"The Tuner"

Recently Fro made a big purchase for our family. He was getting a little tired of the bus, and didn't want to be riding his bike in the snow. So he did what any good mechanic would do, and bought himself a $500 car! Yes be jealous, I know I was at first. When he first described it to me, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. As he in detail told me of its '89 make, and its brown interior, it's powerless steering, and powerless doorlocks, and windows. He told me it would be staying in the street until it's oil leak got fixed, and I inquired as to why it already had a nickname of "THE TUNER" and the response was, "It has an awesome exhaust on it." Well the excitement was overflowing at our house, but I was just glad my husband would be driving it!! But really for $500 , what is not to LOVE!!!

Well me and my sister Brittany went to see the movie TWILIGHT last night, and somehow got to drive the Tuner. It was AWESOME!!! I truly am humbled, and Love our car!! Me and my sister felt like we were back in highschool all over again. I couldn't decide if it was because we were in a total beater- which by the way has a sticker on that back that says Good Times Tatoos- yeah-or if it was that it is a stick, and I haven't driven a stick in about -Forever!! So needless to say, We were laughing our heads off. I couldn't drive it, and everytime I went to shift, the exhaust would totally ROAR!! We were hilarious driving around. I am just glad Brittany was with me because at one point, I was pretty positive I was driving on the freeway in Neutral- yeah- we couldn't figure it out either. But I just have to say- Thanks Babe for the great car- I am humbled and I love it- It will make for many more Hilarious memories. As for the movie- it was pretty good, but I have to say the highlight of the night was driving the "TUNER", with my sister Britt- Thanks B- Lets do it again! What is Not to love about her!!! She is BEAUTIFUL!!

Little Mischevious!

The Culprit............ Give her a little free time, and look what happens...............
We have a strick No dressing up Cam like a girl rule!
So Ali dressed him up as much as she could,
without getting into too much trouble. I just loved his
face when he realized everthing he saw was PINK!

Happy Birthday Brooke!!

My sister just had her 32nd birthday!!!

I can't believe we are getting that old! It is crazy!

In the midst of all her partying she freed up some time to

have some lunch and cupcakes at my house.

Here are a few things I love about Brooke.............
She is a fantastic sister, She is always so concerned about me and about how she can help make my life a little better. She is such a good aunt and mother. Her and her husband are such great examples for me. She is so GIVING- she gives away whatever she can to help others. She is the most generous person I know. She tries to be there for me always. She thinks she is so funny that seriously she becomes SO funny! She never would never do anything to offend anyone. She cares about become a better person everyday. She is the most talented Artist I know, and she is so natural at so many things. She doesn't "get her man" and she has admitted that to herself!!!! She is just an all around great sister, and I am so lucky I get to see her, almost, Daily!!

Happy Birthday Beamer!!

Busy Weekend

This weekend was good because I got to do something I love- Play tennis with my dad and sister Brittany. The weather was great that we thought we would take advantage. Although we don't play like we used to, we still had fun. My dad still beats me no matter how hard I try! While we played tennis Fro took Ali and Cam over on the playground. It was Cams first ride down the slide. He loved it once he realized he was done!

His expression once he stopped at the bottom!

Fro was a little more daring than I would have been. I don't think I would have let go. I would have held him all the way to the bottom. I guess that is what helps them be fearless!

After playing at the park, we headed up to my parents for the BYU v. Utah game. As you can see my brother in law is already brainwashing his kids!-

Fro was the only one who stayed and watched the whole game-

He was the only Ute fan amongst many Cougars!

A few moments missed!

I have been so crazy busy that I haven't even been able to blog or check my email. I have been trying to remember all the "blogging " moments that I didn't want to forget about, but I have. So a few things I wanted to record so I wouldn't forget.........

Ali learned about "Talents" at church last week. All week she has been saying,"Mom do you want to see my talent. And she would throw a ball. Or she would say it again, and do some kind of split, or dance, or say something funny. She loves making up jokes, and they make sense to no one but her and she does this funny laugh when she thinks she is so funny! Everything she does she thinks is her "TALENT." She is by far the most talented little girl ever now! Who said kids don't learn anything in primary!

Lately Ali has been using several phrases that are pretty hilarious. I have noticed that as she, or I are doing anything and it doesn't quite work out she instantly says," That didn't go very well!"

And it makes me laugh every time!

Yesterday after getting home from church Ali walked inside and said,"WOW church was really LONG!" The way she said it had both Fro and I laughing. Partly because I know exactly where she got that idea ( her dad) and the other part was the way she said it " W-----O-------W church was R-----E-----A------L-------L------Y Long!

And the Phrase she uses most often right now is WHAT THE.......................... and I have started trying to add an end to that phrase, but Fro thinks it is funny just the way she says it! What the.......

Oh the Blessings!!

It was One year ago TODAY that I got a phone call from an unknown number. I ignored it because I was picking Ali up from Ballet. Then a few minutes later another call from the same number. I again ignored it. As I was driving I thought I would call and see how my husband was doing at work. As I sat there waiting for an answer I got a little nervous for some reason. As no one answered I wondered where he might be. I continued to drive and thought I should call him again. This time there was an answer, but not my husbands voice on the other end. It was a female voice I didn't recognize. Annoyed a little by not knowing who it was I immediately asked where my husband was. The voice on the other end seemed a little hesitant and replied, Is this Mats wife? I said, " Yes." She then went on to explain, "Your husband has had an accident. A gun he was working with exploded in his face, and caught him on fire. He has been taken to the hospital." I couldn't even speak for what felt like forever. I replied," A gun blew up in his face." She continued to explain and tell me she didn't know where he was taken or what else happened only he was on fire, and they had to take him immediately.
Not realizing Ali was in the back seat hearing her dad was on fire, and his face was blown off, and a gun blew up in his face, I pulled the car over. She started asking all sorts of questions, and I didn't even know what to do. I called my sister hoping she was near by. She was just ahead of me at a store, and I asked if she would take Ali for me. What a blessing sisters are!
At that point the woman at Fros work called me back and told me he was taken to Alta View Hospital. I was at the bottom of American Fork Canyon at that point and new it would take me at least 25-30 minutes to get there. I drove, like I had never driven before, saying a prayer the entire way. I didn't know what condition fro would be in, if he would be able to see, if his whole face was blown off- I just had no idea. As I was driving I felt really strongly to call my dad. He has always been there to comfort me with EVERYTHING! I called and casually asked where he was. He explained he was in Draper and was doing some work. I explained the situation and asked if he could head over to the hospital to give Mat a blessing. Instantly my dad dropped everything and headed over there. I can't even explain the sudden peace that I felt, knowing my dad would be able to get there and give Mat the comfort he may be in need of. I suddenly felt reassured that he was okay, and everything would be fine. It was amazing!!!!
When I finally got to the hospital - which felt like an ETERNITY- I was sent right into where he was. He couldn't open his eyes. His eyebrows, and eyelashes were totally singed off, and they were scrubbing away all of his skin on both arms. It was so awful. The worst part for me was I was pregnant and he smelt of burnt hair and skin- Way bad combo. I watched as he cringed as the pulled away all the skin on his arms, and couldn't do anything. He was such a trooper. I hate getting a small burn blister let alone, burns up and down your arms and face.
This is several days after we got him home. He heales amazingly fast. I had to change his bandages a couple times a day, and each time it was so painful for him because it would rip off the newly developing skin. It was so sad.

This was when they were finally healing, and only some spots remained second and third degree burns. I had to wrap both arms up with bandages and wraps everyday.

This was when I had to scrub off the skin with this soap so it wouldn't get infected. He hated that. And the first time he took a shower was excruciating.

He had permanent tan lines on his upper arms from where the fire had singed his skin. Luckily for us he was wearing protective goggles, and his eyes weren't burned to badly. We were so blessed to walk away from this experience. It could have been much worse, and we were very aware of that. Mats work made him take an undetermined amount of time off, and after 1 week he was itching to get back to work. The doctors made him take 2 weeks off, and he got many levels of James Bond on play station passed off! We are so Blessed!

I'm Losing Control!!

This morning I got a reality check from Ali. I realized that I don't have totall control over my five year old ANYMORE!! As I was doing her hair for school she grabbed the front half of one side of her hair. I told her I needed it to finish her hair. She replied," Don't worry mom, I know exactly what I am going to do with this." After much deliberation, I figured - WHATEVER!!!
I am sure her teacher has seen worse- Right!! Then she decided she would pick out her whole outfit and she didn't want any help. so here you have it. Unfortunately I didn't get the whole outfit- it was an all BLUE outfit, different blues of all varieties, brown church shoes without socks, and the hair to match a Queen!!
One side has it all pulled back into a bun, and the other side has half down, the other half into a bun, and a huge flower and a seperate headband!- This memory is for you Ali, so you know I never did this to you- It was all you and your little INDEPENDANT creations!!

Yes I let her go all day with that AWESOME doo!

It is a good thing she is so cute!

Kung Fu!

On Saturday Night we had our "babysitter swap night" with my sister Brooke. So we planned a whole fun night and Ali really wanted to watch Kung Fu Panda- her new favorite movie. Well when Madi came over Ali really wanted to suprise her and tell her we weren't going to have any fun. Fro told Madi she was going to have to clean the toilets, and do the laundry, and that we were going to have NO fun. After a little while Madi started looking a little nervous. We just stuck to the story that we had a lot of cleaning to do, and no time for fun. Madi finally looked at me and said," Aunt Kristin We are going to have fun- Right?" It was so cute, she got so nervous! That was when we popped out the Kung Fu movie, and candy and poppcorn, and had our pillow fight. We had a great time, and LOTS of FUN- Just for Madi!!

Alis' Kung Fu Punch

At one part in the Movie, The fighters were doing their best moves, and Madi said, "You want to see what I can do that is better than that?" And she started doing some CRAZY moves that had me and Fro laughing so hard. Lets just say we were suprised she didn't land on her face!!

Rudolph Who?

Last Night kicked off the Holiday Season for us. Ali performed with her Musical Theater class, which includes her two cousins Madison and Kate, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

They were so cute, and did such a great job.

She had been practicing the song before getting there,
and throughout the performance she got louder and louder,
and more animated, it was so fun to watch her. Good Job Ali!!

Oh BOYS!!

A few of our neighbors have a play day every friday, and they change houses each week. Well since they started it in september, Ali has never wanted to go. She always said it was because she didn't know them, and because there would be boys there. She always preferred her own house and her own toys!!!
I never pushed it on her, but I always told her when they were getting togeather. Well I had to go into work last friday, and told her she had to go to one of the little girls houses. I really just wanted her to go so she could just see what they did. When I got there to pick her up she told me they played house, and had a lot of fun.
Well yesterday she kept talking about having her own play day. I asked her when she wanted to do it and she said, " Today, I want Kelton, and Damon, and Alexa and everyone to come." Well the funniest part was when I asked their moms, everyone could come except the girls! Ali was totally cool with that. It was so fun to see her interact with them. We had so much fun, and Ali is already talking about her new friends, and when they get to come over again!!

Ali, and Cam, Kelton, Brock, Damon, and Ayden-- Ali and the Boys!!

We've Gone WILD!

For Family Night, Ali and I decided to make Turkeys, and write what we are thankful for on them. Well shortly after we finished coloring, and cutting, Ali disappeared. I didn't know where she went and went exploring. I realized that our entire house was taken over by TURKEYS!!

Alis Four Eyed turkey, and colorful turkey took over the hallway!

I didn't even know how she reached that,

but she wanted to make sure there were some above her bed!

And my favorite turkey with the heart, was posted on my door to our bedroom. We had so many all over our house, I am still finding them taped all over. At least she had fun!

I SUCK!!!!!- That is a Quarter Word

At our house if Fro or I say a bad word (stupid, dumb, idiot, suck, etc .) and Ali catches us we give her a quarter. I have had my fair share of quarter giving, but today I really SUCK!!!!
The day was looking so optomistic- I had my first Parent Helper day at Alis school, and she was so excited. I got to take her to school- which was her highlight- NO BUS- and things were running smoothly! I turned my phone off because I didn't want it ringing during her kindergarten class and that was my first mistake. Come to find out Fro got sick at work- really bad migraine. He was puking his guts out and his vision was blurry, and he needed to go home. The first sign that it is bad is that Fro needed to go home- he NEVER misses work!!
Our situation right now is we got rid of one car because fro usually rides the bus, or gets a car from work. Well today he didn't have a car and had to catch the bus. Yes puking his guts out in the RAIN- and had to walk at least 1/4 mile to the bus and then a 1/4 mile home - let me emphasize that again- IN THE RAIN AND COLD. The worst part was by this time I was done at Alis school and moved on to Christmas shopping!!!! I SUCK!!!
As bad as that is my sick husband puking in the rain, I told Ali I would pick her up from school. Just to make her day that much brighter!- Before we left she said, "Oh Mom your the best!" Well needless to say I was out shopping, and lost track of time. I looked at my watch and realized it was 11:48 and school gets out at 12:08. I needed to hurry, so I dropped everything I was going to purchase and flew to Alis school- I did NOT want to be late. As I am sitting at a light I realize that she didn't get out at 12:08 today it was SHORT DAY- she got out at 11:38. (don't ask me who decided on the time- weird) . I sat there not knowing where my daughter would be at that exact moment. That was the scariest feeling ever. I still sped to her school just in case she was still sitting there waiting patiently for me. I ran all over, and no Ali. I called my neighbor to see if she saw Ali, and she said that her son said Ali was on the bus. So that much I knew. She was in the neighborhood, I am sure SCARED to death. My sweet neighbor Jill said she would go and find her. I was ready to just CRY!!!!
Finally a few minutes later- which felt like eternity- I was at my neighbors house. I knocked on the door, and Ali practically flew into my arms. I held her for two seconds and tears began flowing! I felt so HORRIBLE. I started getting tears in my eyes and then we both lost it.
We got home and we both cried for a good 20 minutes. She told me how scared she was, and asked why I forgot her. I had to clarify that I would never forget her, I just forget the dang short days! It wasn't until about an hour later that we realized Fro was in bed at home. What a Crappy Day! I hope that tomorrow is better!!

Which way did it go?

Today I was doing Alis nails when she said, "Mom you lost your ring." I didn't know what she was referring to so I looked at my wedding ring and the diamond was gone!!!! Oh NO!!!
I almost started to cry because I have been a few places and had no idea where it would be. I told Ali we needed to start looking for it. We both stopped and Ali said, We should say a prayer. We knelt down and Immediately Ali started the prayer. She said,
"Dear Heavenly father please bless we can find which way my moms diamond went, Amen. "
I stood up and thought where do I start and I reached in my pocket to find what felt like lint. I pulled it out, and there shinning back at me was my beautiful diamond. What a Great Prayer- to the point and very specific. Just the way they should be!!! thanks Ali

47 Days to GO!!!

HOLY COW, It is 47 Days till Christmas!!!!! But who is counting! I'll tell you one thing, the Christmas music has already made its way into our car- thanks to Ali. She loves it. Yesterday as we were driving to fros work we were listening to Last Christmas by Ashley Tisdale and she was singing along, and stopped. She turned to Cam and said, "Cam this is Christmas music, isn't it fun." I told Ali that Cam hasn't ever heard Christmas music because this is his first christmas.

She got all fired up and said," Oh Cam you are going to love Christmas. There is Christmas music , Christmas Presents that you get to buy, and wrap and unwrap, and there are TONS of presents. There is our Christmas tree that we put "Things" on and make it so pretty. And our lights, and the star." She stopped and thought for a second and said, "The star is so important because it means................. What does the star mean mom?" So I explained that the star represents when Jesus was born. She said, "Oh yeah that is why we celebrate Christmas Cam, because it is Jesus, or was it Heavenly Fathers birthday, they look the same?" I said, "JESUS". She said, " yeah Jesus, He died so we could do something. Oh yeah it was so we could die and then come back. Wasn't that so nice of him!"

I was trying so hard not to laugh as this conversation went on and on and on and on. Then she hit Thanksgiving, and said," Oh Cam you will love thanksgiving, we eat and take naps, and play games and take more naps." Obviously it left a great impression that we eat and SLEEP! It was such a cute conversation.

The official count down to Christmas has begun!!

Bless His Heart!

Ali is what some people call a little "HOME-BODY." She loves being at home. She would spend every hour of every day playing at home with me or by herself.

She doesn't love playing with other kids because she is totally content on her own. Lately she has seen kids playing with one another after school, and I always try to see if she wants friends over, but she doesn't show any interest. She has come home quite a bit telling me things about the kids at school, and how she doesn't have friends. I told her that there are so many kids who don't have friends, but you have to be friends with them and talk to them. That is hard for her because she is so shy.

Well today our little neighbor Kelton rode home with her on the bus. The bus is another drama for Ali- that will have to wait for another day. But Kelton rode home with her and when they got off the bus a few of the other boys in the neighborhood were going to play together. One of them asked Kelton if he was going with them to play. Keep in mind they were three of his good buddies. He simply said, "No I am going to go play with Ali and throw snowballs." Alis face lit right up!! She was so excited they both hopped in the car and ran inside to change and eat as fast as they could. Within a few minutes Kelton was knocking on our door ready to play. I have never seen Ali as excited, and while she was getting ready, she said,"Kelton is my friend, He even sat by me on the bus!" So thanks Kelton it really meant a lot to Ali!!!

We built a HUGE snowman in our yard! Kelton and our other neighbor Ayden and thier mom, Jill helped us build it.

We threw snowballs at each other and had a great time!

Ali REALLY liked eating the freshly fallen snow!

What a Great Day in the Snow!! Thanks Callisters!

Cams First Official SNOW!

On Wednesday Cam got to go out in the snow for the first time. I don't know if it was because of Nap time, or the lack of gloves, but it wasn't his favorite thing. We will give it some time. At least I was prepared with a coat and Hat!!

Girls Night!

Last Night my Best Friends - Most since the fourth grade- went out for a GIRLS NIGHT!Usually we end up meeting during the day with all of our kids and it ends up being mass chaos, but last night we ditched them all for a bite to eat! We had so much fun, and it is always good to hear Cheryls pain in the *** stories, and catch up on all the drama we all deal with DAILY! We always have so much fun, and I can't believe I have been so lucky to have been blessed with such awesome friends! I love ya all, or as Lindsay says- I love your guts!!! Thanks for the fun guys- We need to do it again - SOON!

Lindsay Ross, Jen Selack-Loveless, Hollie Sorenson, Cheryl Allman, Me, Sarah Jane Geckler

Our little Gymnast

Cam is so funny! He loves being thrown up in the air, tossed around, tickled like crazy- you name it he loves it. Fro was holding him up, and he holds a perfect straight out gymnasts pose!
Check it out .............

Look at that Form- it is perfect!

"Lets Say a Prayer, Mom"

This morning I was getting Ali ready for school and I told her that I had to take Cam to get his shots. Well Ali is a little girl who definately has seen her fair share of shots, so she instantly got nervous for him. She looked at Cam and said, "Hey little Buzz-a-Boo (she calls him that), are you going to be SO brave today?" It was so cute as he just looked at her. She looked at me and said, "Lets say a prayer Mom." And right there in the bathroom she stopped everything and folded her arms and said the cutest prayer. She asked that Cam could be So brave, and that his shots wouldn't hurt, and he would know that we still love him so much even though he is getting poked. It was so Cute! Especially considering lately we have to beg Ali to say the prayers around our house! She is always looking out for her little "Buzz-a Boo" . He had to get 5 shots and one vaccination orally! YIKES - It was awful!

I love this guy!

Cam has this obsession with covering his face when he sleeps. There has been more than one occassion when I have been lucky to catch him with the blanket over his head before something bad happened. But it is the cutest thing when I hear him screeching at the top of his lungs, like he does, and he pops his little head out from under the covers! It just makes my day!

Peek -A- Boo!

Where is Cam?

Halloween Weekend

Who is that you ask?

If you ask my niece Madison, she will tell you it is her Aunt Kristin who made her cry! I was Snow Whites' witch for our Halloween Party. When I walked in after Ali and Fro there were a few people who had no idea it was me. It was Pretty funny!

Our Little Snow White Family- Fro is "Sleepy" the Dwarf,

Cam is our little Frog Prince, Ali is Snow White, and I am the Witch.

Our Little Frog Prince- Cams first Halloween


Some of the Fam. hanging out-
Notice "Sleepy" playing his part well!


I got the kids party sacks because Madison said,
"Good Parties have
party bags"-
I bought them pumpkin straws but the kids turned them into really loud whistles!


Are Snow Whites eyes falling out!

On Friday morning I got to go to Alis' school and see her walk in the parade.

She was so cute she said she would wave like a princess to everyone.

I just was lucky to snap this shot, all the kids kept up a super speedy pace.

The whole parade was over in about 5 minutes!

Friday Afternoon, we headed over to my brother in Laws work party.
Every year they go crazy and do all sorts of crazy stuff.
This year everyone heard about it
and it seemed like the whole city was there.



My brother in Law loves the Utes-
He had his department set up like the Utes vs BYU
It was great! He dressed up like SWOOPS the mascot,and they brought in
real sod into his work to make a football field- They are CRAZY!

Madi, Ali and Jaida- Lindsays brother works there too!

Ali, my brother bud (who also works there) and Cam

The CEO's had there department set up like the Wizard of Oz.

Theyhad the scarecrow, Dorothy, the Witch, The Lion, and a midget!


My Mom and Dad Came. My dad was a BYU fan, and we are

still trying to figure out what my mom was- She is Hilarious!

The girls spinning in the chair!

When we got done with the party, Ali was pretty content with the candy she got, that she didn't even go trick or treating. She stopped off for a quick Trunk or Treat with her dad, and spent the rest of the night being more than thrilled to pass out the candy! You've got to love this Helpful age! It was a fun Halloween, and Ali is already planning for next year!