Mota Memoirs

Progressive Dinner Night On The Town

2015-05-24T22:14:00.000-06:00

Last night was our celebration of my new approach to our situation and holy cow did we have fun! It's been far too long since we've been together as a family and my thoughts could be solely on us.

Several months ago this amazing guy I happen to know gave me the wonderful idea to do a progressive dinner. I took that idea, put a kid friendly Jenn twist to it and away we went!

*********** First Stop ***********

Chili's for Texas Cheese Fries

**********************************

To make our adventure a little more fun I found a few restaurant games on line. So while we waited for our first course we had a blast with a scavenger hunt! Believe it or not, the hardest thing on our list to find was a utensil on the ground.

I'm one lucky mamma to have a couple of kiddos who love spicy... as in they seriously LOVE it to the point they were found in the fridge drinking habanero sauce when they were 2 and 4. Since Chili's cheese fries are topped with jalapenos they were the perfect choice for them.

My littlest munchkins didn't get the spicy gene so I ordered the Crispy Cheddar Bites for them. Chili's offers a points program that we took full advantage of. I signed up ahead of the fun and was able to receive a free appetizer keeping this adventure within the budget.

********** Second Stop **********

Olive Garden for

Cheese Ravioli & Chicken Alfredo

*********************************

We filled our wait time with an ABC game. The goal was to find something in the restaurant that started with every letter in the alphabet. My kiddos were resourceful... employee for "E" and kid for "K" - but no matter how hard we tried that darn "X" alluded us!

****** Fun Before Dessert ******

Glow in the Dark Mini Golf

**********************************

Playing a round of mini golf with my kiddos was a blast! I think we lost 3 balls, Tanner made two hole-in-ones and Shaylee giggled the entire time.

*********** Last Stop ***********

Village Inn for Pie

**************************
By the time we finished all of our fun there were only a few dessert options available and my munchkins all decided on pie. We didn't get home until after midnight, but who keeps track of time when you're having fun?

Moment of Honesty

2015-05-22T01:30:00.000-06:00

And.... we are back!

It's hard to believe that it's been almost 4 years since my munchkins and I moved on to a better life. A life that I thought would give us the freedom to live. It's hard to believe that the ex has had us in non-stop litigation for almost 3 years - filing so many cases against us that I've honestly lost count. Too many hours have been taken from me and my little ones in the form of court prep and hearings, police reports and Child Protective Service cases.

I know the ex promised to keep us in court until I did exactly as he said at all times, but this has been beyond ridiculous. I mean seriously, it takes a special kind of person to request the court remove my right to take our children to a therapist. Yeah, really, that's how ridiculous most of the cases he files are. BUT I still have to show up and fight for my rights, fight to protect my kiddos and fight for our safety or he wins that battle... that's just the way the legal system works.

I'd really hoped the courts would catch on, the protective orders would work and the abuse investigations would put an end to our nightmare... but they haven't and there is no relief or end in sight.

I've put off living our lives for far too long and I've decided I'm done allowing a mean, controlling, hurtful and abusive man to continue to control our time. I refuse to let him destroy another summer with threats, court, or harm to us. How may you ask? The answer is simple - Stop giving him what he wants and start living our lives.

From here on out we will ignore the "punches" he throws, show up to court with faith that God is on our side and good will prevail and finally I will let go of the silly idea that the law or protective services can protect us because four years has shown that they can't.

This blog was always meant to be a place where my little family's happy memories reside... so from here on out I will do my best do only post the memories that make me and my munchkins smile leaving all abuse, threats, court and other such horribleness to be recorded elsewhere.

Excellence In Math Awarded To My Little Man... Who Just Happens To Be Aspie!!!

2014-05-23T23:11:00.000-06:00

Parker came down in his church clothes today. Thinking he was confused I laughed while informing him it was only Friday. He then told me it was awards day, but only for the students... no parents allowed!!! Now who ever heard of that??? Well, not me so I called the school and sure enough --- no parents allowed. Parker pleaded to stay home just in case he won something, telling me it was horribly scary to accept an award in front of the entire school --- all of the 7th and 8th graders --- and if I made him go he would pray super hard so he wouldn't be awarded anything. Sadly, I was the mean mom and told him he still had to go.

When he walked in the door after school he was beaming with a ginormous smile... "Mom! Mom! Mom! I faced one of my biggest fears!!! Look!" He pulled out a manila envelope and opened it. He took out a certificate and a medal for Excellence in Math! I couldn't be more proud of my little man.

Parker is an extremely high functioning aspergher's child. He's always known of his eating issues and tactile issues. He knows the stories of therapy done to help him eat, wear clothes and deal with anxiety and melt downs as well as all other things surrounding his "aspie-ness"... but he didn't know he was an aspie until last year when he asked me why he was different. I hadn't told him his "label" simply because I and his Dr. know my little man and we didn't want to give him one more thing to obsess over and worry about. I've seen how mean other kids AND adults can be to a child who doesn't fit into the norm and no way was I going to "label" him so he could be made to feel he was anything other than amazing.

When Parker came to me wanting to know why he didn't feel like he was the same as everyone else I knew it was time to explain all the struggles he's pushed through since birth. I told him being an aspie is an amazing gift. It means he's smart and gives him some pretty awesome advantages, but that doesn't mean he won't struggle in things that others find easy. It means while most the world thinks like a PC he gets to think like and Apple and that's a crazy special thing! I told him he's not allowed to use it as a crutch or an excuse ever because I expect more from him than that. I explained I still expected everything and more from him. The world is a cruel and hard place that won't make exceptions for him... so we are prepping for the future with a no excuse attitude. Strangely enough this little talk empowered him and he went full bore, fully focused and ready to prove me to be more right than I ever knew I could be.

So why is this award such a crazy amazingly awesome thing???? Well other than the fact it's an honor for anyone... Parker has struggled in Math and English since forever. This year he moved forward leaps and bounds. He's exceeded every goal and academic dream he had for himself. His reading scores went from a 5th grade level to an 8th grade level within the first half of the first term and he was moved into a regular English class!!! With me on my 4th go in my UVU math course it was a race to see who could do better. I passed this time, but he far surpassed me.... And that's why this is such a crazy amazing awesome award.

Mowhawks For My Munchkins!

2012-07-15T23:41:00.004-06:00

My boys have rebel hair!

Why? Cuz they wanted it so badly they went over momma Mota's head to her cool little sis. And guess what!?!
Yup, Andrea talked me into it.

Hunter couldn't stop smiling telling us,
"My hair was made for this"!

Parker was beyond proud!

And Austin, their cousin, went all Hulk on us! LOL!

{3 VERY happy little men - Austin, Parker & Hunter}

{Parker - Adding the final touch}

{Hunter- getting the hawk thinned down}

{Hunter, Austin & Parker - Totally freaks me out so I had to add it}

{Austin, Parker & Hunter- thinkin they're all that and more! LOL!}

A Picnic, A Hike and A Splash

2012-06-16T23:06:00.000-06:00

Summer Sand Bucket List accomplishments 2 and 3 complete!
We headed up Provo Canyon with our friends Christine and Lilly for a picnic and a hike to the falls!

{Tanner, Lily, Shaylee, Hunter & Paker playing in the falls}

Okay... so I admit we cheated a bit with our picnic, but who doesn't love pizza right! And it was in the park and we did sit at a picnic table! We all agreed it totally counts.

Our kiddos must have been famished cuz we ate all but 2 pieces of our 2 pizzas and only half a bag of crazy bread was left out of two.

{Left: Tanner & Hunter... Right: Lilly, Shaylee & Parker}

Then came time for our hike. With two 3 year olds we knew it had to be a short and easy little walk with so we "hiked" up the Bridal Veil Trail to the falls.

{Lilly, Shaylee, Parker, Tanner & Hunter waiting to "hike"}


{Lily & Shaylee - growing up so fast... being so independent}


{Shaylee & Lily - Cutest little Besties ever!!!}

When we arrived at the falls we all waded in. My munchkins and Lilly played for several hours, until suddenly the sun began to disappear over the mountains.

{Tanner felt all grown up cuz he was allowed to wade to the deep end!}

{Tanner, Hunter & Parker building a pool for the girls to splash in}


{Dancing Shaylee}

We hurried back to our van, divided up the rest of the food for our hungry kiddos and took off for home all worn out from the days adventures. All in all it was a marvelous day and my kids felt so accomplished when they dropped two more clothespins into the sand bucket.

Bamboo Hut... A Little Taste Of Heaven!

2012-06-09T02:55:00.000-06:00

Bamboo Hut was totally a PHS thing... absolutely a BYU (football team) thing... without a doubt it was a Provo thing... And the thing is it was the bestest place ever to go for awesome food.

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In my teen years I'd leave school grounds to run across State Street with a group of friends and stand in the longest line imaginable for someone wanting to buy lunch. It stretched out past the tiny box of a building, past Sounds Easy Video and often times wound it's way around Hardie's. Sun, rain, wind and snow... I stood in line through it all. Think I'm crazy? Yup, 100% crazy, but not alone. I stood in that line with friends and teachers, college football players and men in high dollar suits discussing multimillion dollar deals... no one was immune from the insanely addictive food in that tiny little shack.

The line moved fast, but not always fast enough. I can't count the times I walked into class late and it was so so worth it to be handed that paper plate piled high with noodles and rib sauce, rice, chicken, ribs and the occasional bag of seafood wantons if I had enough in my pocket. We'd look around for a seat... if you were lucky you might just find one, but odds were slim - so out the back door we'd go to sit on the curb or Provo High's grass. All was right in the world.

Then suddenly the horribly mean people that owned the building tore it down! Or at least that's how the rumors told it. They reopened in a crazy out of the way place. Loyal customers followed... Bamboo's magic noodles and rib sauce were all I could keep down with my first pregnancy... nothing else not even water!

And then the unthinkable happened... they disappeared!!! While pregnant with Hunter I craved Bamboo's seafood wontons. I tried all sorts of restaurants in search of something that would satisfy- no luck, not even close. It was agony! Sadly I quit searching.

{This is a seafood wonton... and no one makes them like Roxie}

Then a friend tipped me off to the Original Bamboo Hut Facebook Page. I messaged them before I got my hopes up... It was them! Who gets this excited over food right? You go 9 years craving something you can't have and get back to me.

So it turns out they're at Orem Summerfest yesterday and today! I packed my kids in the car and told them my sad sad tale while on our way to putting an end to my 9 year craving and giving them their first bite of island food.

I made it known that Hawaiian/Poly food is my absolute fav and just a little taste of what I imagine heaven to be. They looked at each other and roared in laughter as I continued my speech and officially declared they would no longer be deprived of all it's awesomeness.


{It's Roxane!!! See! Proof I found the 'real' Bamboo Hut!}

Wanna know how good it was? Well I'll tell you. My kiddos are begging to go again today they'll even empty their piggy banks to pay for it! I know right! How awesome are they? Should I introduce them to kalua pork?...

Yup! I think I shall!


{Parker inhaled his... I had to tell him to slow down}


{Hunter chewed on his ribs til the bones were clean - then asked to keep them - a reminder of his first 'bite of heaven'. LOL!}

{Tanner doesn't eat much these days, but did enjoy his snowie}

{I shared with Shaylee - She ate so much she shoulda had her own!}

The Lorax - First Sand Bucket List Accomplishment Completed!

2012-05-29T22:50:00.001-06:00

Yay! Our first sand bucket list clothes pin has been officially dropped in the bucket! Only 19 more to go!!!

Me, my munchkins, my friend Christine and her daughter Lilly all went to the movies tonight. To make it special and different for my little ones I splurged buying popcorn and drinks instead of stashing candy, water bottles and crystal light in my ginormous never ending hole of a purse. (Shocking I know, but admit it you all do it too)

Yes, I admit it, "I'm frugal", but seriously how does one justify $5 for a drink?... Crazy, crazy, crazy! Being a sand bucket list goal I did this once. Sadly I handed over my debit card and was charged $11 for a drink and bucket of popcorn. Before leaving the concession counter I asked for 5 empty water cups, a trick I learned from my friend Jamie.

Hunter proudly carried the drink, Parker the popcorn and Tanner was a happy little man who handed the tickets to the ticket taker. Shaylee wanted her own seat for the first time and was thrilled to have a little cup holder in her booster.

After everyone was situated I handed each kid a cup full of popcorn. It totally alleviates fighting and passing the bucket up and down the row... of course Christine and I were constantly filling them, but the monumental feat of peace amongst 5 children was had as we watch The Lorax.

When the movie ended Shaylee and Lilly got out of their seats and began dancing in the isle... what my baby girl calls "Shakin' her booty". The cutest thing ever!

On our way out we stopped by concessions to document our first list accomplishment... we were stopped immediately!!! Absolutely NO picture taking of any kind in the movie theater. It would've been a supper cute pic too. Sadly we moved outside and took a pic with the marque poster. And now I'm left wondering what secrets the concessions counter could possibly hold that employees don't want documented. Hmmmm.....

{ They posed themselves!.... Lilly, Shaylee, Tanner, Hunter & Parker}

Oh yeah, one more thing... my little Tan Man is in slippers... and very proud of himself for "getting one past mom". If I'm not careful he may soon learn that Mommy really doesn't know everything.

Summer Sand Bucket List

2012-05-26T16:33:00.002-06:00

WooHoo!!!

Summer is "officially" here!

My Mota munchkins are home and school free until August.
I am so, so, so excited!!!

This year we're starting a new tradition...
A Summer Sand Bucket List

My kiddos and I got up this morning, sat around the kitchen bar and decided the adventures our summer should hold. When each desire was shouted out I wrote it on a clothespin and attached it to the outside of our sand bucket. As we accomplish each one the clothespin will be removed and dropped into the bucket. So simple, but so fun to watch as we fill our bucket with memory packed experiences.

Some of the things they came up with surprised me... others were a little generic. River rafting down Provo River with a 3 year old? I called and was told it is ABSOLUTELY do-able, but only with a guide. All we need to do is save up a little each month, maybe set up a lemonade stand so my kiddos can help and by the end of summer we will be on the river!!!

Looks like we'll be panning for gold, swimming in the Great Salt Lake, star gazing, visiting Timpanogos Cave, camping, fossil hunting, ice blocking and visiting Hogle Zoo to name a few. 20 activities to accomplish by summers end - on top of using our 7-Peaks pass of all passes which I purchased for $10.00 each!

So much that can be done on a tiny little budget... who knew!?! I suppose only those who have no choice but to be frugal.

Vegas Baby!

2012-03-02T00:36:00.004-07:00

Our first full on trip... well a quick trip. We're on our way to San Diego to go through the temple with my sister Andrea and her hubby Todd. On Saturday they'll be sealed for time and all eternity!

We decided to break up the trip with a night in Vegas, about the half way point. We found an awesome deal at the Excalibur and so here we are! As we pulled up all of my Mota munchkins were oooing and awing at the lit up castle. Upon entering our room they were overcome with such excitement that they ran straight to the beds and started jumping... you see my kiddos know the only time they're allowed to jump on a bed is in a hotel.

They love the view of the castle spires from our window and just can't get enough.

My munchkins saw the tram/train as we were pulling up so I told them we'd ride it - and we did. To be a child again and find such pleasure in the little things.

We walked around for a little while and then headed to In-N-Out Burger - grandpa's absolute fav place of all time. The one in Orem doesn't really compare to those in Cali and Vegas. I have no idea why.

My little ones did amazingly well for having sat in a car for 6 hours and I'm so very grateful we decided to stop. 6 more hours tomorrow... 6 looong hours tomorrow, but so worth it to be there for my little sis "Master Andrea" and her hubby "King Todd"

I Didn't Do It Mommy!

2012-01-16T13:54:00.016-07:00

My poor Shaylee bug tried closing our bedroom door this morning. To her great surprise it fell over. She just stood there, in the doorway, as look of fear engulfed her sweet face and I reached for the camera on the bedside table. Her little bottom lip popped out, then tears formed and flooded her cheeks. I held my arms out and she ran to me. I held her close, rocking her, as she cried the words, "Mommy I didn't do it. Mommy I didn't do it." in between sobs.

I wiped her tears and lifted her head to look into her blue terror filled eyes. I assured her she didn't do it and mommy wasn't mad at all. She hugged me tight and whispered, "thanks you mommy".

A moment passed and she asked who did do it. Parker and Hunter had been rough housing a few days prior and pulled the hinges from the door. Grandpa hadn't fixed it because he is wanting them to help.

Shaylee had an instant smile. "Sos mines Hunter and Parter did it?" she asked. I reassured her they did. Then she looked me straight in the eye and asked, "Did you tells them no, no don't doos that?"

There isn't a single job out there that's as hard, heartbreaking, or stressful as parenthood. But I wouldn't give it up for the world. Nothing is as enjoyable, self-fulfilling, full of love and humorous as the job of a mommy!

It's Great To Be Eight!

2012-01-07T12:43:00.005-07:00

Hunter was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today! He's been looking forward to it all year and it was almost unbearable for him when he found out we delayed it a month due to being with his dad on his birthday.

Towards the end of December I took my Hunter baby out to pick a new tie and of course he had to have one in his fav color... pink! I love that my little man isn't afraid to be who he is and tell the entire world.

My sister, Andrea, took his eight year pictures (I borrowed the one above before it could be edited...shhhh) and put together his invite for me. It was hard giving in not making them by hand this time, but I think they turned out amazing. The only job I had in it all was to deliver them.

Hunter, his grandpa and I met at the church early so any last minute things could be taken care of, they could change into white clothing and I could get a picture or two of them together on my little man's special day.

We all met in the chapel for a wonderful program in which my sister Andrea (right), her friend Tamran(left) and Tamran's friend (not shown) sang "Be Still, My Soul". I had no idea my sis could sing like she did. After the program Hunter and all of the people who came to support him gathered in the baptismal font room. The little ones sat up front right next to the font so they could see. Hunter had asked my Uncle Randy and Grandpa Tom to be his witnesses so one stood on either side. Hunter's foot popped up on the first try so my dad lightly stepped on his feet and tried again... the second time was a successful immersion!

Hunter and my dad left the font to change. The rest of our group gathered in another room and sang primary songs while waiting. I passed around a journal for all to sign so my son could remember his special day and those he shared it with. Hunter came walking in the room with a ginormous smile and sat down right by me. I put my arm around him and squeezed him tight telling him I was so proud of his choice.

Bishop Paulos gave a few remarks. Then Hunter went up to the front, sat on a chair, and the priesthood holders who were there circled around him placing their hands upon his head. My dad gave him his confirmation blessing giving him the gift of the holy ghost and making him an official member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Afterwards we all gathered in our "new" home for a light brunch. My sister and I had made 192 mini muffins, 30 cinnamon rolls, and 4 egg and hash brown casseroles (recipe courtesy of my friend Jamie). we also had fruit, chocolate milk, milk and juice. The kids seemed to love the little muffins. Hunter completely filled a plate and ate them all. Tanner filled his plate telling all he was having a muffin party! He sat next to the bar on the floor to eat them with his bestest friend.

All in all it was a wonderful day spent with my kiddos, family and friends. And I am one mommy who couldn't be prouder of the choices her kiddos are making.

Shaylee's Rapunzel Party

2011-11-26T21:13:00.004-07:00

I believe a party begins with the excitement of receiving an invite. So... I scoured the internet for ideas, pieced together the ones I liked, added a touch of my own creativity and came up with an invitation fit for my little princess.

Shaylee's been all about Rapunzel this year. Always combing her beautiful blond curls, telling me how prettyful her hair is... just like Punzel. So when I asked what kind of party she wanted she didn't think, but for a second.

As always I made a cake... this time my sister, Andrea helped. She wanted to try out a new technique she'd seen - ruffling. She also added extensions to the dolls hair. It looked awesome. I finished up the rest.
The entire party was done in the kitchen. I brought in a TV and played Disney's Tangled. No one really watched it... until after the party was over.

Upon arrival each guest was seated at the table and were given pieces of sticky backed foam I'd pre-cut and a red party blower to make a Pascal. I found the instructions on Disney Family.com. I love that site.
Then I pulled out the markers and gave each one of Shaylee's friends a paper lantern. I found them at Zurcher's. They don't fly, but the kids had a lot of fun coloring them.A children's party just isn't a party without pin the...... on the..... So of course we just had to play Pin the Nose On Flynn Rider. My sister, Andrea, drew the wanted poster with a sharpie! She's amazing isn't she?!? Then Googled the different Flynn wanted poster noses and made each one.
{before the game - left...after the game-right}Once all of the noses were pinned the kiddos sat down to decorate sugar cookies in the shape of the sun with yellow butter cream frosting and sprinkles. I was surprised they actually put frosting on their cookies... I thought for sure the frosting would go straight into their mouths.
As Shaylee bug blew out the candle on her pascal cupcake she had the biggest smile on her face. And it grew as she was given gifts to open. Most of the kids only ate the frosting off their cupcakes, but ate all of their ice-cream.
When Shaylee's adorable little guests left they were each handed a thank you bag that included a watercolor paints, a pencil, note pad, stickers, pencil sharpener and ring.
After the party my little bug wanted to do it again. I assured her we would, but not until she turned 4! The only thing in this life worth anything is my family and my kiddos are number one... when they smile and laugh all is right in the world.

Tan Tan's Cake & Ice Cream With The Fam

2011-09-26T03:03:00.018-06:00

Birthday's are a big deal in the Mota home, in case you haven't noticed. I usually do a family party on my kiddos birthdays, but we had to do Tanner's party on Sunday evening instead because he was with his dad over the weekend. I continued the Lego Star Wars theme from his friend party into this party as well.

My sister, Julie, decorated with balloons and Star Wars crepe paper. I made a Lego cake and set Lego Star Wars toys on it. I usually steer away from the toys so the entire cake is edible, but this cake called for them.

Grandma Susie made her famous fried chicken, potato wedges and chicken nuggets for dinner just for Tan Tan...and he actually ate!

Tanner got to hear our family sing our signature off key Happy Birthday song to him and he was all smiles waiting to blow out the candles. He was completely thrilled with his gifts, as you can see from the pictures. By the end of the night he was glowing with happiness...I'd do just about anything to see smiles like those on my kiddos face each and every day.

Tan Tan's Lego Star Wars Party

2011-09-22T22:46:00.004-06:00

We celebrated Tanner's 5th birthday a little early this year due to the fact he was leaving early with his dad on Friday and wouldn't be back until Sunday morning.

Tanner wanted a Star Wars party and it had to be "Lego" Star Wars. I didn't have much prep time for this one, nor do I know much about Star Wars...this party took a lot of googling.

I made light saber invites to go along with the theme and we held it at the park. Tons of kids came...more than I'd planned for...but as the saying goes the more the merrier right? I pre-made light sabers from pool noodles and duct tape...the guests were in charge of decorating them with black electrical tape. When they were all finished decorating they took off to the play ground to fight. We also played a game where they had to use their light sabers to keep balloons in the air.

The kids were all given storm trooper masks to play pin the blast on the ship and we had a Darth Vader pinata. Tanner took one whack with the light saber bat and that's all it took! Candy was every where and picked up quickly. I have to laugh that despite the activities planned all they wanted to do was fight each other.

We ate pizza complements of Dr. Baker's moving gift. And had cupcakes surrounded by chocolate legos, topped with little chocolate storm troopers that I'd made. We ended the evening with Tanner opening his gifts and a great big thank you. The kiddos all left with gift bags of legos and lego storm trooper chocolates, Yoda rings, stickers and pencils.

Happy 5th Birthday my little Tan Man!

I've had many requests for the pattern to these invitations so I've decided to add them here. Feel free to email me I'd absolutely love to share and help in any way I can. Unfortunately I had to recreate a pattern by tracing what I had because the computer I had it on crashed... let me know if any of it need to be explained or if you need any help.

Because my computer that created these crashed I no longer have the set up or the font I used. I found the Starwars font on line for free by searching Google and these are the words I used.

Pull

Invited you are to

(Child's name)

(Child's age)

Birthday party!

Assemble we will

on Thursday

The 22^nd day of September

in the year

two-thousand eleven

(Thursday, September 22)

At 4:30

in the afternoon

the party will begin

and conclude it will

around 6:30
(4:30pm-6:30pm)

Take place the

celebration will in

Rock canyon Park

Look for balloons

at on of the pavilions

(address)

Served

Imperial Pizza

and Epic Cupcakes

Will Be

To the

Council Administrator

(Mom's name and number)

Summer At 7-Peaks

2011-09-04T15:05:00.032-06:00

My kiddos and I loved having our 7-Peaks passes this summer. It's the first year ever that we've been able to head out worry free to have fun and play. Since we had passes and live so darn close we hardly ever planned... we'd up and decide at a moments notice to head out for a few hours of fun in the sun.

Parker and Hunter were old enough to go off on their own. I believe they rode every slide but one! My little Tan Tan learned how to hold his breath thanks to his bestest friend ever... Conner. And my Shaylee Bug learned water isn't so scary after all, even went down the kiddie slide!

We all know swimming makes for tired and hungry kids. For some crazy reason food is no longer allowed inside the park so we started our own little ritual... Little Caesars. It's just around the corner and sort of on the way home. We'd stop off, get a couple orders of Crazy Bread, chow down on them and talk about our day as we drove the back roads home. Lots and tons of laughter, giggles and smiles. Luv, luv, luv spending warm sunny days making memories with my kiddos.

Back To School '11

2011-08-22T23:13:00.002-06:00

School time is here again . . . the time of year I dread the most. I hate sending my kiddos away for the day, but I know I must. This year they're back at Wasatch where Parker completed kindergarten and part of 1st grade. The same school Grandma Susie and I both graduated from...that's right - my kiddos are 3rd generation Satch's and proud of it! It's going to be fun sharing the long standing school traditions I grew up with.

Not only was it the first day of school, but Parker and Hunter got to ride the bus to school for the first time ever. They were a little apprehensive, but excitement helped them overcome it.

They got up without a fight this morning and got ready. Grandpa gave them both blessings and we drove down to the bus stop...yup, I said drove. They only waited a minute for the bus to arrive and when it did I saw their faces light up. They climbed on the bus and the driver offered to let me come aboard for a pic. Such a different school environment from where we moved.

I jumped in my van and drove to the school to meet them there so I could take them to class. On our way to class we saw the flag patrol proudly marching through the hall way on their way outside to raise the American flag for the daily pledge and national anthem. Parker was excited to find out he can be a part of it if he wants to.

Parker's teacher invited me in for a picture and we were off to Hunter's class. I made him show me the way and he didn't get lost once! (we even caught a glimpse of one of my heroes, Stephanie of the nienie dialogs!) Hunter sat right down at his desk and gave me one of his famous Hunter baby smiles. I left the school satisfied that they would have a fabulous day.

The time flew and before I knew it I was back outside watching for the bus to top the hill. My kiddos climbed down the stairs and were running home as soon as their feet hit the ground. They had both had an amazing day! Hunter made "4" new friends!!! and Parker said the lunch was awesome...they get a ton more food and "it's sooo much fresher" than their old school! haha!

Sisters '11

2011-08-18T14:59:00.016-06:00

{Our First Camping Trip!}

My kiddos and I took off on our first camping adventure together, just the five of us. Our destination was Moose Willow Creek (Fish Lake) to enjoy a week in the great outdoors with family and friends...no husbands allowed. I've never driven that far ever! But following our friends I didn't give it a second thought.

We shared a trailer with the Rowley clan and had a blast! It was one ginormous sleepover for my kiddos. We had a crazy good time and my munchkins didn't want to come home early even though we had to... family reunion at Crystal Springs!

Our drive home through the mountains, all alone, was a little scary...and my GPS was seriously lost...it wouldn't admit it though - I think it must be a man cuz it sent us down all sorts of unmarked roads! We said a little prayer and followed the tiny voice in my head. We made it to the freeway in no time! Can't beat that for a faith promoting experience!

Here's a ton of pics from the amazing time we had on our fabulous camping trip called "Sisters"!

{Tanner, Me & Shaylee Walking Around The Lake}

{A Little Dirt Never Hurt! - Shaylee}

{Concentration Is The Name Of The Game - Shaylee}

{Connor & Tanner Hangin Out In The Trailer}

{Hunter, Parker & Tanner Diggin For Bones}

{Shaylee & Emilee Painting Away}

{Hunter & Shaylee Showin' Off Their Self- Made Visors}

{Woo Hoo! Camping...Shaylee & Me}

{The "Men" Brought Back A Load Of Firewood...Parker & Justin}


{Hunter, Shaylee, Ethan & Connor}

{Mmm...Dirt Pie! Shaylee Spit It Out...
Maybe It Needed More Twigs!}

{Silly Shaylee At The Campfire}

{Yay! Shaylee Went Potty In The Big Girl Potty - 1st Time!}

{Tanner & Connor Snackin' On Smores}

{Banana Boats & Face Paint.
He May Not Look It...
But Hunter's In Heaven}

{Justin & Parker Showin' Off Their "Halo" Faces}

{All The Kids, Including Shaylee, Got A Paint Job}

{Tanner, Hunter, Emilee, Brooklynn, Parker, Shaylee, Gavin, Justin, Connor, Bekah, Brucklyn, Zakk & Brody}

{Tanner & Me}

{Connor, Parker, Shaylee & Tanner Throwing Rocks In The Lake}

{Parker Pickin' A Clue}

{Hunter - My Little Romantic}

(Parker Helping With The Play Tent}

{Shaylee & Ethan Playing With The Games}

{Tanner - My Serious DS Addict}

{Parker, Justin & Hunter Strikin' A Pose}

My Brave Little Girl

2011-08-11T14:15:00.010-06:00

Poor little Shaylee Bug is having a rough go. Yesterday evening she wanted to play with grandpa. She said, "Get, me Grandpa!" then turned to take off and tipped over instead.

She cried and cried telling me, "It's bleeding, it's bleeding" for several minutes without letting up. I didn't see any bruising or swelling and couldn't imagine a broken bone from tipping over, but I guess anything is possible so I called the Dr.

Did you know elbow dislocation is extremely common in young kids? They told me to hang tight for about an hour to see how she did. She fell asleep soon after, but woke up shaking and crying telling me it hurt. We got ready and headed out to the after hours doc.

He checked out her arm and sent us to Orem Community Hospital for painful x-rays. They ended up taking two sets "just to be sure what they were looking at". That kind of scared me a little. They let me hold her the entire time and she cried for my friend Christine and Grandpa. I reassured her we'd see them both when we were done.

After a long sit in the waiting room the doc finally called with the results. They saw nothing...nothing at all. So my next question... what's wrong with her? My answer was, we're not sure, perhaps she pulled something. He told me to make a sling by cutting a triangle piece of cloth and keep her in it for a few days. (I pulled out her pink bandanna and she was thrilled) He said if she doesn't get better I need to take her back in. My kiddos are with their dad this weekend so he OKed waiting till Sunday afternoon.

After we left we stopped by my old church building to visit Christine as promised, it was volleyball night. Shaylee was super excited to see all of her old buddies were there too ... Ryan, Cassie and Dan. They all helped put a great big smile on her face.

My poor little baby has been sleeping a ton ever since we came home. Grandpa will be giving her a blessing very soon, when she wakes up. Such a brave little girl.

The Magic Touch

2011-08-09T22:05:00.004-06:00

Hunter was jumping on the tramp yesterday when he heard a loud pop and his back started hurting. I gave him some ibuprofen and laid him on the couch to watch a few cartoons telling him if it still hurt in the morning to let me know.

Our morning was a little crazy and he didn't say anything. By mid-afternoon my little guy told me he was still in pain. I text Dr. Bak er to see if he had an available slot. Not soon after he told me to come on in.

He took us back to a room and explained to Hunter he was going to adjust his back...and it would sound like "popcorn". Being his first time to a chiropractor, Hunter looked a tad bit nervous as he hopped up on the table. But soon his nervousness disappeared as Dr. Baker rubbed some warming stuff on the sore spot making Hunter's day. He was thrilled cuz he was getting a massage! LOL

He made a few quick adjustments putting everything back where it belongs. Hunter had a smile on his face when he said the pain was gone. I said,

"See, I told you he was magic!"

On our way out I decided to get my kiddos power balance bands just like mom who swears by them. Not only are they showing them off to everyone they come in contact with, they all believe they're super strong!!!

A ginormous thanks to Dr. Baker for fixing my little man and for putting a smile back on my kiddo's face!

Testing At Primary's

2011-08-04T23:23:00.000-06:00

For a few months now, my little Shaylee Bug's been coughing, choking and frequently stops breathing at night. We tried everything and finally the decision was made to take her to the amazing and wonderful Primary Children's Hospital for a barium test.

Each of the boys had play dates so it was just me and my Shaylee...and the dreaded freeway. Anyone who's anyone knows I'm deathly afraid to drive the freeway and will avoid it whenever possible, but this was for my daughter and I'd do absolutely anything for her.

Salt Lake and my sense of direction are in no way a good combination. I started to panic when my GPS refused to accept that the address existed. Then my friend told me to program it for the University of Utah Hospital next door. It accepted it so we took off with fingers crossed we wouldn't end up in some other state. We did get lost, but only for a minute and made it on time.

I love Primary's because they are geared to the happiness and comfort of my kids. While we waited Shaylee had a blast watching the fish, cooking up plastic burgers and coloring a pretty picture.

The testing part was horrible, but as always I was allowed to stay with her and hold her through it all. The doctors are amazingly patient there. She had to lay flat on a table with a crazy looking video x-ray machine just inches above her body. She was given a tiny bit of the nasty chalk like barium with a syringe. Then she gulped down a ton through a straw and started crying. We had to get 6-7oz of the disgusting stuff down her and only managed about 4oz before she started throwing it up. Because we were at primary's and the child always comes first the testing was stopped. He said he didn't see anything wrong, but we may have to repeat the test if my doctor wanted more information. They told me next time they'd sedate her and put a tube in so she could be comfortable.

The nurse left the room for a minute and came back with the softest little teddy bear and told my little girl how wonderful she was and how great she did. She cleaned her up and we actually left with a smile on her face...see Primary's is absolutely AMAZING!

On our way out we stopped at the fountains and played for a minute then headed off for her promised McDonald's chicken McNuggets. By the time we made it through the drive thru she was out and slept with her well deserved little bear the entire way home.

Little Entrepreneurs

2011-08-03T22:45:00.000-06:00

Since the day Parker could talk his little mind's been trying to come up with ways to earn money. His newest inspiration came from his recent purchase of a pocket knife at scout camp and all of the people hiking through the back yard (next door to Rock Canyon).

Without my knowledge,Parker gathered together his team of brothers and headed out to find sticks...then carved them to make walking sticks. When he was done he proudly showed them to me and my family announcing they were $10.00 each! Being from a business oriented family, and having one myself while married, I knew I had to give him the run down.

All of my family gave him the talk about supply and demand, the value, how much potential buyers may have with them while hiking, time vs. earnings ... he dropped his prices way down to $2.00 all by himself and gave Uncle Todd the "family deal" of .50 cents!

The next day the boys got up early, put together some boxes, wrote up a sign and stacked their wares in front of the house. Honestly, I didn't think they'd sell one, but didn't want to squash their amazing ingenuity and drive so I cheered them on...after all if my brother and sister could sell rocks way back in the day my boys should be able to pull off a few stick sales.

To my surprise they sold all 8 and made $8.40!!! It must've been the "cute factor". . . Gotta get me some of that!

Not Wet

2011-08-01T23:09:00.001-06:00

It was a beautiful blue sky day, not a cloud to be seen and suddenly out of no where it starting pouring! The kids were all outside and didn't want to come in so I let them stay out on the "covered" back porch. I had no idea the rain could come through the slats from the porch above.

A few minutes into the storm I opened the back door to let the smell of rain in and to see how my kiddos were doing. To my surprise they were soaking wet! My little Shaylee looked straight at me and said, "mommy, I not wet...see?" Laughing I took off for my camera and came back to find Tanner and Shaylee both giggling and standing under a steady dripping stream of rain water. . . "Look mom! We're taking a shower!"

Shaylee Bug's 1st Hair Cut

2011-07-29T15:26:00.019-06:00

I took the boys to Cindy's Salon, Clipitz, today. They were so way over due for haircuts. Kind of last minute Cindy and I decided to give Shaylee a haircut too. Good thing my camera was in the car! She sat so quiet and still in the chair with her little smock on watching Cindy in the mirror as she trimmed away. Don't panic yet, she only had a tiny trim. There was no way I was going to cut off her beautiful curls ... she loves them waaaay to much.

Then Cindy styled her hair so darn cute! She did all sorts of fun, fancy stuff and told me her hair should stay in for up to a week. I can wash it and everything! I could tell my little Shaylee Bug felt so grown up sitting there in that chair with a professional doing her beautiful "puzzle" (Rapunzel) hair.

It was a fun afternoon, but at the same time a little sad. No more first haircuts until I have grandchildren ...
my little one's are growing up.

Summer Sundays

2011-07-20T14:39:00.018-06:00

The thing about Sunday is the peacefulness of having to do nothing, but spend time with family...and maybe wash a few dishes. Talking and laughing, playing games, visiting with friends and eating dessert what could be more enjoyable?

Summer Sunday evenings are the best! They're the ones that seem to etch themselves into our memories as the happiest of all. Being able to spend an amazing afternoon in the backyard with the cool mountain breeze, my kiddos and grandpa playing Frisbee, jumping on the tramp with friends and playing in the kiddie area is truly a blessing.

Sleeping Spot

2011-07-06T00:05:00.009-06:00

{Shaylee Bug's perfect little sleeping spot 6/03/11}

As I was going through pictures tonight this one of my little Shaylee Bug caught my eye and made me laugh. Not only cuz I love the memory, but she's wearing her all time favorite furry boots with shorts!

Shaylee was always Daddy's little girl and couldn't go to sleep without him laying next to her. If he wasn't ready for bed when she was she'd lay down on a stair going into the family room and fall asleep. Lucky for her she happened to be just the right size to fit there and be comfy. I'm not sure why she chose a stair over a couch, but I'm thinking it's so her daddy would have to pick her up on his way to bed. Soon after Mota left she started falling asleep on the kitchen set of stairs when I was cleaning it...that's where this priceless memory was captured.