The Potter Family

The fireplace

2011-05-15T21:09:00.000-07:00

I always thought it would be fun to have a fireplace with a hearth over it to decorate, well this house does and here is the picture. This is just a conglomeration of things that we have here since we have not and will not be moving everything in until we know that we are buying this house. I think it turned out quite cute and I do love having a fireplace.

The tub

2011-05-11T06:22:00.001-07:00

One of the favorite features in our new home is the tub in the master bathroom. It is HUGE, deep, and has jets. This morning Logan asked if he could get in it and I said yes only because he was up early. So he ate breakfast while it filled and when he was done I told him that the tub was ready for him, he replied "good because I am ready for it!" So as I type he is giggling away lost in a tub full of bubbles.

Spring and all things new!

2011-04-20T06:47:00.000-07:00

I knew it had been a long time since I posted, but November?? Well lots has happened! We finally have a house :) We have made an offer on a shortsale and we are renting it while we wait for the sale to go through. It is in Enoch, in the same elementary for the younger kids and in the Canyon View boundaries. Its so nice to have some space again. We are so grateful to my parents for putting up with us for so long!

Ron finished his first basketball season at CV and has nearly made it through his first year as a teacher. Its been a lot of work but it is work that he loves.
Kobe is doing great at school, has had 4.o's all 3 terms. He is playing on a traveling basketball team. Has loved and will miss the ward we lived in but is soo happy to have his own room :)
Carsen played football in the fall and found a new sport to love in wrestling. He was awesome in his first season won lots of matches pined some opponents and took 4th at state! He wasn't sure he would like having his own room, but does love that he can wake up early in the morning and turn on the light to read.
Tyson is our social bug and knows everyone. We haven't even been in this house for a week and he already knows where all his friends from school live and has been to the park to play with them. He is playing baseball, he will be the starting 1st baseman and hopes to get to do some pitching.
Logan is also very social and has tons of friends at school, there is a girl from his class on the street next to ours. He can't wait to play with her. He also wrestled and LOVED it. We finally found an outlet for some of his energy and aggression :) He said the other day "Mom, I just can't stop thinking of wrestling moves" His first grade class just preformed a Shakespear play that was so cute and very well done. He is reading on a 4th grade level
Sydni is still as busy as ever and already misses Grandpa telling her how wonderful she is all the time. She loves preschool at aunt Mel's and can't wait to meet all the girls here in our new neighborhood
I am working at 2 different home health companies. One is just on call one week a month, and the other is part time. I love what I do as a nurse and as a mom! I love this house! I love my family!

Saydee

2010-11-04T03:55:00.000-07:00

I have been avoiding this post and the emotions it will stir for long enough. Our dog Saydee died last month. She did not take well to moving :( She was eating all the other dogs food here on the farm, and drinking water out of everywhere but her bowl. She started to loose weight and get sluggish. I took her to the vet and he said that she had an absess of some sort in her belly. He could do some costly tests to find out the origin, but the bottom line would be very costly surgery to fix any problem he found. He gave her an antibiotic to see if that would help and sent us home to make a decision that became easier by the day. She was sooo sick and weak. We decided it was time to part with a great friend. I held her that morning at a very kind veterinarian injected her with that pink serum that took her life. It was comforting to feel her labored breathing relax and slow to a stop. I held her and sobbed and sobbed. Ron had prepared a spot here at the farm the night before (in the pouring rain) and my dad helped me to lay her to rest there. We had her for about 9 years and she was truely a part of our family, a sister to the boys befor Sydni, an escape artist, and a wonderful friend.

I'm too excited to sleep!

2010-11-04T03:44:00.000-07:00

Yes it is 4 in the morning and I can't sleep. This is not unusual for me, but today my mind is filled with excited thoughts instead of worried ones. We have been here in Cedar and at my parents for 2 and 1/2 months now. Not much has happened with our house in Layton or me finding a job, that has causes great worry for me. We have dropped the price on the house and had some neighbors do some painting. We decided to list it as a rental a few weeks ago and had 1 family look at it. Then nothing... Night before last we decided to drop the rental price a bit, and today we have 3 different people looking at it. I know it is premature but I am so anxious for all that this means! I have found a house here that I love and truely feel is where we are supposed to be. I seems to haunt me, I keep getting the mls listing sent to my e-mail and thinking about where I would put things and how I would decorate what. I know, silly huh?

We are headed back to Layton tomorrow. Our intent was to check on the house and do a few things to spruce it up, but we've decided we'd better take a trailor and get the rest of our stuff. I am anxious to see what happens, and hope and pray that we will make a good decision about renting. Praying for good renters, and good neighbors for our friends that we miss dearly. We are taking the kids out of school for a day (something we don't do lightly), Ron has a conference on Friday so we will drop him off at the U and head for Layton for 2 days. Yeah!!

Hey cheerleader

2010-10-19T21:06:00.001-07:00

Sydni had her first experience as a Canyonview cheerleader here are a few pics

Yes that is her right in the middle of this picture, this is how she looked throughout the entire performance

She really was not very nice about going to the cheer clinic she clung to me for the first day and to Kylee the second. When it came to game time she was all excited, ran out onto the field with all the others, and then stood there with her finger in her mouth. I have to remind myself that she is only 3 and at least she ran out. Then I have to remind myself that I'd rather she not be a cheerleader anyway!

Faith

2010-10-18T21:05:00.000-07:00

I know I have alot of past posting to do, but that will have to wait until I have pics to remember all we've done. That would involve finding the camera for which I just found the charger for in the storage unit today. So for tonight just a ramble. We were asked yesterday to speak in sacrament meeting in our "new" ward next week, by our bishop who is also my uncle. When he stated that the topic would be faith I sighed. I know that we are asigned these things more for our benefit than those we speak to, but really?? My faith is waivering right about now (can I stand up and say that in a sacrament meeting where all my family will be listening?) We are so sure that we did the right thing by moving here, but... why then haven't we sold our house for the original asking price and moved into the home of our dreams here, why aren't we accepting callings in a new ward where we will spend the rest of our lives, why haven't I landed that "dream job", why is my husband never here, why am I so worn out at the end of the day from watching over the kids so that they don't ruin anything here at my mom and dad's house, why did I have to hold our dog as the vet administered the shot to end her life? Why, why, why???

Well I guess it all has to do with the fact that I have more to learn about faith. As I have started reading in preparation for my talk the thing about faith that stands out most is the part where we are supposed to believe in the things we can't SEE. I have a hard time with that. I want to know all the who, what, when, where and why's about what is happening and what is going to happen. Right now I feel as though I am left out of the loop and I want back in! I've been reading a talk by James E. Faust on faith. He talks about all the amazing technology and knowledge that we have now but reminds that "man has never discovered anything that God has not already known". So for tonight I will sleep (or try to), knowing that my Father in Heaven has a plan for me! He knows who I am and all that I am worrying, and rejoicing about. In fact he worries and rejoices right along with me. So I will continue to go forward with all the faith that I can muster and try to learn all that I can along the way.

Troubled

2010-09-10T21:24:00.000-07:00

A couple quick thoughts for the night...
1. I want to go home!
2. Worried about Carsen and why he got in a "fight" at school this week.
3. Wishing we could sell our house. (I know, I know, patience)
4. Tired of being sick! (I have a sinus infection. Started antibiotics for it today)
5. Contemplating possible jobs and which direction I should take
6. Proud of our kids for being so amazing through all this
7. Happy to be here with family! (went to my brother's bday party last night :)
8. Sad about all we left behind
9. Anxious about all that lies before us
10 *GRATEFUL*
11. Concerned about our sick dog Saydee.

I'll have to elaborate on some of these topics later, when my head doesn't feel like it is going to explode.

Made it

2010-08-26T20:15:00.001-07:00

So here we are, back in good ole Cedar City! Kids are in school, stuff in storage, Ron settling in as the "new guy" at Canyon View, soccer, football and all the "normal" stuff. We are staying with my parents till we can sell our house in Layton, its cozy and testing all our patience but its working so far. We are so very grateful for the way things have played out so far, and especially grateful that the gospel is true no matter where we are.

Empty house, full heart

2010-08-15T05:25:00.000-07:00

We had the most exhausting, but amazing day yesterday. We really didn't intend to move as much at one time as we are but when you ask the 37th ward for help, you get it! Cassie and Riley pulled a trailor into our driveway at 7am and by 7pm, it and 2 more were full, and the house was clean. I am going to miss these people who will do anything for one another. I'm sure we will find generousity elsewhere but this has been simply amazing. We will be heading to Morgan today for Brance's mission farewell and then on to our new adventure Monday morning. The kids have had a week full of friends, near and far. Kobe's friend Gabe came down from Idaho, and that was just what he needed. Carsen had a going away swim party with friends at Seattle's pool, lots of Addison time for Sydni, and Logan and Tevita lost together in some other world. I haven't even seen Tyson *except at meal time* all week :) I am forever grateful, and love dearly, our family here in Layton.

Geese

2010-08-12T05:51:00.001-07:00

Just watched (and listened :) to a flock of geese fly over our house in Layton, crying again. That is one of the things I have loved and will miss about living here

We are moving!

2010-08-12T03:20:00.001-07:00

Below is the e-mail that I sent out to our ward yesterday... it sums up what I've felt the last couple of days.

Hello all!

I know an email is very impersonal so I'm sorry, but I just don't have
the time (or the tears!!) to tell you all our happy/sad news. Ron
accepted a teaching job in Cedar City yesterday! Yes I know, we are
just a surprised as you are! I have never felt so many of the same
emotions at the same time before. I always thought about moving "home",
but NEVER thought it would happen, and this IS home for our family. He
interviewed at 10 and had accepted an offer my 11:30 and Heavenly Father
has testified to us that this is the "right" thing for our family. Not
easy, but right! We will live with my parents until we can sell this
house. We want the kids to start school down there, so that means a
quick move. We will pack and take what we can over this weekend and
then come up on weekends to clean the house and take the rest.

I want to thank you all for all that you have meant to me over the last
10 years (yes, it is 10 this week!!) Ron and I have really spent our
married lives here, brought 3 babies home from the hospital to this
house. I have "grown up" here in the sense that I was a very young
mother when I came, and have become a very young :) but wiser mother
thanks to all of you! I have learned to be a better mom, friend, wife,
sister and so much more from your examples. We are going to miss you
all terribly!

We love you all, and thanks for EVERYTHING you have done for and mean to us !!
Amanda

Weather

2010-08-07T06:02:00.000-07:00

a humming bird in the neighbors flowers

We have had some crazy weather the last few weeks. Each afternoon the dark clouds, wind, lightning and thunder roll in, we get a few sprinkles and then they roll away again over the mountains. These pics are of the clouds after the storm yesterday. I've never seen anything quite like them. It almost looked like they were melting.

Change

2010-08-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

I've never been good at change. We have experienced our fair share this last 2 years, none of it necessarily bad, but change non-the-less. Ron finished school in June and has been on the hunt for a teaching job. Just when we'd decided he wasn't going to get one, last week he got an offer. It is too far away but still the opportunity he's been looking for. He accepted a job teaching 7th - 9th grade math and computers at a charter school in West Jordan. The commute will be about 50 minutes, no we will not move. His diploma came in the mail yesterday, thus the above picture. I am gratful for the way that things have played out since he made the dicision to start just over 2 years ago, and I know that the Lord has things in mind for us the we don't necessarily agree with sometimes. I love Ron and I am glad that he will be doing something that he loves. This next month should be interesting at our house as we will start school (Ron as a first year teacher, Kobe at Jr High, and Logan in 1st grade), football, and soccer. I love my family and my life, and I am learning to love each kink that is thrown at us.

too cute

2010-08-02T10:54:00.000-07:00

Today was another one of those days when Sydni was feeling especially cute. That happens more often than not! But today I grabbed the camera and we headed out for a photo shoot, here are the results.

Father's Day

2010-06-20T14:48:00.001-07:00

I am very blessed to have and have had many great men influence my life! I'm sure I'll forget a few but, I should start with my dad since he came first. Then grandpa's: Stone, Melling, Loock. Uncles: too many to name! My brother. Then came those I gained when I got married, Ron of course! His grandpa Lovell, dad and brothers. Next, my brother-in-laws. Lastly my boys, I know they are just learning to be men, but they teach me so many things every day. These are men of patience, determination, faith, and love. I hope they all know how much they mean to me. There was a cartoon in the comics today that show 2 boys setting up the couch with a book, remote, foot long sub sandwich, pitcher of ice cold lemonade, pillow and blanket. They then said okay dad we got everything that you wanted are you really going to take a 24 hour nap? The dad replied "yes, that is all I ever wanted for fathers day!" I hope that all the men I love get to spend their day doing what they want to do the most!!

My dad post for today is of his unconditional love. I know he has not always been happy with the choices I have made, but I also know that he has always and will always love me! I'm finding as a parent that is one of the most important things that I can teach our kids, that no matter what I love them!

Work

2010-06-19T13:55:00.000-07:00

So today my dad post is about work. My dad is probably the most hard working man I know. He has been able to do a little more playing the last 8 years or so, but he earned it! He grew up learning how to work on the farm. When he decided that he was going to be a brick mason he worked hard to learn to be one of the best. About 25 years ago he started his own business, Melling Masonry. It took lots of time, and sweat but his company became renowned throughout the state for quality work. He has built many of the buildings at Southern Utah University as well as in Cedar and all around southern Utah. There was a time when the Walmart corporation wanted him to travel nation wide to build their stores and warehouses ( he declined ). As the business progressed he spent more time in the office and less time "on the wall". Which I know sometimes he missed. He was not only successful at the laborious part of the business, but also the business part. He taught us to be persistent and do our best no matter what we were doing. I have found that in my life as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, nurse and friend (and what ever may come up that day...) work is key, and I am grateful to parents who taught me that early on in my life.

I love my dad day 2

2010-06-18T06:23:00.000-07:00

I am so blessed to have a dad who taught me to love nature, outside, getting dirty, hunting, fishing ?? (would have liked it more if we ever caught anything :), really just being outside. Growing up on a farm meant spending lots of time outside weather working, playing, or just relaxing. We fed the animals, and hauled the hay okay, so I mostly climed the stack as the men hauled, or drove the truck once I was old enough to see over the steering wheel.

We went camping a lot. My dad loves to hunt so whether it was hunting season or not we were watching for animals of all sorts and their tracks. We shot guns and bows at targets mostly, but as soon as we were old enough we took hunters safety and got hunting licenses. The first thing I remember shooting is a pheasant... We were up at my uncle John Esplin's cabin hunting and visiting. My dad and I ventured out and came upon a pheasant, I don't remeber how far away it was or if there were more than one but I shot one. I pretty much took its head off. The thing I remember most about that is how proud of me my dad was. We headed back to the cabin and he told everyone what a great shot I was. The other adventure that sicks out is my Elk hunt.

disclaimer: this story is long and more for my journaling purposes than anyting else. Feel free to skip reading it. In short I shot an elk, a big one!!

This one is more recent Sept. 2005 I drew a Ponsagont Elk tag I think my dad was more excited than I was. I had the 4 boys at the time. Ron stayed home with the older 3 and I took Logan with me. Our neighbor Bob, Logan (who was one and a half) ventured south. There was no cabin then so we went to the trailor on my dad's property. My dad had been up there scouting and found that the elk were no where to be found. It was late by the time we got there so we just settled in to bed for the night. Dark and early the next morning we set off to see what we could see. We were headed northeast from the trailor looking and listening when we heard bugling (such an amazing sound!!) from the south west. We locked Logan in the truck, which I know probably would be reason for DCFS to investigate but... My dad took off on a dead run over and throught the woods while I tried to keep up. We followed the sound and ended up right back by the trailor when we saw them. 6 or 8 cows (female elk) headed up the ravine. We stopped to watch after a few minutes we heard a cracking noise to the right and turned to find a HUGE bull (male elk) standing off about 30 yards. I remember pulling up the gun and getting him in the sights and pausing to take a breath as my dad is hissing through his teeth SHOOT HIM, SHOOT HIM!! I pulled the trigger and we watched as he stumbled a few feet and fell. Anyone who hunts elk might know that this is not the norm, any of it. You usually spent days or weeks trying to find the elk then if you get close enough to shoot and do the animal takes off running and if you were a good shot you fing a blood trail and spend hours or days following the trail in hopes the you will find the animal. So my dream hunt (more like my dads dream) had just come true. My dad waited with me till he was almost sure that the elk was not going to get up. Then left me there with his 270 (my weapon of choice) and said shoot him again if he gets up, while he headed back to rescue Logan from the truck. A few minutes later Bob came following the sound of the shot. We were all a bit in shock I suppose for a bit. After we had checked out the amazing 6-7 elk we walked the 30 yards back to the trailer where we had breakfast and my dad called his brother Marvin to come up to help load the elk. After breakfast my dad and Bob "cleaned the elk" when Marvin came they were able to pull the truck down hill and using a couple of scaffolding planks and alot of muscle they drug the elk in the bed of my dad's truck. Just to give an idea of how big he was... They had to push and squeeze and finalge to get all of him into the truck. What an experience!! I'll never forget it. I think my dad still has copies of the pictures in his truck to show off.

Thanks dad for teaching me to love, respect and apprciate being outside no matter where I am! But especially at the farm and the cabin :)

Banana pancakes

2010-06-17T08:42:00.001-07:00

what could be better???

eating them with Sydni!

I love breakfast, and always have. I think I get that from my dad. I think he has eaten 2 eggs for breakfast every day of my life, and probably his too. His eggs might be accompanied by pancakes, waffles, toast, or one of his favorites biscuits and gravy or steak (preferably elk:), but there are always 2 eggs. I love my dad and all the many things he has taught me. Maybe I'll try this week to post one or more things I love about him every day.

Today during our delicious breakfast, Sydni asked for a drink, I instinctively started to get the milk out. She said "no mom I want water" I replied "Oh I like to have milk for breakfast". To which she said "I like my milk with cookies".

Derby

2010-06-15T05:24:00.000-07:00

Last month was our ward's pinewood derby. Once again we followed in the tradition of having a way cool car that was not so fast. Tyson is our only "cub" scout right now so only one car to build this year. This was truly Tyson's own design! What a fun night, a gym full of cheering boys (and their dad's) and popcorn (which was easier to clean up than I thought it would be :)

Split

2010-06-15T05:15:00.000-07:00

Our ward boundaries were realigned on Sunday. This brings an array of emotions: Sad for those ward members who are leaving, happy to meet the new ones, and anxiety for possible new callings. Our bishop mentioned that of the leaving numbers there were 60 callings that would have to be replaced. Those include the Young men's Pres, Young Women's councilors, most of the primary presidency, relief society councilors, of course many teachers primary and otherwise, scout leaders and so on and so forth. I am currently a bear den leader and the Young Women's music coordinator. Ron is currently a sub in Primary. We will see what the next few weeks brings.

Summer so far

2010-06-15T05:02:00.000-07:00

So I'm not really sure where the camera is (haven't really looked though) so I don't have any pics to go with this post. We are now into our 2nd week of summer and contrary to other mom's that I've heard I'm not ready for school to start. I love having my kids home! Last week we had sports camps for Sydni, Logan and Kobe, Tyson's is this week. Friday, Carsen and Ron went on a scout over-nighter to Camp Bartlett in Idaho where it rained and was very cold and muddy. Carsen and the other scouts had a great time, the dad's... not so much. It has been a rainy spring here so we are still playing "rain out" baseball and t-ball games. The kids have chores to do each morning. They really don't complain for the most part (it takes them forever to get them done sometimes). They have to finish before they get to play with friends, or read or really anything else.
We have only had one good day at the neighbor's pool so far. We hope that changes soon! We have a camping trip to the cabin and Echo reservoir planned with the Loock's and a trip to Cedar planned for the 4th of July.

We made it!

2010-06-03T19:53:00.001-07:00

Through kindergarten that is. Logan's program was yesterday, they sang many cute songs and received a medal that they will add pins to each year at Heritage Elementary. Logan has learned a lot at school this year including how to follow the school rules , and be a good friend. He has also learned a lot at home this year including all the letters and numbers, how to tie his shoes, and how to read!! He is loving the Junie B. Jones books and reads all the time. The other day his friends were being mean so he just came in the house and read. He really loves it and is getting better all the time. We have loved Mrs. Piper she is very patient and kind! I asked him today what he is going to do now and he said, "well I guess just wait for first grade". We love you Logan :) below is a video clip from the program

Lesson

2010-05-23T17:02:00.000-07:00

Our Relief Society lesson today was about patience. I have much to learn concidering this topic, but today my thoughts are these... My gram has a saying that she wants me to cut in vinyl for her wall it goes "Happiness is a journey, not a destination". I'd like to replace happiness for a minute with patience. No one is perfectly patient, but we can all strive to be better each day. I think as we do and as we practice being patient we will learn many things along our journey. Many of which may be more important than the actual thing we thought we were waiting for. I have many examples of patience in my life and I appreciate them all. Today I am especially grateful for my uncle John and aunt Edie Esplin. John has been very sick this last year, endured chemo and was physically knocked down over and over again. He underwent a bone marrow transplant last Friday and will be in the hospital for a while now. I've watched them both be strong examples of enduring and patience and many other things I hope to develop someday, and I pray that he will recover and know good health again.

Sticks

2010-05-21T05:57:00.000-07:00

One afternoon I went outside to check on Logan and Sydni in the back yard. This is what I found

We have a big tree back there, and each time that the wind blows we loose many branches from it. She had taken those branches and put them through all of her belt loops as weapons. What a cute worrier princess she is! She was obviously very proud of herself :)

Arrow of Light

2010-05-21T05:51:00.000-07:00

Carsen received his arrow of light at last month's pack meeting. Our ward has a fun tradition of painting the face of the scout as the scout master talks about the significance of the colors. Carsen has always loved being the center of attention so he was very excited. This night was also fun because the 11 year old scouts get to welcome the newest member of their troop. Kobe was still 11 at the time and was able to present Carsen with his new neckerchief and slide. Congrats Carsen!!

Birthdays

2010-05-14T22:02:00.001-07:00

May is a month of birthdays at our house beginning with Ron's on the 2nd. It was a Sunday, Stake conference. He is now one year older and hopefully wiser thanks to all the school he's been attending. These pics are of him trying to teach Carsen to use the lighter, and singing to himself with us the Happy Birthday song. This year brought another season of Rowland Hall basketball, working towards his masters in Education at the University of Phoenix, working at the Utah State Tax Commission, coaching the kids in various sports, getting contacts, a few more gray hairs, and being a great dad and husband. I love ya honey!!

Go to sleep!

2010-05-14T05:34:00.001-07:00

Bed time at our house is a ritual. Lately our ritual has been pushed back and cut short because of crazy nights full of homework, baseball, soccer, scouts, dinner and well everything. Last night I tucked Syndi in, turned on her music, turned off the light and kissed her. She then said "Mom, could you do one last chore for me?" I laughed, then asked her what that might be... "a drink please" so I got a drink for her, then sat at the end of her bed for a few minutes as per her ritual. Then told her goodnight and kissed her again, and headed to my bedroom. I hear her again "Mom can you do one last chore for me?" this time Ron laughed really hard! I said "only if that chore is to go to sleep in my bed!" so she said "okay Mom can you please go to sleep in your bed" oh how I'd love to hear those words more often! Love you Syd!

National Anthem

2010-05-13T12:45:00.000-07:00

Kobe came home from school last week and said that his school was looking for someone to sing the National Anthem at their "olympics" He wanted me to volunteer... I said I'll do it if you'll sing it with me :) and he agreed. So this morning at Layton High, in front of all of his classmates friends, and parents (about 200 people) over the whole stadium WE sang! He was awesome!! Sang out loud and strong and didn't even hesitate. Of course I started out too high and couldn't reach some of the high parts but he carried us through. Above is a "video" don't watch, just listen. This was the easiest way I could think of to record us. I love that Kobe loves to sing and is learning to share that love with others.

Field trip

2010-04-29T06:39:00.000-07:00

This is the time of year when it seems as though all the kids do at school is go on field trips. They love it and get so excited. Logan is in Kindergarten and has been so excited to go on a field trip to the Children's Museum at the Gateway. The other afternoon he came home and said "Mom our field trip is tomorrow I can't wait!" then there was a pause and question to follow, "Mom what do you do on a field trip?" I hadn't realized until then that this was his first field trip and first time to ride a bus. He was so excited because he knew he should be, but he wasn't sure what it was that he was excited about. After an explaination of what a field trip is he was more excited than ever and now he knows why he should be.

Breakfast conversation

2010-04-29T06:37:00.001-07:00

Most mornings we have the usual arguing or disagreeing or playing some game with powers of Greek Gods that I've never heard of. Today as I sit here in the living room Kobe and Carsen are quizing each other on their vocabulary and spelling lists :) with out any prompting from me... I love my boys!!

Princess Room

2010-04-18T15:26:00.000-07:00

We had a friend call and offer us a twin size bedroom set. That in turn opened a "can of worms" called redecorating Sydni's room. She had been alone in the upstairs bedroom for some time now. All the boys have migrated downstairs... But the walls were boring white, with no curtains, and all of Tyson and Logan's clothes and dressers were still in there. I decided if we were going to make a change we (meaning ME) might as well empty the room and paint. Truth be known I really do love to paint I just don't love to move furniture, or tape or stop to go take someone to pracitce, or go to work, or to fix dinner :( But 48 or so hours later Sydni had a new room. She loves it, waking up every morning to tell me how beautiful it is and how well she slept in her princess bed.

Pink Popcorn tree

2010-04-18T15:17:00.000-07:00

Sydni has been singing "Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree" in her primary class. So that means noticing every "popcorn" tree as we drive anywhere. She must have me trained because I was dropping something off at our neighbors house the other day and notice the perfect popcorn tree! Perfect because it was short, and it was PINK! So, later that night we took a walk around the block to see it. Here are pics, the first one was just one of those mornings when she thought she was especially cute...

Dinner conversation

2010-03-31T18:36:00.000-07:00

Tyson: "Well I have good news, I won my game! (soccer game in the snow 8-5)
Logan: "Well I have bad news about my dinner!"
Me: "What is your bad news Logan?"
Logan: "Well there is this burnt crusty part that YOU are going to make me eat before I can have more hot chocolate!"

Too busy...

2010-03-30T02:38:00.000-07:00

I keep thinking that I am going to take the time to catch up on all the posts I would have liked to have made over the last few months, but today I decided that if I wait the time will never come. So I'm just going to start from now and if I have extra time later I will backpost...

Tonight Ron and I took the kids to Surf and Swim for FHE. Kobe and Carsen are going to compete in a triathelon this weekend and we thought we'd better make sure that they could still swim. Of course they can and we all had a great time, our kids are fish! At one point in the evening Ron and I were sitting on the side just watching, it is so much fun to just watch our kids interact with each other. The boys would all gravitate in their different directions for a while but there seemed to be a common force that pulled them all together every 15 minutes or so, Sydni. They would all come back to check on her and play with her in the shallow water for a bit and then the cycle would repeat... There was one point where she was standing there circled by the 4 of "her boys" that was so sweet. I love my kids and husband and the opportunities that we get to leave the rest of the world behind to be together!

FAMILY

2010-01-07T08:30:00.001-08:00

While we were together on new years day my mom wanted pictures of all her family together. We are standing in front of the old grainery that is next to my mom and dad's house. We are all married now and my parents have 8 grandkids (yes 5 of them belong to me).

Snow

2009-12-22T14:05:00.000-08:00

One of the first mornings with snow. I wasn't quick enough to catch the boys before school, but Syd was ready for a photo shoot.

Christmas lights

2009-12-22T14:00:00.000-08:00

I took the kids to see the Layton City lights, cold but fun!

Owieeee!

2009-12-22T13:37:00.000-08:00

We went to Cedar for Thanksgiving, that evening we went to Robbie and Misty's. The kids were playing downstairs, I heard a loud clanking noise and a Sydni cry shortly after. Kobe came running up the stairs with her in his arms and after investigating we found that she had dropped a 15 lb wieght on her little toe. I'm pretty sure that the toe was broken, but what do they do for toe? Nothing. She cried for about an hour and wouldn't walk on it for a day or so but was really a trooper!! This picture is the night that it happened, poor baby :(

Photo shoot

2009-12-22T13:30:00.000-08:00

Kobe 11

Carsen 10

Tyson 9

Logan 5

Sydni 3

I always try to capture that perfiect picture for our Christmas card. I'm not sure that they ever turn out the way I intended, but what does when it involves our 5 kids? These are the ones that I used. Now if the cards will ever come in the mail I could get them sent out.

Cute pic

2009-11-05T15:21:00.001-08:00

Sydni "Boo" turns 3

2009-11-04T19:27:00.000-08:00

I know, I know we all say it but I really can't believe its been 3 years already. When we told the boys that we were having another baby and it was going to be born around Halloween, we joked that we could name him/her "Boo". I never thought that she would really come on Halloween :) I can't imagine our family without our Princess. She has her brothers wrapped around her finger (don't tell her dad, but he is too...)! She speaks as though she is 16, and loves to "shake her body" as she likes to say. She waits ever so patiently every Saturday for her turn to play her soccer game, but is the best cheerleader in the meantime. She loves to dress-up in anything frilly or lacey, and loves her babies. She adores her Papa and going to his house or cabin to visit. I love having a girl-friend to hang out with when the boys go to school, even if most the time she'd rather be hanging out with Addison (the neighbor girl, and best friend). I don't like that she's growing up so fast, but can't wait be a part of her life as she does.

Love you Syd!!

Oh yeah her name is not really Sydni Boo it is Sydni Lee

Halloween

2009-11-04T19:14:00.000-08:00

We decided to make a quick run to Cedar for Halloween. We couldn't talk the kids out of the Trunk-or-treat so we left late on Friday night and headed south. We woke up at Grandma Rosie's, had presents for the princess, headed to the tailgate party for the SUU game, the game, then time for costumes and trick-or-treating, and on to Grandma Laurie's for dinner and birthday party for Sydni. What a whirl wind, but a great one!! I was able to see and hold my new niece Halle Kate, she's absolutely beautiful. And what a joy to see my brother be a dad, he is whooped already. We love our families!!

Costume explaination: Kobe - egyptian (he had an assignment in class to dress up so we'd already made the costume and he decided just to wear it again, he loves his mom!!) Carsen - Mad scientist, Tyson - football player, Logan - Superman, Sydni - Bee (Queen bee without the stinger if you asked Logan...)

Pumpkins and the Swine Flu

2009-10-27T06:04:00.000-07:00

Its official... Swine flu at the Potter's! Kobe and Sydni had positive tests yesterday. They are not feeling awful, but not great either. We decided it was a good day for pumpkin carving. Kobe's is the SUU one, Carsen's Frankenstein (use you imagination :) Tyson's a warewolf, Logan's some scary flame thing, and Syd's of course the crown. Ron helped design the templates and then the older 3 were on their own (thus the need for imagination...) Ron did Sydni's and I did Logan's. We had "pupmkin guts" all over the kitchen what fun!

Go T-birds!!!

2009-10-05T10:31:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Sami and my parents came up to visit. Our saturday was full of soccer and football, including a trip to Logan where the T-birds faced the Aggies (we will not repeat the score :( they werent supposed to win right? )
Sydni, Sami and Thor (the T-bird mascot) Sydni thought he was much more fun from a distance...

TOUCHDOWN!! The boys and their foam fingers

still more pics!

2009-09-02T09:07:00.000-07:00

all the kids on the 4-wheeler with my dad. The trail camera took this picture

Sharp shooter!!

more pics

2009-09-02T08:58:00.001-07:00

I love this pic, Ron coaching on the way from the swim to the bike I finally convinced him to do the next one with him, on Sept 7th. Carsen too, they've all been training together. There's Grandma Rosie on the left.

Is she "checking him out"??

He love's beeing tatooed.

Carsen before his Weblos day camp at Camp Keisel.

July highlights

2009-09-02T08:34:00.001-07:00

Bobbi and Matt's wedding

Trip to the cabin and Cedar City

Carsen broke his foot

Carsen at SUU football camp with a broken foot

Hatch family reunion in Scipio

Logan lost his first tooth!

Scout day camp for Tyson and Carsen

Days of 47 parade, swimming and sparklers

Lots of swimming at the neighbors

Triathelon #2 for Kobe he ended up 6th this time (way to go!!)

Waiting for the parade

Toothless
Broken foot didn't slow him down much...

Sydni on "Slick"

Discovery Park in Cedar, one of the kids favorite places to visit.

June

2009-09-02T08:25:00.000-07:00

I think the month of June got lost with the camera at the family reunion so heres a recap. I started a new job working for a homehealth agency out of Ogden. The week after school got out the boys had swimming lessons, they are all fish!! Kobe was in training for the triathelon that he competed in on the 20th. (he was awesome!!) We had the Loock family reunion on the 27th and 28th we went bowling, picnicing in a trential (sp?) downpour, danced the night away in the parking lot at the park, played basketball, rolled down the hill at the park and ate and ate! It was tons of fun.

Summer??

2009-09-01T14:02:00.000-07:00

Where did our summer go? I'm not sure but it went by too fast! We had a ton of fun and I'll post some pics soon but in the mean time here are our CUTE kids ready for their first day of school.

Scout camp

2009-06-12T05:26:00.000-07:00

Today Kobe goes on his first over night scout camp. He is very excited, as he should be, I remember the first year that I got to go to girls camp. As his mom though it marks a new milestone, one that we can't turn back on... This year an over-nighter next year a week long camp. Ron will be going with him and I'm sure that they'll have a great time and return home safe and sound tomorrow evening, but I'll miss him just the same!

Somewhere over the rainbow...

2009-06-11T18:06:00.001-07:00

A picture I took from the street in front of our house the other day. I love rainbows!

Little bird, Little bird

2009-06-11T17:59:00.000-07:00

This is the baby bird that the kids found in the yard the other day. It wouldn't fly. I've taught them that if they touch birds that their mothers won't take them back, so they were very good to keep a distance. They guarded it from the neighborhood boys (who would really have liked to take it home) for about 2 hours and then moved on to someting else. I later watched as it flew back up into the tree. I'm not sure why it didn't do that sooner, maybe it was as entertained with the kids as they were with it??

Red card

2009-06-10T07:20:00.000-07:00

I know that they don't give red cards at the AYSO U6 level, but if they did Logan would have gotten one. We were so amazed to see his growth this season! In the fall he was an okay player, he tried to stay close to the ball most of the time, and kicked it every once in a while. But in the spring, holy cow watch out. He was after the ball and would knock down whom ever he had to to get it! We've been known to complain about our older 2 boys and their lack of aggression but I think Logan will make up the difference. In his last game Ron and I had to stiffle our laughter as we watched. He was playing well, there was a boy on the other team the ended up on the ground every time that Logan got near him. Logan did "bump" him a couple of times, but nothing that would have been a problem in an older age group. After about the 5th time we finally pulled him out and had him sit and cheer with us. He was not very happy about it! Needless to say his team won and I think he had 4 or 5 goals. It is going to be fun and frustrating to watch this boy grow and develop in athletics and otherwise. He is so bull headed and determined! Watch out...

Maine

2009-06-09T12:35:00.000-07:00

Kobe's class did state reports this year. He chose Maine why, I'm not sure. Their big assignment was a powerpoint presentation. How amazed I am at the thing that my kids can do that I can't! Then the fun ending to it all was cake decorating. They were to take a frosted cakein the shape of their state, and all the items to decorate it with to school. They set up tables in the gym and had a free-for-all I'm not sure that there has ever been so much sugar in that gym at one time ever. There was candy everywhere! We made green trees out of gum paste (totally Kobe's idea, due to too much "Ace of Cakes" I think) and he had sweedish fish, fruit rollups and blue frosting accents. I thought it was a fun way to celebrate their accomplishment.

The "red" wall!

2009-06-09T12:27:00.000-07:00

Here are the pics of our new living room. We bought some new couches at the RC Willey Memorial Day Sale and I though since we were moving out the old I would paint before we moved in the new. I've always wanted a "red " wall and I'm so glad that I did it. I love the change, it really updates our home. There will be blinds on the other 2 windows some time soon (I hope...) We had to special order them, the other they had in stock. It all looks way better in person, you should come visit!!

Carsen's birthday pics finally

2009-06-09T10:56:00.001-07:00

...and along came Carsen!

2009-05-12T08:09:00.000-07:00

Today is Carsen's 10th birthday, and thus continues the continuous May birthday party. Carsen was born 1 year and 6 days after Kobe. We were living in Cedar at the time and had just returned from a trip up here to find an apartment. We got home just in time to go watch Ron play a rec basketball game. I don't remember specifically when the labor started, but I thought it was just Braxton-Hicks considering our due date to be 6 weeks away. The next day Carsen was born. Weighing in at 6lbs and 14 oz. I think that he came out smiling and hasn't stopped since... He has been by far our friendliest child. He is spontanious, impulsive, entertaining, smart, handsome, inquisitive and caring. He spoke very early and very well, in complete sentences. One of my favorite things he ever said was in reference to me asking "How do you remember that?" He replied "Mom, my mind is like a picture taker." He doesn't miss, or forget much. He loves to read, play football, swim (you should see him dive!), and be with his friends and family. Carsen keeps me learning, smiling and loving everyday.

Happy Birthday Carsen!!

pics to come later..

Happy Birthday Kobe!

2009-05-06T07:30:00.000-07:00

*new bike*

Kobe is 11 today, aaahhhh! I know is sound so cliche, but where did the time go? Kobe is and has always been my tender hearted, obedient, patient, loving, intelligent boy. And now he is turning into all of that and more as a young man. He truly amazes me, and I love him tons! He loves animals, computer games, swimming, friends and drawing. He is training to compete in a triathlon and loves it. He looks forward to scouts each week and is growing in the gospel whether he likes it or not... I'd love to have kept him 3 forever, but I can't wait to know the amazing man that he is going to be. We love you Kobe!!!

Flowers

2009-04-24T09:17:00.000-07:00

We get about 1 week in the spring when our plum trees and cherry trees are in blossom at the same time and it is gorgeous. I'm glad that I took this picture yesterday because last night the wind blew all the blossoms off the plum trees, my week only lasted about 2 days this year!

Garden

2009-04-24T08:29:00.000-07:00

I love spring! And I love planting a garden! I just have the hardest time deciding what to plant... So far we have peas, tomatoes, jalapenos, zucchini, and cucumbers. The boys have put in their votes for carrots and potatoes.

How!

2009-04-16T07:23:00.001-07:00

Kobe received his Arrow of Light at our last pack meeting. Our ward has started a tradition where the fellow scouts "paint" the arrow recipients faces as the Scout Master talks about the significance of each color. The boys LOVE it. Congrats Kobe!

Easter

2009-04-15T18:35:00.000-07:00

Gotta love the Easter dress, and those handsome brothers who could ask for better accessories?

Ty

2009-04-15T18:25:00.000-07:00

Just a picture of Tyson that I love, such a handsome boy!

President Obama

2009-03-27T16:52:00.000-07:00

Kobe's class did their yearly program a few weeks ago, and he played the part of President Obama. He had one paragraph that he had memorized (and delivered very eloquently, if I do say so myself...), he wore his suit and best of all didn't have to wear the cheezy straw cowboy hats that all the other boys wore!

A braid...

2009-01-19T18:44:00.000-08:00

Yes, it was a momentous occasion at our house last week. Sydni has enough hair for a braid! I know its tiny but it really is a braid. I've waited a long time to have a little girl with hair to braid.

Logan is 5!

2009-01-19T18:14:00.000-08:00

Logan turned 5 on Januray 5th. It was a great day. He got to be in charge of how he and Sydni and I spent our morning so we started off with pancakes for breakfast and then after we got the boys off to school it was time for hours on the Wii. We played the Pirate game that he got from Grandma and then the "Bolt" one. My arms were so sore by that night I couldn't move. He had preschool that afternoon and had a great party there. (Thanks Miss Janalynn!!) We had planned to meet family in Bountiful for ice cream that night but due to the incliment weather we had to cancel. So I ventured out for the requested Icecream cake and pizza for dinner. It took us an hour and a half to get from home to Baskin Robins, back to Salt City Pizza and home again. But we had a fun night together, and Logan was the king for the day!! I can't believe its been 5 years, and I don't know what I'd do without him! (Thanks to my mom for the Cricut that I used to do the window.)

Christmas

2009-01-19T18:01:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know its been a while but we had a great Christmas. So I thought I'd share some pictures. We stayed home and had Christmas Eve and morning at OUR house. We started some new traditions and kept some old. The new were going to a movie on Christamas Eve and having a fondu dinner. And the old were opening one present on Christmas Eve (which the boys have figured out is always pajamas), reading and acting out the story of Jesus' birth, and blueberry pancakes for breakfast Christmas morning. We were blessed to be healthy and together as a family! Oh, yeah and Santa left presents for everyone and I think someone elses too...

Santa

2008-12-24T05:13:00.000-08:00

Logan had a Christmas program last night for preschool, and guess who came. That's right, Santa! (Thanks Miss Janalynn!!) After much convincing we got Logan to sit on his lap. Syd and Ty were the only other takers. Are my boys really getting to old for that?

Pedicures anyone?

2008-12-24T05:04:00.000-08:00

These pics are of Sydni, she is going to have these boys whipped into shape before they know what hit them. They were all standing around the computer watching Kobe play some game when she found a nail file and decided that they needed to have their toes done... Soon they all had their shoes off and were letting her file them. Then it was my turn, I wish Ron had been home!

No cavities!

2008-12-24T04:52:00.000-08:00

I am always thrilled when we have a trip to the dentist with no cavities! This was the case last week and here are the beautiful clean teeth after our appointment. They are not all straight, but they are cavity free. Tyson will be getting a retainer next week. Biffy I have already threatened him, I had a good friend (no names here), who would wrap hers up in a napkin at lunch so that no one would have to see it. She must have thrown it away 6 or 7 times during the 5th grade. Here's hoping that we don't have to go dumpster diving for Tyson's.

All aboard!

2008-12-13T05:39:00.000-08:00

I really didn't realize it had been so long since I posted last... Where does the time go? We were fortunate enought to get to go on "The Polar Express" right after Thanksgiving. I surprised the kids and checked them out of school early (the coolest thing ever) and we headed to Heber. We boarded out train and rode to the North Pole. On the way we got hot chocolate (no song though
:( thats my favorite part) , cookies and listened to the book. Then we picked up Santa and on the way back he made his way through all of the cars to visit the kids. They all got bells, which are still ringing every day. And to finish off a fabulous night we went to the Dairy Keen, which is the train themed burger joint in Heber) for dinner. It was a perfect was to start December!

On you marks!

2008-11-13T15:48:00.000-08:00

Our family just experienced our first Pine Wood Derby! We have had the "cars" for about 6 weeks or so, and I'm happy to say that we did not wait until the night before to start. We had 3 boys and 3 cars, and I told Ron that they had to be done before he started basketball! The boys chose to shape their cars in a "non-traditional" fashion, meaning that they weren't cars. As you can see in the pictures:

Kobe's is an icecream sandwich...

Carsen's is a salamander...

and Tyson's is a piece of cheese.

I cannnot brag that they were the fastest cars at the race, but they were the cutest!! The boys ate popcorn, cheered on their friends and had a great time. Logan and Sydni ate popcorn, cheered on their brothers, and had a great time. Logan was the best, every time one of their cars raced he had to find someone to tell "that's my brothers car!" It was a great night.

Cock-a-doodle-do

2008-11-12T17:35:00.000-08:00

I have to share the story about our dinner tonight. So, this summer our neighbors's had baby chicks, we went over and Logan and Sydni loved seeing them. But as we all know baby chicks grow up to be big chickens, and some of them become roosters, and roosters eventually learn how to crow in the morning. I really have enjoyed waking up to roosters crowing in my back yard, but apparently not all of our neighbors agree. So, I got this call from our neighbor on Saturday asking me if we would eat a fresh chicken if he brought it over. I said sure, and later that night his wife called and said that he would meet me at the fence. So long story short, our neighbor killed the roosters, plucked and cleaned them (really well by the way!) and handed me one over the fence so we had roast chicken for dinner tonight. It was yummy!

Aunt Sami!!

2008-10-27T09:08:00.000-07:00

On Friday my sister came to hang out with us for the day. It was so nice to just be here and not have every minute of our time together planned out. She helped me figure out how to add the music to my blog, ( thank you , thank you!) and I helped her take her online test for school. I'm not sure that I was much help, and I'm sure that she'll be calling me any day to yell because she failed. We took the boys for icecream after school.

Sydni was her shadow all day, saying "Nami you funny" we took some way cute pictures. Here are the ones off my camera and I hope that she'll be sending me hers soon (hint, hint)... We love her and can't wait to see her again!

Chuck E. Cheese

2008-10-23T13:46:00.000-07:00

I know that when I was growing up, one of our favorite things to do when we came to Salt Lake was to go to Chuck E. Cheese. We would beg, and the response would be "the pizza is terrible", and a few times we were lucky enough to go anyway. Of course our kids have asked us countless times "Why can't we go to Chuck E. Cheese's?". I've always had the great excuse that it was too far away, until some genious decided to build one in Layton. So last week was UEA and I gave in, apparently every other mom in Layton (and Kaysville and Clearfield) gave in too. We went to Chuck E. Cheese. I can't say how the pizza was because I had salad, but the kids spent a wonderful 2 and a half hours playing the games and running around. Next time I'll go with a friend and her kids though so I'll have something to do. I wish that I'd taken the camera so that I had pictures to post, but I didn't. Another thing to remember during that next moment of weakness! FYI if you dedide to go, print the online coupons, way worth it!

Cute girl!

2008-10-23T13:29:00.000-07:00

Sydni was having one of those cute mornings yesterday (not that she's not cute all the time...), so I got the camera and took her outside. We discovered a perfect photo spot in the tree.

Canning peaches

2008-10-10T18:47:00.000-07:00

Can I just say that I'm glad that canning season is over?! A couple of weeks ago I was swamped with peaches (not that I'm complaining). So one morning after getting the boys off to school I began the process of bottling 30 or so quarts. Sydni decided to join me. She climbed up on the counter an soon found that she could slide the peels off by herself. Then as she watched me, she figured out that there was a pit in the middle, so she sqwished until she found it and pulled it out. Then she handed me the rest of the mutilated peach to cut and put into the jar. I soon found that if I would cut around the peach it made things alot less messy. So I cut around the middle and then she would peel, and pit and give the halves back to me. Yeah!! She lasted at this for about 30 min and then needed a bath!!

Pumpkins..

2008-10-10T18:33:00.000-07:00

Today we took advantage of a dry (but not warm) day and our J & J Nursery coupons and took the hay ride to get pumpkins! We had to wait in line, in the cold, for about 30 minutes but then we all climbed on the hay wagon. Everyone chose their "perfect" pumpkin.

Wedding

2008-10-02T05:59:00.000-07:00

My brother Trevor got married last month. It was a beautiful day!

And the kids were sooo cute...

Our newest Scout

2008-08-14T14:47:00.000-07:00

Monday was Tyson's birthday, and he turned 8. He has had a week full of fun;

Sunday, dinner and presents with the family
Monday, Cherry Hill with Grandma and aunt Sami
Tuesday, school shopping
Wednesday, the Zoo with Judd and Amaya
Thursday, pictures at Target (yes Cassie and I took all 7 kids...) , Scouts for the first time, and a party with his primary class.

I'm pretty sure he'll be disappointed tomorrow when I make him stay home and help me clean up the house.

We're going to the zoo, zoo, zoo!

2008-08-14T14:39:00.000-07:00

My sister Cassie was in town for the week so se decided to take the kids to the Zoo. We were singing to the kids on the way and wondering if "We're going to the zoo, zoo, zoo, how about you, you, you" is a real song, or just one that our grandma made up?? Either way we had a ton of fun, with all 7 of the kids and Judd's Grandma Peggy.

Shopping?!

2008-07-28T12:33:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I was brave and took the kids to the mall today. (Something I never do...) We were looking for cleats for Carsen (yes, football starts today!) and ties for all the boys for my brother's upcoming wedding. I walked into Macy's with only thoughts of ties, when I was lured into the girls department by pink and green polka dots. It was the cutest dress, and just happened to be in the wedding colors. You can imagine my suprise as I reluctantly looked at the price tag, it was marked down to $14.99!! I took Sydni's shirt off and slipped it on to make sure that it fit, (as Carsen is saying, "shouldn't we go into the dressing room Mom?" it is just big enough to fit next spring too. Then I noticed that there was a dirty spot on the front, I took it to the cashier to ask that if I couldn't get the spot out if I could still bring it back. She was kind enough to say of course, and that she'd give me 10% off for it. After taxes and all I paid $9.88 for the cutest dress!

Soccer camp

2008-07-22T06:40:00.001-07:00

Tyson and Logan went to soccer camp last week. It was Logan's first time playing "real" soccer, shin guards, cleats and all.

Pigtails

2008-07-22T06:33:00.000-07:00

Our first attempt at real pigtails in Sydni's hair. I thought I'd take her out in front of the pretty daisies, she didn't think it was such a great idea.

Raspberry shakes, yum!

2008-07-21T11:15:00.000-07:00

Friends of ours were kind enough to share their raspberries this year. I picked a bowl full and brought them home to share. Of course just as it was time to go to bed Ron suggesed that we make shakes.

Tyson

2008-07-21T11:10:00.000-07:00

Ty just finished soccer camp, and was awesome. He will be turning 8 next month and is looking forward to scouts and being baptized. He loves anything that involves a ball, and doesn't enjoy reading like his brothers. He'll be in 3rd grade this year.

Carsen

2008-07-21T11:02:00.000-07:00

Carsen is counting down the days until football starts. Which is all too soon for me! He will start conditioning on the 28th of July. He is 9 and will be in the 4th grade. He is reading a series of books called Children Of The Lamp, abut genies. He spends his time playing with friends and reading. He still loves to help me in the kitchen.

Kobe

2008-07-21T10:47:00.000-07:00

Kobe is 10 and is already counting down the days until school starts. He will be in the 5th grade this year. He loves to swim, we have season passes to Cherry Hill, which he loves. He wants to spend as much time as possible playing with his friends, and playing the computer (which we limit to much less time than he finds adequate).

Is it my turn yet?

2008-07-21T10:40:00.000-07:00

My time was spent trying to keep Sydni out of the water...

Thanks to Biffy for the great pictures!

Swimming lessons

2008-07-21T10:34:00.000-07:00

The boys all took swimming lessons, the last 2 week in June. They are all great swimmers, and even Logan became more comfortable in the water, and with his teachers.

Summer

2008-07-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

Okay so I'm totally new at this blog thing, so bare with me while I experiment. We are enjoying every minute of our summer so far. The highlights include:

2 trips (so far) to Cedar City and the surounding areas
many days at Cherry Hill
Wizard camp
Swimming lessons
Soccer camp