Zion's

On Saturday the 17th Tanner, Geremy, Mattina Ann, and I went to Zion's National Park with my mom and dad. Mattina Ann was lucky enough to spend the entire day with Grandma and Grandpa. The boys and I weren't able to go until 11:30. We had a lot of fun together.



The things Mattina Ann does with taffy!!





Mom's usual position :) :)




What cute parents!!



What crazy kids!!!

This squirrel came right up to Tanner's feet. It wanted food from Tanner. Sorry!

More crazy kids.



This guy was from Canada. We met him on the crowded shuttle. He said he rock climbs because he doesn't play hockey. He was a funny and interesting guy to listen to.
I saw a blind lady at Zion's. I was wondering what her appeal was to be in Zion's. I just kept thinking about how much I was SEEING there. It really made me think.
We started having problems with the car the day we went to Zion's. I was so greatful that after all the places I had to go, the day it finally stopped was a day I had time to get it fixed and didn't have to go anywhere. It was just a battery, thank goodness.
My back went way out last weekend. I couldn't move Friday thru Sunday. I hate going to church and getting all the looks and advice. I've been so glad I went to the chiropractor on Monday. Now if I could get rid of the spasms. I had to lay down again this morning for 3 hours before they were clearly gone. It's hard to take care of 2 little boys when all you do is lay down.
Geremy and Tanner are very excited for Geremy's birthday tomorrow. I'm working on the cake tonight. If I can figure out how to make a video, I'll put more pictures on of his birthday. It should be a lot of fun.
Ryan came home from DT this week. Brenda has to be strong for the plans she has for him. I know she can do it she just has to believe in herself. After a few rough weekends I'm hoping this one won't be so bad. The whole family is changing. It's nice to see the changes and improvements. Hopefully things will continue peacefully.
Tanner got his first note from a girl this week. She sent it home with him on Thursday. It was a picture of a boy pointing to his heart. It's so cute to see Tanner with all the girls in his class. There is one who always asks him to sit by her. This week Geremy also said that "Kiya is the star this week. She's the one with pretty long hair and she's a girl". I just might have my hands full with these two.
This past week was Teacher Appreciation week at the elementary school. The students and parents were very nice to Aaron this week. It's one of my favorite weeks of the year.
Well I'm done for the month. Wow! April was so fast and slow. We'll see how fast May goes.

Wow! Boys take me off guard!

Tuesday AJ had his science fair. I asked him what he was going to tell the judges if they asked why he did this project. He said, "Because my mom and dad made me." My response was, "At least he's honest." In the end I was just frustrated because he didn't get his score sheet. Nobody did. I would like to have helped him improve for next year but I guess this year was just a wash. Oh well.
AJ also had his pinewood derby Tuesday. I think he was frustrated with his new car so he decided to use his previous car. Aaron and I are tired of all we are doing so this made it easier for us. AJ had fun at the derby and got the award for Fastest Looking Car.
When I went to the derby I had a fall. My feet got stuck in the strap that goes around the window shade. I didn't know this and fell on my left side. I'll probably end up with a nice body bruise next week. My shoulder has bothered me since Geremy was sick in January and now it really hurts. I can hardly even use my arm. I did notice that today it seemed to be quite a bit better. Finally!
Wednesday Aaron and I started booking for our trip to Minnesota and Nauvoo. Before we know it it'll be here. We are also going to Black Hills and Mt. Rushmore. It'll be a lot of traveling but I think a lot of fun.
Geremy was the star this week in preschool. I tried to come up with a food that starts with "U". Not easy. Finally I found out they were studying the muffin man this week so I made mini muffins. I was so glad this project ended up easy. Geremy liked being called the muffin man.
I was making the muffins and had an interesting conversation with Tanner and Geremy. Tanner and Geremy were talking about Grandpa Reep. Tanner said that he misses Grandpa. Geremy said that Grandpa was watching them. I said, "He was? When?" Tanner said, "Yesterday while we were riding our bikes." Geremy said, "Ya and he was talking to me." Tanner said, "Well talking to our spirits. His spirit was talking to mine." I asked what he was saying and Tanner said, "Grandpa was telling my spirit that Jesus is true." These boys are so special. I'm really wanting to get a picture of Grandpa Reep to put in the home so the kids continue to remember him. Aaron suggested a picture with both Brenda and Dick. I think all the kids would enjoy that.
Mattina Ann did baptisms for the dead today. She had a really nice experience. She listened to Sis. Nelson talk to Sis. Riding about crying. She said that crying just means you're closer to the spirit. Something like that anyway. Mattina Ann decided she's not going to tease me about my crying any more.
Brenda has had a really hard week. She's trying so hard to deal with her family problems, Ryan stuff, and just making it through every day. I just hope she knows she can call any time. I don't have tons of answers but I can listen. I hope she knows I really care about her and want the best for her. I've told her before, she's more than just my mother-in-law.
I'm trying to make these enties not too long. Oh well. At least I'll have this in the future. That's my purpose anyway. I love the comments though.

Will I Slow Down?

Two weeks ago all of us went on a 3.8 mile walk. It took just under 1 1/2 hours. I was so proud of Tanner and Geremy. They only complained a little.
Easter was nice. We just watched conference and enjoyed each other. The kids ate most of their candy that day. Now I don't have to listen to them asking for it all week long.
Monday we drove to Cedar City twice. Both times in wind and rain. It was a very long day. We took Rachel with us. We only did it as a science project for AJ. We were testing the gas mileage with and without the cargo bag on top. Of course the cargo bag took more gas. But not a lot more.
Tuesday Mattina Ann participated in the District Science Fair. She was disappointed not to win anything. I'm just proud of her for being there. Tuesday we also thought AJ had his pinewood derby. I called to find out when weigh in was and they said next week. Oops. That means he missed den meeting too. Oops. So AJ went to our wards pack meeting at the park for clean up and we froze. It was so cold. They served popsicles for refreshments. I was so COLD, without the popsicle.
Mattina Ann and Aaron didn't go to pack meeting. Mattina Ann's band teacher was having a clarinet concert at the tabernacle. I wanted Mattina Ann to go because that's her instrument. She told Aaron she'd never be able to play like that. Aaron told her she could if she practices and sticks with it. I'm glad they went. I was just jealous they were so warm. It was nice for Aaron and Mattina Ann to spend some time together.
Wednesday AJ had a choir performance at Tuacahn. It was a nice evening. Tanner and Geremy even went with us. It was fun to listen to Geremy counting down how many songs were left.
Thursday AJ had the track meet. He did the standing long jump and broke his glasses. Then her did the softball throw and 100 meter dash. He also had the opportunity to be on the 2nd relay team. He had hurt his ankle the day before so he didn't do as well as he could have. He did his best though. I missed his relay race because I had to pick Geremy up from preschool. I barely made it back in time to get AJ to his 100 meter race. Aaron's boys and girls won their relay races. He didn't bet with them this year so he still has his hair. He'll lose it before the end of the school year though.
Friday I made dinner for a visiting teaching sister that had foot surgery. I had promised her home made rolls. The kids asked why I was making dinner for someone else this time. Since I was called to the Relief Society presidency I've made dinner more times than I can count for other people. I don't mind. The children have noticed and I'm not sure what they think of it. AJ mentioned that it's nice to do service for others and that it feels good.
Saturday we were suppose to get the results from Aaron's ugly Praxis test. They moved the date to Tuesday, so after waiting 4 weeks I guess we'll wait another 3 days. We keep looking just in case. We had a party last night at Vandeneikoff's. She teaches at Heritage. Charlie and Aaron were suppose to celebrate last night and that's why we had the party. Since we didn't get the results yet maybe we'll have to party again? Just kidding. We played games last night and had a lot of fun. I brought sopapia cheesecake and it was a really big hit. We played scene it 80's, catch phrase, and mad jab. It was fun to be out with friends. We haven't done that in a while.
I talked to grandma Reep yesterday. She's going to be having her teeth taken out and replaced at the end of April. Hopefully all will go well. She didn't sound too worried. Just not thrilled to be having it done. We all just hope she heals quickly. We can't wait to see them in June.
Saturday Aaron and I went on a bike ride to split rock. That's more than 5 miles. Anyway, last night my legs and rearend started to hurt. I don't want to move today. We want to make this bike riding thing a weekly occurance. If we do maybe I won't hurt so bad. I like the idea. I don't know why I hurt so bad when I've been going to the gym as much as I have. Different muscles I know but OUCH!
I guess these posts end up long because there is a lot going on. I like having this record. It'll be fun to look at again in years to come.

Do you know the answers?

My Children Are SMART!!!

Mattina Ann had the science fair this past week. She found water samples around the town and looked at the microorganisms in the water. The only place she found a lot of microorganisms was in the green yucky water on dixie rock. We tried taking pictures of them thru the microscope. Anyway, first thru 5th get to go on to district. Aaron and I didn't help her with the project other than helping teach her how to use the microscope and fixed some wording on her poster. She ended up getting 4th over all the 6th graders. I know she presented herself very well. We are very proud of her. District is on Tuesday this next week.
AJ had the 4th grade Word Challenge this week. It was Heritage against Bloomington Elementaries. Each school chose 28 students from their school to represent them. AJ was one of the 28 for Heritage. The students were given a science or math term and had to give the word or term. I didn't know a lot of these answers. It was amazing to watch. AJ took 11th out of the 56 students that competed at this competition. He took 10th out of his school. Technically he took 11th out of about 200 students. We are so proud of him.
Tanner decided this week that he wants to read. Aaron and I found some books at his level and maybe a little higher. He has been BEGGING me all week to read with him. He is doing fabulous. I can't believe how much he is reading. He's read over 80 pages in about 3 days. We are so proud of him.
AJ had a choir performance yesterday at the St. George Arts Festival. I'm glad he's participating with the choir but I don't think he's happy to be doing it. Oh well. Anyway, we walked around the art displays after his performance. Geremy was holding my hand. About half way thru it Geremy let go and layed down on his stomach while folding his hands. He was face down and kind of wiggling. I asked him "What are you doing?" He said, "Giving my shadow a hug." Aaron and I just had to laugh. He comes up with the cutest and funniest things. And he's always so innocent about it.
The children slept over at Nonna's on Thursday. It was so nice for Aaron and I to have some quiet time. I'm so happy Nonna enjoys the children. They love her so much too.
Well that's been my busy week. Very children oriented. Aren't they fun and smart? We love each of them dearly and are so proud.