Jaron's Enterprise

Well I made it outside to plant those flowers. 3 hours later I am done. Sean has been working on the pergula today (like lattice covering the deck). It is looking really good. Sean decided to enlist Jaron in on the work. Luckily he is motivated by money. When Emily tried to help, he didn't want her to (He wanted all the money for himself.) So I told him I would give him 15 cents for each board, and he could offer Emily 10 cents for each of hers. You should have seen his face light up when he realized that he could get paid for someone elses work. And who ever said I've never taught my kids anything? Isn't that a lesson for success?!!!? LOL

Super Saturday

Greetings! It is Saturday. We got to go out on a date last night. We went out with Tammy and Troy. We went to Texas Rhodehouse (yum) and then we went to "Baby Mama". It was interesting. It was really funny, but I wouldn't recommend it to my bishop if you know what I mean. It was so fun going on a double date. It keeps the conversation off of bills and kids, and lets you be yourself and enjoy your husband.

Today we went back to the Central Stake center for a babtism. Taylor Beerey was babtized by her dad Wade. We knew then from our last ward. Her mom (Audrey) was my scout den leader partner. They have had a lot of various struggles in their lives, so it is so thrilling to see the change. I think that sometimes the biggest struggles make for the sweetest successes. Cami-sorry to miss Kymballs babtism. I did try to stop by the church on the way home, but it was over. Anne- Becca said we need to come back to enrichment to visit sometime.

Today is also Jarons last soccer game. It is so windy, so I politely volunteered to stay home with Nate (he has a headache and still needs to do his chores), and there is no need for Emily to be out in the cold.

Yesterday my neighbor gave me a few more flower starts. It was windy and rainy yesterday, so I better get out and get them planted before the roots dry out. I do have leaves on three of my raspeberries (out of 10). I guess these aren't the best odds, however I am thrilled. I was talking to my cousin Jen last night, and I was bragging to her about my berries, when she informed me that they draw BEES! AAAAAUGH! I told her that I planted most of them around my DECK! We had a good laugh about that. (Of course I didn't tell her that my 3 living plants are ALL around the deck.) That still makes me chuckle.

Our house is running a lot smoother. I have worked up a daily chore chart, so while not all chores are done daily, most are, and all are done weekly. Plus if there is fighting I always have jobs lined out for them. Plus there are always opportunities for them to earn priveledges. All is well at the Gordon's house. We would love to have people over for dessert tomorrow early evening. Any takers?

A great day

Today is a great day. I was able to make "pockets" today, and had enough dough left over for 6 cinnamon rolls. I guess what makes today so nice is the fact that the kids are actually being really helpful and doing some of their chores. It make life easier, and it makes me feel so much happier. I went to get some long overdue bloodwork done today. It has probably been ordered for a year, but I am so chicken to get poked (I have deep veins that move, so they usually dig in my arm with the needle.) Of course the nurse could not find a vein, so after 1 poke and 20 minutes, she sent me on my way. We went to the lab at the hospital. The waiting room was packed, you could see 2 people getting drawn, and after about 3 minutes, I knew that I could not wait one more minute. As I was leaving the receptionist said "Can I help you?" So I said "Ya, just a minute, I am not feeling so well I will be right back", and I was off down the hall and didn't look back. So after feeling like crap for an hour when I got home (I'm sure it was just nerves) then I was able to get my day going.
Last night the neighbor (Dianne) gave me some starts from her flowers. I was able to plant them, so I am hoping that they will grow. Sean said "Where will you even put them?" I figure it doesn't really matter if they are free right. Hopefully I can write again soon

Water Party

Party time!!! School is out. Time for vacation. Friday was the kids last day of school. Today the kids are having a water party AKA lawn will be sinking for 6 weeks. We learned from our Camas house that it is necessary to move the pool around the lawn frequently, otherwise the lawn will sink for weeks. The kids have been really good and having a lot of fun. Jaron had his last scheduled soccer game today. He has done really good and is starting to focus a little better. We are getting ready to go to Karen and Steves for Paige's graduation BBQ. I will update more later

Memorial Day

Today feels like a combination day. It feels like Saturday and Sunday together. This morning Sean washed the windows and mowed the lawn. The boys had friends over. Then we went to the movies "Nimms Island". (Pretty cute!) This felt like a nice Saturday. This evening we went to the Cemetary to see Seans dads grave. When we came home Seans family (Bret, Kristy, Eric, Kandi, and Royce) came over for dinner. We had nachos, followed by my famous brownies with frosting. These brownies are a "little bit of heaven wrapped up in a whole lotta sin."

I just finished reading to Emily and Jaron. Isn't it funny how classic books are classic thru generations. My favorite books as a kid were these sweet pickles books, and they are also the kids favorites. Sean is getting the camping gear packed for the boys. They are both going on their camping trips tomorrow. I am excited for them. I know I will feel lonely for them about 2 minutes after they walk out the door. Thats how I am, I keep wishing school was in, then it starts and before I realize it they are coming home for the day and all I have done is miss them and I think "they need to be gone a little longer."

Even though kids are a challenge, I am so greatful for them. They make life so fulfilling. I think even the opportunity to see life thru their eyes and feel their excitement is such a gift. Not to mention the many opportunities to control yourself and exercize patience. I tell my kids I never swore before I had kids, I never had a reason to before. Now I have the opportunity to try not to several times a day. This seriously is a blessing. I love this time in my life.

Am I crazy or what??!!?

Sean has been in Michigan the last few days. I could tell that the kids were feeling a little blue, so I decided to take the kids to Horton hears a who. Nathan of course thinks that he is too mature to watch it, and decided that he wanted to see Nimbs Island. I didn't feel up to the fight, knowing that Jaron and Emily would like to see Horton, so I told Nate he could invite a friend. He invited Bryson, and we did the 2 movie thing. I checked on them a couple times, and they were being really good, so when they decided to continue the party at home I agreed.

We ended up having a sleep over. When I was inside working they wanted to be outside. So I decided to plant my flowers while they played. Then the craziness began. They were upstairs, downstairs, in the front and back, inside, outside and yes UPSIDE DOWN. (My subtle tribute to Doctor Suess.) They all wanted to eat diffrent foods at diffrent times, in diffrent places, play diffrent activities, etc. I felt like I was running a circus. I told Nate "Don't ever ask for a sleepover again", unless it is arranged by me to the purposes of getting a night without kids in the future. I have also reached my quota of hearing about farts, butts, and poop. With the added benefit of the aroma of 9 year old boys... I am sure you can relate. Do you remember that commercial "Calgon take me away!"

Today we had Grandma and Grandpa and mom over for dinner. It is always so great having people over. I feel sad for Grandpa. His Parkinsons is getting worse and his medicine makes him tired. He gets around pretty good, but he has been talking slower and quieter. He is always talking about people who have died of Parkinsons and the struggles they have had. It kind of makes me think about President Hinkley. You felt sad that he passed, but you felt happy for him. My grandpa is getting close to that point. You always feel better when they are wonderful people and you know you will see them again.

My dad and Gail came up this weekend. It was great. We went to Golden Corral 2 times and did some shopping. I always wish we had more time with them. I think that is how they like it--leave while you still want them to stay vs. wishing they would leave. HaHa Emily was a total Grandpa's girl. She always wanted him to do everything with her, and as soon as she got home she ran upstairs and packed he bags and said she was going home with them. Dad always had a big smile on his face. Last time it was Grandma Gail that she wanted, so this was fun for him.

My dad bought a mum for Mike's (my brother who died at 6 months when I was 4) grave. I took my mom with me to the cemetary to leave the flowers. I also took Royce (Seans mom) to take flowers for Seans dads grave. Jaron and Emily loved playing with sticks, while Nathan loved making gravestone rubbings, and trying to find the oldest graves. Does anyone know why there are so many Japanese graves in Pocatello? Just curious.

Did I mention my sweetheart came back today! I am so excited to have him home. I guess I should wrap this up so I can spent some time with him.

I also wanted to say that I got to hold my cute little friend Leigh. She is such a doll. I love to hold her and play with her (She is about 6 months).

Happy Birthday Eric

Happy Birthday Eric! We had a lot of fun tonight over at Eric and Kandi's. It is always so fun to be with family, and the kids sure love to be with cousins. Trevor and Hailey were up, Royce, Bret and Kristy, and Taylor and his friend were there. We had dinner and visited. The kids mostly played outside. Jaron and Emily found mud (surprise).
We do love having family close.

We be jammin'

Hey I got my jam made today. 22 containers! It is sooo yummy. Today is a beautiful day. I am guessing it is in the 80's and the sun is shining, but luckily there is a breeze, so it is perfect. We were able to get a lot of jobs done around the house today, so I am grateful for that. I need to find a better way to motivate and teach the kids to help around the house. They are motivated by money it seems, but I sure would like them to realize that some things just have to be done just to live. (Dishes, make beds, laundry etc.) Maybe I am expecting too much. I guess the key it to do the jobs with the kids, but then I don't have time to do my jobs.

Sean and Nate mowed the lawn today. They are now out on a ride to a park. Jaron had a soccer game today, and he made a goal! Jaron and Emily are playing on the tramp in their swimsuits with the sprinklers on. I decided it was time to get back on my blog. It is so exciting to finally see myself journaling. I gave up on scrapbooking, because I just don't have the time to spread it all out let alone get anything done.

Yesterday was Eric (Seans brother) birthday, so we are going over to their house in a while.

Thank Heavens for friends

Yesterday I went to Jarons puppet show. It was really cute. They learned about Ireland, and used their puppets for the presentation. It was kind of funny because during his part he got a little wild and ended up hitting the puppets head on the stage.
Last night Danielle and her boys came over for dinner. It was great to have some face to face adult company. I was unable to find a parent to come with me for scouts, so I cancelled it. Jaron went off to soccer practice, and Nate went to his baseball game. I tried to tidy up the house a little before the kids came home. After dinner, we went outside and I fed and watered the plants. I am sure praying the raspberries do well.
Today has been a full day. I did the carpools 3 times today. (Nate and Savannah had a party) Tanner and Emily Hunt came over to play with Emily. Jennifer took me out for lunch today. Matt is in training for a couple months, so it is really comforting knowing I am not the only person missing my husband.
I think that Dianne is coming over tonight to use the internet, so it will be great to have some more company. I am feeling pretty tired right now, so this blog is pretty boring!

Berries anyone

Today is a berry wonderful day. Can you tell that Emily and I have been watching Strawberry Shortcake? Between that and Superman!
It is also a "berry" day because I got some raspberry plants. I know it will take time, but the way the store prices have gone up, we figure it would be a great time to try our hand at a little gardening. Hopefully we can get them planted alright.
BiLo has strawberries on sale for $1.25 per package. Sean and I like to make freezer jam, and that is a great deal for berries. So I have been cleaning and slicing them today.
Nate is playing at a friends, and Jaron is playing with Emily. This is a blessing, because she is a little tornado. I have to stay with her all day long so I can minimize the damage.
Sean has been in class all day (San Antonio), so hopefully I will hear from him before long. You will also see that I have created a blog for Nathan. He was very excited when he came home and started working on it. I will need to help him a little with the typing, but I look forward to seeing what he does with it.
Tonight is a nice quiet night. that is good, because tomorrow is chaos. I am still trying to plan scouts. Can you tell I am dragging my feet? It is hard to keep track of the boys by myself without Sean. While I am at scouts I will need to find someone to watch Emily, Jaron will be at soccer and Nate will be at Baseball. Thank heavens for carpools! I find it is great to be busy, because you appreciate it when it is slow, and after a little of nothing you are ready to hit it hard again.
It is kind of crazy, on Tuesday the 27th, both boys are having a school campout. Nates group will be about 10 mi away, and they are having a family dinner. Jarons will be about 40 mi away, and they need moms to chapperone. I know I should offer, but the idea of 2 days and 1 night camping, freezing in May, without Sean, in a tent with six 7 year old girls is not to appealing. But they did mention they might go swimming, then mama bear comes out and says "I am definatly going wether they like it or not." .....WHY DIDN'T THEY NEED DADS......
I guess if Sean could drive a bus full of kids thru Yellowstone for a week I should be able to handle it, right?
Is anyone up for having a 3 year old little girl nicknamed "tornado" stay at their house for 2 days and a night? Just kidding...Well kinda.
Have a wonderful day!

Mothers Day Off

Since it seems many people are blogging now I thought "What a great way to keep in touch. "

Today is Mothers Day. We took Sean to the Airport,he is doing his flight training in San Antonio Texas. Then we visited my mom and Dianne for a while. After, we went to Grandma Royces to drop off her Mothers Day gift.

On the way home I asked the kids if we should be naughty and go to dinner at Texas Rhodehouse (moms shouldn't have to cook dinner today, right!) Good thing Nathan was a good boy, because Jaron, Emily and I were all up for it! But we were good and came home and did the "Single parent dinner".....MAC and CHEESE you wonder......close.....CORN DOGS! Yuck, I know, but at least I didn't have to do dishes. It seems there is a bright side to everything.

Last night Sean and I had a date night. Thanks Anne and Jason! We had a nice evening at home. We got an 89 cent movie, had dinner and watched the show downstairs. It is such a wonderful and rare feeling to be in a quiet home all by ourselves. Sean and the kids gave me a flat of petunias for Mothers Day. We planted them yesterday, so if we get frost this week, you can blame me.

Emily had her soccer game Saturday. This is the second game she has played in, so of course that means the season is almost over. I have to keep telling myself "She's only 3, She's only 3". She is so hilarious out there. She is totally Jarons sister. She acts just like he does. She was running with the pack of kids after the soccer ball with a big smile on her face, hair blowing in the wind, wearing her sunglasses upside down.

So I am wondering, Does she stand out? Just a little?

Nate had his birthday last weekend. He is now nine years old. I told Sean that that makes HIM REALLY OLD. Nate has started his countdown until school is over. I think it is now down to 12. He thinks it will be really great, but about 10 minutes after he gets home he'll say "I'm Bored".
We have been busy running kids to school events, Jaron has soccer, Nate has baseball, Emily has Soccer and Sean and I do Webelos.

I am just crossing my fingers that I can make it thru this week with a smile on my face.

Preschool fieldtrip to McKees

Just looking thru old photos. Thought you these were cute of Jaron, Jake, Kymball, McKay, Nicole, and Stephanie and Collin.