun right before bed.

Clown Face

Preston 'helped' me make red velvet cupcakes today. He really enjoyed himself.

Preston

On a sad note, Hopper died this morning. Jorja handled it really well. She was sad, but didn't let it ruin her day. She had a field trip today. She was able to wear her frog visor and she looked adorable. Jorja and Mike buried Hopper next to her frog Emma. She has a cute frog statue that is above their graves.

Sports

Mike asked the kids to name a sport you can compete in. These were the answers: horseback riding, swimming, diving and ping pong. I did add baseball to make the list somewhat normal.

One of Jorja's barking tree frogs, Hopper, has been sick today. I'm not sure what to do for it. Jorja is really sad. I hope he makes it. Jorja loves him so much. Mike doesn't think he will make it through the night.

Matt's Moved In!

My brother Matt moved in with us today! Yay! Although he is going to New York tomorrow, but that is beside the point.

Today we enjoyed a nice day of conference with Matt and Sam, a turkey dinner with dad and Bubs and Elroy. Matt was on quite the winning streak of games. Maysen had a ton of money when they were playing pirates. Elroy played a Thieves on Board card and left Maysen without a crew to guard her treasure. Matt kept attacking her mercilessly. We teased Matt for picking on little girls. He said he only picked on her because she was week and had a lot of money. Very nice.

Matt also dominated at Dominion. He was on quite a roll. He is going to leave his Dominion game for us this week. Hope we can find time to play!

October

I can't believe it is October already. Ten more days until Maysen's birthday. I better find that birthday list she gave me.

This morning our power was off. I was so tired when I woke up. Come to find out, the power had been going off and on all night, so our alarm clock beeped several times during the night. Mike said we had conversations about it, but I don't remember. I'm pretty sure that is why I am so tired. The power came on about fifteen minutes before General Conference started. That is cutting it a little close. Mike had just left to buy batteries so we could listen to conference when the power came on. I am so glad it did. I love conference. I love watching it with my family . . . most of the time. Towards the end Preston gets anxious, but his bingo board kept him interested for quite awhile. This is the last conference where Mike will go alone to the Priesthood session. Stockton gets to go next time! Now that is hard to believe!