Family can be fun...

"How did He do that?"

On Sunday night after church, (yeap, we still went to church on our vacation)
we all gathered around (remember 45 of us) in one condo to watch a anticipated magic show put on by one of Dan's coolest brother; Steve "Dogwood Brother"

All the kids were in awh with the tricks that he did, and to be honest I was pretty impressed by his unknown talent, but hey, a 24 hour doughnut store impresses me as well.
He had us quite entertained; he had every detail down even to the Rocky theme Music at the beginning of the show. He would call the nieces and nephews up from the "audience" to help and they thought it was cool. (Steve might be the coolest Uncle for his Magic, but I am the coolest Aunt for taking my "Toe-ally Bling" stuff to do all the nieces toes.)
Here is the Magic man himself after the trick really worked. You could hear the kids ask, "How did he do that?" Steve loved being in the spotlight. I think that if his fashion heart ever fades, becoming a performer isn't far behind.

Thanks Steve for the fun night!

Is it MIDNIGHT yet???

Every year for as long as I have been a part of the family, (almost going on 9 years!) we have this crazy tradition... No doughnut store on Sunday (no shopping on Sundays) so all the kids that are still awake at midnight get to go and have a doughnut run. This year was Mackenzie first time to make it to the "run." She actually fell asleep on the couch, but Dan wanted to take "his" girl on the run with the others.
This year we had 12 kids make it till midnight. We had more kids make it this year then adults. You know you are getting older when your bed is better then a fresh doughnut.
Mackenzie was proud of herself and after her doughnut trip, I think it didn't take her very long to fall asleep again, but She did it!

We love our 24-hour doughnut store! Is it a bad thing that they know us by name "Ray's Kids" (Dan's Dad) and started to know what we wanted before we would tell them?

And we're off...

...Our vacation had officially began, and we are so excited... not so much for the 12 hours in the car, but to spend a week on the beach. Here's to vacations:

This is how we roll... all looks sweet, but not 10 minutes into the ride, Carson and Cassie were out to get each other. This was just an insight of what was in store...remember it was a late night from the rodeo and an early morning to beat the heat. It was a constant fight weather it was who gets the blankets, buppies, who was touching who and not wanting to sit in their car seats. Needless to say, I was wound up myself and we weren't even half way there yet. Thank goodness that the older girls were perfect...a shout out for the inventor of the traveling DVD players!

We made it...or at least half way!!! Only 6 hours in the car and not a moment too soon. Off to the pool for a cool off and a stretching of our feets.

Nothing feels better when it is 107 degrees outside. (I highly recommend the underwater camera that we bought. It works great with clear results. It is the Olympus Stylist 790)
You can't be in Veges and not eat at the buffet!!!


Here is the table after we were finished with the buffet. The kids thought that it was fun to stay in the hotel; living the lifestyle of Zac and Cody ( a show on the Disney Channel) is cool is what Delanie said. She never wants to leave this place. All the giant loud machines and all you can eat food, she was living the moment.

Newport Beach!!!

We are here baby!!! Let the vacation really begin now!!!

How rough! We went from the mid 100s to the perfect 70s with the cool ocean breeze. I was in need of a vacation!

This is the view that I get to spend the next week looking at.

So, sorry my follow bloggers, if you don't hear from me in the next week, know that I am here on the beach, playing in the sand with my kids, walking to the 24 hour doughnut store, looking for sharks on the pier, eating the best corn dogs ever, and spending time with the best family ever (the entire Springer family)...Aren't you all jealous??? You should be!

Life is rough here on vacation!

Cowboy Up...

...And that is exactly what we did tonight!

We got on our cowboy gear and headed down the street to our local rodeo, it is something that we do every year. Dan looks forward to it as much as the kids do. This year we bearly were able to see the rodeo due to the fact that we are heading out on vacation for a bit; see we leave in the morning, bright and early.

Here is a recap of the fun we had (starting from the top left and moving to the right)

1. Carson has to be the cutest cowboy I have ever seen; from the cowboy hat all the way down to his cowboy boots!

2. Cassie just trying to take the whole thing in

3. The wildest bunch of cowpoke here out west

4. The livestock before the rodeo began

5. Dan and Carson posing for a picture; it took me about 4 tries at this shot, Carson didn't want to stop and look at me. He might just miss something.

6. Cassie hamming it up

7. Lehi, Home of our famous Rodeo

8. Some of the rodeo royalty

9. Carson and Me

10. How much more American can you get; Nachos, Red Vines, and our beautiful flag!

11. Cassie in totally amazement

12. REAL cowboys! Lanie all night would sit by the fence and wave to the cowboys and just smile. We are in trouble with this one!!!

13. How do you wear a cowboy hat with that hairdo???

14. Carson enjoying the moment

15. Every rodeo has a clown. Our was Leroy. He has been coming as long as we have been going.

16. 17. and 18. Bear back riding. Look at their form! You couldn't pay me enough to get on a horse and do that! Crazy talent! Or maybe just plan CRAZY!

19. Daddy and his oldest

20. 21. 22. 23. You gotta have a snow cone when you go to the rodeo

24. GO Lehi! We love it here!

25. Aren't "Wrangler" butts the cutest? (Carson showing off his new jeans that he is so very proud of.)

We had a good time as a family tonight and even though we may not be completely "country" and live on a farm and have horses and cows of our very own... we know how to "Cowboy Up"

just as the best of them! "Giddy Up my Buckaroos" is how were say here and till the next post..."Happy Trails to you, till we meet again."

We love our neighbors!!

Over the weekend we had a block party with our neighborhood, where we blocked off the streets and just let the kids play and the adults talk. It was a fun evening.
We played a game where you have to tell 2 truth and 1 lie; WOW! I am impressed with all of the things my neighbors have actually done. Almost shocking!

At the time I couldn't think of mine, but after laying in bed, I finally thought of mine:

Here we go...Which of these is the lie???

In my childhood, under the care of my dad, which of these didn't really happen?

1.Stomach pumped due to overdose. 2. Ate poop. 3. Left at a restaurant and didn't realize it till a block away. 4. Pulled my arm out of the socket. 5. Broke arm by fallen out of a play pin.

I know, ONE of these things is a lie and I am proud to say that I survived my dad. Remember I was the first born! Pure experimental! Have fun trying to figure this one out!

Anyways, back to the block party...something that started out so innocent with a game of water balloon volleyball turned into something where NO ONE was safe!!! A HUGE WATER FIGHT BEGAN!! First it was the men turning on each other, then it didn't take long for the kids to turn on each other as well. THEN, it was all having to defend themselves. Kids turned on parents and husbands turned on wives!!!

My favorite quote was from Mark O'barr when he got wet, (he without any hesitation) yelled like a girl and was more concerned that he was wearing a white t-shirt.

I was trying so hard to stay dry...the water was so cold. So good old Dianne Dragger caught me off guard and "tried" to get me...I was willing to sacrifice Carson and "hide" behind him. Not much luck...I was drenched thanks to her and the kids on the block. They thought is was fun to finally get the adults.

Melanie Hill was bound and determined to get Amy Corpron (where she was "Getting her Lesson ready/hiding) that she knocked on the door and when "Amy" opened it, Melanie throw the water in the house, only to not get AMY, but it was June Westburry!!

The Dragger/O'Barr kids got the water balloon launcher and tried to get the mom...I don't think so boys! Pay back will be right around the corner.

There was a time Mark was whispering/cuddling something to Laura and Dan being the little devil that he can be, grab a cooler of water and throw it upon the two of them!!! See, I told you that the our kids get their wild side from Dan.

These were just a few events that took place on our block party. It was fun to watch adults "play" like kids do all the time and get away with it. There was lots of laughs and scramming taking place and I learned one thing...You never know who you can really trust!

Who is ready for the next big water fight?...I sure am! Bring it on!!! No holds back!

It's just not fair...

Question for you all out there:
Why is it that boys are always the ones with the "Prettiest" features???
I swear I know guys with the longest/thickest eye lashes; ones that women wish for.
I know guys that have great full lips. What about the guys that have the "natural" blush? They have great coloring. They always have the prettiest eye colors too; there is something about a blue eyed/dark hair boy. So striking! Women will pay $$big bucks$$ for some of these natural "beauty" features that men just get and don't even appreciate...Why Is That???. I don't think that is not fair at all!!!
Here is Carson when I found him and he had gotten into my lipstick and the funny thing is that he applied it pretty good for a boy of his age, But what can I expect for my only son to do with three sisters and me myself. He might just be boomed, but at least he knows how to work it...RIGHT??? And one day his sisters will be mad that Carson has the features that they will want...Life is just not fair.

Being the first born is the BEST!

Good -bye old little bike, it's time for Mackenzie to get a new one...

...Hello brand new purple Mongoose bike with all the extra bling!
With Kenzie growing like a weed, she is outgrowing her clothes not to mention her bike. So she had to earn it by helping around the house and obeying/listening the first time. Dan thought that she had earned it, but I was enjoying using it as a bribe tactic.
So off to Wal-Mart we went, she knew just the one she wanted from eyeing them every time we go...but once we got there, "her" bike was gone. After looking at all the "others" she found one that she liked just as much.
Kenzie walked it all over Wal-Mart as we finished our shopping and even had some lady stop her and tell her that "that's a good looking bike," Kenzie was pleased.

When we got home, the rest of the night, Kenzie would ride up and down the street singing to herself. She was happy with her new ride.

So, now back to the title of this post; Being the first born is the BEST!

Here is now Delanie, and notice the bike that she gets...the old little hand-me-down bike and hence my theory... Being the first born is the best!

I am the first born and I remember that you always get everything "NEW;" from clothes to toys, even with responsibility.

Now I am seeing "this" with my own kids and Kenzie gets it all "New" Don't get me wrong, the other kids do get their fair share of "new," (Almost to the fact that they are spoiled) but being the oldest, you just don't have anyone else to "pass down" things from.

See, so being the oldest is the Best!

Oh Mr. Sun Sun Mr. Golden Sun

PLEASE SHINE DOWN ON ME!!!

(Carson, Conner, Aaron, Hannah, Calub, Kenzie, Lanie, and Cassie)

This afternoon, we got together with some of the other neighborhood kids and let them play the afternoon away.

We had everything from the tramp, to the kiddie pool, to chalk. Snacks were outside and they kids were in their own Paradise!

Carson was shooting himself in the face with the water guns just to cool off. I am pleased to say that Summer is Here and here to stay. Today was warm and as I am typing this, the weather man says nothing but sun balls are in our future!!! YEAH!!

The kids were running and chasing each other and that is one of the things that I LOVE about Summertime; the kids will run themselves tired. They play so hard that when bed time comes, there are no fights and LESS excuses and the BEST part: they all sleep in till at least 8:30, sometimes even 9:00!!!

So just a heads up, if my kids are sleeping, I am too. So please no phone calls or random stopping by till at least 9:00, because who knows what you might see. My door is always "opened," but consider this your warning. Clothes and hair is not done no earlier then I have too.

Remember with Summer here, that means NO schedules and that is another thing what I LOVE about Summer...not to mention: the sun, relaxing, popsicles, kids playing, fresh fruit, smell of sunscreen, swimming, green grass, "Bling Bling" toes, air conditioning, the color of flower, vacations, walking to church, BBQing, and longer days to name a few.

I LOVE SUMMER!

I just don't get it?!??!

This is what I have been listening to the last little bit...Kids at the window.

It FINALLY has been a beautiful day, so I sent the kids out to play and no more then 10 minutes, this is what they were doing...I just don't get it!

During the cold nasty Winters, all they want to do is play outside and now that it is Summer and they can play all day long in the warm sunshine; they don't want to. The kids have the entire back yard to themselves, with every play toy every invented; but instead I get to hear every excuse in the book..."We are hot, I have to use the bathroom, I am bored, She/He is not sharing, I want something to eat/drink, Can you come out with us, the bugs are going to get me, I got hurt and need a band-aid, I have a poopie," and so on and so on.

They say they would rather watch TV...I don't think so. Go outside and wear yourself out.

The harder they play the better. "Go out and have some fun."

Sometimes I just don't get the minds of kids and the certain ways they think.

Anyone else have this problem???

Just call me a pirate.

My Purse + an occasional "clean out" = Buried Treasure!

So Eliza did this TAG AWHILE ago, OK a LONG time ago, but I thought I would do it better late then never. Rule: Empty your pruse/bag you use daily. Take a picture and show us all.

See I hardly ever clean out my purse, I just go from one to another based on my outfit, so this made me sit down and "clean" out my current one and what I found was things that I have forgotten about, hence the "Buried Treasure".

(Also, I am trying something from one of my follow bloggers and high school Friends, Shalyse...She is doing a Post a Day on her blog and I have found that it has been fun to do myself. Thanks Shalyse for the idea!)

So look what I found:

* My red wallet (pretty much my entire life)

* 4 Sonic mints

* 1 wet wipe

* pen

* 9 lip glosses and 1 lip liner

* Cannon camera & charger

* handful of change

* Zipfizz energy drink mix

* broken fortune cookie

* receipt

* eye bling

* girl's bracelet

* Flower clip

* 2 candy wrappers

* toy dog

* garage opener

* 3 mismatched earrings

* 2 hair clipies

AND last but not least...

* 4 fortunes from dinner at PF Changs

Wow! I can't believe that I had all that junk in my purse!

Actually I can, my purse is the place where everything thing goes when there isn't a garbage around, the kids are tired of holding it, or if something just needs a quick place to hide away. I am going to do this again in a month (Clean out my purse) and see if I can keep it clean, but I am NOT going to hold my breath.

So I now Tag the following:

Feef- her purse is like Mary Poppins bag; things will keep on coming.

Jenny R.- I want to see if the memento from prom is still in there. (tell the story of the airport)

Shalyse- to help her with a "post a day"

Gina- to see what she carries around with 3 small kidos

Ganny- No young kids...what do you carry?

AND anyone else who may want to find some buried treasure!!!

We love Dad!

Today is Father's Day!!!

Today was our day to celebrate Dad!

He does so much for us, it was our way to say thank you and give him the love that he deserves.
This is what the kids gave to Dan for his special day: Gift cards from Lids, Itunes, Cinemark, Fireshouse, and Fanzz. He also got a gift card to around of golf. The kids wanted to give him everything he enjoys.
After church, the kids ran to Dan so excited to give Dan what they made at church too. A "Dad's" root beer from Lanie with a beautiful hand made card, 2 cans of "Pop" from Carson and Cassie, and a "Big Hunk" from Kenzie. And Dan was expected to "share" with all of them...and he did, that's what Dad's are good for.

What we LOVE about Dad... (from all of us)

* good worker at work

* Makes us laugh

* Tucks us into bed and gives us snuggles

*Example to others

* Always there for family and friends

* Takes me to Wendy's when mom says No

*Teaches me to golf

* Strong in the church

*Makes good hot dogs when he BBQ

* When he walks in the door from work

* Does the ironing

* Let's me ride in the front seat of his truck

* Changes poopie diapers

* Rubs my feet

* Drives, waits patiently, while mom shops

* Walks with me to church

* Shares his Diet Mt. Dew

* Knows ALL the stats for ALL sports

* Mows the lawn and feeds Marley

* Wrestles with me on the floor

* Kisses me

*Watches me outside play

* Takes me to rodeos, swimming pools, parks, movies, for fun

* Buys me Gaterades at Maverick when he's at the gas station

* Gets the bugs/spiders and flushes them down the toilet

* Takes me to his work

* Plays "ISPY" with me

* Pays the bills so we can enjoy "things"

Daddy, You do so much for us to make us have the life that we have. We are blessed to have you. Thank You for it even though we may not always tell you. You are the BEST dad ever and we are LUCKY to have YOU! Thank You for being YOU and for putting us as your first priority and for the things that you sacrifice for us.

We LOVE you so much!

change is good...

I was in due time for a hair cut;

What is it about men and their wife needing to have LONG hair, so at Dan's request; (Dan Loved my hair long in my Senior picture and since he didn't know me, he wanted to see it.) the past year or so, I have been growing it out. My hair is wet in the first picture so it is hard to tell, but it is past my bra strap...over 12 inches long. I did like the long hair, but it was getting too HOT and was just hanging there. It was always in a ponytale,

So for the Summer I thought it would be fun for a change...

...change was for the best!

I LOVE my new look!! I feel like a sexy chickadee now!

There is something about a fresh new hair cut that can make a difference in one's personality.

It is just what I needed. Being a mom of 4 in my mid-twenties, I wanted something fun and fierce, and I got it! A good hair cut can make a world of a difference.

With my hair down, a pedi, my make-up done,

I was feeling good and ready for Summer fun!

Happiness is only a Hair Flip away!

Have you ever had "ONE OF THOSE DAYS?"

Well, I HATE any extra drama in life and that is what I have been dealing with lately...Other thing I HATE is Conformation; I usually just let things go... For the most part I am pretty laid back.

Well, I was hitting my breaking point with this unnecessary drama, until one of my girlfriends sent me just want I needed! (Thanks to Ms. X) You made me laugh out loud and reminded me that in life, Happiness is only a Hair Flip Away!

I had my "Moment" of flipping and it worked! I flipped, said my "whatevers" and got over it.

It made me realized that I am who I am and in this life, I won't be able to pleases everyone. As long as I am doing what is right for my family and myself, that is what is important, no one Else's option should matter. I am NOT doing anything wrong and that is what's important. Life is short. You don't have to get worked up on things that are small.

When "those days" come upon you, try my theory and hair flip your troubles away!

Conversation with 2 year old twins:

The Set-Up: This was a mid-morning tub AFTER Carson and Cassidee were dunking their heads in the dog dish and drinking the water... GROSS!

I was washing Cassie's hair with Shampoo and then it was Carson's turn...

This is where the conversation starts:

Carson: "Don't for get to wash my wiener"

Me: "I won't forget Carson"

(I should have let the conversation stop there, but I just wanted to know if Cassie was awear of "things")

Me: "Cassie, where is your wiener?"

Cassie: "I don't have a wiener, I have a Bom-Bom (Bum-Bum)
Me: Yes, you do"

Cassie: (Without any hesitation) "Daddy has a wiener" (Ok, she does understand "things")

Me: (Surprised; trying not to giggle) "Yes, Daddy does have a wiener"

Cassie: " Daddy has a big wiener" (No more showering with daddy!) "I have no wiener"

Carson: "Yes he do have a big wiener"

Me at this point; I am laughing, not even trying to hide the giggles.

Sorry if this offended anyone, but having one 2 year old is a challenge, but having 2 at once, is even more so. Sometimes I have to write down the things these two come up with. NEVER underestimate the brains of 2 year old. What they come up with amazing! The two of them just feed on each other, and sometimes they make me laugh out loud and it is usually on the days I need it the most. Me growing up with no brothers, I am sure these two will teach me "things" together whether I need it or not.

TAG and I'm it...

Here we go, thanks Keri for taggin' me for this fun and EASY tag...Here are the RULES: 10 Pictures, Go and take them NOW, Right now, without Cleaning or Picking up, that is a NO NO!!!

1. Where is your Favorite place? It has to be Disneyland AND Newport Beach! We go there every year with the "Springer" family, kids and all and stay 10 steps from the sand. So much fun and believe it or not, I can even find time to relax, even with my kids on MY vacation. I love the smell of the salty air; that is one thing I miss not living in Oregon anymore.

2. Self Portrait: Ok, remember it is after midnight as I am typing right now, I have to admit, my top was off before this picture, but I wanted to spare you from blindness and a scary sight. I love hanging out in my G's. They are so cozy to me.
3. What are your kids doing RIGHT NOW? Sleeping, everyone of them and I have to admit, I wish that I was too, but this is my only time to have "ME" time.
4. Favorite Shoes? Right now it is any open toe shoe to show off my pretty glitter toes. These are the pair that I wore today; last year's Mossimo brand from Target. I love Summer and being able to flaunt my Fancy toes.
5. What does your Fridge look like? Oh my, I am so embarrassed! You caught me, it is time to go to Costco.
6. Favorite Room in your house: I couldn't decided...I love my "red" room; it is the front room and stays clean, plus I love the red and white combo. I love our Nook, this is where we TRY to eat as a family, and though we try, it doesn't Always happen. The Family room; this is where we LIVE! This is the place we hang. And the Kitchen, is my Least favorite: I hate to Cook! It is NOT fun to me.
7. What does your sink look like? CLEAN believe it or not...ONLY because Dan had dishes tonight, normally there are buppies in the sink from the twins. (Kids cup: put a bottle and cup together and you get a BUP; that term has been in the "Springer" family for almost 20 years with grand kid #1, Taylor. We all use it and everyone asks what a Bup is. I have saved you the question...your welcome.)
8. What does your second bath look like? Red and Black and for the most part clean. You can't see the twins potty, but that is usually on the toilet sit; we are still working on that with Cassie.
9. What does your closet look like? Close your eyes and just move on to the next question. I know it is bad, but after cleaning my house all day, everyday, I pick my battles and my closet is not one of them. Sorry you had to see this. Remember no Cleaning before pictures, that was rule number one.
10. Show us your laundry room: I LOVE LOVE LOVE my washer and dryer. I know that I shouldn't covet things, but these are pretty close. With all the laundry I do, I love having these and with them being red, they make me a bit more happy when I have to spend so much time in this room. Notice that both of them are full, I am telling you, with 4 kids, one husband, and myself, laundry is NO-STOP!
See, not to bad of a tag, so now that my job is done, Remember no judging me either. I did what I was told and had fun doing it. I am ready to past the tag to some others; remember it is easy and fast. NO Cleaning!!!
I tag the following: Amy, Eliza, Jenny R. & Jenny S. Mindy, Christina, AND anyone else who wants to open your homes and let us in.

Kingston: Is this Normal???

Meet Kingston; our Siamese cat. Yes, we do have a cat, many of you are surprised that we even have a cat due to the fact Dan is allergic (just one of the many things he does for his wife) and that Kingston is always hiding. What is even more ironic is, we got him 2 years ago around Father's Day. Dan is always teased for that, he never even wanted a cat. In fact, he got his name of Kingston because, he must be something of importance to have got a home with us. The cat must have taken it to heart because he thinks that he owns this place. Either way, Kingston is part of us now and with no claws and male anatomy, he is pretty laid back, no pun intended...

Which leads to my question from above...Is this NORMAL for a cat???
No joke, he lays on his back all time!! And not for a little bit, but that is how he relaxes and sleeps; with both paws up in the air and on his back stretched out. It makes me laugh.
I have had cats growing up and cats are funny animals but I have never had a cat do what Kingston does and sleep like a person. It can be in front of the window sunning himself or laying on ones bed, this is how Kingston relaxes. Go figure.

So my question to you: Is my Cat NORMAL??? OR do we just have a crazy cat that seems to fit our family perrrrfectly? (I had to do that...Sorry. :) Crazy and off the wall. Please let me know.