The beach is calling...

Thursday is finally here! It's the day we leave for a fun little getaway. Watch out everyone here we come...

• One very long 15 passenger van


• 3 Hot mamas looking very much forward to this


• 10 kids


• oodles of luggage for the 3 day getaway.


• 2 beach umbrellas and 4 boogie boards


• p.s. Leigh, I have a portable DVD for the van

Can't wait for all of the fun, No issues or fighting. The men are a little worried about us on the road. Be assured, I packed Steve's BIG, HEAVY flashlight, incase we need to hit any bad guys over the head and I do know how to change a flat tire. Heaven help us though!!!

See ya!!!!!!!!!!

Tag Your It.

I am starting a Tagging Fest! Each player tags 3 people, post their names & go to their blog. Leave a comment letting them know they have been tagged & ask them to read your blog.

LEIGH, NICOLE, AUBRI


I am...trying to not be idealistic. It backfires only to get dissapointed.

I think...Sarah Palin ROCKS! and I am excited about her.

I heart...Steve, dark chocolate, yoga & pilates, losing weight & my family (as wacky as they are)

Everyone is so... creative! Really I don't know how to answer that one.

I dance...naked haha. I wish I danced well. I wish I could do Dancing With The Stars. I was in a highschool dance recital once. My mom told my boyfriend at the time, something like...I don't know what to expect! Guess I haven't improved much.

I want...it ALL. No really. SERIOUS. I wish that there weren't so many people I know with sadness and heartache. Life can be so cruel.

I am scared of...imaginary bad guys. When Steve goes out of town, I role play how I would let my MEAN looking dogs out to attack the bad guy sneaking around in my house, grab Steve's gun, shoot the bad guy (if he's not already outside) and get all of my children out of the house safely. You need to know these things!!!

I hate...fake people. Be real people!

I miss...living in Utah or maybe just the 4 seasons. Millie my allergic dog.

I wish...Steve would live pain free and if its not too much to dream about, I'd love for him to have his leg back.

I fear...not really much. I try not to live in fear. Fear is of the devil! Steve always says he is going to die early. I REALLY HOPE NOT. I'd be lost with out him.

Ripping on Myself?

I made this bad boy in the 8th grade. I had a picture but misplaced it. Dang, it was a good one. I'm still looking for it. I thought I was so cool for making this shirt.

Anyone remember these?

I loved these earrings. They went with most everything! Now all I think about when I see rainbows is gay pride.

By far the wierdest thing I saved. Well...one more confession, I saved my hospital band from when I was SO sick from the chicken pox. I had a fever of 106 and halucinating. I had a spinal tap because the Dr. thought I might have had those darn spots on my brain!

I loved Vanilla Ice. He was my 1st concert. You always remember things like that. I was an official member of his fan club. Ice Ice Baby!

I was in the basement the other day, and came across my box of childhood mementos. I had so much fun looking though it.


Man am I weird. The stuff I saved is funny. I have letters, dolls, my embroidered Chaparral high school sweatshirt ( it was so expensive and I saved my $ to buy it. Pride of ownership. Good lesson to teach the kids. Who knows they may save nifty things too!), my BRACES, five Swatch watches, an Espirit purse, a Harry Connick calendar (I fell in love with him in high school. He and Steve!)pictures of me thinking I was so cute and cool. Wow have times changed,my baptism corsage...the list goes on. Fun memories.

I found a few pictures I'll have to save for future posts. There so good. I can't wait to rip on myself some more!

Tagging?

Will someone please help me? I want to tag my friends...(that's you!) I have a challenge and don't quite know how to accomplish it. Thanks in advance.

My All Time Favorite Picture

My Senior Prom at thePhoenix Zoo *1995*

Flashback

How funny is this. Sweet dance pose, and yes we go that far back in time!!! What a good sport. Returning to MY high school to take me to the dances.

Steve robbed me from the cradle! I'm so glad he did. I met him when I was a junior in high school. I heard him give a fireside about his accident in my ward. I thought he was SO HOT, but even more I was touched by his story and his testimony of God. We dated through my senior year and got married that fall.

Of course, my nonmember friends and who knows who else, (mom & dad) were worried I was making the right choice at 18 years old. I knew it then and still know it today. He is truly the best for me and I am thankful our lives crossed.

What are these types of photos called?

I was looking through some old photos and came across the one of Steve. I knew I had one of me too, so I thought it would be funny to post them. I gave myself that beauty of a haircut at my grandmas. I still remember doing it too. I think I'm about three.
What could be better than your favorie Micky Mouse sweatshirt for picture day! I love looking at pictures of Steve when he was little. I catch glimpses of my kids.

Get Healthy & Loose A Little FAT While I'm At It!

I heard through a friend that she was on a great new diet. Since I gained 5 pounds over the summer I decided to listen to what she had to say. I read the book Hunger Free Forever and decided to try it. Its a fiber rich "diet" but you don't feel like your on a diet. I don't feel deprived at all. The main thing is taking a supplement called PGX before lunch and dinner. I have a shake called Slimstyles for breakfast with PGX in it. It's fiber you take before eating a meal and it expands in your stomach so you don't eat ask much. The AMAZING thing is...it reduces carb cravings and lowers the glycemic index in the foods you eat.

I haven't had a Coke since the beginning of August. I don't crave sweets very much. Now that is amazing. I am eating healthy and did I mention I don't feel deprived. The one things is... eating healthy is more expensive.

That leads me to let you in on my new little secret. Thanks to my Yoga and Pilates instructor Sarah, I now make frequent visits to Fresh & Easy. Ive been getting coupons in the mail for $5 off if you spend $20. The store will also give you more when you check out. They clearance items in the a.m. so I can get things for dinner that will be past "sell by date" in the next couple of days. I freeze stuff, bread, milk, butter, yogurt, meat etc. so I don't mind buying that stuff cause it wont spoil in the freezer.

I have been weight lifting and not getting the results I want. I met a 50ish lady this summer and come to find out she is a Pilates instructor. She looks fabulous. Not big and bulky but long and lean. Just right in my opinion. It peaked my desire to try it. I have put it off and finally one day on a whim, I saw and old friend waiting to go to pilates at the gym. I took the class after I had already lifted wights so I was pretty dead, but I loved it. Its hard in the beginning. My instructor says give yourself 10 classes and then you are stronger.I've only taken 11 pilates and yoga classes (3times a week) and I am already seeing results.

For all of you who have had babies. This is the way to go. My problem area is my mid-section. I have done so many crunches and they don't work for me. If you look around the average mom needs a little help in this arena. I can't believe the difference already. I post this because it may help someone. I am so excited, feel great and am losing inches. Its work. There is no EASY way, but with PGX it helps so much. If your looking for something to help this just may. Good luck! Man I'd be a good rep, but I promise I'm not selling it!

Major Boredom

Look how sweet those little hands are and that cute little face stamped all to heck cause hes so bored. You'd think his mom would stop and read the poor boy a book or something.He is so bored now that school has started. He asks everyday if preschool is sarting that day. He can't wait to go to Miss Nancys. (if only you could hear him say it with his lisp.)

Parenting Gone Wrong!

Is this the picture of a potential kidnapper?

Before I start...do not report me, for I'm sure you have done something that you thought was a good idea!

The story starts with Steve being out of town for 6 days. I was getting tired of being on my own and really tired of kids being disobedient. It told the kids I would take them to Dip n Dots for a treat. The two oldest lost the chance to go with us, so I took the little boys. On my way, I started to feel mean so I decided to go to Sonic and try Dip N Dots another day. On the way home Ryan was slamming a compartment closed and irritating me crud out of me. I told him to stop or I would make him get out and walk home. He didn't stop, so I turned the corner and had him get out of the car. I followed him ever so close.

A lady passed me and them slammed on her brakes, backed up and began yelling to Ryan, "Is she trying to kidnap you little boy?" I failed to mention that I was by the white trash apartments near my neighborhood. I calmly said to the lady, "Thanks for your concern, I'm his Mom & I'm just trying to discipline, Thank You" That was not good enough for her, she said she needed him to answer her. We'll he just wasn't going to talk to her through his 2 fingers that he was sucking on because she was scaring him to death!

Next thing I know, a big burly, tatooed guy comes walking over to us & that woman yells to him, "I think we need to call 911, this lady is following this little boy!"

Thank heavens for my neighbor Jim. He passed as all of this chaos happening in the middle of the street & stoppped to see what was going on. I was so mad, yet calm for I didn't want that lady to thinks I was nuts, that I couldn't remember Jim's name. I flagged him down and the "sweet" lady asked him if he knew me. He THANKFULLY testified in my behalf and the lady said "great that's all I needed!" and drove off. Ugh, I was so mad yet upset that I put us in jeopordy. My emotions went on a wild rollercoaster ride. I eventually laughed and called Steve and my dear friend that told me this worked like a charm on her kids.

A mother's nightmare

I had just given all the boys haircuts the day before when I heard the buzzers ''knawing" away at something. I ran to the bathroom and saw little Ryan standing there. His reply to my obvious question was "Cause I'm good at it!" Thank heavens he is not a girl or I wouldn't have been able to remain calm. Funny thing was, Steve was giving a talk in church on Mother's Day. It provided good material for the talk. I think this happened for a reason and I am glad that I actually didnt freak like I usually do.

Want a GOOD laugh?

Football camp and Camping in Heber, AZ

1. Things we loved about Heber, AZ
   1. getting out of the 110 degree weather

2.Teaching the kids how to shoot a gun and loving the fact that we can. We had some good laughs and only a few near misses! Ha ha.

3. Being with Liz

4. Pulling into the deep, dark forest with noone around on the last night to camp. Panicking cause Steve pulled in so if we HAD to get out we'd have to back up the 30ft trailer. Which doesn't make for a quick getaway! Funny, cause I'm not normally like that. Come to find out he was a little freaked out too. Lighting a fire was the LAST thing Steve wanted to do, but was the MAIN purpose we moved to this camp site. Still freaked, cause the dogs were barking into the dark, so Steve grabbed his hand gun for safety. What a man. So glad we have the right.

5. Owen fell off the top bunk in the trailer and skinned his back so bad. Me being so tired from the no sleep the nights before so I took Tylenol PM. Too drowsy to properly care for him. Good thing Steve took over.

6. Peed in sleeping bags. First by Ryan, then a couple of hours later by Owen. Sweet, a trip to the local laundry mat.

7. Supporting the MVT football team. Dreaded Toro Hill pictured below.

8. Being so tired that a comment like "Geeze honey I can't believe you could finish your Red Onion burger" would actually offend me. Love ya honey.


9. Playing in the rain with the dogs and kids.

10. Hand washing dishes in the trailer. Thinking back on the times I'd wash dishes in Kamas at grandma and grandpa's house.









Gotta love Moose. Who could resist a kiss like that? Maggie kept a close eye on lunch... or the ball I can't tell! Just kidding. They aren't Pitbulls. They are just BIG, loving, adorable, not good for much sport American Bulldogs. Gag!

First Day of School Nerves

Oh I was anticipating this. The morning actually started out well. I guess its all my fault, isn't it always moms fault?

First day of school

Wahoo! Wahoo! Wahoo!
Happy First day of 2008-2009

What a cute All day kindergartner. I am so going to miss this little one.

Watch out ladies of the 3rd grade!

Well, its not the first day for Ryan, but if he had it his way he'd be in kidergarten with Owen. He was one sad boy till the big kids got home.
Liv is in 5th grade and has her first man teacher! Shes crossing her fingers he'll not be too mean! Turns out he's great and doesn't put up with DRAMA. That's awesome 'cause we hear it starts with a bang in 5th grade.

I love all of these kids with all of my heart. They are all so different and stretch me in so many ways. I am thankful for them and what I learn from them on a daily basis. Now get to class, ya'll.

Lake Powell-AGAIN with the Frosts

Surfing is so awesome. We have a blast and noone has blown out their knees. Its so much safer for the...less young! Steve has gotten great at filling the fat sacks up just right to make the wake huge.

My one legged wonder!
Did you say "hit it?"

Love those daily naps!

Miss Long Legs!

Oh, I love him. I know I should break him of this, but its so nice and helpful. He's obviously the youngest child. Just check out the rag of a blanky I let him carry around. The "sewer"in me won't let it last too long.

I know this is geting pitiful. 3 trips to Powell. We can't resist. We were going to stay in a friends houseboat, but when we got there it wasn't working and STUNK. The men worked thier magic and greatfully Steve knew the guy from renting at Antelope Marina in years past. We got a sweet 70ft rental for a great discount and off we went.

We had a relaxing trip although most eveyone was on a crazy diet. Great for me. I just started one myself. I actually lost weight, wich is a first on a Powell trip.

Hanging out with great friends is the BEST. We are so blessesd to have some good ones. I love going on trips with the Frost family. Most everyone has a friend. We played games and listened to Rhonda's infectious laugh. It does my heart good when I hear it.

Fabulous Forth of July

We had an Osborn family get together at Draper Park in Utah. The Fourth of July Celebration is so much better Utah. Time out for hitting a girl! I swear I'm trying.

Yea!!!! Rebecca is finally getting married to Chris. We are so excited for her. She and Chris will be married in October and then will move to Washington D.C. We can't wait to go visit them.

Wahoo!! To all the good sports in the bunch. It's nice to know we can still hop like the young ones. I almost peed my pants watching Liz fall to the ground.

Grandma Osborn is an amazing lady. She has been through so much in her life. I appreciate her example of love, patience, endurance, faith, thriftyness and kindness. I am glad to have her in our life. By the way, she is almost 90 and still works in Real Estate, plays the organ in the temple, and cares for the elderly. Ha Ha! Most would consider themselves elderly at her age.