What A Mess Times Two!

Today, I spent the good part of the late morning and early afternoon talking with my mom about Christmas presents. I checked on the kids a couple times. And once I even took a bag of rice away that Jaxton had found in the pantry and was in the process of spilling on the floor in the living room. "Good, extreme mess diverted" I thought. Nothing that a vacuum can't fix. Well, I went back to the computer because my mom and I were looking at things online.

Apparently, Jaxton decided to move on to bigger and better things. He decided to open and dump about five bags of various kinds of beans all over the floor in the living room. (Click on image to enlarge)



When I walked into the living room Kelseanja was asleep in the chair (because she is sick today) and Austin and Jaxton were making 'snow angels' in the beans causing beans fly in every direction. I swept the bulk of the beans into a a couple piles and set the boys to cleaning them up by putting the beans in large Ziplock bags. I was thinking that maybe we could turn this mess into bean bags later. Then I made the mistake of walking out of the room for a few minutes to catch my cool and call Kelsea's school to excuse her.

That is when the real 'extreme' mess happened...

When I was finished with the call, I walked back in to find the boys had cleaned up most of the beans, but then I saw the kitchen. While I was on the phone with the school, Jaxton decided to see what else he could play with in the pantry. Here is that recipe:

1 Jaxton
Some More Beans
1/3 bag of powdered sugar
1 lb of flour

Mix this altogether and you get:

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AHHHHH! At least he didn't combine the brown sugar and the shortening into the mix. I keep reminding myself that it could have been worse and he is only a baby. I managed to keep my cool and cleaned up the mess. Then gave Jaxton a bath and put him down for a nap. (Note to self: Don't talk on phone unless Jaxton is asleep!)

Now you might wonder why I don't just invest in some door knob covers. Well, for most kids Jaxton's age that would work, but Jaxton is very smart and can open those already. Believe me, I have tried. And to think he isn't even two yet. It is going to be fun!

Kelsea's Thanksgiving Program

Tuesday, Adam, the boys, and I got quite the treat. Kelseanja's Kindergarten class did a little program based on the pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving. This is Kelseanja's very first school program and I thought she did pretty good. All the kids were so cute dressed as pilgrims and indians. Of course I took my camera, but I missed recording the very beginning of the program (about 30 secs) because the camera was acting funny. I know you can't wait to watch it so enjoy the program.

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Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

We just wanted to wish all our family and friends a Happy, Safe, Thanksgiving this year. We are thankful to have each one of you in our lives even if we don't see you very often. We hope your holiday is full of love, good food, and wonderful people to share it with. Oh, and don't forget to scroll down to the bottom of the blog to listen to our funny Turkey Day music for a few smiles.

Happy Birthday Adam!

Last week we celebrated Adam's birthday. The kids were so excited for their daddy to open his presents and blow candles out on his Oreo pie. Sadly, he had to go back to work so we only had a couple hours to celebrate, but we made the most of it. Not to mention the pie was very yummy!
We love you honey! Hope you had a great day!

Spooky Fun-Halloween 2009

For the Halloween weekend we went to Vernal. Saturday morning the girls and I went to our little friend Brinklee's baptism. There were eight kids total getting baptized and the chapel was packed. It was so good to see so many people supporting these little kids. The baptism went well and Brinklee was just beaming after it was all finished. What an awesome chance for my girls to see their friend be baptized. It won't be long before Makayla will be baptized as well. Brinklee's family invited us to a little luncheon afterward, but before we went to lunch we made a quick stop to see Grandma & Grandpa Sessions. I know we totally surprised Grandpa. They weren't expecting us so it was fun. We visited for a little while then headed over to the lunch where I got to visit with Brinklee's mother Jennie whom I haven't seem in a long time. And the girls had fun playing with Brinklee and her little sister Mckenzie.

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After lunch we went back to Grandma Lawona's and carved pumpkins again. We had so many pumpkins that we didn't even get them all carved before we had to get all the kids dressed up. As it turned out we were planning on going to Trunk-or_Treat at Grandma's ward, but we were too late and by the time we showed up it was over. So, we went to Naples ward Trunk-or-Treat instead. After that we stopped at our friend Ms. Murch's house to surprise her. Which she was surprised to see us. She invited us to her ward party and after a quick stop at the Rec Center which was doing festivities. We went to Murch's ward Halloween party. The kids were able to trick-or-treat at the different tables. Murch was happy to see was happy to have someone there to visit with. When it was about over we headed to see a teacher of Kaloni's (and mine) who we told we would visit. She was handing out the big candy bars which the kids got really excited over. Then one last stop at G & G Sessions to end our night of Trick-or-Treating. The kids had a blast and couldn't wait to dive into their candy. However, since we didn't have dinner we said good-bye to G & G Sessions and headed out to eat. Our favorite restaurant was open and it was good to fill-up on something other than sugar. We visited with some friends that also stopped to eat there the headed home. Mom had the older three kids so Adam and I decided to make a quick stop at our friend Ann's house. She was also surprised to see us and Adam even scared her a bit when she came to the door. I visited with her while Jaxton explored, and Adam talked with Ann's grandson. It was so good to see her. Then we went home, got the older three kids in bed. Jaxton was on a sugar high and didn't want to calm down so Adam and I watched a movie my dad left for us to watch. It was called THE GHOST OF CANTERVILLE. The movie isn't that scary, but it is a good family movie. By the time it was over Jaxton was asleep and I was half-asleep so we went to bed. Sunday we came home. We had a great weekend visiting family and friends, dressing-up, and trick-or-treating.

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Brinklee's Baptism

This last weekend we went to Vernal to support our little friend Brinklee. She was baptized on Saturday. The girls were so excited to see their friends.

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Old October Updates

Time to update some other things from the month of October. First slide-show is when my mom and sister came to visit so that Kaloni could go with her boyfriend Jacob to his homecoming. She was so excited to have her sister help her get ready for the dance, so I did her hair. Not a professional job, but she still looked pretty.

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The second slide-show is of Austin when he got is Birthday Box from Grandma & Grandpa MacPherson and Aunt Mariah. He was so excited to get another present he couldn't wait to open it. He loved the jackets and the coloring book, but he also really liked the pop rock candy that Grandma Jane sends in with the gifts. It is her favorite and now my kids love pop rocks too. Thanks G & G MacPherson!

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Fall FUN 2009

Well it is the end of yet another month. Another warm season and nearly another year. So I decided it was time to add updates. This month has been greatly spent getting over sickness. Since we are all feeling better now, over these last couple weeks we have been able to do a few fun things. Makayla had a fall program performed by the Chipeta Second Graders, we picked pumpkins, went to the park one last day before it snowed (literally) where the kids played in the leaves with their friends, and last night we finally carved our pumpkins.

Taken this morning of the snow covered mesa catching the morning sun for a brief moment.

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Austin's 4th Birthday

Austin as a newborn

Austin 5 1/2 Months



Austin one year old

Austin two years old

Austin three years old

Another year passes and my little Austin has grown so much. As a mother I can't help but look back on those first moments I spent holding my little baby boy. Over the past four years he has grown a lot and will continue to grow, but I will always remember him as my baby boy. (Even now that I have another baby boy.)

Austin four years old

Austin's 4th Birthday was last Sunday. He was so excited and did pretty good waiting for General Conference to get over. His biggest ploy was asking several times when we were going to have cake. He talked me into making his birthday cake from a decorative cake pan starring Lightening McQueen. I guess in the future I will have to be careful what I let him see when we go to Hobby Lobby. Anyway, when Jenny & Riyo and Jacob showed up then Austin couldn't wait any longer and tore into his presents. Within minutes, he had unwrapped several Hotwheels cars, a few race tracks, a remote control Lightening McQueen car, and a pair of shoes. Then a few minutes later we surprised him with a new bike. He got to see Grandma Lawona and Aunt Kaloni via web-cam and open the presents they sent. Then he blew out his candles and had his cake. The rest of the night he played with his new toys and watched Disney's CARS until he fell asleep. Happy Birthday Son, We Love YOU!

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Our Vacation to Washington State 2009

September 18th-24th we decided to take a trip to visit some friends in Lake Stevens, Washington. Also, to look into the area because we were thinking of maybe moving because of a possible job opportunity. Needless to say that once we got up there we felt we weren't supposed to move there, so instead we turned the trip into a vacation. We took the kids to the Seattle Aquarium, Lake Stevens Lake, Adam & I went to the Seattle Temple, then took the kids to a beach where we saw a lighthouse and collected shells. We visited with friends and family and had a blast. For more details watch the slide-show. Sorry, it is really long, but if you have the time it is fun. I am trying to catch-up a bit, so I hope you don't mind the slide shows.

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Labor Day Weekend 2009

On Labor Day weekend we went back up to the campsite that we camped at earlier this summer to have dinner with our friends (same friends we camped with). About ten minutes after we arrived it started pouring rain. The kids all got very dirty despite me trying to keep them in the camper. Jaxton got muddier than all the other kids combined. He was having so much fun! I could hardly recognize him. Luckily, the dirt was more like sand and after it dried it fell right off. Still Jaxton was dirtier than he has ever been in his life and that includes when we went camping.

August 24, 2009 Kelseanja's first day of Kindergarten

Horray! Kelseanja did wonderful today at Kindergarten. She didn't cry (and neither did I). When they opened the doors she was the first one in, and then I left . I didn't want her to change her mind about being brave. After school, however, she didn't get off the bus becasue the teacher didn't realize she needed to ride the bus. Which I found a little annoying becasue last Friday, at the Kindergarten Open House, they asked if she was going ride the bus and I told them that she would be riding it home because her sister rides the bus home. Then I asked if she would be able to ride on 'Monday' (today) and they said that she would be able to ride the bus home. So, when she didn't get off the bus I was worried. I rushed home and called the school who had tried calling me while I was at the bus stop. They said she was there in the office. I went and got her and she was just fine munching on some graham crackers. Not worried one bit that she didn't get to ride the bus home. I asked her how her day went at school and she told me that her teacher is really nice and that they colored, cut, and glued, then read stories. I also asked her if she made any new friends and she said: "The whole class are my new friends." She also told me: "And guess what, I didn't cry one bit I was really good for my teacher." So, tomorrow will go smoother. No first day gitters and she will be riding the bus home. Yay! Oh, and in case anyone one was wondering, yes Kelsea got a haircut. Don't you think she is sooo cute with her hair shorter? I do even though we didn't plan on it being so short it makes it easier to brush. Even the secretary in the office at school told me that "Kelsea had the cutest hair in Kindergarten today."

Playing with Bath Bubbles

For a kid who doesn't like playing outside in the water, Jaxton has no problem with taking warm baths inside. Like most kids he loves bubbles! This particular morning last week, he was playing around putting bubbles all over his head and face (I didn't even help him). He He was really showing off, so I had to get pictures. Now every time he takes a bath he says: "Bubble." It is so cute. Other words he has learned are: "Tau-wol", "Bip-per", "Mine!", "ish"(fish), "Shoos", "Go!", "Beep", "Nose", "Baby", and "puppy". A couple weeks ago, we were setting-up a set of bunk-beds in the boys' room and screamed: "My Bed!" twice clear as if he has been talking for years. Adam and I looked at him amazed that he said it so clearly. I don't know what the average vocabulary is for a seventeen month old, but I think he talks better than my friend's two year old. One of Jaxton's new favorite things to do is throw things away. I caught him throwing clean diapers away just after we had sent him to throw a dirty one away. My little helper.

Our Creatures

This week, we met some new creatures. The toad is our new pet. We named him Leonardo and currently have a nice little tank for him. In a week or so though we are going to let him go. There are lots of toads around our house because they like the crickets and also because we don't like that far from the Colorado River. Leonardo is the third toad we have caught this summer. He also is very good at croaking. We put his tank next to the fish tank and he sits in his water bowl and watches the fish. Yes, he has even tried catching the fish, but ends up hitting the side of the tank. The other creature was on the front door the other night. For those of you who don't know, it is a katydid. They like to live in trees and make noises sort of like crickets do. Anyway, this is the first time I have ever seen one although I have heard them before. Well, that is just a couple more interesting creatures we can add to our list of animals and bugs we have seen since we lived here along with the sun spiders, orb spiders, walking sticks, and preying mantisis. Usually, when we find new creatures we try to find out about them. Austin has had lots of fun catching crickets in the back yard which we have an abundence of. He thinks it is fun to watch Leonardo eat them in one flash of his tongue. Even the girls will catch crickets to feed him.

August 19, 2009 Back-to-School

Makayla headed back to school on the 19th. She is now in second grade. Makayla was so excited to be back to school. The day before school, the school had an ice cream social where she was supposed to meet her new teacher,but because both of us were sick with a tummy bug she went to school not knowing who's class she was in. When she returned home she told me that she likes her new teacher. I still have yet to meet the teacher, but I have heard that she is a good teacher. Makayla has informed me that tomorrow will be the first day of 'homework'. Which I know is nesseccary, but it when you are a parent you are responsible to make sure your child is doing all of their homework. So, therefore you also have homework. Anyway, Makayla is now making new friends and can't wait until Kelseanja can join her on the bus ride home.

We stayed Saturday night at Jenny & Riyo's place. It was a quick visit and we didn't get to see them much, but we had fun anyway playing video games and catching-up. We all love Jenny & Riyo and wish we could see them more often. (BTW thanks for letting us stay there.) We stayed as long as we could, had lunch, then packed-up and drove all the way home.

August 1, 2009 Huntsville Park at Hislop Family Reunion

When we were done at the temple we drove to Huntsville, UT to go to the Hislop Family Reunion. There we got to see even more members from a different branch of our family tree. The highlight for me was to see my Grandma Ann and Grandpa Rich as well as my Aunt Nettie. The three older kids had a blast on the blow-up waterslide. Jaxton loved the lollipop that Great-Aunt Linda gave him. My sister Kaloni rode from youth conference to the reunion with my grandparents. Then we got to bring her back to Grand Junction with us when we came home. Kaloni also had fun getting wet and sliding with the kids. Kelseanja chickened out at the top of the slide so Aunt Kaloni had to rescue her. One of the events from the reunion was a fashon show where models showed of the latest fashions such as plunging necklines, bear backs, bib overalls, top hats, cotton skirts, and double breasted suits. And can't forget the famous Jim-bag. Anyway, the reunion was great and it was nice to see extended members of the family.

After the reunion, Kaloni the kids and I went to see even more family by stopping to see our Grandma Lloy's cousin whom everyone calls Aunt Lawona. Her and her husband Keith live in Huntsville too, so we couldn't resist a visit. Aunt Lawona is probably one of the funnest people to visit with. Her stories keep anyone interested for hours and the best part is that they are all true. We had an awesome visit and hope to visit again soon.

August 1, 2009 Oquirrh Utah Temple Open House

The next day, we got up early and met with family to go though the Oquirrh Utah Temple Open House. It was the last day of the open house so we felt grateful for the opprotunity. The kids were so excited that they were getting a chance to see inside a temple. Kelsea said: "I can't wait to tell Daddy!" All the kids got a pamphlet which had picture of some of the rooms in the temple and Austin loved matching the pictures to the rooms. He often would say: "Hey, that is in my paper!" We tried to explain a few things to the kids about the importance of the temple. Afterwards, we went into a tent where we all had cookies and took pictures of the kids next to the paintings of Christ. I thought temple was beautiful and it was such a neat experience to take my children through a House of the Lord. I hope they will alway remember this experience.

July 31, 2009 Cory & Dani's Open House

After playing at the park we went to my cousin Cory and his new wife Dani's open house. There we got to see more family. Congrats Cory and Dani!

July 31, 2009 More Westmore Park

Grandma Jane, Grandpa Doug, Aunt Caylee, Uncle David, Cousin Zeke, and Aunt Erin all came to the picnic! We had so much fun playing. Uncle David showed us how he can be a monkey in a tree and Grandpa watched us on the slide. We didn't want to leave because we were having such a great time!