Thursday, December 30, 2010

winter weather

Winter weather in Mesa???

Yes, but the above picture is Flagstaff, but if you look closely at the picture of Jack you will see white stuff in the picture that is actually snow. I know it looks like dirt or rocks but it really is the white stuff. We were inside and Jack yells "it's snowing" so we ran outside and sure enough the white stuff was coming down, almost like a blizzard, he he he. It is a rare thing to happen here so all of the neighbors were outside enjoying the snow. The best part though is by Sunday the temperature will be back up to the sixties with sun.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Christmas

For Christmas break I had two goals. One, to see "Tangled" and two to see "Harry Potter." Since I accomplished these two goals on Monday and Tuesday I was then able to do other things. Like take care of sick children. On Thursday before school got out Kate was up all night throwing up. I then prayed that my other kids would be healthy from 2-5 on the 18th for Jack's baptism. They were and I thought we had beaten the bug and that only Kate had gotten it. But no such luck. On Monday, Jack woke up with a fever, but not enough to keep us from doing stuff. He would just get tired and want to rest but the Motrin did its job and kept him pretty happy. He never threw up and was good to go on Tuesday. But on Tuesday the bug had moved on to Jay. He too was running a fever and just getting tired after every little thing. Again though not too bad so we were able to do most things. He would have been better off if he would take medicine but he wouldn't. So I thought by Wednesday, Kate would have the bug and we would all be better by Christmas Eve. No such luck, Jay got worse and ended up throwing up on Wednesday, so I introduced him to his best friend, the silver bowl, and told him where you go this goes too. I guess he got tired of taking the bowl with him where ever he went because he went into the bathroom, laid down on the floor, and fell asleep. Before he fell asleep he asked me for a blanket and I told him he could go lay in his bed but he didn't want to. He just laid down and fell asleep. I felt so sorry for him. But after sleeping all day Wednesday by Thursday he was better and Kate had not gotten the bug. I thought we were good. But alas on Christmas morning we woke up and Kate was warm. Thankfully she never threw up and again only wanted to rest and be held. Kate would take her medicine and would get up to play and then the medicine would wear off and she would sleep.
Besides all of the sickness Christmas was great. The kids got suitcases from Santa in preparation of the trip to Disneyland that we are going to in January. They each got a gift card to Disney to be used on our trip. It was fun to watch Jack and Jay look at the gift cards and figure out where they can be used. We had to ask them "where does Mickey Mouse, Woody, and Buzz live"? There response was "Hollywood". Eventually they figured out Disneyland and then figured out we are going. They are so excited and we are even thinking of making a chain to count down.
Christmas Eve was great. We went to the Ricedorffs to BBQ hamburgers. I swear my father in law makes the best hamburgers. Then we went to the temple to listen to Jordon Blueth. Two days in a row for me because we went on the Thursday before to listen to the Duttons. Both performers were so good and totally put me in the Christmas spirit.
Christmas morning we opened up presents at my house then went to the Ricedorffs for breakfast and the gift exchange. Then home to rest then to my grandparents then on to my parents, for the white elephant gift exchange. It is always so much fun to do and see what people come up with. I ended up with a razor scooter. Overall it was a great Christmas and I love this time of year with all the laughter and giving.





Me with my Grandpa and Grandma Goodman. Grandpa is 95 and Grandma is 93. Look at Kate's poor sick eyes.





Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Jack's baptism

The day came that my oldest turned eight and got baptized. I keep telling my children that they are not allowed to grow but they never listened. The baptism was nice. There was one other girl who got baptized on the same day, December 18, 2010, so we reserved the chapel and good thing because it was packed. Between the Andersons and the Ricedorffs there was a lot of support for these two young people making such an important choice. Jack got to have Grandpa Ricedorff give the talk on the Holy Ghost and Grandpa Goodman got to give the closing prayer. He chose "When I am Baptized" as the opening song and the entire program was perfect. I was a little stressed because my calling is baptism coordinator and it was my first baptism with more than one child getting baptized. But thankfully the Andersons are flexible and it all worked out great. The only "bad" thing to happen was Ryan said the prayer wrong so Jack had to be dunked twice. I laughed because Jack kept saying how nervous he was that his toe would stick out and then he would have to be dunked twice. Well his toe didn't stick out but he still had to be dunked twice.
I am so proud of Jack and his decision he made to be baptized. I hope and pray that Ryan and I teach him correct principles and that he continues to make good choices. I love my little Jack and I know he will continue to grow even when I tell him not to.


My family, Ryan, Kate, Dyan, Jay and Jack


Kamryn Anderson and Jack

Jack with his dad already to be baptized.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Jay's kindergarten performance

Jay's kindergarten performance was so dang cute. Jason and Shelley managed to get us front row seats so we could see all of the action. Jay knew all of the songs which were: Rudolph, Jingle Bells, Dradle, Up on the Housetop, and his favorite "We Fish you a Hairy Chrismoose and a Hippo New Year." Which the kids all sang after "We wish you a Merry Christmas." I love the age that Jay is at. He wants to be big sometimes but still gets so excited about things like singing in front of all the parents. Jay is such a great student and Mrs. Burton loves him almost as much as me.
I love the shirts that all the kindergartners wore. It will be a keeper forever.


Dyan, Ryan, Kate, Jack, Jay, Kaden, Shelley, Tessa, Jason, and Rolana
Jay and Kaden

Jay with Mrs. Burton the best kindergarten teacher out there.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Keelie's birthday at the Zoo

We got to go to the zoo for Keelie's third birthday. Joe and Cassie had a hook up that got us all into the zoo for free and got us free camel rides and got us into the sting ray exhibit too. We had a great time with all of the cousins. Jack just takes off with Jake, Ty, Durham, and Raulin and Kate has so many girl cousins her age it is so fun to watch her play. Jay just hung around Ryan the entire time, usually he plays with Wyatt. We had a great time and I loved hanging out with all my brothers and sisters. Thanks Joe and Cassie can't wait till next year.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Jack's b-day party

I want to turn eight again and have the birthday Jack had. The day started with donuts and opening of presents with the family. Then off Jack went to school with 28 donuts for his class. When he got home about 30 minutes later a group of boys showed up for a fun filled birthday party. We had pizza and brownies and ice cream. The boys all ran around and created havoc. Then Ryan and I rounded them up and off we went to the Suns game. The Suns were having scout night out with the Suns. So, we took advantage of cheaper tickets and tickets paid for by the scouting program and had Jack's birthday party at US Airways Arena. We got to go early to watch the players warm up and get their picture taken with the gorilla. The boys were in heaven and had so much fun. The rest of the night was spent in the gorilla green zone where the boys could shoot hoops, run around and play video games. We also watched the first half of the game. But the Suns were not doing good and the seats were way high so the boys, really me, lost interest. Overall it was a great day and I hope Jack remembers it always. And we had no tears this year about his birthday ending like in years past.


The boys: Jack, Steven, Bryson, Andrew, Davis, Jake, Sterling, Jay and Kaden

Friday, December 10, 2010

Jack is 8

I swear it seems like yesterday that my oldest boy was being born. I was all stressed out about finals at ASU and my doctor was all concerned about the size of my baby. So, I conceded in having Jack early and took two incompletes. Jack was born healthy and not huge but not small just a perfect six pounds 10 ounces. I remember being at the hospital and Ryan's brother Randy always being there. It wasn't until later that I realized that Jack was his first nephew and he was just a proud uncle. Randy came every day twice a day. Once he even came without Rebecca and she was not happy about it. But I love that Jack was and is so loved and he is also so loving.
Jack has been counting down to his birthday since after Thanksgiving. He is just so excited for it. He gets to go to the Suns game tonight with the scouts and a few friends and bring donuts to his school class. He got a new bike and scriptures.
Jack gets baptized next week on December 18th. I can't believe he is old enough to get baptized. I am proud of the decisions he makes and I love my little eight year old. Who is not so little and is growing way too fast.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Best Christmas Pageant Ever!!!

Friday started with me substituting and catching three people cheating on the quiz. I was so sad and hurt that they would do that but my day got much better. That night we, my family, the Platts, Laura and John, and my parents, went to see the "Best Christmas Pageant Ever" at the Mesa Arts Center. It was wonderful. I laughed and cried. My children all laughed and thought it was the best show I never heard a peep out of them except laughter. It is so great to have the Christmas spirit. I seem to cry and laugh a lot easier this time of the year. Everything just touches me so deeply. I love it. I wish I could keep this spirit year round.
Saturday was wonderful too. My good friends the Owensbys had their second child sealed to them in the Mesa Arizona Temple. What a beautiful ceremony. After it was all done and I saw their little family standing in the sealing room it struck me that their family is perfect and their children are theirs forever. Even though their children look nothing like them, Zadok and Isaac are theirs and just had to come to them a different way. I am amazed at the sacrifice the birth moms make and the sacrifices Steve and Angie make. I once said that I love Angie's perspective on things but I don't want to have to go through what she has to get it. I will just try to listen and learn from her. The temple truly is an amazing place and we have an amazing gift in that families really are forever.
Sunday was fast and testimony meeting. Steve and Angie blessed little Isaac and the Easthopes blessed their little Anna. What a great meeting. Melanie Easthope bore her testimony and gave such a great analogy. Melanie was putting up her Christmas decorations and she has a nativity from Bolivia, where she served her mission. In her nativity the moms carry their babies on their backs to Jesus. She then likened it to her and how she has had others carry her on their backs to Jesus and now she is a mom herself and she needs to carry her own children to Jesus. It was such a great testimony. I know I have been carried many times towards Jesus and I know that I need to carry my own children. I just hope I do the job and teach my children like I have been taught.
It was a great weekend and I love this time of year. I love that people are just a little bit nicer and cheerful. I love that I see Christmas lights everywhere and the Christmas songs are playing. I love that I can play "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" ten times a day if I want to and no one says anything. I am blessed in so many ways and I am grateful that I got to participate in such a great weekend.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

State Champs!!!


Show Low 3A State Football Champions!!!!

What a game. It was one of the best football games I have seen all year. Show Low came out strong in the first half and held Blue Ridge to 3 points. Going into the half up 20 to 3. Show Low's defense was incredible and the offense was rolling. Then the second half started and it was a different game. Show Low's defense was good but nothing like the first half and the offense couldn't score. Blue Ridge intercepted the ball and then drove down the field to score. Cutting the lead to 20 to 10. Blue Ridge then got the ball back after a bad snap, giving them great field position and they were able to score again, cutting the lead to 20 to 17. Show Low got the ball back and was driving but could never score. Blue Ridge then got the ball back and was driving down the field. Blue Ridge was on Show Low's 36 yard line when the quarterback threw a long ball into the end zone with 58 seconds left to play. We were all screaming saying please don't catch it and Blue Ridge didn't, Show Low did. An interception in the end zone to clinch the game. The game was over, all Show Low had to do was take a knee, which they did. The title was ours and it was so sweet. Winning is way more fun than losing.
Go Cougars!!!!!


Thursday, November 25, 2010

Thanksgiving

I love Thanksgiving, it is my favorite holiday. What other day of the year do you get to stuff yourself and not feel guilty all while enjoying the company of your family. It is great!!!
This year was like the others. It started with a nice hike up Usury Pass with Rachelle then on to my parents, then on to Ryan's parents. We just hang out and eat all day. The food is set out and I just snack on it all day long. I have no self control on Thanksgiving. But I don't care. I love it and have no guilt.
A tradition my mom started and I try to do every year is make a thankful list. This year we had a thankful notebook and my family would draw pictures and write what we are thankful for. But I need to write my list down so here it is: Ryan, Jack, Jay, Kate, the gospel, Jesus Christ, my mom and dad, my sisters and brothers, my in-laws, freedom, America, the military, my health, rubber bands, diapers, birth control, washer and dryer, electricity, sports, shoes, clothes, sunshine and rain (but mostly the sun), music, atonement, friends, great neighbors, movies, my great ward, my primary kids, and so much more. My list could go on forever. I love Thanksgiving.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Grateful

I am writing this post with tears in my eyes because I am so grateful. The other day Ryan dropped Jay off at school in a different spot. Ryan had spotted his brother so he followed him around so Jay and Kaden could go to school together. While the boys were getting out of their cars and getting backpacks, Jay decided he could cross the street and head into school. Little did Jay realize that there was a bus coming. Ryan said time stood still and everyone froze. Jay saw the bus and just covered his head and put his arm at to stop it. Thankfully the bus did stop just in time and Jay is okay. But Ryan said it was the scariest thing he has ever witnessed.
But I am grateful. I am grateful that prayers were answered in keeping my family safe. I am grateful that the bus driver was paying attention and was able to stop. I am grateful that even though I was subbing Ryan was around and took care of Jay. I am grateful that the principle took the time to talk to Ryan. I am grateful that Mrs. Burton and Mrs. Long took Jay kicking and screaming on the bus for the field trip that he would have been so upset if he missed and then texted me in the middle of the trip to tell me Jay was okay. I am grateful that had something happened to Jay, two priesthood holders would have been right there. I am grateful for Karrie who took Jay in the afternoon. But most of all I am grateful that Jay was not hurt. That at dinner that night we were together as a family eating pizza and talking about the importance of looking both ways to cross the street. Jay can be a little ornery but my life would not be the same without him and I am so grateful he was watched over and protected.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Weekend

I don't normally blog about what I do on the weekends because I usually only go to football games. But this weekend was different. Yes, there was a football game, which Show Low beat Winslow 68-48, but I also went and saw an awesome musical performance, "The Price of Freedom." It was so good and even better because it was free. I am cheap so when I hear about free things that are actually good I take advantage of it. The story is set in World War 2 times and it is about four men who go off to war and the women they leave behind. One leaves a wife who is pregnant, two have a mother who worries about them, and one has a girlfriend. The men and women write letters to each other that are set to music. It was a powerful reminder to me of the great freedoms we enjoy and the people who are willing to fight for those freedoms. I do love learning about World War 2 and I am in awe of that generation. Here is the link to Spire music that puts on the production. If you are ever in need of something to do check the link and see if anything is going on. You will not be disappointed. http://www.spiremusic.org/
On another note I also ran a 10k on Saturday morning. I was not pleased with the race especially since I was suppose to run the half marathon. I was not ready for a half and in fact the 10k was not fun. I finished in 1:01.10. My slowest time for this race. I had no joy in running and wanted to quit halfway through. But since that is not an option I finished. I need to mix up my work outs. I think I will try hiking again. I do enjoy that. I love being outside and soaking up the sun. But for now my racing days are over at least until I get talked into one.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Cheerleader Kate

Cheerleader Kate
We watched a lot of football games this year, and hopefully we have three more if Show Low makes it to the championship game, and I learned something about my little girl. She loves to cheer. At every game she would watch the cheerleaders, Lexi, and copy what they did. Kate's favorite thing was if someone lifted her up. Kate wants to stunt. She would sit at the games and watch the cheerleaders like a hawk. She loved it when Rachelle would take her to the bottom of the bleachers to watch Lexi and the other cheerleaders. It was so much fun watching Kate dance and cheer all season. In fact the other fans got a kick out of it too. Even now Kate will walk around and yell Go Cougars, while moving her hands in a cheer. She also has learned to stand with her foot back while leaning forward and she can shimmy. My only problem with Kate cheering is I can't do hair. For the life of me I can't get a straight part in her hair and so if Kate pursues cheerleading she is going to have to make friends with someone who can do hair.
Go Cougars!!!


Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Halloween


Halloween was great this year. We got to celebrate it three times, four if you include the kids school parties. We have ridiculous amounts of candy, that I am eating way too much of, but it was a great time.
Wednesday my ward had a trunk or treat. It was so much fun. We have had some new move-ins so it was nice to meet them.
Saturday we went to my parents chili party, then to the Ricedorff's ward's party, then trick or treating in the neighborhood.
Sunday, the actual holiday, we were not going to go trick or treating but stay home and hand out candy. But my kids wanted to go to the haunted house, the house that is fully decked out for Halloween, and trick or treat. Since they give out full size candy bars we had to go. What was suppose to be a quick trip to one house ended up being an all out trick or treating fiesta. We drove down one street and everyone was outside so we had to stop and talk and of course the kids had to trick or treat. Then we had to go to Jay's teacher's house so more trick or treating. After all was said and done we had way too much candy and no time left to hand it out at home.
We had a great time. Jack- a skeleton rock star, Jay- Red Power Ranger, Kate- Cheerleader.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Family Home Evening

Ryan made a point of asking me to make sure I blog about our past two family home evenings. So here it is.
A couple of weeks ago Jack was in charge of the lesson. So we were sitting around waiting for him to start. He went into the kitchen and got some bread and a cup of water. Ryan and I looked at each other and thought "what". Well he surprised us by saying he was giving the lesson on the Last Supper. He then went on to explain that before Jesus died he had a supper with his disciples that came to represent the sacrament. Jack didn't get all of the details correct but he did a great job talking about the sacrament and Jesus. I was surprised that he even knew about the Last Supper and could give even a few details about it. I am grateful to good primary teachers that teach him.
The next week Jay was giving the lesson and his was the string cheese and water lesson. I think he was also trying to give the lesson on the Last Supper but Jay wanted to use string cheese. Jay said that the string cheese represented the heart of Jesus and that the water represented the blood. Pretty close and creative. Just when we were finishing our lesson Jason came over with Kaden and Tessa. Jay then invited Kaden to come to church with us because on Sunday we are having a missionary day and we are suppose to invite someone to church with us. So Jay invited Kaden. That lead to another lesson on missionary work and how Kaden does goes to the same church just not the same ward.
I am so happy that my children are actually listening and trying to do what is right. I know Ryan and I have our work cut out for us in teaching and raising our children but if we keep working and praying maybe we will get it right. I love my children.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Happy Birthday Ryan

The love of my life turned 36 over the weekend. He deserves a shout out. If I was good I would write down 36 things I love about him, but I don't have the time, so I will list a few.
-He loves his children. Jay made this tie for him on Father's Day and Ryan wore it to church. If wearing it wasn't bad enough he was then asked to pass the sacrament. The ward elected him father of the year for it. I agree he is a great dad.
-He loves football. I am always amazed to listen to Ryan and his brother Randy talk football. I think I know the game and then I listen to them and I have no idea what they are talking about. It is like a different language and Ryan is in his element. I actually do enjoy listening and learning from him. Maybe someday I will learn the foreign language of football but until then I will just listen to Ryan and Randy and pretend like I know what is going on.
-He loves the gospel and honors his priesthood. I love listening to Ryan bear his testimony to our family at family home evening. I know I learn from him and I am sure our children are learning too even though it is hard to tell sometimes.
-He gets scared. We went to a haunted corn maze in Snowflake over the weekend and Ryan was so scared. He held onto Rachelle's jacket and my hand the entire time, except when he took off running which caused him to trip. I am sure the maze was scary but I was too busy laughing at Ryan to be scared. I love that he gets scared because then I have an excuse other than being scared myself to not see scary movies. I can just blame it all on Ryan.
-He works hard. I am truly blessed to stay at home with my children. Ryan is willing to support us and he does a fine job of it.
-He has many friends. He still has his friends from high school, his friends he runs with, his friends at work, his friends at church, and so many more. I love that he can make friends so easily.
There are so many more great things about my husband I am so glad I got to marry him.
Happy Birthday Ryan!!!!!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Nephew and Niece


Introducing my newest nephew and niece born on October 18, 2010
Puller Paul Goodman 5lbs, 10oz
Laina Goodman 6lbs, 12oz
Congrats to Dale and Debbie on their beautiful babies.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Fall Break

We had a great fall break. We didn't do all that we had planned because the temperature went up and it was warm. But we had fun and the zoo will have to wait until maybe winter break.
Here is our week in a nutshell.
Friday: we headed up to Show Low to watch the football game. Go Cougars!!! They beat Snowflake 48 to 16 and are now undefeated. Show Low plays Blue Ridge on the 22nd so if anyone is looking for something to do head up to Pinetop and cheer on the Cougars. It should be a great game.
Saturday: We went into Snowflake to the pumpkin patch. Brookelyn's in-laws own it and it was so much fun. We picked pumpkins, road the hayride, launched pumpkins, bungee jumped, and had a great time. We hung out a Randy and Rebecca's after that and watched ASU finally win a football game. We drove home that night and I actually saw an elk. For a while I didn't think elk existed and that they were just a made up animal.


Sunday: Nothing much different on Sunday. Went to church, took a nap, went to the Ricedorffs, played games, took a walk and enjoyed family.
Monday: Just hung around at home, did yard work, planted winter grass and got things done that should get done on Saturdays but we are always in Show Low so they don't.
Tuesday: Just hung around all day and then went to the drive-ins at night. We saw "Alpha and Omega." Not the best movie but it is all about being together as a family. Kaden, Tessa and Jackie joined us and we laughed, snacked and had a great time. I took no pictures but trust me it was fun.
Wednesday: We headed to the train park with the Platts and Goodmans. My kids love hanging out with their cousins and I love hanging out with my sister, brother and sister-in-law. We rode the train, where the kids all piled into the cattle car and then were locked in. I would have been claustrophobic but they seemed to be okay. Then we rode the carousal, with the scary horse faces, ate ice cream and played at the park. We enjoyed hanging out until the temperature rose and then it was time to head home.
Thursday: We went to my parents. Julie made the trek into town so we trekked all the way over to my parents house, all two miles of it. Again the kids all played with their cousins and I got to hang out with Karrie, Julie, and my mom and dad. I love being with my family. We talk politics, education, and nothing at all it is great. Right before Julie was going to leave, Wyatt hit his head on the elliptical machine in the basement. He cut his head open and was bleeding everywhere. Thankfully Jeremy was there and promptly took care of the head wound, which wound up being only a cut about three centimeters long. Jeremy super glued the cut and Wyatt was on his way.
Friday: We took the kids to Krazy Sub, Jack's favorite place to eat. I think he would eat it everyday if we let him. That afternoon we rented "The Karate Kid" and pop popcorn and hung out. In the evening Ryan took the kids to the park and Karrie brought me sugar cookies. Karrie makes the best sugar cookies ever. I could eat the whole plate but if I do I know I would be sick but they are that good.
Saturday: The end of the week. Ryan's family had a family reunion. The Adams family. It was fun to go to Grandpa and Grandma Adams house and hear stories of Ryan's family. Ryan's Aunt Lois read an entry from her dad's journal. It really made me think how important family history is. Hence the long post. But is was fun to get together with everyone. That night Ryan and I got a babysitter and went on a date. It was nice to shop and eat dinner with only Ryan. Our conversations were not interrupted by children only by the games on TV.
We had a great week and I can't believe it is over. It is now back to school for the boys and back to getting out of bed before seven. Yes, for the entire week I didn't get out of bed until at least seven. It was wonderful.


Thursday, October 7, 2010

Fall showers bring............... cooler weather

Finally it has happened. Fall has come to Mesa, Arizona. Yes, that season between summer and winter. That time of year when the temperature drops to a cool 90 degrees and if we are lucky into the 80's. The past few days it has rained and brought much cooler weather. I love it. I love that my children want to play outside. One day after school they never even made it inside. They dropped their backpacks in the garage and stayed outside. It was great. They road scooters, bikes, met the neighbors that they haven't seen outside since May, colored with chalk, and enjoyed the fact that it was not 100 degrees. In fact while it was raining I think the temperature dropped all the way to 77. Just wonderful. I am glad that fall is finally here and I am grateful for all the rain that fell. I heard somewhere that Mesa got an inch and a half of rain one day. That is crazy but great. I hope the triple digit weather is gone until April, May if we are lucky.
Here are my kids, Karrie's kids, and the neighbor kids outside playing.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Women's Conference

On Saturday was the General Relief Society Meeting. My friends from the cruise texted me and said let's extend the cruise and have a girls night out, go to the meeting then on to dinner. I was game and I needed to go to the meeting. If they hadn't texted me I probably would not have gone. But I did go and learned or relearned some valuable lessons.
1. I love my husband. At the meeting a few women brought their children. I could hear them crying throughout and it made me appreciate Ryan so much. The entire time we have had children I have never felt like I couldn't leave them with him. He knows I need to go to these meetings so he says go and I leave without a second thought of if my little ones will be OK. I know they are. Ryan is a great dad and most of the time a better parent than me.
2. Those same women who brought their kids taught me that clearly they needed to be at the meeting. Even though they had little ones they knew how important it was to go. They were at the meeting and listening to some wise council. I know if I had to bring my little ones I would not have gone to the meeting. But these women did and I am sure they are blessed for it.
3. I need to do better on my visit teaching. Whenever I go I am blessed. I visit two great women and each time I learn something different from them that I wouldn't learn if I don't go.
4. President Monson is a true prophet of God. I loved his talk on not judging. I needed that reminder. I don't know how often I will judge only to find out the rest of the story and wish I hadn't judged. President Monson's talk was great. I know he is called of God to lead our church now. I know if I follow his council I will have a better life and live with our Heavenly Father again someday. Here is a link to his talk. I love his sense of humor.
http://new.lds.org/pages/general-rs-meeting-sept-2010?lang=eng

Monday, September 27, 2010

Back to Reality

I am home from my great vacation. I relaxed, didn't sleep nearly enough, laughed, talked and had a great time. I was a little torn, since I went on the cruise I was not able to hike the Grand Canyon. I heard it was a grand time and that I missed out on a fun group. I will hike it next year if my dad is up to it. It has only been two days since they did it so I don't know if they are prepared to do it again. But if he is I will go.
Back to the cruise. Below is a picture of all of us on Catalina Island. We did the zip line and all of us went, even though we were all scared. The rest of the week we laid on the adult only deck and laughed, ate and got way too much sun. These women are great and I appreciate all of the different perspectives that come from them. Each one teaches me something I need to know even though they don't realize it.
I had a great time and I am so grateful to my husband. I am truly blessed to be married to such a great man. I know my little ones and house were taken care of. The entire cruise I never worried about my family.
I can't wait till next year.

Angie, Eileen, Talena, Lori, Dyan, Becky, Jene, Amy and Kierra.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Going cruising

I am leaving my family behind for one week. A bunch of friends and I are going on a four night five day cruise. I have mixed emotions. On the one hand I can't wait and on the other hand I know I will miss Ryan and the little ones.
But it is needed. It is needed because my kids need to ask their dad to open the piece of candy he just handed to them instead of walking across the room to have me do it. It is needed because my kids need to have their dad tie their shoes and make them do their homework. It is needed so I can go to the bathroom without "MOM" being yelled ten times. It is needed so I can appreciate all that I have and what a great man I am married to.
Jay has promised to save all of his squeezes he gives me everyday and give them all to me when I get back. Ryan and Jack seem to think that the house will fall apart without me and that I am the one who makes sure everything runs smoothly. Kate had no idea that I am going but hopefully will be happy to see me when I get back.
I know my family will be taken care of. I don't doubt Ryan's abilities at all. They will have fun and maybe they will not go to bed every night at eight but they will be smiling when I see them on Friday.

I can't wait!!!!!

Friday, September 10, 2010

Attack of the Ducks

Last weekend in Show Low we spent the afternoon at Fool Hollow Lake. We love it there. It is so pretty and the weather was fabulous. We had some goldfish from the car and since there were ducks the kids decided to feed them. These ducks were not afraid. They ate goldfish out of Jack's hand. The funniest thing was Ryan trying to feed the ducks and he got bit. I guess it was so funny because he had just told Jack to not be afraid of the ducks and then he got bit. After that we were all a little leery of the ducks. I have never seen ducks so aggressive. We had fun feeding the ducks even when we get bit.









Sunday, August 29, 2010

Single motherhood and Jayisms

For the past week Ryan had to go to North Carolina and Virginia on a business trip. Ryan has never had a job that required travel and I was not happy. I have been spoiled for my married life with a husband who works a 9-5 job and is home at night and on the weekends. I like this. So for a week I was a single mom. I did not like it. On top of being alone I also took two sub jobs. Yes, I know most people work full time but again I am spoiled and I don't. It was so hard to get things done, put the kids to bed, shower them, feed them, get homework done, and all of the other things that I had to do by myself. My good friend said it best. I was living some one's reality and it was a nightmare for me. This week really made me appreciate Ryan and all that he does. In "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" it states that "husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and their children." I know that is true. For me and Ryan it truly takes both a husband and a wife to raise our family and teach our children. I am grateful to Ryan and all he does for my family and me.

Now for some Jayisms. One is probably not appropriate but it is too funny not to post so I am going to.
First off one day last week I was taking the kids to get ice cream and they were crying about only get one scoop. So I said if you continue to cry and whine you will get no ice cream so be happy with one scoop. Jay replies with "so, I will just have an empty cone." Sometimes his arguments are just too logical.
Now for the inappropriate one. Stop reading if you are easily offended. I warned you.
One morning Jay would not wake up. He does this on occasion pretends to sleep so I have to carry him and dress him while he "sleeps." So I was doing this and took off his pajama shirt put on his school shirt and then went to take off his pajama pants only to realize he had no underwear on. Which is sad to say is not unusual for Jay, I guess he prefers to go commando. Anyway back to the story. I proceed to take his pants off only to be surprised with something sticking straight up. Now if you have boys and it's morning, a body part often sticks up in the morning. But I was surprised and so was Kate because she pointed at it and said "huhh." Needless to say I quickly got him dressed and tried my best to not make a big deal out of it and not laugh too hard. See not too inappropriate it was just too funny seeing Kate's reaction and Jay's non reaction. I love my kids!!!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

First day of School



Whenever I hear first day of school I always think of Nemo shouting "FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL" to his dad and his dad not wanting Nemo to go to school. I have mixed feelings about the first day of school also. I have expectations about what I will do when school starts. How I will clean out the den, be organized, get to the gym everyday, and so much more. When this doesn't happen I get a little down. But like all lows in life I muscle through them and realize that life goes on and that I am going to be okay.
Jack started second grade and Jay started kindergarten or young learners as we call it here since the plan is for Jay to do kindergarten twice. So Jay goes to school only half day and Jack is gone all day. I don't like it. I do miss my kids and I think Kate does too. But I know they are learning and enjoying it so much. Ryan challenged them to meet someone new everyday and it is so fun to ask the boys about this. They always say yes we met someone new but they never remember the names.
Here are their favorites that I ask them every year.
Jack's Favorites
Color: blue
Animal: dog
Food: pizza
Best Friend: Jake Platt
Book: Ramona Forever
Activity: riding my scooter
Toy: paper airplanes
Movie: Ramona and Beezus
What do you want to be when you grow up? Baseball player
Jay's Favorites
Color: red
Animal: great white and tiger sharks
Food: cotta (cottage cheese) and hot dogs
Best Friend: Wilson Kerr
Book: animals
Activity: playing with you (mom, Dyan)
Toy: power rangers and transformers
Movie: Jaws
What do you want to be when you grow up? baseball player for the power ranger team.
Some of the answers were the same from last year but is it so fun to see how they change and grow up. By the way they have yet to wear these clothes again. I have to get a token first day of school outfit that will be worn twice, once on the first day of school and once on picture day.

California, again


We had another great trip to Cali. The kids all love the water, the sand and being outside. Thank you to Jason and Shelley for letting us all stay at your house. We had a great time.
Jay, Kaden, and Jack all buried in the sand. I love this picture.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Lake Powell

Lake Powell

I love Lake Powell. We are fortunate to have great friends, Steve and Angie, who have a houseboat and actually enjoy our company, so we get invited along to Lake Powell. For me, once the grocery shopping is done, it is the most relaxing vacation ever. There is no decision on where to go to dinner, or what activities you want to do. It is all right there on the lake. If you get hot you jump in the lake, if you are bored you jump in the lake. Thank you Steve and Angie you guys are troopers taking a six week old baby to the lake. It was a great time!!!!
Again I asked everyone their favorite parts of the trip and here are the responses.
Ryan: portable fans made sleeping much better. We bought battery powered fans and had them on all night long.
Dyan: Mine is always the same. I love being with my family and making memories. I love that Kate still wants to go swimming at Lake Powell.
Rachelle: jumping off the top of the cliff. She is a little afraid of heights so she was very happy that she jumped, something I didn't do, at least not the highest cliff.
Alexis: don't know the whole thing was fun, thought for a minute more and then said "racing Steve and Jack on the jet ski and the girls won."
Jack: going on the jet ski and jumping off rocks
Jay: climbing sand dunes, jet skis, and jumping off rocks.
Kate: Ummmm, Powell
More highlights, as you can tell I like making lists, it is easier for me to remember things.
-already blogged about it but Lexi climbing the sand hill 10 times
-jet skis for the first time, but not the last
-rainbow in the morning, seen only by Rachelle but she got a great picture (see the bottom collage)
-trying to get Rachelle off the jet ski and finally succeeding when I wasn't even trying.
-having a bat fly around inside of the houseboat one night. Rachelle was on the floor and just laughed at us all sitting up afraid.
-Jay playing ball and hitting the ball off the canyon wall
-going off the slide. Kate loved it and wanted to go again and again.
-I lost my sunglasses and issued a dollar reward for their return. I have yet to see them, I think Lexi is holding out for two dollars.
-Our island in the middle of the lake. We would ride our jet skis over and swim around and we could watch Lexi and Ryan wake board.
-Angie throwing Jack into the the water. It is a tradition that I don't think Jack likes.
-Dyan taking an elbow to the head. Ryan heard Isaac coughing in the middle of the night and thought Kate had fallen into the lake so he jumped up to rescue her and in the mean time elbowed me in the head.
-Jack picking up an ant and being mad that he got bit. When Rachelle asked him what he was going to do with the ant Jack said kill it so we didn't feel too bad for him.


Above pictures just us being silly and hanging out on the houseboat, beach, and lake.

Everyone on the jet skis. I don't know why we haven't rented them before. We all had a ball riding them and I even got over my grandma tendencies in driving them, well a little bit.

Here is the beautiful rainbow Rachelle saw one morning and Ryan and Jack jumping off the cliff. Ryan is doing a back flip and Jack has no fear when it comes to cliff jumping.


Saturday, August 21, 2010

Lexi is my idol


Alexis Ricedorff is my idol. At Lake Powell there is a sand hill that is probably 200 yards straight up in sand. We climb it every year once and only once. It is hard. Lexi told Ryan she would climb it 10 times before even doing it once. We all laughed at her. Well, true to her word she climbed it 10 times. All of us on the houseboat were impressed. When Lexi was asked the next day if she was sore she responded with "not really." Oh to be 16 again.
This is a picture of the sand hill from the houseboat. The black speck is Lexi climbing up.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Christopher Creek

For the past five years my family has gone camping at Christopher Creek. We pack up way too much stuff, especially food and head out. This year was different though, we went in July instead of September. It was great. We weren't hot or cold. I think we need to go every year at this time. As we were driving home I asked each family member their favorite part of the trip here are their responses.
Jack: Catching crawdads, mud fight, jumping off the rocks, baseball, and climbing the mountain
Jay: Playing with Wyatt, jumping off high dive, being a raccoon, baseball
Kate: Jumping
Ryan: Swimming with the boys and Katie, playing ball
Dyan: Hanging with my family and watching my kids play and laugh, and making memories
Here are some more highlights from the trip.
-Rope swing: we found a smaller, closer water hole with a rope swing that the kids loved
-Box Canyon: instead of going to the big, closer water hole, we drove to a new one where the kids all jumped off cliffs too high for me.
-Wanting to stay longer: as we were leaving my kids said "let's stay another day."
-Catching crawdads
-Using mud as a sunblock and to become a raccoon.
-Jay hitting Wyatt with a rock, and then commenting that it was a soft rock and they were playing dodge ball.
-Ryan telling MacGregor his name was Ralphie, then Gregor saying "huhnn" with the most confused look on his face.
-Kate staying in her swimsuit the whole time and not being cold, but just right.
-Rain and hail storm: it was the biggest rain and hail storm and the loudest thunder crack I have ever heard.
-Mud slide: Watching the kids get dirty and even Loren, yes a grown man, go down it.
-Showering in the creek: if you look at the pictures the water is dirtier than the kids.
-Playing horseshoes
-Playing marine



4th of July


I love the 4th of July or Independence Day as my brother Matt made sure it was called. Every year I am reminded about how great I have it. I have freedoms only enjoyed by people in America. I am able to worship how I like without fear. I am able to wear what I like without fear. I am able to bear as many children I like without any repercussions. I am able to go to Show Low and celebrate this great nation because I want to and no one can tell me not to. And that is what we did. We headed up the mountain enjoyed a parade, fireworks and a Adams family reunion.
I am so incredibly grateful to our founding fathers for building this great nation and to our military for keeping it great and fighting for it. Thank you to all of you who keep me free.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Back up and running, and postive blogs

Yea!!! My computer is back up and running!!!!!
I have been thinking lots lately about positive perspectives. I admit it I like to read people's blogs. There are a few that always seem to be upbeat, happy, and just what I needed to read at that time. I love how some people are given lemons and always seem to make lemonade or how they always seem to "come what may and love it."
So here is my positive post. We went to Lake Powell a few weeks ago. I will post about that once I get my pictures uploaded. One day we wanted to hike the sand hill. It was about 100 yards away from the houseboat, too far to swim so we took the jet skis. Well, since it really was so close we didn't feel like we needed life jackets, including Kate. Sure enough you guessed it we turned around and the jet ski kept on turning and we all fell off. I came up fast and thankfully Ryan had Kate. I grabbed her so Ryan could get the jet ski, no he didn't have the key around his wrist. We were fine and all was well but it made me realized how blessed I am. We pray everyday for safety and here is one example about how my prayers are answered. Even when I do knuckle headed things, like not put a life jacket on my baby, my savior cares for me and still blesses me.
I am truly blessed and I am grateful to the many people out there who help me have a positive perspective on things.

Monday, August 2, 2010

ugg!!!

UGGG!!!
My computer has been broken since the 4th of July and it is driving me crazy. I can't post pictures and we have been going crazy on the vacations. We went to Show Low for the 4th, then to St. George to play softball, then camping, Lake Powell, and back to Cali. Great times had by all. Eventually I will get a computer and post about all of the fun because I need to keep a journal and scrapbook so when I am old I can remember all of the good times.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

California

How I love California. Even when I am sitting on the beach cold because of June gloom and the sun did not want to shine. We had fun and enjoyed it all.
Two sets of pictures. The first set are the pictures that turned out the best. I am glad I have a digital camera and can take multiple pictures. I remember when I would hope that the picture turned out after it had been developed.
The second set of pictures are the pictures that just made me laugh. I would get the kids all ready for a picture and one wouldn't smile or one would turn away. I was even taking a picture of everyone in the ocean and a woman walked in front of me. But they are great pictures and it was a great vacation. Thank you to Jason and Shelley for letting us crash at their place we had fun.







Sunday, June 20, 2010

You know it's summer when...

You know it's summer when...
  • My kids hair is green, we actually noticed it on June 9th.
  • My kids tans lines are great. I think Kate could be the Coppertone baby with the white bottom and tan body. Yes, I use sunblock we are just outside swimming all the time.
  • When I do laundry I only have two pairs of underwear per kid because they don't shower, they swim.
  • I can't count the number of times I have yelled "shut the door the AC is on."
  • I have burns on my legs from the car seat. We have leather and it hurts when it is hot and poor Kate's car seat gets so hot I have to put a towel over it so she doesn't get burned.
  • My dinners consist of cold cereal, sandwiches and anything that can be microwaved. Who wants to heat up the house by turning on the oven?
  • I have fruit in my fridge that tastes good and I didn't have to take out a small loan to buy it.
  • The lifeguards at Stapley pool know us and know we have a family pass.
  • I am counting the days down until we go to California, only five more.

I hope you are all having a great summer!!!

Monday, June 14, 2010

Utah Valley Half Marathon


Ryan had a guys trip last weekend up to Provo to run the Utah Valley Half Marathon. The run goes through Provo canyon and he says it was beautiful. He ran his race quite fast. He wanted to run a half marathon hard, since the only other one he has run was with me and for him it was an easy run. He averaged about a 6:55 mile pace. He said the last mile was killer and he only had a 7:30 pace, his words not mine. I wish I could only have a 7:30 pace. For 30 seconds I ran on the treadmill at a 6:55 pace and wanted to throw up. He was happy with his results and he is well on his way for an under three hour marathon which is his goal for St. George.
So what was his overall time One hour, 30 minutes and 58 seconds, first place in his age group.
Way to go Ryan!!!

Thursday, June 10, 2010

My Kate



This is my Kate and she does and says so many funny things that I have to blog about so I have a journal of it. I have been writing down things for awhile and I am just now getting to blog about her.

First of all she is all girl. She wears a dress and twirls in it every chance she gets. It makes me laugh. She will dance around and act so girly. Yet, she wants to play ball, tag, and do anything else her older brothers are doing. So when I see this I think there is hope and she won't be too much of a girly girl and that she may want to play sports too.

The picture that looks life a black eye is actually Kate putting on make-up. She loves the stuff and everyday when I get ready she is right there with me getting ready too. I only hope she gets better at applying the make-up, but probably not since she is my daughter and I am not good at make-up.

Kate also thinks she needs to wear boys underwear. I was hoping when Kate was putting on Jay's underwear that she might want to be potty trained. No such luck she just wanted to dress up.

Kate loves her pacifier. I posted earlier that we were getting rid of it and we have succeeded in keeping it from her until night time. For one week she didn't have it and slept horribly. One night we gave it to her and she slept through the night. Since then she gets it at night only. But before we took it away we were trying to have her have it only in the car or when she was sleeping. So I would find Kate throughout the day going into her room getting her pacifier and laying down on Jay's bed. I called it her paci fix and she needed it.

Kate loves to play on the computer. Her favorite is to color a picture of the prophet on the Friend website. So periodically throughout the day Kate will yell, and I mean yell, PROPHET. I would then be expected to drop everything and set up the computer for her to color. A friend finally told me to print the picture out and that has made it a lot better. But really who can turn down a two year old yelling PROPHET?

Kate also has favorites. Well really one favorite and it is anything pink. She will get whatever it is and hold it to her chest well saying "my favorite" and rocking back and forth. It really is too cute.

Kate and I also play a game of who is the cutest. When I need my ego stroked I will tell Kate she is cute. Her response it "no, mommy cute." I will then say "no, Kate cute." Then she responds "no, mommy cute." This game can go on for awhile and I always feel good about myself after. Kate will also pat my back when I pick her up. I love getting hugs from her cause she squeezes so hard and pats my back at the same time. It is great.

Also one day I was putting her down for a nap only to discover she had Cheetos in her pocket. I guess it is that third child thing and needing to hoard food because the older kids take it.

This story is my favorite and it came from a woman in my ward. In sacrament meeting Kate way laying on her tummy, knees bent and leaning on her elbows with the scriptures open (upside down but still open) in front of her. She was turning the pages as carefully as her little fingers would let her. Then when she came to a page with highlighted verses she would touch them before turning another page. My friend and her daughter couldn't get enough of this and I am so glad she emailed me the story. I had no idea she was doing this since Kate was in the aisle and I was sitting next to Ryan. Ryan was annoyed that Kate had taken everything out of his scriptures and wasn't really paying attention. But when I read this story it made me smile.

I love Kate and love all of the silly, fun, sweet things she does.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Jay



My Jay is five. Five years ago today Ryan had a broken ankle and I was having a baby. We were not in good shape, but we survived and have our Jay McRae Ricedorff. He is such a sweetheart, when he wants to be. Last week when we were hiking I was carrying him on my back and tickling him with my hair. He then tells me "mom your hair is soft." I said that is so nice I like it when you say things like that. He then proceeded to say "you like it when I tell you I love you , and that the church is true, and that I feel the spirit in my heart and head." See he can be so sweet and then the next minute decide he doesn't want to be and push Kate down.
Jay is now wanting to be called Alvin. There are days he will not do a single thing I ask him to unless I call him Alvin.
He is going to be starting pre-kindergarten, as we like to call it, in the fall since the plan is to have him do kindergarten twice. We like the idea of him being the oldest instead of the youngest. Even though I think academically he would be fine. He is just a little bit smaller, and by smaller I mean he weighs next to nothing, than the average five year old so we will have him be older. His weight could probably be contributed to the fact that he only eats a few things... cotta (cottage cheese), hot dogs, fruit snacks, grapes, pizza, canned green beans (on occasion), eggs, bananas, string cheese and that might be it. It is a battle each night at dinner to get him to eat. He usually goes to bed hungry. I feel bad but I want him to eat.
Jay is also working on his contractions. Usually he doesn't use them which is probably best because when he does he says things like no I amn't. Which I think means no I am not. He uses this contraction often and I try to correct him but yet I think it is cute so I don't try too hard to correct him.
He is my Jay and I will keep him even though he keeps me on my toes.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Memorial Weekend

How grateful I am to the many men and women who have gave their lives for this great nation. Because of their service and the service of the men and women who survived I am free to enjoy the many activities this nation has to offer.
I love Memorial Day weekend. Every year we head up to Show Low so Ryan can play softball, have I ever taken any pictures of that, no. But I did take pictures of the wonderful hike we went on. On Sunday afternoon Rebecca took us all on a hike. It was a two mile stroll next to a stream that ended at the fish hatchery. It was beautiful and the weather was perfect. It was so nice to be outside and enjoying each other's company. We had a great time and I can't wait till next year to celebrate Memorial Day again. Thank you Randy and Rebecca for opening your home to us and thank you Rathen for giving up your room.

Pictured: The group of hikers, Jack and Rhett trying to catch a crawdad, Ryan, Kate and Jay playing in the stream, and Kate playing in the dirt at the ball field, I think she got the dirtiest.