Hunter's Fitness Goals

Hunter has been preoccupied with how big his belly is getting. He has been trying to not eat treats anymore but has decided to kick it up a notch. He came up with some goals to help him battle the bulge:

1.  Sit ups

2.  Exrsis meshing (Exercise machine)

3.  Run 30 times

4.  No brethis (breakfast) or dinner 

5.  Lift wats (weights)

6.  Ride my bike 100 times in the coldusac (cul de sac)

I like seeing him take a proactive approach to solving a problem he is concerned with but I feel bad that he is so concerned with his belly size. He was even refusing to eat breakfast this morning. I had to explain to him that skipping meals would not be the best solution and why. It makes me wonder if he has been teased about it. One down-side to being a parent is worrying about your kids in these types of situations. I wish I could just help him realize how special and perfect he is, regardless of his belly size. 

On a related note of setting goals, I think we will be working on spelling and penmanship as well. 

Time to Make the Donuts

*sob 

So not excited to start getting up early again tomorrow :(

Little Angel

Tonight when we were saying a prayer before dinner we noticed Ashlyn in her high chair folding her arms. I thought it was just a cute coincidence. We decided to see what she would do at our family prayer before bed. We got the camera ready and Trevor said the magical word "pray." This is seriously what she did all on her own as we snapped photos. We are in awe that at just shy of 10 months old, she knows how to fold her arms for a prayer. So funny!

Baby It's Cold Outside

I don't think I've ever seen a cuter set of buns. 

Today was COLD again! We had a high of 52 degrees which doesn't sound that cold but it was. I forced the boys outside since they haven't gone out voluntarily to play with the neighbor kids. They've had too much fun cleaning and playing video games during our Christmas break. Trevor & I sat outside and enjoyed the chilly weather as we watched the boys play. I came inside frozen to the bone. I laid on the couch under 2 blankets while my sweet husband built me a fire so I could get warm. I enjoyed relaxing on the couch and didn't mind one bit that there were millions of other productive things I should have been doing. The fire did it's job and I finally warmed up. And now I have this warm memory to add to my collection. 

Nerves are Shot

Me to kids: "I'm going to feed Ashlyn and get her to sleep so don't come in my room and please keep it quiet out here."

What Adam hears: "Go play in the backyard and when you discover that the gate is open, go to the front door and keep ringing the doorbell until someone opens the door."

This is the third or fourth day in a row that Ashlyn has missed her afternoon nap because of Adam. He usually wakes her up with his screaming because his older brothers are making him mad. Is there such a thing as the fourth child being on a sleep schedule? I'm pretty sure there is not. Especially when the fourth child has a very active and very horrible at following directions, four year old brother. 

New Year's Day Welcome 2015!

We had such a fun New Year's Day traveling up north to enjoy some rare snow. Our plan was Payson or bust. We didn't even have to go farther than about 30 mins before we were in the midst of a winter wonderland. While driving down the highway, we saw clusters of cars pulled off the road and people climbing out of them to snap pictures of the snow-covered mountains. It was really magical and exciting to be a part of. We turned off the highway at Mormon flats and headed back to find a snowy playground. We took one road that led us to a few cars parked and one car struggling to gain footing on the icy road. When we tried to go around them, we too became unable to secure traction on the snow. The more Trevor tried to move forward, the more our car would slide sideways. We were feeling a little stressed and sheepish all at the same time since we had an audience in front of us. After a silent prayer on my part, we were able to get the car rolling again and decided to retreat and find another path. We drove until we found a road closed sign and it turned out to be our spot. Another family was already there enjoying the snow and a few more came and went during our time there. The boys did not waste any time gathering snow balls to throw at each other. Upon arrival I realized I forgot Ashlyn's snow coat. I wrapped her in my scarf and a blanket and held her tight. We had leftover chairs from fall ball in the back of the car so we set up camp and enjoyed Mother Nature at her finest. After a while Adam was hungry so I took him and Ashlyn in the car for some snack and warm time.

She was having a ball exploring the car. Adam eventually had his fill of snacks and joined his brothers & dad in making a snowman. (Picture to come). Jacob and Hunter each came to visit us and show off their icicle finds. 

Notice my pink striped sock in the picture? I was having a grand time relaxing and playing solitaire on my phone since there was no service to do anything else. We finally decided to pack up and head home after the snowball fights became a little more aggressive and non-friendly. Why does it always have to turn into that with boys??? We stopped by Trevor's parent's house to say hello to his sister & family visiting from Utah. Thanks for bringing the snow with you Rob, Michelle & family!! Then we swung through the Wendy's & McDonald's drive thrus on the way home for some dinner (I was craving a jr. bacon cheeseburger but the kids wanted mcdonalds). After dinner we had some more fireworks fun carried over from our New Year's Eve celebration last night.

Then off to bed for everyone! We are going to have a rough time with those 6:30 mornings starting up again on Monday with all these late nights. I, for one, have been relishing being able to sleep in past sunrise. 

Happy New Year everyone!

Proud Moment

Jacob has been asking to take a Book of Mormon over to our neighbors ever since he found out they don't go to our church. He was planning on just leaving it by the door but decided to knock when he went over. When he returned quite a few minutes later, I asked him how it went. Jacob told me the neighbor asked if he was taking them to all the neighbors. Jacob said no just you guys. Our neighbor asked "so does that mean we're special?" Jacob said, "yeah I guess."  I am so proud of him for having the courage and desire to share the Book of Mormon with our neighbors that he doesn't even know very well. Our 10 year old really showed us up tonight!!!

He would die of embarrassment if he knew I put this on the blog! I would seriously never hear the end of it. I was just so proud of him.