I don't mind it.... updated!

I've been singing this to my kids for years- I changed the words to
"that's what moms are for."
this morning (while singing it yet again) I realized... they may not know where it came from?

because: If you want to know, really want to know. Then I don't mind if you really want to know. If you want to know... I don't mind it, that's what moms are for.
do do to do, do do to do-
MOms always lend a helping hand- do do to do, do do to do...

aaah- I love sesame street.



*UPDATE--
It's really crackin' me up that you guys think that this is some kind of sweet thing I do...? because you can ask my kids... the whole purpose of this song is that ernie is annoying bert. Do you get it?
You don't want to do your chores.... but I don't mind it- you are sleepy I don't mind it.... that's what chores are for.. dodo to do- dodo to do!

ahh- sarcasm

hamburgers & hot pants

look at this!

NO REAllY...

look at this?!

this is going up... being built as I type... just .7 miles from my house.

I know - cause I clocked it last night.

NOw

Look at this...

The hot pants from Jill's carnival were at my birthday dinner.

Luckily, baby Owen was at my birthday dinner too (& not old enough to notice) so I could use him as a picture decoy & get a shot of this!

The really nice thing about hot pants is that when they walk by- butt cheeks peek out & say hello to everyone. It's just so lovely!

(the big ol' stack of good mail I sent yesterday)

NOw... QUESTION?

If I ran- like really sprinted - .7 miles

ate a burger- than ran back...

do you think I would have legs like that?

crabby

I'm seriously having a bad day....
so bad that-
I walked around Target for an hour hoping to snap out of it-
then came home to the dogs rooting through the kitchen garbage.

so bad that-
after that I ate 3 ding dongs.
WhY did I have ding dongs in the house? They were for the missionary of course- his favorite. Trying to be a nice mom gets me into so much trouble.

so bad that-
I begged the other scout leaders to take my boys today with them caroling because I just knew I couldn't handle it today. They of course came caroling to my house... I gave them all a ding dong.

so bad that-
I have the dreaded company Christmas dinner tonight .... holy hell I hate this stupid annual dinner. Which translates into hours of stewing over what to wear & misery. Two years ago was a disaster- last year, worse- this year...
let's just hope brett has a job on Monday.

It's just one of those days

heck, I'm not crying... that's just my allergies

Well, today is the big day-

Jack just left.

We sat here on the porch this morning waiting for his dad to come home from work to say goodbye and talked a bit-- while my allergies bugged me....

Poor kid, has to sit with his sniveling mother.

It's the price he had to pay since we won't be eating for a month or two with all the money we spent getting him out the door. Seriously- new tires& windshield, food, bedding, apartment stuff- it adds up so fast!

I am proud of this kid.

He can do it- I'm am so thrilled he is at my beloved BYU. Living on campus just a walk away from where his dad & I sat talking on the back steps until much too late- just a walk away from where his dad held my hand the first time at a BYU football game in a near blizzard- & just a walk away from where his dad asked me to marry him.

so ya- I'm not sad- not sad at all.


NOpe- I'm not crying either...
or sitting alone in my bedroom with a box of tissue...
or eating pie...
or any of those things
dang kids

all done

Today was our last Bear Cub den meeting for the summer!

What a way to end-

A tour of our local DQ!!!

woo hoo- it was a BLAST-

We walked down (only a couple of blocks from my house)

and found out how ice cream is made- saw all the tubes soda travels through to get to the soda dispenser- walked into the walk in fridge & freezer brrrr- saw huge cans of hot fudge mmmm- watched french fries fry & made our own ice cream cones.

Does life get better than this?

I'm thinking about applying for a part time job?

Unfortunately I didn't take a lot of photos. Trent was stuck to me like glue, then didn't want to make a cone or eat one & started to get into an argument with one of the choice little boys that is now lucky to be alive.

jack - bless his driving soul- came & picked us up.

I could tell the walk home would have been treacherous. The bickering continued with promises to "never be friends again" from trent & ugly faces from the other kid. As we pulled up to the driveway jack proclaimed- GET OUT-

I thanked them for coming & was told over & over-

this was the best scout outing EVEr. So that made it all better.

This afternoon I finished the D.L.T.C. quilt.

(Don't Look Too Closely)

AKA: jack's college bound quilt.

It was so much fun to work on this- jack originally wanted a superhero quilt with blocks of superman, spiderman, etc... I swear there is no such fabric out there right now!

Everything is H.S. Musical or Hannah Montana-

which would NOT have gone over well.

Can you imagine that on his bed? ha ha ha

I found the most darling cowboy prints, but was worried the finished product would look like it belonged on a toddler bed.

I chose 10 inch squares of checks & plaid then put some some cowboys on the back- I love it. He wanted a "puffy" quilt, so I tied it & it turned out really warm & cozy looking.
Now... I have been sitting in front of the computer for a couple of hours drinking diet coke & eating spoonfuls of Nutella. I saw a commercial yesterday about how Nutella is good for you- so it's kind of like eating health food.

Right NOW... brett is driving home from the airport!!

HOORAY

How was your day?

just T and Me

Tuesday morning Brett left to Ohio on business.

Wednesday morning these two left for girls camp... Then... right after that- the big guy here
left for scout camp- (his last year.)

Trent & I have spent 2 1/2 days together now.
Just me & T.
Before Jack left we went to cub scouts.
We hiked in the canyon, then headed to the Wolf Den leader's house- to swim in her amazing pool. (I forgot my camera)
Next, Trent had his yearly check up with his doctor. He loves her. Last time we went in she wasn't the doctor we saw, so when I mentioned we were seeing her he said- I like her! That was good. After all the usual weight & height- blood pressure- eye exam... we went into the exam room. Everything was good- but the doctor & I talked frankly about his ADHD- meds- aspergers- school- friendships- sports- activities- etc. I was a little nervous about this. I mean he was sitting right there. I didn't want him to be uncomfortable... how quickly I forget he has aspergers.... after we got back in the car & drove a bit I asked him.
m- so trent how do you feel about the doctor & I talking about your aspergers?
T- well, it's really hard having aspergers.
m- really? why?
t- because sometimes I don't have a tissue & I can't get them out. They get stuck in my nose.
ya- he's fine

We drove down to Gardner village- we brought bread to feed the ducks. They were so beautiful & reminded me so much of Shannon- (hi shannon). The sparrows & fish were after the bread too- fun times.

Then we ran into the candy store there- where he of course didn't want any candy... but loved the old fashioned toys. We went into the fabric shop to look for a pattern for megan & ya... I just had to see a little bit of fabric. Oh the fabric there is amazing!! I know, I know it was Trent's day... but I just couldn't resist.
It was not my best time- his either- he had a target gift card & it was seriously burning a hole in his pocket. So even though I promised we would go after I got megan her pattern- he asked me every 2 minutes - when are we going to target? when are we going to target? hey mom, when are we going to target??

Yes- we made it to target & bought his one millionth transformer.
Then went to Sweet Tomatoes for me to eat dinner & him to play with it in front of his dinner.
It was GReat.
He managed amazingly to eat 3 helpings of Mac & Cheese.


It was a FABULOUS day!
Later than night we had a "pizza party JUST like JACK"
we ate totino's pizza at 10:00 PM while watching the office. All trent's choice. It's so funny what kids notice. This was what he had been waiting for all day. I suggested watching the weather on the local news after a few minutes of the office.... he is slightly obsessed with the weather. He comes by that naturally- although I just have to check it every night before bed not 10 times a day... anyway- I didn't blog yesterday... I'm feeling like it's been three weeks- not three days since everyone left... PLUS our power was out for about 5 hours yesterday! MISERY! Luckily we spent the afternoon at WEnde's & ate pizza at costco for dinner- another T's choice.
I really love the kid- but hey-
what time are you guys getting back today??
I've got the fever-
cabin fever!
and ya- the house is still a disasterous mess. I haven't gotten a thing done. so could you guys come home & do chores? I need a nap- trent slept with me all three nights ... I'm really tired & I might be crazy now.. and a little drooly... has it only been 3 days?

unbelievable?

(driving up to the copper mine- that's it- that huge mountain)

Today Brett & I took the cub scouts to Kennecott Copper Mine.

I have been wanting to go on this field trip ever since the second I was made a cub scout leader! I have always wanted to see the copper mine- but for one reason or another- whenever the kids went here on school field trips, I couldn't go.

It's one of the largest mines in the world & I think, the largest man made thing you can see from outer space- it's an open pit mine & it's incredible.

NOtice the railing!?
I did not get nervous, or upset, or have a panic attack or anything like that... here. #1 Because there is a railing. #2 because there is a lot of ground before the mine goes straight down. I did warn the scouts that I have issues with heights... and not to even pretend to go over the railing OR they would see me freak out completely- they were perfect.

See that little dump truck down there?
It's not so little- in fact the tires alone are 12' 6" high!
That truck is as big as a HOUSE.

You can kind of see little specs down at the bottom in this picture- those are HUGE trucks too. That kind of gives you an idea of how large this mine is & what an amazing place this is- I loved it. There is a lot of artifacts & a great view area, plus a visitors center with a really good film about the mine & it's history.
In fact - this mine produces 8,000 tons of copper a DAY.

Trent found this model train- one of his favorite parts of the visitor's center.

Brett was great enough to take the afternoon off & go with me. My other leader is on vacation. Brett wanted to go too- I'm not sure he wanted to go with nine cub scouts, but he did- thanks sweetie.

The views of the Salt Lake valley were stunning on the way down from the mine. I wish these pictures could do them justice...

This was our Big field trip for the summer.

We were gone four hours & stopped on the way home for Arctic Circle ice cream cones- really fun. Next month we are touring our local Dairy Queen. I know the owner & that pretty much makes me a celebrity...

On the way home one of the boys remarked that there was a car from Idaho following us- I knew it was just a coincidence but he kept bringing it up. Finally, I told them that if they promised not to tell- I would let them in on a little secret. I told them that I was an FBI agent & that, that car could be the KGB. They promised not to tell anyone, since I told them I could get shot. One boy started snickering right away (smarty pants), later in the trip when one of them asked if Trent knew my secret- I confessed that I was just pulling their legs. One of the boys said- "patsy, I really thought you were serious!" I told him "that's why I love being a scout leader."

What other group of people anywhere would have believed me?

gotta love it.

July 3rd

We have the most fun for the fourth of July here in our town.

The celebration starts on the third with a children's parade, concert in the park & fireworks. It's my favorite two days of the year!

We take a traditional meal of-

Albertson's fried chicken (my favorite),

shrimp pasta salad,

watermelon &

cupcakes, of course...

WE only eat this meal once a year- so it means a lot to the kids? I don't know why, but we never eat this salad or fried chicken except for on the 3rd. The kids were so excited about the salad.. who knew?

This year - second year in a row-- we had my sister Johnna & her family with us from WA state!

we wish this would become a tradition, it was so fun to have them here.

Next year-

Jack will most likely be gone on a mission, so this was his last year at the park for a while... someday I hope we are all here together again. It would mean the world to me. But, for now- I'm just happy my children are all doing so well, wherever they are!

Trent is currently obsessed with Transformers.

The cartoon & ya- I broke down & let him watch the first Transformer movie.

It's rated PG 13... so as family arrived at our house before the festivities he would announce- "I'm watching a violent movie!!" with excitement. He will NOT be watching the second one currently in theatres- pretty much ever, if I have my way, which I won't.

So- he came along to the park with Optimus Prime in hand- fun- not & the movie with my laptop. This was the second year he hasn't gotten lost & the first year he has not been difficult, so apparently "violent movies" are good for something.

Brittany & Marcus were with us!

They will be married in less than a week- amazing.

Marcus has been with us for the fourth of July for years & it is just more special when he is here. It just feels right.

The band this year, The BEAch ToYs were fantastic!

I will admit I was a little worried when I saw their name...

but seriously the were GREAT!!

-We loved them-

They even look like the beach boys-

It was so fun to be together.

I sure love these girls.

They have been an absolute joy this summer.

They helped me to get ready for company & with dinner, and with Trent- they are awesome.

They are leaving soon for a week with Megan in Arkansas...

I don't know what I will do without them!??

Miraculously the Beach Toys turn into the Monkeys part way through the show, really great stuff here. They really sounded like them & hey- look like them too!

We sat near great friends at the park & here is Cassidy enjoying a cupcake-

I think she is my biggest cupcake fan here.

We even talked to Joy- from Joy's of Home- yep, she only lives a block from me... wow knowing a cool blogger like her is better than knowing a celebrity!
do you read her? she is amazing!

These pictures are especially for Megan & the missionary.

Jack & one of his best friends Zach.

They are going to be college roommates soon.

Cool beans man.

Soon after the Monkeys preformed--

they morphed into

The Beattles
Their best band yet!

Trent found a little friend who wandered over to see what he was watching.

Is she darling or what?

He offered her one of his head phones... so cute.

At least he's nice, I mean- for someone who watches violence??

The fireworks & patriotic music was oh so wonderful....

I have been trying for hours to upload video with this post - with no success.

Maybe later I will try it again?

It was a great day!

MOre on the fourth to come.

everyone's a comedian in this house

After Jack & Hailey left for Trek-

I found this when I opened the medicine cabinet...

A couple of weeks ago, Brett had his yearly physical. The doctor told him to start taking fish oil- I myself... had been ribbing him about this huge Costco bottle-

I guess Jack couldn't resist either?

so funny

yesterday & today

Yesterday

it was my darling friend Karen's birthday.

Thank you, Karen for having a birthday during the summer so I could have an excuse to take you out to lunch & get out of the house & talk my full blown head off like an idiot & not let you have a word in edge wise.

I guess I needed a little time out.

Today

my house is a mess thanks to the two teenagers who left on a mock Pioneer Trek for 3 1/2 days. Their left over stuff is all over. I hope they have fun.

I'm so glad I am not going. It's good to be young, which I am not.
Jack, Megan, Brian & even Brett went four years ago- Brett was in charge. (what a big job) They had such a fantastic time that Jack really wanted to go again- and Hailey has been excited for months. (can you tell?) Silly kids didn't want their picture taken.
I am so glad these two are going- they are going to have a GREAT time!

he just doesn't get it

While Megan went to lunch with an old friend -

I picked up this guy & headed to the scout office, yep tonight was pack meeting...

We drove past the Olympic torch- love that- just had to take another photo

We made it to the office & I picked up some sweet stuff-
I volunteered to pick up everything since I needed to get something extra special.

See that white box?

Inside is Jack's Eagle.

Yep- Jack's Eagle-

Everything is in & it's all done!!

Very exciting
We are not planning on having his Eagle court of honor until summer. His good buddy Seth should have his by then & we will celebrate together. So more on that later.

Secretly... shh-

{outside the Tulie Bakery}

I had other motives to go to the scout office.

Remember last month when I discovered the bakery on the way home?

Oh the joy- I had a real reason to go back, heck I was driving by!

I was so excited to take BRett.

I kept telling him- this is going to be life changing- LIFE CHANGING

YOU won't BelieVE HOw GooD It is!!

Just look at this fruit tart

- STUNNING-

We got the chocolate mousse & a sugar cookie to share. We headed down the street, me driving because he was still on the phone with business-and I took a little bite of the cookie.

I. HAD. TO. PULL. OVER.

then- before it was gone- I had to take a photo!

It was the best sugar cookie I have ever had.

I paused & explained to Brett how the chocolate mousse has ity bity shards of Scharffen Berger chocolate in it that melt on your tongue-- so eat it slow & take it all in. With a dumbfounded look in his eye he asked if,

"I was missing little shards of something?"

He took a bite of the cookie- agreed it was the best sugar cookie ever- but ya so what?

the chocolate mousse...? ya -pretty good. Pretty good??

Later in the day I commented on his lack of enthusiasm- he apologized & promises next time to scream & immediately wet himself when we go to a bakery.

He Better