just a mom with a camera

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-24T22:54:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas!

November

2011-11-26T12:23:00.001-08:00

Another reason we LOVE living where we do!

The boys friends ride over on their 4-wheelers to pick them up.

And they ride to their friends house.

They moved the cows into the field in front of us and the boys think it's
hilarious when they get out of the fence and walk on the road!

Wearing dad's hat! Enough said!

Case and Jett both got an award at the November awards assembly at school.

Jett with his friend Gracee

So proud of both of them!

October

2011-10-14T21:08:00.001-07:00

We were able to visit Lynn's sister Laura and her family in Virgina back in October. It was so fun to see her and hang out with her family for a couple days, wish we could have stayed longer and we wish we could see them more often. We were able to see a few sites in Washington D.C. one day which was a lot of fun too.

Brian, Tracy, Laura, Lynn, Larry

Tracy, Micheal, Cami, Kayla, Lynn, Larry

The war memorials were amazing, our favorite part and we

especially loved this quote at the WWII memorial.

We were gone for Halloween with our boys but they were with Grandma Kara and Grandpa Kent, got to go to trunk or treat and trick or treating. And when their with G and G they do not miss us nearly as much as we miss them!CUTIES!

september/football

2011-08-28T22:30:00.001-07:00

September consisted of football, football more football and a little soccer. Gage and Jett were both on different teams and Case played his first season of soccer. And we got to watch our nephews play in JV and Varsity games. Kent, Chase, Carter, Riker, Gage, Caleb, Corbin, Jett, and Case

AUGUST

2011-08-13T22:12:00.001-07:00

Lynn and Case doing some yard work.

Case was just a little excited to ride in the tractor!

My friend gave me some blueberries so I was washed and froze them and we've been loving blueberry muffins, blueberry pancakes and blueberry smoothies!

Case and I got to ride with my mom to take

Jordyn to BYU and

had so much fun and

we got to stay a night with Grandma and Grandpa.

And ALL 3 BOYS started school! I still have mixed feelings about that but I'm dealing. And Case is so excited to be at school with his boys.

case's sprayer

2011-08-10T21:44:00.001-07:00

Case wanted his tractor to be a sprayer like uncle Larry's.

So this is what he did.Taped straws on for the booms and taped

a toy can on for the water tank!
He was pretty proud!

JULY

2011-08-05T00:55:00.001-07:00

july was spent at the pool, the pond, playing with cousins, and working on the house!

but i didn't get many pictures!

we did go to a mariners game! (thank you wiley and derek) it was mine and the kids first game and was so much fun! mariner baseball is definantly a family favorite!

we stopped by the temple on the way home and walked around

the grounds.
fireworks on the fourth

our small towns community days parade. the boys got to ride on uncle larry's

sprayer with him in the parade. they were so excited! hanging out with cousins!and i love the view out our back door!

JUNE

2011-08-04T22:37:00.000-07:00

The kids with their teachers the last day of school.

All were wonderful!

~
We moved into our house the last day of school, not quite finished, (that may be a bit of an understatement!) hopefully they start school with it almost finished. We are loving it though, even unfinished. We completely gutted the house and added a little on and I forgot to take before pictures. Bummer! Hopefully I remember to take some soon!

~
Right after we moved in the pea field across the road was harvested, the boys loved watching the pea combines.

~
We are not pet people but we are DEFINITELY not mouse people! Since we were having a little mouse problem we decided to get these cute little kittens.

We ALL got a little more attached than we thought and were pretty sad when they all disappeared about 2 months after we got them. The boys and I are pretty sure they probably found their way back to their mother or maybe found a better home where their owners let them inside the house, because I did not. ( I'm sure it was NOT the coyotes we hear outside every night! Coyotes don't eat kittens, right?!?!)

~
Gage started mowing the lawn.

~
And my boys are such good buddies. This is how they watch tv and play the wii and sleep all summer.

I LOVE SUMMER!

Jett's Baptism

2011-08-02T07:09:00.001-07:00

Jett was so excited to turn eight and get baptized and were so proud of him for making the choice to be baptized. He was so excited to get his own set of scriptures and his new suit jacket. And isn't he handsome!Jett and Caleb

They are both so cute and I'm so glad they were able to be baptized together!This is the group of kids that all got baptized together. 4 from our ward, 1 from the other. Such a great group of kids!

Jett and Caleb's Birthday Party

2011-05-27T09:46:00.001-07:00

Jett and his cousin Caleb were born only a couple weeks apart and since moving to Royal have been best buddies and they wanted to have their birthday party together. They had a shooting party and loved it. Here are the pictures to prove it.

jett is 8

2011-05-14T09:38:00.000-07:00

It is great to be EIGHT!

And Jett is EIGHT today!

He is so funny, so cute, so stubborn, so smart, so much like his dad, so in love with bb guns, so ready to get baptized and so loves being with his brothers!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JETT!

April Re-cap

2011-04-21T21:15:00.001-07:00

Riding/running through the crop circles and mud!

Gage started baseball.

Case teaching Chloe how to ride a dirtbike!
We hiked up to the Wild Horse Monument.

And Case graduated from pre-school. He was so excited and is so excited to start Kinder, me not so much.

random happenings

2011-03-25T22:44:00.001-07:00

It's been pretty cold and wet here this spring, which none of us love but we have seen quite a few rainbows and the boys think that is pretty cool.

We came home from school one afternoon and saw these Sandhill Crane in the field behind our house. Gage and Jett were very fascinated by them. I didn't even know what they were, they make a funny noise and Jett knew instantly what they were and started telling me all sorts of interesting facts about them he learned at school. Plowing and planting and fertilizing and whatever else that requires a tractor has been going on out here and Case loves tractors so whenever he hears or sees one he is either out on the front porch watching it go down the road or glued to the window like this. He has also figured out that the red ones have his name on them and tells us every time he sees one.

"Look mom, that tractor's named after me!"

We finally started working on our house, so we've had a couple of these. Probably not the last. The kids are very willing to help haul junk out of the house if they know they can throw it on the fire!

And walking the wheel lines.

{5}

2011-03-13T11:06:00.001-07:00

case is five.

five.

and he is so excited to be five.

excited to have cupcakes.

excited to open presents.

and excited to be 5 so he can go to school next year. (me not so excited)

it is so much fun to have him home with me when the big boys are at school! i can't imagine sending him to school next year! good thing i have a few more months to prepare myself!

dirtbike ride

2011-03-11T13:32:00.001-08:00

Safe?

I'm not sure.

But Case loves getting rides from Gage and

Gage loves giving Case rides.

They both smile the entire time.

signs of spring

2011-03-08T21:12:00.001-08:00

Playing catch with dad in basketball shorts and cowboy boots.................awesome!

DOUBLE DIGITS

2011-02-08T09:40:00.001-08:00

10! Can't believe my first born is 10!

Ten things about Gage

~He has a great sense of humor.

~He is really smart and in the hi-cap program at school.

~He's very mothering and protective of his brothers.

(some might even say bossy)

~He loves sports! football, basketball, baseball

~He loves, loves guns and shooting.

~He loves living close to and hanging out with his cousins. (so do we!)

~He says his prayers every night. (I've walked in on him many times)

~He's super helpful around the house.

~He loves riding his dirt bike, and especially loves living in the country so he can ride whenever he wants.

~He loves his brothers and is a GREAT example to them.

Although I'm so sad to see my boys growing up, the last 10 years with Gage have been perfect how could I not look forward to the next 10!

This year Gage had a "friend" party. We had it at Aim Gym in Moses and the boys all had fun!

Gage has a great group of boys his age and we are so glad!

Happy birthday Gage!

school awards

2011-01-28T17:55:00.001-08:00

Of course I know my boys are awsome and amazing but I'm not the only one. They both got awards in school last week and we could not be more proud of either of them!

And a couple weeks ago Gage made the front page of our small town's paper!

Newspaper

2011-01-19T23:59:00.001-08:00

who knew it was so interesting

end of december

2011-01-06T13:29:00.001-08:00

A little catch-up.
We had a wonderful Christmas and are so blessed. After Christmas we went to Utah for grandma Dol's funeral. It was weird to be at her house without her there but comforting to know she's with grandpa. We got to see cousins that we haven't see in years which was great and I wish we could see them all more often. And we got to spend time with Shirley and Marlene which was wonderful. We wish we could see them more often too!

We stopped at Cabela's in Boise on the way.

Here Jett is telling Case not to worry, the polar bear isn't real! Funny!

Of course all the boys loved all the guns!

Grandpa Christensen took us to Discovering gateway and Temple Square, the kids loved them both.

And we saw tons of these pronghorns on the way there and the way home.

real cowboys

2010-12-21T10:35:00.001-08:00

So the other day we were eating lunch and Jett points out the window and says, "Look a real cowboy!"

So we look out and sure enough it was a "real cowboy". We all went out on the porch to watch and take pictures (I have no shame) and Case even saw a cowboy girl! I tried to explain Cowgirl, but he kept saying cowboy girl, with is cuter anyways, so I quit correcting him.

Christmas programs and Santa

2010-12-16T16:15:00.001-08:00

Case's program was first. He was so excited!! And did such a great job, he said his 1 line perfectly and sang a couple songs. He is such a cute Shepard!

Jett's was next. They sang a few songs and did great. Unlike his older brother he's not to cool to get excited to see us or give us hugs after the program, which makes me so happy.

Then Gage's turn. He did great too, but he doesn't show the same excitement to see me. Just more of a mellow, casual smile!

Then after school we went to our bishops home where Santa had stopped by to get wish lists.

The last of November

2010-11-28T20:03:00.001-08:00

We have been so busy the last couple weeks I haven't had time to blog so here's a recap of November.

Lynn got his popcorn harvested just before the snow hit, thank goodness.

And when the snow did come Case had so much fun helping Lynn clear driveways.

We've seen deer a few times in the same spot on our way to Moses and I finally had my camera with me and got a picture. This was the farthest away from the road they were. The other times they were running across the road. It's awsome, I need to keep my camera with me all the time.

My brother was here a couple weeks ago and we got to see his sweet little guy Hunter.

The boys all got new Royal hoodies and Jett is so funny he wears his EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. I only let him because I keep thinking when the new wears off he'll quit wearing it but it's been about a month now and it hasn't. He wakes up and puts it on, wears it all day. He got out of the shower one night and tried to wear it to bed. That's where I had to draw the line. No dirty hoodies in clean beds! So we'll see how long this phase lasts or how long I can deal with this phase.

And we decorated our fake Christmas tree. Swore we'd never do the fake tree thing, but it was so nice and easy to set up, no mess, no sap, thank you grandma for the tree, I think we're sold.

And onto December!

Grateful.........

2010-11-27T23:29:00.000-08:00

...........................for these FOUR!

and the birds in our yard that keep them all so entertained and happy!

Grape Juice

2010-11-06T14:31:00.001-07:00

This house that we are renting has a grape vine out front so my Mom and Case helped me pick and bottle grape juice. The kids love it and we are drinking it like crazy. We might have to dig them up and transplant them in our yard when we move!

finally

2010-11-05T16:32:00.000-07:00

We finally got the Internet hooked up at our house. We have been so busy the last few weeks. We moved out here the end of September and love it! The boys are in heaven, they come home from school and jump on their dirt bike and ride all over, they love exploring and playing in the cornfield behind our house,they shoot their BB guns constantly and were so proud of themselves when they actually shot 2 birds! They love living by and hanging out with their cousins. They love Friday night football games and hunting quail with dad in the backyard. They are still loving school and have made great friends which is a huge relief for Lynn and I. We love looking out our windows and seeing tractors working in the fields all around our house. The kids still get excited when they see tractors coming down our road or we pass them on other roads, which we do a lot! The drive to school is beautiful, all the orchards and farm ground, especially this time of year. The community is great, our ward is great and everyone has been so nice and welcoming! We are excited to be a part of it!

A First

2010-09-19T12:04:00.000-07:00

Case started pre-school this week. He was SO excited. Me not so much. We've never done pre-school before, Gage and Jett never did. I don't feel like it's really necessary and I love having my kids home with me as long as can, however, Royal has all day kindergarten which I have been stressing about from the day we decided to move. So I don't feel like I can put Case in all day kindergarten without some sort of structured program before he starts. Although I'm missing him while he's gone, he's not missing me so much. He actually asked me on the first day if I could just drop him off and leave, not go in with him!! Um..no!!! His teacher is awsome, Mrs. Debbie. Case LOVES her and I do too.

Grid Kids Football

2010-09-14T11:04:00.001-07:00

Gage started Grid Kids Football this year and is loving it. It's his first year and he is on a 3rd and 4th grade team. Even though it's his first year he's picked everything up really quickly. He's a little timid, but football is pretty aggressive so I think it's normal. Lynn is helping coach and Gage is loving that!

This cute cousin crew!

And Chase entertaining the little kids (or just letting them mall him) during a game.

No Training Wheels

2010-09-13T17:55:00.000-07:00

While Lynn and I were doing this..........

Case learned to do this...............

ALL. BY. HIMSELF. A couple weeks ago Gage and Jett and Case were outside riding bikes with the neighbors while we were canning. Gage opened the door and yelled at us to come out and see what Case was doing and this is what we saw. His bike had training wheels, so Gage said he just jumped on the neighbors little bike and took off. Case then asked us instantly to take the training wheels off his bike. I don't love the fact that he is growing up so quickly but it is absolutely the cutest thing watching him ride! He smiles the entire time and looks around to make sure we're watching him.

The first day

2010-08-26T18:14:00.001-07:00

We are in the process of moving, so the kids started at their new school, in a small town not far from ours. The kids were really excited, Lynn and I were so nervous for them. Neither of us slept the night before. They are much more easy going than we give them credit for. They were excited, and loved it! The community has a lot to do with that though, EVERYONE has been so nice and welcoming. It would be hard for us to not love it out there. The boys also have cousins going to school with them which they love and have been so excited for.

The 40 minute drive each way is not my favorite thing but it doesn't really seem to bother the kids. And should only be for a couple weeks then we'll be moved.Case was not thrilled to leave his boys and come home with me. He threw a little fit when it was time to get in the car to go home without them, Refusing to get in the car, pouting all the way home, but he'll get used to it again. I have mixed feelings about them back in school, they are ready for a challenge, to make and see friends and I'm ready for a schedule, but I'm not sure I'm ready to have them gone all day again and to have them be so excited about not being with me all day. However I am excited to have Case all to myself. When Gage and Jett are home he doesn't want a lot to do with me but when they're gone we're buddies and I love it.

You can never be too careful!

2010-08-16T00:58:00.001-07:00

Riding gear and flip flops.....Perfect!

Practicing.....

2010-08-11T18:41:00.001-07:00

..................shooting birds!

lane and cy

2010-08-08T18:02:00.001-07:00

I think my boys are in love with these two!

some of our summer..........

2010-07-28T05:15:00.000-07:00

.......camping at icicle........

......touring Rocky Reach Dam.....

.....sampson beach......

.......sun lakes/grand coulee dam light show..............

........ and falling asleep on the way home..........

School's Out

2010-06-15T22:10:00.000-07:00

No school

No homework

No alarms

No packing lunches

No practices

No games

No scouts

NO SCHEDULES

Just these three!

Lucky Me!

Lego Guys

2010-05-19T22:46:00.001-07:00

The boys are all really into legos right now. They all build their own guys and cars and ships. A couple weeks ago I went into our room and found a lego girl on my bedside table and a lego boy on Lynn's side. I left it there a couple days then put it away. Case found them in the lego bucket and asked me why my girl was in the lego bucket instead of my room and he put it back in my room. Again I left it there a couple days and then again put it away. And again Case found it in the lego bucket and put it back in my room, so now I no longer have the heart to put them away, they might be permanent decorations on the tables!

Happy Birthday Jett

2010-05-15T12:58:00.000-07:00

Jett turned seven. I love seven, especially with Jett. He's sweet and laid back. He still gives me huge hugs in front of his friends every week when I help in his classroom. (He's not embarrassed yet like his 9 year old brother) He's quiet and so hilarious. He's friends with anyone, no judgements. He loves to read and is a great reader. He still loves to snuggle me. He hates being put on the spot or being the center of attention and he loves, loves his brothers. Time is going by way to fast with him but I'm loving every moment!

Baseball, Softball, and more Baseball

2010-04-23T23:24:00.000-07:00

For the last couple months our lives have been consumed with baseball and softball. Gage and Jett are both on different teams and Lynn is assistant coaching softball at the college. It has been so much fun! But we have baseball/softball almost every night of the week so we are glad to be nearing the end.

This is Gage's first year on kid pitch. He wanted to play in the outfield but the coach put him on second base and he is loving it. He is still a little nervous hitting and the fact that 6 kids on the team have been hit by different pitcher's doesn't help relax him much. But he is doing great and loves it.

Case is such a trooper, he goes to every one's games and practices and is happy to cheer on "his boys" or play at the park.

Little League opening day parade.

The 6 to 8 year old league is coach pitch and much less intense (hints: the picture below)! Jett likes it but could probably take or leave it. Part of it is his age, part of it is his personality. He likes being with his friends, loves wearing a "real uniform", and can't wait for the snacks after each game. The kids all rotate positions at this age group and Jett has played them all and when I asked him which position he liked best he said, "I like them all the same they're all little boring, all a little fun." Hmmmm, it is baseball, I think he might be kind-of right. He is absolutely the cutest kid out their.

A little pep talk from coach before he swings.

Jett and his buddy Greyson after their game against each other.

And the cutest fan ever, throwing out a peace sign. However his latest thing is not so cute, he wants to eat sunflower seeds like his brothers but really can't. He sticks a handful in his mouth chews seed and shell together for a minute then spits it all out. Kind-of funny, kind-of embarrassing when your sitting in a crowd of parents!

And BBCC is nearing their end. This season has been so much fun. I've never been a huge fan of baseball or softball but I am finally understanding it and am really loving it! I guess it's hard to not love something your family does. Of course it helps that I get to sit and visit with Ashley during the softball games and that Val is their to answer ALL of my questions and explain the game to me! hmmmmm, I hope that doesn't make it less fun for them!

Riverfront Park

2010-04-13T21:19:00.000-07:00

Our day in the park was so much fun this is what happened when it was time to leave!

And what a good big brother, trying to console him.

Assembly Awards

2010-03-30T21:07:00.000-07:00

Way to go Jett!!!

1st Grade Kite Day

2010-03-30T20:17:00.000-07:00

35

2010-03-17T17:19:00.001-07:00

35 reasons we love you, Dad

Happy Birthday!

four

2010-03-13T18:33:00.000-08:00

He's four.

He wanted big "pupcakes" for his birthday.

He is in a stage were he calls me mama instead of just mom and I love it.

He loves, loves, LOVES his boys.

He is absolutely a daddy's boy and I love it.......most of the time.

He comes to our bed every night and although we tell him he needs to sleep in his own bed all

night, I secretly love hearing him run into our room and jump in our bed and snuggle up to us.

He talks with a lisp and it is so dang cute!

He tells me "mama, I love you", randomly throughout the day and it makes me completely

forget the moments I tell him no to something and he says, " I don't Love you Mom."

He is a perfect 4 year old and we LOVE him so much.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CASE

Great-Grandma Shirley made this cute cake for him.He ate his big "pupcakes" for breakfast. He was very happy with them......

..........and his new toys!
These girls sang happy birthday to him.
FOUR

we miss you already

2010-03-12T17:10:00.000-08:00

happy saturday

2010-02-27T18:52:00.000-08:00

My Helper

2010-02-17T22:41:00.000-08:00

Since Case's boys are at school all day, he spends the day "helping" me. And although sometimes his "help" is not much help at all, most days I love it and I just love him. He is so much fun to have at the end of our little family. He's energetic and full of personality. I am already dreading the day he goes to kindergarten.

Pine Wood Derby 2010

2010-02-12T22:00:00.001-08:00

Gage took first place at the Pinewood Derby this year! (I should probably note we only have 2 boys in the wolf den right now) But more importantly he had the coolest car out of the whole pack! Well maybe I'm a little bit prejudice, but really what is more cool than a VW. Grandpa "helped" Gage with his car this year and Gage was in LOVE with it. Thank you Grandpa!

9

2010-02-09T10:57:00.000-08:00

9! I can't believe it. We celebrated Sunday at Grandma and Grandpa's and then again Monday on his real birthday. Gage has been wanting a BMX bike for a while so he was thrilled to go pick it out and get it. Gage loves being outside, riding bikes, playing catch. He loves playing the Wii, and he loves reading. He loves Scouts and basketball. And he loves wrestling with his Dad and his brothers. He is such a good kid and a great example to his brothers. We can't imagine our lives without him. HAPPY BIRTHDAY GAGE!

I am the Walrus

2010-01-07T09:59:00.001-08:00

I LOVE that my kids LOVE The BEATLES as much as I do! I LOVE

listening to them sing BEATLES tunes over and over again. I LOVE hearing

them pick their favorite BEATLES song and favorite band member, (sorry

Ringo, your never the favorite). Thank you BEATLES rock band and thank you

Grandma and Grandpa.

Snowmen

2010-01-01T21:36:00.001-08:00

Catch-Up

2009-12-20T21:34:00.001-08:00

The boys were "fighting" each the other one night at this is how Case ended up. I'm thinking he lost. And we had ANOTHER conversation about why we shouldn't "fight" or wrestle in the house, although I know it won't be the last.Poor kid, we felt bad but it was hard not to laugh every time we looked at him and the horn growing out of his forehead. After a couple days he was left with just a bruise.

Gage finished his first season of AAU basketball. It was his first time for organized basketball. Their was a couple kids who knew what they were doing but most didn't, it was a huge learning experience. And although it was a little hard to watch at times it was still way more fun for Lynn and I to watch than soccer. Gage finished great, he learned so much and he is so excited for next year already.

We took the cub scouts to tour the fire station and even got to see and ambulance leave on a call, which all the boys thought was awesome.

The kids had their school concerts and did great. Gage's grade played the recorders which he thought was so cool.

And Gage and Jett sat on Santa's lap at our ward party. Case would have nothing to do with him but a week later we were in Home Depot and he went over and said hi and shook his hand and when Santa asked if they had been nice Case and Jett both said yes and the n instantlylooked at me a little nervous, like I might tell him something different......nice.

Halloween

2009-11-05T19:26:00.000-08:00

We had a fun Halloween, we went to the high school to go trick or treating. It's great the kids see tons of other kids in costumes, they get a lot of candy and we all stay warm. Case and Jett were both wearing different costumes the day before, they are not the most decisive children, but they were happy so all was well. We got to see Aunt Jordyn and lucky us, Grandpa and Grandma got to go with us.

1st Grade Farm Day

2009-10-30T23:39:00.001-07:00

I went with Jett's class on their Farm Day field trip, it was cold and rainy but still a lot of fun. The FFA puts it on and they do a great job and the kids love it but I think Jett's favorite part was his first school bus ride. I love helping in both of their classes and I'm so glad that I can.

Protecting our Food Storage

2009-10-20T21:45:00.000-07:00

We spent the last couple months canning and freezing, filling our food storage and preparing for winter, trying to teach our kids the importance of it and so naturally this was our next lesson.

Rock Stars

2009-10-15T17:05:00.001-07:00

This week was spirit week at school and Tuesday was rock star day. The boys were so excited to have blue hair. Jett wanted to wear his Beatles shirt because "they're cool rock stars", his words not mine but yes I was very proud.

And really what says rock star more than throwing up some metal while holding a baby doll!?

DONE and DONE

2009-09-28T21:03:00.001-07:00

The first day

2009-09-02T21:36:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what is worse, your kids crying because they don't want to leave you and go to school (like Gage did in kinder and 1st grade) or them counting the days down weeks before school starts, walking into their classroom and happily waving goodbye and the youngest of the bunch throwing a huge fit because he wants to go to school just like his big brothers and not home with his mom.

Poor Case missed his brothers so much, he must have asked a dozen times when "his boys were going to be home." I'm afraid it might be a long adjustment period for him, and me.

GC Fair

2009-08-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

Of course no fair experience would be complete without a mechanical bull!

M.L.S.P.

2009-08-26T21:28:00.003-07:00

Sampson Beach

2009-08-26T20:05:00.000-07:00

Thanks Brian and Connie and your crew!

Tired Guy

2009-08-04T21:46:00.000-07:00

We got home from church and Case was STARVING. (so he claimed) I didn't want to listen to him cry and whine anymore so the minute we walked in the door I got him a snack then went back to my room to change out of my dress clothes, I came back out to the kitchen not 10 minutes later and found him like this.

I guess he was hungry and TIRED.

Dress up

2009-07-26T00:22:00.000-07:00

Lynn loves coming home from work to be greeted from Case like this.

Happy Independence Day

2009-07-04T12:10:00.001-07:00

The last days of school

2009-06-10T22:18:00.000-07:00

We went to the school's aquatic center day.

Jett and Mrs. Gipson and Mrs. NashGage and Mrs. Stoltman The boys both had a great year, they both do well in school and both like it. Their teachers were both great. Jett's kindergarten teacher Gage had also and as much as I dread Case leaving me and going to school in couple years I look forward to him having Mrs. Nash and it makes the thought of him leaving me a little easier. Now hopefully she doesn't move, it may traumatize me more that my kids!
My Dad took Gage and Jett camping the day school got out and Lynn and Case and I headed up the next night and spent a night. We took the kids camping a couple weeks ago and Gage and Jett said that camping with Grandpa was way more fun than by ourselves. That could have something to do with the fact that Grandpa never says NO to anything. But Lynn and I had more fun with Grandpa too, so we weren't to offended.

Oh and we tried this again.........and quit, again........oh well maybe next time. I'm saying third times the charm..........(hopefully!) We are ALL so glad school is out and summer is here. We are ready for no obligations, no early nights or mornings, no sports, no scouts, we are ready for a break from everything. I'm glad to have the kids home with me and Case is so glad to have his brothers home all day.

Congratulations Mitchel

2009-06-10T22:08:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Mitchel, We Love You!

Soap Lake Roller Skating

2009-06-10T21:20:00.000-07:00

I helped chaperon Gage's class when all of the 2nd graders went to Soap Lake for their roller skating field trip. The place hasn't changed at all from when I was young and went their. I'm pretty sure the place should be condemned, it's pretty bad. But the kids had a blast and it's pretty fun to watch a bunch of 2nd graders try roller skating, most for the first time.

Fire Power

2009-05-29T22:43:00.000-07:00

For Jett's Birthday party we went to the theatre (thank you grandpa) and watched "Night at the Museum." The boys all loved it and we had a great time. Jett has a great group of friends and it was fun to watch it with them all. Jett is so mellow, and yet strong-willed and determined. He is absolutely so funny and a great big and little brother. Our family is definitely better because of him! Happy Birthday Jett! We LOVE YOU so much!

The beginning and the end.

2009-05-17T17:15:00.000-07:00

6

2009-05-14T20:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday JETT!

First Spring Ride

2009-05-09T22:17:00.001-07:00

A couple weeks ago we went out to Toe's for a ride. Gage has been begging to go riding since the weather has been nice and we've been to busy so he was so glad to be out. Jett is still unsure, I think he wanted to but just wasn't quite comfortable. Case has no fear whatsoever, he wants to ride with Lynn and gets ticked off when he can't and he got on Jett's bike with training wheels and wanted to ride it by himself, but has no clue about the gas and brake so he was again ticked off when I tried to help him.

2 x 2

2009-04-20T23:15:00.000-07:00

Jett lost his first 2 teeth in 2 days and was pretty excited. He even took one to school for show and tell.

Lady Vikings

2009-04-20T21:44:00.001-07:00

We spent last weekend in Selah at a BBCC softball tournament and had so much fun. I had a great time with Ashley and the boys had so much fun, swimming in the hotel pool, hanging out with the girls, playing in the park and watching the games.

Case wearing BBCC blue and green to support the team,

and Case trying to get Stevie's attention during the game, it was the second day and he was getting pretty comfortable with the girls and he was cracking me up yelling at her and trying to get her attention.

And thank you Ashley for the pictures of Jeremy and Lynn during this game, they lost a bet to the girls and had to wear these awesome glasses the next game.

We had such a great weekend. Thank you Ashley. Thank you Jeremy. And THANK YOU Ladies for putting up with us all weekend.

Lake Lenore

2009-04-20T21:19:00.000-07:00

During spring break we drove to Lake Lenore and hiked up to a couple caves then watched the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout make their way upstream.

We watched a dozen fish make it up but watched about 100 try, we were all pretty impressed and the kids thought it was awesome.And because they are Lynn's boys everyone needed a Pepsi for the long ride home.

Spring soccer..........

2009-04-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

........................... is over!

Case wanted his uniform on for the soccer game too, and who are we to tell him wrong game, wrong season.

MAMMA MIA!

2009-03-25T20:25:00.000-07:00

Disco is making a comeback in our house in the form of Mamma Mia! The kids watched it with me Saturday while Lynn was gone and he was so proud to come home and see all of his boys watching it. Case watched it once today then after school before soccer they all wanted to watch it again. Who knew ABBA could sound so good. I probably better give it back to Anika because I'm afraid if Lynn comes home and sees them watching it one more time it might end up in the trash.

three

2009-03-15T18:11:00.000-07:00

Our third child is three. Our baby, although whenever I call him my baby he's quick to tell me "he's not a baby, he's a Caser!" Poor kid we all call him Caser so much he thinks that's his name. He's the opposite of Lynn and I, and Gage and Jett for that matter, in that he is so outgoing, not shy at all, he loves being the center of attention. He has so much expression in everything he says and does. He is so funny, independent, determined and quite awnry. He is absolutely in love with his brothers and thinks he's as big as them. He gets sick of me kissing on him all the time and constantly "wipes" them off when I do. Most days he is so cute and sweet I just want to eat him. Happy Birthday CASE!

Gage's Baptism

2009-03-06T23:32:00.000-08:00

I'm a little late on the post, but Gage's baptism was last month. He was so excited! I wish I would have taken a picture of everyone there, we so much support, thank you. We are so proud of the decision that Gage made to be baptised and for the wonderful example he is to his brothers.

Gage's Birthday Party

2009-02-11T20:29:00.001-08:00

This year for Gage's Birthday he got to have a "friend" party instead of a (much easier, less expensive and lower stress) family party so he was pretty excited. He has a great group of friends and it was fun. Gage wanted an Indiana Jones themed party, which worked out well since that seems to be theme in our home lately. This is his cake, Indy running from the boulder.We played a few games and were reminded how competitive 2nd graders are.Then opened presents and had cake, then went outside to run.

Poor Case could not figure out why he didn't get any presents, and why nobody was singing happy birthday to him. He struggles a little not being the center of attention and in the middle of everything and it drives us all a little crazy at times, and Lynn says he needs to apologize to Larry because he's sure he was probably exactly the same way, but even with Case squeezing his way in and trying to steal the attention the party turned out good and Gage had a great time.

February 8 - Gage is 8

2009-02-08T15:46:00.000-08:00

Today is Gage's 8th birthday, I can't believe how fast it's gone. 8 years ago today Gage made me a Mom. He was an easy happy baby and is still an easy happy kid. He's a great big brother, he's a great helper, he's kind and smart. He loves to read and reads a lot. He's thoughtful, always thinking of his brothers and they love him. He loves being outside, playing soccer and riding his bicycle and dirt bike. Our family is definitely better because he's in it and it has been a wonderful 8 years! This is a big year for Gage, he gets to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and gets to start cub scouts. We Love You Gage, Happy Birthday!

Tag

2009-02-04T21:54:00.000-08:00

This is the fourth picture in my fourth folder. Thanks Ashley, I have needed to post and this reminds me what a fun weekend this was and how much my boys love my brothers! I tag Lindsay, Katie, Melissa, and Laura.

Christmas

2008-12-28T22:47:00.000-08:00

We had a great Christmas.

We were together.

We are so BLESSED.

Monkey

2008-12-28T22:36:00.000-08:00

When Case was about 6 months old he became attached to his monkey stuffed animal. The monkey came with a name, Marley, but it never stuck, he just goes by monkey. Case is completely attached to him. He loves his monkey. The last couple weeks he hasn't been wanting to take naps, I lay him down and he cries, and plays, and yells for me, and plays and cries, until I give up and just get him up. But obviously he's still tired because the kids were all watching a movie and this is how Case ended up.

SNOW

2008-12-23T21:31:00.000-08:00

Haircut

2008-11-28T23:01:00.000-08:00

We cut Case's cute hair!! We loved it long but it was getting a little to out of control so I decided to trim it which didn't go so well (Loyd Christmas bowl cut) so we shaved it off. He is still the cutest kid but I do miss his long locks! He looks so much older with short hair which is probably why it makes me sad.

And I think the long hair may have camouflaged those huge cheeks I want to eat every time I see them.

Derrik and Lylia

2008-11-28T22:52:00.000-08:00

We went to Leavenworth last weekend for Derrik and Lylia's wedding and had a great weekend. The wedding went great and we had a good time. We are glad they are so happy together. Her kids are so nice and so cute, and we look forward to getting to know everyone so much better. Joey, Derrik and Austin
Rue, what a cutie!

Joey, Austin and Mitchel in the limo.Derrik, Case, Gage and Jett

By the end of the night Case was so tired he was falling asleep but he was not going to give up on his cake! He would dose a little then wake up and eat the frosting. It was so funny. I tried to get him to let me snuggle him so he could sleep but he was not interested.

Mitchel

2008-11-15T20:19:00.000-08:00

I took some senior pictures of Mitchel last week and so I thought I'd post a few that turned out decent. I wish we lived closer to Keri because then they would be amazing! There's a few of my boys with Mitchel, they absolutely adore him, and I do too. He's so funny, he has such a great, quick sense of humor, he's smart, he's cute, he is so like able and mostly I think he loves my boys almost as much as they love him!

I asked Gage and Jett to stand by him so I could get a picture of all of them and as you can see Gage copied Mitch and stood just like him and Jett chose to get as close as possible to him.

Halloween

2008-11-04T20:58:00.000-08:00

Excellent Writing

2008-10-30T14:03:00.001-07:00

Gage received an award for excellent writing at a school assembly Monday. His teacher says he is a very creative writer and that he writes and assembles paragraphs great. (if you read our blog much you can probably tell his mom never got those awards in school) Gage likes school and loves reading and writing and making up stories. We are so proud of him.

VOTE...............

2008-10-30T13:55:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin carving for FHE

2008-10-29T21:37:00.000-07:00

Case's Buddy

2008-10-29T21:06:00.001-07:00

I think it might be time for a haircut?

2008-10-18T22:47:00.000-07:00

Jett's Soccer

2008-10-02T21:39:00.001-07:00

Jett started soccer a couple weeks ago and likes it most days. We've had a couple days he didn't want to go but once he gets there he has fun. He has a couple buddies on the team and the coach is the mom of one of them. The age group is still a little bit clueless but they are so entertaining to watch. Jett is so cute and funny, I love him!

What's wrong with this picture?

2008-10-02T21:31:00.001-07:00

not so merry-go-round

2008-09-24T22:08:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday at the soccer game the kids all found a merry-go-round at the park in Othello. We don't have one in Moses and my kids have never been on one and they were in heaven! The coaches are friends of ours and have kids all the same ages as ours plus one, so while they coach I help keep and eye on their kids. And with the new found park toy it was very easy to watch everyone. The thought did cross my mind that maybe I should make everyone take a break to prevent an accident, but they were having so much fun and like I said it was so easy to watch everyone so being the good mom that I am I just let them keep spinning. When the game was over Ellen's poor little 3 year old didn't look so good, white, pale, and hardly able to move. By the time he got in his mom's car he lost it. I felt pretty bad for Adam and Ellen. And so glad that my kids were all smiles when they got off and didn't get sick!

Fall Soccer

2008-09-24T20:59:00.000-07:00

Gage started soccer a few weeks ago and has already had a couple games. He's in U8 now, they still play 3 on 3 only now they play with a goalie, which is interesting. He does very well and he likes it. He's played with mostly the same group of kids 3 seasons now and they are all great kids and the all play very well together. The coaches are awesome and the boys are learning so much.

Case's Baby

2008-09-06T15:14:00.000-07:00

When Dylan came to play on Friday she brought two baby dolls to play with and Case was in LOVE with one of them. He hauled that thing around with him everywhere, and yes when dad came home and saw his youngest son hauling a pink baby around he was proud. He went to sleep snuggling her and he............woke up snuggling her.

The First Day

2008-09-02T21:39:00.001-07:00

The kids started school on Wednesday, Gage 2nd grade and Jett started kindergarten. They both did awesome! Gage had a really hard time the first days of kinder and 1st grade so we weren't sure what to expect. I made Lynn come with me this year because I didn't think I could handle leaving crying kids again but they did so good and they loved it, they were both excited to go back. It's weird having both of them gone especially Jett, since it's really his first time away from me on a regular basis. The summer went by way to fast and although I miss them when they are at school poor Case misses them so, so much. I probably heard Case say, "where Jetty go?" about 20 times the first day. I kept telling him that Jett was at school and he still asks me 6 or 10 times while Jett is at school only now he answers his own question.

When Case saw Gage and Jett put their backpacks on he had to have his on too. And every morning since he puts his backpack on to take the kids to school.I can't wait for next summer already!

Our Summer Days

2008-08-22T22:10:00.000-07:00

Most of our summer days were spent at the Surf and Slide water park this year. The boys and I would go almost every weekday for 2 or 3 hours. There was a couple new additions to the pool this year, a lazy river which all the boys loved and a flow rider surf machine which none of the boys would even try. Most of the time we would meet friends there so the kids had fun swimming and playing in the sand with their friends and I had fun watching the boys swim and visiting with friends. Gage did a session of swim lessons and did really well, he's very aggressive in the water and a really good swimmer which is not his personality, I'm glad he did so well. Jett refused to do swim lessons, which is just Jett. He is a good swimmer too, we go so often that he swims great, go's in the deep end, puts his head under, everything, he just refuses to take formal swim lessons. And Case is my aggressive kid that would do just about anything his older brothers would do, I followed close behind him in the water and more than once he would either jump or walk out deeper than he was and I would have to pull him out! I'm ready for fall weather, but I'll miss going to the pool, my kids love it and it wears them out completely.

Gage and his swim teacher Julie.

Seth and GageCase, Caiden, Jett and IanCaiden, Ian and JettGage in the lazy river.

Nice goggles Case!

McCall

2008-08-01T20:35:00.001-07:00

We spent last weekend in McCall, Idaho for a Christensen family reunion and we had so much fun. McCall is beautiful! The kids had fun boating, swimming and playing in the sand, and even more fun since they were with all of their cousins. Aunt Kim and Uncle Gary did so much work to put it all together, THANK YOU! We had such a great time seeing everyone and getting caught up with each others lives, I am so blessed to have married into and be a part of such a wonderful family!

Jeff, Justin, Uncle Steve, Gage, Corbin, and Kimball.Gage, Caleb, Corbin, and Jett.

Lynn taking McKay for a ride on the jet ski.

And Case going for a ride too.

Tanner, Riker, Justin and Gage "fishing".

The crew down at the beach.

Chloe and Case.
Liv and Chloe.

Andy and Case talking football. 23 out of the 29 of Shirley's grandkids.
Tanner and Case.

Case and Halle.
Chase, Case and Jett.

Dallin, Jett, and Gage.
Jett, Case, Justin and Gage.
Gage and Jett slept in a bed together at the hotel and this is how they woke up. I love that they are such good buddies.