She's a Natural!

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

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

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

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?

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

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!

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

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!

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

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