Uncle Sam

Tyler's brother Todd and his wife Renee both do stock photography. They've had several things published. Mostly in magazines and articles. Todd even has a one of his pictures of Arches in a calendar. Cool huh! Well his latest published work is a picture of him as Uncle Sam. ESPN used it to endorse this years Super Bowl. ESPN tweaked it some, but it's still Todd.

Here is a pic of the ad.

Gymnastics

Here are some pictures from Kenzie's 'Think Pink Meet' this past Saturday.

Kenzie doing the 'mount' onto the beam.

Look at the beautiful form she has.

Beam Routine.

 Look at the concentration on her face.

Doing a cute little dance on the beam.

Can we say Leg Muscles.

Stretch!

Kenz took 2nd place for her Uneven Bars routine.

Remember a week ago when she couldn't even do the jump. And she took 2nd!!!

3rd place for Balance Beam.

Out of all the girls that competed Level 5 Mackenzie took 6th place in the All-Around.

Not bad for her first time competing lvl 5.

Here are her scores:

 Bars 8.45, Beam 8.4, Floor 8.2, Vault 7.25, and her All Around score was  32.3.

Gymnasts Salute!

I'm Toasted.

I wish the title was reflective of a golden summer tan. Unfortunately given our 20 degree weather and tomorrow's high of 8. It does not refer to a beautiful summer day.
It does however, reflect today's funny from Dawson.

Dawson asked me for the bread you put in the toaster and then put butter on. I said, you want some toast. He looked at me with a blank stare and then said, "No, I want bread from the toaster with butter. Remember that's what I already said." As I giggled I said, "OK, I'll get you some toast." He replied, "Arrrggg. Never mind I'll have a waffle. You got that? A waffle!"

New Beginnings

This past Wednesday was our Young Women's New Beginnings program. New Beginnings is when we kick off the new year with a special program to meet the new incoming Beehives (girls turning 12) for the year and to introduce the Personal Progress program.
The night's theme was A.R.M.Y. -A Righteous Mormon Youth. Complete with a B.O.O.T -Building Our Own Testimony Camp.
We made up a couple different obstacles for the girls to participate in. There was a 'Man Down' station- with the theme of: 'Help Lift One Another's Burdens.' A shooting range to encourage the girls to 'Shoot Down Temptation.' An army crawl obstacle- 'When You're Too Weak to Stand, Kneel.' The girls had to do jumping jacks with the spiritual meaning of 'Expand Yourself and Your Testimony.' Last but not least there was a High Knees tire jump; 'Step Up For What You Believe.'
The Boot Camp activities were a great way to start the evening. The program consisted of a few spiritual messages from the YW.Pres. The 2nd Councilor and the Beehive advisor. The Beehive class did a skit for everyone. It was humorous but, very effective. The skit introduced each of the YW.values and their purpose. A small group of girls sang 'We Believe.'  Following the song, I gave a talk on Personal Progress and it's importance. Then I gave a presentation on the Personal Progress website. Yes, Personal Progress is all on-line now. So there's no more excuses for not doing it "cause you can't find your book."

After the Personal Progress portion the Beehive class spotlighted all the new girls that would be joining YW. during this year. Following the introductions of the new girls the Bishop spoke on testimonies and the importance of gaining your own. Then every one's favorite part; refreshments!

Here are some pics of the decorations and a couple of the activities.

Who's Army are you in?

           Registration Table.

 Here the girls received their 'Dog Tags' and a camo bandanna.

Mess Tent:

AKA Refreshments

Cupcakes made by Jennifer Hanna

Decorations

More Decorations.

The netting was donated by Camp Williams Army Base.

Part of the Boot Camp Obstacle Course.


High Knees.

Step Up For What You Believe.

Shoot Down Temptation

Army Crawl


When You're Too Weak To Stand; Kneel

          The Beehive Class doing their Skit.

Singing 'We Believe'

Jessica showing off her mad shooting skills. 

Nothing says ARMY like camo face paint.

The night was a huge success. I hope that all the girls went home that evening with a desire to strengthen their own testimonies and a new conviction and dedication to Personal Progress.

Today's Dawson Funny

What do you say if your 5 year old told you,

"Mom, I'm teaching Sawyer how to use the potty."
I simply responded with, "How?"
And yet the response didn't shock me a bit.
"I took him in the bathroom and let him watch me. And I told him, 'see this is how boys pee'. "

Now if Dawson's approach works; I may in the Guinness World Book of Records for having the youngest child potty trained and have the youngest potty trainer. Guess I'll keep Dawson around a little longer and not just for comedic relief.

He's Bleeding!

What are 2 of the scariest words a mom can hear? "HE'S BLEEDING!"
Now put those 2 words coming out of Dawson's mouth, referring to Sawyer.
I was one worried momma. I ran into the kitchen to see what happened. When I found Sawyer he was covered all over his mouth and nose and cheeks. He looked like he should have been in a horror film.
My heart sank, I ran to him to see what he had cut himself on. I could tell that most of the 'blood' was smeared from him rubbing his face. As I looked around him I noticed a can lid laying on floor. We don't have one of those fancy, smancy can openers that leave a smooth edge. We have the old school one that leaves a sharp, jagged edge. And of course that's what he had to suck on.
But, here's the catch, no crying, no noticeable cuts, and all smiles. Upon closer examination and a wiff from the nose I recognized a very distinct smell. It was the smell of 'Sloppy Joes'.
We had had 'Manwich' for dinner the night before. Little Dude had pulled the can with the lid inside it, out of the garbage can. His tiny hands fit perfectly inside the can and once inside they got covered in the 'Manwich' left on the sides of the can. And what do babies do? They put their hands in their mouths and smear stuff all over their faces. And the result is instant horror film, bloody baby.
For the record, when I realized what it was relief set in, then laughter. And of course the camera came out.

Twins

Dawson and Sawyer had matching pajamas on the other day. Dawson insisted I take pictures of them because they were too cute and matched.

Old Pic

Sawyer is 2 weeks old in this pic. He is laying in Ty's arm.

My boys- April 2010

Surfer Dude.

This picture just made me smile.

It looks like Sawyer is practicing his sailboarding.

Milking It.

Over the weekend Xander was pretty laid out. He came home from school on Thursday not feeling good. When I picked him up he really didn't look good. He came home and took a nap without any fight. Then went too bed no problem by 8.
I kept him home Friday because he was still no better. He was running a temp of almost 101. and was pretty much out for the count. I knew he didn't feel good when he usually eats all day long. (not exaggerating) but, wouldn't touch a thing. He said his throat was sore. I looked at his throat and it wasn't red, swollen, or spotted. He didn't have the distinct 'Strep Throat' smell. Any one who's been around someone with strep knows exactly what I mean.
I debated going to the doc. Alot of times these things just pass on their own. So I gave him meds and sent him up for a nap again. Then the day continued with Xander becoming a permanent fixture on the couch.
When he woke the next day, (Saturday) he came running down stairs clenching his throat. He was trying to speak but nothing was coming out. It was so sore from sleeping he couldn't force air through it to say something. Then he was able to cough enough to clear it out and start complaining. I decided enough was enough let's get him into the doc. So I made the appt. and Ty was the designated driver. I was going to be at gymnastics trade. Or at least on my way home. Plus I work out before trade so I didn't feel like going to the doc's office all nasty and sweaty. Why not use Ty while I got him here.
The doc did a strep test=negative. He also said it wasn't quite bronchitis. So no answers. He did give him an antibiotic to help either or. He said we could have caught the strep early enough so it tested negative. He also said, Xan would still be contagious on Sunday so to keep him home from church.
Sunday came and Xander was much better. But his favorite part was seeing everyone else have to get ready for church and got to stay in PJ'S. As I made all the other kids brush their teeth I heard Xander give Kenz a little hahaha you have to brush your teeth. I quickly jumped in and told Xander to brush his. This sent him into a fit asking, "why, I'm going anywhere." I then explained that he was brushing his teeth because, #1. he was being a snot to his sister and #2. because he had nasty sick, morning, poo breath.
He didn't fight me and just did it. Yes, in case you're wondering I do tell my kids they have poo breath.
Now were at the present moment in time, Monday. I get the kids up and lunches made then their off to school. At 8:35 this morning the phone rings. I didn't answer it cause I was cuddling with Sawyer. Then a minute later my cell phone rings. I ignored it, but then decided someone was really trying to get a hold of me so I better see who it is. Well, it was the school. Dang it!
Xander was calling to tell me he was coughing real bad, didn't feel good and that stuff was stuck in his throat. So, Ty went and got him as he was leaving for work. When Xander came in he wasn't coughing, as a matter of fact he saw Sawyer and started playing with him. I said, "Xander I thought you didn't feel good?" (said, dripping with sarcasm) He looked at me and said, "I was coughing a lot in my class. I guess I must be allergic to my classroom."
I got played by my 7 yr old. That's not happening again.

UH OH Look Who Got Crafty

We made these cute temple pictures this past weekend at the Young Women Temple Conference. They were so easy to do.
First find a board and drill 2 holes in the top for a ribbon.
Paint the board any color you like. They already had the boards painted for us.
Find a picture of any temple you wish.
To make the ripped look edge, put it in a paper cutter so you get a straight edge and rip it off.
Next, cover your board entirely with modge podge. Center your picture and press it down. Use a puddy knife to press air bubbles out. Work from the center out. Add any embellishments you'd like.
Let it dry.
Once dry add another coat of modge podge to seal the picture and embellishments.
Let dry again.

When dry, add a cute ribbon to hang it with.

Enjoy.

Going, Going, Gone

Just so you know.
7 weeks = 16 1/2 lbs. lost. 800 more to go!
Oh yeah. Who's the woman.

Say Ahhhh

I had to laugh at the similarities between these.

Look at those opened mouths.

Do you think it's ever quiet at my house?? 

9 months

I know I've said before but honestly I can't believe how fast time is flying by. It's been 9 months already since Sawyer joined our family. He is the perfect addition to this already crazy Keith family. He is as curious and active as the rest of the kids. It is too fun to watch his personality develop. He seems to be a little character just like his big brothers. So pray for me now. I think I might have another little Dawson. Which means there will never be a dull moment with the two of them running around.
I have to laugh because the other day Tyler raised his voice at Xander and Dawson. I can't blame him cause it was 11:00pm and the boys were still getting out of bed and playing. Well, Ty yelled up to them, "Go to bed!!" Sawyer looked at Tyler and started laughing. Then Sawyer growled at him. Once Sawyer realized he was getting a response he kept laughing then growling. So Ty growled back and that sent Sawyer into hysterical laughter. I guess even he thinks it's funny when his brothers get in trouble.
Over the past couple months Sawyer has reached new milestones in his young life. He walks around the furniture with ease. He is a pro at climbing the stairs. He loves to play peek-a-boo. He learned to shake his head back and forth as if he's saying no. When he's excited he claps. He's discovered music and will bounce around to the beat. Last but, most important he learned to say Dada and Mama.
Here are the ever so important stats for my little duders.
Weight: 17.5 lbs. = 8%
Height: 27.3 in. = 17%
Head cir: 17.2 = 12%

I love you
Sawyer!

King Sawyer.

Jump or no Jump. That is the Question.

Well, today was the day for Kenz. It was do or die time. OK not that extreme. It was jump day. She and I had a huge heart to heart on Friday after a very bad gymnastic day. We laughed and cried together. As we drove to gymnastics this afternoon her confidence was pretty shaky. I had said something hurtful to her because she was giving me attitude. And because feelings were hurt her confidence was weak.
I realized my mistake and I apologized to her. I stressed to her that no matter what happened today at gymnastics I wanted her to know that I am still very proud of her. That she is an awesome gymnast and I have and always will have confidence in her. I believe in her and I know she can do anything she puts her mind to. But, first and foremost she's my daughter and I love her no matter what. And yes, by this time she and I were both in tears.
As she was getting out of the car, I asked her if she wanted me to come watch her? She said, how can you, you have the boys. I told her that if she wanted me there, I'd be there. She said "yes, I want you there." So I rescheduled a YW visit and told the YW. councilor that my daughter wanted me to come watch her and I wasn't going to let her down.
I loaded the boys in the van and headed to the Legacy Center to support Mackenzie. When we got there she was on the bars doing her routine. She was being 'spotted' on her jump. She waived to me and said 'hi' to her brothers. I asked if she was going to jump on her own. She was hesitant and said, "we'll see." I told her OK. what ever she was comfortable with. Then a few minutes later she smiled up at me and said, "watch." I watched her and then, she leaped. She flew like a bird onto the high bar. She caught it, swung up and around the high bar and did a beautiful dismount. She once again looked up at me and smiled her beautiful beaming smile. Once again, my heart swelled with pride for this young daughter of mine.
So where do we go from here. Who knows. She's not quite sure she wants to compete. After our talk she realized that it's OK. if she doesn't. I think she realizes how much better she can be if she waits. Also, it's nice to know that if she wants to or doesn't she now has the option.

Prison Rice

Tonight before bed Xander asked for food. Tyler said, "If you would have eaten dinner you wouldn't be hungry." To which Xander replied, "I did eat." I then said, "Yeah rice. That's more like prison food." Xander then pipes in, "Well this place is like a prison cause you never let us out and we have to sleep behind closed doors."

If he thinks this place is a prison now, just wait. HAHAHAHA.

Lightening Rod is Up.

Can a parent get struck down for the comments of their children? If so I have my lightening rod up.
Having said that, are you ready for today's comment. And can you guess who it's from...

Setting: Sacrament Meeting.
Child: Dawson
Comment: As the bread is being past,
" Mom, the bread represents Jesus's body, right."
"Yes, it does."
"Well, this bread is brown. I didn't know Jesus was brown."

Prayer

Why is it that sometimes the simplest of things are often the most neglected. The Lord has counseled us to pray often. As a family we pray at meal time. We thank Him for the food and ask Him to bless it. We pray at bed time. We thank Him for the day and for our blessings and ask Him to watch over us and our loved ones.
But, why is it that when we are truly struggling with issues in our lives He is sometimes the last person we turn to? He knows what we're going through. He has suffered all things great and small, for us. If we but, turn to Him for comfort we shall receive it. He has promised us that He wouldn't give us anything we cannot handle. So when life feels like it's suffocating you and you can't lift your burdens any longer, don't try to stand. Instead kneel.
Pray for strength, guidance, comfort, support, and answers. Our loving Heavenly Father is waiting to hear from us. He wants us to come unto Him and have Him help lift our burdens. In return we will grow closer to our Father in Heaven. We will be able to recognize His spirit and guidance. And our personal testimonies will grow.
I know that prayer has been one of the greatest tools in my life. I have personally seen it's power in action. I've witnessed prayer work in others lives too. My young daughter has been one the greatest examples of prayer to me. She has had a testimony of prayer since a very young, tender age. She knows that when she's scared or unsure of things she can ask for a blessing of comfort. She knows that through prayer she can be blessed in her times of need.
Just recently she demonstrated her faith in prayer to help her with a challenge she was having in gymnastics. Mackenzie is currently a level 5 in gymnastics or a second level competitor. Her coaches have set certain levels of requirements each girl must meet in order to advance and compete. As this spring's competition season is approaching Kenz is pushing herself to obtain the skills necessary to pass off the requirements for competition. She has struggled with a few skills and excelled at others. The hardest skill for her is the jump on the uneven bars from the low bar to high bar and into her 'cast'. She literally gets frozen from fear and can't make the jump. We set several goals for her and she's met them. And it seems that as soon as she gets her jump, she looses it. As crazy as it might sound, this is a very common problem for athletes. As of last week her coach pulled her aside and discussed this spring's competition season with her. Because of the level she would be competing, her coach felt like Kenz wasn't quite ready. She wants her to focus on her skills and take this season off. Kenzie came home devastated. She and I discussed her options and I explained my concerns for her and tried to help her understand where her coach was coming from. I explained to her that I was nervous for her because level 5 is a singular one on one competition. If you're not a top scorer, you don't receive a medal or placement ribbons. I told her I didn't want her to feel bad or sad or beat herself up f she didn't place. I tried to explain that her coaches want her to have super confidence in herself and her skills before she competes. As her tears flowed she said, "mom, this is the first time ever wanted to quit gymnastics." She's been gymnastics since she was 3. I have always said, that once it's not fun and she doesn't want to continue she can quit. I asked her if this is what she really wanted. Of course the answer was no. She was just heart broken. She said to me, "I feel like they just ripped my goal away from me. I know I can do it. It's just taking me a little longer." I explained to her that the tryout meet is 9 practices away. That's only 2 weeks. Then we discussed if in that amount of time she could really get her 'jump'. She looked at me with tears in her eyes and said, "I'll never know if I don't try."
From there we set a few goals, I spoke to her coach and Mackenzie was given the 'OK' to tryout. As long as she can get  her 'jump' consistently she can compete. On Monday when I dropped her off I gave her a pep talk and some words of encouragement. She rolled her eyes and smiled at me. I said "hey don't roll your eyes at me." She quickly responded with, "I know, I know. I can do this mom. I will do this!"
When I picked her up I was nervous to find out the result of the day's practice. When she finally jumped in the car, she says, "sorry I'm late, I was jumping." I looked at her stunned. She beamed with pride. I asked her how she did it. She responded with the most simple but, sincere and profound response, "I prayed." She then spoke knowledge beyond her years. She said, "I knew that if I was going to make my 'jump' I needed to ask for help. I prayed to Heavenly Father that if I did all that I could do, then I knew He would help me have the confidence needed to do it."
She had the faith needed to have her prayer answered. In case you're wondering, her tryout meet is the 29th of the month. We will see what happens.

I know that it's never too early to teach a child to pray. They have the simplest faith and are the greatest example to me.

Make The Most of Life.

Despite the title, this is a very light hearted story. But, it could make you stop and think.

Dawson was in the kitchen eating his bowl of cheerios when he begins talking. Now, knowing Dawson when he's alone and starts to talk my ears immediately perk up because it's almost a guarantee that something great is going to come out of it.  And he did not disappoint.

Here is his conversation as a cheerio.
"I feel like I'm floating. Ahhh. This milk is so nice. Oh No, it's a mouth. Nooooo, it's Dawson's mouth. I'm a gonner." Chomp!

This is our own little personal glimpse into the short lived life a cheerio.

Now to make this post a little more thought provoking. If a giant mouth were coming near you about to gobble you up. Have you lived a full and rewarding life? Have you accomplished the things that were most important to you? Are the things you're stressed over really that important. What regrets do you have? Take care of them now and live a life worth living.

Dawson and Sawyer

Mom, I had to post these pics for you because I can see the similarities between these two little men of mine. Can you see a little family resemblance?

Toys Are So Over Rated

Why is it bust our butts trying to find just the right gifts for kids. When in reality it doesn't matter. How many times have we as parents joked that for Christmas all we need to get younger children is an empty box wrapped up. Well, next time truly consider this option.

He found the jar of peanut butter and pushed it all around the kitchen floor.

He found a door stop and decided it might be worth taking a second look at.


And notice the blue hanger in the back ground. He was playing with that earlier.


It seems that with all the zillions of toys laying around this house the only thing Sawyer wanted to play with was the every day stuff we already had.

10 Going on 16

Kenzie and I found some of my old curlers the other day and we decided to have some fun. 

How stinkin cute in my little girl!