The Redd Family

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAN!

2009-08-07T17:13:00.000-07:00

You still got it babe!

Dean's birthday was a happy one. We started at the pool and ended with strawberry shortcake with some great friends at our house. So much fun. We love you and hope your birthday was great.

REDD visit

2009-08-07T01:24:00.000-07:00

The sprinklers came on and they couldn't resist running through them.

Dean's brother Steve and family came to Salt Lake for a visit. It was so good to see them. We really miss them and are sad they live so far away. We missed you Laurie.

More 4th of July fun..

2009-08-07T01:20:00.000-07:00

We spent the 4th of July with our awesome neighborhood friends. I feel so blessed to live in this neighborhood surrounded by all these good people. When we get together there is always good food, laughs and always fun. Thanks James and Jodi for the great party.

Kendyl's homecoming

2009-08-07T01:16:00.000-07:00

I don't know who was more excited, us or her but either way, she is finally home. Kendyl had a great time in Idaho at ODP camp. She did a great job, learned a lot and is excited for next year already. Maybe by then we will be ready for her to leave again. Right now it is so good to have her home. We missed her.

4th of July

2009-08-07T01:07:00.000-07:00

This year we started celebrating the 4th of July early. Uncle Rob got Real tickets from his work and invited us to come with them. The really awesome part was after the game, we got to go out on the field and watch the fireworks. We all had a great time. I think Real won, and the fireworks were incredible. The only thing that would have made it better was if Kendyl could have been with us. Thanks Rob for inviting us. It was great!

SUMMER SUMMARY....

2009-08-07T00:56:00.000-07:00

I can't believe summer is almost over and I haven't blogged yet.... That will tell you how much fun we have been having. Our summer has consisted of three S's...sun, swimming and soccer. We have enjoyed the pool so much this year. The kids have turned in to little Indians and fish like always. They are all such great swimmers and have learned some really neat tricks. Jake loves to play football with Dean and the other big boys. Addy loves to do "cannonballs." Kendyl loves to take all the little babies for a swim. Mommy loves to laugh with her friends and catch some rays. I can't think of a better way to spend the summer!

2009-08-05T15:57:00.000-07:00

CRAZY, SILLY FUN!!

2009-07-01T21:02:00.000-07:00

There has been SO MUCH RAIN this summer and Addy and I aren't the crazy dedicated in any weather soccer players like Jake and Kendyl. This is what we do when it is raining during soccer practice and we do it in the nice, warm car.

MORE SUMMER FUN!!!

2009-07-01T20:57:00.000-07:00

This is what Dean came home to after work. This is what happens after you have some crazy summer fun!!!

Slip, sliding away!!!

Slippery fun!!

Addy and her best little friend, Sarah and baby Katie.

Girls having girl fun!!!

Boys having boy fun!!!

I love the lazy days of summer. There haven't been too many of them but I love the days where you have nowhere to go and the kids can just play and play.

SUMMER FUN!!!

2009-07-01T20:53:00.000-07:00

We totally love our neighborhood!!! We love hanging out at the pool. The kids are little fish and are turning in to little Indians. I can't think of a better place to spend the summer.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

2009-07-01T20:39:00.000-07:00

Kendyl and Dean make a good shopping team. They totally spoiled me this year.

Some of our awesome friends threw a yummy birthday party for me. I love these girls!!!

Yummy dessert, brownie topped with chocolate covered strawberries.

The kids were so excited for me to open my presents. They couldn't wait. Jake didn't feel well so he is still in his jammies.

My sisters took me to get a pedicure. It was so fun. The chair was awesome. It had a massager. I think I could have fallen asleep if I wasn't laughing so hard. My sister Marnie and I decided we wanted to be daring, so we chose bright pink with sparkles. Brooke got the french manicure. I love my sparkly toes.

Nothing better than ending up our afternoon with salads at Cafe Rio.

YUMMY!!!! YUMMY!!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!

2009-07-01T20:30:00.000-07:00

Dean opening up one of his presents, a bocci ball set. SO MUCH FUN!!

The kids were so funny, they spent fifteen minutes at the card section finding the perfect card. They each ended up with ones that play music and they got to record a message for their dad.

The best dad ever!!!

Kendyl was in California for Father's Day this year. We missed her so much. She adds so much fun to our family. It wasn't the same without her.

We ended Father's Day at my dad's for a yummy dinner and games. It was an awesome day spent with the dads that we all love.

I was asked about two weeks ago to speak on Father's Day at church. This is something I HATE to do but I thought this would be an easy topic, just talk about my dad. It was definitely harder than I thought and I think I cried the whole time but it was a neat experience anyway. I love my dad and Dean and am grateful for them in our lives and the role that they play as fathers.

KENDYL the SOCCER QUEEN!

2009-06-30T17:51:00.000-07:00

Kendyl and her Utah Olympic team at the airport before takeoff.

Kendyl at the airport. Isn't she beautiful?

Kendyl and Addy in front of the Welcome Home sign they made for her.

Kendyl has been gone for most of this summer so far. Two weeks ago she went with her club team Avalanche to Modesto, California for a soccer tournament. They had a great time and did really well. They placed third. We sent her with her coach and a bunch of other girls from her team. Dean couldn't take the time off work and I couldn't do it by myself with two little kids, besides we have to stay home and make money to pay for these trips. AAGH!!! We missed her so much. The house was so quiet and as Jake said "boring." During one of our many phone calls with her during this time, Jake told her that home was no fun with her gone and that she was the "plug in to the party." She was home for a week and then just left again for Idaho for the Utah Olympic Team Camp. Depending on how well she does she either comes home on the 4th of July or stays until the 8th. The camp ends on the 4th but if you are chosen to stay, you get to participate in a tournament with teams from other states and then come home on the 8th. She has been so excited to go. She flew there with her team and they are staying at the University in the dorms. She is having a ball. I miss her so much. Home is not the same without her, quieter but not the same. It is so hard to let go. I have a feeling it is just going to get harder, not easier.

SCOUT SAFETY DAY!

2009-06-30T17:45:00.000-07:00

Notice how Addy gets right in there. She thinks she is a BOY SCOUT! That is one of the advantages of being a den leader, your daughter can be a scout too.

Jake has been having fun with scouts. A couple of weeks ago we had Deputy Butters come and talk to us and then we went and visited the fire station. So much fun. The boys had a great time and made us all laugh with their silly eight and nine year old humor at question time. I have really enjoyed being his leader. He is turning nine soon and joining a different troop. I already put in my request to move too. It is much easier to get both of us to one place than each of us to two separate places at different times.

NOT YOUR AVERAGE SATURDAY AFTERNOON...

2009-06-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

Saturday afternoon I was driving in to my neighborhood after a busy day of errands and shopping and discovered about five police cars and trucks at a ward member's house down the street from ours. I rolled down my window to ask a police man what was going on and he replied "they have a cougar in their window well." WHAT??? Apparently the police and wildlife services had been trying to catch it for a while and finally a dog chased it into this window well and they were able to tranquilize it. Once it was asleep they pulled it out of the window well and let people have their photo ops with it. SCARY!!! I have to admit I wouldn't go near it and it made me so nervous to let our children get near it despite their reassurances that it would be asleep for a good long time. They finally put it in the truck and took it back home. I hope it stays this time.

FRIENDS, FRIENDS, FRIENDS

2009-06-15T12:50:00.000-07:00

Friday night Dean and I went out with some friends to celebrate Laila's birthday. We went to Magelby's for dinner and yummy, yummy desserts and to a movie after. We didn't get home until 1:30 am. We were talking on the way home about how we all felt like we were breaking curfew and that I felt like I had to explain myself to Kendyl about why we were so late. It was so much fun. I truly love these people and have so much fun with them every time we get together. We missed all of the others that couldn't make it. I can't wait until the next time.

ELITE SOCCER ACADEMY!!!

2009-06-15T12:34:00.000-07:00

Kendyl and her 11-year-old team.

Jake with his coaches.

Crazy coaches.

This last week Kendyl and a couple other kids from her "soccer world" helped run a soccer camp with some men from our neighborhood. It was an awesome experience, not to mention good money for Kendyl to use towards ALL of her soccer fees. Another perk was that Jake got to the camp for free. He had a ball. His friend Blake was in his group and he had some great coaches. Kendyl had a darling little 3-year-old boy named Payton in her younger session that has leukemia. He really touched all of them. At the end of the camp, the coaches gave him a ball signed by all of them. His mother thanked Kendyl and the other coaches for treating him like a normal 3-year-old and letting him have so much fun and for these short three days letting him forget that he is so sick. Kendyl can't even talk about him without crying. It breaks my heart to think of what is in store for this cute little boy. We pray every night for him.

PONY EXPRESS DAYS!!!

2009-06-15T12:31:00.000-07:00

This last week our city celebrated Pony Express Days!!! The week was filled with movie in the park night, a huge carnival, concerts, comedians and a parade. It was a great week. The kids had a ball at the parade with their friends and brought home lots of treats and candy. I love our little city!!!!

Kendyl's First LOVE....

2009-06-15T12:19:00.000-07:00

Kendyl LOVES soccer. Last year Kendyl tried out for ODP (Olympic Development Program). There were about 400 girls her age that tried out too. Since then there have been several cuts in trying to create the Olympic team. Last week there was a Friendlies Tournament where other states ODP teams come here and compete. They did great and she is having a ball. I just wish it would stop raining. There is nothing like watching and playing soccer in the rain. After the tournament they let everyone know by email who made the fianl cut. It was a very long couple of days at our house. KENDYL MADE IT!!! There are eighteen girls her age that will be traveling to Moscow, Idaho at the end of the month for a week long camp and then at the end of the camp there will be one final cut, to see who stays for an additional week to see who makes the division Olympic team. CRAZY, CRAZY!!! We are so proud of her and she can't wait. It is so awesome that she has something that she is passionate about and is really good at. I miss her already.

A TRIBUTE TO HEROES!!!

2009-06-11T20:26:00.000-07:00

The 3rd graders from Jake's school and a neighboring school had a program tributing our nation's heroes. It was so neat. Jake really didn't want to go. It was on a Friday night and he didn't think it would be any fun and to be honest, he is going through this embarrassed stage and he didn't think any of his friends would be there. Me being the mean mommy that I am, made him go. Can you tell by his smile that he was glad he went. They did a great job and we were so proud of him.

PROOF...

2009-06-11T20:21:00.000-07:00

I just had to throw these pictures in to remind me that they really do love each other. As much as they fight with each other sometimes, they do play really well together most of the time and sometimes even say they are each others best friend.

JAKE is officially a 4th Grader.

2009-06-11T20:16:00.000-07:00

Jake and Addy on the first day of school this year.

This is how he feels about going to 4th grade.

Jake on the last day of 3rd grade. This year has been a wonderful experience for Jake. He had an amazing teacher, Mrs Orr. She would tell me that if she could clone Jake, she would love a whole class of him. I happen to agree. He is pretty awesome. He loves to read and play soccer at recess with all his friends. He is so excited to be in 4th grade. I can't believe it. It just seems like yesterday when I sent him to Kindergarten.

KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION!!!

2009-06-11T20:00:00.000-07:00

Start spreading the news
We're leaving today
we want to be a part of
FIRST GRADE FIRST GRADE

We've worked very hard
our teachers are proud
so open up those doors to
FIRST GRADE FIRST GRADE

We know our alphabet
and numbers too
we all can write our names
and tie our shoes

So when summer's done
and we're finished with play
our mom's will send us to
FIRST GRADE FIRST GRADE

If we can make it here
we'll make it anywhere
so here we come
FIRST GRADE FIRST GRADE

Addy at her Kindergarten graduation program. Where has the time gone?

Addy on her first day of Kindergarten this year.

Addy and her teacher, Miss Billings, at graduation.

We feel the same way Addy, YEAH!!!! Dad is excited for her, mom wants her to stay little forever.

Addy had her Kindergarten graduation program. She was so excited and practiced her songs and lines every day. I would catch her in her room playing her song CD and dancing around, so cute. We are so proud of her and she "can't wait to go to school all day and eat lunch there." I can't believe my baby is going to First Grade. I cried for three days straight when she started Kindergarten, I wonder what will happen this year.

8th GRADE!!!

2009-06-11T15:31:00.000-07:00

Kendyl the first day of 8th grade last year.

Kendyl the last day of school this year. I think she grew a full foot this year (ha! ha!). She will soon be taller than me and her dad.

Kendyl and some of her friends on the last day of school. This year she got a yearbook and I have to admit it was so fun to look at all her pictures and listen to her stories about everyone in her class.

Kendyl is such a good student. This year she got straight A's except for one B+. I am so proud of her. She had an amazing 8th grade year. I volunteered one day a week at her school in the cafeteria and it was so fun to get to know these people that she spends most of her day with. It made me realize even more that I don't want to ever go back to high school again. She was voted class president and had so much planning parties and being involved. She also played on the coed soccer team for the school and is excited to play on the high school team next year.

READY...SET...GO!!!

2009-06-11T15:19:00.000-07:00

Jake and Grandpa cutting out his Pinewood Derby Car!!!

SO SCARY!!!

Jake with his award!!! He won "most original design" but can't you tell by his expression that he really wanted First Place but all in all, not too bad for our first derby.

He was so funny. Each car raced eight times and at the end he came up to me and said "I got every place but first."

I love that smile!!!! He is sure a handsome scout.

Last month Jake had his first Pinewood Derby. I am his scout leader and I have to admit it wouldn't be nearly as much fun if he wasn't in my troop. I had no idea what Pinewood Derby entailed and it really was a joint effort. Jake spent hours designing his car on paper and then we took the piece of wood to Grandpa's for some help with the carving. After this Dean and Jake spent hours painting and attaching the wheels and then it was my turn to attach weights so that it was heavy enough. I have to admit I didn't know what to expect and it was surprising how competitive it was. I am not really talking about the scouts, just some overzealous dads and moms (I'm not talking about Dean). The boys were so excited and all had a great time. I think Jake has already started designing his car for next year. GO JAKE!!!

KINDERGARTEN FUN!!!

2009-06-11T15:09:00.000-07:00

Addy and her Kindergarten teacher, Miss Billings. We will miss her!!

The bathing beauties catching some rays!!!

The last two weeks of school for Addy were fun, fun, fun. Every day had a different theme. There was pizza day, exercise day, watermelon day, teddy bear picnic day, field day and water day. It was so much fun. Here are some pictures from water day. I got to go and help. It was so fun. She has had such a GREAT year and made so many cute little friends.

Addy and her favorite teddy bear, Brownie, ready for the teddy bear picnic. She spent about twenty minutes picking her new favorite bear.

PARTY OF THE YEAR!!!

2009-05-18T17:56:00.000-07:00

This is what happens after you attend the PARTY OF THE YEAR!!!

Yes, there were even policemen!

Emily, Kendyl and Blake

WOW!!! Some of the kids attending the party. 300 invitations were sent out.

Dean, me, Emily and Matt, four of the coolest chaperones you will ever meet.

Kendyl's first slow dance was with her dad, how sweet.

Kendyl and Emily being CRAZY!!!

Last Friday we were invited to the PARTY OF THE YEAR!!!! We have stayed in contact with our old Highland friends and one family invited Kendyl to their end of the school year party. They asked Dean and I if we could chaperone. We were as excited to see everyone as Kendyl was. As much as we love our new neighborhood, whenever we go back to Highland it is like going home. The party was in the Fuller's backyard. They have this party every year. The hire a DJ, send out over 300 plus invitations, and have lots of good, clean fun. It was so good to see some of the kids from the neighborhood and Kendyl's friends. I have never known such awesome youth!!!!! At about 10:40 pm three Highland Policemen showed up and told us that they were having complaints as far as American Fork regarding the noise and the party would have to end because it was too loud. I say that is a sign of a great party. As far as the party goes you couldn't find one cleaner. When you entered the party through the side of the house, they had a sign there that said "Remember Who You Are." Don't you think the cops could find some more serious crime to fight?

Jake and Addy also had an awesome time. They spent the evening with our old friends the Bushman's. The had pizza, watched movies and laughed and laughed, just like old times.

TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE!!!

2009-05-18T17:29:00.000-07:00

My sister Brooke calleld me last week and told me she heard that our parent's house, the house I grew up in, was for sale and had recently been sold. She had contacted the owner and asked if we could come see it before she moved away. The owner called her immediately back and said she would love it if we would come and look at it. I wasn't sure how I felt about it at first but the day came and I knew I had to go. It was such a weird feeling driving there, kind of like going home again. The house was beautiful and my mom would have loved every single thing she did with it. This was my dad's work shop. He had and still does have every tool and saw you can imagine. Lots of memories were made here. She made it in to an awesome play room for her boys.

This was my mom's sewing and later scrapbooking room, her own private office.

The basement family room.

This was in the same general area as my parent's master bath but nothing like it. They removed walls, added walls, new cabinets, everything. It is beautiful.

The master bedroom.

The main bath, again nothing like it used to be.

The upstairs family room.

The dining room. My parents didn't use this as a dining room. It was part of the extended family room. This looked incredible. I loved all the windows, kind of like eating outside at every meal.

The kitchen. She redid everything. It looked incredible. My mom would have totally loved it.

The front room. We often teased my mom and dad becuase when we lived there, this room was only used for home teachers and it was not this pretty.

The backyard had stayed the same. This was the most amazing backyard and the most incredible place to play as a kid. I remember jumping on the tramp back there, playing in the sandbox, Sunday dinners on the patio in the summer, playing barbies up in the rocks and having many barbie weddings back there. Kendyl also spent a lot of time back there playing too. Dean and I only wish our backyard looked like this.

They kept this rock. My sisters and I played on this rock all day long. When we were leaving my sister Brooke commented how it looked so much smaller now but back then it was our island.

This is the front of the house. It has stayed the same. I remember sitting on that porch and talking to friends, mom and dad, sisters and also getting in trouble by my dad for pulling the leaves off the bushes that were there. My dad made me write a two page report on the importance of leaves. I never picked leaves again. I also remembering talking to my friend/boyfriend Brock out on the porch and my sister Marnie spying on me. I caught her watching me and she tried to hurry and hide and ended up chipping her two front teeth on the window tile. FUNNY, FUNNY memories.

It was such a great experience to go down memory lane. I moved to that house when I was in kindergarten and lived there until I got married. My parents would probably still be there today if my mom was still here. It was a wonderful place to grow up. As we were leaving, the owner told us she has loved living in this house and was sad to go. The only reason she was leaving was that there were not a lot of little kids in the neighborhood, in fact the primary was made up of four families. She also shared an incredible story with us. When she first moved in, her oldest boy was about two. They were sitting on the porch swing and her son pointed inside the house and said "there is the lady in white, mommy." At first she was a little bit scared as anyone would be but her son mentioned her often and said she was a very nice, pretty lady and she shouldn't be scared. She was happy. Pretty awesome!!!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

2009-05-18T16:05:00.000-07:00

Jake's cute gift. He was so excited to give it to me, that he gave it to me early. I treasure these homemade gifts.

My stepmom Terry gave me a yummy candle and even better vegetable peeler. She is so awesome!!!

Addy's class made these darling recipe books. Miss Billings asked all the moms to send their child's favorite recipe to school. She then asked the child how to make their favorite recipe and combined them together in a cook book. It is so funny. Addy's favorite thing that I make is pasta salad. Addy told her teacher that you mix 100 noodles and three cups of sauce together and serve.

Kendyl got me this awesome plaque. I love it. It is so her.

The kids also gave me this cute little plaque that says "With Love Our Family Grows."

Dean surprised me this year and totally spoiled me. Kendyl had a soccer game that Saturday before Mother's Day and after that game, he sent me to the spa for a manicure/pedicure massage. It was heaven!!!!! He took me out for dinner that night, so fun to be with him. I always love to go to church on Mother's Day. Jake and Addy both sang in the program and then they had the dads get up and sing a song. The bishopric had asked a few of the youth to get up and share their testimony about their moms and they had asked Kendyl to. I didn't know. It was a total surprise. She did such a good job. The whole program made me cry.

Being a mother is one of the hardest things I have ever done, but I love being a mother and wouldn't change it for anything!!!

The Friday before Mother's Day my dad called me and asked if he could come over and see me. He told me he had a surprise for me. I told Addy he was coming over and he had a Mother's Day surprise for me. Addy thought about that for a minute and then said "but you aren't his mother." So funny!!! It was so good to see him and I love the flowers. They were so beautiful!!!

I spent some time on Mother's Day thinking about my mother and what an amazing person she was. I think one of the most important things she taught me was how to love. I always knew no matter what I did and I was a stinker, that she loved me. I hope I teach my children that same thing and I hope they know how much I love them always. I love you mom. Happy Mother's Day.

Addyism!!!

2009-05-18T16:01:00.000-07:00

Addy is so funny right now. She is coming up with the cutest things. The other night we were cuddling in bed and she told me "mom, I loved you even before I knew you." She has heard this from me before on many occasions but to hear it from her, just made me melt. Also the other night we had gotten home really late and I told her to go get in her jammies and I would do the same and we would meet in the living room. She pulled me down and whispered in my ear "ok but save you for me." I do love to cuddle with her. There is nothing better.

POKEMON madness!!!

2009-05-18T15:49:00.000-07:00

Jake has a new obsession. He LOVES pokemon cards. He trades them with his friends at home, at school, at recess and even before school. He loves to take them in the car and organize them and look at them. It is CRAZY. There have been days where I have found him on the sidewalk having gotten right off the bus, with his friends trading cards. He has told me before that he loves four things right now and they are in this order 1) animals, 2) soccer, 3) pokemon cards and 4) his family. FUNNY FUNNY!!!!

Bunny Time!!!

2009-05-18T15:38:00.000-07:00

Of course when you are at the mall, who can resist the food court for lunch. Addy got to pick. She chose PANDA EXPRESS!!! Yummy, yummy.

For months Addy's Build-A-Bear bunny has needed some surgery. She was literally falling apart. Addy and I decided to make a day of it and headed to the mall. While the procedure was being perfromed, we decided to do some shopping there. I told her she could pick a new outfit for her bunny. Addy loves this bunny. Her name is Abby and she sleeps with her every night and comes down with Addy every morning and eats breakfast with us. Addy picked out a new bikini for her bunny and a cell phone. What decent bunny doesn't have a cell phone these days, right? I love to spend time with her. She is growing up so fast. Just of note, Abby is healing perfectly and was back to normal in no time.

Mommy Daughter Time!!!

2009-05-18T15:34:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to throw this in because it is funny. You should be grateful it is not a close up. I couldn't be that obvious. No one should be subject to this while watching a soccer game.

Last week Kendyl and Jake both had a soccer game in different ends of town. Dean took Jake and Addy and I took Kendyl. It is so much fun to watch a soccer game uninterrupted. On the way home Kendyl and I decided to take full advantage of this time so we went to Costa Vida for dinner. It was awesome to spend an evening with my favorite 14-year-old.

SOGGY SOCCER

2009-05-05T12:33:00.000-07:00

This is Kendyl's game face. Don't mess with her!!!

There is nothing like soccer games in the rain. Kendyl actually likes to play in this weather. Jake and Kendyl both had soccer games in the rain, at the same time, different places on Saturday. Dean took Kendyl and I took Jake. We all were soaking, dripping wet. It is so rewarding to see them both doing something that they love and are really good at. It kind of makes all the driving and money we spend on soccer worthwhile?

Our Teachers ROCK!!!!

2009-05-05T12:22:00.000-07:00

Last week was Teacher Appreciation at Jake and Addy's school. My friend, Kandi was in charge and I got to help. It was awesome. It was a lot of work and I didn't even do anything compared to her but it was awesome. The theme was "Our Teachers Rock!" The teacher's lounge was decorated like a dressing room and every day we had lunch or breakfast catered for them. She also had Guitar Hero set up in the lounge for the teachers to play during lunch. Every day she had something for them that went along with the theme. She did an amazing job. Friday was our assembly. The teachers and students all dressed up like rock stars. Jake would not dress up to save his life. All the students entered the assembly and sat down in the gym and the teachers went out in the hall. We turned all the lights off and all we had were spotlights going crazy. The teachers were amazing. They entered exactly like rock stars, high fiving the kids, walking on their red carpet. At the end four teachers got to compete for the biggest Rock Star prize, an IPOD touch. We are so lucky to have these amazing teachers. It was a great day!!!

CARNIVAL FUN!!!

2009-05-05T12:11:00.000-07:00

Last week Kendyl's school had an end of the year carnival. As 8th grade President, Kendyl was involved a lot. It was a lot of work and much stress but so much fun. Addy and I went to help in the food court. I love to go and help. I know a lot of the kids there and it is always fun to help. Kendyl was coaxed in to the boxing ring by this smarty pants boy, boy did she make him look silly. I don't think he will even look at her now, poor guy. It was a bittersweet day. Kendyl will be going to the new high school next year and a lot of her friends are staying at this school. She is very excited about this new school but nervous too and so is her mom and dad. I will really miss the principal, the closeness of this school and of course the school uniforms but the new high school looks amazing!!! Are we ready for this new adventure?

We DID it!!!

2009-04-23T13:36:00.000-07:00

I finally gave in to my kid's begging and we got a dog!!!!! JUST KIDDING!!! We are actually dogsitting this week and my kids are having a ball. His name is Bear and he lives next door and my kids just love him and want one just like him, that is until they have had "poop duty" for a while. It's funny how that works, makes you forget all about getting one of your own. Thanks for letting us borrow Bear for a while. It's been fun!!!

GO STING!!!

2009-04-23T13:34:00.000-07:00

Tuesday was Jake's last season game. He still has a tournament next week but it has been fun and a little sad to be over so soon? He plays with a bunch of great kids and their parents aren't half bad either. GO STING!!!

WAIT A MINUTE!!!

2009-04-22T06:01:00.000-07:00

Poor guy is just exhausted but notice the book in his hand, he wanted to read on the way home even though it was after midnight. Funny kid!!!

After waiting for two and a half hours a guy gets a little hungry, so we snuck some food from the cafeteria into his room. He was so concerned that he was going to get in trouble. He always has to follow the rules.

Monday night Kendyl had a soccer game and we ended the evening in the emergency room. You would think that since it was Kendyl playing the game it would be for her but it was not. Who knew you could get hurt watching soccer. We have an awesome soccer family and there are a couple of dads and brothers of team members that just love to play with the little kids. After Monday's game I had to run Addy to the bathroom and I came back to Jake just sobbing and one of the dads holding him. It turns out they were wrestling and the dad decided to scissor squeeze Jake just a little too tight. OUCH!!! Poor Jake couldn't even walk. The dad had to carry him to the car and Jake just cried and whimpered every time I hit a bump. I knew it must be serious for Jake to stop playing and especially for Jake to cry like that in public. We headed right to the emergency room. When we got there his back hurt so bad I had to go in and get some help. The nurse came out and we got Jake in a wheelchair and finally got in the emergency room. Dean met us there and we proceeded to WAIT and WAIT. FINALLY, we got in there and got some x-rays taken and they couldn't find anything wrong. They think he just strained some muscles in his back and over time they just relaxed. We finally got home about 12:30 am. It was so late and I was sure he would be hurting when he woke up, so I let him sleep in and kept him home from school. Kids are amazing. He woke up fine, maybe a little sore and even played in his soccer game last night. I wish I had that kind of recovery time. The poor dad feels so bad. He has called to check on Jake three times already and is even insisting to pay the bill. One of the many things I love about Jake is that he is really a sensitive boy. The whole time we were driving to the hospital and he was crying in pain. He kept asking me to call "the dad" and tell him that it was okay and that he was sorry that the dad felt bad. So sweet!!!

Oh by the way Kendyl's team did great. The tied 1 to 1. They all worked so hard. They were missing three of their key players and only had one sub and all of them stepped up and did awesome!!! GO USA!!!

Also just a warning, if you ever hear my kids start to tell a story about a drunk, naked man, quickly run away. There was a drunk, butt naked man walking through the waiting area and parking lot at the emergency room and for some reason, our kids can't stop talking and laughing about it. I just thought I would warn you. It really was kind of funny and just goes to show you what alcohol can make you do.

More Spring Break FUN??

2009-04-22T05:54:00.000-07:00

Yes that is snow on the field. BRRR!!!!!

It takes a lot of concentration get your kite up!

Never take your 14-year-old daughter's word on it being warm outside. I did last Friday and it was freezing!!! In a desperate attempt last week during spring break to play outside we saw a glimpse of sunshine and decided to go for it. We headed to the track to play and got there only to find the field still covered in snow!! AAGH!!! It was so windy and cold. I remembered we had their kites in the trunk so we got those out and lasted about twenty minutes before we ran for the van and turned the heater on high. CRAZY WEATHER!!!

SPRING BREAK?

2009-04-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

I had all these fun plans for Spring Break this year but had to find new ones due to it being winter still. We went to the library, had a sleepover, went to the movies, played computer games, sang karaoke and sat in front of the fireplace. HA! HA! Our kids sure get along better when it is warm and they can play outside. There has been some fighting, crying and teasing but it is supposed to get warmer today and we can't wait for the real Spring Break to come. Cross your fingers!!!

SPRING BREAK?

2009-04-17T07:35:00.000-07:00

This is what the rest of Spring Break has been like. Mother Nature played a cruel joke on us. It has been COLD, COLD, COLD!!!

SPRING BREAK!

2009-04-17T07:23:00.000-07:00

This week has been Spring Break at our house. I had all these great plans and was really looking forward to it this year. Monday was great weather and we headed to the local high school to run and play. Kendyl did her soccer workout and everyone joined in. I even beat Jake in ladders on the football field. He says now that he tripped but we know what really happened. We also played this really fun game called soccer tennis. You can't use your hands, just your feet and head. I had the kids laughing with my "mad skills." I think even the baseball team that was practicing next door was laughing. It was such a great day. We ended the day with sunburns sitting on the grass, sipping Slurpees, a perfect day.

GO KENDYL!!!!

2009-04-17T07:15:00.000-07:00

Kendyl's soccer team has got a new assistant coach and he is kicking their butts with cardio. They were given a fitness routine to do over Spring Break and one of those things was to run 2 miles in sixteen minutes. Dean took Kendyl to the local high school and let her go. She ended up running 2 miles in 14.42. WOW!!! That is eight times around the track. Funny story, when she was making her second run around the track she asked Dean if there was any water. Dean looked frantically for five minutes and realized there wasn't any water so he did what any good parent would do. It had been raining on and off that day and the water was running off the roof of the facility shack next to the track so Dean held up her empty water bottle and caught some rain? He then proceeded to give it to Kendyl. In mid-drink he proceeded to tell her where he got the water and she quickly spit the water out. FUNNY!!! I am glad to say there has been no permanent damage... but only time will tell.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

2009-04-13T08:22:00.000-07:00

Today is Dean and I's 18th wedding anniversary. We celebrated over the weekend and had a great time. We went to Ruby River Steakhouse, always yummy and then decided we needed a good laugh and went to see Mall Cop. I was so excited to go. With our crazy lives, sometimes getting away is hard. It was nice to get away together. I love you babe.

I have been thinking a lot lately about our wedding day. I remember waking up on April 13, 1991 to a huge snowstorm. I remember driving to the temple with Dean and crying because it was snowing so hard and I wanted to have my reception outside. I remember Dean being so nervous in the Celestial room that right before the ceremony started he had to run to the bathroom. I remember after the ceremony walking out of the temple and all the snow was gone. I remember our crazy photographer who told us while he was taking our pictures that he was so nervous before he got here, that he threw up all over his arm. I remember my sweet mom taking my dress home before the reception and scrubbing the mud off the train. I remember my mom and dad getting Dean and I a carriage to take us to our hotel that night after the reception. It was a beautiful day. Since then so much has happened in our lives and I am glad that they happened with you. Here is to another eighteen years and more.

HOPPY EASTER....CONTINUED

2009-04-13T08:10:00.000-07:00

No Easter is complete without soccer with all the uncles?

Some of the gang, when we all get together it is a really big crowd but so much FUN!!!

Jake and his boy cousins, Colton and Keaton.

This box has quite a history. I think it started about three years ago. My dad made some sort of treasure hunt in it and it has been at every party since. The kids look forward to it and get so excited when they see it come out of the garage.

Me and my dad, doesn't he look good.

Addy and the girl cousins, Elli, Paige, Karlie and Claire.

Grandpa Lynn and Grandma Terry. We love you so much!!!

No Easter would be complete without a trip to Grandma and Grandpa's house. The whole gang got together which is crazy fun. When we all get together there are a total of 33.5 of us. I love to see them and talk with them. I am happy to be a part of the McHy clan. We ate some yummy food, played soccer at the park and in the street, chatted and laughed and ended with a fun Easter box hunt for the kids. Thanks dad and Terry.

My dad is doing a lot better. He still is very tired and can't eat a whole bunch but he looks so much better and is able to move around a little. He was even able to watch some of the craziness from the porch. I love you dad!!!

HOPPY EASTER!!!

2009-04-12T13:40:00.000-07:00

ME AND MY GIRLS!!!

This picture is so REAL, Kendyl pulling a crazy face, Addy crying and Jake just laughing at their antics!!!

Jake in his NEW suit. Doesn't he look handsome?

My guys!!!

Addy was the only one who got to enjoy our annual neighborhood Easter egg hunt this year. Jake and Kendyl were with Dad at soccer. She had a ball and of course we ate all her candy before the big kids came home.

So CUTE, I had to share. She made this at school and I have caught her several times these last couple of days wearing it around the house and hopping around, pretending she was the Easter Bunny. She asked me yesterday if the Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy and leprechauns all lived with Santa Claus at the North Pole. She is so funny. I love Easter. I love the new flowers that are coming out in my yard, the candy, new dresses and suits but more importantly I am so grateful for Atonement and what is means to me and my family in our lives.

GO STING!!!

2009-04-12T13:35:00.000-07:00

Jake's team has started up again. They are so awesome. He has a great team and great coaches. One of his coaches, Coach Tom, calls Jake and "ROCK STAR." It makes Jake smile every time. Kendyl's season has started up again too, so life is a little crazy at the REDD house. One of my good friends said it perfect, she has a LOVE/HATE relationship with soccer. I so have to agree with this. I love to watch my kids play and love that they enjoy it so much but I have to admit I am not disappointed at all when a game or practice is cancelled due to weather. Does that make me a bad SOCCER MOM?

Cirque de ROGER!!!

2009-04-12T13:29:00.000-07:00

We live in the best neighborhood ever. We have made some very good friends. I love these people. One of my favorite things to do is just get together with some good food and see what happens. Last week the circus came to the REDD house. I think all of this came about due to sugar overload and lack of sleep or we might have just been practicing for the "REVOLUTION" halftime show, either way it was lots of fun. Addy wants Roger to come and be the entertainment for her birthday party.

3-D FUN!

2009-04-12T13:27:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Jake and Addy went to a birthday party for their friend, Britten. They went and saw "MONSTERS VERSUS ALIENS." It was a 3-D movie and then they went to pizza afterwards. Addy wore these glasses for three days straight. SO FUNNY!!!

AWESOME DUDES!!!

2009-04-12T13:19:00.000-07:00

No Addy does not always run around without a shirt but for this project, it was just easier this way.

3rd grade chaos

Jake had his economic fair at school this last week. He had to team with two or three other kids from his class and make and manage a company. Jake and a couple of his friends decided to name their company "AWESOME DUDES," so appropriate. Jake decided to sell candy, pop, stretchy animals and then we spent a very late night making silly putty. SO FUN BUT SO MESSY. I decided to volunteer that day. His wonderful teacher, Mrs. Orr, gave me a handful of pretend money and I got to go "SHOPPING." It was so much fun and the kids had a great time.

FLOOD WARNING!!!

2009-04-12T13:12:00.000-07:00

BEFORE

AFTER

After trying so hard to deny it, I finally realized that Jake had outgrown his suit. Our loss is his cousin Keaton's gain. It was a sad day. My babies are growing up.

fUnNy LiTtLe MaN!!

2009-04-02T09:49:00.000-07:00

Jake came home from school yesterday all serious and said he had an awful day and had to talk to me in private. He then looked at me with his big green eyes and looked like he was going to cry. Jake is almost always happy and so for him to be act this way made me a little nervous. We went into my room and sat down. He proceeded to tell me that he got in trouble for yelling at his teacher and telling her no. He had to get a "STOP AND THINK" and was "SUSPENDED FOR THREE DAYS!" I didn't know what to think. We have never had a problem with Jake in school before. I was trying to figure out what to do, call his teacher, cry.... He then burst out laughing "April Fools Day!" WHEW!!! What a relief. We then proceeded to call Dean at work and he fell for it too. All I can say is watch out next year, I will be ready.

DAD UPDATE!!

2009-04-01T16:14:00.000-07:00

My dad was released from the hospital on Monday and is now home recuperating. He is doing well but still has a long road ahead of him. I got to spend the day with him today, "sitting" him. We watched movies and ate Popsicles. I love you dad and am so glad you are doing better.

VIVA LAS VEGAS!!!

2009-04-01T07:49:00.000-07:00

I have always heard that what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas but not with us. I want to share. We just got back from SUNNY Las Vegas. We went there for the Las Vegas Premiere Soccer Tournament with Kendyl's team USA. You couldn't have asked for a better tournament. The fields were great, the weather was warm and they kicked BUTT!! Kendyl's team has always played well in every tournament they have played in but they always seem to come in second. This time was different. They came in first. YEAH!!! As a team they only allowed one goal and Kendyl scored five goals. It was so much fun. They did the awards ceremony different this year. They had a huge bus that they had the winners of the tournament go in the bus and climb up to the top of the bus while they played "Crazy Train" by Ozzy and "We Are the Champions" by Queen. The girls were so excited, almost as excited as the parents. I am so proud of these girls. They have worked so hard and totally deserve this. I can't wait for spring season to start.

I had to throw in this picture of Addy. I think she is a little soccered out.

We all stayed as a team in the Orleans. Jake kept saying over and over again "this is the best place ever." I think we need to show him a few more places.

Inbetween soccer games, we hung out at the pool and we all managed to come home with sunburns. SO MUCH FUN!!! I can't wait for summer.

Mommy and Addy!!!

Kendyl and her awesome coach, Eric.

See how long this girl is. She is almost taller than me.

You always have to come prepared to soccer games, sometimes you just have to color.

Our vacation was so fun. We had a great time hanging out with our soccer family. GO USA!!!!

SPRING?

2009-03-26T09:28:00.000-07:00

Look what we woke up to this morning. I thought it was SPRING? Vegas here we come.

My SWEET DAD!

2009-03-26T08:59:00.000-07:00

My dad and Terry host a McClure dinner every second Sunday at their house. On March 8th we headed to their house for some yummy food, conversation and fun. Little did we know what was in store. We got there and Terry told us that my dad wasn't feeling well and was sick in bed. He had left church early with stomach pains and had been in bed since. After some time Terry went to check on him and he was doing even worse. Our husbands gave him a blessing and took him to the ER. To make a LONG story shorter, he has been there ever since. He was diagnosed with pancreatitis, the exact cause of this unknown, most likely gallstones. Pancreatitis is an awful condition. It has been a long and crazy road. For a while I know we thought we might lose him, but he is a fighter. He is still in the hospital but is now doing so much better. In fact he is now eating solid food again. We still don't know when he will be released and even after his release, he will have to go back and have his gallbladder removed but for now we will take these small steps towards his full recovery. It has sure made me realize again how precious life is and to not take it for granted. My friends and neighbors have been so great, bringing in meals, watching my kids, listening to me. One of the good things to come out of this is that we got my dad to "promise" to take us all to Disneyland after this is over. The bad thing is it did happen to be while he was taking a high amount of drugs. I probably should have gotten it in writing.

FUTURE GOOD DAD!!!

2009-03-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

Jake LOVES babies. He loves to hold them, play with them, make them laugh. He often tells me he wants a brother but when I mention that it could be a sister, he usually changes his mind. Thank goodness!!! This baby is my sister Brooke's baby Bode. Isn't he cute?

LittLe BaKeRs!!!

2009-03-26T08:50:00.000-07:00

The other night I was making waffles for dinner and Jake and Addy wanted to help. I usually don't like help, I just want to get it done and cleaned up but they looked so cute. They had so much fun. I should let them "help" more often. Nothing better than homemade waffles. I usually don't make waffles for dinner but when dean is working late and Kendyl is at soccer, there is nothing easier.

A DAY IN OUR CRAZY LIFE!!!

2009-03-08T07:57:00.000-07:00

Saturdays are the craziest day of the week for us. I decided to blog a typical Saturday so that one day when my kids are older and gone, I will remember this time. This week it all began with Dean going in to work early for a couple hours and taking Kendyl with him so that he could take her to soccer practice afterwards. I love that he takes over Saturday practices for Kendyl. YEAH!!! After breakfast and chores, we were off. Addy had a birthday party for her cousin, Karlie, so I took Jake and his cousin Keaton to the dollar movies and lunch. All of this mixed in with some shopping, cleaning and lots of driving... I know my life is crazy and sometimes it is enough to make me nuts but I do love my crazy life and wouldn't change it.

BRRR!!!

2009-03-08T07:55:00.000-07:00

Kendyl's coach recommended ice baths after practice to help her recover quicker. This wasn't her first one and probably not her last. I wonder if the neighbors heard her screaming. BRRR!!!!

GO STING!!!

2009-03-05T10:46:00.000-08:00

Jake had his last indoor game of the season last week. They won. YEAH!!! We are so glad he is on this team. They are all good boys and great players and their parents aren't half-bad either. Just kidding. We love them. Soccer is a huge time commitment so it is always nice to spend the time with great people.

SAD LITTLE DANCER!!

2009-03-05T10:45:00.000-08:00

This is how much she loved dancing, she was crying her eyes out when we left. She didn't want it to be over.

DANCING QUEEN!

2009-03-05T10:37:00.000-08:00

Addy with one of her cute teachers, Kendyl's friend Maddie.

Last week Addy performed at halftime with the "ROCKETTES IN TRAINING." They all did so good. It was so fun to watch. She loved every minute of it from the practices, buying her dance pants, makeup and performing. I think I better start looking for some dance classes because she "wants to be a dancer and not play soccer" (her exact words).

ZOO DAY!!!

2009-03-05T10:15:00.000-08:00

Last week was FREE day at the ZOO!! A couple of my girlfriends and I decided to go. I surprised the kids when they woke up and told them they weren't going to school, they were going to play with some other animals today. I love surprises!!! It was the perfect day, not too crowded, a little cold. SO MUCH FUN!! It has been years since we had been to the zoo. Kendyl's favorite animal was the giraffe, Addy's was the penguins and elephants and Jake's was every animal in the STINKY STINKY snake house. YUCK!!! It was a great day and we all had a good time.

BLUE AND GOLD!

2009-03-04T14:31:00.000-08:00

Last week was Jake's Blue and Gold Banquet. This is our first one and I have to admit I had no idea what to expect. It was tons of work but so worth it. I am Jake's scout leader and when I first got the call, I thought are you kidding? I grew up with no brothers and even though my dad was a big scouter, it was and still is all foreign to me but I am learning. Jake earned his wolf badge. He has the best cub master and in order to get their badge, they had to pass the final test which was drinking wolves blood. You should have seen the look on their faces. I am so proud of him. He is such a good boy and loves to go to scouts. Seeing the smile on their faces makes it all worthwhile.

FuN FHE!!

2009-03-04T14:21:00.000-08:00

The other night Dean caught the kids trying to build a fort in the family room. He told them about all the awesome forts that he used to build with his brother when they were little. Jake and Addy got so excited, we decided to build the best fort for FHE. It was so fun. After it was finished, we watched the JAZZ game from inside. He really does have mad fort building skills. Tearing down the fort brought many tears but he promised to build another one soon and then we would have a "fort-over" in it.

sLeDdInG aNtIcS!!!

2009-02-23T11:47:00.000-08:00

Last week Dean and I took the kids sledding. This was the first time dean has been able to come with us to the Amphitheater. What a great time! It is amazing to me how fearless they all are, including Dean. Above are some of their tricks. Someone had built a ramp in the middle of the hill and we were there for hours. So much fun! I am not a huge fan of being cold or sledding but I was going down the hill with Addy and the whole time she just kept telling me "it's okay mommy, it's okay." It is sad when your six-year-old is braver than you are.

DANCING QUEEN!

2009-02-23T11:30:00.000-08:00

You can dance, you can jive

Having the time of your life

Ooh see that girl, watch that scene

Dig in the dancing queen

This weekend Addy got to fulfill her life's dream, or was it me? Kendyl's school was having a fundraiser for the drill team. They were running a mini-camp. We enrolled Addy and you would think that it was Christmas. They will have three practices and then they get to perform on Friday at the basketball game halftime. YEAH!!! Saturday was the first practice. Dean was at the temple with the Young Men, Kendyl was at ODP so lucky Jake got to come with me. He was such a good sport (see picture below). I swear he read for four hours straight, between giggling and whispering in my ear "this is so WEIRD." It is so weird to see girls from his class that were also in the camp with Addy, openly flirting with him. Is it starting already? Addy hasn't stopped talking about it since and has been practicing nonstop. It was so fun to watch her. She loved every minute of it and I was so happy for her, I almost got teary-eyed. It is finally her turn, after sitting through hours and hours of soccer games for her brother and sister. Have I finally got my girly-girl?

Kendyl works hard for her $$$.

2009-02-16T13:30:00.000-08:00

Even Jake helps out.

Kendyl loves soccer and we love soccer too but it is a big expense. To help out with her fees Kendyl has gotteen her first job. She cleans Dean's office building every Saturday. It takes about an hour and a half every week and the money goes toward her ODP fees and BYU soccer camp this summer. YEAH!!!

More V Day!!!

2009-02-16T13:28:00.000-08:00

Valentine's morning started out yummy. Heart shaped pink pancakes and strawberry smoothies. YUM, YUM, YUM!!!

SO YUCKY!!!

2009-02-16T13:21:00.000-08:00

BEFORE!

DURING!

AFTER!

I don't know if it is a sign of getting older or what but I am wanting to try new things. This shouldn't have been one of them. At this incredible dinner, there were oysters. Kelli, Laila and I decided we were going to try one. SO GROSS, but now I can cross that off my list of things I want to do and remember never to do it again.

Valentine's Day!!!

2009-02-16T13:09:00.000-08:00

OUCH!!! Thank goodness Valentine's Day is once a year.

This Valentine's Day was so much fun. It was an all weekend event. It started Friday night when a bunch of friends met at Grand America for dinner. There was lots of laughing, stories and fun. We missed those of you who didn't come but you were the wiser ones, note the crazy bill above. We were told they weren't doing anything special that night, that it was just the normal dinner menu. I guess we should have guessed this was not the case when we got there and our waiter gave us a tour of the buffet, good old Sam. The company surely made up for the expense though. After we all ate so much we were sure to burst, we got the bill and then all of us decided if it was going to be that expensive, no way were we done eating and promptly got up for more. HA! HA! After dinner we headed over to a dueling piano club for lots more laughs, and singing. We love you guys. I can't think of better friends to spend Valentine's Day with.

tOoThLeSS!!!

2009-02-16T13:05:00.000-08:00

Addy lost her second front tooth this weekend. It has literally been hanging by a thread for weeks and has started to effect her eating and talking. I was almost ready to pull it out in her sleep but thank goodness I didn't have to. We were in the car driving and all of a sudden she just started screaming. It had just fallen out. She looks so CUTE!!! I guess she is a big girl now. SO SAD!!!

SCHOOL VALENTINE PARTIES!

2009-02-16T12:54:00.000-08:00

This Valentine's Day was crazy fun. I helped in both Jake and Addy's classes. I love to go and help. It is so fun to feel their excitement and to hear them yell "Addy, it's your mom" or "Jake, it's your mom" when I come in the classroom. I am so thankful that they have great teachers this year. It has been fun to watch how different they are with their Valentines. Addy just picks one and writes their name on it but Jake has to analyze each Valentine, especially the ones for the girls. He got several blank love notes this year and has been so funny watching him trying to figure out who they are from. I worry this is just the beginning.

See, the circus can be educational.

2009-02-09T12:51:00.000-08:00

I just had to add these pictures. They made me laugh so hard. After the circus had ended my sisters and I caught our girls practicing what they had learned from the trapeze artists. I have to admit it was fun, even my sister Marnie and I had to try. Thank goodness no pictures for that. I am hoping that with time they will forget this skill but it was good entertainment for the moment. We were having so much fun, the circus manager had to come and ask us to leave so that they could start the next circus. That made me laugh even harder because what person in their right mind would want to sit through that twice. GOOD TIMES!!!

The CiRcUs came to town!

2009-02-09T12:29:00.000-08:00

The little girl cousins plus one friend!

CUTE!

The SISTERS!

COUSINS!

The circus came to town last week and my sisters and I decided to take the kids. It was so fun. I love to get together with my sisters any time I can and our kids love their cousins and cry when they have to leave them. I am so thankful that we have kids with similar ages, now if only one of them would adopt a 14-year-old. Poor KENDYL!! Now let me tell you about this circus. This was no ordinary circus, it was a free kid circus. The circus always brings out some very interesting people and a free one, just doubles the interesting. My sisters and I had a ball laughing and people watching. The kids loved the trapeze artists, the dueling motorcycles in the BALL OF DEATH, and the elephants. Thanks for the good time under the BIG TOP. Maybe we should splurge next year and go to Ringling Brothers Circus next year or maybe not, maybe it won't half as many interesting people.

Was there any sleeping?

2009-02-06T12:12:00.000-08:00

Kendyl and Jake playing Wii FIT!

This is how I found my dad when I went to pick up the kids, ha ha!!

All the girl cousins and baby Bode.

Jake and Keaton playing Wii FIT!

Some of the girls playing in Barbie Land.

My dad decided to have a grandkid sleep over. My sister Marnie had asked him to watch her kids while she went to work and he decided to make it a sleepover and invited all of them. My sisters live in another school district and they are off track right now but my kids had school so I did what any other mother would do and let them skip. It's only school right? Who knows my dad might come to his senses and never do this again. Kendyl couldn't go because if you miss one day of 8th grade you pay later. I dropped them off about 7 pm and picked them up the next afternoon. They had a ball. The girls lived in Barbie Land under the stairs and the boys played Wii games. My dad said they were great but maybe after he has recovered, we will get a different story. Terry has been working massive overtime at her mortgage company and got home later. She is great with the kids and we all love her so much. Addy hasn't stopped talking about how Grandma Terry taught her how to do a back flip and every time she says it, Jake corrects her and tells her it is not a back flip just a backwards somersault. So much fun, I hope they have another one real soon.

YOU GOTTA LOVE THIS GAME!!

2009-02-04T13:05:00.000-08:00

Dean and I went to the Jazz game Monday night. He got the tickets from work. It was so much fun. They played the Bobcats and won. I can't decide if I like to watch the game more or all the crazy people. It's a toss up. Thanks TRUMP!!

SO, SO TIRED!

2009-02-04T12:58:00.000-08:00

This has been such a crazy and busy week, lately I feel like they all are. This picture describes how we are all feeling, dragging. Addy actually fell back asleep during breakfast the other morning. I couldn't resist taking a picture. I actually wanted to pick her up and go cuddle with her in my bed and go back to sleep but I was a good mom and sent her to school, bags under her eyes and all.

DANGEROUS SPORT!

2009-02-04T12:47:00.000-08:00

WARNING!!!

Addy's OUCH!

Kendyl's OUCH!

After the temple open house I took the kids sledding. The kids all had a ball, that is until they got hurt. Let's just say I guess they put that sign there for a reason. I will have to take them more seriously next time. Who knew sledding could be such a vicious sport.

I love to see the temple!

2009-02-04T12:39:00.000-08:00

It was sure windy and cold.

BEAUTIFUL!!

Monday the kids didn't have school so we decided to play. First we went to the Draper Temple Open House. Dean took a half day off from work and came with us. It was so fun. You first meet at a church for a little video and then you take a big tour bus to the temple. The kids loved that part. They were amazed that you could actually have a potty on a bus like that. The tour was beautiful. The kids favorite parts were the baptismal font, the chandelier in the celestial room and the "forever" mirror. Kendyl really liked the brides dressing room. Before we know it she will be here getting married but not until Dean and I find someone perfect for her. The kids were really well behaved and seemed to enjoy themselves. It was a great day. I can't wait to go back.

GO STING!!!

2009-02-04T12:36:00.000-08:00

Jake is taking after his big sister. He loves soccer as much as she does and is really good. He plays with the Sting. A few of the boys from his team started an indoor team. They are having a ball and learning a lot. Indoor certainly is different than outdoor. I can't wait for spring season to start.

THANKFUL?

2009-01-30T13:38:00.000-08:00

I am thankful today, thankful that I can stay home with my sick little girl. I'm not thankful that she is sick obviously but thankful that I can be home to take care of her. Lately I have been contemplating doing something different, like maybe going back to school or getting a job outside of the home. I guess this is a natural thought for moms when their babies grow up but today I am thankful to be home doing what I love to do, taking care of my kids.

CRAZY!!!

2009-01-29T14:17:00.000-08:00

Today was crazy hair day at school, crazy hair for a CRAZY girl.

READING, READING, READING

2009-01-29T11:09:00.000-08:00

Jake and Addy's school is having a reading contest right now and the school that has the most minutes wins a Jazz player party. The kids are really excited and Jake is determined to read at least 60 minutes a day. I caught him and his buddy catching some last minute reading before heading off to school this morning.

SUPERHEROES

2009-01-29T11:06:00.000-08:00

Addy could not miss out on all the fun Kendyl was having so last night she came down dressed up as "SUPER Z MAN /POWER RANGER" girl. So funny. Maybe I can get Jake to dress up but I doubt it. He is way too grown up for that.

SUPER "Z" WOMAN

2009-01-28T15:00:00.000-08:00

This week Kendyl's school is having spirit week which really means dress up and have fun week. Today was "SuperHero" day. Some of the other days have been cowboy day, backwards Day, crazy hair day, and pajama day. She dressed up in Jake's "SUPER Z MAN" costume. It was hilarious. I remember Jake went through a phase where he would wear this costume every day, so funny. I think he might have even worn it out in public a couple of times which is so funny because now Jake gets embarrassed if someone even catches him in his pajamas and he goes to great lengths to hide if he is wearing them and the doorbell rings. This costume comes with a darling mask but for some reason I couldn't get Kendyl to wear that part. I wonder why.

TOOTHLESS

2009-01-28T14:57:00.000-08:00

Addy lost a front tooth last night. She was so brave and didn't cry at all. Actually, that isn't true. It was hanging by a string and would move when she breathed in and out, so it actually just "FELL" out. The look on her face when she went to wiggle it and it just came off in her fingers was priceless. She looks so grownup and it has even effected her talking. I guess she really is growing up after all. SAD!!

CRAZY JAKE!

2009-01-25T14:19:00.001-08:00

WARNING: DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!

The other night I was upstairs giving Addy a bath and Jake was SUPPOSED to be taking a shower in our bathroom downstairs. All of a sudden I heard Jake screaming bloody murder. I ran downstairs and he was hysterically crying and holding his face. It took quite a while to calm him down and find out what happened but once I did and found out he was going to be okay eventually, I just had to laugh. This is so JAKE. He told me he was spinning around in a circle on our bathroom tile as fast as he could, all while staring up at the lights. Of course he got dizzy and fell down on his face. OUCH!!!

AddY!

2009-01-25T14:13:00.000-08:00

Last night I was watching Mama Mia with Addy and Jake I love this movie. I have seen it three times. I still can't get Dean to watch it with me though, but I haven't given up hope. During the movie Addy turns to move all serious and says "Mom, I really love singing but I don't want to go on American Idol." HA! HA!

SPRING FEVER!!

2009-01-25T14:10:00.000-08:00

BEFORE

AFTER

We have been suffering from a heat wave, just kidding but at least a break from the snow. With this heat wave we all got SPRING FEVER and Kendyl decided to chop her hair. Isn't it cute?

Balloon mishaps!

2009-01-25T13:57:00.000-08:00

This is just a funny side note. It never fails that whenever we do our balloon tradition, at least someone gets their balloon stuck in a tree. I hate to admit this but this year one of those balloons was mine. We all had a good laugh remembering what happened at last year's birthday party. Jake got his balloon stuck in a tree and was very upset about it. Kendyl was trying to help so she got Jake up on her shoulders and gave Jake a big stick to try and hit it out. The only thing he succeeded in hitting was Kendyl with the stick. Thank goodness no permanent damage was done. I only wish we had it on video, maybe I could have won some money on Funniest Videos.

Birthday Wishes to Heaven!

2009-01-25T13:14:00.000-08:00

If roses grow in Heaven,

Lord, please pick a bunch for me.

Place them in my mother's arms

And tell her they're from me.

Tell her I love and miss her

And when she turns to smile,

Place a kiss upon her cheek

And hold her for a while.

Because remembering her is easy,

I do it every day.

But there's an ache within my heart

For I am missing her today.

Kendyl and Grandma Linda had such a cute relationship. They adored each other. She was the only grandchild until Jake came along. Kendyl's favorite memories of Grandma are the many sleepovers they would have, playing Hungry Hungry Hippos and painting pet rocks together.

Brooke, dad, me and Marnie.

Monday, January 19th was my mom's birthday so my family and I decided we were going to have a birthday party for her. We started off at her favorite burger place "Eat A Burger." WOW!! You've got to love those fries. I remember many times going to this same place when I was little with my mom and dad. The kids like the food but their favorite part was the old jukebox. I wonder how much money we spent at the jukebox keeping them entertained? After we were all done eating, we all headed to the cemetery. For a long time I couldn't go there but now I find it peaceful and a happy place to go. My kids even call it the park. It is even funner in the summer when the ducks are out and there is no snow and it is WARM. We started this tradition quite a while ago, where we write love notes and attach them to balloons and send them up to heaven. I love this tradition. The kids look forward to it every year. After watching the balloons until we couldn't see them any more, the kids ran around and played in the snow and we all shared our favorite memories of her. I am so grateful for this and am grateful for them sharing their stories so I can keep her memory with me and share it with our children. I am so grateful for my dad and sisters and their familes and I love spending time with them. I am so incredibly grateful for eternity and that someday I will be with her again forever. I love you MOM!!

sLeDDiNg FUN!!!

2009-01-25T13:10:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday our ward had a sledding party. The kids loved it. I thought the hills were big, steep and scary but both Jake and Addy had a ball. Jake immediately found some friends and didn't stop sledding until it was time to go. The first time Addy went down the hill, I held my breath at the bottom but she loved it and continued to do it over and over again. So much fun! They can't wait to do it again.

"CLASSIC" TIME

2009-01-13T18:16:00.001-08:00

I'm surprised this picture is not just a blur because I don't think he stopped once the whole night. You can't tell in this picture but she was scooting so hard, her cheeks were bright red until we got home.

Isn't she beautiful.

This picture is so funny. I think he forgot how to stop and so he ran into the curb and actually fell down. Thank goodness there were no little kids in the way but he is a quick learner and it only took a couple times to remember. At least he was willing to try, I couldn't. Someone had to take pictures right?

Last night Jake and Addy's school had their twice annual "SKATE NIGHT." Addy gave me the invitation last week and I quickly hid it, hoping she would forget about it but both their teachers did a great job of promoting it this year so we went skating. It was actually really fun. Jake immediately found his friends from school and I would just catch a glimpse of him as he passed me by. Addy found a couple of her friends and would scoot around the rink and wave, making sure I was still there every time she passed. I have learned in years past that it is much easier to bring the little one's scooters and let them just go, than to try to help both of them skate. Kendyl found a couple friends but I think she had more fun skating with Dean. It was so cute, he asked her on her first SNOWBALL DANCE (boys choice song). The kids were exhausted when it ended and my stomach was sore from laughing so much. We can't wait to go again.

WiShBoNe WiShEs!!!

2009-01-13T18:11:00.000-08:00

The other day I was cleaning out my cupboards and guess what I found? The turkey wishbone that I had drying out from Christmas. I hid it to prevent fighting and then promptly forgot about it. Kendyl was babysitting that night so I let Jake and Addy make their wishes and pull away. It broke right down the middle so I told them they both get wishes. They were so funny. They wouldn't tell me what their wishes were because if you do that, then they don't come true you know. Later that night as I was putting Addy to bed, she asked me "how does that wishing thing work anyway?" So funny.

NEW YEARS RESOLUTION!!!

2009-01-08T13:06:00.000-08:00

This Christmas break was long and hard for me. Because of all the snow this year, we had to stay home and inside most of the time. Our kids get along for the most part but when they get bored they just tease each other and fight. One of my New Year's Resolutions this year was to discipline my children. That sounds awful. I know this is normal behavior with all siblings but it makes me crazy. I have had a poster up in my pantry that said "REDD RULES" and it is blank and has been since I put it up, way too long ago. It is an ongoing joke with our friends that they are no "REDD RULES." Dean and I decided on a new reward/punishment system after watching too much soccer over the holidays. In soccer they get a yellow card for doing something illegal and then after the yellow, they get a red and are kicked out of the game. We decided to do this with the kids because this is their language. Each kid gets two yellows and a red. We haven't decided what it means when they get a red, hopefully this won't happen. The yellow cards are considered warnings. They also each get two green cards and they can earn these and get their yellow cards taken away. So far so good.

BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS!

2009-01-08T13:01:00.000-08:00

My kids love books. Kendyl found a bin downstairs that was filled with books that she had outgrown. The kids were so excited. They spent the night and morning reading some of these books, so much so that they missed the bus this morning. What is a mother to do? I can't get mad at that.

PROOF!

2009-01-08T12:55:00.000-08:00

Last night I was upstairs on the computer, Dean was at work and Kendyl was at Young Womens and Jake and Addy had been fighting and teasing each other all night it seemed. I noticed it had gotten really quiet and that always concerns me. I went downstairs and Jake had carved their names out of the play-doh. SO CUTE!!! I had to add this post so that I can always remember that they do like each other, at least most of the time.