Christmas

The hustle and bustle of Christmas is over. Christmas was a lot of fun this year. The kids have been at Grandma and Grandpa's for a week and they are having a great time visiting. I drove up on Christmas Eve and picked the kids up from their dads so they could come to dinner. Everyone showed up this year and we ate and opened presents. My mom gave all the grand kids an envelope with money in it from Nana and it made us all cry, it was really hard not having her there this year. I picked up Aunt Mame and she spent the evening with us and as my mom and I took her home we all cried. It was a tough night but all in all it was a lot of fun. The kids went with their dad for the night and came back Christmas Day, we opened presents and went to visit Aunt Mame and just chilled. It was so nice and relaxing, except for dad who had to clear the driveway all day because of the big storm.
The kids both got spoiled and they have a lot of presents to bring home. Madison got a dog that talks, begs and cuddles with her. Santa brought it to her dads, at least we don't have to get a real one any time soon. That will pacify that. Kennedee got a camera and a new Ipod. Just what a girl needs.
I hung out for a few days and came home on the weekend. I have to work 2 days this week, the kids will stay with my parents for a few more days until they come home to have their own New Years Eve party at our house.
Now Kennedee's birthday is in 2 weeks and Madison's is in 3 weeks. Who the heck planned that.

Merry Christmas

Since I am a loser this year, I didn't send Christmas cards out. If I would have, this would have been the picture and my message would have been, Merry Christmas from the Tracy's.

The Christmas season is in full bloom. The snow is falling, and the presents are wrapped and under the tree.
Friday night the kids had sleep overs and even though it was snowing and the roads were yucky, a date and I went to the lights at Temple Square, it was snowing and the lights were beautiful. It was so festive. Saturday the girls and I headed north to Strans first birthday. He is such a cute little stinker. The girls stayed at Grandma and Grandpas and I came home on sunday.
Monday morning was a typical yucky day and as I walked out the door for work, I locked my keys in the house, $90 and 2 hours later, a locksmith let me in and I was only 3 hours for work. Only 1 more day to work and 8 days off for the holidays.
Merry Christmas to all and Happy New Year.

Ho Ho Ho

I can't believe Christmas is so close. I have had a case of the bah humbugs since we came back from California. The weather was so nice there and as soon as I hit Utah I got sick. I have spent way to much of the last couple of weeks laying around trying to get over a cold. I am finally over it and I am getting excited for Christmas. Our shopping is almost done and the kids are really looking forward to opening their presents.
So what has been going on in our world?
Kennedee is not practicing as much this month, partially because I am sick of taking her and I don't see the point during the holidays. She is enjoying the small break too. She will be going to her first Christmas dance on friday and she is pretty excited.
Madison is dancing a lot and getting ready for her recital next month. She has a small solo and I am so surprised at how she has come out of her shell. She is not the shy little girl any more. She went to the dentist this last weekend and had some cavities filled. She hated the shots and cried for me to take her home instead. It broke my heart.
Me? Well I got a promotion at work so I am buried, I love it though. We get the 2 weeks off at Christmas so we are working alot to make sure we an enjoy our time off. I have been dating quite a bit, but no one to serious yet. I think my girls are learning the dating tricks by listening to my stories or nightmares. Kennedee said she is proud of me that finally after a few years, I am making an effort.
We are looking forward to the break from school and work and we plan on spending a lot of time with our family up north and the kids are looking forward to having a new years eve party at our house this year.

Yay for heat

California was awesome!!! It was so warm there, I told the kids I am moving to the beach. Disneyland was so pretty all decorated for Christmas, it was packed but it was still fun. Madison had such a great time. We went to a massive flea market at Newport Beach, that was kind of cool. We watched the Californian's ice skate with their shorts and tank tops on at the out door mall.
Our Thanksgiving dinner consisted of Wendy's kids meals. It was the only place open in the middle of nowhere in California.
Kennedee's soccer team did really well too. The took 2nd overall. The final game was blown by a bad call from the referee. We should have had a penalty shot but no go.
Stran had a lot of fun too, but the best ride for him was the glass elevator at the hotel in California.
Kennedee rode with her dad and stayed with him all weekend and Madison was with me but went back and forth a lot too.

Gobble Gobble Gobble

In 24 hours I will be at the beach... YAY
We had our family Thanksgiving feast on sunday and today we are headed to CA for Kennedee's tournament. I can't wait for the sun.
Kick some butt Kennedee.

This week has been crazy crazy. On Saturday Kennedee had practice first thing in the morning. So much for sleeping in on the weekends. Kennedee has been saying she wanted to get her eye brows waxed, so on the way home from practice we stopped in and had them waxed. I took her picture but she got mad at me so I won't post them. It was pretty comical. I went to a lunch date and the kids stayed home and got out the Christmas stuff. I couldn't wait to ditch the date and I called the kids on the way home so we could go shopping instead. We chilled the rest of the evening.
On sunday morning we slept in a little and when the kids woke up we all decided to go see Grandma and Grandpa. It was a nice visit.
Monday we were offered Jazz tickets for the 16th row and Kennedee and I jumped on that. The seats were awesome and the game was a lot of fun. We went to dinner first and had a nice little date. Thanks for the tickets Dave we loved it.
The rest of this week will be crazy busy with lots of soccer practices. We leave for California in one week and I am so excited to relax at the beach and enjoy the sun watching some soccer games. And going to Disneyland. We are stoked.

The weekend is here finally.... This week has been very crazy. Kennedee has had soccer practice every day and again tomorrow morning. They are training hard for the California tournament in two weeks. They practiced at the indoor football field at the U this week. They will practice there all winter. It is a really nice facilty and it is warm. (I like that). Kennedee was running out of bounds to get the ball and didn't see the ladder hanging down the wall and ran right into it with her forehead. She had a big knot on her head and had to fall alseep that night with an ice pack on her head. The bubble wrap is on order for her.
Tuesday Madi had dance, I had my class and I played raquetball and Scott took Kennedee to practice. Tonight both kids are having a sleep over and we will be at the soccer field again in the morning by 9.
I love watching Kennedee play soccer but I am hoping they get to have a break in December. I am burned out, Madi is tired of being dragged to everything and Kennedee is just happy to play more soccer. I wish I had her energy. I can't wait for sunday for a nap.

1 down 3 to go

The first semaster at school is over and grades are out.
The first part of the school year was so hard for Kennedee. She was practicing soccer 3-4 times a week and getting up at 5 every morning, doing homework and trying to get into a routine. Her grades at midterm were not that good. But with A LOT of hard work she got a 3.888. Seeing that 1 B+ made her really sad, but she wants to work harder and get a 4.0 this semaster. That can happen as long as she quits chewing gum in Drama. Kennedee was able to go to an awards assembly today for the honor roll. She said it was boring but it got her out of her last class.
Madison did really well too. Her teacher told me at Parent Teacher Conference that he always uses Madi as an example and tells the other kids to behave like she is and to sit like she is. Every teacher she has had so far has said that same thing. She is a definate rule follower. If there is a rule she will follow it and encourage others to follow it as well. Madi is in 3rd grade and she is reading at the same level as a child who is finishing 4th grade. He first quarter grades where straight A's. The teacher even called me at the end and thanked me for coming to PTC and to tell me he loves having Madi in his class and he is so proud of how well she is doing. That makes a mom very proud.

Weekend

This weekend was a rarity. It was relaxing. Kennedee went with her dad and Madi stayed home. On friday night Madi went to the primary practice for the ward program and had dinner and ice cream. They have been practicing so hard. Madi was a little nervous but said she would picture everyone in their underwear. Saturday morning we slept in until 8 and Madi had a birthday party at 10 at Thanksgiving Point. I dropped her off and went to the mall to do a little shopping. I was surprised to see all the Christmas stuff already up. But I guess Christmas is around the corner.
I picked Madi up and we went to have lunch and to the craft store for her school project. By that time I was getting a headache so we stopped and rented a movie to watch later. When we got home Madi worked on her project a little and then decided to go to her friends house. When I picked her up my head was killing me so we got a pizza and went home to do nothing. She ate dinner and we layed on my bed and cuddled and watched a movie and I went to bed at 9. Wow!! That is early on a saturday night.
Sunday we got up at 7 and got ready for church. Scott was bringing Kennedee home early so they could see Madi in the program.
The program was so sweet. The spririt was so strong and there was a lot of wet eyes. Kennedee was giving me a hard time because I started to cry when Madi and her activity days girls sang "I wonder when he comes again". Nana bought me that book when I was little and I learned how to play it on the piano and we wanted to sing it at her funeral, but no one knew the words. So it made me a little sad today. The program went very well and I was so proud of Madison. She said her part and sang so pretty.
After church I took a nap and the kids played. We played board games together and really enjoyed the nice relaxing weekend.
Now back to the busy crazy week.

Young Women of Excellence

Tonight was Kennedee's Young Women of Excellence Award Night. They got to walk on the red carpet and they sang and did a skit. It was really nice to see the young women in the ward. I am so proud of Kennedee for working on her personal progress. They handed out awards for each section they had completed. They received little gold shoes to represent the I will stand theme. The girls worked really hard and it was a special night.

Trick or Treat

This Halloween was the first in many years that both my kids went out with friends and I stayed home and passed out candy. It was a little weird. But since they were both gone over 3 hours I am glad I stayed home. They both had a great time. We had carved pumpkins last week and they were both please with their designs.
They both have enough candy to last a very long time.

AF Canyon

Today after church we drove up through AF Canyon. We had never been up there so we decided to drive the Alpine Loop. I think the 3 of us are still a little car sick. It is a pretty drive but the road is way to windy (sp?).
We walked around Cascade Springs, it was a nice warm day to get out and do a little walking.

Catch up

So this week has been a little less exciting. Kennedee's soccer season is slowing down and she isn't practicing as much. She had her last game on wednesday and she scored her first and only goal of the season in a game. They will be taking a little break and then hitting it hard again to practice for their tournament in CA over thanksgiving.
On wednesday, my dad was in the hospital and had a pace maker put in. He is at home now and doing well. The recovery time is slow but he never complains and having this done will prolong his life. We are happy about that.
Friday night, I went to dinner and a movie with a friend and both the kids had sleep overs. Being with their friends is so important. Saturday morning Madi had a daddy daughter party at the church and her and her dad went and carved pumpkins. When she came home we went with the Dawdy's to see High School Musical 3. Madi loved it, I think Kennedee did too, but she won't admit it. That night we went to the ward Halloween party and trunk or treat. We ate dinner, the kids played games and then did some trunk or treating.

Halloween Party

Last saturday Jaime, Stran and mom came down to our neck of the woods and we all went to Hee Haw farms. The kids played games, played with the animals and picked out pumpkins to carve. It is so fun the watch them get excited and enjoy the day.
We headed home to set up for their Halloween parties. Madi's was in the afternoon and Kennedee's was later in the evening. The kids came dressed up and the played games and ate lots of Halloween food. They had a great time together.
This is the only picture I have, my camera broke and all the pictures were lost.

We love you mom!!

hey guys this is just a little letter I wrote for my mom.. You can go ahead and read it!

Mom,

I love you so much!! I dont know what i would do without you. You dont know how much I appreciate you always taking me to soccer, taking me to haunted houses with my friends, and just being there for me. I know that i am getting to that age where friends are the most important thing in my life, but the truth is, they are not the most important things in my life. Like grandma and Mimi said, "friends come and go but family will always be there." Ya i do hang out with my friends alot but at the end of the day i am your daughter and I love you!! I know that I am not perfect and i do make mistakes but you love me for who I am and what I do.. That really makes happy!!! So I just want you to know that I love and I will always be there!! Your the best mom!! I love you!!!! Madson loves you too!!

The hardest day ever

I think the funeral was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I am so happy that Nana is out of pain and in a better place but I am so sad we don't have her any more. Mom did very well and handled it all so good, I am so proud of her. Kennedee is having the hardest time dealing with it and has cried and cried. Kennedee is such a go with the flow kid and this has been so hard watching her and comforting her. It is all new territory for us.
All we can do it stick together and move forward. We spent all the time with Nana that we could and there are no regrets.
This weekend we are having a big Halloween party at our house and the kids have invited a big group of friends. We are very happy the weather is going to be nice and for a change mom and Jaime are coming to our house.

Rest in Peace

In loving memory
Edith H Hansen
March 13 1911 - October 8 2008


Nana passed away this morning peacefully in her sleep. My mom called me at 7:07 and I was in Orem. I made it to Nana's house within an hour. I know we are supposed to be happy she is out of pain but for my own selfish reasons I am sad. We spent the day sunday by her bedside thinking that was the end. Within 1/2 hour of the nurse leaving and telling us to just make her comfortable, Nana rolled over and said Linda I need to go to the bathroom. We all were in shock. We all sat in her room talking to her, she was fine. She told mom to lay next to her and put her feet up and take a nap. She laughed and joked with us. She asked mom if she had enough room and she said yes, Nana told her to move over then (a long joke amongst the family). We kissed her goodbye and she ate dinner and went back to bed around 10 and never woke up again. I am sad to see her go and we will miss her quick wit and sense of humor.
We are all taking it very hard but Kennedee is having the hardest time, through prayers we will have the strength to carry on.
Nana we love you very much and will miss you alot. Thanks for being a wonderful Grandma to me and my kids.You are now out of pain and with your loved ones.

Madi doing the weather


Have I mentioned I don't like cold weather and I want the heat back?? If not let me say it now.

What a day

We thought this weekend would be nice and relaxing. Nope not so much. Friday Kennedee had a sleep over party and saturday morning we met her friend at the Gateway so they could hang out. We went to the planetarium and Madi loved it. We will go back when we have more time. We headed home and chilled the rest of the day. Sunday morning I waited for the girls to get up so I could make a good breakfast. I was looking forward to the french toast and bacon. While I was making breakfast, Jaime called and said Nana isn't doing well and it looks like the end. I rushed the girls to eat fast and we left the house in a hurry to get to Nana's house.
What an emotionally draining day. Mom, Jaime, Aunt Mame and I sat by her bed and cried while we listened to her moan and groan. She is in so much pain and we thought for sure today was the last day. She didn't open her eyes all day. The nurse came and said she would give her morphin to help with the pain and there was nothing we could do, just make sure she is comfortable. We all cried and cried. 20 minutes after the nurse left, Nana opened her eyes and said she had to go to the bathroom. We all looked at her in awe. Nana was more worried about us having dinner than the fact that she hadn't woke up until 5:00 in the afternoon. When we left her she was lying in her bed talking just like normal. That little lady totally amazes me. Just when we think she has no more fight in her, she bounces back. We spent the whole day up there and we are emotionally drained, but happy she made it through one more day.

I love purses

Check out this way to win a free handbag at Handbag Planet.

You just might win.
Go to this link. I can't get it to go into my blog the right way.
http://www.handbagplanet.com

I like this one

Meet our new pet

And she is housebroken

Today I am thankful for

Mostly my kids, who every day teach me things about myself that I never knew. I always say how great my kids are, but they really are. Kennedee has so much pressure on her from school, soccer and social things. I would hate to be a kid. Some days I wish she would let all her frustrations out and yell. But she doesn't. She goes with the flow and continues to excel in all she does. Both girls are very sensitive but Madison is the one who gets her feelings hurt the easiest. She loves her dance class and she is enjoying school. She is asking to go to friends houses more and she is getting involved. We have lived on our own for a year now and the growth I see in my girls really amazes me.
I am thankful for my family and all they have to endure. Nana is going down hill on a steady slope and her time to go is getting closer. It breaks my heart to know she can't do sit ups and push ups or run around like she used to. She has been a trooper and I am grateful my kids are as close to her as they are. Kennedee had the hardest time excepting the fact that Nana was dying but when she realized she would have a guardian angel in heaven it made it a little easier for her.
Mom I am thankful for the selflessness you have to take care of everyone. You put everyone first and you never complain. Nana and Aunt Mame are very lucky to have someone like you to take care of them.
I am thankful for my dad, although sometimes I want to kick his butt for not taking care of himself. His heart is only working 35-40% of normal but he still never complains and every time he sees me and the kids his face lights up. I pray for a speedy recovery for his upcoming surgery.
I am also thankful for my friends who teach me more about patience every day. For the ones who endure so much more than we think is fair but they never say a negative thing.
I am also thankful the the church and all it has taught me. I am thankful for the undying love of our Heavenly Father and the peace it brings me to be close to him.
I think today I am pretty much thankful for all I have.. My motto for this past year has been: When you can't stand it anymore, kneel. This has brought me much comfort.

Just the girls

This week has been just like all the others. But we have decided we need to have more fun and less soccer. Kennedee took that to the extreme this week and severely sprained her ankle while playing soccer. It is the same ankle that was broke and luckily it is just sprained. She played the whole game with it hurt and the minute the game ended she realized just how bad it hurt and couldn't walk on it. She is out for a couple of games, luckily the fall season is almost over.
Friday I get off work earlier than normal and I had the rare opportunity to take a quick nap and friday night I took Kennedee and some of her friends to the Haunted Forest and while they were there Madi and I went to Liberty Land and hung out. Saturday morning we headed to watch Kennedee's team play and stayed up North to hang out with the family.
Here are some pictures taken from my phone of Madi having fun.


She thought if she blew on the ball it would roll in the hole.




Wow!! She is flying in the go-cart.

Awww

This weekend was a relaxing one. Saturday we slept in until 8 and got up to go to Kennedee's game. Her team is not winning many games but they are playing against girls 2 years older than them. The team on saturday was running over Kennedee's team like a freight train. Kennedee is doing really well. She is learning this teams style and she is doing great.
After her game we spent the day in Park City. We met Jaime, Stran and Grandma up there and we shopped and went to lunch. Those 3 headed home and us 3 headed up to the Alpine Slides. We were so excited to go on the slide and had Madison talked into riding her own. We bought our tickets and went over to the ski lift. We were standing on the little feet right where the lift would go and they said "Oh no, we need to shut the ride down for lightning". We were so sad. We missed it by seconds. They gave us our money back but Kennedee and I were disappointed. Madi was relieved.
We headed back to the outlets so Kennedee could check some more stores out. She didn't buy much. But we headed home and did nothing for the rest of the evening, (what was left of it). We didn't go to Madi's game on saturday. She is having a hard time with her coach telling her she can't keep scoring and putting her in the back field. We are not to please with this, but since she is taking dancing, she is happy.
Sunday we got up and headed to church. I have told the girls all week, that on sunday after church I am laying on the couch and chilling. And I did just that. I didn't nap but the three of us chilled. It was just what we needed.
I think we are rested enough to do it all over again. This week will be just as busy if not more so than last.

Calgon take me away Part 2

This week has been the same as last week. Busy, busy.
Last weekend I stayed at my moms and visited Nana. She is doing very well. I wanted to come home early sunday to chill but Madi and I stopped at Jaime's and Stran is so fun to play with we hung out there giving him lots of kisses.
Monday night Kennedee had practice. Tuesday Madi had dance, I have a class and Kennedee had practice. Wednesday Kennedee had a late game and by thursday morning we all were dragging. Thursday Madi had practice and friday Kennedee had practice and Madi had a birthday party to go to. By friday morning the three of us had the hardest time getting up. Poor Madi cried while she got dressed and they had to run to the bus stop so Kennedee didn't miss it. 3 more weeks of this and the fall season is over. We are so ready for a break.
Saturday will be our usual soccer games. But we are going to go to Park City and ride the Alpine Slide and the Zip Line. (depending on the weather).
The new job is going great. I am learning a ton and I love the line of work I am in. The flexibilty is so nice. Friday I left at 2:30, just because.. Hurrican Ike hit our Corporate office and wiped out one of our buildings. We have had a slow go this week with the computer system, but I have had time to sit with most of the people I need to, to learn all I can. Hopefully we get time to chill this weekend. We all need it.

Calgon Take Me Away

This week has been so crazy. I hate it when we have time to mess up the house but not enough time to clean. I hate coming home to a dirty house!!
Kennedee had practice monday night, Madi had dance tuesday night and Kennedee had practice. I have a class I am taking on tuesday night but when the kids and I tried to get in the house that night, the door handle broke, so I spent my evening running Madi to dance and trying to get the door unstuck. (Scott took Kennedee to practice). I finally fixed the door. Kennedee had a game on Wedneday and Madi had practice tonight. The kids are going with Scott this weekend and he gets to run them to more practices and two games. Although I just had a vacation I think I need another one. I don't think soccer will ever slow down. I am so glad I get off work earlier, it reallys helps out. The kids do homework in the car and eat on the run..
Gotta love being a full fledged soccer mom.
This weekend I am hanging out with Jaime and Mom and Dad. Nana is in a rehab center and I am going to spend time with her on saturday, then we are taking Jaime out for her birthday. The big 30!!! Happy birthday Jaime!!!!

Fun Fun

Our weekend consisted of the normal soccer soccer soccer. Kennedee had a game in Kaysville saturday morning. They won. Madi had a game in the late afternoon in Orem, they also won. We had lunch in Layton with the family and hung out on saturday evening. Kennedee went babysitting and Caden was over so we all chilled. Sunday was stake conference and I have been promising Madi a trip to the fair to see the pigs so we went with Stran, Mimi, Grandma and Grandpa. Madi almost had Grandpa talked into buying her a pig. She loves them.
I started my new job on monday and I think I am really going to love it. The company is AWESOME, the benefits are wonderful and the people are great. No drama.. I don't have to punch a clock and my time is not set in stone. Lots of overtime is offered. But I am just happy to be able to get off early enough to be home with the kids and run them to all the places they have to go. What a relief. The company is buried and I am glad I get to jump in and get to work. Yay for change!!!

The trip that almost didn't happen

The kids and I were headed to CA on Wednesday after school. I called Jaime to see how things were and she tells me Nana has fallen in her closet and couldn’t get up. After a while of her trying she was exhausted so she fell asleep in the closet. They called 911 and they came and took her to the hospital. I couldn’t decide whether to go ahead and leave or head up north to see if she was ok. Everyone told us it would be fine to just go get the kids and go. They would keep me informed. What a weekend. It was touch and go most of the time and one morning they thought she would be gone by noon. Of course they didn’t tell me until that night. One night mom and Aunt Mame slept at the hospital because they didn't think she would make it until morning. But today she is in a care center with a new rod in her broken hip and she is doing well.
We stayed in Mesquite the first night and we just chilled; we got up early and took our sweet time to CA. We stopped along the way and shopped a little here and there. When we got to our hotel the kids were in awe. This hotel was beautiful. All of the ten floors overlooked the court yard below. At breakfast the next morning, my kids were the only ones there. We went to Disneyland and had a lot of fun. The lines were short and we did everything we wanted. Kennedee’s favorite ride was the Tower of Terror. Madi liked them all, except Indiana Jones and I just enjoyed watching their faces. When we were totally exhausted we headed back to the hotel and what a difference. It was packed with kids. There were so many soccer teams staying there. It was so fun for the kids. The managers were on overtime, keeping order. I thought they were a little extreme but the kids had so much fun going from room to room playing with their friends. They stayed up late and played cards and just hung out. They said a kid throw his soccer ball over the railing on the tenth floor and his whole family was kicked out of the hotel. It was so chaotic, but fun.
Kennedee played so awesome in the tournament; she scored in 2 games and had a couple of assists. She started the last game and she is really coming back. I am so proud of all the hard work she has put in. She can see it is paying off. Her team lost to the team who won the whole tournement in the quarter finals. Her team has jumped up to 27 in the nation after this tournament.
The coolest thing they saw all week was a live tarantula walking through the dirt and a baby rattlesnake. You could tell the girls have never seen that before, they all got their camera phones out and took pictures.
After their last game we went to dinner and PF Changs and then to Laguna Beach. I wish we would have spent more time at the beach, it was so pretty. The waves were so big. We didn’t take swimming suits because we decided not to go back to the hotel.
The girls stood in the water and laughed at the waves coming and hitting them, until Madi got taken down by a big wave. She finally stood up and was crying. We tried hard not to laugh, but those waves were huge, they had a great time until then and Madi cried and wanted to leave. I made her strip down in the car and put on different clothes. She had sand from head to toe. At the hotel she got in the shower but still had sand on her pillow in the morning.
We were sad to leave the hotel and all the friends we made. These tournaments bring everyone closer. We drove to Mesquite and hung out by the pool and chilled out before we headed home to start the short week.
We missed my mom terribly but understand why she stayed home and we are glad she did. Hopefully the next one in November everyone can go with us and we can have even more fun.

All I have to say is.......

And we may get a little soccer playing in too. We are so excited to be heading to California. I hate taking the kids out of school unless they are super sick, but since we are already going to be in California for a soccer tournament we might as well go to Disneyland. We have our interary planned and we are so excited to get on the road and enjoy the time together. We will miss my mom going with us very much, but we understand she doesn't want to leave Nana. And hopefully Nana can hold on a few more weeks at the LEAST. We wont forget to bring back Mickey Mouse ears to our favorite superhero. And hopefully Kennedee's soccer team does very well and they play in the finals. There are some tough teams so it should be a lot of fun.

So the kids are loving school. I know it has only been a week, but they are loving it. Kennedee gets up between 5-6 depending on if Maddy calls her or Kennedee calls her. Today was a little harder to get up but we have been so busy this week. Kennedee had practice Monday and Wednesday from 7-9. Madi had practice at 5:30-7 on Thursday and she is doing dance on Tuesday. Friday and Sunday are the only days we are free. I am not complaining but by Fridays we all have a hard time getting out of bed. Saturday we have to be at practice by 8 am so we can’t count on that day to sleep in.
Madi has been so grown up now that she goes to school on her own. I drop her off in the morning and she walks home with her friends and Kennedee picks her up after she gets off the bus. I am thinking about changing Madi to a later gator so she gets out of school later. But we will see about that.
Kennedee loves Jr high and going to more than one class. She has 4 a day and they rotate every other day. She loves socializing and meeting new friends. She is trying to wear makeup and she spends a lot more time in front of the mirror.
We are getting so excited to go to California. We will be in Disneyland next Friday. It will just be me and the girls, we will miss our travel partner, Grandma Linda but we understand she needs to stay home with Nana. I am just so excited to go and relax with the kids and watch the soccer games. The teams playing are the top 10 in the nation so the games will be awesome.
We will head up North this weekend to spend time with the family and celebrate Aunt Mame’s birthday. Yay for birthday cake!!

My other baby is growing up too

Madi was pretty nervous to start school. She didn’t like her teacher last year and it was a tough year. Her teacher this year seems very nice. Sunday night I painted Madison’s finger and toe nails and put her hair in ponytails and braids. She wanted to keep the braids in for school. She picked out new ear rings for her first day and tried her outfit on. She was excited but also nervous. She couldn’t get to sleep Sunday night and after almost 2 hours of trying, she came and got in bed with me. She finally fell asleep and when her alarm went off this morning she jumped up. Since Kennedee doesn’t have to go to school today, she wanted her to walk her to school and show her where her portable was. I kept telling Madi I didn’t know anyone in her class and since she didn’t come home from Grandma’s to go to the open house, she had no idea who was in her class. When they got to school this morning they found out her best friend from last year sits right next to her. That made her day. I sure hope this year is an improvement from last year

It's my birthday

I started the weekend out by running around for the kids. Friday Kennedee and I went to meet Madi’s teacher for school. He seems very nice. Then we had to get a birthday present for the party Kennedee was headed to. I dropped her off at 7 in East Sandy and headed home until time to pick her up at 10:30. We got up early Saturday to have Kennedee to practice by 8:00. I watched the teams scrimmage for 2 hours and headed up to Mom’s to hang out. We all went to the movie to see Mamma Mia, (again) we went shopping and went to lunch at El Matador. Those were the things I wanted to do for my birthday. We all went to see Nana and Aunt Mame and then slept over at Mom and Dad’s. They had Stran for the weekend so we got to play with him a lot.
On Sunday we headed home. I got a Build a Bear thing in the mail to get a free animal on my birthday. Madi couldn’t let me pass that up so we stopped at The Gateway. We got an animal and the kids ran through the fountain and headed home. Kennedee made brownies and I made cookies so we could eat the dough. The girls both made me cards and brought me a cupcake made of Chocolate Chip cookie dough with lots of candles in it. They couldn’t find the matches but I pretended to blow them out any way. It was a very nice birthday and I am glad I could spend it with my family.

My baby is growing up

Today Kennedee started her first day of Junior High. She was so excited. She came in my room at 6:30 A.M. and said mom can Maddy come over. I told her to make sure she eats some breakfast. Her response was " I already did at 4:30 a.m." She said Maddy called and woke her up at 4:30 she got up and had breakfast and got ready to go to school. That shows how excited she was. They came over and did the finishing touches and left for the bus at 7:30. I asked her if I could take her picture getting on the bus and she said Heck No!!! :)
Kennedee was mostly worried about opening her locker. But we went to the open house last night and she practiced and was able to open it just fine. We found all her classes and she wasn't scared at all this morning. Just super excited.
Today we will go meet Madison's teacher and she starts school monday morning. Today just the seventh graders went to school and monday just the 8th and 9th. On tuesday they all go.
Kennedee is getting better after her scare the other night. She can't remember most of the evening so when I tell her what happened she gets really freaked out. When I stop and think about it, it scares me to death. It is amazing at how fast your body can take over and how quick you can go down hill. I am so grateful that she is ok. She is scared to run hard at practice and until her chest stops hurting and the concussion goes away she is taking it easy. Her coach is keeping an eye on her and not letting her run hard.
Thank you to all of you who have showed concern and kept us in your prayers.

Kennedee's scare

So I have said Kennedee hurt her nose. It still hasn't healed and if she gets hit it bleeds and she can't breathe through her nose.
So last night at practice she got bumped in the nose and sat down while it bled. I told her it stopped and she needed to get back to running with the team. I went back to my chair and talking, it started getting dark and I couldn't see where Kennedee was. I got a text from her that said come here fast. So I jogged over to her expecting to see her nose bleeding. I got over to her and she was wheezing so hard she couldn't catch her breath. It was scaring her so bad she was crying and the more she cried the more she couldn't breath. Me, Matt(her coach)and another coach tried for an hour to get her to calm down enough to breath. Matt walked around the field with her and tried to get her to breath. I would get in front of her and would tell her to keep focusing on my eyes and breath like me, she would and her eyes would shut and loose focus. She would calm down and then not be able to breath and start up again. She sounded horrible, I have never seen her do this before. Matt and I were so concerned. He finally walked her to the car and helped her get in and sat and talked to her for a minute. He told me to get her home and make her chew on something and have her take a shower to calm down and call him when we got home.
We started heading home and the closer to home we got the worse her breathing got. I would try and ask her questions and she didn't know who I was, who she was or where we were at. I would call her name and she wouldn't answer. I was very freaked out.
We turned around to go to the emergency room and I called her coach to let him know. He said, call me to let me know what is wrong no matter the time. I think he was as worried as I was. She sounded so horrible and she was shaking, I would touch her to comfort her and she would say ouch that hurts, leave me alone. By the time we got the hospital, Madi carried my purse and I carried Kennedee in. The immediately gave her an oxygen mask with a bag on it to get her breathing under control. It took about 45 minutes more for her to calm down enough to breath ok.
I guess after you start hyperventilating your body and mind stop working together. The harder you try to breath the harder it is. Her body hurt and was tingling. Her body was starting to shut down. That is why she is not coherent. If your body shuts down you could have a seizure and brain damage. She doesn't remember most of the evening. They did a cat scan and the positive thing is no broken nose and no brain damage. She is very lucky. I have never been so scared. The doctor did say she had all the symptoms of a concussion but the cat scan looked good.
Madi was so tired she climbed in the bed with Kennedee and feel asleep and I had to carry her out.
I told Kennedee all about it on the way home and she was pretty scared to. She asked to sleep with me and all night(what was left of it)I would feel her back to make sure she was breathing.
Today she is a little tired and her head is killing her. She has to take it easy for a couple of days. And I do not ever want her to go through that again. I hate feeling so helpless with my kids, what a horrible feeling.

Soccer

The big tournament is over.
Madison's team played 3 games and lost 2. The 3rd game Madi said her team won 18-1, Madi score 7 goals. She also scored a lot in the other 2 games. The other teams just scored more. Madi thought it was pretty fun just to play.
Kennedee's team played 5 games and came in 2nd place. They lost in a shoot out 5-4. What a way to loose a game. Kennedee is starting to learn this new teams way of playing and she is getting in the game more. It is a lot different than what she is used to. I just enjoyed watching both kids play and catching some rays. Kennedee's saturday game lasted almost 2 hours in the middle of the day. I was in heaven.
We are so excited to head to California in 2 weeks to play in the big tournament there.

The battle goes on

Just when you think you have conquered one battle another one pops up. I have had my share of battles this summer and I know they are to make us stronger, but I have joked that if I could go back and choose, I would probably choose less battles than what I have had. I do look at my kids and my life and I am very grateful for all I have.. The one thing we do have is our health. My battles seem nothing compared to those who are struggling with their health.
My heart and prayers go out to all who struggle with health. From my little grandma who was told today that the cancer we thought was going to be gone with the hysterectomy and radiation, has come back harder. It has spread to her blood stream and liver. She has been more sick since being done with radiation. It breaks me heart. At 97 she has been a trooper. To my friend and neighbor who again has to go through the yucky chemo which knocks her out and makes her so sick. Hopefully this time with be the one that works. To my dad who struggles with his heart. He had a massive heart attack last fall and recently got the news his heart is getting worse and he may need a pace maker. He never complains and is so loving and protective to all his family. To my friend and neighbor who is struggling with Diabetes and her husband has finally stopped working because the cancer has taken a hold of his body and he just can't work any more. The phone calls with her break my heart. And to Josh who has the yucky chemo almost done and hopefully he is free of cancer.
I know there are so many more out there who struggle daily with things we can never be aware of.
I was reading the Ensign today and the words that hit me the hardest were. You never know when it will be your last day. Live every day to the fullest and try to make someone smile. I am going to try and do that. And when I think my struggles are to much to bare. I will get on my knees and pray for all these people and others who are struggling more than I am. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Kennedee slept over at her friends Bayleigh's house and her mom cut her hair.
Enough said.

Saturday Fun

With the kids gone, I had an adult day. It started out going to a 9:00 temple session with my mom at the Salt Lake Temple. I had never been there so it was very nice. A great way to start off the day. 9:00 was perfect because when we came out at 11:00 the building was packed.
After the temple session we had a snack at the Joseph Smith Memorial building and then headed North. Jaime, Mom and I all wanted to see Mamma Mia, but I had the time wrong so we bought different tickets. We had some time to kill so I went in and sat in Mamma Mia I ended up staying there. I am almost positive that movie is going to beat out Grease 2 as my all time favorite movie. I love it.
After the movie the family went to Maddox for Mom and Dad's birthday's. Since mine is soon the 3 of us all got some pie. At least they didn't sing to us.
It was a nice day and the only thing that could have made it more perfect was having my kids with us.
Happy Birthday Mom and Dad. Love you lots

Tournament Schedule is out

Madison's Schedule
Wednesday August 6 7:00
Thursday August 7 5:00
Friday August 8 3:00
If they make it they could have games saturday at 10:00 am or 11:15 am and/or 2:30 pm.
Kennedee's Schedule
Thursday August 7 1:00 and 7:00, the 7:00 game is against Avalanche and any one who has come to the games against Avalanche knows the rivarly. Should be a great game.
Friday August 8 3:30
If they win they could play saturday at 8:00 am and/or 12:30.
Thank you to all of you who support my kids. They love the support they get and they love being able to look over at the side lines and see how many people care enough about them to come an watch. Just a little interesting fact about Kennedee's team. They are ranked 24th in the Nation. That is awesome!!!!
If you are coming and need addresses let me know.

Weekend Fun

What a nice relaxing weekend.
Friday night we just chilled. Kennedee had practice at 8 on saturday morning so we knew we had to get in bed early. Madi and I sat at the park and watched practice for 2 hours. I really enjoyed the heat. Madi gets bored but we make it through.
Both girls had dentist appointments at 11:00 so we rushed to the dentist. Kennedee had 0 cavities but Madi had 3 small ones. They both got their teeth sealed and by Sunday morning all 6 of Kennedee's seals had come out. The dentist will be getting a nice phone call monday morning.
After the dentist we went to lunch at Pier 49. The pizza was awesome. We went to see Mamma Mia after lunch and I have to say it was the best movie I have seen in a long time. I loved it, Madi sat in her chair and didn't move the whole time. We sang ABBA songs all the way home. When we got home Madi had a message from her friend to come over for a summer party. She went at 7 and played with friends until 9:30.
Sunday morning we got up and went to church. After church we debated what to do, I wanted a nap, Madi wanted to swim. It was windy and rainy so I won out. We stayed home, but no naps. Just chilled out.

Pioneer Day

I had to work on Pioneer day. Does anyone get if off any more?
I got off early and the girls and I chilled in the pool. I love to relax on my floaty and catch some rays. After awhile of that we went and bought some fireworks, came home and BBQ'd chicken and sat at the table together and ate dinner. It seems like we are going so much we rarely have time to sit down for dinner.
The 3 of us went to the school so Kennedee could do her conditioning. I did some with her, (not much) and Madison played at the park.
When it got dark enough we lit fireworks. It was such a nice day to chill with my girls and enjoy the sun. With our busy schedules and Madison spending so much time at Grandma's and Grandpa's it was so nice to be able to spend time together just the 3 of us.

Update

Grandma Linda took Madison to her check up at the eye doctor. The doctor was very impressed at the progress she has made. When she went to the eye doctor for the first time last fall her eyes were horrible. She had a lazy eye and her eye was beyond the legally blind limit. She wore her patch for almost six weeks. Her skin started getting irritated so we didn't make her wear it for the full six weeks. The doctor told her yesterday that she is doing so well that she may not have to wear glasses when she gets older. Madison is so good with her glasses, she loves to wear them and to be able to see everything. She is very careful with them and always knows where they are and she never puts them anywhere where they will get broke. I am happy for her that she won't have to wear glasses forever. I do make her take them off to play soccer so they don't get broke.
Since Madison has been at Grandma and Grandpa's for almost two weeks, Kennedee and I have been hanging out alot. The house is quiet and we miss Madi very much. Kennedee has been able to go hang out at her friends and not have to watch Madi. The alone time with Kennedee has been nice but we both will be so glad when Madi comes home.

Camping

Camping

We had such a good time camping. The kids loved it. At one point Madi came in the tent and said mom this is the best time EVER!!!! I laughed. She really grew up over the weekend. She wasn't scared of anything. She ate sausage (which for her is a HUGE thing). She got in the boat because she wanted to, she wanted to go fishing, so Brent took her out in the boat to fish, she also shot guns all by herself. She even squatted in the weeds and didn't even care. She really had a great time. She said on sunday she wished the weekend would last longer. She loved the watercolors that Grandma Hoodie brought for everyone and she loved following the older girls around the camp.
Kennedee brought her friend Madi and they had fun to. All the kids went up with Brent friday afternoon and Darci and I went after work. The kids helped Brent set up camp and when we got there we made hobo dinners. I went to bed when it got dark and the kids followed later. The first night I froze but the next Madi and I put our sleeping bags together and had extra blankets. Kennedee had a white sweat shirt on and decided to lay in the dirt and play like it was a sand pile. After lunch on saturday we went to the lake, Kennedee and her friend Madi caught cray fish (sp?) and then had a contest to see who could flip them into the lake the farthest with the nets. Brent took them out on the boat and when they came back both jumped in and swam to shore. We went back to camp and we all took naps. We had hamburgers for dinner and made smores. I got up early the next morning to pack up and we came home.
Madison wanted to spend more time with Grandma and Grandpa so we took her up there on sunday to spend 2 more weeks before it is time to come home and get ready for school.
The weekend was really nice and I really appreciate the Brainich's for letting us go with them.

The Lake

We had a great time at Utah Lake yesterday. I got off work early and ran some errands and we met my friend in the early evening at the Lake. Kennedee has been so excited to learn how to Wakeboard. He was so patient with her and kept trying and giving her pointers until she was able to get up. Once she did she rocked. She could stay up for longer periods of time and was starting to figure out how to move the board and do more than just go straight. He let Kennedee drive the wave runner and she loved that. Then the two of them took turns dumping each other off by turning sharp. They had such a good time.
Madison rode with me and was a little nervous. I promised not to be crazy, heck I hate falling in the water too. She let me go no faster than 20 MPH. Sometimes I would sneak a little more but she would catch me and ask to slow down. We jumped some waves and she would laugh and scream, she started to loosen up and she had fun. After a while she got bored and wanted to fall asleep. We took pictures of Kennedee and as soon as my home computer works I will upload them. I let Madi drive for a while and she really enjoyed that. She got more brave by the time we finished.
The lake was so peaceful and it was so relaxing. We all had a really good time.
Today we head out to go camping at Strawberry with the Brainich's, I am so looking forward to the relaxing weekend with my girls and they have looked forward to this since Brent talked about it last fall.

The nose

You can't see it very well but she let me take a picture after most of the swelling was gone and she cleaned up the blood. She says it still hurts and she sneezes up blood. Poor kid.

Kennedee Kennedee Kennedee

So much for not much to report. I got a text at about 5:00 today from Kennedee saying she broke something. When I called her back her friend answered the phone and said Kennedee hit her nose on her head. There was blood everywhere and Kennedee wanted me to come get her. I have learned not to freak out. It's always something. So I get to her friends house and her mom and dad are all talking to Kennedee and Kennedee has blood all over her and her nose is as big as her face. I have also learned to give it a little time before we rush to the doctor. After a couple of hours, lots of ice, and some ibuprofen I am almost sure it isn't broke. She is off to Young Womens tonight and hopefully she will be ok. I am ready to put her in a plexiglass room and not let her out. I wanted to take a picture but she wouldn't let me.
I love her to death but all I can say is Kennedee Kennedee Kennedee......

Not much to report on this week. Kennedee has had soccer practice on monday and Madi had practice this morning. I bring her to work with me and run her to practice at 10:00. It is early for her to get up in the summer, but she sits at my desk and chills.

This was what she ended up doing this morning. She was so tired and she crashed in the chair. I woke her up and took her to play soccer. She wasn't happy to get moving after this nap. She has one more summer practice and she is done. I took her home today and had lunch with both girls and headed back to work.This weekend we are headed up camping with our friends and we are so excited. Tomorrow my friend is taking us on the lake to ride wave runners, Kennedee is going to wakeboard, she is so excited to learn how. She is a brave one. Madi will ride with me and chill. She is brave but give her a few years to be fearless like Kennedee.

Kids

Last night Kennedee and Madison both had sleep overs at our house. Our house seems to be the place everyone likes to stay. Kennedee had two friends over and Madi had one. My only rule for now is, don't keep me awake. Ya right. I heard them all night. Madi had to be up early to go to work with me for soccer practice, but she still stayed up late. I went in to check on them at 12:30 and her and Becca were playing truth or dare. Becca's dare was to run around the house with her pant leg rolled up. The two of them giggled and laughed so hard. Awww to be young and innocent. Kennedee said she stayed up until 2:00. They were all crashed when Madi and I left at 7:30. Madi layed on a blanket at my work for an hour trying to wake up. She was pretty beat, but they both love to have friends over. They swim daily and have friends over every day.
They are both gone now for the weekend with their dad, so maybe I will get some sleep.

The Spiritual Side

I forgot to report last weeks going on's.
On thursday Madison went to the Joseph Smith Memorial Building with her activity days group. She was excited to go because Grandma Linda is a missionary at the church office building and they have talked about the JSMB and how fun it is to go there. Madi went to see the movie, I am not sure what the movie is called but her report was "I didn't like it". She said the movie made her and her friend cry. She said they cut up Joseph's legs and tore him out of his house and it made her sad. I think of the struggles they faced when they were putting the church together and I am in awe of their faith. All the struggles the pioneers faced are nothing compared to the struggles of now. I am not sure I could have endured and stayed faithful.
On friday Kennedee took her temple recommend and went to the Timpanogas Temple to do baptisms for the dead. She said it was an awesome experience and she commented how neat it was to see everyone in white. I am in awe of that when I visit the temple. Everyone looks like angels. She was baptized 9 times and most of the names were of Indian decent. (feather indian). Kennedee is also reading the book of mormon in two months with the young women in our ward. She started late, but her and I are going to do it and have it done. It is a great goal to have. I am very proud of the spirtual side of both my kids. They always remember to say prayers and pray for the health of everyone. They are both very thoughtful. Kennedee bore her testimony at camp and she said it felt so good. I used to love the spirit you would feel at testimony meeting at camp. I am very greatful for the gospel in our lives.

Family Fun Weekend

Our Family Fun started Friday night, we headed up to mom and dads for the weekend. Saturday morning we woke up at 6:00 to the cannons going off for Founders Day. Instead of doing the breakfast at the park, we had breakfast at mom and dads house. We cooked a big breakfast and Jaime, Stran, Mom, Dad, Nana and the 3 of us had a yummy breakfast. We headed to the parade at 10:00. The kids got loaded up on candy and Stran hated it. The loud noises scared him. After the parade we went to North Ogden pool. Mark, Alex and Caden joined us and we had a lot of fun. Stran hated that too, he didn’t like the water on his toes. We caked the kids with sun screen but the adults thought we could be tuff. I was so happy just to be in the sun. Today however I can’t move my arms because I look like a lobster, (not complaining at all, I love sun). The girls had a great time, Madi went down the big slide for the first time and loved it and Kennedee did front flips off the high dive and couldn’t get enough. After the pool we all headed over to the Trout Farm because Stran loves fish. He didn’t like the fish we were trying to catch but he liked watching them in the other ponds. Madison was scared to death to get near the pond. I helped her hold her fishing rod and Mark threw a lot of food in the pond and we finally caught one. Kennedee tried catching them with her hands and spent most of the time hanging in the water.
We had family pictures that night and we all looked so lovely with our sun burns. The lady asked if we had all been boating, we laughed and said we were at the pool hanging out. After pictures Mark, Alex, Caden, Mom, Madi, Kennedee and me all went to Zeppes to get a cool refreshment. Later we all went back to Mom and Dads so exhausted. The kids sat on the lawn and watched the fireworks and the adults sat in the house just waiting to go to bed. We slept in on Sunday and slowly we headed home. It is hard leaving to come home after such a fun weekend. We are all exhausted and some of us are sun burnt but we had a lot of fun. Thanks everyone for joining Family Fun and letting us stay at your house. I can’t wait to see how our family pictures turned out.

Kennedee and her friend Bayleigh