THANK-YOU

Thank-you so much for all of the great comments (and pictures Steph) - it was just one of those days where I was so overwhelmed and there was so much to do that I finally just threw in the towel and didn't do any of it:) I am going to do what everyone suggested and I will post an update to let eveyone know how it worked. It is very comforting to know that I'm not the only one that gets frustrated and overwhelmed. Well I guess we know that - but its nice to hear :)

Time mangement

Okay - I am pleading for help on this one. I am an organized person. I like things clean and picked up. I have had to let some stuff go after having Jadie and I am okay with that. HOWEVER - I cannot figure out how to get all the stuff I need to get done in a day finished. I've used charts,bribes, threats, FHE, stickers, you name it, but there is just not enough time in my day to get kids to school,chores done,laundry,soccer practice, activity day, piano practice,homework, meals prepared ..... you know what I mean. The other day Cherise came over to take pictures of the house to put on the market and the girls room was so trashed that I finally just shoved everything into their closet and closed the doors.

So here is my question- those of you who seem to get everything done- how do you do it? And how do you keep your kids on track? They do have their days where they do get their chores done and all their other stuff finished but I feel like a drill seargent "hustle, hustle, lets go guys" I will settle for getting 3/4 of my list done.

Helping water the plants

Jadie loves being outside and helped me water the plants one morning. I don't think that much water made it into the pot but she had fun. And yes the black stuff around her mouth is soil - extra protein?

Future missionary - what a stud!

Raden has been asking for a Blazer for a long time and I finally found a reasonably priced one. He was so excited to wear it to church and even wore a missionary name tag that he weaseled out of one of the missionaries. And then we got to church and I saw a hole in the knee of his pants - guess its time for new pants too -

Soccer

So Jared and I have been playing on a co-ed soccer team for a while. Last game I finally took a couple pictures. I love playing soccer when it gets cold. We all bring our kids and I bring a DVD player, lots of blankets, movie treats and of course ... HOT CHOCOLATE!!!!!! The kids have fun running around with the other kids (sometimes getting yelled at to stay off the field)Bailee gets to earn a little money for watching the kids, and I get to play! So it all works out. We have our last game of the season this week and then will start up again in January. It might be my last season playing because of my bad knees :( Getting old stinks!!!!!



This is what happens when my kids find my camera while I am on the field - notice the hot chocolate mustache on Lexi in every picture :)






After the game


This is a team party we had at the Beach's House - thanks for letting us all come over!!


Bailee had a game the next morning. That also included blankets and more hot chocolate. Doesn't Raden look thrilled to be there?

Batman practices his spelling

Raden loves his Halloween costume and wears it everyday. I couldn't resist recording him practicing his spelling with the mask on. Sorry video is so dark - hope you can see it.

Proud Big Brother

Anyone that has talked to Lexi knows that she has a little lisp. It is very cute when she gets mad:)She has a hard time saying her l sounds, so when she says yellow it sounds like lellow. Well for some reason Raden has taken it upon himself to help her say yellow the right way. This is the short but sweet conversation I overheard at breakfast -

Raden "say yellow - yu, yu, yu yellow"

Lexi "Lellow "

Raden " yellow - yell-o"

Lexi "yell-o"

Raden (excited) " Lexi you did it!" then paused and said reverently "I am so proud of you"


Yes Raden I am proud of her too

Team Hoyt

I first saw this about a year ago and for those that don't know about Team Hoyt you really need to watch this amazing video. I won't give all the details here because I can't do it justice but it is about a father and son who race together - only the son is severely handicapped. After their first race together the son told his dad that when he is racing it is the only time that he doesn't feel handicapped. They have since competed in over 900 events including the Iron Man. It is such a beautiful story and I hope that you take the time to watch this and other videos about them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afv5jTrC7nM

Desert Brilliance

We are very excited to let everyone know that we have started a new business called Desert Brilliance. We specialize in custom engagement rings but also carry bands, bracelets and pendants and earrings. Our supplier is out of Scottsdale and is an importer so that means you get amazing diamonds and settings for amazing prices! Please take a look at our website , www.desertbrilliance.com , let us know what you think and then tell everyone you know about us! The website is very user friendly and will walk you through the process of designing an amazing custom ring. Also don't forget to look at the other pieces we carry as well.
Please feel free to add this link to your blog :) Thanks so much!

Halloween 2008

Here are some pictures from Halloween. I was pretty bummed that we didn't have a ward trunk-or-treat but Jared was not on shift this year (first time in four years!) so we were excited to go together.










Jadie really liked playing with the bucket





With some of the cousins!









Checking out the loot!