Going Family's Simple Joys

Pictures of Little E

2010-08-20T20:56:00.001-07:00

I am trying to go through alot of pictures that we've taken that last couple of months. I thought I should at least post a few updated pictures of our new little man. He is now 2 1/2 months old.

Pregnancy Update…

2010-05-26T12:06:00.000-07:00

I’m not really sure how far along I am, because my due date keeps changing. Here is what I mean…

June 2 – by my calculations
June 10 – by the ultrasound we had yesterday at the hospital
June 16 – by the 20 week ultrasound done at the hospital
June 18 – by my doctor at my first appointment using her ultrasound machine

I’ve been having contractions, but I am not really in labor. Maybe it is either false labor or Braxton Hicks. Either way, my doctor wanted an ultrasound to double check that the baby is okay. The baby passed its Baby Profile Test with flying colors. (And the baby is still a boy!)

Now that we are getting closer to having this little one join our family, my only hope and prayer is that he comes healthy and after Morgan’s birthday tomorrow.

Bountiful Baskets

2010-05-08T10:32:00.000-07:00

I wasn't going to take another picture of Bountiful Baskets, but this week was a really good one.

I was able to get...

romaine lettuce
5 green bell peppers
11 oranges
a bunch of spinach
1 watermelon
green cauliflower?
4 Roma tomatoes
7 mangoes
7 bananas
a bag of Braeburn apples
6 ears of corn

All for $16.50!

For my friends and family in Washington, I've noticed they have some sites in Spokane. You need to sign up on Tuesday and then you can go get your basket on Saturday. I would recommend a cooler for the yummy fruits and veggies.

Woke up this morning to find this...

2010-05-06T12:14:00.000-07:00

It is really hard to get the motivation to get ready for the baby when it is snowing in May. I have 6 weeks to go before I have a summer baby! I am really itching to setup the crib and wash baby clothes, but the snow is throwing me off. I think this year, we are going to skip spring altogether. Hopefully we will get our garden planted before the baby comes.

Pinewood Derby

2010-04-29T20:27:00.001-07:00

Kevan had his very first Pinewood Derby. This car was his design. He decided the shape, color, and decals.

This was one of 8 races. He won of course.

After all the races, they put on a loop on the track. Kevan's couldn't get his car to make it all the way around. (My dad would cringe if any of his sons' cars did this)

Yes, the youngest and newest cub scout won 1st Place!

This is the computer final results. Kevan and his good friend and neighbor, Caleb, had quite the battle for 1st place. All the cubs did great!

Preschool Science Project

2010-04-29T20:20:00.001-07:00

Wyatt's preschool is taking turns showing off a science experiment. He wanted to make a "baking soda volcano". So with a little bit of water, vinegar, and baking soda in root beer bottle, you have a "baking soda volcano".

My opinion is that if you can make an exploding mess, the kids will love it.

Easter 2010

2010-04-06T14:24:00.001-07:00

It's not Easter without coloring eggs.

The Easter Bunny visits our home on Saturday. We did most of the festivities inside due to the snow. Even though it is "spring". I can handle this kind of snow, because it is usually gone by the afternoon.

Kevan likes his Easter Treats.

So does Wyatt.

Morgan really likes her ballerina tutu!

Spring Break 2010

2010-04-06T13:44:00.000-07:00

For Spring Break, we decided to do a day trip to SLC instead of a week long trip. First we headed to the Dinosaur Museum in Ogden.

Morgan and her "pink" dinosaur.

A dinosaur Wyatt was able to touch!

Morgan

Kevan

Wyatt

Next, we hit the Aerospace Museum at Hill Air force Base. We've been here before, but it's been a while. The way the kids acted, you would have thought it was the very first time. Very cute.

Wyatt next a to a plane with the Jolley Roger! My little pirate!

What a big tire.

Wyatt in a pilot chair.

Morgan in a pilot chair.

What a cute bunch!

Chuck E. Cheese! The kids have been wanting to go to one for quite some time. Unfortunately, the closest ones are in Boise or SLC. If you've been to one, you've been to them all. The food still isn't that great, but the kids didn't care.Kevan and Morgan playing a shooting game.

I'm really not sure what Wyatt is doing, but he is sure having a great time.

Morgan

Happy Birthday Kevan!

2010-03-04T08:46:00.000-08:00

Happy 8th Birthday to my little man, Kevan. This day and weekend is full of Birthday Celebration. Today includes a quick party at school with some fun treats. Then after school we are all off to a pizza place called Leo's. They have arcade games and a huge room of play structure things to climb on and slide down and jump on. Tomorrow, Grandma and Grandpa are coming into town. Saturday is baptism day complete with a lunch with friends and family. Sunday is when he gets recognized by the bishop as the newest member of the ward.

Happy Birthday, Kevan! Let the Celebration Begin!

This picture was taken a few weeks ago for "Crazy Hair Day" at school.

My Little Scout

2010-03-03T20:25:00.000-08:00

Shawn caught these pictures of Wyatt. He had his backpack full of plastic food and was rolling up his blanket like a sleeping bag and stuffed it between him and his backpack.

And then he went "camping" in the forest.
This kid cracks me up!

Happy Birthday!

2010-02-24T20:05:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to wish my best friend a Happy Birthday! He is such a gorilla at heart!

Bountiful Baskets

2010-02-20T15:37:00.000-08:00

Just got another bountiful basket. I had a little trouble getting it all in the picture. Here is what I got...

lettuce
10 bananas
5 Asian brown pears
grape tomatoes
a butternut squash
2 bunches of broccoli
5 navel oranges
celery
8 cameo apples
4 pummelos
8 sweet potatoes
2 bags of baby carrots

All this for $16.50. It is about $50 worth of produce. I love that we are eating more fruits and vegetables at a great price.

I can't get the link to work, but check out bountifulbaskets.org to see if you have a site near you.

Morning Surpise

2010-02-20T15:31:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week it snowed over night. In the morning when I opened the window to see if the bus was at the bus stop yet, I found this note outside the window.

I have a very sweet husband who thinks of me just before heading to work at 4:45 in the morning! I love this guy!

Update

2010-02-16T10:04:00.001-08:00

It's been a while, so I thought I would update you all and let you know what we've been up to.

Here is a recent picture of the kids.

Morgan came down with croup right before Christmas and just hasn't been well ever since. Croup was coming back every other weekend. The cough and running nose never went away and the fever was off and on every 5-6 days. So when she complained that her ear was hurting her two weeks ago, I jumped at the chance to take her and get some antibiotics to kick whatever this was out to the curb. So, we get to the doctor's and of course no ear infection. But she had positive signs of pneumonia. 10 days later...no cough, no running nose, no fever, and no croup. Yay!!

Here is Morgan being so good at taking her pink medicine. She said that it tasted like strawberries. (I had the medicine flavored with grape, but we all went along with the strawberry story.)

Kevan participated in the South Eastern Idaho Regional Chess Tournament, which happened to be held at his school. He took 6th in the 2nd Grade Novice Division.
Kevan with his trophy!

Other stuff...
-Wyatt is learning sight words in his preschool. It is so rewarding to see it click in their heads that letters all of a sudden create words!
-It's a boy! Due about June 18th. (doctor says 18th, ultrasounds says 16th, and I say 11th)
-Still couponing and loving it. Shawn doesn't care for the 5 Sunday papers we get each week. Especially when I am slow taking them to be recycled.
-Getting ready for Kevan's 8th birthday. Baptism is March 6th. And then there is cub scouts to get ready for too. This just might be the most expensive birthday yet!
-Loving our Dish DVR.
-I've been sick with a cold the last 6 days. Thank you Morgan and Wyatt!

This is our update. I'm sure there will be a lot more to come.

Looking for a Laptop?

2009-11-19T12:22:00.000-08:00

I went out of my way to get a coupon voucher for $70 off a Dell Laptop, which I planned to get for Shawn for Christmas. But then he sadly informed me that he has his eye on a different Laptop and it's not a Dell. So, if anyone in interested...I have a coupon good for either a Dell Inspiron or a Dell Studio Laptop. You have to buy online and it will save you $70! Coupon is good until Jan. 15, 2010. I really don't want a good coupon to go to waste.

Our Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, when Mom and Dad were here, they gave us a sign (with the help of my brother Drew) to put in the front of our home where we have our pumpkins growing. We have gotten a lot of compliments.

A few days later in the week(Sept. 30), it snows!! It wasn't a lot of snow, but it was Snow!!

Wyatt insisted on playing in the snow. I had to remind him that it wasn't snowman building time yet. Morgan thinks that Santa is coming.

We have trees!!

2009-10-02T13:31:00.000-07:00

We got some trees for a really good deal at The Home Depot, so planted we them. One in the back yard and one in the front yard. We are not green thumbs by any means, but they came with a one year warranty, so why not. (We planted at the beginning of September)

Shawn doing most, okay all, of the work.

Back yard Elm tree

Front yard Mt. Fuji Cherry Blossom tree.

Now let's see if they survive our not so green thumbs.

Back to School (I know I'm late!)

2009-10-01T11:14:00.000-07:00

Kevan started school on August 24th. I can't believe he is in the 2nd grade!

Wyatt started preschool on September 2nd. It is a preschool out of a home. It is ran by two of my friends that each still have a younger child at home. So I watch both of their children 1 day a week during preschool. They have 2 other moms that do it on the other preschool days. It feels like a play date for Morgan and I get a tremendous discount on preschool tuition. And Wyatt is having so much fun and learning a lot.

Bear World

2009-09-10T07:54:00.000-07:00

(Sorry, several posts to read through)

While Shawn and I were celebrating our Anniversary, Shawn's parents took the kids over night and had a fun day at Bear World.

2009-09-09T20:18:00.000-07:00

Shawn is officially a college student again!! Shawn has just been accepted to the University of Idaho to their Masters of Engineering Management Program.

Go Vandals!

Shawn's 50 Mile Hike

2009-09-09T19:43:00.000-07:00

Shawn is the varsity coach and he took his scouts 50 miles thru Yellowstone during the summer. They were gone for 4 days. What a great experience!

Another Thrifty Deal!

2009-07-24T13:07:00.000-07:00

I love the Ammon Albertson's. Right now they are having a Dr. Pepper Sale. Buy $20 worth of any kind of Dr. Pepper and get a $10 Catalina "On You Next Purchase." Also, Coke is having a deal that if you buy 2 cases of soda, you get 2 free. My Ammon store will only let each customer buy 8 cases of Dr. Pepper per day. Below is a picture of my trip this morning. Before tax, it would have cost me $70.45. I paid $13.49 with tax.

You can do this too. Get 8 cases of Dr. Pepper (regular, diet, caffeine free, and Cherry Vanilla) for $5.29 each. (2 separate transactions)

Pay $10.58 + tax out of pocket for the 1st transaction.

Next buy the other 4 and use $10 Catalina and pay $.58 + tax. Plus you get another $10 Cat.

Also right now, Albertson's is having a buy $10 worth of select items you get $3 off instantly.

I got 2 sparkle paper towels, 2 Angel soft toilet paper, and 3 Playtex disposable gloves for FREE.

This is how:

2 Sparkle Paper Towels - $1.00 each

2 Angel Soft toilet paper 4 pk- $2.50 each

3 Playtax Disposable Gloves - $1.00 each

Get $3 off instantly

Use (2) $2/1 Angel Soft/Sparkle found at pinchingyourpennies.com

Use (3) $1/1 Playtex Gloves from SS 5/3

= FREE + tax.

My Thrifty Deal

2009-07-15T21:05:00.000-07:00

Amy inspired me to take a picture of my most resent deal at Albertson's. Before taxes and discounts, it would have cost me $42.20. But I got all this for $3.46 including tax!!

I love getting deals like this!

Random Summer Fun and 4th of July

2009-07-15T20:42:00.000-07:00

In June, we were able to see a B-17 Flying Fortress. It was only here for a few days then it was off to another airport in another state. It was an amazing museum with wings.

You had to pay to go in, so being as thrifty as I was, I opted not to go in, but everyone else did. Plus, I think Morgan was free!

Here we visited the Titanic Exhibit. When we received our tickets, we also received a boarding pass of actual passengers. At the end we found out if any of our people were survivors. All but 1 person survived. A great exhibit if you ever have a chance to go.

Outside the museum

Waiting for the parade to start. Shawn go up at 4:30 in the morning to stake out our spots. It was a little sunny, but a great spot at the beginning to the parade route.

Morgan

Kevan

Wyatt

After the parade, we somehow started a tradition to eat lunch at Olive Garden. It is the only time we take the kids to Olive Garden all year.

Later that day for dinner, we had a BBQ at our place with the family and then heading over to Grandpa and Grandma Going's place for fireworks. The have a huge driveway that is perfect for our big show.

Morgan Turns 2

2009-07-02T21:24:00.000-07:00

Sorry this post is a month late, but here is the latest on our little 2 year old.

I'm not as good as Shana, but this was my attempt to make a cute "flower" cake for Morgan.

Fathers and Sons Camping and Preschool Graduation

2009-06-11T08:48:00.000-07:00

Here is an update on what happened to us during the month of May. First off was Fathers and Sons Camp out. The boys had a great time.

Here is poor Wyatt. He received a few war wounds while having a great time camping. The first wound was under his left eye when he walked into someone carrying firewood (he probably deserved that one). The second one was on the other eye. A friend was swing a stick around that was smoking from being in the fire, he was poked in the eye. He burned his eye lid and singed his eye lashes. The third accident happened to his nose. He was accidentally hit with firewood while it was being put in a pile. Poor guy had a gushing bloody nose for a while. The after math left him with a swollen nose for a few days. But if you ask him if he had a good time, he would answer with an enthusiastic "Yes!"

A few days later was Preschool Graduation. He had a great time, but I am so glad he has one more year to learn more things to be kindergarten ready.

Strawberry Freezer Jam

2009-06-07T15:23:00.000-07:00

Even though our summer activities are in full swing, I found some time this weekend to make Strawberry Freezer Jam. A lot easier than I thought it would be. Strawberries were a 5 STAR deal at our WinCo. $2.98 for 4 lbs.!!! I had to take advantage. Now Shawn is asking for Huckleberry Jam. Maybe I will if they are at the farmer's market...

Last Day of School Surprise!!

2009-05-30T13:36:00.000-07:00

This Friday was Kevan last day of school. On this last day of school they had a field day/game day. Little did I know that one of the games was a fishing pond. The sneaky part was that even if you didn't catch a fish, they gave one to you anyway.

So Kevan walks in the a huge smile (he's been begging for a pet of any kind) and this fish already named Goldy.

So we ran to Wal-Mart and got a fish bowl (the last one), fish food, rocks, and a catching net. While we were there we ran into a classmate of Kevan's who was also there to get fish things. We have now invested $11 in the surprise pet. I hope he lasts the weekend.

Happy Mother's Day to My Mom

2009-05-10T15:11:00.000-07:00

I just want to thank my mom for being my mom. My mom has so many skills that I can only dream about obtaining. My mom is terrific teacher, artist, gardener, and friend.

My mom once told me that she took some soup to a family who was going through some tough times and found that no one was home. So she put the pot of soup on the stove and noticed the sink was full of dishes and so she did them. And of course denied it after words when her friend questioned everyone she knew.

My mom loves to garden and you can tell by looking at her front yard. Her back yard lacks the space for a full garden of veggies, so she has made an art of growing food in buckets and planters. Amazing!

I often tell people who want me to join their preschool co-op or joy school, "I'm not a teacher, but my mom is." She has always had a love of learning and teaching others what she as learned. She went back to school to get her Teaching Degree at age 40 and then went on to receive her Masters. Incredible!

My mom is an amazing artist. She is incredibly creative. So is my Aunt Sandy. Thanks to my mom and her sister and, of course dad, my brothers and I have artistic blood in us.

I can honestly say that I understand my mother more and more as I raise my own children. Growing up with 5 brothers was mostly a lot of fun, but then again I wasn't the mom raising us either. And now that I have children, I wonder how my mom survived those early years of 4 children under the age of 5.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!!

Wyatt makes me laugh!

2009-05-05T13:18:00.000-07:00

Even when I get upset with him.

A few Saturdays ago, Shawn was gone camping with his scouts, so I thought it would be fun to take the kids to a Thomas the Tank Engine party at Toys R Us.

The party was basically an advertisement for Thomas toys. So they had conductor hats for the kids to color and some freebies. But as I was trying to keep an eye on Morgan (who didn't want to do the craft and was hoarding all the crayons) I realized that Wyatt didn't want any part in this party. He wanted to wonder the store and find toys to buy with money he didn't have. So I was very happy when it was time to leave.

When we got home, Wyatt asked if they were good at the store so they could go the park later. I said forget it because he kept disappearing on me while at Toys R Us. Of course this statement just broke his little heart and with tears in his eyes he said, "But mom, I wasn't doing any magic!"

Let's just say we ending up going the park later that day.

Belated Easter HIghlights

2009-05-05T13:07:00.001-07:00

This year the boys both got brand new bikes for Easter.

It may not be the Cox Easter Hunt, but the Goings sure know how to seek out eggs too. Here is Grandpa Going give last minute instructions on how the hunt is suppose to go. I'm not sure too many of the grand kids were listening.

It was a little cold outside so we all went inside to go through the baskets full of loot.

Easter Sunday

Spring Break 2009

2009-04-12T15:28:00.000-07:00

This year we thought it would be fun to do something different this Spring break. So we decided to take a family trip to Arizona to see Grandpa and Grandma Edgar. This would be the first time that they would meet Wyatt and Morgan. We also made time to see Chris and Erin and cousins and also a Dinosaur museum in Utah at Thanksgiving point. Here are some highlights...

On our 1st travel day, we stopped at Scipio, UT. This the childhood town of Shawn's mom. In the background is building with a green roof. It was the store owned by Shawn's mom's dad.

Kevan is sitting on a rock with a bunch of dinosaur footprints. We are at Moqui Cave just outside of Kanab, UT.

Wyatt - Moqui Cave

Morgan - Moqui Cave

Family picture - Moqui Cave

Sunday dinner with new cousins. Wyatt, Kevan, Mia, Rendon, and Emily in the front.

More family pictures with family we met for the first time.

Tuzigoot National Monument, just outside of Clarkdale, Az.

Tuzigoot - At the top

A dwelling built in wall overlooking Montezuma Well. Pretty Cool. This is near Verde Valley, Az.

Montezuma Well

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Montezuma Castle

Grandma, Morgan, Kevan, Wyatt, and Grandpa

Hoover Dam - The kids liked seeing the water through this "window".

High Climber statue at Hoover Dam.

Posing at the Las Vegas hotel.

We visited the Bass Pro Shop in Las Vegas. They had a real stuffed giraffe. This place was really fun to see.

Carousel ride at the Outlet Mall in Las Vegas.

Thanksgiving Point, Lehi, UT

What a handsome guy!!

Morgan's new sunglasses and more than ready to head home.

We had a great time, but now it is time to get back to life and our daily routine.

Happy Birthday to my Mom!

2009-04-09T20:51:00.000-07:00

I hope you have a great day!

Belated Pictures of Kevan's Birthday

2009-04-08T19:40:00.000-07:00

Back in March, Kevan turned 7 years old and had a fun party to celabrate the big day.

While we waited for all the guests to arrive, we made paper airplanes. These are their creations.

Then we played the classic game of trying to pop the balloon that is attached to someone's ankle, while protecting your own. These boys are pretty competive, so it was kind of a long game.

Next we played the mummy game with toilet paper. They had to start all over if the toilet paper broke. They did pretty good!

Next was pinata time.

Kevan asked for a Scooby Doo Mystery Machine Cake for his birthday. He insisted that the cake be chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. So this is my attempt.

I'm glad he liked it.

Just For Fun

2009-03-16T19:47:00.000-07:00

Pretty funny! My relief socity president shared this with us on our ward blog.

Happy Birthday Shawn!!!

2009-02-27T13:39:00.001-08:00

Instead of a birthday cake, Shawn requested a Banana Cream Pie for his birthday treat. Good thing for him, I make good Banana Cream Pie!

Happy Birthday to the Greatest Husband, Father, Varsity Leader, Engineer, Son, Brother, Brother-in-Law, and Friend.

Happy Birthday Grandpa Edgar!

2009-02-16T12:24:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to tell my Grandpa Edgar Happy Birthday! We can't wait to come and visit you and grandma this March.

Just An Update

2009-02-12T11:17:00.000-08:00

After talking with Jodie yesterday, I thought I should update everyone one on what is going on with us. It's really not big stuff, but it is our stuff.

I am still making bread. In fact, I haven't bought bread in the store since December. I had heard that whole wheat bread doesn't make good french toast so I made some white bread and the best french toast ever! With the rest of the white bread I made cheese toast to go with our spaghetti last night. The other night I made pizza. I usually make it with regular flour. But this time a made it with a flour mixture that was created by Cornell University. I guess unbleached white flour replaces 3 to 5 of the 25 nutrients discarded with the bran and germ. But if you will take a 1 cup measure and add 1 T. each of wheat germ, soy flour (sorry dad and grandma), and powdered milk, then fill it up with flour. This will give you a nutritional content similar to whole wheat, but you are missing the fiber part. So I did this with the pizza crust and it worked! With the wheat germ it kind of looks like whole wheat, but it tasted just like my regular pizza. And it was better for us!

Shawn has started a new position at work. He has been asked to be part of the design team to build a new building to house spend fuel from aircraft carriers. It is still pretty new, so I'm not sure if he likes it or hates it. I'll keep you posted.

I'm trying to find a preschool for Wyatt next year. His current teacher teaches preschool in the morning and Kindergarten in the afternoon. And next year she will go full time to Kindergarten. I want him to go the school district's preschool, but it is really hard to get in. And it is $50. If I can't get him in there then I may have to pay $70 - $75. Joy School or a co-op is not an option. I am not a teacher!

Kevan is doing awesome in school. He is excelling in Accelerated Reading and Accelerated Math. Math is probably his favorite. He has just over 40 AR points. That is about 80 books that he has read since the beginning of the year. What To Go!

In March, Shawn is going to Utah State to a Career Fair to recruit for his company. We are all going with him. We are going to a day early and are going to spend some time in Salt Lake City and celebrate Kevan's birthday. Plus the hotel is on the company and some of the gas. It will be a fun break in the middle of the week.

Shawn and I are still running and training for this summer. 5K here we come! I am excited on the weight I am losing and the strength I've been gaining. My legs, back, and stomach are so strong. I'm sure every one knows that I am not the athletic type so this huge for me. I can run 1.25 miles without stopping or slowing down to recover. For the nonathletic type like me, that is a big deal! My goal to run the entire 5K without stopping to recover.

So we are still alive and more updates to come...

No More Brothers and Sisters?!

2009-01-25T20:43:00.000-08:00

Today at church I had an interesting conversation with Wyatt while we were waiting for Sacrament Meeting to begin. This is how it went...

Wyatt: Mom, who are your mom and dad?

Me: Grandma and Grandpa Cox are my parents.

Wyatt: Who are your brothers?

Me: Uncle Chris, Uncle Brent, Uncle Bryce, Uncle Drew, and Uncle Jeff.

Wyatt: Who are your sisters?

Me: I don't have any sisters.

Wyatt: Are you going to get any sisters?

Me: I don't think Grandma Cox wants to have any more kids. So probably not.

Wyatt: Oh.

Cool Glasses

2009-01-25T20:28:00.000-08:00

Kevan and his new glasses!! Doesn't he look great!

Shortly after the school year started, his teacher noticed that he keep getting up to get closer to the white board when the class was asked to copy things into their planner. He would constantly get up and look at the board then go back to his seat to write down what he remembered then he would get up again. If he didn't finish in time for recess, then he would ask to stay in to finish his writing. Right away his teacher and I knew something wasn't right. So the school did an eye test on him and he passed, but "squinted quite a bit." So I finally got around to taking him to the eye doctor. And here is the result. He needs them all the time except for reading up close like a book.

He really likes them and so do his friends. The other day they were playing a new game in PE with plastic hockey sticks. A lot of his friends in class were concerned for Kevan and his new glasses. How cute is that?!

Homemade Bread

2009-01-13T13:08:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I decided my pantry needed a deep cleaning and reorganization. I came across several bags of Bread Flour that expires at the end of the month. So I decided I needed to make bread. I usually make bread in the breadmaker, so this was the first time I made bread the manual way, but it actually tastes pretty good. I'm still working on making them look good. My family is supporting me and devouring the bread one slice at a time. I'm going to make a little each day until I either run out of flour or the end to the month comes. This is 50% whole wheat bread and I hope it freezes well. I freeze store bought bread, so why would this be any different?

Running View

2009-01-13T13:00:00.000-08:00

Shawn noticed that while I ran on the treadmill, I was looking at a blank blue wall. To my credit, I do have an MP3 player. So Shawn created this wall of quotes to read while I run. I love the one in the middle. It keeps me going to the very end.

What a day!

2009-01-06T13:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was quite the day. It all started when all the kids were awake before the alarm went off. This is usually a tip off that I am going to be grumpy for the rest of the day. I got Kevan off to the bus, but he nearly missed it because the bus was early. (There should be rules against school buses for being early!) I got Wyatt and his friend, Tommy, to preschool right on time. But I wasn't home very long when I got a call from his teacher saying that Wyatt has had a bloody nose for the last 15 minutes. So gathered up Morgan and some extra clothes and went back to the preschool. The nose thing had stopped by then, but he needed a change of clothes. Then things were pretty normal until right before naptime. I get a call from Kevan's school saying that Kevan needed some new pants. So we all got back into the car to rescue Kevan. Finally we get back home and Morgan is asleep in her carseat. I get her to bed, but of course she wakes up. I was tired, so let her cry it out while I convinced Wyatt that a nap would be a really good idea. Finally, they are both in bed and quiet, I decide I've got enough time to run a couple of miles on the treadmil before Kevan comes home from school. I haven't ran in a while and guess what? I hurt my toe. But despite all of the unexpected events, I was still able to say my daily prayers, make my bed, read my scriptures, have family scripture study, family home evening, and family prayer. It goes to show that if you make time for spiritual things, you will still have time to deal with life.

Winter Fun

2009-01-04T20:37:00.000-08:00

While we were on Winter Break we decided to have some fun with all that snow.

What a cute snow family!

Here is Morgan sledding down our snow pile.

Wyatt's turn down our hill.

Here is Shawn and Morgan taking a break from all that snowman building.

Kevan's turn down the snow pile.

Christmas Eve Surprise!

2008-12-27T12:00:00.001-08:00

While wrapping presents on Christmas Eve, Shawn gives me a rolled up piece of paper and tells me to read it and do what is says. Then for the next several minutes I am following instructions and clues taking me all over the house. Finally the last clue takes me to the Christmas tree to an ornament that opens up to have these beautiful pearl earrings inside. Isn't he sweet? I am so blessed to have Shawn in my life.

Christmas Morning at the Going Home

2008-12-27T11:46:00.000-08:00

Morgan with her baby stroller and munching on a cookie that Santa didn't finish.

Santa gave the family some games, a Wii, and a shark tent. The kids like the tent the most while Shawn likes the Wii the most.

Wyatt looking over his books.

Kevan playings his newest video game. He wouldn't even look at me to take the picture.

Look at this handsome guy. What a catch!

Christmas is a success! Thank you, Santa! You sure know how to make us all smile.

2008 Going Family Christmas Letter

2008-12-23T21:04:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays To Our Friends and Family

Kevan, our oldest, is doing great. He loves 1st grade and can’t wait to turn 7. He is quite the reader and math whiz. I hope he keeps his love of learning. He really enjoyed soccer and T-ball this year and has plans to play them again.

Wyatt, our 4 year old is loving preschool, especially since his good friend Tommy goes with him. He is making tons of friends and even got to go to his very first friend birthday party this year. He enjoys Scooby-Doo, Spiderman, and monster trucks.

Morgan is the littlest one. At 18 months, she has already made her mark in our family. She is attending a fun music class just 1 hour a week only during the winter months. She is definitely a music lover. She is learning more and more each day. She has even started saying 2 and 3 word sentences. (Mostly beginning with I want...)

Shawn is still working for Bechtel. He is also working in the scouting program with age 14-15 year old boys. This summer, he got our yard completed with sprinklers and grass. I can’t wait until spring to run on our grass. (It got planted late summer.) He did an amazing job, as usual.

Heather is still working at home. Being a full-time mom is truly a full-time job, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. Shawn wanted me to add that I ran my very 1st (and not last) 5K this year. I couldn’t have done it without my best friend running beside me. Thank you, Shawn.

We love you and Happy Holidays!

What an angel

2008-12-23T21:00:00.000-08:00

This a snow angel Shawn made me while he was shoveling the driveway last week.

Isn't he sweet?

I Met A Celebrity!

2008-12-10T12:02:00.000-08:00

Last night I had the opportunity to meet Glenn Beck. It was extremely brief. I was 1 of 1000 people who wanted to see him. He shook my hand and wished me a "Merry Christmas". I was impressed on how sincere he was. That was a lot of hands to shake and people to see and he looked me in the eye and gave me quick personal moment. I've caught him a few times on TV (but never a full show) and few more times on the radio, but that really impressed me. He also looked a little thinner in person. Maybe its true about the camera adding 10 pounds...

Happy Birthday, Wyatt!

2008-12-09T12:37:00.000-08:00

Wyatt wanted a Monster Truck cake with green frosting.

This was the best I could do.

What a handsome 4 year old!

Make a wish!

Wyatt and his new wielding toy.

4 year old boys must have a spiderman shirt!

Another Scooby Doo DVD!

Wyatt enjoying his birthday dinner.

Hot dogs, grill cheese sandwiches, and corn!

Community Helper Day

2008-12-05T13:38:00.000-08:00

Today was Community Helper Day in Kevan's class. Each of the kids asked one of their parents to come and see a program that they created to honor the community helpers. Kevan said, "My dad is an engineer. He goes to meetings. He finishes our basement and works in the yard." Does Kevan have his dad nailed or what?
Shawn and Kevan during lunch.

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

2008-11-28T14:55:00.000-08:00

We had a great day yesterday with family and friends. We enjoyed a huge feast, great conversation, and of course, the time with each other.

Kevan and Kennedy enjoying pumkin pie.

Michelle with Morgan after dinner.

Tim and Jeniece getting ready to go.
Yummy twiced baked potatoes.

Trevor and Kyle

My handson husband cleaning up after dinner.

Isn't he great?

Our centerpiece created by Kevan

MaKayla, MaKenna, Wyatt, Trevor, Kevan, and Kennedy watching Kung Fu Panda.

Morgan after her nap with a chocolate smile.

Uncle Chad and Trevor taking a break from the football game.

Beverly and Mel
Thank for opening your home to us and our crazy kids.

Lynn and Tyler taking a quick break from pie and computer surfing.

Wyatt and his cheese ball smile.

Time for bed kids. Did you have a fun time playing with cousins and eating yummy food?

Kevan and Morgan. What a face, Morgan!

A Milestone to Remember

2008-11-25T10:14:00.000-08:00

Today I had Morgan's pictures taken to capture her 18 month birthday. In the past, I haven't been able to keep a bow or flower or even a pony tail in her hair. This time I was determined and I sat on her to put the pony tail in her hair really tight. Then I put to bow in to hide the rubber band. So today is milestone for Morgan and her hair.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2008-11-20T17:41:00.000-08:00

It really is a "happy" birthday. Here are 31 things that make me "happy"...

1. My husband

2. My 3 beautiful children

3. My yard with real "grass"

4. Free Samples

5. Scrapbooking

6. Surprise calls from my mom

7. Vacuuming (I know, I'm weird)

8. Snow

9. Christmas music

10. Being healthy

11. The whole family healthy

12. A clean house (not doing it, but the result)

13. Surprise calls from any of my brothers or their wives

14. When Wyatt says "I'm the best mom in the world"

15. Running a 5K

16. Presenting a good primary lesson

17. Being organized

18. Kevan's success at school

19. Having my girls leave Activity Days with a smile

20. Looking good in my jeans (Thanks Jeniece)

21. The Beach Boys (right, Dad?)

22. Morgan's love for music and dancing

23. Money in the bank - not to spend, but just knowing it's there

24. Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

25. Good news about old friends (congrats Jon and Shaunae, your baby is beautiful)

26. When Shawn takes the kids for a few hours to give me "mommy time"

27. When Wyatt recognizes letters he learned in preschool

28. When Shawn calls from work to say "hi"

29. Morgan's tight hugs around my neck

30. When Kevan says "That was a great dinner, mom"

31. Hot chocolate made from steamed milk

Shawn Going Family

2008-11-18T13:02:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our blog. I decided to give this a try because I am terrible at keeping in touch with everyone we love so much. I hope this will help everyone keep updated on the simple joys we enjoy in our everyday lives. And I hope we will add some simple joys to your everyday life as well.