New Year's Resolutions

I thought deep and hard about my New Year resolutions for 2009. Most of them are the same ones I make every year, but I did add a few new ones. If I share them with you, I will keep them, right?

I am going to continue to be a lifelong non-smoker. (see, this is easy!)

I am going to give up eating dark chocolate cold turkey. (super easy!)

I'm not going to buy anymore fabric unless it's on my list, really nice, or I need it.

I'm going to make sure I have lipstick on every time I leave the house.

Better Family Home Evenings.

Build up our food storage.

Scan all my negatives onto the computer.

Detail my home.

Stop drinking diet coke. (maybe?)

Oh yeah, lose weight, exercise, be nicer to kids, blah, blah, blah.........

I bet your resolutions aren't as ambitious as mine.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Christmas Eve

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. I have been so busy with Christmas, going to my brother's wedding and playing with our toys, to blog about our Christmas.

The best part of Christmas happened late Monday night when Bert made it home safely. The weather was so bad in the Northwest that he got stuck in Las Vegas an extra day. Flying back to Seattle was the least of my worries, I worried about him driving 2 hours home on icy roads. Every Christmas is different for us, as an airline pilot Bert never knows if he is going to have to fly over Christmas. We got lucky this year, it was wonderful to have Daddy home.

We spent Christmas Eve at home with just our family. It was nice and quiet. One of our newer traditions is singing the "Nativity Song" and adding the people and animals to our Playmobil set as we sing. Travis loves our Playmobil nativity set. I recorded it, but for some reason it won't up/down load on the blog. I guess you weren't met to hear our wonderful singing. LOL

Later we played some games. The boys all decided they were tired and went to bed early. Bert and I were in shock! Of course once they were in their beds they couldn't go to sleep. I stayed up late messing around, which I regretted in the morning.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

I did it! I'm so proud of myself. I drove in the snow four times! Friday I went to the store so I could buy diet coke and food. Friday night I drove to my brother's house for a party.

Saturday I went out for our yearly Santa picture. I would have been really bummed if we hadn't gotten one. Nathan tried to get all teenagery on me and tell me he was too old and cool for a photo with Santa. Well I nipped that in the bud. I told him he would get his picture with Santa until he goes on his mission. I'm such a good mom.

This Santa was the real deal. He knew my boys needed to clean their rooms. Travis and Marcus went right home and cleaned their room. I don't know how long it will stay clean, but I'm a believer. It started snowing again Saturday night, but I went out for an hour to a cookie exchange party. Hey I know my priorities when it snows: Diet coke, photos with Santa, cookies, parties and food.

We are snowed in again. Things would be fine if Bert was home, but he was stuck in Vegas for two days. He is on his way home right now. I worry about him driving on the slick roads.

GO AWAY ALREADY!

This week has been a busy, on-the-go-week for the Wagners as we prepared for Christmas. I want to share some of the wonderful pictures I took of a few of these special times.

WEDNESDAY-NATHAN CAROLING WITH THE YOUTH FROM CHURCH

The kids met at the church and then they drove around town and sang to many members of our ward. After caroling they went back to the church for hot chocolate and cookies. Nathan had a great time and I was lucky to get this picture of him singing.

THURSDAY- CUB SCOUTS VISITING A RETIREMENT CENTER

I was very excited about the opportunity for the boys to serve during the Christmas season. A nice group of primary children sang Christmas songs at one of the local retirement homes. The residents loved seeing the children and were very impressed with the Cub Scouts in their uniforms.

THURSDAY- PACK MEETING

After our visit we went straight to pack meeting where we had a great time making ornaments, singing, playing games, and watching several of the boys advance in Scouts.

FRIDAY- MARCUS' PRESCHOOL PARTY

Saving the best for last! Marcus was asked to play Joseph in his preschool Christmas play. I was so excited, he did such a good job, and was so cute! Well, all the kids were cute, but Marcus was the cutest.


OK, this blog is one big lie. We have been stuck at home for the last 3 days. Winter break started early for the boys, Merry Christmas to me! They are driving me crazy already! I'm really bummed about the plans that were canceled this week. This is my reality.

Those of you who don't live in the Puget Sound area are probably mocking me right now. But we freak when it snows around here. I am too chicken, you know what, to drive in it and I feel I am doing my community a service by staying off the roads.

I do need to get out today or tomorrow, I am almost out of diet coke and other groceries. We are also expecting more on Saturday night. Wish me luck driving!

Our Christmas Letter

I finally stopped blogging long enough to write and send our family Christmas letter. Since I know everyone is really interested in our lives, I will share it with you.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE WAGNERS

We wish all our family and friends a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 2008 was an eventful year for the Wagners in many ways.

We started the year with a trip to Disney World. We took the boys out of school (we are such good parents) and went to Orlando the second week in January. We spent seven days going to the four different parks. We came home exhausted, but with priceless memories.

Bert's status in the squadron changed in August when he became the Executive Officer (XO). Bert and Diane had a chance to enjoy some time together when they went to Command Leadership School in Newport, RI. Diane learned much about the Navy and the responsibilities that come with Command of a Navy squadron. Bert also went on two detachments: In February, he "visited" Italy and Germany, and a few weeks ago he returned from Japan. Bert now has some time at home to help with the homework, dishes, laundry, light bulb replacement, and other manly duties. He also flew many trips for Alaska Airlines, but most of his time was devoted to the Navy and the squadron this year. Alaska Airlines has not been immune from the financial woes of the country. There has been much discussion of furloughs, but for now Bert is safe.

Diane kept herself busy as a mom, wife, den mother, miniature dressmaker, and family historian. She still hasn't figured out the whole XO wife thing, and probably won't until Bert is finished with his command tour. In September, she attended a doll convention in Orlando for her birthday. It was wonderful to meet other collectors and hang out with people who share her interests. Other memories this year include: Almost killing a goat at Disney World, going to Portland with her mother, an appendectomy for Mother's Day, and walking the Freedom Trail in Boston. In October she started a family blog (thewagnersonwhidbeyisland.blogspot.com) check it out if you want to keep up on our "fascinating" life.

Nathan is now a teenager. He is in the 7th grade and doing well in school. In May, he became a member of the National Junior Honor Society. He enjoys band, soccer, tennis and participated in cross country this fall. He just became the Deacon's Quorum President and Patrol Leader in Scouts. His parents still like him, he is a great kid and doesn't have a teenagery attitude yet.

Travis is 9 and in the 3rd grade. He enjoys Cub Scouts, soccer, tennis, and playing with his playmobil and legos. He is doing well in school and his favorite subjects are Math and Art. He has his first male teacher, whom he likes a lot. He is a sweet-natured boy, who is discovering his talents and interests.

Marcus is 5! We can't believe it. Usually by this time we would have added another little brother to the family, but he will remain the baby. He knows how to work the whole baby-of-the- family-thing. He is in his last year of preschool and loves it. He loves books and video games. One of his favorite pastimes is spelling words with his letter magnets on the refrigerator. He loves girls and admits it.

During this Christmas season, we hope you are all safe and healthy. Even during these troubled times it is important to remember our blessings: Family, friends, and faith in the Lord.
Love,

Bert, Diane, Nathan, Travis, and Marcus Wagner

A couple of weeks ago I did "Testy Tuesday" but today I want to share with you a list of all the things I totally did didn't do these past two weeks! Enjoy, and then join in with some of your own.


I did not go Christmas shopping last week and buy myself a few things too.

I did not have a meltdown about Travis' messy bedroom the other morning.

I do not have a stash of Almond Roca, because I really want to lose weight.

I did not buy more fabric the other day, because I know I already have too much fabric, and I have self control.

I did not spend time blogging when I should have been working on our Christmas letter.

I did not let my son go to the dentist and then to school in the dirtiest pants ever. (it's not my fault!)

I did not quit in the middle of my workout last week. I love to exercise!

I did not feed my family yucky leftovers and then feed myself cereal a few nights ago.

I did not skip church because there was a little snow on the ground. I love to drive on ice.

Counting Down the Days Until Christmas

I didn't realize I had so many ways to count down the days until Christmas until I decided to photograph them. I started doing advent stuff for me, but now it is totally for the kids. They love it, me not so much anymore. Who needs to be reminded in five different ways that they are running out of time?

I know there are less than 19 more days now, but I am just getting around to posting now. I collect Santas so he was a perfect addition. Plus I think I bought him from a kid selling wrapping paper and stuff for their school. Usually the chalk is missing or broken though.

This is Travis' favorite. He is obsessed with Playmobil. I use to be very possive and controlling of this one, but over the years the boxes have ripped or disapeared, the toys have broken. I don't care anymore, let them play with it.

I bought this beauty at Costco.




Who doesn't love chocolate? Enough said, the boys take turns eating them.

I picked this idea up on my mission to Germany. Elder Uchtdorf talked about the Advent wreath last Sunday during the First Presidency's Christmas message. It isn't exactly like the real ones in Germany, but I made it with what I could find years ago. It is my favorite way to count down to Christmas. We light a candle every Sunday for four Sundays before Christmas on Christmas Day we light all four.

How do you count down the days?

He's a Believer

Travis and Santa have had a 10-year-long-complicated relationship. His feelings about Santa have evolved from complete indifference to fear and loathing to adoration to questioning his existence. This may be his last year as a believer, but then again.......

I have put together a collection of Travis' Santa pictures for your viewing pleasure.

1999, 1 Month Old

Just happy to be held.

2000, 1 Year Old
He hates him, he really hates him!



2001, 2 Years Old

Even sitting on Daddy's lap Travis is still freaked out by Santa.

2002, 3 Years Old

At least he isn't screaming, but he doesn't look very happy.

2003, 4 Years Old
Hallelujah! He loves Santa!

2004, 5 Years Old

Travis now understands what he needs to do to get Playmobil for Christmas.


2005, 6 Years OldCheck out the little book in his hand. He brought a Playmobil catalogue to show Santa what he exactly wants.

2006, 7 Years Old

He was on Santa's lap a long time listing what he wanted that year.

2007, 8 Years Old

Notice the big catalogue! Last year he wanted a very expensive gift from Santa. I told him Santa doesn't give gifts that big and if he really wanted it, he would have to pay for half of it and Santa would pay the rest. I told him what his share would cost, thinking he would never have that kind of money. He went upstairs and a few minutes later he came down with the money in cash and gift cards. He had a bunch of birthday money and I hadn't taken him to the store in a long time. I couldn't believe it, I had been foiled!

We haven't done our yearly Santa photo yet this Christmas. Travis has had several questions and observations this year that have been funny.

Travis-"We should have elected Santa for president this year!"
___________________________________________________________________

Me- "We are cutting back on how many presents we are doing this year."

Travis-"What about Santa?"

Me-"Santa is going through a recession also, you will still get something from him, just not as big."

Travis-"Doesn't he have a credit card?"

Me- Explaining what credit cards are and how they should be used wisely, blah, blah, blah. I don't think he understood.

Hope you enjoyed Travis' travel back in time. They grow so fast!

Happy St. Nicholas Day

One of our favorite family traditions is St. Nicholas Day. My husband grew up in a predominantly German community and always received a small gift on St. Nicks Day. I served my mission in Germany and loved the tradition. We started doing St. Nicolas Day when Nathan was very young.

On St Nick's Eve the boys put their boot/shoes outside their bedroom door. They put carrots inside their shoes for St. Nick's horse. In the morning they find a small gift in their shoe and poop (whoppers) all over the floor. This morning at 6:00 I was awakened to the sound of packages being opened. I opened my bedroom door and saw this



I asked Travis and Marcus if they loved their new toys, they said yes, I took the above picture and went back to bed. Nathan is too mature and teenagery to wake up that early, but he enjoyed his new book when he finally woke up.

We almost blew it though. Last night after Bert scattered the poop all over the hall and stairs he threw the whopper bag in the garbage! Marcus and Travis found it in the garbage and Travis had many questions for me.

Travis- "Why was there a whopper bag in the garbage?"

Me- "What are you talking about?"

Travis- "Are you St. Nicholas?"

Me- "Of course not! Why would you ask me that?"

Travis- "We found a whopper bag in the garbage."

Me- "So? Your dad likes whoppers. Do you believe in St. Nick?"

Travis- "Yes."

Me- "Good, as long as you believe, St. Nick will come."

Travis- "Oh I believe, but why was there a whopper bag in the garbage?"

Me- "Your dad really likes whoppers!"

Now in reality, we never have whoppers in the house except during this time of the year. During our conversation I couldn't stop smiling, I was a terrible liar! I think he bought it though. Travis, bless his heart, is 9 and is still a believer. I will be writing about him and his relationship with Santa in the near future.

Hanging By a Moment

I saw this someone's blog a couple of weeks ago and had to do it. It just looked way too fun to miss out on. Come play along...

1. Put your music listening device on shuffle.

2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.

3. You must write that song name down no matter how silly it makes you look.

4. Title this post what the answer to your last question is.

5. Good luck and have fun!





IF SOMEONE SAYS 'IS THIS OKAY' YOU SAY?



Throwing it All Away (Genesis)



HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF



Waiting on the World to change



WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?



Stop and Stare



HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?



You Light Up My Life



WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?



Big Machine (The Williams Brothers)



WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?



No Contest (Chess Soundtrack)



WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?



Angel (Jon Secada)



WHAT DO YOU OFTEN THINK ABOUT?



One Love (Hootie and the Blowfish)



WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?



You Bring on the Sun (London Beat)



WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?



I'm Free (Jon Secada)



WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?



Dancing Queen (ABBA) It really did!



WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?



Lay All Your Love on Me (ABBA)



WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?



Home (Daughtry)



WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?



Love is Spoken Here (Janice Kapp Perry)



WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?



With or Without You (U2)



WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?



I'll Fly For You (Spandau Ballet)



WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?



Say (John Mayer)



WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO NAME THIS POST?



Hanging By a Moment (Lifehouse)

See! Wasn't that fun? I know, I listen to some weird music, but I'm still sort of cool, I think.

Why I Will Probably Never Get a Mother's Ring

When I first saw a mother's birthstone ring, which has all the birthstones of her children, I though it was a lovely idea. But then something went wrong, my three boys were born in months with ugly birthstones! How unfair is that? This is what my ring would look like.



Nathan was born in August. Its birthstone is the peridot. Now green is my favorite color, but not lime green.

Travis and Marcus were both born in November. Its birthstone is the yellow topaz. The colors of the two different stones go well together, but I like to wear cool colors. The asymmetrical look of two identical stones next to each other also bugs me.

Oh, if only I had stayed pregnant with Nathan for 3 more days, and if only Travis had not been 6 weeks early, and if only Marcus had not been 4 weeks early. My ring could have look like this.




A sapphire and two blue topazes look lovely together. I still got the asymmetrical thing going on, but I could have lived with that.

Does anyone else have this terrible problem? Here I go again being vain and shallow, I know.

Confessions of a Den Mother

My friends, I have wanted to share my feelings about Cub Scouts ever since I started my blog a whole month ago. I have been a den mother for almost four years. The reason I am a scout leader is I sort of accidently volunteered to do webelos way back then. As a mother of three sons and no daughters I felt it was my destiny. I really enjoy my calling, except all that outdoorsy, camping stuff, but I delegate that to my husband whenever possible. I love the boys I work with and we have a great time, but there is one thing I really dislike. It's been a killjoy in the delight of scouting. OK, I'm really bearing my soul here, are you ready for my truth?

IT'S

JUST

NOT

CUTE!

I know I've gained some weight since I have become a mother and I know that the camera adds like 50 pounds, but really, I never look cute in my scout shirt! I have yet to see a decent picture of me in my shirt. Is it the color? I usually avoid wearing brown by my face, maybe that's it.

Here are few more examples

Look how big my behind looks in this shirt! I know you are probably thinking it's the mom jeans, but I feel the shirt isn't doing me any favors either.



Here is my shirt tucked in, not good at all!



What am I to do? Am I being too shallow and vain? (don't answer that) I'm not going to ask to be released as a den mother over something as silly as my Scout shirt. Some solutions I've thought of to my dilemma is to make sure I wear lipstick every time I put my shirt on and never have another picture taken! I guess I could also lose some weight and buy a designer neckerchief like Annie.

Thank you for letting me vent. I feel much better now.

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving. The Wagner family had Thanksgiving with my side of the family at my brother and SIL's house. The food was wonderful, but I forgot to take pictures of the spread before we started eating. The only picture I took of food is this pictures of a blueberry/raspberry/strawberry/blackberry pie that I made. Nothing says Thanksgiving like a 4-berry pie, right? I also made pumpkin and Mary made apple pie. I am so thankful I was able to pick all these berries on Whidbey Island this past summer.

It was great spending time with all the Waltons. I am looking forward to spending time with them during Christmas. I am also thankful Bert has Christmas off this year and he is setting up the Christmas tree while I blog.

Testy Tuesday

I've seen "Wordless Wednesday", and "Thankful Thursday", but I want to complain about a couple of things. That is why I am calling this post "Testy Tuesday".

First Complaint

What's the big deal Diane, you ask. It's a big deal because every single paper towel tore off like that! I even tried tearing it from the other end and it ripped the opposite way. I'm so annoyed and can't wait until I use up this role. I will use it up though, because I don't want to waste.

Second Complaint

I am getting way to many emails. About a month ago, I was trying to find online grocery coupons. I ended up on a site that gave me no coupons but now I get tons of emails everyday from all sorts of companies that I have no interest in. I am not interested in finding an online date, having someone from Liberia send me millions of dollars if I send them money first, changing my car insurance, winning a laptop, or receiving emails from Obama. The emails are now impossible to get rid of and they are reproducing. All this because I wanted some Cheerios coupons!

Birthday Party Boy

Marcus was so excited for his birthday party. He wanted Daddy to be at his party and I wanted Daddy's help, so we had to wait for a Saturday Bert wasn't in Japan, Mexico, or wherever else he goes. Twelve days after his real B-day, Marcus had his pirate party. This was the third and last time I will ever throw a pirate themed party. Nathan and Travis also had parties with treasure chest cakes and pirate hats. Hey, if it works why not do it over and over?

Marcus had a lot of friends and family at his party. Friends from preschool, church, cousins and neighbors. We played a bunch of games. None of the games went as planned, but we all had fun. He loved all his gifts and so did Travis, who has been playing with them more than Marcus. After everyone went home we sort of cleaned up and I had a hangover the rest of the evening.

Birthday parties are not my favorite thing to do. For some dumb reason I stress about everything and want to make sure my house is clean before a whole bunch of kids come over and mess it up. When will I ever learn? I should only make sure the toilets don't stink.

I am now done with my family's birthdays until May. Yeah!

Here we are singing to Marcus. We sing real good don't we?

Tag, I'm it

I just got tagged for the first time ever. So I am going to tag some of my OH mommy blogging friends. If you hate being tagged, so sorry.


A-Attached or Single: Attached. But I do have a crush on Ioan Gruffudd and Shepard Smith

B--Best Friend(s): Marla, she is the reason I'm attached. Linda is my OH best friend, Stacie is my favorite SIL

C--Cake or Pie: Pie, but not chicken pot pies, yuck

D--Day of Choice: Friday

E--Essential Item: Toothbrush

G--Greatest Accomplishment: My Boys

H--Hometown: Gig Harbor, WA

I--Indulgences: Hot Lunches For My Boys

J--January or July: July

K--Kids: 3 boys call me "Darth Mom"

L--Life is Incomplete Without: My Family

M--Marriage Date: May 14, 1994

N--Number of Siblings: 3 younger brothers, 2 brother-in-laws and 3 (soon to be 4) sisters-in-laws

O--Oranges or Apples: Grapefruit

P-Phobias: Monsters under my bed, Bees, and Losing my family

Q--Quotes: "I studied to be a teacher, but then I realized I don't like children enough to spend all day in a classroom with 25 of them."

R--Reason to Smile: My heater works!

S--Season: Spring, I love tulips and daffodils

T--Tag 5 Friends: Linda, Stacie, Nerell, Becky, and Carol

U--Unknown Facts About Me: A man named Igor once asked me to marry him for a green card, but I couldn't marry someone named Igor, so I married a Bertram

V--Very Favorite Store(s): Any fabric store besides JoAnn's

W--Worst Habit: There are too many to list

X--X-ray or Ultra Sound: I've had both

Y--Your Favorite Food: Carbohydrates

Z--Zodiac Sign: Virgo

I'm going to start my own Thankful Thursday. I was just on Tiburon's blog and she inspired me to do my own. I don't know her personally, but her blog is funny. I have also seen this on other blogs and I want to be cool too.



1. I am thankful that the heater repairman is coming to my house to look at our heater this afternoon. I was very thankful for my foot warmer in my bed last night.



2. I am thankful that my husband still has his airline job, and we have a little time to get prepared for the inevitable.



3. I am thankful for my husband and wonderful sons. They are the loves of my life.



4. I am thankful that I have only gained 10 pounds since my surgery. Hahaha!



5. I am thankful that Thanksgiving is at my brothers house, and I only have to make green bean casserole and pies.



6. I am thankful that Marcus didn't hit that car with a shopping cart the other day.



7. I am thankful that Bert is working at the squadron for the rest of the month and will be home every evening.

8. I am thankful for finding mistakes while balancing my checkbook and finding out we have more money than I thought.


What are you thankful for?

Forget The Jonas Brothers and NKOYB!

Here is the cutest boy band ever! You can even listen to their music on Sunday. Well, they aren't really a band, but a choir, but they are so adorable.

I discovered Libera this past Christmas Eve. We had taken my mother-in-law to midnight mass. After we returned home, I wanted to finish watch the Mormon Tabernacle Choir concert with Sissel. I had bought the CD earlier in the Christmas season and was a big fan of Sissel and the whole CD. PBS was showing other choir concerts that night and the next one was going to be "Libera Angel Voices ". "Interesting", I thought, "A boy's choir from Liberia. That might be cool." When the show started, I was surprised that all the boys were white. During the first song "Adoramus" I was hooked. I started recording the concert, and their songs were the first songs I added to my ipod I got for Christmas. I love "Abide With Me" and "Be Still My Soul". Oh heck, I love all their songs.

So check them out, you won't be sorry. Did I mention how adorable they are? It makes me want to sign my boys up to sing in a choir. Oh, isn't Josh the cutest? I love his smile.

Chores I Hate to Do

I don't mind doing the dishes, but I hate unloading the dishwasher.

I don't mind watering the flowers, but I hate winding up the hose.

I don't mind washing, drying, and folding the laundry, but I hate putting the clothes away.

I don't mind vacuuming, but I hate winding the cord back up on the vacuum.

I don't mind going grocery shopping, but I hate putting the food away.

Does anyone see a pattern here?

Kid Quotes

Cuddling With Marcus

Me: "Please stop wiggling!"

Marcus: "I have to pull my pant sleeves down!"

Travis Sharing His Feelings About His Class

"I like everyone in my class, oh wait, except for one kid. Yeah I like everyone else, wait two kids, yeah two, no wait, three, four, five. OK, I like everyone except for 5 people."

13 Year Olds Are Very Curious

Nathan: "What does ____________ mean?" (hot flashes, erectile dysfunction, communism, etc.) He wants to know everything!

Not Just a Soccer Mom Anymore

I have had at least one son playing soccer every fall for what seems like forever. The fall of 2007, Nathan played on the academy team. We had a lot of fun going to his games, but we were driving a lot. After the long season ended, Bert and I decided Nathan was not going to advance to the next level, the select soccer team. The $900.00 price tag, Sunday games, and more traveling helped make the decision almost easy. I say almost because I knew I would miss hanging out with some of the other soccer moms that I liked.

When school started this year, we encouraged Nathan to join his middle school's cross-country team. He really enjoyed it. The two middle schools in our town compete together, so he got to meet some new kids. I am proud to say, I was able to go to all of his meets. I loved watching the kids run. I admired their perseverance, because I hate to run myself. Some of the meets were held in some lovely locations, where the kids were really running through the countryside, around old barns, up and down hills, over make-shift bridges and in the mud. One of my most memorable moments was during their biggest meet. A 7th grade boy from another school was so much slower than the other boys. By the end of the race, he was way behind everyone else. By the time he showed up near the finish line his team plus many other runners were cheering him on. It really touched me.

Nathan worked hard during the season. His times improved with each race and he had a great time. It was a great opportunity for him to participate as a team member, but to also work on his own individual progress. Great Job Kiddo! (Shhh, don't tell your brothers, but I love you the most)(Erma Bombeck)

Marcus, Travis and Nathan trying to stay warm.

7th Grade boys lining up



Run Nathan Run!

Thank You Veterans

Happy Birthday Marcus!

I can't believe my tiny baby is 5! You brings such a unique spirit to our family. You keep me company during the day. You are so smart, funny and sweet. Shhhh, don't tell your brothers this, but I love you the most. (Erma Bombeck "Motherhood the Second Oldest Profession")

Mom, What's For Dinner?

It's Sunday evening, and the boys start asking about dinner. "Tuna Noodle Casserole" I tell them "Yummy!" They don't seem very excited about it. Why would I make dinner when I have tuna noodle casserole leftovers? I will cook tomorrow, (maybe) OK?

Happy Birthday Travis

I can't believe you are already 9! You are so smart, funny and sweet. Shhhh don't tell your brothers this, but I love you the most. (Erma Bombeck "Motherhood the Second Oldest Profession")

A Belated Trick Or Treat

I know, Halloween was a whole week ago, but I have been very busy discovering the wonderful world of blogs. Until about 2 weeks ago, I had no use for them. I thought they were places where people posted pictures of themselves drunk and naked. Like usual, I'm behind the times. So I'm playing catch up. But I digress, let me tell everyone about our super, duper, cool Halloween.

We actually had more Halloween fun the Saturday before Halloween. We started the morning with Marcus' last soccer game of the season. Then I drove Marcus and Travis straight to the church for their Primary program practice. Two hours later, I picked the boys up from church and we went home to change into our costumes. The OSC (officer's spouse club) threw an all hands Halloween party at the O'club. I helped out at our squadron's table, while the boys wandered around. I even dressed up! Of course I don't have any pictures of me in my costume, but I might dress up in it again in a day or so, and have Nathan take some pics of me.

After the party on base, we went to our ward's "Trunk or Treat". It was fun to see the kids and parents in their costumes. When we got home I made the boys pay me my "Mom Tax" and we all made ourselves sick on candy.

By Friday, most of the family was sick with colds. Nathan stayed home from school Thursday and Friday. When I told him on Friday morning he wouldn't be able to go Trick or Treating that night if he didn't go to school. He said, "Well I guess I'm too old for trick or treating anyway." What! That was when I knew he was truly sick. He may be 13, but can still pass for an 11 year old. That cut the volume of our take home candy by 1/3. Maybe next year if he still hasn't hit puberty, he will go out with his brothers again.

Friday night, David, Stacie, and the girls came over to our house to go trick or treating with us. We first did our neighborhood. We were the first trick or treaters of the evening. Our neighborhood is very quiet, with a lot of older people. Not very many kids around. At one house the kids rang the door bell and an old lady asked through the door, "Who is it?" My niece Maira answered, "A witch, a flower, a pirate, a hunter, a little cat, and a weird guy."

Here are the witch and the flower

The Pirate

The Hunter

The Little Cat

The Weird Guy

After we finished our neighborhood, we hopped in our minivans and drove over to the coolest neighborhood in town where everyone goes to beg for candy and the boys got even more junk. When we got home, Travis and Marcus were nice enough to share their candy with Nathan. We also had a whole bowlful of candy we were suppose to give away, but we didn't get any trick or treaters. The candy is gone now (thank goodness!), I think I have found most of the costume pieces that the boys scattered around the house. Time to move on to the next Holiday,Veteran's Day!