Take a Walk Down Memory Lane!

Thanks to my cousin who did this, I thought it would be fun - I can't wait for some responses!

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew/know me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Have FUN!

More Summer Fun!

We had a great 4th of July Week down in the OC. We were able to see Julie and TJ - yeah! Marin, but not the rest of the Miller gang - boo! And basically, we just had a great time. It worked out great because Steve had work down in LA and so we just all loaded up and went down, he was able to get his work done and enjoy his long weekend too! All in all it was great.

Here is a recap of our week!
Monday - Disneyland, what more can we say, it was great. Nana, Granddad and Marin came with us and Julie and TJ and crew! The kids had a fantastic time and were brave and tried many new rides. Some of the favorites were, Splash Mountain, California Screamin, the Bear Mountain River Ride, and Soarin. Tyler tried the Tower of Terror and will probably never go on it again, but we will say he was totally brave and true. Josh thought everything was too 'youd' (loud) and although he didn't get to go on very many rides seemed to enjoy himself.

Tuesday - We went to the pool at moms house. We packed a picnic lunch and spent 4 hours at the pool. The kids had a great time and were very worn out. Uncle TJ won dad of the year and endured a bad sunburn the rest of the week for his sacrifices.

Wednesday - Beach Baby! We headed to the beach and although not my favorite place, we had a great time. The kids of course loved it. The kids were having a great time burying each other, that is until Tyler's turn rolled around and not naming any names, someone threw a handful of sand in his face and in his mouth. It resulted in a few minutes of drama trying to get him cleaned out, he also threw up on unnamed assassins flip flop because the sand was gagging him. Although no fun, it was just one of those moments and I think next time Ty will remember to keep his mouth shut.

Thursday - Disneyland again! We were minus Granddad, Nana and Marin and plus more of the Brinks crew. Again we had a great day, some drama, some tired kids, but all in all it was just as fun as Monday. I think most of us got to do what we wanted. The highlight of the day for me was taking Josh on Dumbo. He had been a pill all day and it was all worth it to see the look of joy on his face while he was doing the steering on Dumbo. He loved it! I also loved going on Space Mountain with Brooklynn. She screamed the whole time, like a terrified scream, but when we got to the end of the ride she said, "That was sooo fun!"

Friday - 4th of July! Mom hosted a bar-b-que, we did some swimming and just had kind of a chill day! It was nice and relaxing. The biggest bummer of the day, especially for Steve, was the firework ban in most of OC. He felt somewhat ripped off in his 4th of July Celebrations.

Saturday - Beach again. It took us forever to get there because of the traffic, but once again, it was super fun! Steve and TJ rented some boogie boards and for Ty this was the highlight of the week. If we lived down there, he would be my surfer boy! He loves it, he had so much fun. I'm sad I didn't get any still shots of him riding the boogie board, but I did take lots of video. Josh also discovered the ocean, but after a couple of wipeouts from the waves knocking him down, he wasn't such a fan.

One more little tidbit for you. On Thursday my mom dropped off two shirts and a pair of dress pants at the cleaners for Steve. Saturday we went and picked them up right at closing, got home ate dinner. Then we started packing up to leave the next day. Steve pulled out the pants to pack them and they were not his pants. NOT EVEN close to his pants. So Monday I called and my mom called and Mr. Dry Cleaner is denying he made any mistake and has some video to prove it. I am still on him and he is finally trying to figure out where the pants are. It has been most frustrating and the guy just doesn't seem to understand that I have some strangers pants. Hopefully the pants will show up becuase they are the pants to Steve's suit. Yikes, that is going to be one expensive mistake for this guy becuase I am not going to give up trying to get this resolved.

This week has been kinda chill. The kids and I are trying to get ready to go to Canada. It has been 2 years since I have been there and I am excited to go the cabin and spend some time with my sisters! Yeah!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Summer Begins!

We have had a ver busy beginning to our summer. I decided this summer I was not going to buy water park passes and so far we have done more swimming than any other summer we've been here.

Tyler and Brooklynn both had swimming lessons! They did great and Tyler even started learning the Butterfly stroke! He is quite a fish. Brooklynn made a big break through and can now swim without any help at all. She is still cautious, but that is always good in my book. As for Josh, he is insane and has absolutely no fear of the water. I mean no fear at all. Last week we went swimming out at Misty's and I didn't get in, but put him in his water wings (floaties) and let him go for it and boy did he! After he was all warmed up, he decided it was okay to jump off the side all by himself. He loves it. In fact he loves it so much that a couple of days later while we were starting to wind it down, we took off his water wings and before I knew it, he took off and jumped right in the pool. Luckily I was sitting right next to where he went in and jumped in to rescue him. In his case a little fear would be good.

So far the summer has been good, the only down side came this week when, as a result of all our swimming, Brooklynn came down with a little swimmers ear. She is on the mend and we should be back in the pool next week.

Here are a few pictures that I took at Jared and Misty's fantastic BBQ last week! There is also a video of Josh and Justin playing, Josh loves Justin they have become great pals, especially since we have been swimming at Misty's quite frequently. The other day Justin was over and told me that he wished Josh was his little brother. They wrestle and fight and Justin is so cute with him.

This is Brooklynn and one of her 'best friends' Abby

Josh and Justin

Wounded

Sometimes as a mom you have moments that you think, boy that was really a smart move and I had one of those this weekend. Let me expound.

Tyler has been in need of a new bike for a least a year now, probably two. He has had the same bike since he was 3, yes people 3 years old. I know he is almost 8, but he much prefered his scooter so it really hasn't been an issue. Well until last week that is. He was invited to a birthday party for one of his good friends. For the party they were going to go over to the the BMX dirt track for about an hour and a half and then they were heading back over to his buddies house for food, presents, water guns, etc. What better excuse to buy him a new bike, right? So I find him a great bike, we get it home and he rides it for a little. We adjust what needs to be adjusted and I notice he isn't super comfortable on it, but think we will have time during the week for him to get used to it. He honestly hasn't been on a bike in like 6 months because his little one needed the tires fixed. Of course as life would have it, we didn't end up having a lot of time for him to ride it, Josh was sick, and on and on. Saturday morning rolled around and I took him over for the party. I had a little nervousness in the pit of my stomach because I knew he wasn't really comfortable with the new bigger bike. I talked to my friend about it and then off they went. When after the 3 hour party I didn't recieve a phone call I figured all went well and there were no broken bones and no injuries! Well, I was wrong. This is what I found when I went to pick him up........

Ouch right! My friends Logan and Jamie felt so bad and kept apologizing, but what can you do! This is what makes you tough right. So I guess what happened was this - Right after they unloaded the bikes, they had to ride down the hill to the track. Keep in mind I have never been there. Tyler jumps on his bike and starts heading down the hill, he isn't used to the hand brakes on the bike, it is super bumpy, it's a hill, he is on a much bigger brand new bike and WIPE OUT. He lost control, landed on his right butt cheek and then slid on his hip. The scrapes and scratches go down almost to his knee, but that one spot took the brunt of it. He also has some good scrapes on his buttocks and some really deep bruises, but all in all he is good. According to the dads that were there, he was super brave and decided he would stay at the party and watch the other boys. I'm proud of him for being BRAVE and for winning the BEST WIPEOUT of the day. I'm also super grateful it wasn't a broken bone or stitches.

Of course being the mom I am, as soon as we got home I took his bike out of the car and made him get on it and ride it up and down the street. Despite the protests, he did and of course he was just fine!

My biggest challenge this week and until it is healed, is going to be keeping enough water proof tape and bandaids around. He has swimming lessons everyday this week and I'm sure we will be in the pool a few other times as well. He was super nervous about whether or not it would sting when he got in the pool this morning, but all was well.

As a side note, Tyler protested the pictures and didn't want me to put them on the blog, but since this is mostly my journal, I had too. Sorry buddy!

Happy Fathers Day!

I want to say Happy Father's Day - to my wonderful Husband, my wonderful father and my wonderful father-in-law. Also a special mention goes out to Steve's Grandpa, we love and miss you Grandpa Nelson, Happy Father's Day.



In honor of Father's Day and my husband I thought I would do a 100 things list about Steve. We'll see how far I get!...... Here it goes



1. He was born in Pocatello Idaho

2. He lived on Lacey Road when he was little

3. He also lived in Kentucky (I think it was Kentucky) for a few years, when his dad was in the Army

4. He, along with the rest of the crew, lived at Grandma Poulson's house for a few years.

5. He had lots of 'best' friends growing up, most of whom I have met, they include; Matt, Tony M., Tony F., Nate, and JD. This list obviously does not include all of them, but a few of the most mentioned.

6. According to Steve, He grew up on a farm

7. He had a friend in Kentucky who dressed up like Michael Jackson for some event at school

8. He had some totally cool MOON BOOTS and we have a great picture of them

9. He always used to tease his sisters.

10. He still teases his sisters.

11. He played football in highschool

12. He played football at Rick's

13. He almost played football at Snow College

14. He stopped playing football when he hurt his knee right before Tyler was born

15. He can tell you what I was wearing on a number of dates we went on both BEFORE and AFTER his mission

16. He met me, the love of his life, 2 months before his mission

17. He served his mission in Bristol England

18. Most of his time was spent in Wales

19. He had a companion that he had to remind to brush his teeth and sometimes had to force him to do it.

20. He stopped writing to me after about 7 months so he could focus on his Mission

21. He is father to our 3 beautiful children

22. He is a great dad

23. He loves to wrestle with the kids

24. His daughter adores him, even though sometimes he doesn't think so

25. His kids miss him when he has to be gone

26. They always ask, "When will Daddy be home?"

27. He loves to tease Tyler and Brooklynn

28. Josh is also becoming victimized by his teasing more and more

29. He also teases me

30. Sometimes he teases me until I get mad

31. He had surgery on his knee when Tyler was a baby

32. He chopped off the end of his thumb a few years ago

33. He loves the Ocean!

34. He loves to snorkel

35. He is like a big huge kid when we go to the beach

36. He loves the warm weather

37. He loves to Golf

38. He works really, really hard!

39. He is the middle of 7 children in his family!

40. He loves to make his sisters laugh and then when they laugh he wants to make them laugh harder and it just keeps going on and on.

41. He is the 'Funny Guy' in his family

42. He once put one of Tyler or Brooklynn's dirty diapers in his dad's car overnight. His poor dad nearly died from the smell the next day.

43. He is absolutely adored by the kids in his Sunday School class. I get told almost every week, by one of them or one of their parents that he is so loved and that he makes it fun and interesting and they actually learn something from him

44. When Tyler was born he looked just like Steve's baby pictures. I mean I thought I had given birth to my own husband he looked so much like him.

45. Brooklynn looked like Steve when she was a baby too.

46. Don't worry she was still really cute

47. He is very handy around the house and can fix almost anything

48. He is one of the most giving and helpful people I know.

49. He is always willing to help people who need something

50. If he can help it, he never misses a Vineyard assignment

51. He loves to sleep in the middle of the bed. In our bed his side is 3/4 of the bed and my side is the other 1/4

52. If he falls asleep on the couch he is impossible to wake up.

53. One of the youth at church thinks that he is a Cage Fighter

54. He is a very loyal friend

55. He can and will talk to anyone

56. He would go crazy if he had to sit behind a desk all day.

57. He loves to be around people

58. He has really good crap detector

59. He is a wonderful husband

60. His dad always tell's me that he is glad his son married up

61. He loves his family

62. He get super irritated by stupid drivers

63. He is terrified of Snakes
64. If there is a show on TV about Snakes anytime one strikes he Jumps. I mean every time, even if he has seen the show before.
65. Even though he is terrified of Snakes he knows a lot about them and watches lots of snake shows
66. He loves a good bar-b-que and can grill up a mean steak
67. His all time favorite Hamburger is the Royal Burger at Red Robin
68. He likes Sushi, but only the really fresh good stuff
69. He says I can never make a decision, but it is really him
70. He loves to have late nights with Tyler and stay up and play the Playstation until all hours of the night and/or morning
71. He loves to ask Josh questions that make Josh answer 'Yes' because Josh says yes just like Brady and it is really cute
71. When he tucks Brooklynn in at night, he is so cute about chatting with her.
72. When he was a little boy his sister hit him in the face with a Garden Hoe. It messed up his teeth pretty bad
73. He cut his nose with sewing scissors when he was little. You know the part inbetween his nostrils. Yikes and ouch!
75. He has had stitches a number of times.
76. He never sprained an ankle until after we were married and then he did it 6 weeks before football season started. He was playing basketball in the front yard with his brothers
77. He loves to watch football.
78. He loves the NFL chanel
79. He enjoys watching golf
80. He also has a new found loves for UFC (Ultimate fighting)
81. He has been know to order some of the UFC paper view fights and watch them with a friend
82. He loves to swim with the kids
83. He also enjoys taking them to the water park when we have passes
84. He wishes we had a pool
85. Last summer he tried to set up two different quick set pools and found out that are backyard has quite a slope to it
86. He was so disappointed and stewed about it for a few days
87. He loves me so much that he found someone to take out the yucky old hot tub that was in our backyard
88. He enjoyed using the hot tub in the winter, but it was really ugly
89. He doesn't understand why I don't like hot tubs
90. When we go on vacation he loves to explore and try new things
91. He can't stand sitting still for long, unless he is watching sports
92. He really really really wishes we had a bigger TV (I can't say I blame him)
93. He also really would love to have a wii
94. He is a fantastic daddy!
95. He is a great husband
96. He is always great about letting me sleep in, if possible, on the weekends
97. He also makes sure the kids leave me alone for a Sunday Nap
98. He loves to take me out on dates
99. He is very loved by Tyler, Brooklynn and Josh!
100. He is very loved by me!!!!

Happy Father's Day Honey, we love you!!!

Problem Solved......Finally

After months of sleeping and napping issues, I think we (I) have solved the problem. On Monday I was finished with having to lay down with Josh for his naptime. So I put him in bed and told him to stay in his bed or his blanket would be mine. He, of course, had a tantrum and followed me right out the door. When I took his blanket he didn't care hmmmmm obviously not the right trigger for him. Back to bed we went and this time I told him if he got out of bed I would close the door. Of course he followed me right out the door, so back to bed he went and I closed and locked his door. He flipped, 'No Door, No Door,' he screamed through the door at me. I let this go on for a couple of minutes and went back in, put him back in bed and told him that he had to stay in bed or I would close the door. Problem solved, he was asleep for his nap in about 10 minutes. For bedtime I told him the same thing and he didn't even try to get out of his bed. I kept thinking this couldn't be so easy. He even slept in his own bed until about 4 am - that is pretty good. Tuesday, I did the same thing and amazingly enough it really did work. No problems going to bed, other than calling, 'Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!' for a few minutes and then falling off to sleep. Is a little fear all it took? Was this issue over the past few months all over with one simple little adjustment. Throughout the week it has proven to be the key. Now on to tackling the issue of sleeping on my floor for half the night. So after much pondering I said to myself, 'Self, I wonder if I leave his door open and the hall light on if he will stay in his bed all night?' Well, I tried it and sure enough, it worked. This self was right. Yeah!!! Problem Solved. If I had know the solution was that easy I sure would have gotten alot more sleep in the last little while and Julie would have had fewer problems at her house too. Oh well, at least we figured it out. Now if only he weren't sick with a fever.......

Tired!

I am so very tired! I don't why or when or what happened, but somehow, somewhere Josh decided to be a horrible sleeper. He wakes up too early, he climbs in bed with us at least a few nights a week, he wakes up crying and now the latest, he falls asleep in the hall. I know our trip helped create our current situation, but it was heading down this road anyway. To top it off, he was in bed with me last night with some sort of tummy upset/throw up stuff, that while short lived (I think) caused me to once again get very little sleep.

The other night I was so tired of him kicking me, but he refused to go back to his own bed, so in Janet style, I threw a pillow on the floor and kicked him out of my bed. What is the deal? Any advice to help him get over this would be much appreciated!!!!! I really, really, really, really need to get some sleep!!!

Myrtle Beach, SC, Kids Stuff and ........

The Past Few Weeks at the Empey house have been busy, partially not here at all and just more busy. With only 4 days of school left, we have been running around like crazy and trying to get prepared for a long and probably very HOT summer!

First of all I have to tell my Hubby Congratulations as he recieved a promotion!!! Yeah for you and all your hard work, they best news is that it will keep us where we are.

Steve and I, thanks to D&J, were able to go on a much needed, much loved, and much enjoyed vacation. We headed off to Myrtle Beach, SC and it was great! In order for us to have someone watch our kids, we had to head to Utah. Julie, despite her full house and busy schedule agreed to take Josh and Steve's parents and sisters all helped with Ty and Brooks. A huge THANK YOU to them all for all their help!!!

Our Drive to Utah was relatively uneventful, we drove until very late, or very early and then finally stopped in St. George for what was left of the night. After a few hours of sleep we were off again, arrived at Julie's house spent a busy day seeing some of Steve's family, holding baby Maggie and getting the kids taken care of. Once all of that was done we left on a Red Eye flight to Atlanta and then on to Myrtle Beach. Although tired we hit the ground running and Dad and Steve went golfing and Mom and I went to the pool. The week was mostly spent by the pool for us girls, with a few trips to the spa!! And the boys were golfing! We ate at some good restaurants and just had a wonderfully relaxing week. A few of the highlights were our trip to Charleston, SC with a stop at a plantation on the way. The Plantation was really cool and we found out that they used to grow rice in SC, they called it South Carolina Gold. It was all very interesting and neat to see history from that part of the country. In Charleston we went on a carriage tour and I enjoyed every minute. The homes were amazing and the old feel and history was wonderful to learn about. Someday I wouldn't mind going back for more.

Another highlight was seeing some Sharks. We went out to a pier called the Apache Pier and apparantly it is the longest pier on the East Coast. It was just a few miles down the beach from where we stayed. We walked out to the end and the place was crawling with Fisherman. Along the pier they had some sinks so that they could gut and clean any fish they caught. Whenever those sinks were turned on, along came some sharks. We are talking 6 to 8 foot sharks. It was super cool to see them swimming around and they weren't that far from the beach. We also saw some Jelly Balls, which are similar to jelly fish but do not sting, and some Sting Rays. Steve would have stayed out on that pier all day long. All in all it was great.

The Jelly Ball

I Loved this, it looked so cool

The Only Picture I have of me and Steve, I'm not so good at taking pictures without the kids around.

As for the kids, Tyler and Brooklynn had a wonderful time. Ty went to school with Grandma everyday and Brooklynn was able to go a couple of afternoons as well to be the helper. On Friday as Brooklynn says, "We had a Major Lockdown," What does that mean you ask? Well, in case of any threats from the outside or if someone dangerous had gotten into the school they go into lockdown and all the teachers lock their classroom doors and everyone huddles under a table in the corner in the dark. Mom Empey's class was out on the playground when the call for a lock down came, she assumed it was a drill and got everyone settled in the dark, under the table. Mind you she had Ty and Brooks with her this day. After a while she saw a policeman and dog go by her window and she told me she thought, 'Wow, they are really going all out for this drill today!' Of course, it was no drill. Down the road from the school they had a seatbelt check point and when one guy saw it, he abandoned his car and headed toward the school (he was a former student) thinking it would be a good place to hide. He was a little nervous about the checkpoint because there was a warrant out for his arrest. Well, as it turned out it was not a good place to hide and he was soon captured after what Brooklynn has told us was a 'Major Lockdown' She says this with such seriousness and drama that you can't help but smile!

Now for Josh, while cute and adorable as usual, he did not win the champion sleeper award for the week at Julie's house. Julie was most exhausted, but endured her week with my crazy two year old well. After me only being gone for one day he started calling JuJu, Mama. One night, after a mega bedtime tantrum, he laid on the floor in front of her room and started falling asleep, after he had already fallen asleep against her upstairs banister. Since coming home this habit has continued and he has fallen asleep in the hallway twice and at his bedroom door twice, once at 3 am. The only thing I can figure is that he is scared to go to sleep because he is worried I won't be there when he wakes up. As you can tell, I slightly traumatized him by leaving. When we got home and went to Julie's to pick him up, I was so excited. When we went in the house, I scooped him up and started to snuggle him, but he was so sad and his little chin started to quiver and he was holding back tears. Julie came over and he dove back into her arms. I was so sad and feeling mildly guilty that he was upset with me. Steve then took him and he was just fine with daddy, but when I tried to kiss him or talk to him he would snub me and put his nose in the air and not look at me. It was super funny, but of course I cried too because I felt bad. After 15 to 20 minutes we were back on and since then I can hardly close the bathroom door without a freak out because he wants me in his sight.

Josh, three different nights, asleep on the floor

After we picked up Josh we went up to Idaho to pick up Ty and Brooks and to be there for baby Maggie's Blessing Day. It was fun to see everyone, except we missed Katrina and her crew. It was great to finally meet baby Amani and just hang out, even though it was for less than 24 hours. Of course it was back in the car to head home.

Josh loving Amani, she didn't mind at all!

Josh loving baby Maggie, she was really a fan!

Jake, he is so cute

Josh took this picture of Maggie, I thought it was funny!

We really had a wonderful vacation and both felt refueled and ready to come back to Real Life. Only 4 more days of school and then who knows what we will do all summer!

100 Things About Me!

Since my sisters have both done this and they did it for my mom, I figured I would give it a go. I'm not sure my 100 things will be all that cool, but here it goes.

1. My middle name is Lynn after my mom
2. My first name is Heather, I was named Heather because if my dad had been a boy that is what he would have been named.
3. Heather is a Scottish thistle or as Steve says, 'A Weed'
4. I have 3 kids
5. I have one husband, he is pretty fantastic
6. I learned to do Cartwheels when I was 2 or 3
7. I am the Middle sister
8. My brother always liked me best when we were little and always defended me
9. It has neither been denied nor confirmed that I am my parents favorite child
10. My Sisters both think I am the favorite
11. I have very small feet
12. My left foot is totally different from my right - I have stubby deformed toes and toe nails. Ask me sometime, I'll show you.
13. I love to travel
14. I just got home from a trip to Myrtle Beach, SC with my wonderful hubby and my parents
15. I went on a Study abroad to Israel
16. I have been to Egypt
17. I have also been to Jordan
18. I spent my 20th birthday eating super yummy ice cream in the country of Jordan with some great friends.
19. I really would love to go to Europe and Austrailia
20. I never, ever, ever want to go to China
21. I look a whole bunch like my Aunt Peri
22. I am the shortest adult person in my family and Steve's
23. I don't mind be the shortest person
24. I graduated from BYU
25. I have a degree in Business Marketing
26. I worked at a Bark Plant in Rexburg Idaho. You know like the stuff you buy in bags to put in your yard and flower beds.
27. Steve and I have lived in 7 different cities in 9 years of marriage.
28. Six of those places were in the first 3 years of our marriage
29. Rexburg
30. Ephraim, UT
31. Springville, UT
32. Logan, UT
33. Midvale, UT
34. Lehi, UT
35. And finally where we are now.
36. Before my mini van I drove 6 different cars.
37. I have jet lag really bad!
38. I totally love my sisters, they are my bestest pals in all the land
39. I talk to Julie at least once a day, usually more.
40. I would talk to Marilee everyday, but she is never in one place long enough.
41. My baby is in his bed singing a song right now.
42. I love my kids so very much
43. I love being a mom, but I'm not so good at it all the time
44. I hope someday I can live close to my sisters
45. I have the best in-laws in the whole world. No really they are the best.
46. Not only are my in-laws awesome, but Steve's brothers and sisters and spouse's are cool too.
47. I love to read
48. I played basketball in High School, until my senior year
49. I love to ski
50. I haven't skiied since I got married plus some, so we'll say it's been 9 years.
51. I love to water ski, wake board, or wake surf. Just put me in a boat
52. I am not what you would call an animal lover
53. I am terrified of Horses, but I don't want my kids to be. We'll blame the scared of horses thing on Mr. Griffith's ( I think) where we used to go to horse camp because he told me that if a horse bites you it won't stop until it feels it's teeth touch.
54. I was forced to go to horse camp even though I was terrified.
55. I was also forced to take tennis lessons one summer
56. I love to swim
57. I wish I hadn't been such a scared and shy kid and joined the swim club like my parents encouraged me to
58. I am so glad to be able to stay at home with my kids, what a blessing.
59. My hubby just got a promotion!!! Yippy, you are the best.
60. I will forever have that last 10 pounds of 'baby' weight to lose
61. I enjoy going to work out at the gym
62. Working out helps keep me sane as a mom and relieves lots of my stress.
63. Sometimes I can't help but offer up my opinion, even though it usually isn't wanted.
64. When I was a little girl I always wanted to be a nurse.
65. I was going to try to go through the nursing program at BYU, but my Chemistry grades weren't good enough. Stupid chemistry department
66. I would still like to be a nurse
67. I love to read, but it kind of goes in spurts.
68. My mum-in-law just bought me the new Stephanie Meyer book "the host" I'll let you all know how it is.
69. I love Twilight and can't wait for the next book and the movie.
70. I am surprised how easily I have been able to come up with these things.
71. My best friend moved a year ago and I still miss her and wish she lived around the corner.
72. My baby was so mad at me when I came home from my trip and wouldn't look at me and wanted to cry. He wanted Auntie JuJu instead.
73. I can hardly keep my eyes open - it is almost midnight in the time zone I am used to and it is only 9 pm here
74. I clean my house from top to bottom once a week, usually on Monday's
75. I despise doing laundry, especially the folding and putting it away
76. I love the warm weather
77. I am not looking forward to the heat of summer
78. I wish that we had a pool in our backyard
79. I totally love to listen to Mylie Cyrus/Hannah Montana
80. I think I like her songs better than Brooklynn
81. I would really love to go to a Maroon 5 concert, but they aren't coming here
82. I love to watch sports with my hubby, even though he thinks I don't
83. I would like to learn to golf someday when I don't have kids home all day
84. One of my jobs in college was cleaning the dorms
85. I also worked at media services at BYU
86. Steve and I watched the movie 3:10 to Yuma this week and it was awesome
87. I also recently watched August Rush and I thought it was super cute
88. I watch too much TV
89. What did I ever do before my TiVo? It is the best
90. My favorite TV show right now is Grey's anatomy
91. My Tyler turns 8 this year.
92. Steve and I had a lady tell us the other day that we didn't look old enough to have 3 kids - Thanks lady
93. I found my first two gray hairs a few weeks ago
94. I totally sleep on my stomach
95. I'm getting hungry sitting here typing this
96. I enjoy going on trips without my kids and re-connecting with my hubby
97. I miss my kids when I leave them
98. I have to clean my house before I go on a trip so that when I get home it is clean
99. Only 9 days of school yet and I don't know what the heck we are going to do all summer
100. I am at the end and now I am off to bed!

To all you out there, I challenge you all to write down your 100 things, I hope mine weren't to mundane!

My Tyler

A quick story about Ty.  He came home from School the other day excited to tell me about a new center they are doing at school.  They do centers everyday to work on spelling math etc.  So, he goes on to tell me that the new center is called postcards.  They get to pick someone in their class to write a postcard to and then they will be delivered the following Monday.  I said, "Wow buddy that sounds fun, who did you write your postcard to this week."  He says, "Gabriel"  Now of course to you all this means nothing, but let me tell you a little about Gabriel.  He is a little boy in his class who is really nice, but has some problems.  He is not well liked and very often teased.  There have been a few times when Tyler has come home very frustrated because this little boy was bugging him at school, but regardless, my kind son Tyler still has always tried to be nice to him.  So, I then asked Tyler, "Why did you decide to write one to him?"  He replied, "Because no one else in my class will write one to him mom!"  My heart melted, boy I am lucky to have such a thoughtful wonderful boy and what a lesson he taught me.  I definitely can't take credit for teaching him how to be so aware of those around him, but I am so happy he is.   

Baseball, New Hair and Playing!

We have been spending a lot of time at baseball as of late, I'm sure you are all sick of hearing about it, but it has been fun and although Brooklynn complains about it, we all have a good time watching Tyler. I finally got around to taking some pictures at a couple of games so you can all see how cute he is.

Getting A Hit

The Catcher

We also decided it was time for a summer haircut for Tyler. What do you think?



Josh has been coming up with some more word lately, forgive me for constantly posting his words, but since this is mostly my journal, I've got to write them down so I don't forget. He can finally say his own name Gosh, pretty close I think. Book (Brook) is also a new one. Mouse is one of my favorites though, this one means mouth. It is so super cute when he says it. ShooShoo (for ChooChoo) is pretty adorable as well. This kid is way into his 'guys' which are power rangers and he has also started watching our Power Ranger DVD. He will stand in front during the 'fighting' scenes and say 'figh' (fight), kick, and pun (punch) and then try to mimic them, we have totally created a monster. Oh ya another thing he says is 'CooCoo' for Scooter. This is a video clip of Josh and the scooter, he actually is figuring out how to ride it, but I didn't have time to post the video of him practicing.




Brooklynn had a May Day celebration at school with a May Pole and the like, I took a couple of pictures of her and Taylie at the big celebration. As you will see they made bonets and the boys wore bow-ties. It was very cute and of course Brooklynn was very excited about the whole thing!

Brooklynn and Taylie

A Few Highlights From the last few weeks!

Life seems to just be moving along! Time flies by and before you know it, you have not put up a new post and you just know that all your faithful blog readers are cursing you! Of course I am kidding, but really nothing but the usual has been happening around here. I'll make a list of what we have been doing.

Steve
Working
Sleeping
Working
Taking Ty to Baseball
Sleeping

Heather
Sleeping
Waking up at 6 because Josh did
Taking Ty to school
Driving the PreSchool Car Pool
Working out
Doing Laundry
Cleaning
Going to Baseball Games or practice
Dealing with 2 year old Tantrums

Tyler
School
Homework
Reading
Baseball
Sleeping

Brooklynn
PreSchool
Going With Me Everywhere
Talking
Talking
Talking
Playing with Friends
Sleeping

Joshua
Waking up at 6 or earlier to torture his mother
Playing with Guys
Making us Laugh
Napping
Having a Tantrum
Bothering Ty and Brooklynn
Sleeping (but still waking up at 6 to torment his mother)

That gives you a brief overview of the daily activities.

We are half way through Baseball Season! Tyler is really starting to get it and hitting the ball and really having fun. He and Steve have spent many an hour at the park and after practice to work on his skills. It has been fun to watch him, although for Brooklynn it is torture!

Brooklynn is so ready for Kindergarden and actually has her 'evaluation' next week. She gets to go meet with one of the teachers and they will ask her some questions to kind of figure out where she is and then they try to make the classes an even split of all the kids abilities. A funny little story the other morning before Brooklynn left for school the phone rang. I answered the phone and it was Brooklynn's friend Taylie, she says, "Has Brooklynn left for school yet?" (Taylie is in the car pool too). I say, "No" She says, "Can I talk to her." I say, "Sure" After putting her on speaker she and Brooklynn have this conversation. Taylie, "Hi Brooklynn, Are you wearing your Crocks to school today?" Brooklynn, "Yes, are you?" Taylie, "Oh good me too!" Seriously folks it has started already and she is only five. HaHa, it gave me a good laugh.

Josh continues to say more and more, this week the newest words are Base, as in Baseball, but he still says 'baball' at least we can say base. And my new favorite is 'ShooShoo' as in ChooChoo, as in Train. It is super cute. We just had a good conversation while getting him ready for bed. He was talking all crazy and being a nut and I said, "You're a weirdo!" Josh said, "No I not" Yeah, he can say a 3 word sentence!!!! WoooHoooo!

The yummy treat of a Fudgesicle, thank heavens I put him in the highchairBrooklynn at a Baseball gameTyler getting a hit.

Josh in his big boy bed sleeping

Sorry People I can't get that video to post right side up. It is on my computer right side up and it just does not want to cooperate, so sorry for the sideways video!

I'm an Auntie - Again!

Alright, honestly I can't tell you what number this one is, but for those of you who know Steve's sister Kari, she and Jason and Jakey just welcomed baby number 2 into their family. You can go to their link to see some pictures of Maggie Kay Symons. She is super cute. Congrats you guys, we love you!

I think she is my 11th neice on the Empey side. But nobody hate me if I counted wrong.

A Conversation With Tater (Josh)! and some updates.

Tonight while we were getting ready to have family prayer, Brooklynn for some reason started asking about Tiger Woods and when he would play next. Yes, in case you are wondering, we do watch a little golf at our house. We told her that he wouldn't be playing for a while because he had hurt his knee and had surgery, the following conversation came from that exchange.

Brook: "Ohhh, I like Tiger!"
Tater: "I do, a Giger!" (meaning I like Tiger)
Me: Wondering if he really knew what we were talking about asked, "What does Tiger play?"
Tater: A Gock (Golf)
Daddy: Show us your swing

So, of course he did. I couldn't believe it, how did he figure that one out. I knew he didn't miss much, but even that surprised me!!!

Okay, if that sounded like the obnoxious bragging mom, sorry, but it was so cute!

I am so looking forward to more of these conversations with him as he says more and more.

As a side note, he is also officially a big boy and not a baby anymore. Although I still call him my baby. Last Wednesday I put him down for a nap and he was very upset, to say the least. We have been battling naps for about a month, not that he didn't need one, just that he didn't want one in his crib, any other bed was fine. I was busy trying to clean out my closet and re-organize, declutter, all of that good spring time purging stuff and I heard his bedroom door open a little and then close. I hollored at Ty thinking he had gone in there. With no response from Ty I realized it was Josh and he had climbed out of his crib. He had been caught quite a few nights trying to hoist a leg over the railing, but had not climbed out. He was very upset when I went in and busted him, it was cute how sad he was that he was in big trouble! Well, after that I thought why prolong it and I took the crib down and put the twin bed up. He is so little in that big bed, but after a week he is doing great. My only complaint is that he wakes up too early, but he did that anyway. Wow, how time flies!

We also had Nana come for a few days this past week. It was so fun to have her here. The kids love it and had a great time reading with her, playing memory (your favorite, right Nana) and for Brookie, shopping. Nana, was also able to attend one of Ty's Baseball games and came just in time for some 94 degree weather. It was a great weekend and I do have a few pictures that I will have to post later.

One more Post, this time it is about Josh.

Josh is finally starting to say more and more understandable words. With Ty and Brooks being early talkers, it has been mildly frustrating trying to decipher Josh's own special language. He has been using lots of grunts and throaty sounds and all of a sudden he is getting it! For weeks Tyler and Brooklynn have both been 'Gong' I'm not sure why, but it worked for him and he stuck to it. We have really been trying to get him to say TyTy and finally he has come up with his own version - "GyGuy" close right? Wrong consonent but I'll take it. Yesterday I said, say Brook and he did, mind you he still calls her 'Gong,' but the big thing is he can say it. Please has been a big one for the longest time he just smiled and said, 'eeeeeeee,' we are finally making progress because as of three days ago he say 'Peazz' but it sounds more like Bees. In fact, Steve started asking him, What makes honey? and he says, 'Peazz' I love it, it is so cute.

He has also mastered the following list of words, we'll go in order of favorites.

Mama, mama - grabbing my face and turning it towards him and again, MaMa
PutBAll (Football)
BaBAll (baseball)
Mitt (as in baseball)
Bat (as in baseball, can you tell there is a theme here)
Hat (as in baseball, or a football helmet)
Kick
A Shoot
Peazz (as explained above)
Ya
No
Cocko (Choco)
Jooose (Juice)
Mook (Milk)
Blue
Red
Purple
Wawoo (yellow)
Two
Six
Nine
Dog
Turtooo (turtle, I partically love this one because his mouth is so cute when he says it)
Browm (Brown)

Okay, so there is a small sampling of Joshy lingo - He is cute and fun and frustrating and we just can't help but love him! AND THANK HEAVENS HE CAN SAY SOME UNDERSTANDABLE WORDS!!!

Spring!

One of my favorite things to happen every year is when the trees and flowers start to bloom. That seems to happen much earlier for us and while you people still in the snow are jealous, don't worry because when we hit our 110 degree plus weather, most of you will be enjoying much more pleasant temps. Two years ago the kids and Steve went and picked and planted a beautiful rose Tree. The name of it is 'First Prize' so that is what we call it at our house. I love every year when it blooms, so here are a few pictures of it for you all to enjoy.

Have you ever had?

Julie told me I needed to post about this because it is one of those random funny things that is totally out of your control.

Have you ever had one of those little zits, pimples, blemishes, whatever you choose to call it, on your eyelid, right under your eyebrow? Everyonce in a while I get them too. Well, on Saturday I felt a little one brewing and before I went to bed gave it a little sqeeze (because I can't resist, I know sick) and it popped. No biggie right. I thought great tomorrow it will be all gone. Boy let me tell you was I ever wrong. I woke up Sunday morning and it was still there and my eyelid was swollen. So after some Ibuprofen and some ice, yesterday I am happy to say it is still swollen, I can only open my eye about half way. I have never had a zit go so crazy on me and as Steve put it when he woke up yesterday morning, "You look like you got punched in the eye!" Well, that is true, minus any bruising. It is most ridiculous and I feel silly going anywhere. I took a picture and really is doesn't do it justice, but this is for you Julie!

Some Random Stuff

Since I haven't been very good a posting as of late, I thought I would throw in a few random things that we have been up to in the last couple of weeks. I mentioned before (in an earlier post) that I was in Utah, for all of you that I did not contact while there, in my defense I was there for only 48 hours. Just a quick trip, but here are a few pics for you.

Next are a few shots of my kids in their Easter clothes, I really tried to get a picture of all of them together, but alas, Josh was being his two year old self and would have none of it!!! They all looked really cute!!

Finally, and to Ty most importantly Baseball is back baby. This year Ty in thankfully not in T-Ball. He has graduated to machine pitch. They still don't have set positions and are still just getting the fell of the game, but he has fun and it keeps him busy. He in on the Angels this year and is most excited. We had opening day and then his first game was last Wednesday. He played pretty well and even hit a few off the pitching machine. We are excited that Nana is going to come and see one of his games this week. It will be so fun!!!

Boy is he ever handsome!

The Bobble Head?

When I was in Utah a few weeks ago I got a cute video clip of Reece. She is such a cute sweet little thing and she does this Dance/Head Bobble thing that is soooo funny! She only does it for a second at the beginning, but it is dang cute so enjoy!

Homework!

You know how sometimes your kids get homework that is really something for mom or dad to do with some assistance from your child - Well Tyler and I just finished one such assignment and it is so cute that I had to post it. He is starting to work on a Middle Ages Unit at school and was asked to create his own Coat of Arms. I found a great website that helped us out with some of the pictures we used and I drew the footballs. Tyler came up with almost all the ideas and I think it turned out great, let us know what you all think!

Hopefully you can read his description with out to many problems. And although you can't tell very well the bottom part is silver!