What's Buggin? The Boylan Buzz

Our Christmas Traditions - 2009

2010-01-15T14:35:00.052-07:00

Thank goodness this year we weren't to overwhelmed and busy to enjoy some of our favorite family Christmas traditions. Although some had to be modified to meet the circumstances we were able to check them off our list.

First: Concerts

We were able to enjoy Amanda's choir concert this year. It only had to be rescheduled once due to a snow day. Amanda loves to sing and what is Christmas without music? They ended with a beautiful rendition of silent night that was so awesome.

Second: Ward Party
Kirt & I were in charge of our ward dinner. The primary gave an awesome nativity program and Papa Santa was there to visit with all the kids. It was a nice night!

Third: Sugar Cookies

Every year we make cookies together as a family. This year there was no way we could all get together so Kirt & I made these cookies with some friends and their kids. Amanda and Kari were able to make cookies one day at Gramma Karen's so somehow we were all able to participate.

Fourth: Ornaments on Christmas Eve

Every year on Christmas Eve we gather at the tree before the big family party and Kirt & I give the girls a special ornament that has something to do with what each girl did that year. I like to wrap it fancy. This year we gathered around Kari's tree in her room at Grandma's. (another necessary modification)
Kari got a wakeboard, Amanda got a jet ski, and Alaina got a little doll.

Fifth: The Family Party with Papa Santa

During our family party we share songs and Santa reads the Christmas story from the New Testiment. Then he brings in his big red bag and calls each child to sit on his knee for a gift, picture, and a goodie bag.

This year mom & dad gave us all a special book of Danny's life. It was awesome and we all cried.

Sixth: Santa comes Christmas morning

Mrs. Claus tries very hard to make beautiful packages to surprise the girls in the morning. The girls can get in to their stockings whenever they want but have to wait for me & Dad to open their gifts. The biggest gift is always from Me & Dad...that way Santa doesn't get all the credit for the good stuff...ha ha! There are usually a few items not wrapped for instant gratification.

Seven: Something handmade

This year i taught myself to crochet flowers and I made each girl a reversable tote bag. I even spent way too many hours sewing Kari a small back pack. It was great but I don't think I will ever try that one again...LOL.

Eight: Christmas Breakfast

We always have a formal breakfast in our jammies on Christmas morning. We have been lucky enough to share this event with Mom & Dad for a number of years now. We set the table up the night before and always try to fix something extra special. The berry & fruit salad was to die for this year. I wish I could say it was the best Christmas ever...but I can atleast say we had a great time!

We hope you did too!

Girls Day Out

2009-10-29T15:55:00.013-07:00

Alaina-Amanda-Kari-Shari

Last Weekend Kari came home to go to a friend's missionary farewell. Kirt had gone to the valley to do a job at Kim & Randy's new home so we had a random girl's weekend.

We started the morning by me going into the office for a few hours, followed by a haircut for Kari, thrift store shopping for Halloween Costumes and a belt for Kari, we ate lunch at Licano's, then we bagged the needles that had piled up on the lawn...(just in time for the snow). Then we drove to Snowflake and went to the Corn Maze at Willis Farms. At night they do a haunted maze but I had no desire to pay $8.00 to wet myself! We had a great time searching for all the hole punches with different shapes hidden throughout the maze...this was more my style than bloody body parts and hissing dragons. I think we had more fun taking pictures on the side of the barn though. We went to Sonic for slushes afterwards...What a great day!

Wish you were here!

Our Last Wee Haw!

2009-09-23T13:00:00.002-07:00

We had such a wonderful time with friends over Labor Day Weekend. We took the boat out to Roosevelt Lake and camped on the beach. The weather was great...Friday Night we camped next to my boss Lance and his family. They had to leave on Saturday but the girls had a great time playing on his jet ski's. Amanda even drove solo for about an hour and didn't drown! On Sunday our "brother" Rico and his son Jordan came and stayed with us. We had a great time showing them how to have some "Arizona Fun". I think we took them a little too fast on the red tube...even though they said they had fun neither one was up for another try! (Still glad you came Rico!)
Kirt even taught Jordan how to drive the boat which cause quite a stir with Amanda. So eventually he caved and took her out on her own to teach her how to drive the boat....while the rest of us stayed safely on the shore. On Monday Natalie's family came with their boat to play. Kari practiced her wake jumping skills and Amanda even actually got up on her knees on the kneeboard. I had fun the whole weekend taking as many pictures as possible Amanda busted a few moves on the boat and the kids really enjoyed the water trampoline. Kirt fished as much as possible - but still no proof exists of his actually catching anything. We still all had a great time and felt very relaxed on our last Wee Haw! I'm going to miss this summer, the lakes, and all the fun we had together.
We made some Awesome Memories!

Its a Cheer Thing

2009-09-22T16:18:00.015-07:00

Amanda made the Cheer Squad this year at the Junior High.

She has always wanted to be a cheerleader. She looks so cute in her little uniform too! A couple weeks ago I took off work early so I could watch her at the pep assembly. Here are a few pics!

Ofcourse then there was the fun of sitting through football
games just to watch the cheerleaders!

But the fun was short-lived. Amanda quit cheer last week...I don't know whether to be upset or to breathe a big sigh of relief! She says that the fact she made it at all was an absolute "miracle" but she had reached her limits emotionally. Amanda had a hard time with the coach putting her down and then the girls would follow suit. Atleast the girl knows her limitations...and we had fun while it lasted! Next up is Volleyball - GO COUGARS!

Summer at the Lakes

2009-09-01T08:23:00.047-07:00

So we've been to the Lake a few times this summer...LOL!

This month we went to Saguaro Lake Aug. 8th (last post), then Canyon Lake on the 15th, and back to Saguaro Lake on the 22nd. (Do you see a trend here?) It was hard to stay home this weekend - so we didn't. Saturday Night we took the camp trailer up to Hawley Lake and camped for the night. LOL - This weekend we are going camping somewhere for Labor Day Weekend. I bet you anything we end up at Roosevelt Lake...I wouldn't be surprized.

Not sure how much fun we can pack into one summer before the bishop starts paying us a visit!

Don't get me wrong - we've been to church with Mom and Dad....just not at our ward for quite sometime. The ward members are starting to treat us like long lost friends. Here's a few of my favorite pics from the last few weeks.

Canyon Lake - August 15, 2009

Dad & Kirt went fishing in the morning then we met them at the beach for lunch. We took Tyler with us and our friend Shana Stailey.

Tyler and Shana learned how to use the kneeboard. We saw a ram on the side of the cliffs. It was a great day but Canyon Lake is just too crowded.

Saguaro Lake - August 22, 2009

This time we took Tyler and our friend Sierra West and the Bottomleys for the day. It poured on us in the afternoon - we were soaked to the bone but had a great time. After the rain there was a beautiful double rainbow across the Lake and a random waterfall coming off the side of the mountain. The kids had fun playing on the water trampoline and Kari worked on jumping the wakes on her wakeboard.

Hawley Lake - August 29, 2009

Saturday both Kirt & I had to work. Kari was home so we decided to take the camp trailer out for some time in the mountains. We fished in the morning and only caught one crawdad! However, Amanda did catch her first stick...LOL!

Next time we are bringing Kirt a lounge chair! I forgot my camera so I had to rely on my cell phone for pictures. It was so beautiful - we almost hit a bull and a cow on the way up the mountain then saw wild horses along the roadside. The elk were bugle-ing all night and then the coyotes started howling.

It was great!

We are so blessed to be able to play this summer in between all the long work hours. It has been a long time coming. We hope next time you'll come with us!

Saguaro Lake - August 2009

2009-08-11T09:09:00.046-07:00

Okay.... so we've spent alot of time at the Lakes this summer.

Can you blame us????

This time we decided to go to Saguaro Lake.

I had forgotten how big it really was.

We took Alaina and Sierra with us and had such a great time.

The water was fantastic!

The girls were daredevils too. It was hard to snap the picture fast enough. Kari kept standing up on the tube! Crazy Lake Girls!

I don't think Alaina expected it to be so much fun!

Kari practiced doing some jumps on the wakeboard too. She's going to be a pro by the time Jake gets back! (not sure why I don't have a picture here of that....hmmm...next time I guess)

We topped the day off with a trip to the movies!

We had so much fun that we decided to go again this weekend! See you there!

And then there were two.....

2009-07-28T07:21:00.008-07:00

They're gone!

Yay! Girls Camp - Finally!

These two nuts were so ready for camp. Amanda had her suitcases packed by the door for two days. Last night when I came home Amanda was indexing all the items in her suitcases so she would know where to find them. Alaina had the car packed by 7:00pm last night, the dishes done, & the trash was out. We spent about $80 on snacks for the week & who knows how much on travel size necessities and extra hair items for makeovers.

And its all worth it.

They're gonna have a great time!

(Hee Hee)

And so will Kirt and I!

We're gonna have take out every night, watch movies,

run around in our underwear if we want to.

HA!

We're gonna miss those girls! (wink wink)

Our Vacation 2009

2009-07-16T08:19:00.030-07:00

We had the best time on our vacation this year. Alaina decided to stay home but we took Kari's friend Natalie with us & had alot of fun.

We loaded up and headed out on the 4th of July right after the parade. Well, about 5 hours after the parade..LOL. Two cars, a camp trailer, a boat, a dozen beach towels, and two walkie-talkies later we found ourselves at Lake Powell.

We had a great time tubing, wake-boarding, and knee-boarding!
One day we had to get rescued by a boat full of like 14 guys - Natalie said they looked "Fine" but Kari was staying true to Jake & didn't act interested. It made for a fun time though!

One day we drove the boat 93 miles up to Hall's Crossing for Ice Cream. We gassed up & drove the 93 miles back. LOL We are nuts! Another day we drove 50 miles up to Rainbow Bridge. We took some great pictures and was so glad to see it was still there. We saw a dinosaur footprint too.

On our way back we stopped at Dangling Rope Marina for Ice Cream & Fuel and ran into our Home Teachers the Sherwoods. They were happy to be able to get their home teaching done while on vacation but we forgot to have closing prayer so we searched Canyon Creek until we found them jumping off some rocks. We had a blast hanging out with them for the afternoon. The kids got to play on the jet skis and jump off the rocks. The water was nice and Judy taught Amanda how to drive. We never did say that closing prayer...LOL!

Another of our favorite things was finding Horseshoe Bend. It is just a couple miles from Page and about a half mile hike - but WOW it was breathtaking. I think we found our Christmas Card Picture!

After spending 6 days on the Lake & nearly dying 3 times (a story for another day) we headed back to Flagstaff & then to the Grand Canyon.

Natalie had never been to the Grand Canyon before - so it was fun to show her how amazing it was. We took our usual family group shots too!

It was all fun until the girls started fighting on the edge & Kirt fell!

JUST KIDDING!

We decided to have a little fun with the camera so don't panic - these pictures are posed! LOL

We spent our last night at the Lowell Observatory looking at the stars. We saw Saturn & some double stars. We even had dinner at the Galaxy Diner. It was great & we made alot of good memories together. We also took over a 1000+ pictures between us and I even got to do a little shopping in Flagstaff before we came home.

I wish vacations could always be as awesome as this one was!

On a side note - Jake was transferred to Yellowstone this week and was made a District Leader. His district covers parts of Idaho, Wyoming, & Montana. He even gets to fish a little. We are so proud of his missionary efforts & excited to someday have him a part of family. We will have to take this trip again because he would love it!

Father's Day 2009

2009-07-16T08:13:00.014-07:00

So I decided I'd better do a little catching up since our vacation.

This year on Father's Day we met my Mom & Dad at the Park in Payson. Kari's work schedule didn't allow her to come to Show Low so we decided to meet her half way. We are two saps when it comes to being with our kids. Mom & Kelsey were coming up for Volleyball Camp so it was convenient for everyone.

We had a nice picnic lunch and Dad & Kirt opened some gifts we had brought. It was nice also to have Aunt Judy & Uncle Audrey come by the park.

(Me & My Dad - Max)

(Kari, Kirt, & Amanda)

I have always been my dad's favorite - I am sure my siblings think they are too. LOL

Its all good - it just means he's an awesome father.

Whether he likes it or not.

Kirt is an awesome dad too - he is really busy during the summer months but always seems to find the time to have those good one-on-one talks with the girls.
Our visit seemed all too short and then Dad & Kari headed back to Mesa.

It was fun to Have Mom, Kelsey, AND Elijah here for a few days too. I really needed my mom after the stressful week before. I had so much to do - We moved our office to a less expensive, larger, & quieter place. We are loving it now
& greatful to have a vacation to look forward to.

I Should Be On Medication!

2009-06-25T06:39:00.015-07:00

This is why you should never let a teenager drive your car!

I let Alaina take the suburban during our Ward Campout so she could get some practice in it. She wasn't gone 5 minutes and managed to

make friends with a few trees.

It was a really hard hit and the girls were lucky to walk away.

My heart has been racing & my stomach turning ever since but we are

counting our losses and being greatful for the miracles of that day.

So now with our meager insurance settlement.

we are on the hunt for a new truck that can haul the camp trailer

before our big trip to Lake Powell on the 4th!

Say Goodbye Randy & Kim - It was a great car!

Amanda's Got Talent!

2009-06-17T10:49:00.023-07:00

We had a little fun with the camera during "Swing Therapy"

YAY! Nice trick Amanda! I made her do this flip atleast a dozen times until I got one at each stage...LOL she is a good sport!

Giving Back

2009-06-09T11:00:00.003-07:00

My Family has had a few great opportunities lately to give back to our community.

Last week Kirt, Amanda, and I volunteered to help with the Deuces Wild Triathalon. It was amazingly easy and fun to do. Our job was to stand in the middle of the running course - which was on the back side of Fools Hollow Lake and point runners in the right direction.

Hard work - nearly killed us!

LOL! There were a couple girls that may have been around 13yrs and some guys that looked like they were in their 70's out there kicking it. Amazing to see.

Then this last weekend we participated in The American Cancer Society's Relay For Life. Our team B.F.F.'s (Boylan family and friends) had a great time raising money and walking the track all night. I was team captain and loved the time it took to put this together.

We raised over $900.00 just from our team. Mom, Dad, Lori, Cara, Brianna, Kelsey, Tyler, Kari, and her friend Natalie all came up to help. They got into the team spirit by wearing purple striped tights and flowers.

We also celebrated Natalie's birthday she was so surprised! Our neighbors the Barney's also came to support our team. Becky Barney is a Cancer Survivor. All the time spent raising funds, doing yard sales and bake sales was totally worth it. I hope we can figure out how to do it again next year. Our thanks to everyone who helped by donating to our cause. We had a great time the rest of the weekend playing pounce and trying to catch up on the sleep we lost. Dad, Kirt, & Tyler even went fishing and then to the Car Show.

My favorite quote of the weekend..."I never knew you could raise so much money for other people" - Natalie

Flowers Make Me SO Happy!

2009-06-09T10:05:00.004-07:00

I can't believe I am such a flower freak!

I have been the biggest crab lately. Stress and a toothache do not mix well. One day a couple weeks ago I saw a landscaping truck carrying the most BEAUTIFUL Hydrangea plants. Instant smiles were beaming across my face. Is it possible for a potted plant to cause such happiness! It was then that I remembered how much I LOVE having flowers in the yard.

I spent a day renewing my front yard and my withered spirit. It only took $80, 2 Large potted Hydrangeas, 1 potted delphinium, 1 new rose bush, 8 pink geraniums, and 2 flats of purple petunias.

Kirt even gave me a Lowe's card so I could buy more! I moved the porch swing to the front yard so I could sit under the tree and see my flowers. We finally put the trampoline in the side yard...now I have what I call "Swing Therapy".
And it's wonderful! I love to sit in my swing and watch Amanda jump on the trampoline and take in the beautiful flowers. The weather has been so nice...aside from a few windy days.
Its definately my favorite time of year!

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-06-01T10:29:00.029-07:00

Okay so I have to admit I have been horrible lately about keeping my blog up to date. There has been so much going on but I will try to do better.

Memorial Day Weekend was our first official trip to the Lake this year.

How do you like my tan!! (hee hee)

The weekend started with a Luau at Steve's house to celebrate his birthday then it was back to the lake for us. We brought Kelsey & Tyler for the weekend. Jack & Kay came to see us on Sunday, Kari learned to drive the boat, Mom & Dad, Kendall & Alicia, & Lori, Cara, Brianna, and Elijah came to hang out with us on Monday. We had a great time trying to crash the tube - I was nearly drowned - and Skipper & Gilligan actually got time to chase the fishes. Here are a bunch of pictures of all the fun!

WHOO HOO!

Roosevelt Lake - Memorial Weekend 2009

It's a slow bake!

2009-05-11T13:55:00.018-07:00

OK....so life has been a little nuts lately. Somedays I just feel like running away.

Thank goodness for my life coach...she is a good listener with great advice.

She said I needed to make a little time for myself everyday.

Something I practically never do.

(Thanks Sis...you are the best Life Coach ever!)

It seems that most of my days are planned for me. I know you know how that feels right? So I decided to take her advice. It took me two weeks to get the nerve to buy a one-month unlimited pass to the local "Fake Bake" called "One Tan Banana". Its not much and someday I may have cancer...ha ha

(I know not funny)

but its 10 minutes in a booth with NO ONE else!

And I get to pick the music!

Here I am before:

and here I am after one week:

You will have to be the judge because I don't see a huge difference.

But afterall, this isn't really about the tan...although I am happy to not scare everyone the first time we take the boat out this summer...This is about recharging my batteries. I am also excited for June 5th/6th. I am team captain for our BFF Team. (Boylan Family and Friends) for the White Mountain Relay For Life. Its a 24-hour cancer walk...and such a worthy cause.

I had a great time Mother's Day weekend...I ran into so many good friends that I had not seen in really long time. It was another great battery booster...then I got to see most of my brothers and sisters as they came to wish my mom a happy mother's day.

I still feel the stress of life but with some great advice, good service, good friends, and the love of family I am pretty sure I am going to make it...and the tan is just icing on the cake.

Spring???

2009-04-20T12:00:00.001-07:00

I got all excited for Spring to get here...afterall the Easter Bunny came...but Mother Nature had other plans. When do the flower fairies get here to change all the blah to beautiful? My Grape Hyacynths started blooming a few weeks ago. I half expected them to croak but they have survived a couple snow falls now and frost in the mornings too. The Lilac bush is trying to blossom but hasn't quite figured out the weather.

The best thing about April is that tax season is over. I am hoping to have more time to "tend to my gardens"...time to think about things like cleaning out the garage and sorting out the muck in the closets. Its time to repack the camp trailer and toss out what needs to go.

We went to the valley to spend Easter with my family. It was a fun weeked. The kids were even able to hunt easter eggs outside before it started raining. We also celebrated family birthdays but getting all the cousins together for a picture is one of my favorite Easter traditions.

Everyone was there except Jennifer (who is on a mission in Italy), Jared (who is on a mission in Brazil) Danny lives in Salt Lake City, and Kelsey who was in the room but sick on the other couch. Well, and Kendall was taking the picture. Oh, and for some reason Jasmine wasn't there either. So I guess I should have said "most of the cousins" were there.

The girls colored Easter eggs Friday night. Amanda mostly concentrated on the googly eyes and Kari, ofcourse had about half her eggs decorated for"Jake".

Easter morning came early as Mom and Dad have 8:30am Church.

This was Alaina's first official Easter and she was having a hard time waking up...LOL! We managed to get to church about 20 minutes late!

After church we had our traditional photo shoot on the church lawn.

The girls both looked so nice. Pictures from Easter Sunday make me so sentimental. They just grow up too fast. Before you know it we will be planning a wedding and another graduation. Then what?? Kirt says fishing....I'd like to think we would travel more than just to the Lake, LOL. Probably not, Ha Ha!

I just glad to be here one more Spring.

Party Weekend!

2009-04-01T11:00:00.004-07:00

I just LOVE March. Not just because its my birthday but because it means spring is coming. This year my niece Kaela was baptised.

Gramma Karen made her dress it was so pretty! Afterwards we congregated outside to take pictures. LOTS of pictures!

(Lori, Kari, Randy, Ryan, & Kyle)

(Darrin, Lyndie, Kim, Randy,

Logan, Trevor, Kaela, Ryan, & Kyle)

(Kirt, Grampa Max, Randy, Tom, Kendall & Kaela)

Amanda looked pretty that day! Here Kari & Kirt are reviewing her pictures...notice that Logan is usually shadowing Kari! He's so cute!

And I just LOVE this picture of Kimmie and Lyndie.

Then we all raced over to Randy & Kim's home for lunch and birthday parties.

(Elijah, Kyle, Kari, & Kaela) (Amanda on the hammock)
We had such a fun day!

And Me....I blew all the candles out and I hope I get my wish!

She's a Natural!

2009-03-28T18:45:00.010-07:00

That's my girl!...future screen editor, producer, Volleyball Coach, etc...

We had such a great time taking direction from Kari last week on the scene of her new movie.
It took all day to shoot & when she's done it will only be 3 minutes long! Kari is such a
Natural at shooting movies....she had every scene organized and her cousins and I had alot of fun playing actors. She shot it in gramma's backyard with her "crew" from SCC. There is a marshmallow war that breaks out between two groups of kids. Kind of like a paintball war.
Here are some shots of the "battlefield".

It was fun to see Kari in her element.
The Cast & Crew:
Hopefully we will all get a chance to see it soon!

& That's a Wrap!

Our Sunday Picnic

2009-03-12T11:35:00.050-07:00

Last Sunday after church we took a short trip to the bottom of Salt River Canyon. The Desert is so beautiful this time of year. The flowers are blooming and the water is plentiful. We usually stop and eat just below the bridge...there's a spot where the rocks are flat in you can get your feet wet without worrying about the strong currents.

We decided this time to go for a short walk upstream to see what we could find.
Imagine our surprise when we found this:

A Georgeous Waterfall!

It was amazingly simple to get to. Alaina and Amanda had fun posing for the camera.

(As you can see so did Kirt and I)...

I was so glad to have my new camera with me to take such wonderful photos. (Thanks to Kirt - Happy Birthday to me!)

It was an AMAZING day!

Someone told us that you're not supposed to go on picnics on Sunday...I say "who says so?" It was more like a Sunday drive with food anyways. We had 5 good quality hours of no TV, no Radio, no Computers, etc.....we had time to talk and learn more about each other. And we gained a stronger appreciation for our Heavenly Father and all the blessings he gives us. It was a perfect day.

The "Other" Wife

2009-03-05T10:35:00.000-07:00

I can't wait for summer to get here! Kirt has a hard time reading my blogs because I haven't posted a picture of his boat yet. Well, here you go dear! He is so obsessed with his boat that sometimes it feels like its the "other wife". I am just glad that he has learned how to play.

The first weekend we got the boat we took the girls to Lake Powell. It was so wonderful, except for nights...we were in a tent and it was hot. We are planning to go back this year for a week but now we have the camp trailer....Yay!

We do get a fair amount of fishing done but we spend most of the time hauling the girls around in the innertubes. Amanda and Sierra are demonstrating what it looks like if you go too slow:
You have to get your speed going pretty steady. Jake and Kari are showing what it looks like if you go too fast:
or it can look like this:

Last year we met some family out at Bartlett Lake to play. Scary place - people are crazy over there! Here we are having some fun on the shoreline. We packed up and went to Roosevelt the next day. I mostly just enjoy going on the ride. I think thats why I like Lake Powell so much. The scenery is so beautiful and you can just go forever. Last time we went up 50 miles and hiked in to Rainbow Bridge. It was amazing!

This year we are hoping to teach the girls to water ski. we took the boat out for the first time this year last weekend to Saguaro Lake. Too cold to swim but we did do some fishing...not catching...just fishing..Ha Ha!

So if you get the itch to swim in a big dirty bowl of fishies...give us a call.
We are probably already there!

"A Rant" dedicated to my newest daughter "Alaina" a sweet but difficult child..LOL

2009-03-02T18:34:00.013-07:00

I just want to SCREAM!!!!!
AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Okay, listen up all of you...my friends, family, my blog stalkers...you know who you are!
I need you to promise me a few things...expecially those of you with children, those of you who care for children, and those of you planning to have children.

PROMISE ME that you will do everything in your power to let your children know they are loved!

Then PROMISE YOUR CHILDREN that you will love them NO MATTER WHAT!
Tell them that no matter how they behave you will always be there for them.
PROMISE to teach them all you know about making good choices.
PROMISE them that they will always be protected, even if it is from YOURSELF.
PROMISE them that you will never turn your back on them EVER!!
Make sure they know that you TRULY want to be with them forever!
Empower them from danger!....Tell them that if they are scared, or afraid, or being hurt, that they can do everything in their power to fight back...to kick, scream, to scratch an eye out of an offender if they have to. No matter who it is...that they do not ever have to be a victim.
PROMISE them that you will really try to listen to them, even when what they say hurts you or scares you.
PROMISE them that they can tell you anything and you will be understanding.
And then really be understanding...
And if at some point they need help...promise them that you will do everything in your power to make that happen.
Never put them in jail, never hit them, shove them, pull their hair, scratch them, sit on them, call them names, or ridicule them. And if you ever do...Be grown up enough to say you are SORRY!
Let them know that if they make a bad choice or get in a sticky situation, that they can call you and you will come get them. Even if they are at some party in the middle of the Forest. You can ask questions later, you can love them later, you can teach them consequences later.
PROMISE them that even when you are not perfect, and none of us are...so listen up, promise that you will do your best to make it right.

And if you ever plan to adopt a child - Promise me that you're in it for the long haul...no matter how hard it is, or how many times they yell at you because they don't understand whats happening, or how closed off they become. Maybe they just need a hug, or some professional help...so get it. You can take that family vacation later, but atleast you will still have a family.

Be prepared to let go of anger, even if they have not.

Go Hug your children now...don't wait! Teach them about the consequences of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and sex. Help them to be their own best advocate when it comes to making these kinds of choices.

So again...if I SCREAM! Will you do it? Will you take the time to talk to your kids...really talk! Will you stay calm when they really trust you with the ugly truth? Knowing how difficult it must be for them to tell you some things?

I PROMISE YOU that you won't regret it!

Crafts during tax season?

2009-02-26T09:29:00.006-07:00

OK, so I couldn't help myself. I saw this rock for 3 weeks across from one of my clients homes. It was so round that it couldn't withstand the snow and just rolled out onto the cul-de-sac. That was last November. I just knew I had to make it into a Volleyball for Kari. I am not trying to brag... I just think its really awesome. I felt a little bad about giving Kari a rock for her birthday but It makes a great doorstop and an great conversation maker. It even has the hole on the bottom where you "inflate" it. I wouldn't try actually using it though as you might break a limb. Its almost as big as an actual ball and weighs atleast 10-12 pounds.

The girls birthdays were great! I couldn't tell you in the last post but we threw Kari a surprise party after Texas Roadhouse. There were quite a few kids from her new ward there and they played games and got to know each other better. This last weekend we threw a party at the house for Amanda and her friends. It was crazy to be tripping over the estrogen all night of all those 13 yr. old girls. The noise level was unbelievable. They had a great time watching High School Musical 3 and paused during the kissing scenes to laugh hysterically. I know...you feel sorry for me right?

At the same time this party was happening, we had another party going on in the side yard for Alaina....she's our surrogate daughter for the time being. She was in charge of her Morp Dinner so we made do the best we could. It was nice out there with the picnic table, patio lights, BBQ Grill, & a Bon Fire in the Fire Pot. Needless to say I was pretty tired by the time everything settled down.

Kari spent that day with her college film class producing a new movie. They will be busy filming over the next month and then she has her own movie to film the end of March. Can't wait to see how that turns out. Jake is doing well, he is still at the MTC recovery from surgery and is extremely anxious to get to Idaho. He is a zone leader and helps to run the Call Center - Spanish Speaking. Kari says "3 months down - 21 to go...he's almost home Mom!" What a silly girl.

Kirt is anxious to get out on the Lake, all he talks about is the boat and fishing. I shake my head but I am really glad he is learning to "play" after all these years. As for me, its tax season....time is definately precious. I did manage to sneek in my Visiting Teaching this month - shocker! Each day is another day closer to April 15th and then watch out Lake here we come!

So I have learned this February that even when you're mondo-busy....you can accomplish amazing things. I can find time to paint a rock, throw 2 parties at the same time, Give birth to a new 18yr. old daughter, learn about the legal system, get my visiting teaching done, and still do the accounting! I may be almost 42...but I can still learn new tricks!

The Lovely Boylan Sisters

2009-02-12T06:41:00.015-07:00

It's that time of year again - time for two days of cake, balloons, gifts, & fun!
Happy 13th Birthday Amanda! &
Happy 19th Birthday Kari!

The girls had Kendall help with a photo shoot for my Christmas present.
These are a few of my favorites! I may be their mother but I can still say they are very lovely young ladies. And they look like they are having a good time and really getting along! Now thats Cool!
Today we are heading down the mountain to celebrate with both of the girls. Last night we sang to Amanda - Just Me, Kirt, and two cell phones! One with Grandma Karen on the speaker and one with Kari. It was a "Hi-tech" celebration. Tonight we are going to Texas Roadhouse for dinner - Our Favorite! Maybe the Rennassaince Festival tomorrow then Cheesecake Factory with Grandma Kay before coming home on Sunday. Kari got her birthday package from Jake - he sent her his hospital brace and socks! LOL so wierd!

So Amanda is beginning her first teenage year and Kari is celebrating her last. A year of milestones for the Lovely Boylan Sisters. I hope we can survive!

Growing Up!

2009-01-28T16:00:00.005-07:00

I know I told them not to do that!

So the girls are celebrating their birthdays in a couple weeks.
Sigh......Why can't we just keep them Young and ours FOREVER? It seems like the time is passing all too fast. I miss the old days...the easier problems...the cheaper lists to Santa!
You know when they thought we were the coolest ever! I'm still cool...but I don't think they always agree with that. Just look at how happy they are. Kari still thought boys were ICKY! and Amanda loved Teletubbies. In just a couple weeks Kari will be 19 and Amanda will be 13!
We took this picture near the Mogollon Rim on a Sunday afternoon drive. (Still my favorite family thing to do) Gone are the teletubbies, barbies, lace and froo froo....They have been replaced by my gray hairs, boy/girl parties, college classes, and jr. high drama.

So what can be done about these disobedient children? I have nothing to say except for this:
"Man, I'm getting old!"

New Jams

2009-01-23T19:37:00.005-07:00

Don't you just love a new pair of jammies? I do. Why is that? I can only speculate. Slipping into a new pair of jammies is similar to that first time you slip into a clean set of sheets.
(Sheets must be more than 220 thread count in this instance.. so the spiderman sheets from Kmart wouldn't apply here) Its just refreshing, soothing, and like you treated yourself to something extra special. Not that I don't clean my sheets often..ha ha But considering the amount of time I have spent at the office lately taking care of peoples Quarterly payroll returns, W-2's, 1099's, sales tax reports, and monthly accounting...I decided I deserved the splurge. I even bought a new pair of extra-thick slippers to match. So last night I came home from work and snuggled into my jammies by 8:00pm. It felt like I was taking a trip to the spa! I left the dirty dishes in the sink even...and laid around all night! YAHOO!!! And yes, I slept like a BABY...then I woke up today
and went to work again. .................Sigh!

I wish every day could be new jammie day!

My Dad is Santa...Neener Neener!

2009-01-17T19:22:00.004-07:00

I kinda feel bad for the rest of the world...you know not having the perfect knowledge that Santa really does exist. My youngest daughter Amanda used to ask me all the time if Grampa was really Santa. I never had to lie to her because he really is my Santa! Every year my ex-scrooge of a father dresses up night after night and spends quality time passing out candy canes and visiting with children about their hopes for a great Christmas. How cool is that? Kids can tell Santa anything.... and try taking him out somewhere. Little kids stare at him, even without the red suit on they know who he really is. Dad doesn't let them down either...he always acknowledges them and sometimes surprises them with a candy cane from his coat pocket. This year at our ward christmas party I overheard the kids saying things like "thats the real Santa, they really got the real Santa for our party"! He has all the good comebacks to like...."oh the elves are back at the pole getting things ready to go" and " The Reindeer are resting right now, I'm going to meet with them later". Funny how I remember as a child how hard it was just to get dad to hang his scrooge ornament on the tree. LOL

So ya better watch out, and ya better not cry....Cuz I know Santa personally and he really is making a list!

Thanks for a Great Christmas Dad!

Follow-Up to Elder Gimpy & Other Ramblings

2009-01-14T10:08:00.008-07:00

Just a note to let you know that Jake's surgery went fine. Kari was able to speak with him on the phone Tuesday. He wasn't feeling so good coming off the anesthesia but they were able to talk for about 30 minutes! Someone at the MTC must have forgot he was on the phone 'cuz that seems like a long time to me...LOL She said it was good to talk to him. He let her do most of the talking...which he loved I am sure.

A note on the other hand....I simply hate going to the dentist. Now don't get me wrong...my dentist is WONDERFUL! But I am the only one I know who can go in for a simple cleaning and end up leaving with a bill for $1,395.00. It was slightly traumatic for me esp. since Kirt is not in a good financial mood right now. Grrr....I hate crying over teeth! Paying for the Dentist has been kind of the "thorn in the saddle" around our house.

On another note....I really enjoy stalking all of your blogs...but it seems most of you have taken a little vacation from blogging. I read your blogs like they're the morning paper. Makes me happy to see what you're up to....so I here's a little kick in your fannie who!
Disclamer: Chanelle is excused from scrutiny as she has a legitimate excuse

OK...I think I feel better now. Love you all! SHARI

Snow Day for Jayden! Say What???

2009-01-11T12:03:00.015-07:00

I am so glad I had my camera ready....
because these were the only shots we got!

Looks Impressive...
.....But this is really how Jayden prefers to do a Snow Day!

He is so lucky he is CUTE and has an awesome Mom & Dad!

Ahhh....January in the mountains...

I enjoy Christmas but there is something about that time when you put it all away and finally breathe a sigh of relief that I find soothing. I typically don't find that sigh anymore working at a CPA Firm. January is the time to kick it all into high gear. So It was nice to hear from Steve and Pam Friday when they said they were bringing Jayden up to play in the Snow. I had to kick it into high gear and get the Christmas Crap put away...yes, I said crap. I have been working such long hours since the turn of the New Year that I had neglected nearly everything at home. I needed a good kick in the behind so to speak.

They didn't get here until about 3pm so we gathered our winter playclothes and left the house as soon as we could. We were sure Jayden wasn't going to last more than an hour on the hill anyways. Taking the drive up to Little Sunrise isn't bad from my house...but when you start from Mesa it can make for a long day in the car. We no sooner got him to the top of the sled hill when he decided he was cold. Pam went back to the truck to fetch another layer of pants and we sent Amanda down the hill on her sled to show him how much fun it was. Then Steve decided he would take Jayden down...Pam wasn't quite back yet. I asked him if he wanted to wait and he said "No, She can watch the next one" LOL

Jayden had fun but didn't care for the face full of snow he got. So needless to say...HE WAS DONE and Pam never got to see him sled. He did play in the snow a little and liked watching the fire someone made in the snow. He didn't get to build a snowmen though ...the snow was too dry and wouldn't stick together anymore.

We headed back to the house and had hamburgers for dinner...Jayden had a good time racing motorcross on the computer and was able to run around a little bit before they headed home.

I know it was a long way to come to show a little boy some frozen white stuff for like 20 minutes...but I am glad they came. Jayden is a lucky boy for having such devoted parents!

Thanks to Steve and Pam for bringing some fun to my weekend!

9th Annual Rocket Shoot!

2009-01-09T19:00:00.004-07:00

We had such a GREAT TIME on New's Years Day this year. It was the 9th Annual Rocket Shoot hosted by my brother Randy. This year we gathered at a new "undisclosed" location. We circled the wagons or in our case the SUV's and Suburbans and set up camp for a day of fun.

Thanks Randy and Kim for bringing the camp trailer! So cool to have a Potty!
(Note to Logan - I haven't forgotten that you tried to lock me in either!!)
The kids had fun riding bikes and quads in the desert....Congratulations to Logan for
riding without training wheels.

Way to go big guy!

Kari changed the name of her Rocket to the "Jake-alizer" no big surprise there. Then I got this awesome picture of it igniting
at launch....Way Cool!
I Guess I didn't
get a pic of Amanda's pencil rocket. (note to self - 2010 - pics of both kids with rockets)

The Dad's kept everyone happy by keeping the toys ready to roll...

Some of the guys had big work getting the Jeep fixed up too....
I typically fix my

jeep with a toy saw too!
Thanks to all the Mom's for keeping us all fed and happy!
The day was a huge SUCCESS! No lost rockets, no broken bones, Lots of food, dirt, and Fun.

A Quick Note about Elder Gimpy

2009-01-09T07:06:00.006-07:00

Jake is having surgery on Monday to fix his torn ACL in his knee. He gets to call home on Tuesday. We will let you know how it goes... He is having fun with his pen fishing pole he got for christmas. He attached a spider to it and scares people.

What a Goof!

Kari's Buddie

2009-01-07T15:10:00.006-07:00

Ok.......so he's cute. I'll give him that. But does she have to be so crazy in love? It doesn't seem to matter that Jake is a hundreds of miles away and that he isn't coming back for like TWO WHOLE YEARS! Kari is crazy about him. Enough to put it on her car.

Maybe she's hoping if she
declares it in a semi-permanent
way then she can ward off would-be suitors.
(Not a bad idea lil'one!)

She actually put the little

sticky letter idea on her list to Santa.

Let's face it...He's perfect for her.

Not that I think a long distance relationship is a good idea

but her dad and I did it for awhile too. Plus we were engaged

for almost a year before we got married. So who am I to tell her

to give up. Read my lips!........Not going to do it!

And look how happy they are! AND I have to
admit it....Kirt & I like him too! Who could ask for a better future son?

He loves the Lord, wants with all his heart to do

whats right, and treats Kari like a QUEEN! I know he's going

to be a great missionary and Kari is already a

great daughter. I can't wait

to see what the future holds for her!

....HOPEFULLY its her good buddie Jake!

So....I'm a blogger now!

2009-01-06T21:49:00.000-07:00

...Another New Year's Resolution is underway. No promises on how successful I will be at figuring this thing out. Keep watching it can only get better. Thanks for the help sis.