Almost a STAR

The "Good Things Utah" ladies are ALMOST as cute as Carson is.

Today Carson ALMOST made us millions, by finally getting his modeling debut.

Carson ALMOST made the DOGWOOD sales triple.

Carson ALMOST had the guts to walk on the Good Things Utah stage.

I ALMOST got to be a proud stage mom.

Carson was ALMOST a star...

...but kids will be kids and when they have no desire, then you can't make them do anything; not even every bribe that Dan and I could think of worked on Carson today. He was happy and fine in the green room before the show. He practised holding hands with his cousin Collin as they would walk out on stage, and he was excited to do it even when the show had started...

...but during the commerical break before the Dogwood segment, Angie and Reagen (two of the shows' hosts) told the boys it was time to get ready and from that moment, Carson had his mind made up...NO WAY was he going to be on TELEVISION.

So what I learned that day with Carson is "ALMOST" is just fine and he was happy with he decision with no regrets. At least he tried something and even though he didn't finish/go through with it all the way, he at least tried and had the desire to TRY.

I can learn life lessons from my own 2 year old son...

(...and he will be in still photographs till his nerves get a bit stronger.)

Halloween Eve

With it being the night before Halloween, the night where kids get to run from door to door dressed in their favorite person or scary thing, getting way too much candy for what any child needs in an entire year, but we as parents welcome the fun and say, bring it on and call bids on what candy we get to eat first.

(My personal favorites are the Mr. Goodbars, Amond Joys, and Snickers)

So in honor of Halloween night, I share with you the Top 10 reasons why

Trick or Treating is better then Sex:

10: You are guaranteed to get at least a little something in the sack

9: If you get tired, you can wait 10 minutes and go at it again

8: The uglier you look the easier it is to get some

7: You don't have to compliment the person who gives you some

6: It's OK when the person you're with fantasizes you're someone else, because you are

5: Forty years from now you'll still enjoy candy

4: If you don't like what you get, you can just go next door

3: It doesn't matter if your kids hear you moaning and groaning

2: Less guilt the morning after

And the number one reason why Trick Or Treating is better then Sex...

1: You can do the whole neighborhood.

Enjoy Trick or Treating tomorrow night and have a little fun while you are at it.

Remember, it only comes once a year and when else can you be a fish, clown, princess, or ninja and can get all the free candy your pillow case can hold??!?

Halloween Tradition going strong...

Tonight for family night, we cut into pumpkins and brought them to life.

This is something we do every year with the kids and they/myself look forward to it.

Since Dan and I have been married, it has been a rule that I do the clean out; Dan thinks that it is nasty and the tradition seems to carry on with the kids.

The girls, every one of them, where down there with me, cleaning and gutting out the pumpkins, but Carson had NO desire to touch the goo. It was almost like he was scared of it.

Either way, my boys are not the dirty type and they don't care if we the girls make fun of them.
What can I say...I have clean freaks for boys!

The pumpkins had no chance with all of us taken them on.
With the guts all gone, it was time for the craving...

Dan putting his muscles into it. Babe, you show that pumpkin who is boss!

All of our hard work paid off...we craved a spider and a skull vampire.

(I have to admit...I did the skull. I got some skills when it comes to craving a pumpkins!)

The kids were so proud of their pumpkins, but I am too.

The kids took the pumpkins outside to show off to the neighborhood.

Hopefully now all the spooks will stay away and Halloween can now come.

The moment right before the pain begins...

Don't let this picture happen...I think that out of all the pictures that I posted, this last one by far could be the most painful and the hardest to recover from!

You don't want this man to be the president of the USA!

I can't trust this man and all the broken promises that he intends to keep.

Any person that can't show honor to the flag and be proud of the country that he could run, should not be the president of the country. Hello, his middle name is Husane; for heaven sakes, do people not remember what our country has already been through and the evil things people try to do to bring the USA down??!?

With only 8 days till the big voting day, Let history will be made. Don't let a mistake be made by voting in this man who doesn't care and lies to make himself look better.

Don't let your voice go unheard.

Get out and Vote on November 4th

McCain & Palin 2008

We're all in this together!

You can see from the line, that we were not the only people excited for the new release of ...

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3: Senior Year

The kids (and even myself, High School Musical is one of my guilty pleasures) were excited to play hookie from school and go to the first showing of the opening day! (Friday October 24th at 11:30 to be exact.) I would have loved to see the movie at midnight, but I thought I would look a bit silly going without kids.

When we first got to the theater, the doors were locked and closed; we had to wait outside in the cold for almost 30 minutes, but the kids were ok without any complaints, they were too excited!

Delanie wore her HSM shirt and was all excited to open the doors to get to see the movie.

She has been waiting for a long time and seeing the commericals on tv she said were teasing her,

all of her patients were about to pay off...

...with us all in our seats, drinks and popcorn, we were excited for the movie to start.

(I can't wait to see the previews...mall cop and the Disney movie with Adam Sandler look good, let me know if anyone is up for a movie night when they come out.)

(Shhhhhh...the movie is about to begin!)

2 hours later, no one moved from their seats!

Mackenzie loved it and gave it a thumbs up and I would totally agree with her!

The music was great, the clothing was fun, and it made me want to do high school all over again.

It is one of those movies that you leave feeling happy and the rest of the day is going to a good day.

I do have ONE complaint with the movie: With all the young talent that Disney has, I was not impressed with the British girl that was Sharpay's personal assistant. I didn't think that she had the natural talent that the others do. She just bugged me.

Do you feel the same way???

Other then that, I love the part where "Troy" and "Chad " were dancing in the junk yard singing the song "The boys are back" and I loved the part where "Troy" and "Gabrella" were on the roof top at the school and "Troy" asks "Gabrella" to the prom and they dance and sing "Can I have this dance?" (I am a hopeless romantic) Oh, and I can't forget the part "Ryan" and "Sharpay" "want it all." That part was fun to watch as well.

Before I give the whole movie away, you better go and watch the movie for yourselves!

If you loved the first 2 then you won't be disappointed with this one as well...Promise!

It was a fun day for the whole family, the kids, myself, and yes, even Dan.

***And if ANYONE wants to go see it again and again, give me a call and I will tag along, till then I will just sing along with the cast with MY cd. ***

Murder High Class of '85

Sally Sax and Byron P. Keaton

Natalie and Joe Nebraska

Bobbie Bright and Judd Jenson

B.A. Barricade and Pamela Abdul
Terry Johnson and Molly Ringworm

Mallory and Mike Majesty

Cindy Crawfish and Steve Spielson

Nancy and Nick Nixon

Thanks to Yearbook Yourself for the archival of every one's senior pictures.

It was a "KILLER" year! Can't wait to see you all at the class reunion this Friday night!

A "Killer" Time!

Last Night, Dan and I were the hosts of a Murder Mystery Party and we gathered some friends for a good old 80's class reunion.

We all attended Murder High and were the class of '85.

23 years have come and gone and we gathered again as a class to see where life has taken us all. Like all High Schools, we had all kinds of "groups" and even though time has passed, something never change.

Sally Sax: the marching band leader and Byron P. Keaton: Math Team Captian were able to attend then evening. Sally is now a top of the line musican and is invouled in some big time event, maybe even the next preisental ball... And Byron realizing that being a nerd "pays" off and is rolling in his dough. Thank Goodness that numbers are not a changelle for him, but dressing in today's trends he can't seem to understand.

Speacking of President; We were honored to have Nick Nixon who was once our very own class president and who is now trying to win our votes as the president of our country... And with every President, there is a First lady/ Vice president of Murder High Class of '85. Nancy Nixon was there at the reunion to stand behind her man and support his every move.


Also in attendence was the class flirt herself, Cindy Crawfish/"Crabs" because of her flirtaish past and low and behold she has the gull to bring Steve Spielson, who once was our very own audio visual squad leader turn bigwig movie producer. I think that Steve has burned too many briges since high school to now, because NO ONE was happy to see Steve there.

Look out! When Molly Ringworm enters the room, drama seems to follow. Since High School, Molly always wanted to be in the center of attenation and that has not changed. She doesn't have time for any men in her life, her carrer is way too important, the only man she need is her day time Emmy for her current charater on a soap opera.

Our faithful Hall monitor/traffic cop, Terry Johnson was in attendence of the evening events. He was there to make sure all rules were being followed, people were civilal, and IF a muder was to take place, he would investigate!

Judd Jenson, our very own class stud has not changed one bit. As he mingled with our friends, I heard Judd uses his line of, "...there is always room for Judd..." Hearing that takes me back, he used that line 23 years ago. I know that his slogan is what he uses now at his used car lot as well. From girls to used cars..., there might be a joke there somewhere, but I am not going there.

Bobbie Bright was oh so smart and still is. Her post as class valedicotorian to now as a big important lawyer, she was always an example to all of us students. Bobbbie's will win any lawsuit, no matter what...Her name is on the line.

Who says love needs to end after High School? Mallory went on to marry her high school sweet heart Mike Majesty. If you remember, both of them were crowded Prom King and Qween and since then, their life is more then just a fairy tale...it has love, hate, betrial, and secerts. There is way more to their Happily Ever After.
Every School has the jock and head cheerleader and Murder High was no different. Joe and Natalie Nebraska graced our persence wanting us to not forget that Joe was once the ledgend on our very own football team and he wants us to not forget it still today.

Natalie being the happy-go-lucky head cheerleader, how can you not like her? In fact, she was liked by everyone...or so she thought.

Heads turned as B.A. Barricade walked into the room. He was our class punk and it looks like he is still as scary as he was in school. No one would question anything he said, let alone stand up to him. He pretty much did his own thing and that is how he was tonight...but tonight he didn't want us to forget that what he saids goes.

Pamela Abdul was there and had more secerts to share with her classmates about Natalie. The two of them had it out for eachothere. With Pamela being the pompom captain, Natalie thought that Pamela was never good enough and the grudes were still here tonight.

The evening of our class reunion was full of fun and laughs. It was good to see friends and sprend the evening with them, BUT it also was a evening of blackmale, bribes, secerts releved, and even a murder.

Sounds like everything high school really is...Someone can't let the past go and wants to make sure that revenge is sweet.

If this all happened at the 23rd reunion, what will the next 10 years be like?

Who is planning the next one?

****(All in attendence...PLEASE>>>don't spill in the comments who the murder was, just in case others want to have the "class reunion" for their graduating class. Thanks for a evening a fun! "Natalie" was the only one to figure out who the murder was.)

ONE year and Counting!

Happy Birthday to my Blog!

It is hard to believe that it has been one whole year since I have started the SpringerSplatter blog.

It has been fun to go back and read some of the older posts and remember the things that we celebrated, our visitors, the sad times, our busy lives, the sporting events, all the holidays, the naughty things as well as the sweet things.

(even the hard truth... As I am typing this is my conversation with Delanie:

Delaine: "Mom what are you going to wear at my class today?" (I am helping her teacher this afternoon)

Me: "This." "I was planning on wearing this, is that ok?"

Delanie: "What about your hair?" "Are you going to fix that?" (it is in a ponytail at this point)

"I don't want you to embarress me today at school."

Me: "What?" "Yes Lanie, I am going to do my hair and it is going to be even more crazy then this."

Dalanie: "MOM...YOU CAN'T!"

Me: "Ok Lanie, I will fix my hair." "How should I do it?"

Delanie: "anything but not like that."

Me: "OK Lanie."

Delanie: (before I can finish) "Thanks Mom, you can thanks ME later."

Me: (just smiled)

See a bit of honesty as I am even writing this: This is what exactly what I am talking about...Real life with kids to keep us on our toes, to make sure life doesn't get too comfortable.

This blog has also gives you, the readers an insight to our crazy, chaos, busy life; never a dull moment in our family... But also our wonderful, blessed, and happy family!

It has been fun to open our lives to you, the readers and show you our real and uncut life; How a family of 6, two parents outnumbered by 4 kids, dealing with life the best we know how, showing you we aren't perfect, but we are for sure trying our best and having fun making memories as we do it!

Thanks for following us and watching us grow, if anything, maybe this blog can bring you a testament of how family is important, and maybe even a laugh or two.

Here's to another year of blogging!

Less then ONE month to go!

But who is counting...

ME

that's who!

Look at the "New Kids" Now and Then.

Look how tends and styles have changed! The Hair, The Clothes, The Attitude, but I am happy to say, "the kids" have now grown into men and boy, I thought they were cute then...
...Now they are HOTTIES!
Here is my personal favorite out of the famous and talented 5: Little Joe!
To any 10 year old girl, this little guy had it all; the looks, the voice, the moves, and not to forget the smile.

Not so little anymore. Wow! Time was kind to you Joey!
Joey always knew how to make me smile and watching him on stage in a month, I know that I will be a big OLD groupie and do more then smile when he sings "Stays the Same."
I already plan to tell the girls to stop screaming when Joey sings, that boy is mine!

This is going to bring back great memories, almost to the point of rebellion.
See, I had to use my OWN money to buy their first tape and being only 10, I had to work hard for it and let me tell you, it was all worth it. My parents didn't want their daughter to dance around going gaga over some boy band. WHAT!!?! They weren't just a boy band, they there the first ones to really start it all.
Yes, there was the Beatles, but the NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK paved the way for All for ONE, N'SYNC, BackStreet Boys, and 98 Degrees.
So going to this concert, I feel like this will be everything thing that I hope it will be...
...FUN, EXCITING, LOUD, SILLY, SUPER, GIRL'S NIGHT, Full of GROUPIES, WONDERFUL, and a DREAM COME TRUE for any 10 year old girl (now a 28 year old mom)

This month can't go fast enough!!!!!!
Be watching, you can for sure bet on a posting on this weekend of FUN and the NKOTB!

Who's doesn't LOVE a P-A-R-T-Y!!?!

What do you get when you have a Power Ranger, Pirates, Cindy Lou Who, a Pixie,
Buzz Light Year, Wonder Women, a nice Witch, and a Cheerleader...

...a Halloween PARTY for some of the neighborhood kids!

What was suppose to have started out with my primary kids from church, turned into 12 neighborhood kids. Kenzie and Delanie thought that others should come cause Lanie didn't have a birthday party.

(Kids never forget anything)

At 2:00 sharp, the door bell rang and the party was to begin and from that moment, there was not a quite calm kid in my house, and that is how it should be when it comes to a party.

We bobbed for apples and Maggie (the witch) was the only one to grab the apple with her mouth on the first try. After the first couple of kids tried, the other kids were giggling too hard to get the apples with their mouths.

We made ghosts with streamers and the kid's hand prints bats.

The kids had a good time playing musical pillows, which both Delanie's had a battle at who was the winner. We decided that it was a tie. We helped each other as we closed our eyes to put the nose on the pumpkin. The thing that was neat to watch, the kids were more willing to help each other, than to be the winner.

Who doesn't love donuts?

I should have known that the donuts would have been a hit and who would have known that 4,5, and 6 years old have such awesome dance moves. I was impressed!

After 1 1/2 hours; the perfect amount of time for the party, the kids all wanted to pose with their "new mouths." They had a good time showing off their coustumes in a parade around the house as well.

I have to admit, I know my kids had fun (and I even did too.)

***And I want to say sorry to the mom's and dad's of the kids that came...My kids were bouncing off the walls tonight before bed due to all the treats and candy. I hope that yours were at least a bit easier to control, if not, it wasn't me. :) Thanks for allowing your kiddos to come over and play.***

Plant a seed...

...and watch it grow!

Every year, the kids look forward to going to Opas' garden and get excited to see what is growing each year.

When Opa called to tell us the pumpkins were ready to pick, we all piled into Dan's truck and headed up north to pick out our perfect pumpkins.

Each of the kids ran to the garden and instantly found what pumpkins they wanted.

We want to thank Opa for all of his time and effort he puts into his garden each year; with the corn, the tomatoes, cucumbers, raspberries, peppers, and the every famous pumpkins with the kids, we love everything about your garden.

Thank you Opa for your patience and memories we are able to pass down to each of the kids. They love coming over and know that they can have free rein to whatever they want. Nothing tastes better then fresh ripe food from Opa's garden.

The girls were asked one day by Opa when he came over, "Where is your garden?" and the girls were quick to answer, "If we had one, who would come eat your Opa? We are just helping you out Opa, so yours doesn't go to waste!" Opa laughed and said, "You are right!"
(Kids figure things out real quick!)

With Fall here, that means good-bye to the garden, so with the garden ready to be tilled, we are already looking forward to Opa's garden next year! You can plan that we will be there when we get the phone call that the corn is ready!

Thanks Opa! We love you and all your hard work! Keep it up!

On Friday Night I Learned a Few Things...(with the help of Eliza)

*Always read the print on Invitations
*Never wear the colors of a wedding TO what you think is the wedding reception but is really the family dinner of which you are not family (refer to 1st thing I learned on Friday)
*Don't be afraid to sing along loudly to a favorite song in the car even if your passengers might not like that song
*Always call at least 2 restaurants and make reservations for the same time when going into Provo/Orem for dinner
*NEVER back comb your hair to the point of it looking like a space helmet
*NEVER have space helmet hair when you are gray and old
*All things in life should be exciting like the hostess was when our beeper for our table went off
*When ordering the onion rings at Goodwood the half order will be just fine
*When ordering a meal that has had onions and mushrooms sauteed in Burgundy prepare to be tipsy (Eliza you are naughty!)
*There is a huge difference between a 9oz sirloin steak and a 12 oz slab of prime rib

*Fat from your stake is hard to swallow even if you chew and chew
*Always pay your speeding tickets, even if you are a petite lady
*A trip to Nordstroms is never just a trip to Nordstroms.
*People don't care where they are when they have to "drop" something (Peeee-U!)

*"Hating me, Doesn't make you any prettier"
*The Disney Store flooring really would look nice in MY house
*Dress Barn is NOT a Barn

*Downtown Provo is shady with it's circus music and all
*A blanket and a stairwell is a house? (Or a make out place of college students because they can't go back to each other's dorm)

*Even living in Provo, the parking lots are dark and scary

The Velour Club needs a woman's touch (air fresheners,booths/floor pillows/pop fountain machine would be a really nice addition)

*The love of a father is great...listening to a song about a stripper with his 8 year old daughter in the room.

*JPL is really short and why someone let me pose at that angle is beyond rude!

*Never let you husband pose you in the dark for a picture.
*You have to feel the music to play the Didgeridoo's

*No mater what your age is, dance with all of your heart, even if you like both girls and boys.

*Family Home Evening groups are the best support.
*The Provo scene makes me feel old
*A blanket and a stairwell really IS a house so run run RUN!
*Some people can't talk and drive at the same time or we might just miss our exit
*If you need to find something out before your brain explodes without a computer nearby to google it... just "google" someone on the phone (preferably NOT someone who is asleep)

*The Jets were a great '80 brother/sister band
*JCW's has the best ice cream cones, but who didn't already know that! (AND Diet Dr. Pepper!)

...and the most important lesson I learned is that Dan and I have the bestest friends and they must love us to want to go out with us often. Curtis and Eliza, with the knowegle that you give us, you should be teachers, but you aren't...I take you as friends though, that is even better!

Follow your Bliss...

*Live with Intention*

*Plunge in*

*Be willing to Discover*

*Care Deeply*
*SAVOR MAGIC MOMENTS*

*Live it Up*

*Be Happy*

*Share your smile*

*Dream Big*

You bet I do...

Okay, I have to admit...I LOVE Reality TV!

What is it about reality tv that seems to capture me, grab me, and suck me right in to watching faithfully every week.

Is it the adrenalin? Is the escape? Or maybe it's the "players?" Maybe even because we can/want to relate to the events taking place; hence the name "reality."

No matter what it is...We as a society, need our reality shows.

Thank goodness for Tivo. You better believe that I "tape" the shows and watch them later in peace from my kids and what is even better, with NO commericals!

If I was to be a contestant on one of the current reality shows, I would totally love being on either "Dancing with the Stars,"

but I am sure that it would kick my butt, let alone my body can't move in those twists and turns, dips and kicks.

The other show would be "Top Design"

(on Bravo) I love designing/decorating homes. What could be better to shop with others' money and put your knack on their home. I would LOVE that!

My Top Favorite Reality Shows:

Dancing with the Stars (My prediction is Lance Bass for the winner this year)

Survivor (I don't think it is ALL real)

The Bachelor (I am soooo excited for this season with my favorite pick: Jason)

Amazing Race

John and Kate plus 8 (makes me grateful for the 4 that I have)

American Idol ( We love our Idols here in Utah)

Project Runway

(Season Final this Wedsenday: Go Kinley! But no on can beat Christen from last season. He is FIERCE.)

AND THE...

Reality shows that shouldn't even make the list:

Big Brother

I Love New York (MTV)

The moment of Truth (I can't what people will do for money!)

With all of these reality shows, What is a person to do, but watch them and ENJOY!

Be Honest Now...What Reality Shows are your gulity pleasures?