Seven Swanns-a-Camping

So Much To Share

2010-08-27T14:04:00.003-06:00

I've taken an 18 month hiatus from blogging. And now I have so much to share. Rather than trying to catch you all up on every detail of the Swann's life, I'll try to only share the important stuff from this roller coaster we've been on.

After baseball season last year we had a busy summer then moved in October. Our house sold quickly and we only had three weeks to pack and move. With a ton of help from friends, we were able to accomplish this nearly impossible task and even managed to leave the house spotless for the new owners. We moved in with my parents in Sandy and started making plans to purchase another home. To not disrupt the boys too much, we kept them at their same school in West Jordan, and I drove them to school from Sandy every day. It was a long winter. haha.

With the move, I also moved my salon. I am currently leasing a suite inside Studio Salons in West Jordan with a colleague of mine. We split the cost and each work three days a week. It's a fun place to be, and very professional. Vanessa and I were able to decorate it ourselves, and because it's our own space (a mini salon) we lock it at night and no one disturbs it.

In December, Darin left his job at American Welding and Tank after 13 years to start working for his cousin Alan. Alan and Uncle Craig purchased a transportation company here in Salt Lake (Diamond Limousine), and a natural gas roustabout business in Rock Springs, Wyoming (WYuTex Energy Service). He has been splitting his time at both businesses, and absolutely loves it. Alan is a great boss, and Darin's level of stress has gone down considerably. I just don't love when he has to go to Wyoming. :(

We also spent Christmas in North Edwards with the Swanns and the 4-wheelers. A great time was had by most (except Ben and Steph who couldn't come with a new baby so close to arriving). We took Darin's new work truck and the clutch was having issues and almost went out on our way home. He changed it when we got back and said it broke into a thousand pieces when they took it off.

January found us with the Johnstones in Island Park, Idaho for snowmobiling and winter cabin fun. Not too long into the trip, there was an accident and my niece, Jalin broke her leg really bad. It's been 8 months and it still isn't better after a few surgeries.

All the while we were negotiating (for 4 months) to purchase a builder foreclosure in Riverton. It was owned by a local bank and we were going to be able to get it for a steal and finish it how we wanted. It would have been a 7 bedroom, 5 bathroom, 2 laundry room, 2 family room, bonus room, home salon, 4200 sq. ft. dream on a huge lot. BUT... in April, our agent got a phone call from the listing agent informing us that the bank had sold it to another buyer. We were heartbroken. And resorted to start looking again.

After countless home showings, meetings with new home builders, and just not finding anything to fit our needs and budget, we came across a home right back in our old neighborhood. It needed a ton of updating, but had good bones, so we made an offer. And now it's ours. After 5 1/2 weeks of renovations, we moved in mid July. It's a 2 story on 1/3 acre. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, just enough room for a salon in the basement (which we'll start construction on as soon as we get the tax credit check), and a big yard for the kids, dogs, and trailer. In the Spring we are planning an addition to the kitchen and family room to make them larger and update the kitchen. It is very nicely becoming our dream. Biggest bonus for me and the boys: they are still in the same schools with their same friends. Biggest bonus for Darin: we're back in the same ward.

My beloved Maxima was involved in an accident in April. I was hit and run by a school bus. Their insurance totalled the car. It was very sad. It was a wonderful car for 11 years. The payoff was used to help with the down payment on our house and bought tile and hardwood flooring for the new home.

In and around the move and renovations, we had baseball. Darin started playing again. He plays in an over 35 league (he calls it the old farts league) that even had us take a trip to Las Vegas for a tournament. Kaden played on a Super League team (Desert Heat) with a friend from my parent's ward and had a good time. He had 3 tournaments including one in St. George, and either games or practices 5 times a week from March to July. Riley and Jaxon played West Jordan Babe Ruth League again and Darin assistant coached Jaxon's team. It's a good thing we love this sport.

July brought Ben and Stephanie and new baby Eli to visit for a week. Our first house guests. And a Swann Family Reunion in Junction, Utah. We all had a great time at the Paiute County Courthouse. This trip involved taking our trailer and all of my parent's 4-wheelers. W also went river rafting, and a group of family took a day trip to Bryce Canyon.
We've been on a few other camping trips this summer. Memorial weekend was Diamond Fork campground and the Farm. Kaden had a tournament in Spanish Fork, we camped. 4th of July weekend at Rock Port, for another tournament in Park City, which coincided with the Richardson campout and boating.

August took us, our trailer, and the Johnstones to Almo, Idaho for the William E. Johnston Reunion. He was my great-great grandfather. It was more of a heritage reunion, and really nice to get to learn more about my ancestors. I will share a separate post and explain the absence of the 'e' on the end of his name.

Fall is sneaking upon us. The boys have all started school again. Kaden in 7th grade, Jaxon in 4th grade, and Riley in 1st grade.
Kaden and Darin are also starting Fall Baseball and Darin is refereeing little league football for what he describes as exercise and cash.

I think I will have more time to blog will all the boys in school all day... stay tuned and I will post some pics soon.

Where have we been? A perfect explaination!

2009-05-08T15:21:00.002-06:00

Take me out to the ballgames! Lots and lots of ballgames.
All three boys are playing baseball this year. We have been spending almost every night at the ballpark. Good thing we love it!

Riley is playing his first year. His games are cute. Fun to watch the little guys and both teams always win. If the batter hits the ball it's always a homerun. His team is the Ogden Raptors. We are going to surprise him by taking him to an actual Raptors game this summer.

Jaxon is playing his 4th year. He has tried his hand at pitching, and loves it, and also plays 1st and 3rd baseman. His team is the Phillies. Darin is helping coach which keeps him busy as well.

Kaden is playing his 7th year. He is pitching and playing 2nd base mostly. He's also top of the line-up. His team is playing very well. The games are intense, but they are so far undefeated. 7-0!!! Go Yankees!

A little side note, in real life we don't love the Yankees.

Old Habits

2009-03-22T19:18:00.005-06:00

Some things you inherit from your parents. I've inherited a lot from mine. They are both very hard workers, I got that. My dad's got a great sense of humor, I got some of that. My mom is a go-getter/over achiever, I got that. They both like to have fun and want to stay young forever, I got that. But there is something I inherited from my dad that is just a little annoying, and maybe even gross.
We both love to chew on plastic. I know, it can't be good for the pearly whites, and who knows who's touched those things, but we do it anyway. I chew on the plastic pins that come on your clothes tags form the store, and the little balls of glue that drop from a glue gun, but my favorite thing to chew on (and dad's) is the plastic ring that comes from a carton of milk. I chew those things until they are almost disinegrated. Dad, too. We've sat together and played cards with blue plastic hanging out of our mouths. We've counted how many bites it takes to get from one end to the other. We compete to see who can get theirs the longest. CRAZY I tell ya!
It's so common for me that Riley has even resorted to bringing them to me when he opens a new gallon of milk. A little embarassing when I'm in the salon with a client. Awkward to explain.
So, last night I ventured over to mom and dad's to pick up 2/3 of my boys and my dad had a present for me. A cup full of plastic milk carton rings. Oh daddy... you are so thoughful. I'll have milk rings to chew on for weeks. Thanks dad. Of all the things I could inherit, I am glad there is one thing that is especially ours.

2009-02-15T10:10:00.002-07:00

Because Darin loves steak, and I love seafood, I has become tradition for me to make a v-day dinner for 2 every year. The boys get to pick out a kid cuisine (which I never buy) and Darin and I get the expensive dinner.
Menu:
Grilled Sirloin Steaks
Honey Broiled Salmon Salad
Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado and Cucumbers
Roasted Baby Red Potatoes Gourmet Bread (heart shaped butter)
Some kind of Sparkly Drink
And this year Oreo Cake

First Baby Share

2009-02-07T20:29:00.004-07:00

This is a tag I got on Facebook. For those of you who aren't on Facebook, I thought I would share it here. Enjoy!

My First Baby Share! 8:20pm
Your Turn.... copy and paste in a new note, and tag your friends, be sure to send it to the person who sent it to you.

1. Were you married at the time?
Yes

2. What was your reaction when you found out you were pregnant?
Um, what? But I've been taking my pills, we've only been married for 7 months. Never mind the baby we were going to have that we lost. Hmmm.

3. How old were you?
20 when I got pregnant, 21 when he was born.... What a fun 21st birthday

4.How did you find out you were pregnant?
Pregnancy test. Left it on the bathroom counter for Darin to find while I was at work.

5. Who did you tell first?
Darin

6. Did you want to find out the sex?
Yes, like opening the present before Christmas.

7. Due date?
November 29th, I think

8. Did you deliver early or late?
3 weeks early, November 8th

9. Did you have morning sickness?
Nope.... I got lucky

10. What did you crave?
Dairy Queen Pecan Cluster Blizzards

11. What irritated you the most?
Maternity clothes and those fancy undies ( I wasn't a garment wearer yet).

12. What was your first child's sex?
Boy

13. How many pounds did you gain throughout the pregnancy?
53!!!! I know it explains everything

14. Did you have any complications during your pregnancy?
None

15. Where did you give birth?
St. Marks Hospital

16. How many hours were you in labor?
He was born less than an hour after I got there

17.Who drove you to the hospital?
My brother, Brent. He was my labor coach. Darin just happened to drive home to California the night before to surprise his brother Kevin, who had just gotten home form his mission. Look who got surprised.

18 . Did you take medicine to ease the pain?
They barely snuck an epidural in me. I was dilated to an 8 when I got to the hospital

19 . How much did your child weigh?
6 pounds 15 ounces

20 . What did you name him/her, and why?
Kaden Michael Swann
Michael was the name of my oldest brother who only lived 2 days, and was also born in November. He would have been 41 now I think.

21. How old is your first born today?
11

22. Who does your child look like?
Looks like me when I was younger

23. Did you get mad at your husband during labor?
I couldn't, at least that he knew about, BECAUSE HE WASN'T THERE!!!!!

Facebook Status Funny

2009-01-22T21:22:00.011-07:00

I had to post this on my blog. Had me laughing so hard I almost peed my pants.... another downside to having babies. To top it off, I got a new facebook friend from it. Todd said he needed to be friends with more funny people.
Though, I may have to add to this post... because there are still comments being made.
Michelle was a friend of mine in Middle School and High School. This is her Facebook status tonight:

Michelle thinks my Playtex 18 hour bra quit on me about 12 hours ago. 8:43pm -

Comments:

Amanda Harman Kissell at 8:52pm January 22 via Facebook Mobile
Do they issue refunds for that?

Todd Saxey at 8:59pm January 22
OH MY HELL!!!

Michelle Saxey Kissell at 9:00pm January 22
What..too much?

Michelle Saxey Kissell at 9:01pm January 22
Or has it happened to you too?

Wendy Johnstone Swann at 9:02pm January 22
I think they should have a disclaimer after a mommy has a baby. 18 hours my bahookie.

Todd Saxey at 9:04pm January 22
I am literally sitting here with tears in my eyes laughing.

Todd Saxey at 9:06pm January 22
Give me ten more years before I need a 'Bro'.

Michelle Saxey Kissell at 9:06pm January 22
Wendy--what exactly is a bahookie??

Louise Burge Perry at 9:07pm January 22
Dude, Shell!!! This is Melly. You shouldn't make me laugh out loud like that when I'm sitting in Quality Management!!!!

Wendy Johnstone Swann at 9:07pm January 22
Of course after you have babies, they clone the shape of tennis balls in tube socks. Not sure there is any bra out there with the proper support anymore.

Wendy Johnstone Swann at 9:09pm January 22
Your bahookie is what you need that rear enhancer for. lol, it's a vicious cycle. Must be gravity taking over.

Marinda Mindy Dansie Thomas at 9:09pm January 22 via Facebook Mobile
it would be a size 36 L...L is for Long

Todd Saxey at 9:20pm January 22
This is your breast post ever Michelle.

Michelle Saxey Kissell at 9:22pm January 22
How long did that one take you? Surely you are 'busting' with a few more to share.

Wendy Johnstone Swann at 9:24pm January 22
This is so going on my blog. It's udderly hilarious!

Michelle Saxey Kissell at 9:26pm January 22
I am sure Todd will continue to milk this...

Louise Burge Perry at 9:30pm January 22
You would think that over the years they would certainly improve on the "Over The Shoulder Boulder Holders". RIGHT!

Brady Farmer at 9:36pm January 22
The question is, "Was 12 hours ago 18 hours into it?"

Todd Saxey at 9:40pm January 22
Keep the puns coming- I will be the jugs of which one has the most support.

Wendy Johnstone Swann at 9:45pm January 22
wow, I heard of guys liking jugs, but wanting to be the jugs...well.... milk it for all it's worth!.

Todd Saxey at 9:47pm January 22
That was good Wendy..but currently only good enough for second place..you know- the booby prize. I thank you!

Michelle Saxey Kissell at 9:54pm January 22
This made me laugh a brazillion times.

Darin Kissell at 9:56pm January 22
How many is in a brazillion?

Michelle Saxey Kissell at 9:56pm January 22
Just two...

Wendy Johnstone Swann at 9:57pm January 22
Too many for the 18 hour bra... maybe that's the problem

Todd Saxey at 10:16pm January 22
I have to go to bed now but wanted to thank everyone for the titilating conversation.

Wendy Johnstone Swann at 10:20pm January 22
I have a good comeback for that one, but I should keep my head out of the gutter, so that so many others can roll by. You're right Todd, tit's time for bed.

Amanda Harman Kissell at 11:51pm January 22 via Facebook Mobile
Thanks for the giggles, now my cups runeth over.

David Kissell at 11:55pm January 22 via Facebook Mobile
''Ta ta'' for now, Tune in Tokyo!

Todd Saxey at 11:39am January 26
This post started out kind of flat, but ended very ro-bust.

Linda Burge Saxey at 9:43am February 2
Oh my!!!! I tried! I really tried! Nana Linda

Tyler Saxey at 10:46am February 5
I know I am way late Michelle, but I just wanted to thank you for racking my brain the last week and all of the great mammaries!

Here's Your Sign

2009-01-11T20:23:00.002-07:00

Have you heard comedian Bill Engvall's "Here's Your Sign" routine. Feel free to listen here if you have 6 and a half minutes. It's the inspiration for this post.

Now of all the places to put a "Dead End" sign.... I'm thinking they thought this was the best solution to keep people from slamming their cars right into this wall, but a dead end sign?

We were downtown last night, had dinner at the Olive Garden after Darin's cousin Alan and his wife, Brynnly were sealed. I pulled into the American Plaza parking garage, and this is what we saw. I immediately looked at Darin and said, "here's your sign". No, I would not have hit that wall if the sign was not there. Please notice the skid marks from tires on the ground in front of the sign, and the nice black streak at say, oh bumper height on the wall underneath the sign. What is wrong with people? It's like there is some gravitational pull to the wall. Do you think the pull would be there if the sign wasn't? I'm thinking large black and yellow diagonal stripes would have been better, then again, they might pull someone into the wall with their dizzying powers.

My conclusion is that if they must put a sign on this wall, it should read: "there is a solid concrete wall here, while it is not advised that you do so, please drive into the wall if you wish, but know it is at your own risk, and we will assume no responsibility for damage to your vehicle as concrete is not forgiving". Maybe if the words on the sign are long enough, people will actually stop just to read it, and all sorts of accidents can be prevented.

I think I'll contact American Plaza and have them get that sign fixed right away.

New Years at the Farm

2009-01-10T00:40:00.005-07:00

Another tradition! We love to go to the Farm. My parent's place in Sanpete County. The boys and I went with them for 6 days and spend the week through New Year's Day. When we got there there was 2 feet of fresh snow. It was a blast! We used 115 gallons of gas in 5 snowmobiles. Too much fun! Jaxon is now an officially licensed snowmobiler in Utah, so he and Kaden tore it up!

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

2009-01-09T23:40:00.003-07:00

Well, that's what we got! A good thing we like snow. We had the biggest snow storm of the season Christmas morning. How fun!
Chritmas day was spent at Grandma and Grandpa Johnstone's house. We have breakfast there as a tradition. Our family spent the whole day there. We played games, took naps, played Mario Kart on the wii, and opened presents. Grandma and Grandpa really know how to spoil us.

Hustle and Bustle

2009-01-09T23:26:00.005-07:00

I often wonder why we do it.... why do we put all the time and effort into Christmas. Decorations, shopping, cooking, cleaning, pouting, whining, cleaning some more. It's crazy! Then the day comes, and the kids are so happy. Santa came to visit and brought just what they wanted. What a joyous time of year.
Here are a few of our traditions. Snowmobile Club Party, Christmas Eve Game Night, Grandma Swann's Christmas Jammies, Family pictures by he tree the Sunday before Christmas. And I put in a rare picture of My Grandma Rayola and her twin sister Viola. They are so cute. Merry Christmas!

Riley Roo's Preschool Christmas Program

2009-01-09T22:44:00.006-07:00

This will be the last preschool Christmas program for us. It's sort-of bittersweet. Riley did such a great job playing the toy soldier and he loves to sing the preschool songs. This year's program was Rockin' Christmas. Those kid's had a great time, and our handsome little man was the star of the show, of course!
We love you Riley Rooster!

Two Nights In Bethlehem

2009-01-09T22:25:00.004-07:00

This year our ward, and my mom's ward did the "Night in Bethlehem" for their Ward Christmas Party. My mom, being the powerhouse that she is, thought up in her head all the things to do to create a mini city of Bethlehem inside her church cultural hall. She is absolutely amazing. My friends in our ward were doing the dame thing, so I hooked them up together. My mom got the help she needed to built the set, and both wards were able to use the scenery and buildings. Both programs turned out amazing. Proof that a lot of hard work can benefit so many people when everyone works together. You can see all of us in the slide below in our authentic attire. Our cotumes of course were made by my mom in her spare time (yeah right, like she had any of that). Grandma and Grandpa Swann even participated while they were here for Jaxon's Baptizm. Koodos to both wards and their service to bring these programs together.
Keep your eyes peeled for Mary and her cell phone, donkey's pinned on crooked tail, and a sleeping man and baby. They really were asleep on the couch in the church foyer.

Jaxon, the newest member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.... atleast from our house

2009-01-09T21:53:00.003-07:00

On Saturday, December 5, 2008 Jaxon was baptized. He was super excited. Grandma and Grandpa Swann flew here from California. We had a party before at our house will all of our family that could come. He was also baptized the same night as his friends, Braden Rudd and Taylor Hess. Grandma Swann spoke for the program, and Granpa Swann said the closing prayer. Jaxon asked his Daddy to baptize him, and Uncle Jason to confirm him. Dad's cousins, Alan and Kyle Keate stood in as the witnesses.
It was a great event. We are very proud of Jaxon and his discision to be baptized. Thanks to everyone that came, and thank you for the neat gifts.

Key West & Miami

2008-12-09T21:52:00.003-07:00

Darin and I were able to take a fabulous vacation together to Key West and Miami this last week. We were invited down so that I could do Stephanie's hair for the wedding. That really was the formal invitation/announcement we got from Ben.
After leaving our boys with Grandma and Grandpa Johnstone, we flew out Thanksgiving Day. Spent that night in Miami at a fabulous 4 diamond hotel. Friday, after driving down to Key West, we went snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef with the wedding party and dinner at a great BBQ place in Key West. Saturday was the wedding day, so after a little sight seeing in the morning, I went to Steph's mom's hotel suite at the Ocean Key resort to do Steph's hair. It was fun to be in on all of the pre-wedding excitement.
Ben and Steph were married on the pool deck close to sunset. The reception immediately followed at the end of the pier and began just at sunset. It was beautiful, super elegant and fabulously fun. Hor's derves to die for, a cheese and fruit buffet, open bar, dinner buffet including salad bar, Tri Tip and Mahi Mahi and made to order risotto, and desserts of every kind. It was incredible. Us old folks danced the night away.
Sunday after breakfast we rented little motor scooters. The were so fun. I am convinced that is the best way to see all you want to see in a place. The newly formed White Lightning Scooter Gang tooled all over the island honking horns and annoying the locals. Six of us in all, Darin & I, Kevin & Beth, and Darron & Sandee. We even picked up a few stragglers that wanted to join. Dinner that night was at the Conch Republic. A fabulous seafood restraunt in the marina. We didn't even care about the pooring rain outside.
Monday we ate crepes fro breakfast and rode around until about 1:00 then our travels took Darin and I back to Miami. We spent the night in an Executive Suite upgraded for free on Miami's North Beach. Had dinner at a great restraunt in the Hotel.
Tuesday morning we ate breakfast at a little Cuban place fro about $12, our cheapest meal the whole trip. Darin used his Spanish and knocked the socks off the owner. It's funny to see their reaction when a blond haired, blue eyed Gringo speaks to them in Spanish. That morning we drove down to South Beach so that I could see the Miami Ink Studio. It was fun. We didn't see anyone famous, but the shop was cool. I bought a way over priced shirt. We drove around and took pictures of the art deco architecture and walked a little on the beach. Lunch was at the famous Fatburger. After returning the rental car, a very uncomfortable electric blue Toyota Matrix, we boarded our plane to come home.
It was a very nice trip, a great getaway for just the two of us. Thanks Ben and Steph for making us go to Florida!! Congratulations!
On a side note, the Blond Giraffe in Key West has the BEST key lime pie. And there is a little shop in Mallory Square that has the best fresh fudge. His secret is Cuban cocoa and key lime juice. Well, it was a secret.

Twilight at Midnight!! Am I crazy!??!

2008-11-25T14:49:00.004-07:00

Ok, I must have been laughing my head off once or twice the other night!! And who's fingers are behind my head? Margaret? I was crazy enough to go to the midnight showing of Twilight with my friends and my mom. Now, don't get me wrong.... I am not a Twilight-a-holic. I enjoyed reading the books, but to be honest who has time for that? My mom gave me book #4 the day after it came out in August and I haven't even cracked the cover! But, I took this as a fun opportunity to hang out with my friends and be silly. It was exactly that.

Our group was of about 40, 30 somethings and my mom. We were labeled the "Welby Hussies", by the MC of the party. (Welby being the area we live in) I resemble that!!

The night started with some of us going to dinner at Olive Garden, then off to the theater for the party! It was crazy.... girls walking around in prom dresses, veneered fangs, professions of love to Jacob and Edward on their t-shirts (Team Edward & Team Jacob), cupcakes and chocolate, I heard there were blood drives going on, and red chocolate fountains resembling blood for people to drink, and candied apples. What a hoot! I even saw a guy with a shirt that said, "My daughter is making me wear this shirt.... TEAM EDWARD!"

The group that reserved our theater really put on quite the party. From the time we got in the theater, they were playing music, and giving away tons of prizes. My mom and I didn't win anything but candy and she was ready to elbow the girls next to us that kept winning. She said she just couldn't be a stick in the mud. Well I say, "Mama said knock you out, uhh!"

The movie, well here's my critique:

It was good. Not more than I expected. Edward grew on me. The special effects were lacking. Edwards glowing skin of diamonds made him look like he was ready to puke. Bella was cute, Alice was cuter. He should have kissed her sooner the first time. She needed to wear more to bed. The baseball game was awesome! Edward's Volvo sports car was a grocery getter! Bella's truck was perfect. Over-all, the tension and drama were great and I really did like it. I don't get paid to critique anyway... so there you have it.

Arrow of Light

2008-11-19T22:41:00.001-07:00

Kaden earned his arrow of light tonight! We had an awesome Scottish Themed ceremony. Which was close to our hearts being Scottish and all. Brother Fotheringham in our ward, wrote a script that he read with bagpipe music, and even taught the boys how to play their own bagpipes. Kaden was able to share the ceremony with his best friend Sheldon Chatelain. Sheldon's mom and I made authentic scottish scones for refreshments. This also happened to be Jaxon's first cub scout pack meeting. He is super excited.

Beechcraft Sundowner Junior N6576R ( Halloween 2007)

2008-11-13T23:13:00.004-07:00

I was asked to add this story to my blog from a mass email I sent out last Halloween. Enjoy.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN... if not a day late.

So, two short weeks before the (what we now call an expensive) holiday, Riley said, "I want to be a Beechcraft Sundowner for Halloween." And for those of you that don't know, that is what his daddy flies.

Mom got a sick look on her face and dad was grinning from ear to ear. How could she disappoint either one of them? The next few days she racked her brain trying to figure out how to make this happen. Have you ever Googled "airplane costume"? There is nothing out there, even in cyberspace to pattern one of these things from.

From there the shopping for "parts" began. It took nearly $50 at Hancock Fabrics, $18 for the propeller at MRS. Hobby's, $15 at Hobby Lobby for paper mac he', masking tape and paint, ink from the printer, really not sure how much in PVC pipe, and $10 in Vinyl lettering for the logos and N number from mom's friend Laura Hauptman (a little plug for all her help). You do the math.

After the fabric purchases mom and Riley went to Grandma Johnstone's office with pictures of the plane and asked for her great costume making advice. They drew a few sketches and really got nowhere. The weekend (11 days until Halloween) brought the deer hunt. Mom loaded her trunk with sewing machines and "parts" and headed for the farm with the hunters. The next 2 1/2 days at the farm were spent drawing a sketch of the sides and top of the plane, making a full size pattern, cutting out the thick fabric, and surging together the fuselage. It wasn't easy. Mom will even admit to a few cuss words.

After getting back home, mom was super busy all day with clients on Tuesday and didn't have time to even look at the plane. She thought she had a week still to finish it, then Riley comes home from preschool with a note announcing that his class Halloween party was THURSDAY!! Oh no, she called grandma in a panic, and dad went to their house with the spinner. He and Kaden worked on Kaden's pinewood derby car while Grandma sanded the paper mac he' spinner to near perfection. Then they brainstormed a way for it to really spin with Riley's help.

Wednesday, was spent all day (literally) getting the plane finished. N6576R junior spent some time getting paint and logos to look official, and interior work done. When daddy got home, the house was littered with a plane making mess. He took the boys flying in the real plane and helped make the PVC pipe frame when they got back. At about 10:30 that night the plane was ready for the friendly skies. It took some tweaking to make it work just right. The test flight would be in the morning at preschool.

Because the plane was so big and the tail was so tall, it only fit with the wings folded in the front seat of the car. Preschool taught us a few things that day. It's not a small room costume, the straps hurt, and the wings need more support. Thank goodness for test flights.

After relaxing for a few days, mom padded the straps and dad reinforced the wings. Riley was once again ready to show off his now most prized possession.

Grandpa Johnstone called on Monday and said, "107.5 Country legends radio is having a Halloween party and costume contest, you should take Riley down there. I think he will win". So after finding out more, the station picks three winners and each one gets $107.50.

The night before Halloween, the family loaded the plane in the back of daddy's truck and went to the ward Halloween carnival and chili cook-off. N6576R junior was an instant favorite (there are quite a few ward members with first hand knowledge of this plane). Riley wore it proudly with his mo hawked, orange tipped hair that was an addition to the fin. It was also great to have some room to fly in the cultural hall. He only took out a few kids with the wings.

Halloween day, Mom, Riley, Kaden and Jaxon met up with Grandpa, uncle Zeek, and Dani then headed to the radio station. After losing a wing support pipe out of the bed of grandpa's truck, grandpa ran to a plumbing supply store for a replacement. The station had a fun party, took pictures of the kids in costume, served lunch and had karaoke going. After staying for about an hour we thought we had a pretty good chance, there really was no competition. "The winners will be announced on air tomorrow morning at 8:10", they said.

Halloween night, Riley went trick-or-treating around the block with dad (25 or 30 houses) and loved it. Neighbors had other people in the house "hurry and come see this costume". He almost made it all the way home when a shoulder strap broke loose. Whew, good thing this is over. The Johnstone family came over for our annual "Halloween Night Clam Chowder & Chili Party" and Riley's plane was surrounded by his brothers and cousins in their cute costumes for a photo op.

Riley did end up winning the radio station contest. The $107.50 didn't even pay for the costume, but what fun.

Mom says Riley has to wear this costume every year for 5 years to justify the time and money that went into it. And no, she does not hire out her costume making abilities.

Games Rednecks Play

2008-11-01T22:58:00.001-06:00

What do you get when you mix electricity and a bunch of overgrown boys? I'd say any number of redneck games. This one just happens to be fun to watch.

My dad got this high frequency machine somewhere way back when. They are supposed to be used to stimulate blood flow in the scalp to help regrow hair.

These big boys just like to play with it. It ZAPS you if they hold the probe and touch you and it HURTS! They like to stand together and hold onto each other so they all feel the same thing then anyone that they touch gets ZAPPED and they all feel it. It actually is pretty funny as long as you are just a spectator and not a victim. Poor Jaxon. Our friends, the Hesses, were able to experience it for the first time this year. We all had tears coming out of our eyes from laughing.

It has become a tradition to add this "game" to our Halloween night festivities. Kaden actually requested it this year.

The dark picture with just the light bulb is my brother, Jason. He is just holding that little fluorescent bulb and letting the electricity in the machine run through his body to light the bulb. I say this is all very CREEPY, but a very appropriate game for Halloween.

A Charming Family

2008-11-01T22:36:00.000-06:00

Because I seem to be the bad guy when I make everyone dress up for Halloween, Most of them get to wear what I want them to for the occasion. That's their punishment for not wanting to play along. Well, with the two oldest boys getting older, that just didn't fly this year. But I still have free reign with Darin and Riley (sort-of).

As seen in the picture we were:

Snow White

A less than thrilled Prince Charming (he labeled himself Elvis Chraming... can you see the chops?)

A Bloody Skeleton

A two-faced Zombie (because he couldn't wear a mask to the ward party)

and Dopey or the Sundowner again, depending on the event.

We had a fun Halloween reguardless of our attire. For us it signifies fall and the coming of snow, which we love!

Flying to Ogden for Dinner

2008-10-21T11:15:00.003-06:00

Yesterday when Darin got home he said he was going to fly Jaxon to Ogden for dinner. Well no fair! We all wanted to go. It was a spectacular night. The sunset was beautiful over the Great Salt Lake and the wind was very calm.

We landed at the airport in Ogden and taxied to the Jet Center. They have a really nice restaurant (Rickenbacher's) and a Doolittle's Deli. We chose the less expensive deli. It was yummy, and the boys loved it.

Upon return flight as Darin was doing his pre-flight check, we saw a couple of F-16's flying over us to land at Hill AFB. It was cool. Darin asked for clearance to fly home via the I-15 corridor, which they granted, but told us they would be holding us at a lower altitude because there were more F-16's taking off and landing. Cool! So we took off and flew out toward the lake again then had clearance to fly straight back toward Lagoon. On our way back in, four more F-16's took off in formation right over our little plane. The boys were so excited. Riley said, "They are super fast!" What a fun family night! Thanks daddy.

Jaxon's Sunflower Garden

2008-10-16T18:00:00.000-06:00

Look at those HUGE sunflowers!! This spring Jaxon brought home a sunflower planted in a paper cup from his 1st grade class. Now aren't those lovely? Just what I need, a dirty cup sitting on my kitchen counter for who knows how long. Now I know, it's all about the kid at this point. So after the flower died and Jaxon cried, we went to Home Depot and bought a packet of 7-12 foot sunflower seeds to plant. The two of us added some top soil to the dry dirt in the backyard, mixed it in and planted the seeds.

Jaxon was so good all summer long. He weeded and watered and watched his little creations grow big. When the biggest flower grew bigger than his head he was so happy. Then when the plants started dying, he cut the flowers from the stem and set them out to dry on the patio table. Next the "stupid birds" started eating the seeds. Jax was mad!! But we saved what we could and are now getting ready to roast them.

Atleast I know now that my mom's green thumb has been handed down to somebody, because it certainly wasn't me.

Next year he wants to plant pumpkins, too. Then we can have a Jax-o-lantern or three.

Kaden Earned His Webelos Badge... Finally!!

2008-10-16T11:11:00.000-06:00

He did it!! It really only took a year, but he is almost out of Webelos. Most of his badge was earned while helping Darin take the engine out of the truck before it was rebuilt and putting it back together. He's become quite the handyman. He's also been a huge help when we've gone camping and loves to be of service to Grandma and Grandpa Johnstone while they have been out of commission. He mows their lawn and helps Grandpa in his machine shop. We are so proud of him... now for that Arrow of Light.

As if...

2008-10-12T00:30:00.000-06:00

As if there aren't enough things going on in our lives, I have decided to start doing the Blog thing. I have seen so many cute posts on our family and friend's blogs and with some prodding from them thought, "why not?" It should be fun. Please be patient, and know that I might be cussing as I navigate through this but won't include the words in text. I hope you all enjoy visiting. This may turn out to be something we will truly love to share.

I love my husband and boys more than I can express but, in order to love them more (because absence makes the heart grow fonder, right?) I have to occationally have alone time away. Or in this case, time away with friends.
I just returned 2 hours ago from a scrapbooking retreat at a fabulous cabin overlooking Bear Lake. It snowed about 4 inches while we were there and it was beautiful. The retreats are held every six months to an elite group of 20 to 22 friends on a FCFS basis. Let me tell you I am usually the first one to respond to the emails and the first to submit my deposit which I pay in full up front. We eat and scrapbook for two days with very little sleep. Talk about walking zombies but, it's so fun to just be girls, listen to music, watch chic flicks, dance on tables, share stories, sneeze and pee simotaniously, compete in contests, laugh, sing, and expand our library of sentimental possessions. While some of us seem to always have our minds in the gutter, we have a fabulous time learning little tidbits about each other (some times too many tidbits... TMI) that strengthen our friendships. And oh, the giggles... proof is me laying across the other women on the couch.
While I know the organizers of these retreats (Shauna & Shellie) work very hard to make a bunch a pre-menopausal women happy, we so love to attend and hope they continue to entertain us for many years to come. They really are wonder women. You should see the mess we make and heaven knows we all seem to haul up way too dang many scrapbooking supplies. I counted seven cricket machines! This, I have decided may very well be why Darin calls it 'crapbooking'. I've even resorted to borrowing my dad's crew cab, long bed diesel to get 5-6 women and supplies up there so that we can take everything! This time I forgot toothpaste, deodorant, and a towel, but not a single precious scrapbook supply I needed was left at home. Priorities. Thanks goodness for friends that helped me out in the toiletries department.

I successfully completed about 40 pages and have the motivation to get more done soon.

Ok, bye for now... scrap you later!