HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARTER

We had so much fun at John & Kari-Lynn's house. We helped Carter celebrate his 1st birthday. Keeli got a little heated when Carter wanted her binky. You don't mess with a girl and her binky. Those are two cute babies!!!!!!

Got Paint!!!!

Austin found his true love. Thankfully, it is not drugs, not alcohol, and not a girl. It has a trigger, a barrell, and a whole lot of paint. I had no idea that this love affair would last so long. I recall several years ago when he said he was going to be playing paintball for his little league baseball party. It happened. It was love at first sight. His life has never been the same.

I thought for sure that there would be a break-up; that this was just a fleeting faze. He would surely move on to another love. I was very mistaken. The old adage is true; once you find your true love your life is forever changed. He spends countless hours keeping the relationship strong. He is either at the field practicing with his team, working to pay for this expensive love(he works at a paintball store) or making field layouts and strategies on the computer to make his team the best. He eats, drinks, and sleeps paintball.

He has found that keeping this love strong takes hard work, time, dedication, money and mostly supportive parents. This love has taken him across the country far and wide competing against the best of the best. He has experienced the feeling of being on top, winning it all, taking the gold. However, he has also felt the heartbreak of defeat, losing a tournament by a few points, disagreements with teammates, coaches and lastly referees. But, like any love affair, given a few days to think about it, he is back and fully committed to the relationship.

I do worry about this long lasting love affair. But, Austin continues to get excellent grades, high scores on the A.C.T. (yuk) and he is a parent's dream child. But, unlike most children's love affairs, he actually insists that his dad be involved. Randy has become his team's coach and has even played a few tournaments with him. They have found this to be a very bonding sport. I'm not sure who gets more butterflies before tournaments, Austin or his parents. We love talking to Austin about paintball, watching and talking about his tournaments and seeing his eyes and demeanor light up while talking about the love of his life. Yes, we enjoy his true love and we don't see a breakup in the near future.

I'm confused, She is not two!!!!!

Not My Hair Appointment

It happened so fast. I looked at my hair and dark roots were taking over my blonde locks. I needed a hair appointment; and I needed it right now. I called up my favorite hairdresser, Cindy, wanting to get an apppointment A.S.A.P. I told her that it is an emergency. The gray was coming in too fast and I was losing control. Unfortunately, hairdressers do not take emergency appointments. I would have to suffer through another whole week.
Today is the big day and my excitement is giddy. There is something about leaving a hair salon with a new cut and color that just makes me feel good inside. I am counting the hours until my appointment. I can make it a few more hours. I know I can!
Trish just called and needs help with carpool as her car has a flat tire. "Sure, I will be right over and we can stop and get a drink on our way home." As we are driving the kids to pre-school Trish exclaims, "I need to call Cindy. I need a hair appt, and I need it right now." I look at her with a smug smile and reply, "I have my hair appointment with Cindy tonight." I could tell she was a little mad, as she was feeling the same sense of urgency that I had felt last week. Then I hear the words, "Can I have your appointment?" "Please no, not my hair appointment", I think to myself. I look at her hair to see if she is truly in a state of emergency. "We are defintely in the same category. What am I to do", I ponder silently. Half-heartedly, I reply, "If you really need the appointment, you can take mine." She looks at me with a smile and says, "I would never take a girls hair appointment." She is so right. You never mess with a girl and her hair.

Pin His Shoulders to the Mat

Justin is wrestling for Alta High School this year. We are so proud of him and the great season that he has had. He is a ninth grader wrestling varsity. It's hard to figure out who gets more excited about practice, Justin or his Dad. Randy has been helping coach the kids, (he thinks he is one of them). If Randy could, he would be on the team. Is there such a thing as a forty and older bracket? It makes me smile watching Randy coach Justin in his matches, yelling out to him and cheering him on. Justin has made his old man proud, following in his footsteps.

My litle Piggies

First I have to let it be known that yes I do have two teenage boys and one hot husband. But there is something about little girls that is just too much fun. Keeli is now all over the place. Her favorite hangout spot is underneath the coffee table. I had to snap this picture to show that she is now nine months old and has hair long enough for two little piggies. I am totally smitten. She truly is a blessing and I am so grateful that she was chosen to come to our family.

FYI: It is still snowing!!!!!!!!! Can you say cabin fever.

WHAT? NO SNOW DAY!!!!!!!

It is Sunday morning and it is a blizzard outside. We must have six inches of fresh new snow.  It is hard to tell because of the blowing wind and the huge flakes that are still falling. Church is sure to be cancelled. Who would think of going out in this? Well, apparently Utahns do. I still must be living in Washington mode. If we even had a dusting, the town shuts down. That's not the case here. These people are die hards. We all bundled up and headed to church. I was sooooo looking forward to staying in my jammies all day, sitting by the fire, and drinking hot chocolate. Oh Well, I got to go to church and we had a wonderful testimony meeting.