Oh what do you do in the summertime ........

We love to go swimming! We are so glad our good friends the Ramages have been able to go with us.

Ashley, Anna, and Katelynn



Taylor and Lindsey (Can you believe she had a baby 10 days ago!)



Nathan loves the water. I am so paranoid he is going to get a sunburn, I am not used to fair skin kids!



Andrew running away from the camera.

Fourth of July 2009

Wow! We did it all on the 4th of July.

Run in 5K - check
Sell snow cones at parade - check
Sell bottled water at parade - check
Lose Andrew at parade - double check
Family Barbecue - check
Stadium of Fire - check

Of course I did not have my camera, but my wonderful sister-in-law Amy did. Thanks Amy for the pictures! Here is Amanda (Amy's sister), Amy, and me after the race.

I was really happy with how I ran. My time was 23:52, that averages out to about 7:45 miles. I was 31 out of 1100 and 5th in my age division. I even had the opportunity to get my picture with Mark Madsen of the Minnesota Timberwolves.



We ended the night by going to the Stadium Fire. It was great. Glenn Beck was the MC, Shedaisy performed, and the Jonas Brothers closed the show. It was cute to watch Andrew dance to the Jonas Brothers songs. The fireworks were also amazing. Poor Andrew though was terrified, he kept on thinking they were going to land on his head.

Taste of Tuesday - Sweet Cabbage Apple Salad

I am always looking for recipes that my kids will like that have fruits and veggies. This is one of their favorites - Sweet Cabbage Apple Salad. I even have been known to have left overs for a quick breakfast.

Well, I did it! I blogged every day for the month of June. Thanks Leanna for putting out the challenge, it has been a lot of fun for me to post daily.

I just have to include this picture of Nathan. He crawled around the house all afternoon with a rubber band in his mouth. He is a fun kid!

Monday Miracles - We love our dad!

I stole this quiz from friend Poppy's blog. It is fun to see what the kids think about their dad.

1. What is something daddy always says to you?
Anna - Go practice the piano and have you brushed your teeth
Andrew - I love you
2. What makes daddy happy?
Anna - When Andrew and I play together
Andrew - When Anna and I don't fight
3. What makes daddy sad?
Anna - When I hit Andrew or Andrew does something mean to me
Andrew - When I fight with Anna
4. How does your daddy make you laugh?
Anna - Telling me Little Jimmy stories (Danny always tells them a story at bedtime about a kid named Little Jimmy)
Andrew - When he says, "Hot, hot, hot"
5. What was your daddy like as a child?
Anna - He liked to play baseball (What?)
Andrew - He liked GI Joe and Transformers
6. How old is your daddy?
Anna - 32
Andrew - I don't know
7. How tall is your daddy?
Anna - 13 feet (I guess we need to talk about measurement this summer)
Andrew - I don't know - tall
8. What is his favorite thing to do?
Anna - Play basketball
Andrew - Play basketball
9. What does your daddy do when you're not around?
Anna - He is on a business trip
Andrew - Works
10. If your daddy becomes famous, what will it be for?
Anna - Basketball
Andrew - Basketball
11. What is your daddy really good at?
Anna - Basketball
Andrew - Basketball
12. What is your daddy not very good at?
Anna - Doing somersaults
Andrew - Nothing
13. What does your daddy do for a job?
Anna - I don't know (I don't know how you would tell them)
Andrew - I don't know
14.What is your daddy's favorite food?
Anna - Chicken rolls
Andrew - Candy
15.What makes you proud of your dad?
Anna - When he wins a game
Andrew - When he plays basketball good
16. If your daddy were a cartoon character, who would he be?
Anna - Little Jimmy
Andrew - A transformer
17. What do you and your daddy do together?
Anna - Play games
Andrew - Go places
18. How are you and your daddy the same?
Anna - We have brown eyes
Andrew - We both play basketball
19. How are you and your daddy different?
Anna - He is peeling from a sunburn and I am not
Andrew - Daddy's tall and I am medium (I love that Andrew said he was medium)
20. How do you know your daddy loves you?
Anna - He tucks me in bed at night and tells me Little Jimmy stories
Andrew - He tells me
21. What does your daddy like most about your mom?
Anna - That she is a great mom
Andrew - That she is pretty
22. Where is your daddy's favorite place to go?
Anna - Basketball games and visit his family
Andrew - To a friend's house

Spiritual Sunday - Journals

While I was in Casper I found some of my old journals. I am so glad I kept a journal while I was younger. I have been reading my old journals and it has helped me to understand my kids so much more. I went through a lot of the same things they are experiencing. It has also shown me again the importance of recording things from our lives.

It is also fun to see the things I would write about. Here is a sample of something I wrote when I was 10 and shows that I loved sports even at a young age:

"Today was the Super Bowl! The 49ers killed the Bronco's 55 to 10! John Elway was playing bad while Joe Montana was unstoppable. It was a great game."

It is also fun to see how my testimony has grown and neat to show my kids my testimony when I was a kid.

Super Saturday

This morning was the Provo children's parade. The library always have the kids come and walk/ride bikes in their summer reading T-shirts for the library entry. Danny took the kids and took some shots with his IPhone.

Then this evening we met up with some of our friends from the MBA program (Widdisons, Ramages, and Wrights) for a dinner in the park. I am so grateful Danny came back to get his MBA. We were able to make such great friends.

Then on a totally unrelated note, here is a picture of Danny and Nathan my sister in law took from the family reunion. Everyone was playing Rock Band and they both zonked out.

Fantasic Friday - Look who's 30!

Today, I am 30 years old. I can't believe my parents have a 30 year old, they are way to young to have a kid that old!

This morning when I came back from the gym, Anna surprised me with a party she planned all by herself. I would not be surprised if she is a party planner when she grows up, she loves to organize parties.

Anna at her party station. This is where she kept everything for the party.



It is not a party without decorations.



This is my goody bag - an apple, fruit cup, and a bracelet. Nathan got cheerios and a party hat. Andrew got a nectarine, a party hat, and a jolly rancher. Danny got an apple, party hat, and jolly rancher. Where was my candy? I have my kids fooled that I never eat candy.



Here is Anna handing out one of the activities, a dinosaur puzzle.



Andrew was quite impressed with the party - he said it was one of the best he has ever attended. I am glad he enjoyed it!

Thursday Thoughts

How much fun is it to be a kid?

Workout Wednesday - Yoga

I wish I could do more yoga. I always feel so good after I have done it, but I really don't have enough time right now to add it to my exercise regime. I found a great site though that has multiple yoga videos that are under 10 minutes. Now, whenever I have a couple minutes I can fit in some yoga. I really like the yoga for runners, it really stretches tight hips.

Taste of Tuesday - Green Smoothies

I have joined the green smoothie bandwagon. They are so delicious and good for you too. I don't have an exact recipe I usually just throw in whatever greens, fruit, and liquid I have around. You can type in green smoothie in google to get a lot of different ideas on the Internet.

This is one I made for the kids and Danny (I usually put in more spinach in my mine). It had the following: pomegranate juice, spinach, blueberries, grapes, apples, oranges, and bananas.

Anna who is a very, very picky eater loves these smoothies.



Andrew on the other hand will eat anything, so I am glad it is nutritious.



Babies also love them and yes I am feeding him on the kitchen floor - it was one of those days!

Monday Miracles - Garden

Nothing beats fresh fruits and vegetables. I love when I can eat a fruit/vegetable straight off the plant.

The house in Provo has a great garden. My parents came in the spring and helped us get everything ready. They even transplanted some strawberries from their garden to put in the garden. Luckily, my parents know what they are doing or I am sure the garden would be disaster without their expert advice.

The lowest level with carrots, pumpkin, spaghetti squash, and cantaloupe. Two years ago I planted cantaloupe and got a really good crop. You would not believe how good it tastes fresh. I hope I get another good crop this year.

The second level we let my brother and his wife use. They planted a salsa garden with peppers, tomatoes, and onions. The thought of homemade salsa is making my mouth water.

The third level with zucchini and corn. I love my zucchini!

The fourth level is where we transplanted the strawberries. They are doing really good. We are even getting some fruit which is amazing. I still remember as a little girl sitting by our strawberry patch and eating the strawberries.

Spiritual Sunday - Happy Father's Day

I have been so fortunate in my life to have a wonderful father. He is such a great example to me. I know he is always there for me. He has taught me so many things and is still teaching me.

I also have a great husband who is also a great dad too. I am so glad my children have a dad that loves them and wants the best for them.

I am also grateful for my Heavenly Father. He makes everything possible and I know that He will give me anything that I need. He loves me with a perfect love.

Super Saturday

We had another day of reunion fun with my dad's family. My dad has 3 sisters and all their families were able to make it except for one cousin who was closing escrow on a house.

The day started with basketball at the church. We then had a brunch at my cousin Angie's house. Danny then went shot gun shooting and I took the kids swimming. We then went to my cousin Angie's daughter's baptism. We then had a barbecue at our house. Tomorrow, Jason will speak at church and we will drive back to Provo. I don't know if I want to go back after being gone for 2 1/2 weeks.

The spliter dog competition - my dad gets these special hot dogs that split open when they get really hot. Everyone picks a hot do that they think will split first and then cheer it on.

The prize table - my dad loves to have competitions to give out tickets and then draw tickets for prizes. Our family ended up with a camp chair, board game, high school musical toy, and a transformer toy. Andrew was in heaven when he won the transformer toy (good thing we have a good relationship with the guy who gives out the prizes).

Photos from Friday

Here are some photos documenting Friday's family reunion:

Getting ready to play putt putt



Anna was quite "focused"



Group shot

You have to get a picture by the mine cart

Nathan loving the swing

Having fun on the slide

Part of the golf group

My Grandpa Despain

Fantastic Friday - Let the fun begin

I was lying in bed about to go to bed, when I remembered - I have to do my blog! Since I really should be sleeping I will give a quick recap of the day.

Our family reunion started today. At 1:00 there was golf or putt putt golf. Danny participated in the golf and the kids went with my mom for putt putt and I stayed home with a sleeping baby. I then met up with the kids at the park when Nathan woke up. We then did another barbecue/volleyball at the park. I think the highlight was my Aunt Debbie and Uncle Jim colliding during volleyball. It was definitely an America's Funniest Home Videos moment.

Alright, I am off to sleep. Danny thinks I am crazy that I am posting, but I have to get my post a day for June. :)

Thursday Thoughts - Milestones for Nathan

Nathan has reached some milestones since we have been in Casper. He started crawling and his first tooth has popped through. I can't believe he is already 7 months. Seriously, where does the time go?

I still can't believe he has blue eyes. I think they could still change to green, so I guess only time will tell.

Workout Wednesday - Foam Rollers

I love foam rollers. I think everyone that pounds there body through exercise should have one. About 2 years ago, I thought I may have to stop running from severe knee pain. My quads were causing the pain from being too tight. I tried several different stretches, but nothing would relax my quads.

I then saw a foam roller at the gym and did some research and found that you can use it like a deep tissue massage for your muscles. I rolled on my quads and boy did it hurt, but it was a good hurt. I have had no more problems with sore knees or tight quads. You can roll it on any part of your body. It is great.

You can also use the roller for strength and balance moves. I love the foam roller so much, I got one for my dad as an early Father's Day present.

Taste of Tuesday - Fruit Pizza

Growing up my mom would make whatever we requested for a birthday cake. By far my most requested "birthday cake" was fruit pizza.

Fruit Pizza

Crust:
1 cup butter softened
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp almond extract
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cream of tartar

Mix butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Blend in flour, soda, and cream of tartar. Cover; chill 2 to 3 hours. Roll dough to 3/16 inch thick. Cut into circles for individual pizzas or put on a lightly greased pizza pan for a large fruit pizza.
Bake 8 - 10 minutes or until light brown on edge. (This time is for the individual pizzas, add 5 to 10 more minutes for a large pizza).

Cool

Sauce:
8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Mix together until smooth.

Spread on cooled cookie crust and top with fruit: Pineapple, mandarin oranges, bananas, kiwies, grapes, strawberries, etc.

Glaze:
1 cup orange juice
1/4 cup lemon juice
dash salt
3/4 cup water
3 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 cup sugar

Mix in sauce pan and cook over medium heat till mixture boils and thickens. Cool. Drizzle on top of fruit pizza.

You can omit the glaze if you want - it still tastes great.

Monday Miracles

We experienced quite the adventure tonight. We went to the base of Casper Mountain to a place called Garden Creek Falls with some other families in my parents ward. Everyone brought their own dinner (we brought foil dinners and smores - yummy).

Just as we were beginning to make and have our smores, a deputy from the sheriff's department came in his truck and told us we had to leave immediately. We couldn't even clean up our stuff - he told us to leave the park and we could come back for all our things a little bit later.

We had parked the van away from where everyone was eating and the deputy didn't even want us to go back for it, so Danny, Anna, Andrew, and Jason jumped in the bed of someone's truck and myself, Nathan, and my mom sat in the little back seat of the same truck. As we were leaving I turned around to make sure my kids were alright and I saw the deputy put on his bullet proof vest!

We then exited the park and got out wondering what was going on and when we could get back to our things. Someone heard that there was a jumper and that was why they were clearing the park and we could see ambulances waiting at the end of the road. Another deputy then came and wanted to know what we were doing just standing on the road. We told him what the other deputy told us and he said to have one person go back and get all our things and to have Danny go with him to get our car.

A couple of minutes later Danny came back with the car and the other guy came back, but with none of our stuff. The deputies had the area where we had dinner all blocked off and wouldn't let them grab our things. Danny said he heard that the jumper had a gun, so that is all that we know so far.

Hopefully, I will have an update tomorrow and we will have all our things back.

Some happy kids at the base of the falls before the craziness began.

Spiritual Sunday

Some things to think about:

Nothing is going to startle us more when we pass through the veil to the other side than to realize how well we know our Father and how familiar His face is to us. – President Ezra Taft Benson

To reach a goal you have never before attained, you must do things you have never before done. - Richard G. Scott

The Word of Wisdom does not promise you perfect health, but it teaches how to keep the body you were born with in the best condition and your mind alert to delicate spiritual promptings. - Boyd K. Packer

Almost every day brings opportunities to perform unselfish acts for others. Such acts are unlimited and can be as simple as a kind word, a helping hand, or a gracious smile. - James E. Faust

True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. - Boyd K. Packer