3 Loves All Mixed Into 1

So last Thursday afternoon, April 23, I get this message from Eric saying, "Be ready to leave right after you get home from the school tomorrow." (I help Lex's teacher stuff the homework folders every Friday) I replied, "HELLLOOOO, I've got to get my teff fixted first." Eric said that he forgot and that if I felt up to it we'd go after the dentist.
Well the dentist went just fine. They just took the temporary crowns off and put the permanent ones on. It hurt a bit, but it was a tolerable pain.

We went to lunch first and then we were off on our 'mystery date'. I had an idea of where we were going, but I wasn't positive. I had mentioned to Eric while driving home from our vacation that he should take me to the Tulip Festival. We had never gone before and every year I've wanted to go, only to forget about it. I didn't think Eric had really even paid attention. HOWEVER, that is EXACTLY where we ended up! I guess my hubby listens to me more than I think. Which is amazing, cause I ramble A LOT!

Anyway, it was a bit of a nippy day - but not too bad. We only had Ailey and Nate which made the date even more enjoyable because we weren't getting after kids every 2 minutes. I think the pricing for this place was insane, but I was so glad we went. It was so pretty and it reminded me of my Grandpa's yard when he was alive....Of course, his yard had other flowers - not tulips, but it was just as beautiful.

All in all the day was perfect. I got to spend my FRIDAY with MY BEST FRIEND seeing MY FAVORITE FLOWERS IN THE WORLD!!! Thanks, babe!

And someday, I'll actually get to Holland!!!

Now, I'll share some of my favorite pictures with you...

THE SCENERY

LE FLEURS

SNAPPY SHOTS

What Happens Next...

30 Day Song Challenge - Days 2,3, 4 & 5

So, I got a little behind...Just slightly. But it's all because our weekend was busy. Which you probably read about before getting to this post, so...yeah.

DAY 2: YOUR LEAST FAVORITE SONG

The Real Slim Shady - Eminem

Ugh...When this song came out it made me CRAZY!!! Okay, it's just one of many. I'm so not into the whole rap scene and I especially dislike the person Eminem is. So there you have it!

DAY 3: A SONG THAT MAKES YOU HAPPY

Love The Way You Lie Mashup - Sam Tsui

I so don't remember how I came across this song, but I LOVE IT! Even though I had only heard the original version of 1 song before. This guy is just super talented and I enjoy watching him sing. I enjoy his voice as well.

DAY 4: A SONG THAT MAKES YOU SAD

Why - Rascal Flatts

I heard this song for the first time shortly after my cousins death. It described my feelings perfectly. It's still hard to listen to this song and I tear up every time I hear it.

DAY 5: A SONG THAT REMINDS YOU OF SOMEONE

There's two that I will go with...

#1: Runaway - Del Shannon

When I was probably 9 or 10 my best friend and I made up a dance to this song. I still remember our move for the 'Runaway' part. I loved the fact that someone else knew this song, since I grew up with songs like this and most of my friends had no idea about some of these 'oldie' time songs!

#2 Don't Cha - The Pussycat Dolls

When Lex was little I went back to work for a short period of time to the same place I worked in High School. The job was great, but it also meant I worked with High School kids. This song was fairly new at the time and 1 girl I worked with liked it a lot and sang it a lot. She was so cute and I will ALWAYS remember her when I hear this song.

What Happens Next...

30 Day Song Challenge: Day 1

I've said before when I was doing my weekly music entries how much music plays a part in my life. And I've also said that wasn't always the case. So, when two of my little brothers were doing this song challenge on Facebook, I knew I had to participate... I'm such a sheep.

However, I didn't want to do it on Facebook - I wanted to do it on my blog. That's just the way I am. So...

DAY 1: YOUR FAVORITE SONG

My all time favorite song is Stand By Me, but if you want to talk more recent songs - at this moment in time my favorite song is Evacuate the Dancefloor.

Stand By Me is a favorite because of the message it sends. I've never felt strong on my own and I've always relied on the strength of my family to keep me strong.

Why is Evacuate the Dancefloor a favorite song? I don't really know. I just really like the beat and the fact it's just a fun song. Even if I can't get 5 stars on it playing Dance Central....
(Just a note: the official music vid wasn't able to be embedded, so I found this one...It works)

What Happens Next...

Had To Get Away!!!

-- I had to make this post today so that my little sister would QUIT bugging me about it. --

Friday, April 8th my parents and some of my siblings headed up North to Lava Hot Springs. We didn't.

When Eric and I were talking about what to do with our tax refund we wanted to make sure we put some of that towards a vacation and if we were doing Lava, we needed to look into getting one of the houses we stay in right away.

When I questioned my parents about it, they weren't sure they were going to go this year as it was 'technically' my grandparents turn. Well we all knew that they probably weren't going to go as my grandma has had quite a bit of surgeries in the last year. So I asked my parents something like, "If they don't go, what days would it be?" My parents couldn't give me an answer and Eric and I were getting annoyed.

We decided we'd still go on vacation, but we would do our OWN thing and we would head SOUTH! We talked about taking the kids to Moab or to St. George and though we didn't make a firm decision at that time, we knew we'd go one of those two places.

As the weeks went by my parents FINALLY gave me a date for Lava, but it was too late and we had already made our own plans. By this time we had firmly decided on St. George as there was more to do when the kids got rowdy than there is in Moab.

We were blessed with the chance to get a free 2 night stay in a hotel in St. George. Eric's dad had got it somehow, but because he's had some health problems recently they weren't going to be using it. It was nice and gave us a bit more spending money.

I was laughing at my parents and siblings the day they left because of the weather and I knew they were going to be heading into worse, and we were going to be enjoying the sun. Yes, I'm mean.

We left bright and early Monday morning, the 11th. We really had no plans for this trip. We just knew what our destination was and we went from there. We had a nice drive and saw signs for Cove Fort. I had no idea what Cove Fort was or that it even existed. But we had nothing but time and we decided to stop - plus, it was about time to let the kids out for a stretch.

Cove Fort has a long history for the LDS church and the Hinckley family. The prophet Gordon B. Hinckley's grandpa was called to get the Fort set up as a safe place for traveller's. It really is an interesting story. They only needed the Fort for a few years and then it was sold or something. In the 1990's President Hinckley and some of his family members went about rebuying the place and restoring it. It is an awesome story and I am probably getting some info wrong. The point is, you should visit it if you get the chance. It gave us all a new appreciation for the Pioneers.

The thing Eric and I found most interesting was that they used/recycled the bed sheets to the very fibers. At the very end of the bed sheets life it was put into the soap they used. So amazing. The only downside to me was that we didn't really have 'free run' of the place. It was a guided tour, so even though I wanted more pics - I wasn't comfortable taking them. And I get why it has to be that way, I was just a little bummed.

After the Fort we stopped for lunch. After lunch we drove some more...DUH! We were about 30 miles outside of St. George when we noticed we were low on gas. I didn't think about it because we made it on one tank of gas when I went with my Mom and sisters in September. I'm not sure why Eric didn't think of it, but we were in a place where all the next exits had NO SERVICES. We made it to La Verkin (Which is a bit out of the way and OFF the freeway) with the tank like this:


We then made our way to St. George and arrived around 5. The kids all did AWESOME. They were glad to be out of the car though, as were Eric and I.

-- This picture really has nothing to do with anything, but I decided to take a picture of it while I was thinking about it. Whenever we are together and Eric gets sick of his hat, this is the place it ALWAYS gets put. Like my knee really needs a hat??? --

After relaxing for a couple hours we decided to head to an amusement place they have there to go mini golfing. The weather was so nice that we didn't even need jackets. We let the kids golf in order of birth. Nathaniel was mad that we were telling him what to do, so when I said, "Go put the ball in the hole," he decided to throw it into the water instead. Lex went next and hit the ball so hard it LANDED in the water. He had to share a ball with Eric the rest of the night. Shaylyn, Lex and Nate stayed one hole ahead of us so Eric and I could actually have a 'game.' Tanis preferred to stay with us, but were weren't keeping his score. Eric of course won....After golfing was over we had some pizza and then headed back to the hotel to call it a night.

The next morning we took it kind of slow. We had the hotel's breakfast (it was okay) and then went swimming at 10:00 IN THE MORNING!!! It wasn't exactly warm, but it wasn't cold either and the pool was heated, so it was nice. The older kids LOVED it. Nate didn't want to be in a first, but eventually warmed up. Ailey really wasn't sure of it all at first, but by the end she was laughing and smiling and having a BALL!!!

After we got cleaned up and dressed we headed for lunch and shopping. We spent too much money and the kids got too much chocolate - but we all had fun. We had dinner at Olive Garden, which Nate slept through, then headed back to the hotel for the night. The 2 older kids played Magic with Eric, while I mindlessly watch TV and kept the little kids from causing problems.

In the morning we spent a lot of time figuring out what to do. Our original plan was to drive through Zion's Canyon and then head home. Eric talked about maybe going to the Grand Canyon as well. I told him if we were doing the Grand Canyon, I'd prefer to stay somewhere and extra night. Eric wasn't too thrilled by that idea at first, but eventually relented. We tried to find a 'cheaper' hotel, but they didn't answer the phone and Eric called 3 or 4 times. So he called the Holiday Inn there. Thankfully they had a room available.

So we got all packed up and headed through Zion's Canyon. The kids loved it - especially the long, dark tunnel. It was so dark, that I couldn't even see the kids to take pictures of them. I had to guess where they were at, but the pics turned out so awesome and you can see how happy the kids are.







After a couple hours we ended up in Kanab and it was right at lunch time so we headed to Pizza Hut. (I know, we eat A LOT of pizza in this house) The guy at Pizza Hut was AWESOME! He had seen us coming and got a table all set up for us. He opened the door for us and was just generally terrific. The pizza was okay too. ;)

After lunch we got checked into the hotel and headed to the Grand Canyon. About 20 minutes into the drive we see a sign that said some road was closed that led into the Grand Canyon. We were worried for a bit and then Eric thought that maybe it was just a side road or something. But as we drove a bit more he was like, "Wait, I think I might have see something saying the Grand Canyon was closed." So while Eric drove, I got onto his phone (he's got the data plan - I don't) and looked up the Grand Canyon's website. Sure enough the West Rim of the Grand Canyon is closed until MID MAY! Oh, well at least we got to see part of Arizona.

We turn around and are heading to the hotel and Eric decides to call his Dad just to give him a laugh. While he is talking with his Dad I remembered driving by a cave that we thought about checking out in the morning. I thought that since we didn't get to see the Grand Canyon we could see that.

Eric thought it was a good idea as well, so we headed to the cave. We were surprised - it wasn't like a cave we were thinking. Sure it's a cave, but it's not like Timpanogos or anything. It's just a cave that they used way back when as a dance hall and tavern type thing. Kind of interesting. But so not what we expected.

The guy who ran it was named LEX (Seriously! I wanted to take a picture of him and our Lex together, but ran out of courage and then the place got packed...) and his Dad and Mom restored the cave or what not. It was another bit of interesting history that I never would've known, but kind of fun. Mainly this place was a tourist trap. LOL.

After the cave we went to another little museum place. There's been a few movies made in Kanab and so they had a few little props in this place. Mostly it's all run down, but it was fun for the kids and made Eric interested to watch the show that most of the props were from. (I can't remember the name right now)

We then headed back to the hotel and let the kids go swimming. They were so happy. However this was an indoor pool and the water was FREEZING. The older kids didn't care, but Nate would NOT get in. So Nate and I waited until a single girl got out of the hot tub then we went in there. After swimming we headed back up to the room.

Eric wasn't hungry, but I was - so I was mean and made him call a burger place and then he went and got the food. It was a yummy burger and I was so glad he was willing to go get it for me.

We all then went to sleep around 9:00. Eric wanted to be out of the hotel around 9:00 so that he could be home by 5:00.

We got up around 7:00 and were out the door by 8:30. We decided to drive back through Zions and the kids had a blast with the tunnel again.

We were then headed home, but Eric stopped us at this cute little place that had more photo props - which we didn't use. It cost $1 each for the petting farm and photo props, but Eric didn't want to pay for that. So instead we spent $30 on a necklace and this sign for me:

HEHEHE!!! We then drove home and Eric headed off to his game night. Silly man. The kids and I ordered a pizza cause I didn't feel like driving ANYWHERE! And because Ailey fell asleep at 8:30, we all went to bed at 9:00. Mommy was tired, so EVERYONE was going to sleep.

All in all it was an awesome trip and the first one we've been on with just OUR family. It was so nice to spend that time together without any major plans so that we could take things as they came. It worked out that Eric took the whole week off and the kids were on Spring Break. The timing was perfect and the weather was nice as well.

Thanks so much for the trip Eric!!! Now we get a few months peace before we head off on another long driving vacation in the summer.

What Happens Next...

Keep On Talking

Since the day Shaylyn started talking, she hasn't stopped! Seriously. I think the only times she isn't talking is when she is sleeping or eating.

She started talking a bit early and caught on to things quickly. When she was young the song, "Can't Stop Loving You" by Phil Collins was fairly big. We sang it to her when she was feeling sad or needed calming down.

When she was 18 months old we went camping. 5 minutes after we arrived it started raining. We were stuck in our tents for a few hours. Shaylyn was getting restless, so we sang the song to her. A few minutes later she turns to my little sister and says, "Don't stop loving me." At 18 months she had figured out how to change the verb in that song to reflect what she wanted us to know.

A year or so ago Shaylyn decided that she was too shy to speak in front of a group. She wasn't really, it was just her way of getting out of things like giving a talk or saying a prayer. Of course I knew that and didn't let her get away with it too often.

Last week she comes to me and says that she is the narrarator for her 3rd grade program AND she was excited about it. (See I told you she just used the "I'm shy" bit to get out of things she didn't WANT to do.) She was even more excited that it was on a Friday so her Daddy would be able to see it.

The program was on April 8th and she did such a good job. It makes a parent proud. She was so happy and excited and that is always fun to see as a parent. Our little girl is certainly growing up and I guess sometimes it's a good thing that Shaylyn doesn't know how to shut - up. ;)

-- Making Faces at Nathaniel --

-- I added the video so that those of you who are interested (mostly the grandparents) can watch it. It is about 10 minutes long though, so be prepared. --

What Happens Next...

I Don't Like To Plan...

...Because LIFE ALWAYS GETS IN THE WAY!!!

I had major plans for this weekend and into this week, however, most of them are now foiled. Let's start with Friday.

Friday, April 1st: I didn't really have plans today besides the dentist. I needed 2 root canals, now I had had a root canal in High School and while I didn't hurt after the numbing had worn off - I do remember being sleepy and taking a long nap. Therefore, I knew I'd pretty much be out of commision on Friday. Friday morning I woke up with a sore throat and a headache. I figured it was from lack of sleep (If I don't get enough I get headaches and sore throats) and went about my day.

Saturday, April 2nd: I had planned to really do a good cleaning in the kids' rooms and then if I had the energy in ours as well. Well I woke up with still a headache and sore throat. I also felt dizzy at times. I was upset that my plans were foiled once again! I spent Saturday sleeping and lounging around. Towards the end of the night I started thinking I wasn't sick because of the dentist - something else was going on. My teeth felt mostly fine.

Sunday, April 3rd: Again, no real plans since it was Sunday. We were going to go to Eric's parents home for dinner, but his mom got sick and so plans got cancelled. I guess it was a good thing cause I still felt like crap and slept most of the day.

Monday, April 4th: I was going to clean out our closets, get caught up on laundry and the other day to day things. Nate woke me up about 4:00 for a drink and I knew I still didn't feel well. I told Eric he needed to stay home cause I didn't trust myself staying home alone with the 2 little kids - I'd been falling asleep WAY too easy. I spent the day again, sleeping and lounging around.

After the kids got home from school we decided to go to Instacare. Why we went with all 5 kids when we could've only gone with 2 was simple. At the time when Eric left the house earlier in the day (with Ailey and Nate in toe), I didn't feel like getting up or going anywhere. I still didn't feel like going anywhere when we did, but we needed to.

I was diagnosed with Strep. Again! I swear I lived 28 years without major illnesses slowing me down and now in the past 3 or 4 years I've had Strep twice and a nasty bout of the rarer flu. Ay yi yi. I was given a wonderful shot in the butt so now I feel almost normal, although I'm still sooo tired AND I've got a sore butt as well.

As if that's not enough...

- I've got dishes piled to the ceiling (Tanis, bless his heart is working on that now)

- Laundry is way, way, behind. (I'm surprised we all found clean underwear this morning)

- Our house looks like a home from HOARDERS ... after a few hours of cleaning. (Okay, that's a bit exaggerated, but only a bit)

Eric is AWESOME when it comes to caring for my needs when I am sick (He bought me Glee Season 1 on Blu Ray) and taking care of the kids and getting us fed. He isn't a homemaker at all though - thus all the above. However, he did inadvertently do part of a job I had planned to do. Wasn't that nice?

Still today I didn't feel up to cleaning (my head is still everywhere but straight) and I am now like 3 days behind in my plans. It's going to take more energy than I'm going to get this week to get it all done. Wish me luck - - or come on over and help me. Seriously. Help ME!

What Happens Next...