Little Man's First Mt. BIke Trail

We have been wanting to take Riley mountain biking for awhile now.  I wanted both Andy and I to be available to take him so that we had one of us in front to show him the trail and give him verbal cues and one of us behind him so if he struggled, someone would know and be able to help him.

I was finally able to find an afternoon where we could have a sitter for Kendall and Andy was actually home!  We took him on one of the trails that he had hiked the week before so he knew what to expect.  

He did so well and had a blast!  He's been asking when we can go again!  I took him to the Draper Cycle Park afterwards and he's totally addicted!  He's asked me everyday when we can go back to the Cycle Park even though I already promised to take him on Tuesday during Kendall's dance lesson!  Here's a video with pictures I put together from our adventure.

Girls Night Out

Andy, Riley, Kevin and Tristam all went to the motorcross together at RMR so Kendall and I decided that we needed to have a GNO together.  We made appts to get our nails done.  I found a nail salon in South Jordan that has kid-sized pedicure chairs!  She got spoiled with a mani, pedi and a movie!  She thought it was the best!

Look how happy she is!

Watching a movie with getting spoiled!

Fun memories

After our nails dried, she didn't want our GNO to end so we decided to hit up Cold Stone for a sweet treat.  While enjoying our ice cream, Kendall spotted a Claire's store.  I have intentionally NOT taken her in there.  It's like heaven for a little girly girl like Kendall.  Racks and racks of jewelry, make up, purses, etc. 

This is what we ended up leaving Claire's with that night - Pierced Ears!  She loves them but sadly they both had to be re-pierced over the next week because they came out over night.  We discovered her knitted blanket was the problem.  Sadly, blankie now has to sleep at the end of the bed.

What a fun night for the girls while the boys were out enjoying the motorcross!  Even though half the time I don't know what to do with a girly girl, I'm so glad she's mine!  I loved watching her smile and get giddy over each thing we did.  I need to do that more often for her.

Going On A Moose Hunt

We haven't been on a "family" hike that included all 4 of us in a very long time.  The kids and I hike a lot, but Andy's rarely with us.  Between work, travel and riding dirt bike, he's not always available to go along on our treks.  We headed up Little Cottonwood Canyon on Saturday afternoon to hike the Red Pine Lake Trail - the trail head is right before you reach Snowbird.  As we started our hike I walked into a patch of burn hazel at the back of the car...Great way to start, right?  Thankfully I got it washed off quickly and it was just a minor irritation.  We headed out and passed lots of people going in both directions.  Everyone who was coming back down were telling us to keep an eye out for moose.  We were determined to find them on our hike.  Lucky for us...Momma, Daddy and Baby were hanging out just off the trail.  The kids have seen moose before, but Andy hasn't seen them in the woods before.  

Our entire hike was this beautiful

So happy to have dad on our hike!

Since Andy was along, I actually got to be in a picture!

The aspens are just gorgeous right now

I never tire of the fall.

My happy hiker

Looking out towards the valley from the trail

Beautiful blue skies on Saturday

We also got to teach the kids what a wooly bear caterpillar is and it's significance.  According to his stripes, we should have and average winter.  Average in Utah would be a welcomed change after last year's pitiful snowfall!  

Slinking Eggs

Kendalism:

Yesterday I made her scrambled eggs for breakfast. She decided she didn't like eggs anymore. Since she requested them, I told her she needed to eat them. 

When her plate went missing from the table I asked where it went...her response:

Hmm (scratching her temple)...let me think...I think they may have slinked over to the pantry.

Sure enough. There was the plate of eggs in the pantry! Who knew eggs could slink? 

(And yes, she did have to eat them after we rescued them from the pantry.)

Big Accomplishment

Kendall has been asking for a while now, when is she going to be able to READ.  She's very interested in reading and getting closer and closer to being ready. Well, this afternoon she wanted to eat some of Riley's gummy worms.  I have the gummy worms in ziplock bags for when he's reading, he can eat a "bookworm."  I told Kendall if she wanted to eat them, she had to read.  She went to get a book when I decided to change the plan.

We headed into the playroom to the magnet board where we keep our magnet letters.  I decided to see how close we were to reading...

Well, you guessed it!  She's actually reading!  We did _at words and _ot words then she read the first two BOB books from our library.  I don't know who was more excited!  Riley even came down to give her some words to try.  He was just as thrilled for her.  He even suggested she start reading books to him at night instead of him reading to her!

This is an example of what she's capable of reading.  Similar to the old school Dick and Jane type books.

I'm so excited for my baby!  She's growing up so fast!

Today's Adventure

Today was my bible study so Kendall went home from school with her friend Hayden who lives nearby.   When I went to pick her up, it was close to lunchtime and I knew my cleaning lady was at the house so we decided to go out for lunch before running to the grocery store.  I convinced her that Cafe Rio would be a great spot for a lunch date.  We pulled into the parking lot right before Mitt Romney's bus pulled into the lot!

Now if you've ever been to the Draper Cafe Rio, you know how NUTTY that parking lot is with all the other restaurants there sharing the same parking area.  I was in the lot looking for a spot when I saw his bus pull in and my first thought was "Crap!  I'll never find a spot now!"

Luckily I found one and we headed in for our lunch.  Afterwards we walked around the parking lot to see if his bus was still there and sure enough...

People were getting on the bus but I erred on the side of caution - with my luck Kendall would have been trying to climb in the driver's seat or check out the bathroom!  Too bad Riley wasn't with us.  I would have taken him in for sure.  He'd love the bus itself but he's also started to take an interest in the election because he's learning about it in social studies.

Here's hoping for a Romney/Ryan win in November!

Another Kendallism

The Latest Kendallism:

As I'm driving and taking a sip of water, Kendall says 

"Oh Momma, you better be careful, you're drinking and driving!"

As I start to chuckle, she adds 

"You don't want to get put in jail, do you?"

Holding Out Help

I have this friend Tonia who goes to our church and runs a ministry called Holding Out Help.  She helps women, children, families leave polygamy.  I met her a few years back at MOPS and got to hear first hand her friend's story of life in polygamy.  That was the first time I had ever heard about it first hand - not from Big Love on HBO.  It made an impression on me to say the least.  I started to help Tonia's ministry when I could, donate at Christmas, getting on her email list for needs, etc.

Over the summer I read a number of books about the FLDS and polygamy:    Escape by Carolyn Jessop, The Prophet's Prey by Sam Brower, and Stolen Innocence by Elisa Walls.  I really enjoyed the first two a lot and would recommend them both if you want to learn more about the sick and twisted world of the FLDS.  I have tried to explain the concept of polygamy to my kids - not an easy task at ages 8 and 4.

My friend Tonia sends out emails from time to time with needs of families she is helping.  This time it was one that I could help with immediately!  The kids she's housing were wanting some bikes and scooters to ride.  We happened to have an extra scooter in the basement that wasn't being used very often.  I was happy to see it bring a smile to another child's face.  These kids haven't grown up with toys, books, music, tv, etc in their community.  Warren Jeffs saw to it to take everything away from them.  According to Tonia the latest is that they aren't even allowed to laugh anymore!  

Both kids took it upon themselves to find some toys of their own to donate to these kids.  Kendall found two baby dolls to give to the two little girls while Riley went through his matchbox cars and picked out a bunch for the 3 older boys his age.  

On the way to Tonia's house, Kendall kept asking why these kids didn't have any toys.  Who was the "Bad Guy" who took them away?  When we got to her house to drop off the scooter and bag of toys, we were lucky enough to have the pleasure of giving these items to the family themselves.  Kendall got to give each little girl (ages 3 & 5) a doll and see them smile from ear to ear and hug their new doll as if it was a golden treasure!  The boys dove right into the bag of cars and divided them up amongst themselves and started playing right away.  I got to meet mom and dad (they got kicked out of Short Creek) and dad was just so surprised by the love of others.  They have been brainwashed to believe that everyone outside of their church is evil and wants to bring them harm.  I was happy that we could show them the love of Jesus - just by bringing such small items to them.  Dad kept thanking me.  Mom was a sweet thing and was heading out that afternoon for a "make over."  She was ready to shed her FLDS attire and wear a pair of jeans!  A big step for sure!

What a great experience for her to meet them - to put a face with the story.  She got back in the car and said "Mom, we need to find them more stuff!"  My heart was full of joy that my kids were able to put someone else's needs above their own and want to share their toys out of the goodness of their hearts.  We have talked for a few months now about spending less on ourselves at Christmas this year and more on gifts for kids like these who have absolutely nothing instead.  Thankfully Tonia said she is planning to set up the giving tree at church this Christmas again.  You can pick a family or item off the tree to purchase for a polygamist family in need.  

If any of you feel led to get involved in this ministry, let me know and I can put you in touch with Tonia.  I am happy to get your name on the email list or forward needs in case you think you might be able to help out.  These families are often in need of rentals, jobs, clothing, furniture, bikes, cars, food, toiletries, etc.  Many times they leave their communities with nothing but the clothes on their backs if they are escaping and don't have the skills to find jobs, etc.  Many of the children have never even been in school.  

This is a video for Hold Out Help.  I know the mom with the twin boys in this video.  Her boys were in Riley's scout den and attend South Mountain Community Church.  If this video touches your heart, in any way, consider how you can be a part of changing lives.

For more information, go to Holding Out Help

Latest Accomplishment

Riley missed a "tip" test for karate while we were on vacation and was behind his class.  Thankfully his instructor wanted Riley to stay up with his class and bumped him up this month to take his belt test with the rest of his class so he wouldn't have to wait another three months to earn his next belt.  I was a little nervous that he might not be ready since we missed over 3 weeks of karate this summer with vacation and holidays.

Thankfully we now have a happy (serious faced) brown belt in our house!

Congrats Bubba!  We love you and are so proud of you!

It Only Took Three Years...

...To be okay with being an "outcast" here in Utah.  Never felt that way anywhere else I've lived.  It's made life here lonely, especially with a hubby who's gone more than he's home.  I heard this song on Air1 the other day and the words as well as the beat caught my attention.  Wow!  If I could have heard this song a year or two ago, huh?  But I think it's taken me until now to be comfortable in my own skin here, to be an "outcast."  It's not a feeling I've ever experienced before - being totally out of my element.  Now, for a multitude of reasons, I feel more like myself than I have since we first moved here.  I have to remember to look up when I'm feeling down.

Living here in Utah, I realized how much I could relate to these lyrics.  Never before have I ever felt like an "outcast" but I realize now, I'm good with it!

Since I can remember

Guess I've been a problem

Never had a filter

Never been the popular one

To sugarcoat what I know is undeniable

I just can't hide it

I wear it like a letter

Everywhere I go

Everyone is talking

I can feel them staring

They hope I'm just pretending

And giving up my power

Caving into pressure

I'm not living for them

I live for something better

I'm not good enough

I'm not what they want

But let me tell you what

I know who I am

So just throw me out

For not fitting in

I will stand my ground

And be an outcast

So-o what if I'm an outcast

So-o what if I'm an outcast

So what if I don't look the

Part I'm supposed to play

What if I don't follow

All the rules they make

They think I should be perfect

They love it when I mess up

No grace in case I blow it

A good girl shouldn't need it

I'm not good enough

I'm not what they want

But let me tell you what

I know who I am

So just throw me out

For not fitting in

I will stand my ground

And be an outcast

So-o what if I'm an outcast

So-o what if I'm an outcast

So slow and everybody's so fast

So-o what if I'm an outcast

I try to play nice

I don't want to fight

But I won't be gray

When it's all black and white

'Cause what I believe

Is what makes me strong

If I don't belong

I'll hold on to love

I try to play nice

I don't want to fight

But I won't be gray

When it's all black and white

'Cause what I believe

Is what makes me strong

If I don't belong

I'll hold on to love

So-o what if I'm an outcast

So-o what if I'm an outcast

So slow and everybody's so fast

No matter what it costs

I'll be an outcast

I'm not good enough

I'm not what they want

But let me tell you what

I know who I am

So just throw me out

For not fitting in

Imma stand my ground

And be an outcast

I'm not good enough

I'm not what they want

And let me tell you what

I know who I am

So just throw me out

For not fitting in

I will stand my ground

And be an outcast

Are you an outcast too?

Oktoberfest? in August?

Yep!  Snowbird starts celebrating early!  When we got our ski passes we were able to score 2 free all day activity passes!  They were to expire on Sunday so we decided to head to Snowbird to use them up (and to hit up Oktoberfest).  Everyone was happy - the kids got to play all day while Andy and I were able to drink beer while we watched them.

Riley on the Alpine Slide

Before the screaming started on the ropes course

He's nervous just walking up the stairs to get to the top!

Still okay by herself

Need some help from Mom but did alright

Whew!  That one was tough for both kids!

Riley was okay by himself for awhile

Kendall needed some help - see how happy she is?  Look at her mouth wide open - she was screaming at the top of her lungs about how scared she was!

Better with some help from Mom

Heading across the multivine

Reaching for the next rope - the short ones really challenged him

Much easier with Mom to hold your hand

Happier girl

Ready to come down.  Relief!

DONE!  Mom would have been happy to go through a few more times but the kids were spent!  Too much anxiety for them.  They did an awesome job on the adventure/zipline course in NC on vacation, but here on this smaller ropes course, they were so nervous!  Oh well, gotta keep pushing them to take these types of risks to realize what they are capable of handling. 

Waiting for Riley to do the Alpine Slide, yet again!  He'd ride the chair lift (I mean the "flying sofas") up by alone and come down by himself.  Who said he was allowed to grow up so quickly?

Notice my two little German kinders are both smiling here with the beer picture 

and only Kendall is smiling in the dancing picture!

Riley on the air jumper

He had a blast!

Kendall attempting to do the climbing wall

She doesn't weigh enough so the belay rope typically pulls her away from the wall - she does well all things considered

She tried hard and got about half way up 

We also decided to have some German grub - since Andy and I both share a German heritage, like most people born and raised in Lancaster, we thought we'd expose the kids to it as well.  We headed into the Oktoberfest tent where they had live bands playing polkas, etc.  Kendall enjoyed dancing while Riley scarfed down a black forest brownie, Andy devoured sauerkraut and apple strudel and I finished off a brat.  Kendall did manage to polish off two and a half soft pretzels that day!

Here's our little Pennsylvania Polka dancer:

Now this is the good life - ahhh!