December Madness

I am so far behind...let's see if I can catch up on the last 10 days. It's been crazy busy in our home.

Mom asked me several times what I would like for Christmas. So I decided to have her give me paint for the house. So for a solid week the house was turned upside down & I was scaling up and down a ladder painting. I painted the living room, family room & part of the kitchen that hadn't been done earlier in the year. It still needs touch ups but I am loving it! It makes such a big difference. My friend Diane has been so good to come and help me with this process...she is a master painter & absolutely loves it. Without her it never would have gotten done before Christmas. Thanks girl!

Sierra's drill team had a Semi-Formal Christmas Dinner. The moms made the food & dressed up like waitresses in black and white. We donned the tables in fine china, tablecloths, real silverware, and fancy glasses. It was a lot of fun doting on the girls and they loved it. We had Santa come & the girls had the funnest time. Singing at the top of their lungs and being silly with Santa. I made 4 pans of peach cobbler for the event and it was a hit.

Sierra also had another drill team competition, this time at Jordan High. It was a huge competition and a lot of fun seeing all the other teams from pretty much the whole state. They placed 4th in their dance routine. It's amazing to me that they can look soooo good and still not place. But it is brutally competitive. They have a couple more competitions in January so they are trying to revamp things, keep working hard, and hope to place better at the next two. The injuries and illnesses keep plaguing them so hopefully they will be rested up & good to go after the holidays. Sierra is totally loving drill team!! Go get 'em hon!

I took Justice & Montana sledding a couple of days ago. They were in hog-heaven. Justice is quite the dare devil. He was going head first down the steepest hill, with a giant smile on his face!! Lots of wipe-outs, snow in the face, cold toes and hands. But all in all a good time! We came home and had some hot chocolate & snuggled on the couch to watch Christmas Story! Our favorite family holiday movie. Good times!







I've been dating a really fantastic guy for the past few months. Jim has been spoiling me like crazy. It's weird, and fun, and I'm enjoying it. I'm just now introducing him to the kids and things are going really well so far. We have fun together and he makes me laugh & feel special. Everyone has been asking about him but he has requested that I keep him out of my blog writings. haha. So there is the brief skinny.

This past week has been a whirlwind of shopping, gift wrapping, getting the house ready for Christmas, more shopping, more wrapping, parties, and spending time with friends. It's been totally crazy but when the big day comes...it is always worth it. The kids loved their gifts and seemed to get all the things they wanted. I love seeing the smiles on their faces and in their eyes as they open their gifts! Such a fun time. I had to hold back the tears because it has been such a crazy year...but things have seemed to work themselves out despite all of it. We are so blessed & I am so thankful for everyday I get to spend with my kids, my amazingly supportive & loving parents, and my sweet man. Merry Christmas everyone!

A wild morning

While preparing to paint another room of the house today I was preoccupied while the kids were getting ready for school. Justice came out of the bathroom and had decided to cut his own hair. A big old chunk right out of the front of his bangs. It looks terrible so we will have to cut it all off to get it to look decent again. Montana was doing an art project and decided it needed some glitter- BANG- it's everywhere! Then Justice went out to the car before everyone else. I had turned it on to warm up a bit- and he thought it would be fun to put it in neutral. Montana started screaming so I came running to see what was going on...the Durango is rolling down the driveway and out into the street. Because our driveway is steep and the road behind it goes up in the opposite direction, once the car reached that point it started rolling forward again and up the driveway, then back down again. I was chasing the car trying to get inside and put it in park. Meanwhile Justice is screaming and crying, scared out of his mind. Luckily I was able to get in before it rolled back out into the street. Justi and I held each other and cried. It's hard to be mad when you are just glad they are alive. We took a minute to settle down and collect ourselves. Then I took the kids to school and was happy they were safe. I can only hope the rest of the day is uneventful. My heart is still racing. KIDS!!! The funny thing is Justice did the exact same thing when he was 2 or 3 and Sierra & I both were chasing the car down and Sierra actually got dragged a bit as she tried getting in the car. So it brought back a lot of old memories. Dude- you can't drive for 8 more years!!! He's a bit impatient I guess.

Now I can get back to my nice boring painting.

1st Drill Team Competition

Sierra had her first drill team competition. They looked absolutely fantastic. The trouble is...so did just about every other team. It comes down to near perfection. One mistake made and you know you are out of the running. The girls have worked so hard. Every morning for months. Pulled muscles, broken bones, headaches, sore bodies, working til you puke some days. They are an amazing group of kids. Now that it is down to the wire...there have been some girls put on probation for various reasons, one with pnemonia, one sprained her ankle...so there have been a lot of last minute formation changes and alternate girls put in the routine. They are stressing out!!! I feel bad for them, because honestly, how much more prepared can you be!! So the competition went well and they placed in several of their routines...but they walked away feeling a little defeated. They have been working even harder this week because there is another competition this Saturday. I know they have learned so much more than dances. Teamwork, dedication, organization, and how to have fun and still work hard. I am so thankful Sierra has had this opportunity. I know I complain a lot about how busy she is and how overwhelming drill can be, but I know she is learning and experiencing so many positive things. Good Luck this week. I am sooooo proud of you!
MILITARY

DANCE DANCE

Justice's Baptism

What a special day. It was snowing lightly outside, like a gentle reminder of how new and clean things can be! Great-Uncle Steve did the Baptism & Confirmation. He was not feeling his best, but we were so glad he was able to be there with us. Sierra gave the talk on Baptism, and Montana gave a talk about the Holy Ghost. Eric & I did the prayers. Montana & Maddy sang "I am a child of God". Mom played the piano for us & it was beautiful. Lots of friends and family showed up to help us celebrate. We are so proud of Justy's decision to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He has been doing his best to listen to the Holy Ghost and do what is right. I can see a new light in his eyes that radiates into everything he does. It is a wonderful thing. Congrats buddy.

Sierra's Dance Marathon

Sierra was to perform with her Dance Studio & for the High School BBall Half-time with the Drill Team. We knew it would be tight...but luckily both events were at the same school so it should be doable right?
So first up, Jazz on the stage with the studio--fantastic!! Seems like such a long time since I have seen her dance with these girls--but it was at the jazz game just a couple of weeks ago. They are great together! (my pics did not turn out)

Then cousin Alexa did such a cute job in her routine..had to throw these pics in


Then we rushed down to the gym to watch Sierra do the half-time with the Chirons. They did their Military routine. INTENSE and so awesome. They do this 1 minute long headstand where they move their arms and legs into all these different positions...I hold my breath the whole time. These girls are true athletes and so much fun to watch perform. I tried downloading the video but I can't get it to work on this stupid blogspot format. If anyone has tips for me please help!! I have so many I would like to post!


Then it was quick costume change and run back to the auditorium for her lyrical routine with the studio. She barely missed it, if they would have waited another 30 seconds she would have made it. Oh well. She was exhausted and so were we from running. She was upset & shed some tears, but everyone understood. She needs a clone apparently to be in two places at once. I could use one of those as well! So a fun night. Now on to drill competitions. This is new for me so we will keep you filled in. Hopefully my pics will improve or I will learn to post videos! Ciao for now.

The Lego King

The countdown has been killing Justice. He has been looking forward to his birthday for the last 6 months! What a crazy boy. He wanted a Lego Birthday party. Hmmm...sounds fun!

So we made a chocolate cake and decorated it with his name in Lego's. He totally loved it. He was spoiled as usual with clothes, tons of lego's, Wii games and board games, and 3D chalk that he can't wait to use on the driveway.

Took the friends skating and they all had a blast. Justice wore his birthday crown & felt like a king! They announced his birthday on the loudspeaker. He was beaming from ear to ear. Later he wanted me to help him request a song. So of all the songs in the world to pick, he chose...All the Single Ladies by Beyonce. I had to laugh. But that is so him. It didn't come on for quite a while and he was getting upset about it. So when it finally did come on...he was off like a shot, skating and smiling! Happy Birthday Justice!




Most of these pictures turned out crappy due to lighting & motion...but, better than none I guess.

Date Night

Montana's Activity Days Group sponsored a date night. Her date (AKA Grampa Dave)was her escort for the evening. He came to pick her up & had a coursage for her and everything. It brought a tear to my eye...so sweet! They had dinner, pictures, & games at the church. It was a fall/farm theme and they dressed accordingly. From what I have heard, the guys had to do the girls hair and make-up. Tana said she looked like Cindy Lu Who from the Grinch. Then the girls shaved the guys with shaving cream & a tongue depresser turned sideway. Grampa said she started out being careful & then went to whackin' his nose and lips. haha. Sounds like they had fun.


Sierra had her Sadie Hawkins dance at school the same night. The theme was "Beauty & the Geek". They had shirts made that said "I'm with the Geek" and "I'm with the Beauty" and arrows pointing to the other person. I thought that was cute! The girls wore glasses with the lenses out & the guys wore tiaras?? OK?? Anyhoo...her and a bunch of her friends went together in a big group. Movie (Blind Side), Take-Out from Olive Garden at one of the girls houses (they had a room all decorated for Sadies), The Dance, and an afterparty at her dad's complete with Chocolate Fondue & a movie. She really wanted to go with Mark but he is not allowed to "date" until next year. So she went with another kid who took TWO WEEKS to answer her. She was really PO'd at him by the time he finally answered her, which was only a couple of days before the dance. Lame-o! Then he found out that she didn't "like" him, that he was just a friend date. Apparently, he is really into her and had his feelings hurt. So I guess the date was awkward...but they still had fun with everyone else in the group. Still waiting for pics from her. Will post soon I hope!

Waiting, waiting, waitng!!

I was heading out to meet Eric to drop off the kids for the weekend & we got stuck in traffic for literally TWO HOURS!! There was an 8 car pile up & it took them forever to clear it out. We were just parked there. Everyone was out of their cars socializing and roaming around. I let the kids sit on the hood of the car for a while just for kicks. It was one of those experiences where there is literally nothing to do but wait. So we had some good conversation & laughs. Then the traffic FINALLY got moving again & it felt weird to be going 65 MPH again.

Sierra's dance team performed at the Jazz Game Halftime, which means we had our annual Downtown Day!! So I checked the kids out of school early & we headed out. We were able to go down to the floor with the team for rehearsal and so I got some great close-up pics for a change. We had fun waiting around, roaming the tunnels & sitting in the LEXUS CLUB seats way down in front. After practice we roamed the city a bit and then we met Mom & Dad for dinner before the game. Eric picked the little kids up & then the adults went and enjoyed a FANTASTIC game! It was a really fun day!

Hair & Teeth

It's been an eventful couple of days! My friend Diane asked if I would put highlights in her hair. I was a willing hairdresser although I have never done it before. I asked her if she would put some in Montana's hair also because she has been wanting them for a really long time. So we were entrenched in bleach, fumes, dyes, and hair for a couple of hours. Once Tana had her hair done, Justice really wanted his done too. I was leery, but we did it. They both turned out so cute. And Di turned out as well...thank goodness!! I was nervous! It's always fun to learn a new skill! Sierra found out that she can start a cosmetology license through school next year. By the time she graduates she will have her official license to style!!! She is pretty excited about that! I told her that learning a skill like that is fantastic because you can take it with you wherever you go...whether you work for yourself or someone else...and everyone needs their hair done-especially me!!




Then later last night Tana told me that her tooth was loose. Tana has a track record of 24 hours from a tooth being loose to actually being out of her head. I don't know what the deal is, but it is weird. So today after school she was crying about it hurting her, pulled on it a couple of times, and WHAM!! It was out! Maybe she has a high threshold for pain?? I think she only has 3 more baby teeth and then we can think about braces- ugh!!

Justice is a poet...and we didn't know it!

I received a phone call a few days ago notifying me that Justice had won 2nd place in the Literature division of the Reflections contest at school for the 2nd grade. I was very surprised because I didn't know that he had even entered. Apparently his whole class submitted individual poems & his was chosen as a winner. They had an awards assembly today to honor the winners. He was beaming with pride! The theme was "Beauty Is..."

Beauty Is....
by Justice Nugent

Beauty is a walk in the park.
Listening to the birds.
Swinging with the wind in your face.
Being pulled by your dog.
Watching the sunset.





We are so proud of you buddy!!

So you think you can dance!!

Our FAVORITE TV show came to life for us on the stage of the E-Center! We bought tickets several months ago and patiently waiting for the day! It was dancing heaven. Absolutely talented guys & gals wowed us for the evening! We had the time of our lives...except Justice fell asleep in the 2nd Act. With all of us screaming girls I have no idea how that was possible. In his defense...it was waaaay past his bedtime! Can't wait for next year!!! These pics aren't the greatest, and I took way too many, but they capture the excitement of the event & the memories we want to save!

Funny Word of the Day

Montana told me that "Hanakuhns" don't celebrate Christmas.

I explained to her that Hanakuh is a holiday, not a people. HAHA

So to make my point I told her that "Christmasans" don't celebrate Hanakuh. We had a pretty good belly laugh.

A few of our favorite things

We each have our totally favorite things that make us smile & feel good. I thought I would note a few of our favorite things at this point in time, because it most certainly won't be the same list 5 or 10 years from now!!

Sierra-
Loves: driving, sleeping, dancing, texting, spaghetti(actually any pasta dish), garlic bread, red bull, rap music, & although she wouldn't admit it...hanging out with her brother and sister.
Hates: cleaning, complainers, haters, all green vegetables, mushrooms, mexican food, & sleeping in her bed.

Montana-
Loves: Food...except vegetables, being with friends, talking on the phone & texting, school, doing her own hair, sneaking make-up application, reading, singing & dancing, tv, skinny jeans, popcorn, & hot cheetos.
Hates: when mom does her hair, when Justice complains or cries, change of plans, sleeping alone when Sierra is gone, anything scary or startling, redoing anything (like chores or homework)& sleeping without a tv on.

Justice-
Loves: bread (alone & made in any type of recipe), apples, mom's tuna casserole & french toast, dancing & singing, school, rearranging his furniture, art projects, any toy with wheels, Star Wars, board games, card games, & earning money.
Hates: waking up, taking a bath, cleaning his ears, being told no, homework, running out of time, & when Montana complains or cries

Mom-
Loves: sleeping, blogging, dating, being home with the whole family, good movies, good books, saving money (w/coupons especially), my job, hanging out with friends.
Hates: complainers, driving, when my kids are away, junk mail, phone sales pitches, waking up, a messy house, doing laundry.

As a Family-
Love: Blowing raspberries on bellies, tickling & teasing each other,eating dinner together, watching movies together, washing the car, doing chores (we groan the whole time- but it's nice when it's done, and we all enjoy the house being clean), singing in the car, watching our favorite TV shows (Jon & Kate, 18 kids, paranormal state, SYTYCD, America's Funniest Videos), going to Grama & Grampa's
Hate: When someone is ornery, being late, when mom has to work, doing laundry, vacuuming dog hair off the couch, doggie duty in general,& being rushed!

<3 is a home & family to share it with!

Halloween Hootenanny

Our fun filled week is coming to an end. :-(

Wednesday was our annual Pennies by Inch Drive for the Primary kids. They dress up in their Halloween costumes, and we go door to door thru the neighborhood in groups asking for Donations for Primary Children's Hospital. It is always a huge success. After is the ward party, complete with Chili Cook-off and spook alley/activities for the kids. Face painting, cake walk, fishing pond, games, and of course the spook alley that justice went thru several times. Montana looked in, but didn't go thru. Fun was had by all...and I am tracking down the recipe for the White Bean Chicken Chili, it was absolutely delicious!

Thursday was the costume parade at school. They fly by in a matter of seconds. But it's always fun to see everyones costumes. And the smiles on my kids faces! I was surprised that Justice was the ONLY Harry Potter this year...and sooooo cute in those glasses! Montana looked adorable. Her costume evolved a bit as the days went, added a turtle neck, new boots...and she was the cutest.

Friday the kids were out of school. J & M were with their dad, but Sierra and I enjoyed the day just being TOTALLY LAZY. Literally, we slept, ate, & watched TV. Then she was off to a costume party & slept over at her friend Tiffany's. She looked so adorable in her costume! It turned out even cuter than I thought it would.

Saturday Sierra and I went to see Paranormal Activity. Advertised to be the scariest movie of all time. I thought it was a total let down . It was good, and suspenseful, but only scary for the last 5 seconds of the show. We had a good time. It was fun to watch Sierra plug her ears almost the entire movie...waiting for me to scream!! Hahaha. Then Justice & Tana came over for the evening. We made cookies, and decorated pumpkins. We headed out for trick or treating around the neighborhood. GREAT WEATHER. Such a nice change from the usual frigid cold we usually have this time of year. Justice was having a blast, but Montana has apparently decided she is too old for this nonsense. She was a bit of a stinker the whole time & mostly stood by my side and didn't even bother going to the door. She had half a bucket of candy already so I didn't push the issue. We took Roxy around with us and just enjoyed seeing the kids and neighbors. Sierra went off with her friends and hung out for the night. I had to work that night so I decided to take the kids to work with me for a bit and show them around the station. I was showing J & M how the cameras work and how they do the weather. And then the Technical director asked if I would like to run a tape with some funny green screen stuff. Of course, I said yes. So we have a dvd of the kids goofing around with a dancing chicken ( a man in a suit) The kids are working the camera & taking turns at the screen. It was really a fun time for them. I was hoping to show them how we do a newscast, but the baseball game was running long and it looked like we weren't going to end up doing news at all that night...so I had Eric come pick them up. A fantastically fun night!


Kids on our deck in the awesome weather!


Doin' the news!


A pro already!