I have a "crush" on Autumn...

My Crab-Apple Tree is ready to go... Too bad that I don't have a clue what to do with them... They are pretty though! They may just have to end up as a Centerpiece this week on my Kitchen Table!

I have a crush on the Fall. I love the Summer, but I have a major infatuation with Fall. I love it when the leaves start to change colors. I love the way my house smells after I make apple pie and pumpkin treats. I REALLY love taking the flannel sheets out of my linen closet. I like pulling out my sweaters and taking walks in the crisp fall air. My birthday is also in the fall. What else makes me "heart" Fall...?

Homemade Pumpkin Pie... with LOTS of Whipped Cream

Apple Picking

New Recipes that have ANYTHING to do with Apples

Pumpkin Patches

Crocheting by the fire

Snuggling in bed on Sunday Mornings with Shaun

Thanksgiving and the Harvest

The Smells of Autumn: Pumpkin, Cinnamon, Cloves, Apples...

Opening the Windows

Picking Branches with Red, Yellow and Orange Leaves for a Centerpiece

Turkey with Cranberry Sauce

Smell of Wood burning in the Fireplace

First Day of School

Sniff. Sob. Hic. Sniff.

It's official... Ty had his first day of school today. We had been preparing for this all summer- totally building it up. Yesterday, there was an open house, where the kids got to wander around the rooms and take a look at some of the things they were going to be doing- Ty totally ate it up! He was so excited!

Last night, we started getting ready at about 6:00, so that we wouldn't be rushed in the morning. Ty is going to school out in Paris- which is about 20 minutes away, so we had to plan for travel time. He will be riding the bus- starting next week. But for the first couple of days- mom gets to take him!! Anyway- we laid his clothes out...

Put his backpack by the door...

Then dad gave him a blessing and we said our prayers. Ty was sure to add during each- that Heavenly Father should make sure that he had fun.

Ty got up bright and early and bounded into our bed at 7:00, dressed and ready to go. I almost hated to break it to him that school didn't start until 8:00. Oh well- we weren't rushed and that was the point! Ryan could tell that something was up this morning- he was really clingy and kept looking around trying to figure out what was going on. Here is a picture of our super snazzy pre-schooler...

Ty was pretty chatty as we headed out the door, but as we got closer to the school- he got quieter and quieter... I started to panic thinking that if he breaks down- I'm not going to handle it well at all!! But we pulled up to the school and he jumped out.

Because he had had the tour yesterday- he went right into the school and led Ryan and I down the hall. Once we got to the classroom and I helped him hang up his backpack- he turned to me and said, "See ya in a while Mama!" And that was it. He turned his back to me and went to go play with some of the other kids that were already there. I had nothing to do, but turn around and head back to the car.

Ryan was confused...

I pulled away, telling myself that I was NOT going to cry. That it is part of life. You have kids. They get older and life goes on. But this morning- it didn't seem fair. Why did he have to get to 4 so quickly? I know he's a pain in the butt and there are days that I try to sell him to the passerby... but... he's my baby. My buddy. My friend. Ty and I have done EVERYTHING together the last four years- and now- he's moving on. I know that I have Ryan that I get to do all those things with now- and how blessed I am to have him. To be able to share new things with him... But I'll miss Ty.

Anyway- school got out at noon, and this was Ty at about 12:30... He wanted to watch a movie on my bed. He didn't even make it past the opening credits.

Corn

Being a from a big city, a lot of things just never occured to me. I took for granted that muffins do not always come from a box, that ground beef didn't magically appear in the store and that corn does not always come from a can. That's not to say that I never had corn on the cob- when summer came, my mom would stop at the local roadside stand and we'd have it a couple times a month. But once winter came again- it was back to the canned stuff.

When I married Shaun I was introduced to one of the yummiest things! Fresh corn that was frozen. So this year- when the corn was ready... so was I! We went to Declo for the day and Papa Orllo harvested corn for us- he actually picked it!! Off the plant!! And then we got to the menial task of shucking (sp?). Ty thought it was kind of fun- though I think he was more stoked by the fact that there were lady-bugs in the sack than by the fact that we were getting ready for winter (I feel a little bit like the busy ant- you know- from the story the Ant and the Grasshopper). He did finally get one corn cob shucked and he held it up all suprised and yelled, "Look guys! There's corn in here!"

We took our corn in the house, and cut it off the cob and put it into freezer bags... and Violia! Freakin' yummy corn for the dead of winter!!

Shaun's Surgery

Shaun was out mowing the lawn back in May and stepped in a hole (our lawn is littered with big holes... we're not sure why), and went down in a blaze of glory... and ended up tearing his ACL (in his knee). He kept putting off the surgery because he wanted to be able to play a little bit this summer- and we finally were able to schedule a time this week for the Dr. to go in and replace his ACL.

Here's Shaun waiting...

And now he has on a hospital gown...

And here is a picture of his knee- I think this is the funniest thing! The nurse had to come in and mark "Yes" on the knee that they were going to be working on. Apparently there is some kind of issue with Drs. operating on the wrong knee. Gives a person a good sense of confidence doesn't it?

And... after two hours of surgery... out he came. Everything went well and they were able to attach the new ACL with no problems. Shaun also handled the drugs well... he came out yelling something about a cheeseburger.

Anyway- a big thanks to Shaun's parents for taking the boys for us for a couple of days- it would have been very difficult with little ones running/scooting around. I appreciate the help VERY much! And thanks for those of you out there with your thoughts and prayers.

New Patio

Okay! I now have pictures of our new patio! Personally- I LOVE it! The brick that we had was used and when we put them with the big pavers- they look like they are a hundred years old! I am such a fan! Again- thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Kidd for all of their help- we couldn't have done it without you!

Here is the before- well kind of. Obviously there hasn't ALWAYS been a big pile of sand sitting there- but you get the idea of the place we were working on. The window you can see is the kitchen window and Shaun and I have toyed with the idea of putting in a deck/patio there since we moved in. We were able to get a bunch of bricks for free, and got a screaming deal on the pavers... so the idea of a patio won!

And here's a "during" picture. I think the planning and placing of the pavers/bricks took the longest. Once we figured out what kind of pattern we were going to use- it went pretty quick.

And here's the finished product!! I think it looks soo good!

And a close up of the design we did.

Gymboree Coupon

Okay- anyone who has looked in my kids' closets knows that I am a total Gymboree junkie! Unfortunately- thier clothes are a little spendy- so anytime that I can get a discount, I totally take advantage of it! I received a 20% off coupon in the mail yesterday, so I am going to share the online code with all of you!! You may not use it- but I plan on it!

20% off your entire purchase

Offer ends September 30, 2009

GDQEDG6HJ384730

Anyway... Enjoy!!

Ain't Nothing I Know What To Make You Fall In Love Like A Night At The County Fair

It is my personal belief that no summer is complete without a visit to a fair and a rodeo- and it makes it even better when it's a county fair and rodeo! There is something so fun about it all. Shaun and I started going to the Cassia County Fair and Rodeo when we were first married (up where Shaun is from), and we haven't missed it once in the seven years we have been married.

This time we started by going in to see the animals. Shaun's cousins do pigs and sheep for 4-H, and it's always fun to see how their animals turned out. Ryan's favorite were the cows, and Ty is a fan of the pigs. They both balked at the horses- granted they are pretty big when you are so close to the ground, and they both had to take a turn petting the sheep.

Ty likes to help feed the cows.

And Ryan likes to pet them. I know, I know I look like a total stoner in this picture.

This year, Ty was (finally) big enough to go over to the carnival and ride a couple of rides. I have been not so patiently waiting for Ty to get to the point where we can go on the carnival rides since they make Shaun sick just to look at them. I took Ty on the Ferris Wheel and the Dizzy Dragons... I think he's going to be able to be my riding buddy in years to come- I spun the little dragon thing as hard as I could and he came off just laughing!

Here's Ryan surveying the rodeo once we took our seats. I wish I could read their minds- I think that as little kids they get exposed to soo much- I wonder what they think of it all.

Here we all are waiting for the stupid barrel-racing to be over...

We had a lot of fun this year and Shaun succeeded in eating his weight in maple bars this year! Yay!

Follow The Yellow Brick Road... Or Pavers As The Case May Be...

Shaun and I bought some pavers to do a few things earlier this summer... and we are just getting around to finishing the projects! I hate that! At least it got done though... TODAY!! And mind you- as we sit here on the couch at ten o'clock- we are totally exhausted. Whew!

Here's a picture of the before. The cement was awful. It kept tripping Ty (which granted he can do without any help- but I was starting to feel sorry for him). And it would chip off into these tiny gravely pieces that ended up in the lawn- which for whatever reason- Ryan thinks are a tasty treat.

And during... We had to demo the cement with a sledge-hammer (which was actually kind of fun- Shaun let me try it out) and had to haul all the cement away and then bring in a couple truck-loads of sand in order to get the ground level.

Here's the massive stack of pavers in the garage- thanks Dave and Grandpa JB for helping us move the stupid things from the trailer! I owe you some cookies or something.

And here is an up close picture of the pavers with the sand pushed between them... I think it kind of looks cottage-y (I know- it's not a word).

And finally... the finished product! Well- finished for now. We want to plant some flower beds on either side so that you can't tell it's a little crooked (what do you want from us? we're new at this!). And we want to give a shout out to Jacki and Orllo for ALL of their help today! We could NOT have done it without them and their expertise! I owe you a big present. Maybe a BIG cookie!And look for pictures of the finished patio later- it's too dark outside to take a picture of it all finished!!

Angels in the Outfield!

On Monday night, we were lucky enough to be able to go to an Angels game up in Anaheim. I LOVE baseball games- as long as you are there in person- otherwise it's nice background noise for a nap. Anyway- we had seats right behind the foul ball post in left field. It was so much fun- besides a good game, we got to have ice cream and peanuts! Ryan LOVED the ice cream and bawled everytime the fireworks went off. Ty just loved it all and kept asking for the rest of the trip when we were going to go back.

This is Shaun and I at the game- Shaun is VERY excited to be having his picture taken. And yes to those of you that are wondering... I have no more hair. I had a bad haircut and in order to fix it... I had to cut it ALL off.

Two goofballs at the game. Ryan was stoked... can you tell?

Me, Dave and Nat right in front of our seats at the game. At the very end... it was awesome- the left fielder caught a ball that was literally inches from the people in front of us!!

Tide Pools at Little Corona

So, undoubtabley if you know my family, you know that we LOVE California (okay- except for Shaun), and go whenever we can. We were unable to go last year because I was 40 months pregnant with Ryan. But- we were so excited when my family was able to figure out a time when Shaun and I, Dave and Nat, Grandma and Grandpa and Melissa could ALL go. It was a lot of planning- but we made it!

We got here on Sunday (after a quick layover in St. George), and thought that an afternoon at the Tidepools would be a perfect activity to ease into the week's worth of activities. Ty, of course, loved it! It took him half a second to decide that this was by far one of the coolest places he'd ever been. He chased the little crabs over the rocks, poked the amnemenies(sp?) and pulled hermit crabs out of their shells. I almost felt sorry for all the sea creatures he came in contact with.

Ryan- of course pulled himself up and over dad and grandpa to try and get away from it all. Towards the end he warmed up a little bit and started to poke the water. It was a lot of fun!

Day At The Lake

My parents came up again for the weekend- but this time they brought fresh meat! My uncle Gary, his wife Roz and my Grandma and Grandpa drove up in their motorhomes to spend Raspberry Days with us. On Friday, my cousin Josh and his wife Tamara and their son Isaac parked thier RV's at the cabin- so we could play on Saturday!

We had so much fun! I wish we had some pictures of the first half of the day. We took out the four-wheelers, motorcycles and Josh took his Jeep up on a trail ride through Logan Canyon. It was so pretty and it was such a nice day! Shaun and Dave both got to try out the Jeep... they might be hooked!!

Then we took the boat out in the afternoon and went wakeboarding (the water was too bumpy to do much else) and just spent the afternoon in the sun. And yes- this gorgeous woman on the wakeboard is ME! Okay- maybe not so much on the gorgeous- but I haven't been behind a boat since before Ryan was born- we're talking years people. I was just impressed that I stood up. Thanks everyone- we had a lot of fun! And we need to do it again!

And Nat- this last picture is JUST for you!

Happy Birthday Ty!

Hooray! Ty made it to 4!! Though- I'm not promising that he'll make it to 5... there's something to those species that eat their young! Anyway- Ty is four and is so proud of that fact. When I asked him what kind of cake he wanted- it had to be red for the "Go Utes." So did the balloons. And the frosting (which as you can see from the pictures- did NOT set up- so he had to settle for white). And he wanted a new Utes shirt. It went on and on. Grandpa JB and Dad are so proud.

Ty had a lot of fun on his special day- he got some fun toys and he was so excited that Grandpa JB and Grandma Janet were able to come up with Aunt HeeHee (Melissa). He loves them so much- and after Melissa leaves- he always has to sleep on her bed for a couple of days. He's such a goof!

I know that I complain a lot about Ty- but I can't think of another little 4 year old that I love as much as I do him. He is so full of spunk and energy. He's curious and loves everyone and everything. He is my Ty. I love you kid!

And yes- my kids are bald. We had a team haircut this morning. None of the boys (including Shaun) have any hair anymore. Ty looks cute, Shaun is hot and Ryan looks like a cancer patient. Those are my boys!!!

Bubbles

Uncle Chase and Aunt Dani gave Ryan a Bubble-Maker for his birthday. I was a little skeptical at first- but we hooked it up... and you would have thought that both boys had died and gone to heaven!! Ryan scooted after all of the big ones and Ty ran after the others. I couldn't believe how long it blowed the bubbles either- I totally recommend it to those of you out there looking to kill an hour! They had so much fun! Thanks Chase and Dani!

Happy Birthday Ryan!

Yay! Ryan is one!! We were able to have a party up at Grandma Jacki's house for him, where he got some fun presents and a really yummy cake (okay- really they were cupcakes- but they were good!). Ryan was really funny with the cup cakes- he didn't mind eating it- but if any of the frosting got on his fingers- he flipped out... and consequently flipped bright blue frosting on grandma's floor. Sorry grandma!!

I don't know that he really understood the present thing- but that was okay because Ty opened most of them for him anyway. Ty had a hard time understanding that the day was for someone other than him. Ryan didn't seem to mind though. And maybe he even appreciated the "help" Ty gave when they were opening presents.

We sure love our littlest boy! I know it sounds sappy- but we are so grateful for him and the spirit that he brings into our home. He can be such a little spit-fire, but he is such a good boy! He had a rough start- but I think it makes us even more grateful for his presence in our home! Love you baby!

At the beach

Okay- I officially LOVE Bear Lake summers! They almost make up for the winters. Almost. We bought a season pass to the beach on the North end of the lake and we go at least once a week! Ryan still isn't entirely sure that he likes the water- but everytime we go- I put him in it- and I think he's coming around. At least now- he doesn't burst into tears as we walk towards it.

Ryan much prefers the safety of the beach. And the toys. Ryan absolutely refuses to crawl- but he will scoot. So he scoots around the sand looking for things to eat and trucks to roll around. He pooped a small rock the other day- I guess I should keep a closer eye on him. Though it's never hard to tell where he's been- because he scoots... he leaves a little butt-print trail in the sand. It's really funny!And then there's Ty- who seriously needs a healthy dose of fear. That kid will get out into the water neck deep and then start jumping around. It totally made my heart stop this last time- he was out there and then tripped... down he goes. I panicked- and started out after him when he bobbed up again with a big smile on his face. He is going to get munched in California (we're going in a few weeks and plan on spending a lot of time at the beach there).

Happy 4th!

My family came up to visit over the 4th of July- which was so much fun- we LOVE having company! Hint Hint to the rest of you out there. Shaun was our master-grillman and made some killer steaks for everyone.

And of course- Grandpa JB brought the fireworks. He took a detour through Wyoming on their way up here so that he could get "the good ones." Ty was a total pyro- and Ryan held true to form- and bawled through everything... including the sparklers. He was like a tiny little koala bear and would NOT let go of my sister!

I believe I can fly...

It has been so HOT around here lately! So in an effort to cool off, Jenny put the sprinkler under their trampoline and called to see if Ty could come and jump. Ty never misses a chance at getting on a trampoline if he can help it. So we walked over (they just live on the next block) and the kids spent all afternoon running through the water and jumping. Ryan watched and giggled the whole time. Thanks Jenny!