Yellow Belt!!!

Tonight Tayson promoted from a white belt to a yellow belt in Karate. Three words can describe the whole night: Proud! Proud! Proud!!!

Tayson with Mr. Smith, his Karate instructor.

Becoming one with his new yellow belt.

Receiving his new belt.

Go Tayson!!!

So Much to Blog, So Little Time!

OK! Well, there is way too much that has happened in the last couple of weeks, and I just don't have time to do them all justice! So...here is a short list of the main events.

1. Shaun was flown out to CA for a job interview that looks promising. Now we are just waiting for a phone call, or an email, or something.

2. While Shaun was gone I stayed at Tiff' and Trevor's. I had such a fun time getting to know their wonderful boys a little better! Haylie has asked for them everyday since we have been home! We had a few adventures while we were there. Mainly getting lost while trying to pick up Trevor from the car accident he was in! No fun for anyone!! We really enjoyed staying there and have never felt more welcome! Thanks again guys, for putting up with us invading your home!!

3. While we were at Tiff's our grades were posted. Shaun and I both got straight A's this semester...admittedly a much bigger achievement for Shaun who took more classes and a LOT more difficult classes! Go Shaun! So proud of you! One more semester....

4. Tayson's school Christmas program was on Thursday. They sang songs and I just have to say that Tayson is such a cute kid! And very well behaved! It's so fun to see him at school with his friends and teacher! He's growing up way too fast!

These pics are from the morning of his Christmas program! Too cute!

5. Friday was Tayson's last day of school until the new year! He came home very wound up and very excited for christmas. I turned on some Christmas music and let them go nuts! Here are the moments I captured.

6. Our family Christmas party was Saturday night. We were a bit worried that we would make it down to my brother's in West Jordan for the party because of the weather. We made it, thanks to Shaun's careful driving and had a good time. I took my camera....but it never quite made it out of my purse. Two kids of my own, 4 nephews and everyone being wound up for Christmas made it impossible for picture taking. But, if you check out my cousin Tara's blog (in my blog list) there are some way cute pics of the party! Pizza, root beer floats, reindeer games, and laughter! Good times were had by all!

Well, that is my list for now. Tomorrow Tayson is promoting from a white belt to a yellow in karate. Hopefully my camera will find it's way out of my purse for that and I can post some pics of that! Now..for a nice day of relaxation after all this running around this past week and with next week sure to be a bit crazy with Christmas. Maybe we can get in some family movie time.....We'll see!

Finally OVer!

Wow! Finals are over! (For me at least!) I took my last final of the semester this morning and now I feel light as a feather! What a relief! Now if only we can get Shaun through the rest of this week, we'll be doing great! He is so busy I doubt I'll even see him much! My other tid bit of news is that I'm postponing school next semester until we can figure out what we are doing. I found out that a lot of my credits won't transfer ( so what's the point???), and we will be crazy busy seeing that Spring Semester will be Shaun's last of undergraduate school, and we may possibly be job hunting, and I guess it all just sounds like a little too much. So for now, I'll concentrate on playing with my kiddos and being a supportive wife! And, by the way, I'm glad to do it!

So, now that school is over, what should I do? I guess it's time to get wrapping and organized for Christmas. Luckily all our shopping is done, so I won't have to wade through the crowds at the stores!

This weekend, Shaun will fly out for his job interview. We are making a little vacation of the whole thing. Tayson is spending the time with Grandma and Grandpa Dodge so that he will not have to miss school. Haylie and I will be going to stay with my sister and her little family, and only Shaun will be looking forward to the fun that comes with an interview! Best of luck, Babe! I know you'll do great! It should be a nice little break for us all. Hopefully the weather will cooperate!

Well, that's it for the latest on us. Catch up with you more later.....

Turkey Time!

Thanksgiving! We decided to make our own little turkey and eat at home this year. We invited Shaun's parents to come enjoy the day with us! Everything went perfect...except for maybe the turkey getting done in 2 1/2 hours instead of the estimated 4...and the yams almost burning...and my most favorite, Shaun dumping the banana cream pie all over the floor! BUT, I am thankful that the pie didn't hit the floor until after we were done eating what we wanted and were putting it away! And I'm thankful for the fact that I saved the yams and they were still delicious! And I'm thankful for the "warm" on the oven dial that kept our turkey hot until we were ready for it!

But, I'm most thankful for my little family and the time we got to spend together. For my hubby that helped me cook it all and didn't make me touch the raw turkey (YUCK!), and who loves me for me! For Tayson who drew me the best turkey picture ever, and still cuddles even though he's "too big" for it! (Is 6 years old too big???) For Haylie who kept saying "I'm a turkey! Gobble! Gobble!" all day long, and her sweet, mischievous spirit! And last, but not least, all my extended family that I got to visit with this weekend! I would be lost without my family!

There are so many other things that I am thankful for in my life! There isn't time to list them all! So, I'll end by saying how incredibly blessed I am, and always will be while surrounded by those I love most!

A Week In a Blur!

This week has gone by in a blur with so many things happening! My goal this week was to get a good head start on studying for finals. I didn't. At all. Oh well, I've still got awhile yet.



Tuesday we went to Karate. Tayson is doing great and learning tons.



Wednesday we had an issue with lying, which resulted in early bedtimes. I didn't mind at all! Shaun was up at school, so I had the evening to myself! HEAVEN!!!



Thursday we went the the Trans Siberian Orchestra concert! We picked up Tayson from school, sent Haylie with Grandma Dodge and drove down to Layton where we met Shaun's family for a yummy dinner at Famous Dave's. Tayson was a bit wound up and excited about the concert, so needless to say, we weren't on our best "restaurant" behavior, but oh well! Then we went and enjoyed the music! Such fun! I have three of their songs on my playlist, so if you've never heard their stuff, make sure to check it out! They are awesome! Then came the long drive home. By the time we wound our way through traffic and found the freeway again, Tayson was sound asleep!



Friday started good and ended even better. I got a phone call from Tayson's school saying that he was a "paw print" winner! Yes! That means he was on his best behaviour. That's always good news to a mom! Then we got Chinese food for dinner - our treat to ourselves after a crazy week! Then came the phone call....Shaun is being flown out for a job interview! Wow! His hard work is finally starting to pay off! Way to go, Babe! I'm proud of you! We still don't know where we will end up or what we will be doing, but we are definitely excited for a new chapter in life!



So...that's our week in a blur! Maybe things will settle down soon....but maybe not! :0)

The End Is In Sight!!!

Today is a happy day! I finished reading the last chapter of my Psychology book, did the last homework assignment and now I just have to study for the final....which is 3 weeks away! Yea! I only have one more section to read in my US Institutions class, one more assignment and the final! I CAN DO IT!

Christmas shopping for the kids...DONE! Well, except for stocking stuffers, but that's easy! Shaun's Christmas is almost all taken care of too! Just the little things now.

This Thursday we get to take Tayson to the Trans Siberian Orchestra concert! It is our little family Christmas tradition and we were able to take Tayson last year too! He absolutely loved it! If you haven't ever heard their stuff, you need to check it out! I'm a bit worried that Tays will be too tired for school the next morning, but there is no way we were going to miss this! Why oh why is the concert not on a Friday?

We only wish that Haylie was old enough to take with us. However, she is staying the night at Grandma and Grandpa Dodge's and is sooooo excited! She usually goes with Tayson, so she will have a blast having Grandma and Grandpa all to herself! The spoiled little thing! It should be a fun night for all of us!

It has rained all day today! I love the rain! I keep trying to convince Shaun to get a job in Seattle, so that I can have rain all the time, but I guess we have to go where the jobs are, huh? Speaking of which, Shaun had two interviews this last Friday. It still seems so weird to me that we are getting that close to graduation! So proud of my smart hubby! On that note, this blog entry has made a full circle....The End IS In Sight!!! Woohoo!!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Today, November 6, is my dad's birthday. What an amazing man! At first I was going to write 55 (his age) things about him, but that would be the LONGEST BLOG EVER! :0) So, instead I've decided to write down a few things that I remember, treasure and cherish about my dad.



One of my most favorite things that I remember from when I was a little girl is that some nights my dad would come home from work with a little brown paper bag. He would put it on top of the fridge and we weren't allowed to peek inside until after dinner. It always had my very favorite thing in it....CANDY! I would watch out the window, waiting for dad to come home and to see if he had a bag in hand! What a cute, simple way to say how much he cared!



I remember going to work with my dad. We got to get a HUGE soda out of the machine. These were not the little cans we have now, but the big glass bottles! At least they were big in my eyes. I would sit on his work table, and Dad would put me to work sorting buttons, nails, money and all sorts of odds and ends. I always loved the smell of his shop! Now Tayson gets to go to work with Grandpa and do the same things! What lucky kids!



On Sunday's sometimes we would go for a drive up the mountains. When it was hot, this was the only way they could survive me. My dad would whistle, I would sing, and life was grand!!



Now my little Tayson has this incredible bond with Grandpa. No one can deny it, understand it or touch it. Nothing compares. They hike up Green Canyon to the cave, go fishing at First Dam, shoot BB guns, cuddle in front of the fireplace and just hang out. Tayson would be lost without him.

He calls me Care Bear. No one else does. It's just for him.



These are only a few of the things that I love about my dad! There just isn't room or time to write them all down, but I just wanted to give a little tribute to him, say HAPPY BIRTHDAY, and I love you....

Go Obama!

GO OBAMA! We got to watch election night and it was a very moving, motivating and exciting night. I'm proud that our country has come so far. Now hopefully President Elect Obama can take us a bit further in the coming years...I'm sure he will. I think that he's the right man for the job and it will be a nice change for the White House and our country! Onward and Upward!

P.S. I thought of you last night, Grandma Wendel! I knew you'd be happy!

Halloween!

Have you ever seen a more cute Snow White or a more handsome Indiana Jones? I haven't! My favorite is the sucker sticks hanging out of their mouths! We couldn't keep them away from their candy this year!!

Halloween was a busy crazy day for us! We went to Tayson's school and watched the Halloween Costume Parade. Then we came home, shoveled down some dinner and were off for a night of trick or treating! The kids didn't get a ton of candy. I think they were too worn out to go for very long, but they had a good time. The kids even got to spend the night at Grandma and Grandpa's. Lucky things! They are spoiled rotten! Shaun and I went out, didn't get home until 4 am and then slept in till 11. It was so nice to sleep in! What a fun Halloween for everyone!

Sorry that this update is so short. I've got two tests this week to study for, so it's going to be a crazy one! Later....

ABC Tag

So I saw this cute ABC tag on my friend Molly's blog and thought it would be fun to put in mine...

A- Attached or Single? Awesomely attached!
B- Best Friend? Shaun is my very best friend! There are those of you that are close behind him though! You know who you are...
C- Cake or Pie? Cheesecake. Amy's Pumpkin Cheesecake to be exact.
D- Day of Choice? Lazy Saturday mornings and fun Saturday date nights!
E- Essential Item? Suckers in my purse.
F- Favorite Color? Warm colors for decorating. Red's and navy blue's to wear.
G- Gummy Bears or Worms? BOTH
H- Hometown? Logan, UT
I-Indulgence(s)? Hot bubble baths and a good book!
J- January or July? Both! Three of our 4 birthdays are in January, with Haylie being the lone duck in July.
K- Kids? yep. Tayson-almost 7 and Haylie -2
L- Life is incomplete without? My little family! Movies!
M- Marriage Date? May, 10th, 2002
N- Number of Siblings? 1 bother, 1 sister
O- Oranges or Apples? Oranges
P- Phobias or Fears? Being lonely, other peoples kids with germs! (I know...I USED to do daycare! Maybe that's why I hate sticky fingers so much!!)
Q- Quotes? Hmmm...I don't know. I should find one!
R- Reason to Smile? Holidays are approaching!
S- Season? FALL!
T- Tag 3 People? Kim, Lindy, Mel
U- Unknown Fact?
V- Very Favorite Store? Kohl's. And Scentinal Candle.
W- Worst Habit? Nail biting.
X- X-Ray or Ultrasound? Hmmm..Really? That's all they could come up with for "X"? Well, neither for me, thanks.
Y- Your Favorite Food? Italian, Chinese.
Z- Zodiac? Capricorn

Well, there's my ABC post.

Hiya Stranger!

Well...hello there! It's been forever since I posted anything, so I decided I had better catch up! Not too much is happening here at the Copeland house. Shaun and I are both busy studying for midterms. It is "Fall Break" on Friday, and we both have midterms! Not much of a break if you ask me! Oh well...

Tayson had his first parent teacher conference of the year on Monday. He is doing great! He has lots of friends, he listens, and does great work! He's a smarty and we are very proud of him. His teacher seems really nice too, so that's always good! He had pajama day on Tuesday and since all of his pajamas are either too short or WAY too big, he got new "publicly acceptable" jammies. Very cute and comfy! Now he wants to wear them all day every day! Me too, kid! Me too! Last weekend we went Halloween costume shopping and Tayson in going to be Indiana Jones. Now to find a shirt that works.... Tayson is still loving Karate and getting better every time he goes! It's fun to go and watch him! The first thing I hear when he jumps in the car after school is, "Am I going to Karate today? Please? " Poor kid...it's only twice a week!

Haylie is just as cute as ever. She just decided to watch Snow White last week and loves it! So...obviously she is going to be Snow White for Halloween! I think she will actually be old enough this year to understand what's going on with the whole trick-or-treating thing. It will be fun to watch her! She loves trying to pick up our pumpkins and keeps telling me they are "too heavy!!" Very cute.

Shaun had an interview the other day for a real-live-after-graduation job! It's crazy to think he is that close to being done! We have no idea where we will end up, but we are all looking forward to a change! He is such a smarty pants too...must have passed that on to Tayson! No really, he is an exceptional student and has supported his family through it all too! We are very proud of him!

I'm still liking school. It's a bit overwhelming at times to juggle it all, but we just paste on a smile and truck on through it! The house is a bit neglected, but it hasn't thrown us out yet! And we all have clean underwear...good to know, huh? :0)

Well, that's all that's new with us. I'll post more when I've got something new to say...

Quirks

So...Molly tagged me. The rules are: list six quirks about yourself and then tag six people. Then leave them a message on their blog (if they have one, or email them) letting them know they have been tagged. Here goes:

1. Hmmm...I'm a bit of a planner. This can be a good or bad thing depending on the day and the person you talk to.

2. I am very dependable. I will do what I say I will, when I say I'll do it. I like this about myself and wish more people were dependable too!!

3. Wow...this is hard..I've only done two and I'm drawing a blank. Oh..I'm a nurturer. I like to take care of people. If someone is sick or sad I like to help out.

4. I used to love the winter, but ever since Tayson has gone to school and I HAVE to drive somewhere every day, I've began to hate the snow. Fall is my favorite. A little chilly, beautiful colors and dry, or at least just wet, roads.

5. I like things neat and tidy. At least where other people can see them. The closets? Disasters!!

6. I'm childlike in my beliefs. I still want to believe in Santa, the Tooth fairy, and Cupid. What fun is life without a little magic?

Well, now. Let's see. Who should I tag? Melanie, Lindy, Kristin, Kim, Mom, Mara, and anyone else who would like to share!!

YES!!!!

Alright! I am good! I got 98% on my test this morning! I'm a little mad...I would have had 100%, but noooooo, I just had to change that one answer! Next time....no changing answers! Party time for me!!! Or..maybe it's just time to forget about school work for a day and make my house livable again...and do laundry..clean clothes would be nice! Thanks for all your good thoughts for me today!

Anxiety

Hmmm...a little test anxiety....

I have my very first test of my college career tomorrow. I'm a bit nervous! I never once studied for anything in high school, so seven years later, this is a bit of a shock to my system. I've studied up a storm and my head is about to explode! Hopefully it will pay off. I'll find out tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Karate Kid!

Tayson is the BEST Karate Kid I've ever seen! We signed him up to take Karate last week and today was his very first day! He loved it! They did kicks all class (for a fundraiser) and I bet he won't be able to walk tomorrow! I know I wouldn't! Everyone was really friendly and he left just as excited as he went! I think it will be good for him to have something that he loves. And he looks so grown up in his Gi (uniform)! I'm awfully proud of his focus, dedication and perseverance! He never gave up, even when I know he must have wanted to collapse! I think he's going to love it! Watch out for Ninja Tayson!!!

:0) All Smileys! :0)

Tayson did it! Every day at school Tayson fills out his Reflection Log. He gets to color in a smiley, straight, or frowny face depending on his behavior. He's been working so hard to get all smileys and we told him he could go to the Fun Park when he did. The week before last was soooo close. Only one straight face, (and I think his teacher was being a bit strict on that one) so we took him to McDonald's, but not the Fun Park. Last week he did it! He has been working hard and trying to do his very best, so we were very excited for him! Today we took him to the Fun Park and he had a blast! We played on the soft play, played games, ate pizza, had root beer and got prizes for the tickets we won! What a fun day! He did get quite a nasty cut on his knee...he doesn't know how, he was too busy playing....but if you don't have war wounds to show for a good day what do you have?!?

So..got a new template for my blog. Like it? Well, it's way late for me....off to bed...

A New Throne!

Well, yesterday was an adventure! As the saying goes, " The shit hit the fan!" Literally. Not only the fan, the floor, tub, sink, walls, towels, and any other surface imaginable! And it was my fault! An accident, but a very bad one! Earlier in the day, a pill bottle got flushed down the toilet. By me. Yep. Me. I figured we'd have problems right then, but everything seemed to be flushing smoothly. Then. It. Didn't. And we don't have a plunger. So, I left the kids with Mara, ran to Walmart, got yelled at for entering through the tire and lube entrance, made a smart alec remark back, grabbed a plunger and sped on home. Then. It. Didn't. Work. ARG! We called housing, (poor housing!) and they came and worked on it for a couple of hours. Nothing was working. He left and said he'd see me in the morning. Now, during this whole dramatic event, my long time friend, Brent called to catch up. What a great night to call! We hadn't talked in over a year and he got to hear about my overflowing, clogged toilet! Bet it will be awhile before he calls back! :0) So, anyway, after housing left, I walked upstairs and into the bathroom. My eyes bugged out and I walked back out. It was awful! How in the #@*! did it get in my tub!!! GROSS! Well, I got it cleaned up and went to bed. They came this morning with a spanking new, CLEAN toilet! And it's working and all cleaned up! That's the end of my dramatic event. Now...what will be the next?

Hmmm...What To Say...What To Say...

Hmmmm...what to say...what to say....

Not much is happening here at the Copeland's. Just school, homework, tests, cleaning, laundry and walks. Just more of the same old stuff. We are doing good. We are happy to be doing the same old stuff. This weekend we get to go to Owen's baby blessing (my new little nephew). I've only seen him once in the hospital, so it will be nice to see him again. I'm not too excited to deal with my kids...and the combination of church and cousins! Who could stay quiet when there are cousins to play with. Guess I'll try to think of some fun, quiet toys to bring. Haylie got a new dress, since hers are all summer dresses and it is definitely turning to fall! It's way cute....now to remember my camera to capture the cute kids! Oh...that reminds me...Tayson's picture day is tomorrow! I almost forgot! Guess I've got to figure out what he's going to wear! Oh..I'm looking forward to date night. Grandma Copeland has said that she will watch the kids on Friday night, so Shaun and I can go to dinner or a movie or something! Should be fun. Then on Saturday we are taking Tayson to a Karate lesson. If he likes it, we will sign him up. He's been looking forward to that for awhile now! I bet he'll look so cute in the little uniforms! Oops...handsome, I mean. More later....

Hiking, Hands, and Cars, Oh My!!

On Sunday we went out to my parents for dinner. Then Tayson decided that he needed to show us the cave in Green Canyon that he and Grandpa go to. So..we stopped at home, got some shoes and headed on up. I didn't have my camera, so we'll have to go again to get pics. Tayson is such a little hiker! I kept yelling for him to be careful and Grandpa kept telling me to leave him alone. It's hard to remember just how grown up and independent he is! Tayson loves to go up in the mountains and hike. Guess we'll have to get a few more hikes in while the weather is nice. We ended up running into some of my parents neighbors while hiking and the two little kids just love my mom and had to hold her hands. Poor little Haylie was dying of jealousy and poor Grandma got to hold three little hands....and hearts, I'm sure. When we got back home, Grandma and Grandpa were dropping us off and Haylie just couldn't leave. She climbed back into the front seat and buckled herself in..all ready to go home with Grandma and Grandpa. When I finally got her unbuckled she scooted over to the driver side of the car and played with lights, turn signals, keys, steering wheel, and all sorts of knobs! We finally got her out, and in the house, but I'm sure the car will never be the same!

Today

Ever felt like this? Yeah, me too. TODAY.

Good Day!

Today has been a good day! Nothing special has happened. I was just able to accomplish a lot! That's always a good feeling! Haylie and I dropped off our boys at there respective schools, went grocery shopping, said hello to Mara and Landon and then came home for a nap. At least Haylie got a nap. Mom got homework. I got lots done, and I feel ready for my quiz tomorrow in one class. The other class...well, I have another chat tonight. Seeing how "great" the last one went, we'll see if I actually enter the chat, or just read it. I'm going to babysit Landon tonight. Or sit on their couch, rather, since he'll be in bed! It's so good to have someone that I completely trust to trade babysitting with! And I just love Landon, so it's fun for me too! I'm planning on keeping an eye on the chat and doing some more reading for my Psychology class. Should be good. It's nice to end the day feeling like what you needed to do has been done! Then you know it's a good day!!

An Outing Turns Into An Adventure!!

This morning, my good friend, Mara, her adorable little boy, Landon and Haylie and I decided to go on an outing! Nothing too exciting...just a bus ride to the campus book store. The bus stop is right by our mailbox and every time Haylie sees a bus she says, "Haylie go bus!", so I thought she would enjoy it. The outing was going great! We caught the bus, rode it without any hiccups to campus. We went to the book store, let Landon and Haylie pick out a toy and some skittles, waved to Liza and decided to catch the bus home and get some lunch. So..we walked to the bus stop, waited, and got on a bus. No worries...everything was under control. Then...

The bus passed our stop! Oh no! We were on the CITY bus, not the campus bus! Mara and I sat and stared at each other, mouths open, trying to figure out what to do and finally decided that we we just going to have to get off , rather than end up in no-man's-land, and walk the couple of miles back home. Hopefully the two toddler's legs would make it!

Thanks to our sugar rush from the skittles the mommies and babies are home safe! I still can't believe Landon and Haylie walked the whole way! Such little troopers! We had a blast just laughing and walking...and walking...and walking! Needless to say, we will never make that mistake again!!

And that, my friends, is how a simple little outing becomes an adventure!!!

"No Homework!"

So it's been awhile since I've updated, but life drones on in the same old day in and day out routines as always. We are busy with school!! Busy with kids!!! Busy with life! And loving it! I am no longer wishing away my days, but wishing for more hours in a day! What a change from the girl I was a few months ago! I'm enjoying feeling my brain expand...sometimes hurting it is expanding so much, but enjoying it none the less. I'm definitely out of my comfort zone, but it's getting a little cozier!

Haylie, I believe, is missing me a bit. She is really good to let me study for a bit and then she comes up to me, closes my book and says, "No homework, Mommy! Play with Haylie!" How can I resist that? She lets me know when my time is up and I'm usually grateful for the playtime with my bugs!

Tayson told me today that he liked Kindergarten better than first grade, because there was more time to play outside. I didn't have the heart to tell him that he had a LONG way to go! He'll adjust! He's doing very well on his homework and the tidbits forgotten over the summer have seemed to come back! He's my smartypants!!

Shaun has been amazing! Helping with kids, housework, homework and even grabbing takeout for dinner tonight, since I had just about had it. I was too tired to want to cook and clean up! What a sweetie! I'd be lost without him!

So...I'm loving my busy, hectic life and now I'm just trying to remember that sometimes it's time for "No Homework!"

Mamma Mia!

I went out with Liza to see Mamma Mia! last night. It was so much fun! What a good movie and what great company! We were, however, missing our friend, DeAnn...the third in our trio! I loved the show and will definitely see it again! It was nice to get out!

School is going good. We have gotten into our schedule and I'm not stressed out...just enjoying the learning experience. I like going to school now, when I'm a little bit older. I have noticed myself thinking of things in an entirely different way than I would have if I had gone to college straight out of high school. I think I will do much better in school now. I guess things really do turn out how they should.

Haylie has been showing her age and throwing tantrums lately. Her new word is "NO!" She is also a sweet girl when she wants to be and has really started showing her compassionate side. I love to watch her grow and learn! We have been working on singing her ABC's, which I'm proud to say she is quite good at! What a cutie!

Tayson is enjoying first grade. He doesn't seem so tired anymore when he comes home. It took him a bit, but I believe he is adjusting well.

Tayson and Haylie get to go spend the night at Grandma and Grandpa Dodge's house on Friday night. They are so excited to go play....so are mom and dad!!! We are so lucky to have grandparents close by on both sides that are willing to play! Don't know what we'd do without them!!

A Quickie

So just a little short quick note for today's blog. We are good. We are adjusting to school. Working out the kinks and running a bit smoother. I even got 100% on my latest homework...
Haylie's word for the day is "NICE!". It's very cute. I gave her a sticker..she puts it on her shirt and says, "NICE!" as in cool! She's so cute.
Tayson is now doing his homework in the mornings before school since he is too exhausted to function in the afternoons. This seems to work out a lot better and eliminates a lot of fights and frustration.
A good friend is watching the kids tonight so Shaun and I can go out! Yea! A much needed break! It's her turn to go out next week! LOVE YOU!!
So that's my quickie for the day....

School Bells Are Ringing!

So....Shaun and I started back to school on Monday. Whereas Shaun is used to school, it's been SEVEN...count them....SEVEN years for me. It is a bit overwhelming and due to some issues with one of my online classes I ended the first day in tears. The second and third day went better, and I'm even about a week ahead of where I need to be. Haylie seems to be adjusting well to not having my undivided attention. I know that I will get in all in balance soon. I have been told a lot recently that I am uptight. Now I'm wondering...is that a dig? One good friend gave me a mantra to say over and over all day to help me unwind....I'm working on it! It's a good one! :0)- Dinner, dishes, laundry and housework are already falling to the wayside, but we'll survive. We aren't living in a pigsty yet! Shaun has been awesome in helping with the kids so I can get a few things done without Haylie. Now we'll have to see what happens when we aren't in the FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL!! Yes, I know....repeat my mantra! Ready or not, here we go!!!

Big Dino's!

So on Saturday, we decided that we weren't done with Summer quite yet! We just had to get in one last fun day, so we went to the Dinosaur Park in Ogden. Big Dino's everywhere! We took Tayson a few summers ago when I was pregnant with Haylie and he loved it! It was even more fun this time with Haylie along. We were afraid that she might get scared by how big they are and the sounds, but she had a blast! Every time we turned a corner and she saw another dinosaur she would yell (of course any of you who know my daughter know that she only has one volume level!), "BIG DINO"S!!" Very cute! We walked around outside, then went and got some lunch and headed back to see the inside stuff. Very cool! Then of course I had to hit Kid to Kid and Target. Such a fun last day of summer fun! School starts Monday for Shaun and I and I'm just not quite ready to get back down to business! Oh well....Let the fun begin!

Tayson for lunch!

First of the First!

First Grade Here I Come!

Tayson started First Grade on Wed., Aug, 20th! He was so excited for school to start this year! We got ready, Tayson in his new school clothes (the backpack is a repeat of last year since it still looked bran new!) and headed out the door. Parents were invited to come for the first hour of school. So, Daddy stayed home with Haylie and I went with Tayson. We met his teacher, hung his backpack on his hook, found his cubby and mailbox, said hi to Grandpa Dodge's twin, Kevin, and even got a donut and Sunny D! Then we went back to class where he was supposed to color in his "Welcome To First Grade" coloring book. He got settled at a table and as I knelt down by him, he looks at me and says, "Get out of here, Mom! Love you!" Oh dear! If I weren't so ready for school to start it MIGHT have hurt my feelings! :0) As it was, I just said, "Love you too!" and skipped on home! FREEDOM!! OK, not completely since little sister, Haylie, was waiting at home, wondering where in the world her big brother had gone off to and wanting someone to play with, but freedom from fighting siblings! Yea!

It is so strange to have Tayson gone all day! I miss all the help he is to me and his company, but so far school is great! He loves his teacher, has friends in his class and even has TWO recesses where he is now allowed to play on ANY playground he wishes. Unlike Kindergarten where he could only play on one! He also thinks it is pretty cool to eat lunch at school with his friends! He reports the menu to us each day and so far has eaten everything on his plate each day.....or so he says!

Wow! First Grade! He sure is growing up fast!!!

Errands and School

So...the latest with school. I have been awarded financial aid. I got a grant and a student loan. I am registered fine with one class and still waiting for the second to show up on my schedule. I think we are good to go. So now I have to figure out how to access my classes and how everything works. Adventures! Oh yes....and still get books......

Tayson starts school in two days! I can't wait! I get to go with him for an hour in the morning to meet his teacher, find his classroom, etc. It will be fun to get him back in a good schedule and entertained! He lost two teeth this past week and I'm sure the tooth fairy is broke now! Tayson is trying to save up money to buy a Wii game and gun. He already has $23 and Dad did say we would meet him partway, so he's getting there.

That's all that's new with us. Just waiting on school and running errands in the meantime. The car is going into the shop on Wed. and Thur. and then hopefully it will be good to go. Went grocery shopping, dropped off documents and applications, and gave they boys haircuts. Still have to clean, do more laundry, and get Tayson's school supplies ready. Crazy week, I tell ya!!

Back to School!

Back to school...well.... hopefully! I have been accepted to USU, gone through the online new student orientation, talked to my advisor and decided what classes to take. Now we are waiting on financial aid. It's the story of my life...waiting on money! The fact that I applied 7 years ago as Carrie Dodge and I am now applying as Carrie Copeland seems to be confusing the crap out of them! Tomorrow I must go make an in person appearance and see if I can't get things going. I am a bit nervous about going back to school. It will be quite a juggling act to take care of kids, Tayson's homework, the house, laundry, dinner and all of those other little things that fall to me as the mom. Today, as I was on the phone with my advisor, discussing how many classes to take online, the kids were crying, screaming, fighting, and jumping off the bed. Very kindly my advisor advised me to take only two classes since it seemed that I already had my hands very full! I had to giggle and agree! I'm very antsy to get things going. Why couldn't I have had this brilliant idea to go to school about a month ago? Oh well, it will all work out, either this semester or next! Oh...I still have to buy books, too! So many things to do! So much excitement!

Tayson is starting school on Wednesday! I'm so excited! He definitely needs something productive to occupy his time rather than just pestering his little sister! The other night, driving home with Grandpa Dodge from visiting Tiff and Owen, Tayson was talking about going back to school and that he will miss his Kindergarten teacher since he is now in first grade. I told him that he'd have to give her hugs during recess. He then said, "I know! I'll give her a present because she liked teached us so good!" I had to giggle and say, "Oh yes! She teached you GOOD!" What a silly boy!

Welcome Baby Owen!

**Beautiful Baby Owen**

** Grandma Dodge and Owen**

**Haylie, doing a little soul searching!**

**Big cousin, Tayson, has it all under control!**

**The Proud Mamma and Baby Owen**

On August 12, 2008 Owen was brought into my family by his beautiful mother, my sister, Tiffany! What a handsome little man he is! He was born at 7:11 pm and is just absolutely perfect! I just love newborn babies, especially ones as cute as Owen! Everything went well and baby and mommy are doing just great! Welcome, Owen! And a big congratulations to his mom and dad!

Owen has a big brother, Aiden. What a cutie! Tayson picked out some dino's and a coloring book and crayons for his "big brother present". Aiden was so excited! A dollar spent has never been more rewarding! He seems to love his little bro and I'm sure he can't wait till they are home from the hospital!

I was able to take my kids and ride down with my parents to see the new arrival. I didn't realize how much Haylie LOVES babies! She couldn't keep her eyes or hands off Owen! Tayson got to hold him too and I was so proud to see how gentle and caring he was with him! He sure lives up to his responsibilities as the oldest cousin; such a good kid!!

Welcome, Owen! We are so glad you joined the family and can't wait to get to know your little spirit! You are so special and sweet, not to mention adorable, cuddly, and perfectly lovable! We love you so much!!! Welcome to the family!

Wild in Wendover

OK....so maybe not so "wild", but definitely FUN!!!

Saturday, Shaun and I went to Wendover with some friends. I have never been there, and although it is tiny, it is big on good times!

There isn't much to do there besides gamble and drink. I've never been a big gambler, but I was able to learn a little Poker and Black Jack. My big take was on the penny slots. I won $16!! Can you believe it?? I'm rich! :0) Alright, all joking aside, we had a lot of fun! We ate lunch, played, walked around, had dinner, and played some more. We didn't get to back to our room till about 3:00 am and it was hard to settle down and get to sleep. We left our room in a sleepy daze and headed straight for Starbucks! OH JOY! OH BLISS! Then we started for the long ride home, with a lot of pit stops. We finally got home and as we were turning the knob to get in I heard "Momma! Momma!" Oh, it's good to be "Momma" and have those little arms around me again!

Tayson was able to go to the Rodeo with his grandparents while we were gone. We were able to find him a cowboy hat after only one store! Grandpa even caught him a t-shirt. He had a blast and today while driving in the car, listening to a song about a rodeo, Tayson says, "Mom? When can I go to a rodeo again? I really miss it!". Too cute!



On another note, summer is coming to an end and we are trying to squish in all the fun things we still want to do. Today we went to one of my best friend's house for lunch. She has kids about the same age and they love to play together. Then we went to the "Fun Park" to play on there soft play, which is almost like a McDonald's Playland, but bigger. My other friend from high school was there with her kids! So cute! It was nice to catch up after such a long time! The kids had so much fun and wore themselves out! They even got to play a few arcades and win some prizes! Hopefully they are so tired that it will be an early night..........

Sore, Tired, Excited, Cowboy Hats and Stink Bugs!

So...sore, tired and excited are the emotions of the day. Sore and tired because I've been good and actually gotten up at 5:00 am every morning this week to walk two miles. It makes for a long, sleepy day!

Excited for many reasons.

*One is that my workouts and diet are working....I'm getting smaller. I've lost 16 pounds this summer. It could have been more if I wouldn't have fallen off the wagon, but that's OK! I'll take what I can get!

*Two is that tonight I get to go shopping with one of my very favorite people for a new shirt. She is a dang hoot! I'm getting the shirt for Wendover...that's my third excitement.

*Three is that in two days I get to go play with my hubby and friends in Wendover. I've actually never been to Wendover. I find it funny that so many people have such drastic different opinions on the place! Some hate it, some love it! I guess I'll see soon enough for myself!

*Four is that when I go shopping tonight I'm going to get some stuff to do some red highlights in my hair. This makes me a bit more nervous than blond highlights, but what the heck...I'll live dangerously for a change! :0)


Today my goal is to find a cowboy hat for Tayson. My parents are taking him to a Rodeo on Friday and the other day Tayson worked up his cowboy accent and drawled, " Mom, I need a cowboy hat. Y'all can't go to a Rodaaaaaoooo without a cowboy hat!" So cute....so now I'm on a hunt for a hat. I'm hoping the dollar store will save me! And I'm hoping Tays has the time of his life at the Rodeo!

Last night, Wednesday, I went to my mom's to make a blanket. You see, I've been attached (more now as an adult than ever as a child) to my pink bunny blanket. It is now gray, holy and falling apart, and desperately needs to be retired to a closet! I recently bought some new bedding and some material that matches for a blanket. My mom and I had a REAL fun time trying to match corners and not look like fools in front of my dad who does upholstery for a living. The blanket is not perfect, and my good ole' dad had a few chuckles, but I just love it! THANK YOU, MOM! LOVE YOU!!!! It was so weird to go to my parents home without my kids. I don't think I've been there without them since they were born. I felt 15 again! It was nice to be able to chat with my parents and be able to relate to them on an adult level without being busy playing mom myself! They are wonderful people! Love you!

My little Haylie....oh..can you say "Terrible Two's"? OK..she's not too bad, just into everything. Just yesterday she pulled out all of her wet wipes one by one. Then she did a repeat performance on the new box of tissues. Then she dipped her play cup in the toilet and carried it around saying "I need a drink!" Eew! Eew! Eew! Then she gets my hairspray and silk therapy (expensive) and puts them in her hair. Where was I? you ask? Sleeping. I have to take a nap when she does since I'm getting up so early. This was all done in about 5 minutes time. And then, after we clean it up and have a little talk, she jumps in my lap, pets my check and gives me loves. What's a mommy to do? Cute little bug! Maybe a STINK BUG?????

Spirits Reunited

So yesterday, Monday, was a wonderful day. My good friend, Mel, came to visit that I haven't seen for two years! She's never even seen Haylie. It was so good for her to come up and visit! I've forgotten how much I really miss her! Time went too fast and we need to get together again soon! She looks so good and happy! Yea!! Her girls are absolutely adorable and so sweet!

My son Tayson and her oldest daughter, Berk, were the best of friends until my family moved three years ago. I remember Tayson crying for Berk for a long time after we were here. Then just a couple of months ago I asked Tayson if he remembered Berk and he said no! It made me so sad! So yesterday I asked him again and he said "Didn't we go to McDonald's with her?" Yes! Yes, we did!

Tayson was so excited for them to come and visit and when they pulled up he ran outside to greet them. They gave him the cutest stuffed dinosaur that they had bought for his birthday about two years ago! I can't believe they still had it! Tayson absolutely loves it! As our littlest girls were a bit shy and working on warming up to everyone, Berk and Tayson just started where they left off! It was like they had never been apart! Spirits reunited! It was the cutest thing to watch! Tears were shed after goodbyes!

Tayson slept with his dinosaur that he has named Snuggles. He told me that if Berkeley couldn't stay to snuggle and play with that the dinosaur would do. Then his eyes got huge, a smile lit up his face and he said, "I know, Mom! Why don't they move into the empty apartment next to us? That would be so much fun!" I told him I think they were going to stay where they were and once again....absolute heartbreak! It amazes me that after two plus years of not seeing her that he can be so attatched! We'll have to get together soon!

These pics are from Halloween 4 years ago! Cute little things, huh?

Tag-You're-It

So I've been tagged. Once you are tagged you must write ten random things about yourself. I thought is sounded like fun....maybe that's because I've been up since 5:00 am to get in my morning walk, and I'm still half asleep, but either way, here we go!

1. I love the fall. Crisp air and the colors! oh my!

2. I secretly watch "Saved by the Bell" after my morning walk and before the kids are up.

3. At the age of 25 I am just begining to figure out who I am, and what it means to be a well-rounded person.

4. I love puppy breath.

5. I have a thing for gummy bears that I am trying to get over!!

6. I enjoy cooking more than baking.

7. My toenails must always be painted.

8. I can not stand the heat. If you don't believe me just ask anyone who has EVER been around me during the summer! Sorry guys!

9. One of my biggest fears is being lonely.

10. My favorite thing to do at the end of the day is to read a good book while soaking in a hot bubble bath. Ahhhh....sweet luxury!!

Tag-You're-It!! Now it's your turn to post ten random things about yourself. Have fun!

Oh so TIRED!!!

Well, my hubby and I went out last night....Here we are on the way out the door! We didn't get home until about 12:30 and we were too wound up to go to sleep till about 2:00 am....
Now it is noon and we are still in pj's and just starting to think about getting bathed and dressed! I love Lazy Sundays!!!

I'm looking forward to tomorrow. The plan is to have my friend come visit that I haven't seen for TWO YEARS! It will be so good to visit!

Guess I'm off to get dressed!!

Brand New Me

Hello! I guess I am now a brand new "blogger"! We'll see how I like it.....

So today was my "sacred" beginning to the weekend! I love weekends and just live for them. We did absolutely nothing all morning...Wonderful! Although, Shaun and I did try Program 2 on our eliptical and saw stars for hours after. Whoever said exercise is fun is kidding themselves! Hopefully it will work though!

Tonight I get to go out with my hubby! My wonderful sister in law is coming over to sit with the kids...oh what would I do without her?!? ( Love you! ) I've actually been able to get out a little bit more lately...which has been sooo good. It has caused a bit of a mid life crisis, however. Yes, I know...I'm going to have a very short life if I'm having a mid life crisis at the age of 25!! I have decided that I need more in life and am now trying to get things together to get back in school! YEA!! I am so excited to have my life revolve around not only the needs of my two beautiful kids and hunky hubby, but MY needs as well! It will surely be a challenge to work it all out, but I'm hoping that I will be a better mother and more fulfilled. I do have to say that I'm a bit scared...as I always am to try something new, but I'm trying to be brave. I am running a bit late in applying for financial aid and registering for classes, since school starts in less than a month, so I may be out of luck, but I'm trying anyways. Hopefully I'll be able to take a couple of online classes this semester and actually go to class come Spring Semester. And may I say I am forever grateful to an ever supportive husband! He is in his Senior year of his Mechanical Engineering degree, and is still excited for me to go to college even if it puts more stress on him. Amazing man!

Oh yes! And I am also starting this new blog! Lots of new things in my life. Hope I can keep up with them all!