Wendover Airbase

Saturday we spent a day on an inside tour of the airbase. Wendover airbase was the place chosen by Paul Tibbets back in the 1940's for the secret training of the Enola Gay mission. We were able to see several places that have never been opened up to the public since the decommission of the airbase. It was a great tour. If you're interested in the history of the airbase check out their website:
http://www.wendoverairbase.com

Past and Present

My mom has always commented how much Cannon looks like my grandpa - her dad. It is amazing how much they look alike. Another interesting aspect is that Cannon was born just 1/2 a day past what would have been my great grandpa's 100th birthday. The great-grandpa that is the father to my grandpa that he looks so much like..... I think there is an amazing connection that time can't touch.

And the last and most interesting part of this story is that Cannon has insisted being called Billy Bob. My grandpa's name was William, but as a child was called Billy. This grandpa died in 2003, long before Cannon was born. I think they must have knew each other in Heaven.

First Day of School

Hard to believe that summer has come to an end..... and school is starting. Seems just yesterday that school was done and we were wondering if the house would survive all the kids being home! Luckily, there isn't too much damage! Although there is a new hole in the wall that 'no one' claims to have done.... Although Ryker did confess that he made it "a little bit" bigger. Hmmmmm, too bad I don't have hidden cameras!

Sad to admit, but I am happy that school has started. For various reasons, some to do with house cleanliness.... others with routine. Not sure which one out ranks the other. Either way - we are excited for the school year and hope the kids love every minute of it!






Monica is starting 10th grade - she will be able to get her learners permit the end of September. Okay - this may sound strange, but I am SUPER excited that she will be able to drive. No more trips to the store, running brothers around, driving to early morning seminary... oh wait, I have never had to do that - that's Jared's job... :)

Jaxon is starting 8th grade, Gunnar is in 5th grade, Jerrick is in 3rd and Ryker is starting 1st. Cannon is still at Bonnie's, which is an amazing preschool/babysitting experience! When I dropped him off the first day, after being spoiled rotten during the summer, he jumps out of the car and says, "Bye Mom" and starts walking toward the door. I think he was thinking - I'm big enough to walk myself to the door. My 2 1/2 year old going on 10!

Rent-A-Dog

For the last few weeks we have had a visitor. His name is James. He usually resides with my parents, but decided to come along with us last time we were in Logan. The only rent WE charged was dog food! He has been a lot of fun to have around. The kids have enjoyed having an indoor dog that loves to be a part of the group. He has been completely spoiled by having kids around 24/7, as well as an occasional mugging (stealing food from kids' hands - mostly Cannon's), eating 'leftovers' from the floor, and licking the pan. This is my most favorite picture of having him here! He laid down and had his whole head in the pan.

He also enjoyed sitting on the back of the couch. He loved to look out the window, and the only way he could do that - is sitting on the back of the couch. He would stare with those puppy dog eyes - he hates to be left. He loved riding in the car on errands. Didn't really like being left in the car when I had to run to the store - apparently he thinks he's a person. (Just in case you're wondering - store runs were conducted in the evening, when I could park in the shade if the sun wasn't down. That way, there was no over-heating). The best part of this picture - is that I didn't take it! He only would get on the back of the couch once I was in the car and he thought I couldn't see him..... hmmmm, very much like a kid!


The funniest part of having him is his sense of alarm clocks. Most mornings I would hear him up and moving around, but he would wait to bark until the alarm went off. And once that alarm went off, even if I wasn't ready to get up, he would consistently bark in the growling talk, until you would get up and take him outside. Mostly in fear of him waking everyone else up!

Alas, our rent-a-dog has been returned..... We took a short trip up to Logan this last weekend and brought him back. He wasn't too thrilled that we left him, but I somehow think he will survive again on dog food and secretly sleep on grandma and grandpa's bed when they're not home..... not too bad for a dog's life!

Motherhood Quotes

Last Christmas a friend gave me a calendar that gives a 'You know you're a mom when...' quote every day. They have been lots of fun! Here are a few of my favorites:

"You know you're a mom when.... in your bathroom there is water all over the floor, a dog drinking out of the toilet, several action figures in the tub, and no towels."

"You know you're a mom when.... it annoys you that the child who can easily bypass "Parental Controls" on the computer can't figure out how to turn on the vacuum cleaner."

"You know you're a mom when.... It's the end of summer and you are super excited that school is about to start."

"You know you're a mom when.... You don't notice when you leave the house in mismatched shoes until you return home." **Sadly, this has happened..... not the best day.

"You know you're a mom when.... The back of your minivan (suburban) is a sea of french fries, crackers, dried-out baby wipes, various wrappers, and other unidentified substances."

"Motherhood is like Albania - you can't trust the description in the books, you have to go there." Marni Jackson

"You know you're a mom when.... You can't remember what you did before your children were born."

"Children seldom misquote you. They more often repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said." Mae Maloo

"You know you're a mom when.... An uninterrupted shower feels like a day at the spa."

"You know you're a mom when.... You get more excited about buying a new appliance than a piece of jewelry."
*** On this note - I am dying to get a food processor. I know, super lame, but it's at the top of my 'wish' list!

"You know you're a mom when.... Bribery has become a way of life."

"You know you're a mom when.... You've seriously considered driving a taxi for a living; after all, you do have the experience."
*** This quote is really for Jared. When Jared commented to Monica that he felt like her taxi driver - she told him she would make sure she bought him a hat.... it hasn't been his favorite comment.....

And my favorites:
"You know you're a mom when.... You find yourself praying for old age because the thought of a rest home seems oddly quiet and soothing."

"You know you're a mom when.... You contemplate running away and joining the circus - daily."

"You know you're a mom when.... you realize you've developed an appreciation for the simple things in life."

"You know you're a mom when.... You find humor in chaos, insanity, and hysteria; all the while thanking God for and loving every minute of it.