Bear Canyon Lake/Smithson Reunion 2012

This year, our usual camp out expanded to include all of my Mom's family.  My sweet grandmother's birthday was the 12th, and we wanted to surprise her by getting all of her children together.  Kevin couldn't get off work, and Troy had too much going, so it was me and the three kidlets.  Taylor went up with my folks on Sunday and Annie, Tyson and I followed on Wednesday.  We were all so excited to get going.

Annie took it upon herself to document our trip there, so of course she started in the car.  :)

 Tyson didn't like sitting in the back seat by himself, but he did like having total control of the DVD player.

 Miss Annie, all excited and ready to go.

 After a pit stop in Payson, we headed towards the Rim.  As we came around a corner in the Christopher Creek area, Annie yelled "TURTLE!" and gave enough of a warning that I was able to swerve and miss him.  It was so strange to see a tortoise crossing a mountain road, so of course we pulled over to take his picture. While we snapped away, a road crew stopped by to see him and remembered that someone in the Tonto Village area had reported a missing tortoise.  They were able to call in a wandering "turtle" and hopefully find the owner.  After that excitement, we were back in the car and headed up the mountain again.

We finally pulled into the family campsite and got everything set up....home away from home.

Annie and Tyson's beds.  Tyson insisted that he have his own bed and that he wasn't going to sleep with Mom.  Of the three nights we were there, he slept in my bed three times.  :)  The first and third nights he got cold, and the second night Annie's mattress went flat and she borrowed his.

Troy was nice enough to let Taylor borrow his cot....excuse the mess.  :)

Momma's bed....I WAS looking forward to having that large, comfy bed all to myself, but alas, that didn't happen.  In fact, the third night was so cold and rainy that Annie and Tyson piled into my bed and we put their extra blankets on Taylor so he could stay warm.

 On Thursday we decided to hike down to Bear Canyon Lake.  From our camp down it was a mile...not bad going down, a lot harder going up (especially when I'm pulling Tyson and pushing five other kids).  :)

Tyson LOVED the water and had so much fun throwing rocks and playing in the mud.

 Taylor also had a good time exploring the water at the dock.

 Miss Annie enjoying herself.  She was a little sad that she didn't get to ride the kayak...we planned to go back to ride boats, but it rained the entire day and we didn't make it.

 Sweet boy having a fun time.

 So, I know that this picture is a little unusual, but there is a story behind it.  Tyson loved camping for the main reason that he could pee whenever and wherever he felt like it.  I had my nieces with me at the lake so when Tyson said he had to go to the bathroom, I sent him away from the group to the rocks to do his thing.  Next thing I know, the girls are squealing and I look over and Tyson is walking all over the dock area doing his thing and scandalizing everyone.  As you can see, both Taylor and J.T. are befuddled (or jealous).  :)

 View of the lake with Mr. Taylor.

 Love this kid and his baby butt crack.  He played with a lot of mud.

 Annie Rose.....

 Taylor doing a little "rock climbing"...

 There was a butterfly fluttering around and it took a liking to Annie (her bandana maybe?).  It stayed on her glasses long enough for me to get this picture.

 Bear Canyon Lake.  I love the other end because it has a grassy meadow, but this view is awesome too.

 My crew...Annie, nieces Whitney and Hailey, nephew J.T., Taylor and Tyson.

 Me...before chugging up the hill and returning to camp all sweaty, scraggy and huffing/puffing. (P.S.  it was on the hike that we were finally able to change Annie's Indian name from can't-squat-and-pee-a to can-squat-and-pee-a.  She had to go so she climbed up the hill and went behind a tree.  She almost got her pants when I told her there was a hiker as a joke, but she did well.)

 On our hike Tyson fell and scraped his knee pretty good...he is so proud of his owie and showed it off all week.

 Mr. Tyson and Mr. Taylor ready for a ride with Mom.  We sure enjoyed the forest and the cool air.

 Taylor got a picture of the flag we had.  Every morning the family would gather, post the colors, and then recite the pledge.  What a great moment and way to start the day. 

 Taylor's turn to show off his owie.  He was helping me peel potatoes and the peeler slipped and took the skin off his knuckle.

 And, his shoes...why did he take this?

 Grandpa taking a rare break.

 Taylor making faces.

 Me and Aunt Penny slicing potatoes.

 Another silly face.

 Beauty shop time.  Annie and I decided to wash our hair one morning and Taylor and Tyson helped us.  It was so nice to get our hair clean and Tyson had a little too much fun dumping water on our heads.

 After Annie and I finished our hair, Tyson decided he needed to get beautiful too.  So, we got his hair wet...

 and then wrapped him in a "towel hat"...

 and made him beautiful.

 Me and the kidlets....love these guys!

 We didn't get a picture of Annie getting washed, but here is her sweet face after getting beautiful...

 and her beautiful hair.

 Next was Taylor's turn, and with Tyson's help got it taken care of.

 Of course, Tyson insisted that Taylor have a "towel hat" too.

 Combing Taylor's hair (what there is of it) while Tyson decides to play shotgun.  :)

Mom (grandma) teaching one of my grandpa's tricks to some of the greats (that is what my Grandma calls her great grand kids).

 And the main reason we were there....my sweet grandmother.  My kids love their grandma-great and it was a blessing for us to be there for her 84th birthday.

 It was a long and exciting three days and we were glad to get home.  So thankful for the chance to see family we haven't seen in a while and to visit with my cousins and play with my kids.  I heart my family.  :)

Goofy!

Why is Tyson wearing my necklace and hair flower?  No idea, but he's cute doing it.  :)

Seaman Petersen

It's official...Troy has enlisted into the Navy.  It hasn't been an easy decision for him, and it is even harder on Kevin and I because there are so many implications for this decision.  We are 1 year away from Troy moving out, and going into dangerous situations.  We've been agonizing over the fact that we hope we have taught him everything he needs, and instilled a testimony in him that will never waiver and it's hard.

Anyway, I digress.  On Monday the 9th, Petty Officer Coleman picked Troy up and took him to Phoenix for his physical and paperwork.  They were to call when the time for swearing in got close.  While we waited, we took the kids to the Mills mall for school shopping.  It was at the second store that we got the call and we rushed over to Phoenix.  Turns out that we didn't really have to rush...the computers crashed and we waited about 4 hours for them to come back.  They never did, so we went back to school shopping and had a family dinner at Joe's Crab Shack (a favorite).

Tuesday morning the 10th, Petty Officer Coleman came and got Troy again and we waited at home for the call.  When it came it was 10:18, so I asked them to schedule Troy for the noon swearing in.  I woke up Kevin and we hurried to get ready and leave.  Since Kevin had to go straight to work, we took both cars and headed to Phoenix.  As I drove down the freeway, I was watching the clock and it kept getting closer and closer to noon, and I was beginning to get scared that I wouldn't make it.  I became a little teary and a lot frazzled as I tried to get there without a ticket or a crash.  I was even more worried that Kevin would miss it since he'd left about 5 minutes after me.  I got onto the freeway and never saw the exit for I-17 which is what I needed to get on.  I didn't know where I was and I didn't think I was going to make it, but finally saw the roof of Chase Field and a sign for 7th Street.  Turns out, I had missed my exit and went backward (still got there...just backwards of how I was supposed to go).  I got off the freeway and as luck would have it, I hit every single red light between the freeway and Washington.  As it got closer and closer to noon, the tears flowed more quickly and I kept praying that I would not miss this important day for Troy.  Just as I got to the parking lot of where I needed to be, Kevin called looking for me.  He hadn't missed the exit and ended up beating me.  I was so upset and the tears were flowing...he helped calm me down and I pulled into the parking lot.

This was probably the biggest mistake...the lot is usually $5 for parking, but that day there was an event and it was $10.  I only had $5, so I explained my situation to the attendant and asked if I could pay the $5 and hurry.  They wouldn't let me and made me leave the lot.  The only other spots were metered and I didn't have any quarters.  At that point, I had two minutes to get to the office and no other options.  I decided to say a little prayer, park in a meter spot and hope that I didn't get a ticket.  I found a spot right in front of the building and was blessed with a meter that had 37 minutes left.  I ran into the lobby and started to sign in, but was almost incoherent with tears.  The guard was so sweet...he asked if I was late to a swearing in and when I nodded, he told me to just sign my name and he'd fill in the rest.  I thanked him as best I could and ran to the elevator and went where I needed to go (sorry so vague....the building is a DOD building so I can't give too many details or show pictures).  I walked in about a minute before they took him back and tried to get myself collected for the ceremony, and I'm so thankful that I had some heavenly help in getting there safe, and finding a place to park.

When it was time, we were escorted back to the swearing in room and Troy was standing at attention.  Then after a few words and a short speech, my baby boy raised his right hand and swore an oath to his country to uphold the constitution.  Of course, the tears I had dried came right back and I made a blubbery mess of myself, but after almost 18 years of watching and worrying, I've earned a few.  Kevin gave Troy a hug and then had to head for work....the first thing he did once he got out of the building was feed my meter so I didn't get a ticket (LOVE that man).

Afterwards, I took Troy to lunch and then we found where he'll go for workouts and worked our way home so he knew how to get there.  He has chosen a hard road....his goal is to be a Navy S.E.A.L. and it's hard as his parents to not worry.  However, I have come to trust in my Heavenly Father and I place my little boy in His hands to mold and shape Troy into the man he is supposed to be.

Independence Day

I love Independence Day (NOT 4th of July like so many insist on calling it).  My grandfather was wounded in WWII fighting for our country, and he and my other grandfather who served worked hard to instill a love of country, a respect of others, and patriotism in each of us.  I am forever grateful for their sacrifices and lessons.

This year, we decided on a quiet family celebration.  We grilled steaks, made homemade ice cream, and lit sparklers.  It was quiet, but fun.

Tyson, our little pyro loved his "fire".  :)

 Troy was the official lighter....

 Annie and Tyson enjoying MORE fire....

 Cute Mr. Taylor...

I am so thankful for all the men and women who not only serve now, but for those who have served before them.  I'm especially thankful for the boys and girls who will choose to serve in the future, especially my Troy.  Happy Independence Day!

Workin' folks

So, we have accumulated so much stuff that we decided to forgo a Goodwill trip or a yard sale and buy a shed instead (not really, but it seems that way).  :)

We picked a spot in the backyard and have been working on the area since to move rocks and level the dirt.  It's been so hot that we've been working at night.  Tyson likes helping because he gets to ride the wheel barrow.  :)

 He also likes to help Dad and Troy shovel.  P.S.  They aren't sparkly, the flash has highlighted the dirt particles (kind of cool, I think).

 Three buff men shoveling rock.

 One buff man spreading rock.

 My hunk of a hubby....isn't he cute?

 Mr. Tyson having fun in the dirt and rocks.

With the rains, extreme heat and vacations, work on the shed has stopped temporarily, but hopefully, we'll get back on track soon.  :)

Mom of the Year Interview

Interviewer:  Looks like a Walmart, is that where you went?

Me: Yep, we are at Walmart.

Interviewer:  What's Tyson wearing? 

Me:  Well, those are his pajamas...he didn't even get dressed today.

Interviewer:  What's wrong with his shirt? 

Me:  It's kind of on backwards....and inside out.

Interviewer:  Has he been eating something chocolatey? 

Me:  Why yes, chocolate pudding...how did you guess?

Interviewer:  It may be the chocolate stains on his back, or the chocolate covered face that gave it away..not sure.  Anyway, how did you get to the store with him in that condition? 

Me:  To be honest, I didn't even take a good look at him before we left...he always looks cute so I didn't worry.

Interviewer:  Really?  You didn't even check your kid? 

Me:  Well, if we are being completely truthful, he is kid number four AND the baby of the family.  I was just glad he was wearing pants. (we've done Walmart in underwear before)

Interviewer:  Did you notice any reactions of other shoppers?

Me:  Of course I did...many of them stared, but I assume it is because Tyson is so completely adorable.

Interviewer:  Has anyone ever told you that you may be in denial?

Me:  Yes, but I deny that I'm in denial.

Interviewer:  What did your husband say?

Me:  Well, I messaged him this picture and he sent back "That's my boy!" with a smiley face.

Interviewer:  Proud Daddy huh?  Hmmmm.  So this is a regular thing?

Me:  Only for Tyson...I make sure my older children are always wearing pants at Walmart.

Interviewer:  Have you heard of the website "People of Walmart" and do you expect to see Tyson's picture on it?

Me:  Well, if it is, he can only improve the site.  *whispering* Have you seen some of those people?!?!?!?!?

Interviewer:  Okaaaaay.  Well, congrats on getting Mom of the Year!

Me:  Why thank you. I am pretty awesome.

At least that's how it went in my head as I tried to slink around Walmart avoiding as many shoppers as possible.  :)

The Book of What?????

I know it has been a while, but honestly, we haven't been doing much else but homework.  I'll catch up later, but I did want to share a little something hilarious.

My sweet Annie has been working hard on her Personal Progress.  Yesterday, she came to me looking for scriptures about peacemakers.  She couldn't find any, so I showed her how to use the Topical Guide.  She thanked me and went into the living room to finish her research.  About 5 minutes later, she hollers from the front room, "Mom!!!!  Where is the Book of Genitals?".

What???!???!??!?  Of course, I started laughing hysterically and she came into the kitchen confused as to what I found so funny.  I said, "the book of what?"  and she said, "isn't that what GEN stands for?"  This made me laugh even harder!  I finally caught my breath and wiped the tears from my eyes and explained that GEN was the Book of Genesis, NOT genitals.  She was so embarrassed, but she got a good laugh too.  I promised her I wouldn't put this on Facebook, but I had to put it here...first because of the 1 or 2 of you that read this, you know and love her, second, I HAVE to remember it....it is too good to forget.  :)

***In her defense, she has been involved in the school district's abstinence class for the past 2 weeks and they have talked about genitals a bit...I'm sure that is why it was in her head.

My Little Goof Ball

My little Tyson is one of the most interesting little guys you'll ever meet.  Think of taking the personalities, attitudes, and ways of speaking from a teenager, a tween, and a kid, and roll them up into one little 5 year old ball of fire!  Tyson has his own style (obviously!) and he is most definitely NOT boring in any way, shape, or form.  He loves to dress up on the days he doesn't go to school, and he likes to play in his own little world.  It isn't unusual to hear him carrying on an entire conversation between his toys...either in the bathtub, or in the family room.  His newest accomplishment is singing.  Most kids sing at an earlier age, but he has just gotten the hang of it.  It started with "5 little monkeys" and has continued from there.  His new favorite song is "Red Solo Cup" by Toby Keith.  That song is EVIL!  It sticks in your head and doesn't go away anytime soon.  Unfortunately, as my mom and I can attest, once it does leave your head, all you have to do is listen to Tyson sing it and it's back.  Dangit.  :)

I'm not sure who Tyson is in this picture, but he sure looks like he's having fun, right???  ;)

Mr. Tyson also loves to dance and "shakes it" on a regular basis.  Enjoy!

Blue and Gold Banquet

The annual Blue and Gold banquet for Taylor's scout troop was a space themed event.  Each scout was asked to make a cake in that theme for dessert.  Taylor decided a rocket and aliens would be awesome.

From the top you can see the "moon" where our rocket has landed.  It is definitely surrounded by aliens!

 From the side...can a rocket be from anywhere else????  USA!  USA!  USA!  :)

 Hopefully the astronauts will open the door and come out to meet our little alien friends....or maybe not.  :)

Taylor and I had a lot of fun making this cake.  I love my boy...he is so cute!  :)

Happy Birthday Annie!

Again, I'm behind.  I HAVE to do better!!!

Anyway, Miss Annie's birthday came and went in February.  She turned 12 and was so excited to start going to Young Women and mutual.  She loves her teachers and advisers and she is having a blast!

This year, instead of a cake, Annie decided to have birthday pie.  She chose Lemon Meringue for herself (and dad and grandma) and I made chocolate cream for the rest of us non-lemon lovers.  We found these really cool candles that made her cake so much fun.  

We invited the family out to celebrate with us, but as usual, only grandma and grandpa could make it.  Everyone is so busy these days!  We enjoyed a nice dinner, then lit the candles to start the party!

Even Tyson's dinosaurs got into the act of singing to Annie....and she blew out all of her candles in one breath.  :)

We love our Annie and appreciate the beautiful young woman she is becoming.  :)

The Man Bathroom

With the painting/decorating of Annie's bathroom, the men of the house wanted a bathroom that reflected them more.  It took 2 days, but we got it done.  Isn't it pretty?  I mean that in a manly way.  :)

Now we'll just have to see if they keep it clean.  ;)

Pinewood Derby

It's time again for the Pinewood Derby and this year Taylor wanted a light saber car.  He and Grandpa worked hard at cutting it out, sanding it, and getting ready to run.  Taylor did the painting (with a little help form Mom for the fine work) and it turned out really cool.  From the top:

 From the side:

 One happy scouter.  :)

His car didn't do as well as we wanted (the back wheels were dragging due to some "help" from one of the dads there) but the car was a fan favorite.  Taylor with the award for "The Car with the Most Force".

One of his runs...exciting stuff!

 

Even though he didn't win his troop, he had fun, and is already planning his car for next year.  :)