Happy early birthday, sweet Zacky! He actually won't turn five until December 23rd, but we always celebrate his birthday a couple weeks early so we can be more focused on him. Great-grandma gave him some money and a soft, snuggly Ziggy blanket that he couldn't wait to sleep with tonight. Grandpa Greg didn't get him a present, because he gets to go out and pick his own. Grandpa is starting a tradition with the grandkids where he'll take them out to eat and then shopping to pick their present. I think that will go over very well with my kids! Mom and Dad gave him some Tech Deck stuff, which caused immediate chaos and fighting. It's very difficult to have six boys and have them all be interested in the same thing. Heaven forbid it bring them closer!

He's not thrilled to be posing with Mom and Dad.

Weirdo Grandpa!

Yesterday was our ward Christmas party. It was so fun. I think it was the funnest one we've ever had, and I'm not just saying that because Jeremy and I helped put it together! We had breakfast and some songs, and then our special visitor showed up!

My kids are AWESOME. Jeremy and I wanted to take them to a movie on Thanksgiving. I was thinking we'd go to Christmas Carol, but they all wanted to go to New Moon! I was euphoric. I just saw it for the first time on Tuesday and of course LOVED it, so I was THRILLED to go again. And they all loved it, too! They all loved Twilight, especially Zack (he went through a phase where he insisted to everyone, even his pre-school teachers, that his name was Edward). As we were leaving the theater they asked me when it comes out on DVD (not soon enough!). It was pretty hilarious, although I can't say Jeremy's too thrilled about his six sons being such Twilight fans.

For our Thanksgiving feast we went to Chuckarama. Growing up, I never would've thought I would ever be okay with going to a restaurant for Thanksgiving. We had such special family celebrations every year at my grandma's. But this year everyone had other plans and I just couldn't bring myself to make a big Thanksgiving dinner for just my family, so I finally gave into Jeremy's lifelong dream of going out to eat for Thanksgiving. I was shocked at how crowded in was, but when we finally got in we had a good time. The twins especially loved their dinner of ice cream and chocolate milk (luckily they were free so I didn't have to force them to eat their money's worth).

Yesterday was mine and Kira's annual Christmas shopping kick-off in Park City. Of course, it was TONS of fun, but I didn't have much luck with Christmas presents. I mostly ended up getting things for myself (oopsies). We're considering changing the location of this event. Stupid Tanger Outlets keeps getting rid of our favorite stores! First it was the paper store, last year was the book store, and this year the toy store was gone! What the heck?

When I got home I found that Jeremy had been quite the busy daddy while I was gone. It was funny, he was practically beaming with pride at how well he had done with the children (can you tell he gets yelled at a lot when he does things wrong?). First they all pitched in to tidy the downstairs family room. They got rid of the broken air hockey table, and he said they weren't even sad about it because he let them all help use the drill to get it taken apart. After that they played for awhile, then he drove them to this cool-looking skate park in Layton that they've been begging to go to for months (turns out it's not as great as it looked - a little too dangerous). They also took the tennis rackets and baseball equipment. Then they went to Sam's Club and got dinner (why is this such a novelty to my kids? And my husband, for that matter?). When I got home at 10:00 they were all playing together in the basement.

My dad sold his house and I spent several evenings last week helping clear it out. It was extremely hard going through all of my mom and Ryan's things, deciding what to keep and what to part with. We had to re-live a lot of painful memories. Obviously, looking at photos is the hardest thing. Ryan was so handsome and full of life. I wish I had been a better sister to him. I feel like I either neglected him or fought with him. We had a huge blow-out fight shortly before he died, and I hate that that is my most prevalent memory of our last months together. I was so mean to him. Not being able to talk to him, it is so hard to let go of that guilt and pain. I know he has forgiven me, but I don't know how to forgive myself. One of my favorite pictures that I found of him was him and his beautiful girlfriend Courteney on their way to a dance. I had seen a lot of his other dance photos, but what stood out about Courteney (aside from the fact that I love her to pieces) was that her's was the only modest dress I had seen. It just reminded me of the kind of person Ryan was, and the type of people that he held most dear.

As heartbreaking as it is to know I will no longer be able to go to my mom's house, I will be glad when it's over and I can start to try and heal, again. The worst thing is how out of control I've been eating. You know, trying to fill the empty hole that can't ever be filled. Boooo. I had been doing so good.

Our Halloween was awesome. Friday night was our annual Halloween dinner. I stole the idea from my friend Gayla who's been doing it for years. I usually do soup, but since our ward party was the next day and they were doing soup, I tried something different. Didn't work out too great. Some of the food choices were not really to my kids' liking, but the hot dogs wrapped with strips of dough to look like mummies were a hit. My kids would probably eat paper if it were wrapped around a hot dog. Oh, and I have to brag about my inner Martha Stewart, which makes an appearance about once per year, whipping up these babies:

They're oreo ball spiders, and were sooo delicious.

Here's everybody decked out for trick-or-treating:

This is the first year I have dressed up since I was a teenager. It was really fun. If you can't tell, we have a variety of superheroes (Batman, Spiderman, Power Ranger), a vampire, and a zombie skater. Corben decided not to dress up this year, since he's so ugly it already looks like he's wearing a mask.

This was the first Halloween ever that we didn't stay all together. We go to Kaysville every year and trick-or-treat with Kira and her fam in our old neighborhood, but the older kids really wanted to go with their friends this year, so Jeremy stayed behind and I took the three younger ones to Kaysville. The older kids couldn't have been happier. They got twice as much candy as they normally do.

Unbelievable. Six boys and eleven years without a broken bone, now we've had two in four months. We were at the high school this afternoon playing football and during the roughhousing Trevor accidentally stepped on Zack's hand. Poor Zacky. He was moaning about it all day, but unlike Lance's, it didn't look broken, so we just figured he was being dramatic. Then this evening Jeremy noticed it was starting to swell, so he took him into the doctor and he came home like this!

We've been having a fun Halloween holiday. I made a noble attempt at taking Halloween cookies to neighbors:

Of course the ones the kids make are just big awkward lumps, so I figured I'd make another "neater" batch later, but just haven't gotten around to it, and don't suppose I will. Oh well.

We went to Frightmares last weekend, which of course was a blast. Corben and I dragged each other into two of the haunted houses. I don't remember Corben ever being so cuddly! It was fun.

We went on the J&J hay ride to pick a pumpkin a couple of weeks ago, then the twins got to go there last week. One of the cute moms who does their neighborhood pre-school decided to do it, and the twins couldn't have felt more cool that they were going on a "field trip." Even though they had just been, they had a great time and came home full of excitement.

Two nights ago we went to the Syracuse pumpkin walk and the library's Halloween story hour. I just love Halloween. There are so many easy and cheap/free things to do to entertain your kids.

Well, I finally gave in:

So does this make me a good wife or a wimpy wife? I HONESTLY don't know.

The sad part is, that thing could've replaced my family room set ten times over.

Do you think it needs it? (yes, that is duct tape wound around the ottoman)

Today was Corben's first time to attend priesthood session for conference, so I had to capture it.

Isn't he handsome? Jeremy is too, you just can't tell. I always make fun of him for being like Chandler Bing. He has the cutest natural smile, but you point a camera at him and he develops some twitchy, stiff-smile disorder.

Anyway, Corben said he had a great time. They went with all the guys on Jeremy's side of the family to Grossias, and then watched the session together. He even told me several stories, which proved he was listening! I was so surprised!

As per our priesthood session tradition, Kira and I took all of our kids to play at McDonalds. It's nice, because they play for so long that we don't have to be without our husbands at home for too long. The kids have a great time playing and we get to just sit and visit.

Both boys had their last football games today. Jeremy and I were breathing audible sighs of relief. I mean, it's really fun and we both enjoy it, but by the end we're just really ready for the nine month break before it starts again.

Just like most moms out there, I remember seeing little kids running around in mismatched clothes, wearing cowboy boots with shorts, etc., always thinking, "I will never let my children dress like that. They will always look perfect." At what point does that desire slip away from us? Pretty much the only time I comb my kids' hair is for church. And once your babies can start dressing themselves, you're so happy to have that few extra minutes in the morning, it's hard to find the strength to argue with them that the red Christmas sweater and camouflage shorts they are wearing, as Jace was the other day, doesn't match! Not to mention that it was 90 degrees out and that sweater looked really hot! Jace wore that outfit all day, and we even went places! And the worst part is, I didn't even really notice it until the end of the day. That's when I started wondering at what point I gave up.

I LOVE going to the library.

Let me rephrase that. I love going to the library BY MYSELF. I love reading and always have a book that I'm working on. Lest it sound like I'm bragging about how smart I am, just understand only my nearest and dearest know the caliber of books I read. Can anyone say Nancy Drew? I read purely for entertainment purposes; I'm not trying to learn anything! Anyway, the book I'm currently reading is Bridget Jones' Diary. It is EXCELLENT. I've never seen the movie so I don't know how it compares, but I LOVE the book. I'm nearly done with it, and yesterday I realized I don't have my next book lined up yet. PANIC. (Like I said, I HAVE to be reading something, at all times). I realized that they were doing story time at the library so I asked the little kids if they wanted to go. Of course they did. Miraculously, they sat through about three of the stories. When I could tell they were getting restless I gathered them up and told them I just needed to find one book. Well, that was too much to ask. They were running full speed all over the place, taking random books off the shelves, just being complete maniacs. So we ended up leaving bookless. Little turds. So tonight Jeremy took all the little kids with him to Lance's soccer game and I dropped Corben off at football. On my way home I realized I have a good half hour all to myself. I giddily changed course and hurried to the library. I was in heaven. I got to browse through the computer, trying to find a book that suits my fancy. I get this feeling every time I get to go to the library by myself. It is the BEST. I'm not spending money, but I'm still coming home with a treasure (I'm not someone who buys books. I must admit, I don't understand spending $10 and up when you can borrow it free. Except maybe in the case of the Twilight books, with the waiting list being ten miles long. Still didn't buy it, though. Waited patiently. Was hard.). And getting to take the time to browse because I'm there by myself is priceless! Thanks for taking the kids, J!

We did it! After twelve years, we are diaper free!! Oh, the freedom! Here's how it happened: The twins were invited to be in a neighborhood playgroup. None of the moms cared if the kids weren't potty-trained, but I decided to seize the opportunity. Tuesday was the first day, so I got Jace all prepared to go with his backpack and other supplies, and explained to Brody that they don't allow kids who wear diapers to come. He was devastated. I was VERY close to giving in and letting him go, because it was so heart-breaking. But thank heavens I stuck to my guns! I took Jace, alone, and dropped him off at the playgroup, then I went jogging. By the time I got home Brody was sitting on the toilet, having gone #1 and #2. And he has done perfect since then, not one accident!

My two football studs did AMAZING today. They both had some great plays. They also both came away with injuries, but that goes with the territory! They are very minor (Hopefully. I hope Corben's knee isn't the size of a basketball tomorrow). The games overlapped, so I stayed behind for Trevor's game in Syracuse, and Jeremy took Corben up to Logan for his game. I got to watch it all on video tonight. Way to go, you guys!

Tonight was our ward party at the Roy Aquatic Center. We weren't too sure about going as the weather was a bit iffy all day, but much as we tried to talk them out of it, the kids were adamant on going. So we went and they had a blast. Jeremy and I were too wimpy to get in our suits, and just watched from the sidelines. I can't believe how much fun kids can have in the water at 7:00 at night when it's, at best, 80 degrees outside. And there were Pace bars to boot! So my kids are sitting there wrapped in their towels eating their Pace bars, shivering like they're about to explode. Trevor was doing front flips off the diving board. Can you say heart attack? I'm glad we went. It was a lot of fun.

We had such a fun day yesterday. We were "forced" to spend the entire day together, just our family, and it was awesome! It seems like it has become such a low priority for us to spend time together, but we (at least I) had a great time.

First, poor Corben had to get up at 6:30, an unheard of hour in our household, to get to his coach's house by 7:30. Then it was on to Smithfield for the 10:30 game. The rest of us left at the more reasonable hour of 9. Corben played a fantastic game. There was an awesome park there that the little kids enjoyed for awhile. We then sped onto Morgan to get Trevor there in time to meet his team. He wolfed down a sandwich in the van on the way. After we dropped him off we went to a nearby park and ate lunch, and then back in time for Trevor's game to start. Trevor did awesome as well, but I could tell he was exhausted from the long day he had already had. When his game got over we stopped for ice cream cones in Ogden, and then onto West Haven for my and Jeremy's soccer game, which was a blast (for me. Jeremy gets frustrated way too easily, and it was a frustrating game). We got home a little after 8. Jeremy joked that the amount of driving we did would've gotten us 1/3 of the way to Disneyland, but the kids were absolute angels. Helped, in part, by Transformers playing on the DVD player.

On a side note, I want to brag about how well Jeremy and I have been doing with our finances since two days ago when we pinky swore to each other that we'd do better. Two days may not seem impressive, but sadly, it is for us. The "old" us, on a day like the one we had yesterday, would've easily justified stopping at a fast food restaurant for a meal since we were gone all day long. But the new and improved us packed a cooler for our lunch and fruit snacks for the kids during the games so they wouldn't wither away. So the only money we spent aside from gas was on the ice cream, which was $5 total (Arctic Circle, 69 [why is there a dollar sign on the keyboard and not a cents sign?] cents each, and I didn't get one, just kept stealing off the kids'). Go us!

On another side note, my sweet Corben got the priesthood today. He is such a little man! Jeremy gave him a very special blessing. Both of his grandpas, along with great-grandma and Denny, joined us for the ordination. It was such a neat and special day for him and I am so proud of him!

Just a bunch of random photos:

First day of school

These are from bowling last Friday. I just thought the kids looked hilarious in those shoes and had to capture it. Sorry, Lance! I have no idea where you are!

What a goof! I have no idea what this pose is about.

Michael Jackson

And finally:

IT BEGINS....

Corben turned 12 last Friday! We had a weekend-long celebration. Friday was also the last day Dallin would be with us, so we went to Sparetime and went bowling, which the kids loved. Corben and Trevor had football practice and Zack had soccer practice that evening, so we took Corben for a late birthday dinner afterward. Saturday we had our football games and then we got Pizza Hut, stuffed crust - everyone's favorite. Today we had the family party. The Steffensens, Denny, Grandpa Greg and Stephanie, and Great-grandma all came over. Corben got some great gifts. Jeremy and I got him a "pro model" razor scooter, whatever that means. Kids are so weird. I mean, I don't see what makes it so different and more expensive than all the other millions of scooters in our garage, but apparently there is a big difference.

Happy birthday, Cob! You are such an awesome kid! I love you so much!

Alright, I'm ready to talk about my traumatic experience from last Monday. But between this and Lance's broken arm, I hope nobody reports me to the authorities.

This past Monday I left for the gym at about 8:30 a.m. All of the kids were still asleep, as is usually the case. They all roll out of bed at 9 or 10 and the big kids help the little kids with breakfast and stuff. So I went and did my workout, then on my way home I called to check on things. I asked Trevor what the twins were doing. He said, "Didn't you take them with you?" I got just a teeny bit nervous, but was positive they were just off playing quietly somewhere, so I told Trevor to go find them. He couldn't find them anywhere. After a few minutes I was starting to get a bit more concerned. I felt foolish doing it, but out of desperation I called Jeremy to see if there was any way he had taken them somewhere when he had left for work. He hadn't, and he started to get concerned, too. He called our neighbor and asked him to search our house. Our neighbor couldn't find them. About this point Jeremy headed for the train to come home. I pulled in and ran through the house and yard, but they were nowhere. So I got to call the police. I was doing the thing where I couldn't speak properly and the lady had to keep yelling at me to keep calm so she could understand what I was saying. I was transferred to another lady for a minute, and then she said she was transferring me and suddenly I hear, "911 emergency." Oh, how I hate being on the phone with 911. That was the second time in my life I had to speak to them, and it's every bit as bad as your nightmares. All the women I spoke with were very attentive and concerned, but I was just a basket case. There was just no explanation for where they could be and I was positive I'd never see them again. So I had been on the phone with 911 for a couple of minutes, while she talked to me and the police. Then I heard her start talking about two kids being spotted on big wheels. For a minute my heart sank. We don't have any big wheels, we have trikes. But then she started describing them, and at the same moment my neighbor, whose wife had been out searching in her car, came over and said his wife had just called and they had found them. Those two stinkin' three-year-olds had gone about two blocks up the street, crossed a busy road that is posted at 35mph, and had proceeded onto the closest busy stop-light intersection, where the speed limit is 45mph. They had been found standing on that corner by two women, whom I never got to meet because they had gone by the time I got there. Shortly after they got to them the police got there, and then my neighbor. I'm sure I don't need to say it, but that was the worst thing I've ever gone through in my life. I know I am so blessed and lucky that they were found okay. They were pretty shaken up to have the police hanging out with them while they waited for me to get there, but they know my neighbor, and Trevor was with her, so I think that made them feel a little better. Of course, just like in the ER, I got a stern lecture from the officer (as stern as an officer is going to be toward a mom who just found her missing children).

Children, I have had enough excitement this summer. Can you please just take it easy on me for awhile?

Jeremy turned 35 last Sunday. My husband is old! Halfway to 40! Eeeekk!!

I have a confession: I'm not the best wife. I'm actually... quite sucky at it. I'm like Jan on "The Office" was to Michael.

Here are some of the things I love most about/to do with Jeremy:

He is sooo patient with me. No matter how evil I am toward him he forgives me in a second. He has never ONCE held a grudge in the entire time I've known him.

He is an excellent provider. He has a good job and I love that he loves that I can be home with our children.

He pretty much solely handles our finances. I HATE stuff like that, and I know I can trust him completely to take care of things.

His mad goalie skills.

Getting completely hooked and addicted to shows after they come out on DVD, so we can watch them 24/7. Previously "Lost," currently "The Office," upcoming is "Dexter."

He is a handyman! He can, and loves to, fix anything around the house. It is so nice to have a husband with this valuable skill.

Getting Reese's Blizzards after the kids are in bed, and trying not to get caught by them.

He loves our children. They love him.

He is so attentive regarding the childrens' activities/sports. He will schedule work around parent-teacher conferences, he gets home early when need be for sporting events, he makes sure he is very involved.

Playing co-ed soccer together. I love hearing him barking orders at me from across the field.

He doesn't EVER judge me when I break/lose our children.

He does whatever I want.

He does all of the yard work.

He has never and would never put me down.

Five down, one to go! Jace is potty trained! It was very sudden. On Sunday we were at Detmer's house, who is a full year younger than the twins, and Detmer was wearing underwear. Not to be outdone by a "baby," Jace came home and was potty trained by bedtime! I've been working hard on Brody all week, but to no avail. I'll keep working on it. I checked the diaper supply today, and I have enough for approximately two weeks, so keep your fingers crossed that I don't have to buy another pack! Way to go, Jace!

So Lance got his cast taken off a couple of weeks ago. Don't think that means that I've been able to put my negligence behind me. Just tonight Zack was like, "Mom, remember when you bounced Lance and broke his arm?" Well, Lance forgives me, and that's all that matters. Here are a couple of pictures. Just in case it's noticeable, the reason I am covered in sweat is because I stopped there on my way home from the gym. I hadn't been planning on going. Jeremy was working from home and took him, but on my way home I realized I was going to pass the clinic right as they were getting there, so I swung in and met them at the door so I could give Lance a hug. He was so nervous and emotional, though, so I just stayed with them, even though I looked really gross (I'm sure everyone knows I always have to look my best out in public. ha ha). His facial expressions in these photos make me want to cry, but he did so awesome! He was very brave!

What a fun weekend this was! On Friday afternoon Jeremy took all seven kids (ours, plus my nephew Dallin who is staying with us for the summer) on our ward campout, while I stayed behind and hung with my sisters. I couldn't go because there was no room for another person in the van. It has nothing to do with the fact that I hate camping worse than life itself! I really wish I could love camping, because Jeremy and all the kids love it. But I just hate everything about it. Does anybody know what I can do to enjoy it more, short of getting an RV? Anyway, here are some pics from the campout:

This morning I got up bright and early and picked Kira up for yard sales. It was so fun, as usual.

This afternoon we all went to my dad's wedding reception and had a lot of fun with more visiting. All of my siblings were there. It was great!

Kira and I showed up unknowingly wearing the same new Kohl's $5 top. How embarrassing! Luckily we picked different colors. She decided to experiment and go with the black. ;)

The reception was at a church. I didn't see my kids the whole time, but thankfully they all remained in one piece. And they didn't even destroy the church! (that I know of). They were as good as gold. They absolutely loved the chocolate fondue fountain. It was hilarious seeing the twins dip their own treats. I didn't think about the fact that they were all wearing their white church shirts, which they will need tomorrow. Sure enough, every single one of them got chocolate all over their shirt. I was able to sneak them into the wash in between the eighteen loads of camping wash I'm trying to do. Thank you, Spray 'n Wash! The stains came out!

So I guess I better give Kira the big thank you she's been waiting for. At her encouragement (force), I signed up to run with her and my dad in the Deseret News 10K on the 24th. As much as I was dreading the run and getting up at 3:30 a.m., I feel so great about having done it. I think my goals for the race were the same as most average people who decide to give running a go: finish the race and don't walk, if possible. And I did it! I wanted to die, but I did it! I feel really good about my time as well. It wasn't fabulous by any means, but for me, who did my very first 5K just three years ago, it was awesome. I did it in one hour and three minutes. I would love to work towards improving that and doing more 10Ks. Unfortunately, Kira now has a bee in her bonnet to do a half marathon. I think she's on her own for that one! (just get Dave to come with and prance alongside you, not breaking a sweat or losing any breath). My dad, who is 56 and also just started running three years ago, finished ahead of me. Go Dad!

Here's me and my two BFFs, my cute sisters Kira and Cami. We're at our cousin Anna's wedding which was last week. Cami is here from Taiwan for the summer, and we have been having a blast together. Where would I be without these girls?! I love them so much. We have had the BEST time eating out at Grossias (ha ha), having our game nights, YARD SALING, and lots and lots of visiting. It has been such a fun summer. Cami's son Dallin is staying with us and my kids are LOVING that.

Here's one with my cute little bro as well:

I just love my siblings. They are the best! My other cute little bro will be in town next weekend so hopefully we'll get more pictures.