Into the Woods

Bag Fight!

2010-04-08T12:22:00.000-07:00

Jack has some pretty creative ideas when it comes to entertainment and the plastic bag fight was no exception. About a week ago on a miserably snowy day I was trying to get some cleaning done, and suddenly I heard two sets of foot steps running into the kitchen, opening the pantry, and then rustling, lots and lots of rustling. I ran downstairs expecting the worst. Usually the rustling of bags means chips or crackers being dumped out and smashed all over the floor. I ran into the kitchen but the boys are gone but from the basement I hear giggling. So there they were, Jack and Gus had gotten every single grocery sack from the pantry, taken them downstairs, and were jumping off the stairs into the them like they were a pile of leaves. Carefully monitored so there wasn't any suffocating, Jack and Gus threw the bags at each other then scooped them into a big pile, jumped in, and swam around. I realized two things that day #1: I really need to start using reusable grocery sacks, and #2: Toys are totally unnecessary.

Do Your Funny Face!

2010-04-08T11:59:00.000-07:00

Classic pictures of Jack and Gus showing their stuff.

Hitting the Slopes at Full Speed!

2010-04-08T11:53:00.000-07:00

After trying to teach Jack to ski on our own last year we decided to call in the experts this year. We put him in lessons this year and oh what a difference. Like every other aspect in his life Jack is also crazy on the slopes. It's hard to say who he takes after because when I was 6 my family was up at Beaver Mountain skiing together. I remember vividly Shannon and I tucking down the entire hill and hitting some small jumps at the bottom. It was all fun and games until one run I hit the last jump going a little too fast causing my body to flip upside down. My skis flew off and one of them sliced the back of my head open. Needless to say I was a bit of a daredevil and continued to be really until I started having kids and realized it probably wasn't worth the risk.

I definitely had my day as a crazy, but that is not to overshadow Devon who is the king of going big or going home. Devon's mom tells stories of when he was young and they lived on the lower part of Princeton Ave which is super steep. Devon would go out every day with his big wheel, push it all the way to the top of the street, lift up his feet, and fly down the hill as fast as he could. Basically our kids have crazy genes from both sides of the family.

Jack did a ski camp this year at Deer Valley which was the best thing we have ever done for him. He developed a love for skiing that I hope he never looses. We also took him to Park City so he could show off his skills and he did not disappoint. Watching Jack go around every pole on the side of payday looking for jumps to hit brought back many memories of my days up at the Beav. I will never forget teeny Jackers flying down the hill in a tuck with balloons stuck on his helmet and a huge grin on his face.

Bobo and Grandma joined us at Park City.

Jackers after the Deer Valley ski school parade.

Halloween Pheasant Hunt!

2009-11-15T14:33:00.000-08:00

6:00 a.m. Halloween morning we all dragged ourselves out of bed for the phantom and ghost pheasant hunt in Lehi. We arrived at the hunting club to find over 100 decked out trucks with gun racks, dog kennels, and ducks unlimited stickers galore. Here we come in our Honda Pilot with our two little kids and our dinky little Springer Spaniel. We felt a little out of place, none the less we walked right in shotguns pumped ready for the great phantom hunt. To begin the hunt they had a pow-wow where I have never seen so much camo and florescent orange in my life and then they let a pheasant go to signal the start. Immediately there were orange men running every which way to their trucks ready to get the best spot for finding the prized phantom and ghost pheasants. We finally made it back to our car and waited for the dust to settle before heading out to find our hunting spot. With Gus on my back and Jack hoofin' it, we lasted a little over an hour before wandering back to the car where we hung out waiting for Devon and Grandpa Wood to make it back with pheasants in hand. Jack and Gus had a great time playing in the dirt and hitting weeds with giant sticks. It couldn't have been a prettier day so it was a great experience and we will definately be taking the whole fam (minus Stella our gun shy Springer) out pheasant hunting again!

And the Flake Award Goes to...

2009-11-04T20:02:00.000-08:00

ME!! Recently I was called out for being a flaky friend, and after looking back on the past 29 years I now know that I have spent most of my life making, breaking, and avoiding plans. I don't know if there is a true diagnosis for what I have but it is definately a case of Commitment Phobia. I have always been afraid of making plans because once you commit you're stuck. (At least that was my mentality) When a friend says "let's do something on Thursday" and I say "Ok" what I am really thinking is "ummmm......ok........but.........well.......what if Thursday comes and I don't want to go." So I sort of make plans, never mark it on my calendar, and hope that they forget until Thursday morning when I can decide if that works for me or not. Don't get me wrong I have really fun friends who I love hanging out with, I think I just got so used to making plans with every intention of breaking them just because that is what I do. I have always had a fear of hurting feelings by saying "no" but by not ever truly committing I have inadvertently hurt people I love more than I ever knew. Thank you dear friend for bringing this phobia to my attention so I can deal with it and change my ways. From here on out I am completely committed to... committing. Love you all!

Halloween

2009-11-03T08:38:00.000-08:00

This is the one and only picture from Halloween! (What a horrible mother I am). I was too busy trying to get Gus to keep on the hat that went with his scarecrow costume. Jack was an "Engine Turtle"again. Yes that's right an "Engine Turtle". This is the same costume from last year which made things really easy. The funniest moment from Halloween was when Jack was ready in costume for his preschool party and was explaining his duds to me. "See mom, this is my engine pack" he said. "You're what?" I asked with a concerned giggle. "This thing back here is my engine" pointing to the giant shell on his costume. I couldn't help myself, I busted up laughing. All this time we thought he was saying "Ninja turtle" the wrong way, but for two years he truly believed that he was an "engine turtle" and that the shell was his engine. Jack is obsessed with the generator and engines on everything like the houseboat, four wheelers, trucks, planes, etc. which makes things even funnier because he was so proud of the engine on his costume. Devon told all his friends at work and all of our family that story so when anyone saw him in his costume they would all ask "Jack, where's your engine?" Just another Jackism to add to the books. Happy Halloween!

Check Please!

2009-11-03T08:21:00.000-08:00

Dining out with kids these days has proven to be disastrous. Last night was especially horrible when we went to Trio for aunt Brynnie's birthday dinner. The moment we sat down at our table Devon and I looked at each other and through our expressions said "what are we doing here". There we were in a restaurant filled with couples or groups enjoying expensive glasses of wine, hoping to have a relaxing dinner meanwhile Gus is hanging on his highchair, jumping on the benches, climbing under the table, squealing, and throwing his food. Jack, on the other hand, was at the other end of the table by cousin Tate. Jack and Tate decided tonight would be the night to scream pickle bum and all other manner of potty words across the table. Oh, they were having a great time! Jack and Tate were laughing so hard they had tears in their eyes which continued to fuel the fire. We couldn't help but just laugh at the fiasco going on at our table even with the incredibly dirty looks we were receiving from the other diners. To make matters worse, after we were finished eating our dinner we all ordered dessert. Seriously WHAT WERE WE THINKING! That...needless to say...was our last time eating at Trio with the kids unless of course we get the food to go and eat on the lawn outside the restaurant. They have a statue and some tall curbing we used as a playground for the kids to burn off some energy after dinner. CAN WE GET THE CHECK PLEASE!

Haircuts!

2009-11-02T10:54:00.000-08:00

These pictures are from our Hale family party, but the boys got haircuts right before. Devon was a little upset that I chopped off Jack's crazy locks, but now you can actually see his cute face.

My Jackers!

2009-11-02T10:52:00.000-08:00

Jack enjoyed Gus' birthday toys the most of anyone. This is a ballpopper which turned into Jack's leaf blower! Surprise, surprise the thing eventually broke after being stuffed full of dirt, rocks, and leaves.

Gusser's First Birthday!

2009-11-02T10:48:00.000-08:00

It is pretty lame that these are the only pictures from Gusser's first birthday party but I guess that is what happens to the second child. We had the fam over for pizza, cake, and ice cream. The kids had a great time in the backyard playing "energy ball" (a game uncle Cam made up). Gus left the party early due to his 7:30 bedtime, but we all kept the celebration going even after his departure.

Gus really enjoyed ripping into that cake!

Grand Canyon Rim to Rim!

2009-11-02T10:24:00.000-08:00

In May Devon, Ben Curtis, and I hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim in one day! We started off at a really good pace. At one point we were actually running and Devon and Ben were planning next years rim-to-rim-to-rim adventure. We got to Phantom Ranch around 11:30, ate lunch, took off our shoes to empty out the sand, mixed up some gatorade, then hit the trail again around noon. From the time we got to Phatom ranch till we left the temperature rose about 30 degrees to just around 100. Our confidence dropped a bit when we began passing people on the side of the trail calling for help due to dehydration and heat stroke. We were still making good time until Ben realized that he choice of black hat, black shoes, black shirt, black shoes, and black shorts was not the best. He may as well have brought milk to drink. All of a sudden his face turned bright red and he said "I am sooo hot, I think we better stop for a minute". Well after hiking 18 miles if you sit down there is a good chance you may never get up. When I tried to get up after our break my hips felt like they did when I was pregnant with Gus! Between Ben's blackout attire and my pregancy hips we new it would be a long last leg of the hike, but we were up to the challenge. The last 4 miles is a really steep traverse back and forth to the top of the canyon. Devon had done the hike back in the day and warned us about the last part, but I really was not prepared for how hard it truly was. One step at a time, we made it to the top and were completely wasted. It was definately a feat, but not something I am ready to repeat anytime soon! Devon, however, is still sticking to his rim-to-rim-to-rim craziness!

Gusser's Mut!

2009-11-02T09:54:00.000-08:00

Gus got his helmet on in February of 2009. He had it on until his one year birthday. The helmet was to correct his misshappen head which was caused by torticollis (neck muscle imbalance). Sporting some Spyder, Skullcandy, Smith, and Descrete stickers he could possibly be the cutest helmet child ever. It was bittersweet when we took the helmet off for good, it became part of him. He didn't even care when it was on, but when the weather turned hot in May the thing stank and undescribable stank. Goodbye helmet child hello perfect head...well...not exactly!

Our Get Away!

2009-04-15T14:48:00.000-07:00

Yes, after so many months finally something note worthy has happened. Devon and I were able to get away on a cruise and it was awesome. We were kid free and loving it! We had 4 stops including Bahamas, St. Martin, St. Thomas, and Grand Turk. My favorite islands was St. Thomas, and if we ever get the chance I would go back and stay for a week.

Poor Little Gusser!

2008-09-20T14:03:00.000-07:00

Poor little Gus, with a brother like Jack he doesn't get much attention yet. I love this little guy though and am so excited to see his true personality. Hopefully he will be calm, quiet, and super snuggly. (FAT CHANCE!!!) So far he is the most mellow little guy and always has a smile for his mama. He will even be crying in his crib after waking from a nap and I will go in and immediately the crying stops and he smiles and starts wiggling from side to side. I love having a baby around again, it is so much fun to watch them change day to day. I love it when they get out of the blob stage and start to actually be able to hold their heads up, smile, and even laugh! Doesn't he have the sweetest little face!!!

Hunting with the Big Boys!

2008-09-16T14:25:00.000-07:00

On Saturday Devon, Jack, Grandpa Wood, and Ben Curtis (our bro-in-law and Jack's BFF) got out pheasant hunting for the first time of the season. Of course Gus and I were left home to bake homemade banana bread and catch up on some light cleaning. (Personally I would rather be out with the boys playing with guns, but sometimes motherhood calls). Devon caught on to the sport a few years ago when we thought it would be an awesome idea to purchase a second dog (Abe). (What were we thinking getting another dog) This time Devon was sure to get one with really good hunting genes because Stella, our other dog, is absolutely terrified of guns. Since that time Devon has purchased some great Carhart gear, and travels to Cabellas every few weeks just to see what's new. I can't wait for Gus to get a little older so we can all go hunting, but for now I guess it is fun for Devon and Jack to have some "Guy Time" together.

Utah State Fair

2008-09-16T14:07:00.001-07:00

I sure do love the Utah State Fair. I have been going every year for a long time now. I don't know what it is that I love so much. Maybe it is the incredible people watching, the prize winning pigs, the fried pb and j sandwiches, or perhaps the awesome rides where the real thrill comes with not knowing whether the cars will make it one more time around without falling off the track. I am just glad that I now have kids and a husband who share my enthusiasm. (The inlaws have even caught on!)

Jackamoyda

2008-09-11T16:00:00.001-07:00

I wanted to give a shout out to my little buddy! Man I love this kid!

Jack disappears upstairs claiming he is going to retrieve the ski goggles that are up in mom's room. 5 minutes later...

Mom: "Jack, what are you doing?" Calling up the stairs.
Jack: "Nothing!"
Mom: Walks up the stairs and into her bathroom.
Mom: "JACK, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" She asks again, this time standing in the doorway of the bathroom, laughing her head off.
Jack: "I'm making a mess!" He has sprayed an entire bottle of shaving cream all over the bathroom and is having a blast.
Jack: "Look mom, I'm skating." As he slips and slides around the bathroom floor.

Sometimes you just have to laugh, get the camera, and savor those funny moments!

"Moments of mommy shame!"

2008-09-11T15:02:00.000-07:00

This is an article my mom cut out for me from the newspaper. It made me laugh and feel better about myself as a mom. Sometimes we think we are the only ones, but this just proves we are all in the same boat. THANKS MOM!!!
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700249388,00.html

Labor Day in Island Park

2008-09-11T14:14:00.000-07:00

Over the Labor Day weekend we took a little trip to Island Park to Gangang's cabin (that's what Jack calls Grandma Wood). We usually go up at least a few times every summer but because of the addition to our family this was the first trip.

There truly is nothing better than listening to the river and watching Devon and his dad flyfish. Flyfishing on the Henry's Fork is one of Devon's passions. I love to flyfish, but of all the times I have gone, I have truly never caught a fish on my own. Devon has helped me a couple times and then talks to me like I am a 6 year old who doesn't know I truly didn't catch it myself.

While up at the cabin we decided it had been way too long since we visited Yellowstone National Park (about 5 years to be exact). So on Sunday we loaded up in the car for what I thought would be a nice 2 hour tour to a couple of the hot spots in the park. Little did I know that the rest of the group was planning on an all day adventure. After about 2 hours in the car I was ready to lose my mind. Yellowstone is beautiful and all, but unless there is a bear knocking on the window of my car, 2 hours is plenty.