Jazz Family BBQ Night

Alright tonight was such a FUN night!!! As some of you know Jeremy and I have season tickets to the Utah Jazz. With our season tickets we get a few perks like events like tonight. Tonight we got to take the entire family to the Energy Solutions Arena and eat dinner with all of the Jazz players.

I really didn't know what to expect but, I was pleasantly surprised! We sat down in the first few rows of the arena and ate Hot Dogs, BBQ Beef sandwiches, pasta salad, fruit, chips, and Desmond's favorite Cookies (I think he ate like 5.)

After we ate we all played those cheesy games they always play during the game. But, it was fun because the members of the Utah Jazz would get out there and help all the little kids win! It was so fun to watch and participate in. They gave everyone in the arena the chance to come down and participate even if it was just trying to make a basket.

After the games we had the opportunity to go around and meet the Jazz players get our picture taken and get their autographs.

So I was super excited!!! Jeremy wasn't able to come with us because he had some church meetings so I took my sister Kira. We had fun going around getting autographs for Paul (her husband) who LOVES the Jazz and the kids and I took pictures with some of our favorite players.

What a fun night!!

Here are some of the pictures we took tonight.

Here the kids and I are with Matt Harpring.

Kosta (okay I love the name) he was super friendly.

Yes, this was really the only picture I wanted. Kyle Korver. Okay he is so much better looking in person then he is in this picture. I laugh whenever I see this picture because of Karston's face. As you can see Karston was not as excited as I was.

Chinese New Year

This past weekend we had the fun opportunity of Celebrating Chinese New Year!! I have always enjoyed that my family Celebrates (well not only this Holiday but, any Holiday we can get together and eat yummy yummy food.)

Karston and Kiana have been looking forward to Chinese New Year for about a week! They were so excited to eat Chinese Food, watch fire works, and eat fortune cookies. Everyday Karston would ask me if it was Chinese New Year yet and then he would go on to explain to me how important that day is in China.

The night before Chinese New Years Eve we laid out every ones red outfits (we made sure no one was wearing black (that would be bad luck)) then the kids went to bed super excited for the next day.

On Sunday we all got ready in our Red Sunday best and went to church. Kiana informed everyone she saw that she was wearing red because it means she is lucky and then went on to inform anyone wearing black that they were bad luck.

On our way home from church Karston asked what time we would be going to Grandma's for dinner and I told him at 3:59 because the number 4 means death. He looked at me and smiled a silly grin. I knew he was up to something. We get inside and the kids changed into their normal red clothes (that's what they called them) and while I was getting myself changed I hear Kiana crying I run into her room to see what is wrong and I see Karston standing there trying to look innocent. I asked her what was wrong. She told me that Karston told her that she was going to die because she was 4 and anyone that is 4 dies on Chinese New Year. AHHHHHHH!!!! I then explained to Karston about superstition and how it is all about tradition. I then comforted Kiana and reinforced the fact that it is fine that she is 4 and she would not die.

Well, we all headed over to my Mom's house were her sweet amazing neighbors joined us (or we joined them) in this fun traditional Chinese New Years Eve Dinner. My parents neighbors are these amazing people who have become just like family. Sis. S is from the Orient it was so fun learning about the meaning behind each dish. It was fun having my kids try these unique and delicious dishes. My mom made this really good pork and shoyou chicken (so good) I brought brownies and I felt so evil because they were black. My sister Konnie made this cake she dyed it red and then painted the Chinese Symbol for Ox on it. Way to go Kon super impressive!!! So FUN FUN FUN!!!! Everyone needs to celebrate Chinese New Year!!

Kiana informed me I had to eat the eyes. I told her that only little girls had too. She totally believed me and ate one. Good Job Kiana!!!

Here is a picture of part of our Feast. Brocolii with Shrimp, Lion Head Meatballs, Pork, Sweet and Sour Chicken, this yummy traditional Chicken with boiled oil and Veggies, 2 Kinds of rice and so much more...... (sorry I don't remember all of thier names or thier traditional names)

Kiana and her friend Little J. Getting ready to Eat and Eat and Eat........

Karston wanted to eat with Chop Sticks so bad. Sis. S taught him some really good basic techniques. He has been practicing at home. You can see here that some times its just easier to stab the food. Hey that's what I do most of the time.

Desmond was also joining in on wanting to use the Chop Sticks but, aparently he only wanted to use one. He has totally perfected the stabbing the food technique.

This is a picture of our yummy desserts. Yes my mom made homemade almond cookies (my favorite), Konnies cake, fortune cookies, and my mom's homemade macaroons. Oh ya and my evil death brownies...

Our Families Chinese Zodiac Symbols

Jeremy: The Year of the Rooster:People born in the Year of the Rooster are deep thinkers, capable, and talented. They like to be busy and are devoted beyond their capabilities and are deeply disappointed if they fail. People born in the Rooster Year are often a bit eccentric, and often have rather difficult relationship with others. They always think they are right and usually are! They frequently are loners and though they give the outward impression of being adventurous, they are timid. Rooster people¡¦s emotions like their fortunes, swing very high to very low. They can be selfish and too outspoken, but are always interesting and can be extremely brave. They are most compatible with Ox, Snake, and Dragon

Karli: The Year of the Dog:People born in the Year of the Dog possess the best traits of human nature. They have a deep sense of loyalty, are honest, and inspire other people¡¦s confidence because they know how to keep secrets. But Dog People are somewhat selfish, terribly stubborn, and eccentric. They care little for wealth, yet somehow always seem to have money. They can be cold emotionally and sometimes distant at parties. They can find fault with many things and are noted for their sharp tongues. Dog people make good leaders. They are compatible with those born in the Years of the Horse, Tiger, and Rabbit

Karston: The Year of the Horse:People born in the Year of the Horse are popular. They are cheerful, skillful with money, and perceptive, although they sometimes talk too much. The are wise, talented, good with their hands, and sometimes have a weakness for members of the opposite sex. They are impatient and hot-blooded about everything except their daily work. They like entertainment and large crowds. They are very independent and rarely listen to advice. They are most compatible with Tigers, Dogs, and Sheep.

Kiana: The Year of the Monkey:People born in the Year of the Monkey are the erratic geniuses of the cycle. Clever, skillful, and flexible, they are remarkably inventive and original and can solve the most difficult problems with ease. There are few fields in which Monkey people wouldn't be successful but they have a disconcerting habit of being too agreeable. They want to do things now, and if they cannot get started immediately, they become discouraged and sometimes leave their projects. Although good at making decisions, they tend to look down on others. Having common sense, Monkey people have a deep desire for knowledge and have excellent memories. Monkey people are strong willed but their anger cools quickly. They are most compatible with the Dragon and Rat.

Desmond:People born in the Year of the Pig are chivalrous and gallant. Whatever they do, they do with all their strength. For Boar Year people, there is no left or right and there is no retreat. They have tremendous fortitude and great honesty. They don't make many friends but they make them for life, and anyone having a Boar Year friend is fortunate for they are extremely loyal. They don't talk much but have a great thirst for knowledge. They study a great deal and are generally well informed. Boar people are quick tempered, yet they hate arguments and quarreling. They are kind to their loved ones. No matter how bad problems seem to be, Boar people try to work them out, honestly if sometimes impulsively. They are most compatible with Rabbits and Sheep.

We had Poop for dinner....

Today was a really great day! The kids were with us this weekend so we went to the Dinosaur Museum, out to Chilies for dessert (yummy), then to Costco just because who doesn't love walking around Costco.

After spending the day out and about we came home and relaxed. I started to make dinner. Trying to be thoughtful I made one of the kids favorite dishes. They LOVE Herb Tomato Bisque. I actually enjoy this concoction I have come up with and I was quite pleased with myself and the way my soup was turning out.

My little Desmond wondered into the kitchen and I picked him up and showed him what we would be having for dinner. Desmond has become our very own mocking bird. He will copy everything you say (to the best of his abilities) Well, I told him mmmmm look Desmond yummy soup. True to Desmonds character he repeated exactly what I said back as best he could. mmmmm yummy poop. I started laughing (bad idea) he said it again and smiled his impish grin. I sat him down so I could finish the meal. He wondered back upstairs to where Kiana and Karston were playing.

So about 1 minute after Desmond had gone back upstairs I hear this roar of laughter. Karston comes running down the stairs yelling at the top of his lungs "Desmond likes to eat poop and he thinks its yummy" I explained to Karston the situation how he was trying to say soup not poop. I then asked Karston to bring Desmond and Kiana down for dinner.

On the way down the stairs I hear Karston asking Desmond what we were having for dinner? Desmond would reply with yummy poop. Karston and Kiana would hysterically laugh every time.

We sat down for dinner and I kid you not with every bite Desmond took he would say mmmm yummy poop. I couldn't get him to stop. Karston and Kiana were dieing of laughter. I kept trying to distract Desmond I even started feeding him some apples but, he really wanted yummy poop.

So according to the kids we had yummy poop for dinner. Karston trying to be funny asked me if we could have poop tomorrow for dinner?? Karston gave me his half smile and corrected himself and said just kidding mom you know I love your soup. (nice recover Karston you really do know how to work me.)

Wow what a night. I'm so glad we were at home and not out at a restaurant or eating at someone else's home. I can't imagine what I would have done with my little boy calling the dinner poop.

Then after dinner I was calling Karston to come and help me clean up the dinner table. No one came. I called again and all I hear is little giggles. I walked over to Karston and Kiana where I was informed that they have both changed their names to Ben and Gwen. They will no longer be answering to Karston and Kiana. What?? Okay the night is just getting weirder and weirder. (I'm really glad kids can't legally change thier names other wise I'm positive my name would be Jem)

Ben and Gwen helped clean up and got themselves ready for bed. They laid out their Red outfits for tomorrow (Chinese New Year) then jumped into bed. I kissed them good night and they each said thier prayers. Kiana aka (Gwen) her entire prayer was about the Jazz team. She blessed that they would get to sleep soon that they would beat the woofs (the T-Wolves) and that the Jazz Dancers would only wear sparkly outfits. Wow! After her prayer I asked why she was so concerned about the Jazz? She said because Daddy is playing with them tonight. I laughed (she thought Jeremy played for the Jazz) that actually explains a lot. Whenever Jeremy goes to a Jazz game and we are watching it on TV she is always asking me where he is. I can't believe she thought he was playing. I explained to her that Daddy J was just watching not playing.

Well all in all a interesting and fun day. A trip to the Dino Museum (where Desmond calls all the Dinosaurs Dogs and all of them are named Nubbs), dessert at Chilies (yummy Chocolate Lava Cake, and Raspberry White Chocolate Cake.... to die for good!), then Costco where I had a lot of fun looking at all of the things I wanted to buy but, didn't, POOP for Dinner, my 2 oldest changed their names, and Kiana oh sorry Gwen realized her Daddy was not a NBA superstar. I love days like this don't you.......

The LOVE of your Moms

Wow.... For long time blog followers you will understand when I say I haven't written anything extremely personal in a really long time. In fact it has been almost a year. But, tonight I need to I just have to express some of my emotions. I also want to state that I know not everyone will agree with my emotions and thoughts. But, this is how I truly feel.

Tonight when the kids got picked up to go to their Dad's house for a couple of hours. Kirstin, (Romney's Wife) picked up the kids (I was holding Desmond. ) As I answered the door Desmond yelled Mom and leaned toward Kirstin. This caught me off guard. I mean I know that the other kids call her mom I don't know why this affected me as much as it did. Kirstin and I talked briefly on the door step and then they left.

When I shut the door my eyes filled with tears. I just couldn't hold it together. I walked into the kitchen turned on some music and continued cooking dinner. My emotions were completely out of control. Why in the world did this bother me so bad??

So I knew I needed to pull myself together. I turned off the music and I really started to think about Kirstin.

Just like Jeremy she had no children coming into her marriage with Romney. She has taken her roll as a mother very seriously. The kids are always bathed, dressed, well fed, and loved when they are with her. I KNOW that she loves each of the kids as her own. This is such a bitter sweet emotion for me.

As some of you know I have had the great opportunity to work with teenage girls who are going through some challenging things in their lives. I have learned a lot from these girls!! One of the most important things I have learned from them is how hard divorce is on a child. They have shown me first hand the hurt that is caused when divorced parents fight, back stab, and take advantage of one another. Because of this knowledge I have been continually seeking out information, trainings, and books that teach how to be a good divorced parent.

I know I have defiantly made some bad choices when it comes to how I have handled my divorce. I let hurt and anger get the better of me at times. I know I hurt Romney and Kirstin in my journey to overcome my emotions. This is something I regret.

But, now we are all moving forward. I can see how we have come together in so many circumstances. How we have each put our pride aside and we have put the kids FIRST. I really hope one day the kids will look back and know how much all 4 of us love them.

I can't tell Kirstin enough how much I appreciate her and all she does for my kids. Every other weekend I put my most precious possessions in her hands. When the kids go with them I miss them (more than life itself) but, I do not worry about them not being loved. I know that they are loved!

Tonight when Kirstin dropped the kids off at the door. I told her how much I loved and appreciated her. Really I do.

How lucky my kids are to have the unconditional love of 2 moms. I hope one day they realize how lucky they are. I know how lucky I am to be a co-parent with Kirstin and not a day goes by that I don't think about how lucky I am.

Girls Night Out

Last night was so much FUN!! Kiana and I had a girls night out. We started out by going out to Panda Express for dinner (this was Kiki's choice) she wanted noodles with Orange Chicken. It was so cute her fortune cookie said "soon you will travel far and wide" she smiled and asked me if the cookie knew she would be going to Phillie this summer??

Then we went to the Jazz Game. We had so much fun!! Kiana was so into the game. She kept asking questions and cheered so loud! It was so much fun being with her. She stood up and danced and waved her big pink Jazz hand almost every time they made a basket. Kiana also loved watching the Jazz dancers. She LOVED their sparkly outfits.

Kiana was so concerned about her brothers not being there with us. She made sure that we brought them home each a t-shirt. It was so funny, Kiana was so excited about staying up late. She kept telling me whenever the T-Wolves would miss a shot that they must be tired because it is past their bedtime. Oh ya the reason they didn't have cheerleaders or dancers like the Jazz is because they were all at home in bed. Because we all have the same bedtime as Kiana does (at least in her mind)

I had so much fun spending time with my little girl. It was a perfect night!! Food, Fun, and the best company in the entire world my little KiKi.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries...

Jeremy brought home some Chocolate covered Strawberries the other day and we have now learned that they are Desmond't favorite treat!! This little guy was yelling "STRAWBERRIES PLEASE" at the top of his lungs. It was so funny. Jeremy and I also love chocolate covered strawberries but, we ended up giving ours to Desmond because he is so stinkin cute.

A very entertaining weekend.....

So this past week as been in a word entertaining.

Jeremy and I have done some fun things this week. Well, fun and weird all at the same time. But, that is why I love being married to Jeremy. He doesn't make me feel awkward at all I can be singing at the top of my lungs dancing around the kitchen with my mop and he will sing right back with me (well, or he will tease me until I stop because I am laughing so hard.)

On Wednesday night we had the opportunity to go out because the kids were with their Dad. We didn't want to spend money, but I really wanted to get out of the house. So Jeremy came up with a plan. I had purchased a DVD back in November that we hadn't opened and in the end we actually didn't want. I still had the receipt for it so Jeremy suggested we take it back and with the money we get back we would divide it evenly between the two of us and we would go and buy something totally frivolous. Something we would never normally buy for ourselves. (It couldn't be to out of control we each had $8.00)

I knew Jeremy was excited because right after we divided the money he headed straight for the toy section. Jeremy and I spent our time in the toy section of Target going back and forth between what we were going to spend our money on. I felt like I was 10 years old but, it was so much fun. Jeremy purchased a handheld Deal or No Deal game and I purchased a really big bouncy ball and a package of gushers (yummy)

So I know we are lame but, we had so much fun. We went home and played with our toys until the kids came home.

Then Thursday night came and we went to the Draft Party with Jeremy's work. Talk about a fun night. We had Macaroni Grill for dinner and while we ate there was all this anticipation of who was going to be first pick. The room was buzzing with anticipation. Then the Draft came and all of Jeremy's hard work payed off. #1 Pick!!!!! I'm still so proud of him!!! So all together a fun night. It was fun watching Jeremy (he was so happy) It was fun watching everyone around me also be so proud of Jeremy. All together a good Night!!!

Now its Friday night and its Romney's weekend so Jeremy and I are kid less. That first night is really hard for the both of us to get used to. Jeremy commented Friday night that he didn't know what to do with himself without the kids around. I agreed. So we sat around and talked for awhile which turned into a few hours (I love how I'm addicted to talking with Jeremy I love it) After that we put on a movie (Pride and Prejudice) we watched it then I leaned over and asked if he was hungry. We hadn't eaten dinner yet. I glanced at the clock and it said 9:30 PM. I then changed my mind. It was way to late to be eating dinner. Jeremy jumps up grabs his coat and said lets go I refused at first but, he made it very clear I was going to be eating dinner whether I wanted to or not. So we went to McDonalds. I have not had a hamburger from McDonalds in years literally. But, I totally bought one and I got fries I was going all out. Then we went into Albertson's and I bought a bag of 3 Musketeers and a thing of ice cream. Jeremy bought himself some strawberry newtons and a package of ice cream snickers. As we were driving home I looked at him and asked why we just did that. Really. We are retarded. Jeremy turned to me and so sweetly said. But, it was fun because I was with you. You know he was right. It was a lot of fun because I was with my best friend just acting silly.
Then on Saturday we woke up early Jeremy went to his Elders Quorum Basketball game. Jeremy asked me to come and watch. I went last week and had fun so I got up and told him I would meet him at the Stake Center. I wanted to run there (trying to work off some of the 6,000 calories I had consumed the night before) So I ran to the Stake Center and watched the Elders Quorum Basketball game. Okay more of the women need to come I was the only one there and it was hilarious!! I couldn't stop laughing. I think my husband is the most aggressive (I have talked to him about this) But, man that was the most entertaining thing to watch. Really my stomach hurt when I left because I had been laughing so much. After the game we went to a all day training at Jeremy's work. I love that I can go and just hang out with Jeremy. I had a blast!! They gave away prizes and money during the training and Jeremy and I won a Vizio Plasma Screen TV. I know this made the day seem a little better. We gave the TV to my sister and brother in law to thank them for helping us out with recruiting for Jeremy's job. It was fun to see their reaction when we gave them the TV. What a great Day!! Jeremy and I came home made dinner and snuggled up on the couch and watched Phantom of the Opera. Jeremy sang most of the time which made the movie very entertaining!! Then I fell asleep and I woke up to find Jeremy had tucked me into bed. What a fun weekend!!! It was very very Entertaining!!

We are going to........

Can you believe it we are going to Philadelphia! Jeremy was the #1 pick out of the entire company!! I am so super proud of Jeremy!!!

So ready or not Philadelphia here we come!

Where in the World (well the United States)

Okay I just thought this was a cute picture of Jeremy.

So this week is a really BIG week for Jeremy (actually our entire family.) It is Draft week. This is the week that we find out where we will be living for the summer.

For those of you who don't know. Jeremy is a manager with a company called Five Diamond. Each year he recruits a team of men and women to go out and do summer sales. This job has been really good to Jeremy. When Jeremy was single this job was nice because he didn't have to work during the school year and now that he is married with 3 kids it is nice because he can be home with me and the kids.

Well, how the draft works is each manager recruits as many members of their team as they can during the fall months. Then when January 15th rolls around the manager with the most recruits gets first pick of where they would like to go this summer.

Five Diamond likes to keep things interesting and no one will find out who is first pick until Thursday. I'm super nervous and excited!!! Jeremy has done a lot of hard work recruiting really great families and students to come out with us this summer so I'm hoping we have first pick!!!

Jeremy and I have made our lists of places we would like to go.

So we will see what happens only one more day............

Sleepless Nights??

Okay so I had a humbling experience the other night. I often joke with Jeremy how crazy of a sleeper he is. He kinda sleeps on a slant and I often feel pushed to one side of the bed. Whenever I tease him he teases me right back and trys to blame the sleeping situation on me. Telling me that if I only knew what I did then I would have no right to tease.

I would always deny these accusations telling him that I KNOW I sleep quietly, in one position all night, I only take up a small portion of our bed.

So the other night Jeremy broke out my camera and took a picture of me sleeping to document and to have proof that I'm not as innocent as I believed I was.

Can you even see me in the picture above?? It took me a few moments to really figure out where I was and how I was sleeping like that. If it wasn't for my foot sticking out I probably wouldn't have been able to find myself. I still don't think I sleep like this every night. But, I can't really tease Jeremy anymore about the way he sleeps because apparently I do the same thing.

The thing is now I feel so urge to catch Jeremy sleeping awkwardly so I can take a picture of him. What a weird battle we have going on. One of these days I will catch him.

But until then I'm going to hide my camera.

Now its time for Karston

Karst at the progressive dinner. We were at Konnie and Ken's house and Karston was going crazy with the food!

Karston right before his haircut. Doesn't he look excited!!!

That is so much BETTER!!

Karston with one of his best friends. These two boys are connected at the hip.

Whats up with my kids and the mystery rashes. This rash appeared and went away then came back and went away. AHHHHHH

Karston all bundled up looking at Christmas Lights

Playing with Aunt Klarissa and eating Grandma's yummy soup!


Playing outside in the snow with friends

This is Karston playing with his new Power Ranger mask.

Kiana's Turn

Kiana and Karston had some friends over to build some snowmen. It turned into a battle of the sexes can you tell which one the girls built and which one the boys built?

Kiki playing outside

We were at Grandma's eating meatball soup and playing with Aunt Klarissa.

This was the night we went up to look at some Christmas lights.

Kiana the day we came home from Arizona. She just finished opening her presents from Grandma and I don't think she could have been happier.



Yes, this is the look Kiana gives me when she thinks I have taken to many pictures. At least she is still smiling:)

Pictures of my baby

Here is Desmond ready to get out of his suit. It was a long day at Church.

I took the kids to "The Chritmas House" Here is Desmond all snug in his car seat.

Here is Dez when we went up to see more Christmas Lights. It was FREEZING but, he was so Happy!!

Here he is sleeping with Jeremy while they watched Lion King

Here are the partners in Crime. They look so cute and innocent looking at the snow together but, I think they were planning there next plot to distroy the kitchen.

This is Dez before his first haircut

This is the finished product. Not to Bad. At least he doesn't have a mullet anymore

Desmond loves his baths. He kept trying to eat the bubbles.

I know picture crazy. I'm just excited to have my USB cord back!!!! So beware I'm posting more.

Happy New Year!!

Ahhhh I have so many pictures I want to post!! I have my USB Cord back and I'm going picture crazy today!

I want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year! Wow 2009!! I can't believe another year has already come and gone. So many things have happened to my family this past year. We have been through a lot together.

I was reading my New Years Day post from last year and it was so interesting for me to reflect on the feelings and emotions I was having at that time. The last paragraph of my entry Jan 1st 2008 stated:
"I feel a new lease on life and I am ready to get started. I have made some great New Years Resolutions that I feel will help me become a better and more independent person. I have chosen 12 things that I need to work on. Each month I will focus on that particular area in my life. I am really excited about this plan I have set up for myself. I really hope that it will strengthen me as a person and in turn will allow me to become a better mom.
I have a once in a lifetime opportunity to really start completely over in so many aspects of my life and really make it what I want it to be.
Its a New Year, a New Life, and yes...... a Brand New Me."

This year I am continuing my new tradition of working on one thing each month and focusing on that goal or attribute for the entire month. Then adding in a new one with each month that follows. I know that by doing this I will become a better wife and mother.

Last year I felt like I had the opportunity to change and to become whatever and whoever I wanted to be. I had the opportunity to start a new life.

I'm glad that I have had the blessing of starting a New life with Jeremy and my 3 sweet kids. I realized this past year I didn't need a new me I just needed to believe in the me I already was.

I am so thankful for this past year and the many many blessing my family has received! I am thankful for the lessons learned through good and bad times. I am thankful for friends and family. I am thankful for my Testimony in Jesus Christ and his everlasting Atonement. I am thankful for this New Year with, New Lessons, and New Challenges.

Happy New Year Everyone!! So much can change in one year so don't EVER let the challenges that face you get you down. Because next year the hard things in your life may become the greatest blessings.