Ruth's life in a nutshell

our newest addition

2011-05-11T17:23:00.000-07:00

Wow! Am I really posting on my blog? Who knew this day would ever come again?!! I couldn't handle the guilt any longer. I've been holding out on sharing the newest addition to the Sutton family with the blogging world for far too long.
Precious, sweet, and perfect, huh? I still can't believe that she's ours?!! Abigail Rue was born on March 9Th weighing in at 7 lb 11oz, 20.5 inches long. She's the perfect little addition to our family. We are as happy as could be with the little squirt!

We stare at her all the time ...

She stares at us too!

This update is loooooong overdue

2011-01-13T08:29:00.001-08:00

I've been meaning to update for lets see....6 months?!! I decided to just add our 2010 family newsletter and hope that counts for something! Life is busy and I seem to find other things to fill my time. Arghh wish I had a better excuse!

plahasdizneedoccm= PlayHouseDisney.com

2010-07-20T07:54:00.000-07:00

Gent was sitting in front of the computer last night just staring at the screen. Or that's what it seemed to Tim. When Tim asked Gent what he was doing he said I'm trying to get to play house Disney. That's when Tim noticed Gent quietly sounding that out and little by little finding the keys he thought he should type. This is what Tim read in the search bar plahasdizneedoccm. Pretty dang smart. Good thing we've got a good filter on the computer. Who knows where it would have brought him.

Genty Moments

2010-06-28T20:49:00.000-07:00

My older brother Joe and his wife Kathryn just added their fourth child to their family, baby Joshua. Of course our family loves and adores him. Our kids talk about him randomly through out the day. The other night while we were finishing up scripture study and family prayer Gent turns and looks at Tim and I and very thoughtfully asks "Do you think baby Jesus was as cute as baby Joshua?".

The other night as Gent was saying his prayer he added, "Please bless Joshua that he will grow up safely" to which Tim replied "Gent that was cool that you prayed for Joshua". Gent then said, " I prayed that he would grow up safely so he can get teeth...Why don't babies have teeth?"

Yesterday in church as we were sitting by baby Joshuah I turned to Gent and said "isn't he cute?" to which Gent responded. "Yeah, too cute!"

Some other cute experiences we've had with Gent
Tim was demonstrating how he would hold Gent when he would baptize him. Gent then said "It's like I'm being arrested".

Last night as I was listening in on Gent's personal prayers He said; "Dear Heavenly Father, thanks that today was a good day and please help me find elephant (a favorite stuffed animal of his). In the name of Jesus Christ Amen. I then asked "Oh are you missing elephant? I'll help you look for him". To which he responded,"don't worry, Heavenly Father will take care of it." Oh the faith of the little ones, but I think we need to have another lesson on prayers and how most of them are answered :).

Can't wait to meet our other brother and sister in law's baby Isaac. He too is a bundle of cuteness that I'm sure our little ones will eat up!

Lovely Sundays

2010-06-27T19:38:00.001-07:00

I love Sundays! Its one of my favorite days of the week. I get to spend pretty much the whole day with the family. I get to see all my good friends at church. I love the yummy meal we have for dinner. I get to dress my girls all fancy and do fancy hairdos. I get to see both my boys dressed up in their Sunday best. I love my little and Big man in a tie! I love the encouraging, invigorating feeling when I leave church that this weeks going to be even better then the last, because this week I'm going to try even harder to be like Jesus Christ! I love that it always seems to be Sunny on Sunday! I love the naps I get! I love the naps my kids get! I love The church music we have playing through out the house starting at 7 am til about 7pm. I love the great talks and videos Tim finds for me on LDS.org to read. I love Sundays! How about you?

Fathers Day!

2010-06-22T15:43:00.001-07:00

We had a great Fathers day in the Sutton house. It helps to have wonderful fathers in your life to celebrate!! Tim is such a hands on dad. Its funny to have to say that but i know there are fathers out there that don't take time out like they should. Tim takes time to read books every night to the kids, he takes them out on Daddy Daughter/Son Dates, throws Dance parties for them, he finds and shows them movie trailers almost every night when he gets home from work that he knows they would enjoy, takes them out for walks, wrestles with them, jumps on the trampoline, Paints and colors... the list goes on and on and he does all this so often. Thanks for being such a wonderful Dad Tim!!

And of course I need to send a little love to the Great Dad I've had my whole life, Daddy BJ. I don't get to see him as often as Id like nowadays (since we live 20+ hours away from each other), but I love our phone conversations and the times we get when a vacation at the Grandparents house comes our way! Thanks Dad for all the love and support you've given me through the years!

365 days of crafting

2010-06-14T13:33:00.000-07:00

I'm a little nervous about sharing this but...here goes. I've started up a new blog. Lately I’ve had this insatiable urge to craft, Craft, and CRAFT some more. These are unfamiliar feelings to me. It's not that I haven’t "crafted" in the past, it’s that pretty much whatever I have I would never display, give to a friend, or claim to be mine (except for some of my digi scrap pages). But I’ve taken the plunge and have found numerous projects to do or have done that I’m proud of. I’ve enjoyed every second of it and now I’ve decided to chronicle this new-found passion of mine. If you’re up for the ride, come join me in the journey. I've submitted my first post today. Don't expect perfection...because that's definently not what your going to get. What you will get is effort! And that's what my mooma always said what counted. Oh and I made a button just for fun that you are more then welcome to take. Its titled....Families are forever. Kind of catchy huh:)?

Eventually I'll make a button specifically for my blog.
my link to my NEW blog is here

Ellie's Kindergarten Graduation

2010-06-06T12:38:00.000-07:00

Heliane has officially finished her first year in Elementary school! She had an amazing time learning, making friends, and falling in love with her teacher. I constantly hear her saying "I wonder what Mrs. Moore would think of this?", "I need to share this with Mrs. Moore.", or "I just love Mrs Moore!". If I'd let her she would talk about her non stop! Mrs Moore was fantastic and I am so grateful for all the talents she shared with Heliane. She is going to be missed a lot. Thanks Mrs Moore!

PaJaMa RuN

2010-06-06T11:27:00.000-07:00

After FHE two Monday nights ago, we had the kids put on their PJ's, brush their teeth, climb into bed so Dad could read them their story, and then told them to high tail it to the car so we could go to Dairy Queen. It was time for a Pajama Run!! Can't wait to do it again. The kids LOOOOOVed it!

Gent and his buddy Conner

2010-05-16T19:59:00.000-07:00

Things we were doing when I wasn't blogging...

2010-05-13T11:41:00.000-07:00

*Celebrating Tim's and my Birthday-

Tim turned a whopping 33 on Feb 19th and I turned 31 on March 30th!! We both had great birthdays! lots of love from family and friends. Thanks!

*Mudding,priming,painting, and staining the master bathroom, and family room

I had help from Tim on his down time and one of my favorite friends in pahrump (Miss Chelsea) came over for an afternoon and helped me finish up our family room. I also painted our office and living room. Poor Tim was probably wondering when it was ever going to end. My next project is the girl's and Gent's room, but that will have to wait until summer.

*landscaping the front yard:

Here in this picture of Tim washing the car you can kind of see our desert landscaping. We haven't added any plants of our own yet (there are cactus and palms to come), but the weeds sure have started growing. I have a loving big brother who drove out a week ago to spray them with round up for us. What a brother! The weeds are pretty much gone now. Thanks Joe!

Just thought I'd add this photo of the kids taking advantage of their dad washing the car. I love the weather here in April.

*Play dates and play group

This is a picture of our play group Easter egg hunt. I'm trying to figure out where most of the moms are. Hmmm... Standing next to me taking pictures too?

I love the play groups we have at the park. It's just as much for me as it is for the kids. I always say its not the things in parhump that make me love it here, its the friends we've made. There sure isn't a heck of a lot of things to do here, but when you have fun people to hang out with, a park or a house to hang out at, your set. Consider yourself entertained.

*baby showers
*Temple trips with the kids

Tim and I were able to switch off with the kids while we did some temple work. The kids had a blast watching the wedding parties stroll around, look at all the pretty flowers, dip their hands in the fountain, and roll down the hill on the side of the Las Vegas temple.

*Cup cake decorating

A friend I've made her in pahrump named Cambria (the one on the far left holding the book) has decided to share her talent for cake decorating. She is a patient and positive teacher. I think my cupcake could look like someone threw up on it and she would still say something encouraging and positive about it and then maybe add a little tip on what else I could do. She's great. She's had two classes so far and I've only made it to the one, but I can't wait for next weeks class when we learn how to make spaghetti and meatballs

or corn on the cob cup cakes.

Check out the book Hello, Cupcake! to see what I'm talking about.

Here are a few other cupcakes I've seen of hers that she made for game nights.

Talented?? Uh... YEAH!!

*Visits to Washington

*Visits to Utah

*Visits from family

We had my cousin Jernon and her family, Grandpa and Grandma Gent, Uncle Ben-Ben, my nephew Kevin and Jordan, Aunt Debbie and her little girls, Uncle Nathan, and Joe's family over for the weekend of May 8th to celebrate My little brother Nathan graduating from UNLV law school. What a celebration we had! The house was full, but our family motto growing up was "there is always room for one more". So all though there were some who couldn't make it, if they could have...we would have found room for them. Congrats Nathan on another accomplishment.

The cousins had such a wonderful time playing together! Aunt Debbie and Uncle Ben-Ben took them out on the town a few times, but when they were at our house we got quite creative in finding things for them to do. From the looks of the the pictures above you can be as convinced as I on the fact that we don't really need a pool. Just a big ditch where water can collect. Gross? No way, Pure fun!

*Tim finishing his clerkship with Judge Lane

*Tim opening up his new practice!

Thanks Sean for the hep with Tim's Business cards!!

*And too many more things to blog about in this post, because its already toooo long.

Zions two...and has been for four months

2010-05-11T14:42:00.000-07:00

What a girl!! Little Zi-Zi is so much fun to have around. She is very independent, thinks she can do pretty much anything her older brother and sister can do and more. She stopped using sippy cups a little before turning two because her older sibling don't use them. If i ever lose her in the house all i have to do is look out the window and see her either swinging on the swing set or sitting on the edge of the trampoline throwing the ball for our labs. good thing we're fully fenced in. She picks out her own PJ's, remembers to brush her teeth morning and night, refuses to use a booster seat most meals, and tries to even take showers by herself. We've got to keep an eye on her constantly or I'm afraid she may even try to cook her own meals. Mrs Independent, that's her.

Ellie's 6th Birthday

2010-05-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

Ellie really wanted a fancy tea party for her 6th birthday party so on Saturday December 19th she invited 11 little girls over to have a "fancy day" with her. We went from one activity to the next, from picking out jewelry to wear, decorating their own little purses, charades, reading several Fancy Nancy books, and then to sit down to "tea". In the Church we belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we've been taught and know to abstain from certain things and Tea (excluding herbal tea) is one of them. We had another good little teaching moment when Ellie asked about what we were going to do if we couldn't drink tea at a tea party. We told her she could pick anything she wanted to replace it.... so she picked pink lemonade and apple cider to drink instead.

Luckily I had Tim's help through out the day. He put on a suit and tie and acted as the butler and waiter. We had several dozen tiny ham and cheese and PB sandwiches, lots of little cupcakes, little pies, crumpets, and anything else finger foodish we could find. The girls were so cute as Tim and I waited on them. One little girl said "I've never been served before...I like it".

That night after all was said and done; Ellie expressed how much fun she had and how grateful she was for all Tim and I did. Then of course she started planning what she wanted to do for her next birthday party. Girls!! What am I saying? I think the same thing happened with Gent. Kids!!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-23T13:16:00.000-08:00

The day is rapidly approaching that it will be a little too late to send out my Christmas/holiday cards. This year I thought I was on top of everything and finished them at the beginning of December. Well... I still haven't printed out. Hopefully eventually I'll get them out to you. Until then, here it is. Just click on the image if you want it larger to read. Know that we love ya and are wishing you a very merry Christmas and a splendid New year!

Fun pictures of my cute nieces

2009-11-02T13:11:00.000-08:00

I got to take some "school" pictures of my sisters little girls while I was down in California over the weekend. Here are four of my favorites.

My favorite red headed sister in law just sent me the pictures she so kindly took on Halloween night. I totally forgot to take any pictures of my own. Thanks for the help Kathryn!! I'll add another post tonight.

It's time to celebrate!!

2009-10-22T13:57:00.001-07:00

We can now officially celebrate! Tim has passed the bar! Our little family is so proud of him and so happy that he doesn't have that stress any longer in his life. YEE-HAW! I think that last expression sums it all up for us. Thank you thank you for all your prayers and words of encouragement.

Ellie's "school" pictures

2009-10-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

I have decided to forgo the school pictures and take pictures of Ellie on my own. Here are a few of those pictures. It was so much fun! I think I have started a new tradition.

Zion was just so patient and cute through it all!

Gen'ts Halloween party

2009-09-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

Gent decided for his 4th birthday he wanted a Halloween themed birthday Party. He had actually started praying for it since last Christmas. His costume of choice changed about every two months and when his birthday finally arrived his costume hadn't. Luckily he's pretty easy to please and he was thrilled to be sprayed green, wear torn shorts, and throw on his hulk smash gloves he had received for Christmas from his cousin Taylor. When we asked what he wanted to do for his party he said. "Oh ya know...Halloween stuff, like trick or treating, eating candy, and wearing scary costumes". Tim and I came up with some fun ideas like who's that ghost, freeze dance, trick-or treating, and ghost hunt. I think the party was a hit. Thank you Will, Nathan, Jennifer, Amy, Amber, and Theresa for all the help!

The day following his party I heard him mention in his pray about going to have a great Halloween birthday. I reminded him after he was finished that he already had it. He then said a quick prayer and prayed for his Dinosaur Birthday which he'll have next time. This boy loves his birthdays!

Trendy Gent

2009-09-28T10:30:00.003-07:00

What happens when Gent gets to dress himself...

Need I say more?

It's game time

2009-08-28T23:58:00.000-07:00

Ellie started soccer a couple of weeks ago and just had her first game. She is a budding soccer champ! Her enthusiasm for her team, kicking soccer balls, the coach, the color of her uniform and the team name Purple Butterflies really helps. She loves having three of her favorite little girlfriends, Lexa, Tayla, and cousin Emily, on the team with her. She also loves that her aunt Kathryn is the coach and that I get to help assist in coaching.

Goooooo Purple Butterflies!!

Happy 4th Birthday Genty boy!!

2009-08-28T22:36:00.000-07:00

Gent had his fourth birthday yesterday the 27th. He thought he was living the high life because he didn't have to clean his room, help pick up, take a nap, and he got to pick whatever food he wanted for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Which meant cotton candy for breakfast, Burger King for lunch, and Chinese take-out for dinner. Healthy?! Nay! But it was his birthday! He kept saying to me throughout the day "Oh sanks". Yes, I realize I misspelled thanks, that's just his cute way he pronounces it. We opened up presents first thing in the morning and he loved every one of them. I honestly think we could have wrapped up old smelly socks and he would of grinned his ears off and kept repeating how grateful he was. He is such a thankful little bubby! He also made life very convenient in the things he requested such as cotton candy, an umbrella, "fighting things", Captain America costume (which will arrive just in time for his Halloween birthday party next Friday) and a "super-duper gumball machine".

I was totally able to stay within our budget! And Wal-mart carried it all.

That night he was able to have his cousin Taylor over who shares his same birth date, and little Emily. Taylor, Gent, and I made the birthday cake together. The two birthday boys suggested we add a bag of Chocolate chips, marshmallows, and a half bottle of butterscotch to the cake batter and I have to say it actually turned out pretty dang good. I'd call it masterpiece if it wasn't for all the egg shells we kept finding.

We feel so grateful to have Genty boy as a part of our family! He is such a fun, tender hearted, good humored little kid. We are truly blessed to have him!

Elementary My Dear Watson. Elementary school that is... for Ellie

2009-08-28T21:30:00.001-07:00

Ellie is now in elementary school. She had her first day of Kindergarten yesterday. She was so excited that morning that she woke me up around 6am fully dressed in the outfit she picked out the night before with her backpack on. I had to explain to her that school wouldn't actually start until that afternoon. To say she was disappointed is an understatement. Luckily we had other things to occupy her time with. For lunch daddy came home so he could make the trip with us to drop her off for her big first day. She got a little nervous when we arrived but her Daddy was able to give her a pep talk and whisper words of encouragment that chased any doubts she may have had away.

She was thrilled to see two of her good friends Tanner, and Seth that she knows from Church, join her in line for class. I know that also helped with her nervousness.

I have to admit I cried as she started walking in the door. I realized once again that a new chapter in life was starting for her and one was closing for me. She really is growing up fast.

That afternoon when I came to pick her up from school she greeted me with a big smile and caught me up fast on all her going ons in the past three hours of her life. Here it is in a nutshell. She said... "school is amazing". "We got to have two recesses", "Mrs. Moore is soooo nice", "We had to sit criss cross a lot and that hurt my legs after a while", "I earned a wow (little piece of paper with wow written on it) and don't throw those away, when I get nine or ten of them, I get to pick something out of the treasure box.", and "when I was walking out I heard on the speakers that we need to wear purple and gray tomorrow so let's pick out my outfit as soon as we get home." Today when I picked her up she said, "school is still amazing". Lets just hope she's saying that when she's coming home in 9th grade.

Where has the time gone?

2009-08-06T09:38:00.000-07:00

Where to start? Goodness gracious, this should be reason enough to never stop blogging for longer then a week. It's been almost two months and there has been lots of "going ons" in that period. Like a two week trip to Washington, Tim taking the bar, Young Women's girl's camp, sleep overs , books read, play dates, Zion starting to "really talk", mommy and daddy dates, eyebrow threading (okay so not such a big event, but interesting non the less) and the list goes on. Since I use my blog as a journal...I would never journal consecutively if it weren't for the blog... I'll being writing a long one. Soooo get comfy or just scan through quickly because like I said, this is going to be a long post.

We had an amazing trip to Washington full of surprises. I had all the best of intentions of visiting lots of Washington friends and life happened. I was blessed to see a few of them by them coming to see me at my parent's house; otherwise I don't think it would have happened. My brother Joe's family and I flew in together. It was a blessing to have so many helping hands. We crammed in the first week with baptisms, birthday parties, playing in parks, swimming in the lake, eating, and watching movies at Uncle David's. The flu went around in those two weeks as well. Yuck!! Poor Aunt Kathryn got the worst of it. There should be a law against getting sick on vacations. My oldest Sister Debbie surprised us by coming up for a visit with her three youngest. So, along with Fireworks, Seattle trips, shopping with mom, and eating more Yummy food, that is where the rest of our time went. Now I've got to say...there should also be a law against gaining weight on vacation as well. It should be decreed that no matter how much you eat on vacation, you don't gain weight. If only the law of science matched my own desired laws in my head. To all my Bosom buddies in washington I didn't see...I still love you...and hopefully next time!!

I was sad to leave washington, but very happy to arrive back in Nevada. We decided before we bought tickets for W.A. that it would be better for Tim to stay home during our trip so he could work hard to pay the bills and study for the bar exam uninterrupted. But For the amount of time we talked on the phone I am almost convinced that he should have just come too. But... He really did get a whole lot more studying in compared to when we were all around. He ended up taking the bar exam for the second time a week ago. When I picked him up after the three day test was over, he said something like, " I believe I did better then the last time I took it. I guess we'll just have to wait and see if my better is enough to pass". I sure love that man of mine and feel blessed he is such a hard worker.

The week before Tim took the Bar I got to join our Young Womens for girl's camp. I missed the first day and everyone missed the last, but it was still amazing. I love our girls and leaders! We laughed, danced , ate, played games, sang, cried, and got soaking wet!! And I mean SOAKING WET! We actually were rained out. By the time we decided it was time to pack up and leave we had a river running through many of our tents. On the last unofficial last night of girls camp we roughed it out by sleeping in an air conditioned living room with a big screen TV. The following day we swam at the Mead's pool and barbecued. Now if roughing it was always like that, I could live like that every day!

Ellie and Gent love having their cousins sleep over or to sleep over at their cousins homes. They seem pretty unsatisfied if a week goes by and that hasn't happened. So it has happened quite a lot this summer. In fact, last week Uncle Joe and Aunt Kathryn decided to have all the Pahrump cousins over for the night (including baby Zion). So Tim and I celebrated us being finished with his studies by going on a super date. We shopped, ate sushi, talked uninteruppted, I had my eyebrows threaded for the first time(google it), and just plain enjoyed one another'scompany until we picked up the kids the following morning. Thanks once again Joe and Kathryn.

Since our two oldest children started talking relatively early Tim and I had been concerned because Zion seemed determined to start talking relatively late. We received reassurance from many that this was common for a third child who has two older kids doing the talking for her, but as parents you worry. Lucky we have a Father in Heaven that reassured us as well, but at times our faith lacked. Well the worry is over. In the past week or two Zion's talking has blossomed. She has had sign language to help her, but now she's starting to say the words. She repeats what we say and thinks it's quite humorous how excited we get about that. She's not a walking dictionary yet but she can now communicate using small words. yeah!!

Okay now for the books that I have recently read that I have to recommend; The Hunger Games, Mistborn, The Anne of green gables series, and Olive's Ocean. You won't be disappointed! Thanks to the ones who recommended those to me.

So that's just a few of our "going ons" this summer. Aren't summers wonderful!

Summa, summa, summa time....Summertime

2009-06-19T08:20:00.000-07:00

We are filling our summer days so far with swim lessons, play dates, taking baths to cool off, dress up, playing on the new swing set, puppy sitting, and making plans for our Washington trip. I just can't believe how fast this summer is going. Good thing we'll have plenty of good memories to sustain us through the school year.

quick catch up

2009-06-08T21:13:00.000-07:00

Zion is seriously one of the happiest/easiest babies I've ever encountered. She eats anything you give her. She sleeps from 6:30pm -7:30am and takes a three hour nap pretty much each day. She goes down and wakes up with a smile on her face. She loves to cuddle and is content with pretty much everyone (although I do have to say she favors her Uncles).

She is just pure entertainment! she keeps us laughing and saying Ohhh how cute all the time. Our little family is very blessed to have her as part of our own. We love you Zi-Zi

Principal Gent (my sister in law Kathryn) took end of the year class pictures and I have to say they turned out pretty dang good. I'll be posting Ellie and Gent's individual pictures on my next post. What a great time they had at preschool this year. I'm so thankful for all the moms who took part, but I'm especially grateful for Kathryn and all her hard work she put! It was smooth sailin and I now that that takes work.

Here is another picture Kathryn took from graduation. Ellie couldn't have been more thrilled to receive her diploma. Gent thought the idea of celebrating was great no matter what it was for. I can't believe Ellie is old enough for elementary school now. She's growing up so fast.

This is how we celebrated the start of the summer. Camping out in the living room watching cartoons and eating popcorn and candy. Ellie and Gent said that this night was one of the best nights ever. I love how the simple things really please the young.

again and again and again

2009-04-30T11:52:00.001-07:00

Well its back to the grind for Tim. Poor Guy! Yesterday we found out that he did not pass the Nevada State Bar (he missed it by 3.7 points!!). We were both pretty disappointed, but what can you do?! Everyone (friends and family) have been so wonderful and supportive all along the way, especially when we shared the news yesterday with a handful of them. My brother Joe and Sister in Law Kathryn took the kids for the night. Tim and I meet my little brothers Nathan and Adam at the Las Vegas temple and we were all able to do a session together there. It was wonderful sitting in the Celestial room with three of my best friends ever. Tim felt the same way!
When I shared the news with Ellie (she and Gent pray for their dad to do well on the test in almost every prayer they give) she just said in a very understanding tone “Well he’ll just take it again and again and again until he does good”. I wish I was always able to have such simple/sweet views on life as my kids do. But she’s right! He'll just do it again and again and again until he does "good". What else can we do? Tim is amazing and such an example of optimism! He will continue doing his best and turning it over to the Lord.

But we do hope its not too many agains!

out of the mouth of babes

2009-04-19T17:27:00.000-07:00

We’ve been trying to teach our children the concept of the Spirit’s promptings and Satan’s enticing. So for Family Home Evening/scripture study Tim whispered things into the children’s ears like “be nice to your sister” or “make fun of your brother” and then asked who they thought would be saying what. Last night after we were done reading scriptures Gent leaned over and whispered into my ear, “Satan says be mean to your husband.” He leaned back from me and smiled and then he leaned into my ear again and whispered “The Holy Ghost says give cotton candy to your son.”

The happiest place on earth

2009-04-16T18:11:00.000-07:00

We had been planning a Disney trip in celebration for Tim's last two graduations but something had always come up to keep us from going. Once Tim was done taking the Nevada Bar we decided to stop making excuses and plan the trip. The kids couldn’t have been more excited to be apart of making those plans! In the month and a half preceding the trip every single prayer uttered from Gent's mouth included a line about how thankful he was for being able to go to Disney Land. The kids asked us about our trip almost everyday and got excited every time they saw a Disneyland commercial. I think the anticipation was one of the best parts of it. I was almost worried that they would be disappointed, but Disneyland never lets you down.
Aunt Debbie and Uncle Jay volunteered to take baby Zion for the day so we didn’t have to worry about naps, bottles, and diaper changes. We all missed her but Tim and I both agreed that it would be nice having that 2:2 ratio.

Our family arrived at the park at 8 am and stayed until 8:30pm. It was one ride/adventure to the next. Gent’s only request was to meet Mickey Mouse. Ellie’s one request was to meet one of the princesses or Tinker Bell. They had no idea what they had in store. They got to meet/see Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Tinker Bell, Rosetta, Chip and Dale, Minnie Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Buzz Lightyear, Jesse and Woody. We went on over 20 rides. Gent’s and Ellie’s favorite ride was The Buzz lightyear astro blasters. While Tim took Ellie on Star Tours Gent and I got to ride his favorite ride again. We packed a ton of snacks so we could eat while waiting in line. The only break the kids wanted to take was to eat lunch at the Tomorrowland Terrace. French Fries take precedent over Disney attractions I guess. Ellie and Gent were on their best behavior all day. I had never seen such gracious children! Randomly throughout the day they would turn to Tim or me and say things like “Thanks so much, this is the best day ever!” When it came time to go they didn’t throw a fit, they just asked very nicely how soon they could come back, to which Tim replied when Zion’s a little older so she can enjoy the rides too.

Last night it was Gent’s turn to say family prayer. I had to keep from giggling when Gent said, “Thank you that we are going to go to Disney Land with Zion.” That boy has a one track mind.

Spreak Break 2009

2009-04-14T14:17:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful start to our 2009 spring break. We joined my sister Debbie and brother in law Jay for Easter Weekend. It was full of lots of fun and relaxation. We pulled in Friday afternoon and were greeted with pizza and an invitation to join them in their pool. The kids had a blast catching up and I couldn't have been more excited to be able to sit and visit with my big sister again.
Saturday morning started early. Debbie treated us to a wonderful breakfast and cartoons. After breakfast it was back to the pool for the kids. While they were swimming I got to go alone on a kid free shopping trip. When I got back Debbie sent me straight back out with Tim in tow for a lunch to ourselves. We headed over to a great little restaurant and enjoyed the best sushi ever. I love Sushi!! When we returned from our date we joined the rest of the family at the pool. That night Debbie and Jay had me pick up Costco ribs, chocolate cream pie, and a smorgasbord of other things for dinner... and my, oh my, was it good. After the kids were down for the night, Tim and I headed back out with my nephew Justin (who came with us from Pahrump) to catch the movie Knowing. We got back at twelve and started assembling Easter baskets, filling up and hiding eggs until about 1am.
The kids woke up at around 6:30am Sunday morning and went straight in search of Easter eggs and their baskets. They were all happy with what he had left them. We enjoyed a wonderful sacrament meeting and the kids loved Primary. Debbie and I were both impressed with the Relief Society lesson on being valiant in the cause of Christ. It was a perfect lesson for Easter Sunday. After church we headed to the beach to build sand castles and just sit and visit with each other. When we got home Debbie prepared an amazing Easter dinner for us to enjoy. It was wonderful to be able to spend Easter together with my sister Debbie's family. That night we headed to bed early in preparation for our Big Monday plans. Disney Land!! Monday deserves a post of its own so I'll have to blog about that tomorrow.

Princess Ellie

2009-04-03T14:52:00.000-07:00

A little bit ago Tim took Ellie out on a daddy daughter date to get some breakfast. As they were eating, a bit of Ellie's food landed on her shirt. Tim decided to take her to Wal-Mart next to let her pick out a new one. As they were walking into the store, she turned to Tim and said, “I feel just like a princess… except I don’t have a crown, or a pretty dress, and I’m not royalty.” (Yes, she actually said “royalty”). Now that’s a successful daddy daughter date if you ask me.

As Ellie was modeling her new shirt for me I told Ellie to give me her best pose and this is what she did. She's a natural!

Gent = 100% boy!

2009-03-03T17:44:00.001-08:00

Gent had the “opportunity” to relieve himself on the side of the road twice. Once on our road trip to Utah and once on the road trip back. It was one of those “I’VE GOT TO GO RIGHT NOW!” situations. Well today I saw Gent run outside our front door. I quickly set my cooking ingredients down to see where he was going. There he was “relieving himself” off of our front porch. I quickly screamed “NO!” and grabbed him. Not such a good idea when someone is in the middle of going pee. When he finished and we turned around to go back inside, I noticed a couple and what looked to be a realtor standing at the house that’s for sale next door who witnessed the whole situation. All I can think now is, hmmm… I wonder if they’ll still be interested in purchasing that house.

Oh the things they say...

2009-02-25T08:46:00.001-08:00

Last Sunday as I was putting on my Make-up (foundation) getting ready for church, Ellie asked if she could have some too. I said to her, "No, not this kind". Very seriously she replied, “But I want to look like a clown too”. Yup, that was my darling little Ellie!

Gent and Tim's Lunchtime experience

2009-02-08T08:52:00.001-08:00

The story that follows is one of the first I was told when I returned from a night away with my young women. I asked Tim if he would write it down for me so I could journal it. He was wonderful enough to do that.

In contrast to Zion who will eat anything (and lots of it), Ellie and Gent have become very picky eaters. We recently decided to crack down and introduce them to new food items. Both have resisted, but Gent has had the most difficulty giving up his coveted peanut butter and jelly sandwich at lunch. Yesterday the battle was on. I told the kids it was time for lunch and they of course requested the usual “peanut butter and jelly sandwich with the crust cut off.” My attempt to explain to them why it was not a good idea to have PBJ sandwiches for lunch after having had pancakes for breakfast was met with blank stares. Finally I declared, “We’re having ham and cheese sandwiches.” Ellie was actually excited about the idea but admitted that she had eaten all of the yellow cheese (cheddar) the previous day. Undaunted, I told them that we would just be having ham sandwiches then. Gent appeared to be in denial and kept repeating his request for a PBJ until I pulled the mayonnaise out of the fridge, then he lost it. “Noooo, what’s that,” he moaned with his head thrown back and tears beginning to form. “It’s uhh,…Monster sauce,” I said, hoping that his monster fetish would peak his interest. He didn’t buy it. In desperation, he began suggesting alternatives, “How about jelly toast? How about raisin bread?” But I was firm. His wailing continued through the blessing on the food after which he shoved the sandwich aside and began eating the oranges I had included on the plate. Gentle persuasion quickly deteriorated into “Gent, take a bite of your sandwich or you’re going to bed.” After he took a microscopic nibble from the corner, I told him to take a real bite. He reluctantly obliged, and once the taste began to settle in his mouth, an amazing thing happened. His scowl disappeared, the tears dried up, the sun came through the window, and music started playing from somewhere. If you have seen the movie Ratatouille, just think about the food critic’s change in expression at the end of the movie when he eats the title dish. He practically ripped the sandwich from my hands and began devouring it. Normally very talkative, he silently savored the sandwich with a look that can only be described as reverent amazement. A few minutes later he asked in astonishment, “Is this candy?” “No Gent, it’s just a ham sandwich.” A few more bites. “I like ham sandwiches,” he finally declared. Victory!

Zion 1st Birthday!!!

2009-02-02T21:38:00.001-08:00

Zion had a fabulous first birthday! She was showered with the utmost love and attention from the moment she woke up to all of us singing happy birthday, until the moment she fell asleep on the car ride home from her party.

The highlight of the morning was everyone taking part in making the delicious birthday cake. And of course the taste test was a crowd pleaser.

Zion loves her baths in the kitchen sink. On “her” day she was good about washing her own dishes!

My oldest brother Will and his wife Mindie hosted Zion's birthday party. We enjoyed a yummy Bar-B-Q and a night of board games with all the Pahrump Gent family in attendance. I forgot my camera but Mindie was great to loan me hers. Now I just got to get the pictures from her! Zion was funny about eating her cake. She hated getting her hands messy. I guess the icing was too sticking feeling or something.

She is the perfect little angel and we are so blessed to have her as a part of our family.

The Biggest Loser challenge

2009-02-02T21:23:00.001-08:00

A good friend of mine, Chelsea Jolley has started up an aerobics class at our church building three days a week. Its been a great motivator for me to get back into a regular schedule with exercise. She and I along with the husbands have held "challenges" in the past to help keep us motivated in exercising and eating healthy. Well last week as I was reading an old friend's blog I came across a challenge that her and her sisters did. From the picture you can get the main idea. Well after discussing it with Chelsea and my sister in law Kathryn our competitive spirits got the best of us. We announced it in aerobics and now a large group of gals along with their husband are going to do it with us. It's five dollars to participate and the winner with the most points wins a gift certificate to Wal-Mart. We are going to see how well it goes and then we may continue to do it again and again with different prizes. Good luck to everyone who’s joining in...But I just want to let you know....I'm going to win it all!

tagged

2009-01-24T20:33:00.000-08:00

I have been tagged a few times. I've had a blast reading others answers but never really took the time to fill them out myself. So here I go. Enjoy my answers and know if you read this...you now are tagged as well.

Welcome to the new 2009 edition of getting to know your family and friends. Here is what you are supposed to do, and try not to be lame and spoil the fun. Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then send this to a bunch of people you know, INCLUDING the person who sent it to you.Some of you may get this several times; that means you have lots of friends. The easiest way to do it is to hit 'forward' so you can change the answers or copy and paste. Have fun and be truthful!
I want to see your answers!
1.
What is your occupation right now?
Full time mommy
2
What is on your feet right now?
white ankle Socks
3.
What are you listening to right now?
My husband talking on the phone, some nick Jr cartoon, and the squeaking of my sons tricycle as he rides by
4.
What was the last thing that you ate?
Jelly bellies
5.
Can you drive a stick shift?
No problem!
6.
Last person you spoke to on the phone?
My sister Mindie
7.
Do you like the person who sent this to you?
Without a doubt
8.
How old are you today?
29
9.
What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?
Football or tennis... it’s a toss up.
10.
What is your favorite drink?
Peppermint herbal tea with low fat creamer
11.
Have you ever dyed your hair?
Many, many, many times!
12.
Favorite food?
Peanut butter anything! and my sister in laws frog eyed salad
13.
What is the last movie you watched?
La femme Musketeer
(hallmark channel original)
14.
Favorite day of the year?
Another toss up…Thanksgiving or Fourth of July! It changes as the years go by
15.
How do you vent anger?
Talking it out with Tim or by eating something really sugary (hence the chubby cheeks)

16.
What was your favorite toy as a child?
Trampoline or tree fort

17.
What is your favorite season?
Fall and spring
18.
Cherries or Blueberries?
Fresh cherries
Frozen blueberries
19.
Do you want your friends to e-mail you back?
Yeah, these answers are interesting. Or they can post them in their blogs
20.
Who is the most likely to respond?
Hmmmm……..
21.
Who is least likely to respond?
Hmmmm……..
22.
Living/marital arrangements?
Married 6 ½ years with three beautiful children
23.
When was the last time you cried?
I can’t remember?!!? I haven't been pregnant for over a year.
24.
What is on the floor of your closet?
Shoes, port-a-crib, and laundry that I need to put away
25.
Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to?
Lauren or Sarah
26.
What did you do last night?
Sutton family movie night
27.
What are you most afraid of?
Losing a child or my husband.
28.
Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers?
plain
29.
Favorite dog breed
Black labs
30.
Favorite Day of the week?
Thursday. Just knowing the weekends almost here is wonderful!
31.
How many states have you lived in?
six
32.
Diamonds or pearls?
Diamonds
33.
What is your favorite flower?
Lilac or lilies

Ellie's Birthday

2009-01-04T21:54:00.000-08:00

Ellie Turned 5 years old on December 21st and what a birthday she had! We ended up having two parties to celebrate. On Friday the 19th she had all the girlfriends she could think of come over for a pajama party. We ate pizza, danced, decorated cookies, played games, and put on makeup. She had over 10 little girls join her and she couldn't have been more thrilled!

On the day of her actual birthday Ellie woke us up early to gather around her birthday tree to open up presents.

Her favorite gift was a poodle costume and when we weren't at church she had it on all the rest of the day. I think she might have even slept in it that night! That Evening for dinner we had family over for pizza and french fries (Ellie's request). She loved being able to share part of "her day" with some of her cousins. The house was a zoo but we all had a wonderful time. Later the night of the 21st, we were also surprised with a visit from a long time friend Christina Wright Kindt and her husband Kevin. Their flight had been canceled and needed a place to stay for the next couple days as they waited for the next available flight. Ellie loved having more guests join her party and It was great fun for us to have them as house guest for the following days.

Goodbye Christmas... Hello New Year

2009-01-04T17:42:00.000-08:00

Notice the time? 12:19 am! This is when Tim and I finished getting everything ready for Christmas morning.

Christmas and New Years were wonderful, although I do have to admit that I'm thankful that we are back to our regular schedule. Vacations can wear you out! Tim devoted a ton of time to Bar study. The kids have loved playing with their new toys. I enjoyed reading three great books from the Great and the Terrible series. And we all enjoyed many a nights together with the Pahrump Gent family clan playing games, eating, and telling/listening to stories.

Zion had a blast playing with all the wrapping paper on Christmas. Seriously, why do I ever get the young ones anything else? This is where they find their true joy in presents. The kids picked out a few books for her and she has loved having them read to her. On New Years eve I started weaning her off nursing and as of yesterday we are officially done. She likes her ba-ba. I couldn't have asked for a better transition from nursing to formula. In 15 days she can start drinking whole milk. My how time flies.

Gent loved Christmas. This past Monday I took down all the Christmas decorations. When Gent recognized what I was doing He ran up to me balling saying "You can't take away my Christmas." I then had to explain to him that there is a time and a season for everything...and to not worry because we have Valentines to look forward to now. Poor little fella, he cried on and off the rest of the time I boxed everything up. He is my son for sure and I can empathize. I hate saying goodbye to Christmas. I made sure to give him lots of love and comfort when I placed the last box in the Garage. His favorite present this year was his Huffy trike from Santa. It's small enough to ride around in the house. If I ask him to grab something for me or to bring something somewhere Gent insists on riding his trike because he says he can do the job faster.

Ellie was blessed with a Kitchen from Santa. We have had a couple of great dinner parties, breakfast buffets, and dessert fests in her bedroom. It’s amazing how skilled her cooking is in the fake food department. If only I could cook a meal and clean my kitchen as fast as she does with hers. Another gift was Barbie roller skates. Just as Gent insists on riding his trike to do odd jobs, Ellie does the same only with her skates. And there is no way in heck she is faster with those on. She has to grab onto anything and everything to keep her balance as she tries to get from one place to another. Every day she is improving but it will be a while before she'll be ready to take on a roller rink by herself. It's fun to see her enjoy her gifts so much.

Like I mentioned above, our New Years was wonderful. We rang it in with our family over at my oldest brother’s house. I actually left Tim over there with the kids around 10pm so I could join the other Youth Leaders over at the 4 ward Youth Dance. Earlier that day our ward along with my older brother Will decorated for the event. It looked fantastic. Will’s expertise in Christmas light arranging/hanging is a nice skill to have around. We didn't end up getting our family to bed until around 2am. It took our poor kids at least three days to recover from that one.

Happy New Year!!

Rainy day Biography

2008-12-15T16:06:00.000-08:00

I can't get my dang pictures to upload on my computer and have been using that as well as the lack of time as excuses in not posting. Today I decided since I have some extra time to just forget about the pictures. I seriously need to write at least some sort of update. I was before Thanksgiving since my last post. Bad me...Bad me!
Thanksgiving was wonderful! It was great having all the family here in Pahrump. Already having two brothers (Will and Joe and their families) in Pahrump is nice but having Adam, Nathan, Mike and his family, Debbie and her family, Mom and Dad, Aunt Linda and her family, Uncle Buck and some of his kids is just excellent. The food was amazing, the family talent show was a hit, and the Turkey 5k run was a great way to start the day. It was great catching up on everyone's life in person. I think one of the highlights of the weekend was seeing Anna Kate (Mike and Jenna’s one year old little girl) in person. It’s been since her blessing that we saw her last. She is a bundle of happiness! Ellie and Gent loved running around with so many cousins to play with. Tim loved all the "boy" time. And I actually had time to read a book-Love, Star girl by Jerry Spinelli -which I happily just found out they have made into a movie. Debbie with her family stayed at our house a couple of nights. It was great having them as company. To end the weekend Jay-Debbie’s husband treated the whole and I mean WHOLE family to a breakfast buffet in town. We had so much family there that we took up about a third of the restaurant.

Great news-we found out Tim passed his big ethics part of the bar test. I'm sure he'll do just as well on the rest of it. I'm grateful he had Nathan to study with.

Zion's first tooth poked through last night. Our children are late teethers. Eleven months has been the earliest for us now and it always happens to be their goofy teeth. The two teeth on the top of the mouth sandwiching the front teeth. Crazy Coincidence?!! I don't know.

Gent is my little angel...most of the time. He does have this rebellious streak in him and has to test the limits at least once a day. If it wasn't for his sweet little voice saying "I love you mom, will you forgive me?" after pretty much each of these incidences I would not call him my little angel. He's gotten into some silly routines like most kids before he goes to sleep. like having to share his testimony after each nightly scripture study, before family prayer, getting his hug, love, and kiss from both mommy and daddy, then getting tuck, tuck, tucked in with his yellow blankie, zipped up (he now has to sleep in his sleeping bag as well) and last but not least getting handed his cold sippy cup of water. It is a long process putting him to bed. And if he gets up to use the bathroom...he'll want to start the process all over again. Humph!! We sure do love his creativity.

Ellie gave her second talk in Primary yesterday and pretty much did it all on her own. She recited John 3:16 and then explained what that scripture meant to her. She didn't need any help until at the end when she forgot how to close a talk. She amazes me with her love for the gospel. The other day when Tim and I asked her why Christmas is so special to which she replied "because its baby Jesus and my birthday."

So in a nutshell life this Christmas season is wonderful. We are excited to join Tim’s side of the family in Utah at the end of this week.

2008-11-17T11:15:00.000-08:00

I just got back from a fun filled weekend in Utah. Like I said, it was great fun…but my kids and I are truly happy to be home with my husband and their dad. Things just are not as good when he’s not around. We decided it would be better for him to stay in Pahrump and get some good Bar study in without us there to distract him. So my friend Chelsey Jolley and her kids drove up and back down with us. It was nice having their company and Chelesey’s help. Friday the kids and I met up with Kelsey Clift, Deon Christensen, Anna Gosney, and all their kids to play at an indoor playground in Orem. The kids had an hour and a half to run around, jump, climb, swing, and just laugh themselves silly. Ellie and Gent loved reuniting with old friends. Next I brought Ellie to go get a trim at Bon Losee. Then we did some shopping and eating in Orem. The kids got to go over and play the evening away with Charlie and Rory Clift, while I had a girl’s night with all of Tim’s cousins and sister. Saturday we had a little reunion at Wymount with Kelly Masner and her little girl Kate. A couple of other Wymount friends, Tarmy Lunt and Amy Bogh stopped by with their kids at the playground and we were able to catch up on their latest and greatest. Next we headed off to McDonalds to grab something for the kids and Amy Matthews joined me for an hour and a half as the kids got to run around. Then we headed over to her house to meet up with her boyfriend (whom I definitely approve of Amy, wink-wink!!). Next we met Aunt Jasmine at Chuck E cheeses. As we walked in Gent turned to me and said “Chuck E Cheeses… this is where a kid can be a kid”. They loved using up the tokens we still had left over from the last time we visited with Grandma Louise. That evening Aunt Jasmine and Uncle Chase watched the kids as I headed out to The New Kids on the Block concert at the “E” Center in Salt Lake with my friend Amy Matthews, Kathy Palmer and Alexis. This was the whole reason for the trip. It was Great with a capitol G. We had amazing seats. I pretty much was 5 feet away from David Archuleta the whole time as we watched the concert. I never thought myself as a start struck person hmmm. Natasha Bedingfield opened for the NKOTB and she is one of my favorites. She was just as good in person as she is on the radio. Pure talent. The new kids are just as cute as I remember, (but still not as cute as Tim- nobody can hold a flame to my husband). In the middle of the show they sang a couple of songs right next to our seats. I pretty much could just reach out my arm and touch them, that’s how close I was! I felt like my little eleven year old self all over again. Sunday we were able to go to Sacrament with Tim’s cousins and Aunt Jasmine. It was a great way to end the weekend. So to rap this up in a nutshell the weekend was fabulous minus the fact that Tim couldn’t be with us. I feel truly blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family to visit. Ellie, Gent and Ellie were sad to leave. I on the other hand knew what I would be coming back to so I couldn’t get back fast enough. Record Time in fact- 6 ½ hours with all the stops! It was great having my hubby sleeping next to me again last night.

ps I'll add real pictures when I get them.

Halloween weekend

2008-11-08T10:53:00.001-08:00

I'm trying to play catch up on my blog and here is another one I should have posted a week ago. Three postings in one day isn't bad! We had a wonderful time on Halloween. My Sister Debbie and brother in law Jay invited us to join them in California to enjoy the weekend. Tim had Friday off so we took of Thursday evening with Uncle Nathan accompanying us. To say they spoiled us is an understatement! They have a beautiful home and pool! We swam almost every day. I got to go to the movie theatres twice (Debbie and Jays treat). They babysat the kids so Tim and I could go on a couple dates together. They took us out to eat at least 4 times. And last but not least they sent us back home with a carload of goodies. We were treated like royalty. Ellie Gent and Zion got so much attention that I feared that when we got home they would think with just Tim and Me around they would feel neglected. We sure are blessed to have such wonderful family. Deb and Jay are doing such a great job at raising their kids. Nicholas, Nathan, TJ, Amy, and Monica were a delight to be around for all of us. As a bonus we also got to visit some BYU Law school alum/Wymount friends/Lost buddies on our way home. Mike and Chelsea Christensen just had their second baby girl named Evelyn and we got to Ohhhh and Ahhhh over her. She is a precious one. We really feel blessed to have made such good friendships while we were at BYU.

Kleenex or just any ole tissue will do

2008-11-08T10:47:00.001-08:00

This one is for you Katherine! I’ve been sick with a pretty bad cold for the past week. I woke up Tuesday morning with a sore throat and it progressed pretty fast from there. By Wednesday evening I looked like something dragged out of a grave after being buried for a couple years. Okay so that’s a little bit of an exaggeration but that’s how I felt. Well before picking Tim up for work that evening I decided to do a quick stop at the grocery store for some necessities. When your bodies aching, you’ve got a headache, you can barely breathe, and you have three kids to pack along with you…nothing is quick. Well once I got all that I needed and the cashier had rung everything up I went to swipe my debit card and it happened. I sneezed. Not just any ole sneeze. The kind you see the little boy at the park do right before he touches the swing that you were going to put your kid in next. The kind that makes you feel so embarrassed for the sneezer that you say a little prayer of comfort for them in your evening prayers. It’s the kind of sneeze that after witnessing it takes everything in you to not loose your lunch. The snot sneeze! Yup that was me. The almost thirty year old mother of three standing there with my hands covered not knowing what to do since all my wipes and tissues were in the car. Instantly my oldest daughter Ellie started repeating how disgusting and gross that was and the cashier looks at me totally sickened (can’t blame him I would have been gagging if I were him) and asks me “uh….what do you…want me…to DO?” I then reply “can I get a tissue?” The bagger then looks at me and says they don’t have any. The cashier looks at her and tells her desperately to go find some. So as I’m standing there waiting, I make the conscious effort to not turn around and see who else has witnessed this, and decide that I’m not going to be embarrassed. There are two other grocery stores in this community and I don’t have to return to this one for as long as I want! There you have it. I’ve been humbled and if you are ever near me and need a tissue I guarantee you I’ll have one on me! Or at least a baby wipe.

Missing the hubby

2008-11-08T08:46:00.000-08:00

Tim and I have a lot of fun together doing nothing. These pictures are two examples of that. The other night after we tucked our children in bed we sat on the couch just talking and making faces at each other. I thought we should record at least one of these events and I grabbed the camera. Of course I had no problems making faces for the camera but as soon as I aimed the lens at Tim he got all shy.
Well its early Saturday morning (really only early to a teenager who doesn't have children to wake them up at 5:30am!!) and I am missing Tim. He had the Nevada ethics part of the bar to take this morning in Vegas and I am alone at home with our kiddos. Tim actually left yesterday morning so he could study all day and night with my little brother Nathan. Nathan is taking the test as well and they thought they should "slay the beast" together. I am missing Tim a bunch and the kids are too! It's just not the same and not as fun without him around. Although I do have to say I'm enjoying my book, Extras by Scott Westerfeld but I would way rather have my husband around. I'm a book lover! But I'm way more of a husband lover! Good luck on the test Tim and Nate.

Super Date

2008-10-18T23:12:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas Temple

Tim took a half day off of work Friday so he and I could enjoy a super date. This is what we call an all day excursion with three or more activities. Aunt Kathryn was kind enough to take the kids at noon so Tim and I could start our date early and enjoy some wonderful alone time. Some of our activities included The Las Vegas temple, playing tennis, eating Hawaiian food (can't remember the name of the restaurant), and enjoying a Sonic Ice cream Sunday. I have to say the best part was just being able to talk to Tim without any interruption. I love and adore my kids but it's hard to get a word in edge wise with them around. Tim and I decided to play the question game for most of our drive in and out of Pahrump. We've been married for over six years and I still am learning new things about my husband. For example if he could have any exotic animal it would be a monkey or a Rhino and if he could have three businesses built here in Pahrump they would be a Borders, Tucanos, and a dollar movie theatre. He in return learned that I would get a chimpanzee or an elephant and that I would have them build a Mall, YMCA, and a Target. I think my favorite question was “What car would you buy if you could buy anything”. Not necessarily because of the question but Tim's answer. My answer was a "souped up" Chrysler Town and Country (Pretty lame but true) and his answer was some really-really fancy car called a Lamborghini Reventon so he could charge people to ride in it and with the extra money buy me a "souped up" Chrysler Town and Country and other nice things. What a good smart man!

My name is Ruth and I'm a cutests blog on the blockaholic

2008-10-16T15:04:00.000-07:00

I'm addicted to changing my background on my blog! i love cutest blog on the block. Thanks Kelly M. for introducing me to it! What do I love most about it you may ask?!?! It's cute and free. How nice is that. I'm an addict

Little Sponges

2008-10-09T23:08:00.000-07:00

,
Preschool at Aunt Kathryns (clothing relay race)

Preschool field trip to Smith's grocery store.

Ellie and Gent are thriving in preschool. Last night Tim decided to quiz the kids on what they have been learning. He had Gent and Ellie both sing (they learned them in song) individually the months of the year and days of the week. They both did great. Then Gent surprised me by asking if he could also say the pledge of allegiance. He then recited it for his Dad and I. Ellie, not to be out done by her little brother, asked if she could say it as well. And she did, word for word. These kids never cease to amaze me on how quickly they pick up things. They are little sponges! I should teach them how to balance check books and pay bills. Just think how much time I could save!

Another reason to party!

2008-09-29T11:18:00.000-07:00

I should have posted these about three weeks ago, but life kept happening. Here are a few pictures (Thanks to Aunt Kathryn) that capture the fun that our kids had at the Pahrump Harvest Festival.

Cousin Makayla, friend Lexa, Cousin Alysssa, Ellie, Cousin Emily, Gent

It’s a county fair that Pahrump has once a year to celebrate the start of fall and the time of harvest. And who wouldn't want to celebrate the start of fall. Especially when it means cooler weather! Our little Sutton clan joined my two older brother’s family along with some other friends in a pizza party to kick off the night and then we rode rides until we were either tired, sick, or both. Zion was as content as can be being pushed in the stroller taking in the sounds and smells of a local fair. Ellie and Gent had a blast riding every ride they were tall enough to get on. Even the "pirate ship"!! The mini roller coaster was their favorite. Thanks to Uncle Will helping out with Zion, Tim and I were able to join the kids in riding a lot of the rides. Because it was the first night the fair was open and being on a Thursday (school) night there were no lines. The kids had no idea how lucky that was. They could run from one ride to the next without any interruption and hop right on. On the way out we stopped to look at some of the animals and I saw the largest pig I've ever seen in my whole life. As we were watching this pig, it picked up the side of its pin with the tip of his nose, and wiggled himself halfway through it. About 5 people came running to get the pig back safe and sound locked all the way back up in his pin. One of the guys there mentioned that pigs like this can have up to two tons worth of strength in their neck muscles. That could have made for an interesting experience having that pig out and running. Our kids can’t wait until next year and neither can I!

The Rebels Vs The Wolfpack

2008-09-29T09:07:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed The Annual Relief Society Broadcast immensely but it was just as nice having a double date with my husband right after it was through. Tim, Zion and I joined my brother Joe and sister-in-law Kathryn in cheering on my little brother Adam and his team (UNLV Rebels) as they played their rivals the Wolfpack (University of Nevada).

It was my first time experiencing a college football game outside of Provo Utah and let me just tell you…it is not the same. I had no idea it was legal to drink beer or bring in flasks of liquor to a college game. We heard and saw some interesting things.
(Who falls asleep at a football game?)

The Rebels started off strong but 10 minutes before half time the course started changing. It was sad to see the lack of support as Rebel fans started leaving when they still had a fighting chance. Well we stuck it through and sadly weren’t rewarded other than being able to give Adam a big hug and say better luck next time.

(Tim and I feel like traitors wearing all that red)

Kathryn took some great pictures and not only shared them with me, but had people approach her with their e-mail addresses asking them to take pictures of their family or their football player. It sure is nice having photographers in the family.

Zion was amazing as always. She loved the crowds and cheered and screamed with the best of them. She even feel asleep for about 20 minutes of the game.

Family, School, and football, football...FOOTBALL

2008-09-22T13:14:00.001-07:00

I love the fall! With the start of school, The cooler weather, the great TV shows starting up and Of course there's the football, how can you not?!!. Once again, here is everything in a nutshell...
-Three weeks ago my sister, Aunt Debbie and Uncle Jay and their girls, Monica and Amy came to visit for a fun filled weekend celebrating our nephew Taylor’s Baptism. It was wonderful of course. They brought their Karaoke machine and gave us a copy of High school Musical to watch and KEEP!! Need I say more?

-Ellie and Gent started Preschool two weeks ago. They love it! They've made new friends, learned new songs and love bringing home the crafts they made. Their Aunt Kathryn is a talented teacher with all of her attention grabbing skills. I get to be her helper for the month and then get a break from preschool until my turn to teach in January.

-Uncle David along with Aunt Fatima and their girls came for a visit this week and of course once again it has been an amazing time having family here. Ellie and Gent would love to have extended family live in our home year round. Their family spoils them like non else.
-Young Women’s has been a delight. I'm still getting the hang of it and still getting to know the girls better but I fall more in love with my calling every day.
-Two weeks ago I started Kickboxing again on Mon, Wed, and Fri at 6:30am. Chelsea Jolly who just recently moved here to Pahrump is the teacher and what a great teacher she is. She makes you feel like you can conquer the world. I know how silly I look (there are large mirrors that prove it) but she just keeps on encouraging and complementing. I'm so lucky to have her here!

-Zion got another round of shots. Poor girl! she is a trooper. Crawling faster then any 8 month old I've seen, and still just as content as can be!
-Tim has been enjoying being able to go watch my little brother Adam play Football at UNLV the past few weeks with my brothers and Sisters in law Kathryn. Adam hasn’t actually had playing time yet. But it’s still been fun cheering on his team. I've opted out due to timing and other things. But next week after the General Relief Society broadcast (Yee-haw) I’ll be joining in wearing my Red decor cheering for those Rebels.
-And Of course I've got to do a little shout out to BYU Football for now ranking number 11. GooooOOOO Courgars

That’s my life in a nutshell. We are happy and striving to enjoy all that life has to offer.

Celebrate, celebrate, dance to the music

2008-09-02T14:48:00.000-07:00

Well we had another eventful week in the Sutton home! We celebrated Gent's 3rd Birthday, Tim's and my 6th anniversary, Zion had her first helping to "real" food (something other then momma's “boobaa” milk), and poor Ellie had a little bit of a cold and Fever.

On Wednesday August 27th Genty Boy turned a whooping three years old! In the days preceding his birthday he would wake up each morning and after naps saying "is it my birthday now?" and also say stuff like "when I get my Spiderman suit for my birthday..." or "I want to where my Batman slippers that I'm going to get on my birthday". I'm sure glad he decided to share with me what he was getting for his birthday. Pretty much anything that had to do with superheros was on his list. He's gotten in a very big Spiderman, Batman, Incredible Hulk, Superman, you get the idea, kick. We have a family tradition to open up birthday presents right when we wake up. On Gent’s birthday he woke us up at 1:30am and 3:30am by coming into our room crying about it being time to open up presents. We ended up getting up the third time this happened at 6:30am. That night as I was falling asleep exhausted I was strongly considering changing that tradition.

He gave us the greatest reactions with every present he unwrapped. I think the very best part of the day for him was Skate Zone. We had a Youth activity at the local roller skating rink and they allowed all the leaders and youth to bring there families along. Of course Gent took the liberty of believing every one was there to celebrate his 3rd birthday. It was great how a lot of the youth and family went along with it and sang and said Happy Birthday whenever they had the chance. He loved skating but every once and a while he would have a hard time getting from one place to the next with the skates on. When I would ask him if he wanted me to take them off he would say "No mommy, its my birthday".

I was told by my pediatrician that if I was content with nursing there was no real reason to start solids until Zion’s first Birthday. Well I decide last week that I was ready to introduce some new foods to Zion’s diet. So with a little help from Ellie, baby Zi had her first helping of rice cereal. You can see for yourself that she enjoyed herself. I’m glad I waited and did it when I felt she was ready. Way easier this way! She already eats like a pro swallowing 90% of whatever I spoon into her mouth vs. Gent and Ellie who spit 90% of it out.

Tim and I celebrated our anniversary a little on Friday and a lot on Monday. We had plans for Joe and Kathryn’s family to watch our kids on Friday night but Ellie woke up the day before with a little bit of a fever and cough. Therefore we decided it would be better for her not to be around other kids just in case. We enjoyed take-out Chinese food and Tim and I cuddled on the couch after the kids were in bed. We decided since Friday wasn't much on the celebration side that we would dedicate Monday for a "post anniversary" celebration. On Monday Tim treated me royally by letting me sleep in until 10!!! I actually got up to feed Zion at 6:30, but got to go straight back to sleep. When I woke up the house was clean, the laundry separated, the office organized, and the kids dressed and fed! What a way to start the day. We spent the rest of the day touring Pahrump and enjoying the cooler weather. We got to hold a potbelly pig, buy new home décor, eat hamburgers and milk shakes, "drive to California", Dance, watch August Rush, and play some phase 10. It was all great but I think the best part was just being reminded once again how lucky I am to have such a loving and loyal husband.

So you can see all is well with the Sutton Clan. Busy but Wonderful!

New Callings

2008-08-25T14:47:00.000-07:00

We've had a busy last few weeks, but who hasn't? Two weeks ago we traveled back to Utah for our cousin Jemaica's Wedding. It was beautiful and we enjoyed seeing all of Tim's side of our family. I'm so blessed to have in-laws that I love so much!! They really go out of their way to make sure we feel there love. I wish every one was as lucky.

Ellie, Gent and Zion loved seeing all their Utah cousins and Oma and Opa. They got a ton of love and attention. Ellie loved seeing Jemaica in her wedding dress and can't wait until she can wear one of her own (Which according to time will be 30 years down the road). Gent now insists on dressing himself (it doesn't bother him one bit if its inside out and backwards or if he is wearing a sweatshirt in 105 degree weather). Zion is crawling (very slow) now and saying Ma-Ma (but only when she's upset and crying).

Tim got a new computer for a graduation present from his Uncle Dan and Aunt Traudi. He actually received money and got to pick out whatever he wanted with it. A computer and Guitar Hero was what he wanted. He wanted to make sure it was something the whole family could enjoy as well. That's my Tim...always thoughtful. It is nice having a bigger screen and more space on the hard drive for digi scraping!!

We came home a day early from Utah so we could be here for Church on Sunday. Tim got called and sustained the Sunday before for his new calling as Ward Mission Leader but they gave me two weeks to get everything set for my new calling. So last Sunday I was sustained as Young Women's president. I was a little surprised at first since it has been over 12 years since I've even been in a ward with Young Women, but I am now feeling the excitement and love for the girls and leaders I will get to serve with. I am so grateful for the leadership callings in my previous ward that prepared me for this calling. I can remember what my old Bishop said when he asked me to be Relief Society President. "Pretty much every women in this ward is qualified for this calling, but Heavenly Father wants you here for this time". It was humbling to hear that, but I am now glad for the experience getting to lead in Relief Society. I feel a little more confident because of it. I know that it will be different and that it's still going to be hard, but the girls are so dang fun, and the leaders are sooo great (and full of experience), that its going to be enjoyably hard. I love that I have Katherine, Shanda, and Mindie to get great advice from!

The weather is hot, but we still manage our family walks at least once a week to the dog park. Penny loves her free time to run around on actual grass. The kids love spending their time either chatting it up with their parents, chasing penny around the Play ground, or running through the sprinklers that happen to be on almost every time we visit the park.

How Time Flies

2008-08-04T12:42:00.000-07:00

The "other day" as Tim and I were driving into work I turned to him and said that I couldn't believe how fast time was flying...that it feels like it was Sunday only yesterday and now it's Tuesday. He then said to me "Ruth, you do realize today is Wednesday right"?

I can remember my mom saying time and time again,”The older I get-the faster time flies". This is something I catch myself saying all the time now. I realize more and more how important it is to live in the now and enjoy each second I have. So here I am sharing this burst of inspiration that I've received yet again. Enjoy life now! Now only comes...Now. Is that inspiration for you or what?

Our weekend was great! Tim and I enjoyed a Friday and Saturday with just our little family. Friday night we played games and watched a little bit of TV (Avatar and dating the enemy). On Saturday I woke up to A New Dawn by Stephanie Meyer sitting in "my box". Thanks Tim!! I've decided to hold off on starting it until Tuesday. I know my strengths and my weaknesses. I have no will power when it comes to stopping books once I've started. Tuesday through Friday is blocked out just for this book. I'm sure it won't take me that long...but just in case, the laundries done, the groceries are stocked, and Tim and the kids are prepared for frozen dinners.

Tim and I pulled weeds all Saturday morning and then treated our family to a trip into Vegas and swam at the Mandalay Bay Hotel. The kids loved it!! We had a chance to visit with my youngest brother Adam over at his apartment and then found a little Hawaiian restaurant (kind of like L&L's) and enjoyed a tasty little dinner. Oh how I miss Hawaii.

On Sunday we went to church, took long naps and had my brothers and their families over for dinner. Dinner is so much easier when you have sister in laws to contribute and help!! Gotta love Mindie’s Chicken Fajitas and Kathryn’s Chocolate Chip Cookies! Gent Poison (ice cream) is a nice addition as well.

Oh and we got a trampoline. I love Craigslist and all the deals we are able to find through it!

Ellie and Gent playing in a water fountain in Vegas

The latest and greatest

2008-07-30T11:28:00.000-07:00

We've got it. Internet that is. With out it I feel like I'm disconnected from the world. We've actually had it for a week now, but because of all the catch up in other areas of my life, I haven't had a chance to update my blog. So I have a feeling this post will be a long one. I'll try my best catching you up on all the latest and greatest. Buckle up kids. It's going to be a long one. Here goes...

1. Yes we are finally all moved into the house. Only one more project to tackle before I can say I've unpacked every last box. The project? My closet. Because it's the last place anyone (besides my husband and I) look at, it was the last on my list. Today will be the day!!!

2. We've adopted. My Sister Debbie decided she wanted to give us a fantastic home warming gift. It's a dog and the sweetest one ever. Debbie got the dog (Penny) for their family a little over a year ago and decided it needed just a little more attention then they were able to give her. Tim and the kids were ecstatic about it. I had to get myself a little more prepped for the commitment. Now I know why my mom was always so hesitant in letting us bring home animals to keep. They are a lot of work...and mostly for the mothers of the house. I'm glad we have her. She fits in perfectly with our family. Because of all the training Debbie put into Penny before we got her, she is a (almost) perfect house dog.

3. Ellie can now hold her breathe under water. It may only be for a half a second, with only half her head submerged, but that is a big one for her. She took her first round of swim lessons this summer. She was lucky enough to be in the same class as three of her cousins, Taylor, Makayla, and Alyssa.

4.Gent got his first summer time buzz. Not on purpose though. He just couldn't stay still. He started crying when he looked in the mirror, but stopped as soon as his Dad told him he looked like Ang the Avatar. Gent is also getting interested in potty training. Hey anything in that direction is an accomplishment! If you have any suggestions, feel free to share.

5. Zion is a rolling, squealing, smiling, johnny-jump-up maniac. She is just such a joy. Way easier then any baby should be.

6. Tim still loves his job. He just started his first jury trial today. I ran into Judge Lane (Tim's boss) at Church on Sunday and he said that he believes that Tim is the best law clerk they have ever had. Tim said this was a major compliment since Judge lane doesn’t give compliments too freely.

7.I've got my piano! This has always been the first thing I wanted to get when we bought and moved into our first home. Thanks Tim for letting me buy a piano. I really do have one of the best husbands ever.

8. We love our new church ward. Everyone is friendly and we've been given plenty of opportunities to serve already. I've played the piano four times (once in Primary, twice in Relief Society, and once for Sacrament), we've subbed in Nursery twice and gave talks last Sunday. For only being in the ward for four weeks it’s not too bad.

Well that's our latest and greatest in a nutshell.

Click...take a pick

2008-06-11T10:01:00.000-07:00

I love getting new pictures taken of my kids. Not the ones I take, but by the professionals.
We have family pictures scheduled for August in Utah. Will that be enough time to shape up?!!?
Of course I couldn't wait that long to get pictures taken of baby Zion Nicole. Here is the slide show of some of our favorites www.kaseylightenphotography.com/Slideshows/BabyZionSlideshow.exe
They were taken by our Cousin Kacey. It was so fun doing the photo shoot. Zion was in the best of moods up until the last few moments (nap time). Kacey really is talented. Enjoy!

Our new home sweet home

2008-06-07T08:35:00.000-07:00

We did it! We found a home and we love it. We know if it weren't for Heavenly Father hearing our prayers we could have never found such a great deal. We actually found out about the seller accepting our offer two weeks ago, but I decided to wait for better Internet connection to post the pictures and write this post. We close on the 27Th of this month...so only a few more weeks and we can move in. It's been great staying at my brothers house and to be honest we are very comfortable. We've been able to save up money and the company is great!

Here is a little bit about our home. It was built in 2006 and is on a third of an acre lot located in Artesia, one of the first housing developments when you drive into Pahrump from Vegas. It is a four bedroom, three bath, 2500 sq. ft. home. The people who built the home decided to include all the upgrades. I never realized that things such as lighting fixtures could be an upgrade so I'm glad they did. The granite is beautiful, I love the tiling and the extra padding under the carpet is a definite plus. I think my favorite part it the master bath and walk-in closet. The closet in the master bedroom is almost the same size of our children's old bedroom. The tub is amazing. It will be such a luxury on those cold snowy winter nights. Oh yeah...we don't have those here in Nevada. The vaulted shower is just a little smaller then our bathroom was back in Wymount. We really will have more space then we know what to do with, but I'm doing my best to keep my eye out for deals to fill it. My older brother Will and sister Mindie are going to give us their old (but newer) fridge, washer and dryer. We feel very blessed. Check out the slide show above!

Ellie and Gent will miss living with their Cousins, but they are thrilled to be staying here in Pahrump. I can't wait to have Zion in her own room so we can go back to sleeping through the night. We are excited about our new church ward as well. We miss our old neighborhood and community in Provo but we are anxious to be making memories in this new one.

*Oh and Tim is still loving his job! Just last week on Sunday night he said "I would be sad that the weekends over, but I love my job so much that I don't mind."
*I'm getting better with my runs. I've got my 5k down to 36 minutes. My goal is to be down to 32 minutes by the end of this summer. Little by little.

life as you know it....in pahrump

2008-05-19T11:16:00.000-07:00

Okay so I don't have any great pictures to post...scratch that...I don't have ANY pictures to post, but I thought I should make some kind of entry to let the blogging world know that the Sutton family does still exist! My camera accessories that I use to download pictures are all packed up along with 99% of everything else we own in my Oldest brother Will's Garage. SOOOO I can take pictures-I just can't share them. I'm sure all your little hearts are broken not being able to see how we have all changed in the past 4 weeks. I'll do my best to describe. Ellie and Gent are getting darker by the day from all the hours they spend in the sun. Zion is growing like a weed...an extremely Cute weed that is. Tim is the happiest most relaxed he has ever looked without the stresses of school weighing him down. I have lost 30 pounds. Okay that last sentence is a lie. I've been working out like a beast with my sister Mindie almost everyday and I have still got the 30 pounds of pregnancy bulge to lose. I do feel healthier from all the running and weight lifting but the scale hasn't been to generous in letting go of those extra numbers. Oh well, I know eventually it will come. It always does.

Pahrump has been great to us. Tim LOVES his job. Did you notice I capitalized the loves? Almost everyday he comes home saying "I've got the best job...I just love it! It is so fantastic hearing that. It tickles me pink knowing my husband is so pleased. Ellie and Gent love living with cousins and having another set so close by. They think their life is one big party now. Ellie has made friends and a crush (cute little Liam) from church as well. Like I mentioned above Zion is growing a ton. She is so dang chubby compared to her big brother and sister at her age and I love it. She smiles and coos all the time. She has more attention then she knows what to do with. Her Cousin's Ashton, Makayla, and Emily never let her rest when they are around. I have met and made friends with some wonderful people. The members of the Church have been so friendly. The Church of Jesus Christ of latter day Saints is truly the same no matter where you go. It is one big happy family. We do feel extremely welcomed and wanted. I'm excited to get to know everyone better.

Now we are just patiently waiting to hear back about an offer on a house. If we don't get that we'll keep plugging away looking for another. Keep us in your prayers that we'll find one soon, although it's extremely comfortable staying at my Brother Will and sister Mindie's house. No matter how much they say we are not a burden or inconvenience, I'm sure they'll be happy when we find a home too.

Good times reminiscing

2008-04-09T12:23:00.000-07:00

Gent getting a haircut from Uncle Adam

(I swear this kids hair grows five times as fast as mine)

Ellie holding baby Zi-Zi

(She loooooves holding her baby sister, it's one of the first things she asks for in the morning when she gets up)

Daddy-Daughter nap time

Tim is such a great dad!

Today is just one of those days I feel so grateful for my little family. I am trying to catch up on all my scrapbooking and I just love going through pictures and reminiscing on the good times. It's a little overwhelming right now knowing that life is changing and we will no longer be making most of those memories here in Provo, Utah but in Pahrump, Nevada. I am really going to miss this place and all the fun times we have had here. Good thing there is always BYU Football, Education Week, Women’s Conference, and last but not the least in one bit... our FAMILY to draw us back!! I've started packing the boxes, saying my goodbyes to friends, and arranging the moving van. 2 1/2 weeks and we are out of here. I still can't believe we have lived in this little 650 sq. ft., 2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment with no washer or dryer, for over 5 years!! Wymount will always be a fun memory. We've loved our ward and all the friends we have met here. It's comforting to know I’ve got all my closest little friends and bestest big friend moving with me!

Gotta love G.C.

2008-04-07T19:49:00.000-07:00

Sweet little Zion just after nodding off

Notice the pierced ear?

We had such a great weekend watching General Conference (televised conference talks given by our Prophet, apostles, and other church leaders). Of course it's always hard trying to hear it all when you have three restless children wanting your attention, but I have to say we did pretty dang good. There were so many great talks that I hate to say I had favorites, but of course there always are. One talk that really hit home for me was by Sister Cheryl C. Lant. She talked a lot about the importance of family traditions and if they draw us closer to the Savior/Gospel. It really made me think about things I need to implement and also made me think about the things we are already doing. She stated that the only way we can truly be converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ is through the Holy Ghost. So this made me realize once again how important it is to have the spirit in the home and the things we need to do and not do to insure this. I also loved the short, but sweet talk that was given by President Monson at the end. I love his sweet sense of humor and his deep love for our Savior. I am thankful for our New Prophet and his love for all of us.
Last night after we finished Scriptures, Ellie asked Tim if she could share with him a true story. She then went on to tell us the story of Joseph Smith and his experience in trying to find the true church and praying about it in the Sacred Grove. The spirit touched my heart as she was relating this story and it made me realize once again that our children are listening and although they are young they are ready to learn. I love the Gospel and am thankful for Jesus Christ and all he has made possible for me.

One year away from the big Three-Oh

2008-04-03T08:03:00.000-07:00

Rock Canyon Park in Provo

Sunday was my 29Th Birthday and I have to say I was spoiled Royally. We started celebrating on Friday night with Dinner at Toucano's. It is a fantastic Brazilian Restaurant that serves all different kinds of meat and has a huge salad bar. For your birthday they send you a buy one and get one free dinner coupon. Kids 6 and under eat free so our family really can't go wrong. Ellie loves the meat, Gent loves the salad bar, Tim and I just love the whole thing, and Zion reaps the benefits when she nurses! It's all you can eat and I have to say I'm pretty proud of myself. Usually you have to roll me out at the end. But this time I just needed a little shove through the exit. That night Tim let me pick out the movie. Usually I'll pick a high adventure so we are both happy but I felt like a good teen girllie movie. So Sydney White it was. I love Amanda Bynes! She is just so sillingly(I know it's not a word) funny. I loved it and Tim actually enjoyed it too (of course he was doing school work as we watched). Saturday, Tim let me read my book all night long (Pretties by Scott Westerfeld). If you know me well, you know what a present this is. Sunday morning I was surprised by a spread of "Breakfast" on the Kitchen table. Tim always teases me on my breakfast choices. If I had to choose I would always pick a Snickers bar (or any candy) over a "real" breakfast and then usually I complain about my stomach being upset after. He always responds to this by "Hmmm, I wonder why?" For my birthday he covered the table in an assortment of candies. What a way to start the day. I stayed strong and picked cereal over this present. I do have to admit though...ten minutes after finishing breakfast I ate two Reese's cups. Tim and the kids spoiled me with presents. A new frying pan, ear buds (skull candy) for my i-pod, and a gift card to Goldsmith Jewelers. There are stories behind them all...so you'll have to ask me sometime what they are. Church was great. The Primary sang to me and Ellie loved telling others it was my Birthday. Tim let me take a 2 1/2 hour nap after church. Oh, life couldn't have been better. Tim made a fantastic dinner with steak and rice pilaf. Jasmine and Chase joined us and brought a delicious Salad and Banana Cake. To top it off Tim's cousin Charity and the family dropped by earlier with her famous Chocolate cake. So it was Double dessert for us all. Wow What a day! The phone never stopped ringing from all the family and friends calling. I truly count myself blessed to be another year older. I just can't believe that next year I'll be Thirty. Last year my mom got a little confused and told everyone that I was turning thirty (but i was only 28). This year Tim asked me how old I was. I told him 29. He then replied...Weren't you thirty last year?!. He thinks he's so funny.

I don't have any pictures from my birthday but here is a digi scrap page I finished last night. enjoy!

I've done it!!!

2008-03-22T21:26:00.000-07:00

me at age 3

So I've been told by many of people (Mostly my older brother Mike) how I need to start my very own blog...but I've been hesitant. I don't know if it's the intimidation factor or the lazy one. Who knows...but I finally overcame both. Now here I am. This morning if someone had told me I would be doing this tonight, I would have laughed out loud hysterically. Any free time I have (with three kids there's not much) I'm either sleeping or relaxing in the tub reading a good book. Since I wasn't quite ready to head to bed yet and had just gotten out of the tub and put down my book (UGLIES by Scott Westerfeld-thanks to Kelly) I hopped onto the computer to check e-mails. I had an e-mail from a friend that took me to her blog spot and the guilt came flooding back again for not starting one yet. I Know there's no time like the present so here I am. I now commit to journal at least twice a week. I know, not much of a commitment but at least now I can say, I've done it!!