Fire Station Tour

Jasper and I took Peyton with us to the Henderson Fire Station for a great tour with Miss Nancy's Preschool on Oct.22nd.

We went with Nancy last year as well.  This year we visited the Henderson Fire Station on Green Valley Parkway and last year we went to the Lake Mead Fire Station -- which is extra cool because they have a boat and a fire pole to slide down.

The kids were thrilled to climb up and sit behind the wheel of the fire truck.  You gotta' love that Peyton wore his fireman suit.  Jasper was so excited to step in the fireman's boots.
 

I was so glad I took a video because the fireman who gave us our tour did a great job.  At the end of our tour they had to go out on a call so we got to watch the fire truck roll out.

The first one is of the fire truck rolling out and the second video is of the Fire Station tour.

Fall Leaves at Mt. Charleston

I've been so anxious to see some Fall leaves.  We had a trip planned for Beaver, Utah that fell through because of all the smoke in the mountains due to a fire (which is now out).

In an attempt to ease my anxiety Mike drove us up Mt. Charleston last Saturday to see what we could see.

We had a nice time walking around, and I was thrilled to see the aspen leaves fluttering on the trees in the breeze.

I know it as a bit of a sacrifice for Mike to be in the mountains in the Jeep and not really go on any off-road trails.  Thanks for focusing on me and the leaves Mike!

Giddy Up Jackpot!

Our friends the Tanner's sweetly invited us out for a meet and greet with their beloved horse Jackpot out at the Boulder City horse stables.

Hours before Jasper was marching around in cowboy boots, clad in his jean jacket.  He was so excited and couldn't wait to go.

He was a little nervous to get on Jackpot at first, but after kicking up an ample amount of dirt with his cowboy boots he was ready for 3 laps around with Michelle.

Michelle helped him feed Jackpot a tasty treat of carrots and he even rode by himself as we walked Jackpot back to the stable.

As Michelle said, Jasper looked like a little peanut up there, as Jackpot is a BIG horse.

When we got home Jasper kept telling Mike how you have to hold onto the "strings" when you are riding a horse.  Obviously we need to beef up his cowboy vocabulary, starting with "reins."

We can't wait to go again!

Keep Calm and Carry On!

My dear friend Heather is sharing her creative genius once again!

Every Monday she's going to post a free download.  The one today is really cute.  Here's the link.  You can even download the file in several different colors.

THANK YOU HEATHER!

Angela Salazar Photo Shoot -- I'd like to win one!

Angela took pictures of Jasper and I for my Mother's Day present and did a GREAT job.  Now I am hoping (and praying) to win a free mini family photo shoot that she's giving away.

She will be taking photos on Oct. 16th if you want to get in on the fun.

She is super talented and a lot of fun and I just can't get enough photos of Jasper...he's growing up TOO FAST!

Pizza Night with Old Friends

We were lucky enough to have our friends Travis, Lindsay and Leoni Wilson come over for dinner tonight.

In January they bought us Rachelle Abbott's famous pizzas from the auction that she had for her father-in-law Garth's cancer treatments.

Lindsay knows that I love Rachelle's pizzas, but since they live in Doha, Qatar we had to wait until their summer visit to redeem her auction item.

We loved visiting and Jasper was trying to share with Leoni -- but mostly he just bossed her around.  He wanted her with him on every move and adventure.

The coveted item of the evening was the usual favorite of all the kids who come over -- the fire truck, though Leoni did enjoy "mowing" the patio with the Little Tikes Lawn Mower.

At the end we broke out the band set and jammed out as we sang "Follow the Prophet".

Lindsay taught us some of her percussion moves and Jasper danced around with bells on his ankles.

It doesn't get any more entertaining than that.

Swimmin'

Jasper and I have been swimming our hearts out since we got home from our month long Utah trip.

This jump was done at the Canon's pool.  Jasper could do jumps in the pool all day long.

We were thrilled to visit with Travis, Lindsay and Leoni while they are in the country.


They moved to Ad Dohar, in Qatar a year ago so Travis could teach at the University of Doha and we have missed them dearly.

We've also have been YMCA Pool hopping to their 3 local facilities.  The kid's areas are fantastic and Jasper and I are having the time of our life.

 "Aunt Kelly" has accompanied us on 2 of our excursions.  Jasper has had a blast with her and even loves her more than "ice cones."

 

I Need to Write My Name

I finally got smart and turned Jasper's easel around so he can use the chalkboard.

This was brilliant on my part, as we have temporarily ended the use of dry erase marker markers on the white board side.

Jasper loves to stand at the chalkboard and say, "Mom, I need to write my name right now."

No, Jasper is not a child genius.  He can not write his name...but he sure likes to try.

My favorite is when he writes and draws with both hands at the same time.

He loves to erase, and the white chalk dust on our dark brown hardwood floors is not so great -- but much easier to clean than dry erase marker for sure.

This is just a little glimpse into our every day life that I want to remember.  Jasper is almost three and I am realizing that I need to take an extra effort to document and remember these fun days.

Because pretty soon when he hollers, "Mom, I need to write my name right now," he will be able to write it.

Super Sick Super J

Jasper and I left home 2 1/2 weeks ago for our "summer tour" and we've been going non-stop ever since.

So when Jasper didn't seem himself Thursday morning I chalked it up to being on the road.

During the the day he quickly deteriorated and with a 104 degree fever, frequent vomiting and complete lethargy I took him to InstaCare kids at 6PM.

He has strep throat!  Poor guy.  The doctor said his throat looked awful and diagnosed it even before the test came back to confirm the strep.

When the doctor told me that he would need an IV due to dehydration I called Mike and asked him to pray that the nurse could get the line in the  first time and that Jasper would be calm.  They also give him Zofran to ease the nausea and upset stomach.

They brought us out near the nurses station for observation and the IV.  He laid on the hospital bed with a warm blanket and I read him "Five Little Sharks Swimming in the Sea" to distract him.  The IV went in without a wimper or flinch from Jasper.  The nurses and doctor were amazed.  I was so relieved and grateful.

He's on Keflex and they said he will be bouncing off the walls in no time at all!

Family Home Evening vs. Sacrament Meeting

Tonight I was left to wonder, "Why can Jasper just sit super still during a rather lengthty FHE, but he isn't EVER still during Sacrament Meeting?"

After three trips out in the hall I on Sunday I couldn't help but mutter, "Why do we even come to Sacrament Meeting?"

I know the answer to that question.  But when I spend my whole time battling Jasper and feeling like I must be the worst parent in the world, it's hard not to mutter.

I think that's called murmuring in the scriptures!

I am 100% open to any reverence ideas.

Thanks!

Happy Father's Day!

Little J sure loves his daddy....and his daddy sure loves him!

Thanks for being a great Dad and husband sweetie!

We've started doing a Google Video Chat with my parents each Sunday night and it has been fun to visit with my dad more.

It is hard to be so far away from family.   We miss you Dad!


Here's a photo from a few years ago when I surprised him at work with a singing telegram in my pink gorilla costume.

We love to visit my grandpa DeArmitt in Beaver, and we usually see more of him in the summer when we have to escape the Vegas heat.

Here's a photo of him with Jasper after the 24th of July parade in Beaver. My grandpa rode in the fire truck and then we went to the fire station with him after the parade.

Thank you for your great examples!

We've Been...

Having Fun!

We had a remarkably cool May so we have been taking advantage of every opportunity to be outside and play before the real heat arrives.  (We did have a super hot week -  108 - last week, but that seems to be gone for now).

I hope to post about our Jeep excursions, parties and all around daily fun soon!

The above photo was my Mother's Day gift -- a photo shoot with me and J.  Because you know we REALLY need MORE PHOTOS!!!!  Photo credit: Angela Salazar Photography.  More photos posted here.

Welcome Jacob Austin Ellsworth -- Join us for a PARTY!

Come and meet the newest member of the Ellsworth family. 

Jacob is the 4th baby they have adopted and the story of how he came to join their family is very special.  Visit their blog for more photos of sweet Jacob.

Meet Jacob Party!  (Everyone is invited)
Date: Friday, May 7th
Time:  9:00 - 11:00 AM
Place: Mission Hills Park Pavilion and splash pad

The splash pad will be open, so bring your kiddos dressed to get wet, and pray the wind will die down by next week.  We are hoping that the kids can play while we visit and learn more about Jacob.

We'd like to have everyone bring something for a light brunch for the mom's and kiddos.  If you know what you want to bring please let me know.

Amy doesn't want anyone to feel like they need to bring a gift.  We tried to tell her that we WANT to shower her with cute clothes and fun things.  If you want to bring a gift, she could use boy clothes starting at age 3-6 months and up. 

Rachelle Abbott is collecting money for a group gift for a stroller.  Let her know if you are interested.

Hope to see you next Friday.  As always, RSVP's are appreciated. 

Going Away Party for Danielle, Britany and Meghan

Even though it breaks my heart that Danielle Schofield, Britany Musgrave and Meghan Mouritsen are leaving...let's put on a happy face and wish them well in their new adventures.

You're invited to a party celebrate all of the fun times we've shared.  Just the ladies please.

Date: May 19th, Wednesday
Time: 7:00 PM
Place: Angela Davidson's home

No agenda for this party.  Just lots of visiting with friends and eating good food.  We'll be doing a potluck -- so please bring a yummy dish to share and come hungry!

Everyone's invited.  RSVP's are appreciated.

Special gift:  I am putting together a memory book for each of the ladies. 

I am asking everyone to bring a page for the books.  Write a letter, share some favorite memories, include a photo of fun times or even a photo of your family for them to remember them by.  They sky is the limit.  If want to do more than one page, that's great.  Please bring your pages with you to the party.  If you can't come, please drop your pages off at my home anytime before the 19th.  I will have some binders and page protectors to slip your pages in -- 8 1/2 x 11 size please.

I think this will be a special memory book for them too look back and remember all of us and the fun times we shared.

We will be taking a group photo to give Danielle, Britany and Meghan -- so consider this your warning.  I don't want to hear anyone say -- If I would have known we were taking a photo I would have looked cuter.  No excuses ladies!  And yes, I will email the photo out to everyone if you'd like a copy.

Can't wait to see you at at the party!

Alphabet Obsession

Jasper is obsessed with numbers and letters.  Two months ago I thought it was cute and fun...now it is a little much.

All day he is constantly spouting off numbers and letters.  I should be excited but it is borderline bothersome. 

When we go to Wal-Mart he shouts at the prices posted on the "Roll Back" signs.  Of course his favorite number is none other than 5. 

He eats every meal with his foam letters and numbers.  I bought them for the bath, and they've never made it upstairs.

One of his favorite tricks is to balance the letter B on top of his thermos cup.  I have tried several times to do this trick and I can't even get close. 

Master Magician Lance Burton lives near us -- maybe he can give me some pointers.

My other favorite is showcased in the last photo.  Jasper takes a letter K and K, K,K, Kicks the letter precariously perched letter B down.  Because, "K is for kick", he tells me.

2007 Infiniti G35 for Sale

Mike's car is for sale if you want to buy an 2007 Infiniti G35 that's charcoal gray.

It's got the extended warranty up to 112,000 miles or the year 2014.

Call, email or comment for more details.  Thanks!

Answer to comments:
Yes, Mike does LOVE this car.  The ONLY reason we are selling it is because he wants a Jeep!

I'm Five

A month ago Jasper decided that he is 5 years old.

I have no idea where this came from.

His friend told him that he is 2 and it did not go well.  So we just let him think he's 5.

I took J shopping with me and he was making friends in the dressing room.

His basic intro goes something like this: "I'm Jasper, I'm 5 and I'm nice".

Two out of three of those things are true.


Long intro also includes:  I am a boy.  My mom is a girl.


People say, "How are you doing Jasper?"  His reply, "I'm five".  Not fine, but FIVE!

When we went to see the Easter Bunny at the Ethel M Cactus Garden the bunny went out of character and busted up laughing when tiny little J plopped down and said,  "I'm five."


When he sees a number 5 he gets super excited.  Maybe he just loves the number 5 and picked it for his age.  We may never know.

The whole thing is just a constant crack-up to watch people's response when he joyfully states,  "I'm 5."

Top Beauty Products Recommended at My Birthday Party

Everyone brought their favorite beauty product ($5 value) to my birthday party for a gift exchange.

We set all of the gits out on a bench and everyone picked one to take home.  When you unwrapped your gift the person who brought it explained why they love it.

Here's a list of everyone's favorites:

Jeni: Lush Beauty products,especially the Herbalism facial cleanser (Lush store inside Mandalay Bay mall area)

Kelly: Nail TekII Intensive Therapy (Nail Salon)

Debra: Orly Nail Polish (Sally Beauty Supply)

Kerri: Panaca Springs Sweet Defeat Foot Cream (Salon near Lowe's off Horizon and Boullder Highway if you are a Henderson gal).

Bonnie:  Mary Kay Buffing Cream and Mary Kay Emollient Cream

Julie: Clinique Rinse-Off Eye Make-up Solvent

Susanna: Arbonne Liquid Make-up

Kim: Dr. Scholl's For Her Pumice Foot Scrub

Cydnee: Oil of Olay Daily Facial Cleansing Wipes (Costco)


Holly: Oil of Olay Ribbons Body Wash with Almond Oil

Brittany: Bath and Body Works Lemon and Pomagrante Lip Cream

Rachelle: Coconut Lime Verbena Triple Moisturizing Body Cream

Lesley: Bath and Body Works Foaming Hand Soap

Leesha brought a sleep mask.  My favorite is the SleepMask by Tempur-Pedic which they usually carry at Brookstone stores.

Carrie brought a fun cosmetics bag and a few of us laughed because our make-up is currently in Ziploc bag or a GladWare container.

Thanks for the tips ladies!  Thanks to Jeni, I have now become a Lush addict.  The photos above are of my favorite bath bar and bath bomb.  They make your whole bathroom smell great for days after your soak in the tub.

Homemade Peppermint Foot Soak Salts

Directions for Homemade Peppermint Bath Salts:

Ingredients:
Peppermint Essential Oil
Epsom Salt
Sea Salt
Powdered milk
Food Coloring (optional)






Directions:
Mix together in a gallon size Ziploc bag
1 cup Sea Salt
2 cups Epsom Salt 
1/3 cup powdered milk

Add the essential oil one drop at a time and mix well to achieve desired fragrance.  Tint the mixture in the same way with the food coloring.  (I used red and it didn't dissolve well.  But it turned out cute because it almost looked like chunks of candy cane.  When you add the hot water it turns light pink)


Supply purchase tips:
The best deal I found on essential peppermint oil was the Now Foods brand for for $6.99 for 1 oz at Whole Foods.

I bought the sea salt at Whole Foods in the bulk foods section for 49 cents per lb. It is fine, not chunky like you usually see in soaking salts but the size of the salt doesn't really matter.

Sam's Club has a 10 lb tub of Epsom Salts for $5.00.