AND WERE OFF!

Well, the kids went back to school today and even though they seemed excited yet not it was actually a sad thing for me. Not only did I miss sleeping in and waking up to their whispers of ,"Are her eyes open yet?" But I knew as the school bell rang and the kids scurried to their class lines that it would be quiet when I got home and that I would miss them both playing together and yes even their quarreling with one another. I am glad that Kev has the day off from work as I won't be by myself and consumed at wondering how the kids are doing their first day back after winter break.
I start teaching three days this week and I think I am completely prepped and ready to go. I have missed my little preschoolers and will be glad to see their sweet little faces again. One of my preschoolers gave his first talk in primary yesterday and it was just the sweetest thing! I really miss my kiddos being little and even though I love them being old enough to do for themselves it is still just hard to see little ones and not miss those days! It looks like I will dedicate myself to cleaning bedrooms and disposing of things not used anymore and restoring order in my kids bedrooms. Keaton does a good job of cleaning up but my little Bailey Rose is not bothered in the least of a bedroom that looks like a tornado ripped through it. What I can't understand is how it gets worse even when every single toy she has is already out and misplaced somewhere in her bedroom. The mound of girl stuff just seems to grow. I also would like to start going through my pile of accumulated school papers that I save each year. I am not a pack rat in any sense of the word but when it comes to the kiddos school work I can honestly say that I have every piece of paper they ever did all the way back to preschool. I can't seem to throw it away. It is my goal to go through the boxes I have sitting in my closet and sort through them and reduce in size the paper load I have. Keeping just the art work and maybe one or two reports and of course the report cards. Oh, it's going to be hard and I am dreading it already but it has to be done. I want to start this NEW Year off with accomplishing something hard and for me this is it!

SLOW DOWN DECEMBER!!!

I can't believe how quickly this month is flying! I remember when I was a kid it seemed like it would take forever for Christmas to come and now that I'm grown up and living life as a wife and mom, I can't seem to find the time in December to just enjoy the ambiance. However, the tree is up and decorated and the house is all done up except for the outside. I decided that we wouldn't decorate outside since I didn't really want to pay for the electric bill that seems to accompany the following month. I know, "BA HUMBUG". The kids had fun decorating the tree and after they went to bed I rearranged the ornaments so that they decorated the entire tree instead of just the bottom half. The kids are excited to say the least. Keaton found out this year about three months ago that Santa was a fun tradition and no necessarily a true tale. I was amazed at how well he handled it and how well he is doing at keeping the secret and allowing his sister to continue on believing in the magic. I think he feels a bit empowered by knowing the truth. The weather is definitely turning colder at least for those of us use to the 100 degree heat. I can honestly say that I have had enough of the cold already and I"m ready for the blistering heat again. I honestly don't know how I survived college in Rexburg, ID and a mission in Ohio - I HATE the cold. I am enjoying a cup of hot chocolate each morning after I get back from taking the kids to school. The kids have FINALLY adjusted to wearing pants and shoes instead of shorts and flip flops to school of course after school the shorts are back on. I actually managed long sleeve shirts for the last two days. However, Keaton informed me today that he won't wear long sleeves tomorrow because, it is a half day! What that has to do with it, I don't know but, I said okay since tomorrow is going to be in the mid 70's anyways! I probably won't post again until the New Year so I wish everyone a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!

THE SEASON IS ARRIVING!!!

Here we are coming up on the Christmas season and my heart just doesn't feel like celebrating much but, I've decided that my kiddos still deserve a Merry Christmas so for them I will pull out the boxes and spend a weekend decorating the house for this festive holiday. I wasn't going to do that this year since it just seems so gloomy to begin with but then I realized I'm sure that there were many years that my own mom didn't feel like going through the whole decorating of the house process but she did so the rest of the family could enjoy. I'm almost positive that it was due to her majestic decorating that made Christmas one of my favorite times of the year. I remember sitting in the front room with the Christmas music playing with all the lights off except for the Christmas lights and just enjoying the magic of Christmas. That is what I looked forward to when I came home from college and what I looked forward to after I married and spent Christmas at home. I want my children to feel the same about their home when they think back on Christmas memories. Christmas isn't about presents and toys and food(though the food is GREAT) but it is about taking the time to share with your family and serve those in need and most of all remember how truly blessed we are that a loving Heavenly Father sent his son who paved the way for us all to return and live with Him again someday. It's a time to remember that night in the Inn where Mary and Joseph brought forth the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and placed Him in a manger what a beautiful gift the world received that night! I hope that this Christmas season I can look past the trials we are having and enjoy the beauty of Holiday season!

DO AS I'M DOING - FOLLOW FOLLOW ME!

I walked by the office today and saw Bailey pretending to iron he little Koalie's clothes. After checking to make sure the iron wasn't plugged into the wall, I asked her what she was doing. She replied, "I'm doing what you do mommy and making sure Koalie wears cleaned and ironed clothes." I smiled with delight and then thought how simple some things are to teach and how I wished it could all be a simple as ironing clothes!

IT DOESN"T FEEL LIKE A SATURDAY!

Today being Saturday I am usually use to having my kiddos at home and doing errands and cleaning and getting ready for the upcoming week. However, was a quiet Saturday! My kiddos and I spent the morning hours watching "Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone" for like the 150th time and just relaxed.

Keaton spent the early afternoon into the late afternoon with Grandpa and Grandma Smith and cousin Brianna. Grandpa & Grandma treated them to a McDonald's lunch followed by a play of Disney's, "The Jungle Book". He really enjoyed the outing. He talked about the music and the costumes and said it was a funny play. He loved the movie when he saw it years ago so I knew he would enjoy the play. Thanks Grandpa & Grandma! After that he decided to play some Tiger Woods PGA Golf on the Wii and followed it with practicing his putts with his own putter. He LOVES golf! I wish he and Kev could have played more this past summer but, money is tight so they played each other in Wii golf. In my opinion it's just as good but, I'm sure they both would disagree with me.




Bailey and I went to Target and looked at the toys per her request since Keaton was on an outing. We walked up and down the rows of toys as she stopped to look at the ones that caught her eye. She named each one that Santa was going to bring and all I thought was, "Boy, I hope you are not disappointed little one." I treated her to her favorite treat (cherry icee) and then we came home and she watched one of her favorite TV shows, "DogTown" on the animal planet channel. After about 10 minutes into the show her friend Logan came down and off they went to Logan's house to play. She then came home and built a dog house in her bedroom. She informed me that she saw a stray dog outside and was going to foster it in her room and promised she would not let it out so it wouldn't destroy the house. I laughed at her cuteness and love for animals but, once again had to tell her there would be no dogs! She cried and informed me that she was going to get that dog no matter what! She is too cute!

BAILEY'S DOGHOUSE- SHE WAS GOING TO NAME IT BUDDY!

Kevan was gone this morning doing some work at our Bishop's house and then came home and ate lunch and then off he went to the men's softball game and there he has been the rest of the day. They had a game at 2pm, 5pm and 7pm. I think I have seen him about two hours total this entire day.

So my Saturday was quiet and I took advantage of it and prepped for next weeks preschool lessons and cleaned and ironed clothes for Sunday. Tonight hasn't been bad either. Showers are already done and dinner is over and the kids are tired and ready for bed. Maybe when Kevan gets home I might have a chance to talk to him about his day before he starts to snooze in front of the TV. Either way it has been an enjoyable day and I could even see myself getting to bed early tonight. Now that would be nice!

NO MORE PLEASE, MY PLATE IS ALREADY FULL!

Well, since the election went wrong we are just going to have to make sure we continue to PRAY and get prepared for things to come crashing in but, at least we still have the Gospel. I was telling Kevan just the other day that it is nice to know that when the world is in turmoil and things continue to get worse that the Gospel is never changing! It is a constant in our life and it brings hope and peace and the ever needed calmness that seems to quiet one's troubled soul. I feel so blessed to have the Gospel! Life just seems to get more stormy for our little family. With unemployment looming over our heads and the inability to make ends meet well, let's just say that it is taking a toll on the spirit of "never give up". Hopefully, things will start to look up soon and our lives won't feel hour to hour. I'm not a person who does well with taking it one day at a time. I'm a planner, organizer and preparing type of person and being kept in the dark about what happens next is not my cup of hot chocolate. However, I'm trying hard to deal with it since I have no other choice. I'm just really not enjoying this season in my life but, seasons do pass, don't they?

ELECTION DAY!!!

DON"T FORGET TO GET OUT AND VOTE TODAY!!!

GO MCCAIN!!!

YES ON PROP 102!!!

HALLOWEEN 2008

Well, Halloween has come and gone but, the memories are GREAT ones. The kids had lots of fun dressing up, getting together with the cousins, hanging out and going door to door in the neighborhood raking in candy GALORE! Oh, I can see the dental bills! LOL
Daddy has yet to impose his "Daddy Tax" on the candy but, it's coming as he has been eyeballing the candy since last night! Halloween was loads of fun and I must admit I'm glad it's over! The next big event for our little family, ELECTION DAY! GO JOHN MCCAIN!!! Even our kids are involved in this election and it's is so GREAT to know that my children are more involved and aware of the important issues and candidates then I was at the young age of 7 and 9. I LOVE IT! Knowledge is power and my kids have it! Enjoy the Halloween pictures!

THE WEEKEND IS HERE!

Well, it's finally Friday! I thought this day would never arrive. The kids have a half day because of parent/teacher conference. I have both scheduled for today. Both Keaton and Bailey did wonderful for the first quarter. We are so proud of them. I know that the reason they ever want to go to school is for their friends, art, library, and computers. Somewhere along the way they lost interest in reading, writing.,science, social studies and math, go figure! They are trying hard and doing GREAT! Keep it up kiddos! Today, I have been busy sewing Bailey's Hannah Montana costume and I'm so glad that it is almost done! The last few days for me have been such good ones! Keaton has Scout Day Camp tomorrow and he is excited for that. This is the first year I won't go with him as I am no longer a den leader. I'm kind of sad not to be able to watch him have a good time. Last year was a blast and I know this year will be fun too. He loves scouts and I'm so pleased about that! Bailey has a Brownie troop activity tomorrow too. We are going to see High School Musical 3. She is not really into HSM anymore but, she would not pass up a movie with her friends. I will go with her and I'm looking forward to a day with my baby girl who is so not a baby anymore! They just keep growing and growing! Kevan got some more hours with Coke this week and he has been working at a friend's cabinet shop picking up a few hours and we are hoping he gets hired on at UPS part time as well. When you have to work three different jobs just to TRY and make up for what you are use to making in one job it is not only exhausting but, I see blessing being given each time these small jobs come our way. If that is how it has to be done for a while then we will do it that way! I feel so blessed to have the Gospel in my life and for our family and friends who have just been so wonderful to us over these past few months of struggling. Words just don't describe the feelings of gratitude we feel. We are looking forward to Halloween and the kids can't wait to Trick or Treat! I can't believe November is almost here! Why does it seem like time is going faster and faster?

LOVE YOU TWO!

I love these two little munchkins! I was looking through some photos on the computer yesterday and I came across this picture which was taken in 2005. My heart just melted as I recalled this day. It was an Easter Sunday and we had already found baskets and did the whole Easter morning tradition. I remember I sat the kids down and wanted to take their picture so I could document their cuteness at the age they were. Keaton is five and Bailey is three in this picture. They are just so cute with their baby chub still on their faces.

This past week the kids were out of school for their fall break (something we never got in school). I remember thinking at the beginning of the week am i going to be able to survive a full week with them home and really nothing to do? Well, my kids are real good at entertaining themselves so it wasn't bad at all. There were only a few days where they told me they were bored and needed something to do. Keaton finally decided that he wanted to be Harry Potter. I know he has been around a while but, Keaton just started reading the books and has seen the first two Harry Potter movies. He has his costume and is ready to go on Halloween night. Bailey is going to be Hannah Montana (of course)! We are still putting together her costume but, she will be ready to go too. We are spending Halloween night trick or treating with the Jensen cousins in their neighborhood with Aunt Deb coming too. They are so excited and I think it will be a fun night.

Things have been real stressful here at the Roth household lately. Kevan has been out of work for the past two months and it doesn't look too promising for the months to follow. It is hard to keep up my spirits as things have come down to the wire.
I honestly have never been or felt so much stress and misery before in my life. I long for the happier times and it seems like that is all I can do is think of how much happier we were when we had a regular stable income. I worry that my kids can see the stress we are dealing with and well, I try so hard not to make them aware that mommy is not a happy camper but, somehow I think they now. Bailey, keeps telling me, "Mommy you are the best!" I sometimes cry about her little comments because, I know I am not the best and that I don't deserve to be called the best. Keaton always, tells me, "Mom, I love you" and then finishes is off with a sweet squeeze from his little arms. I do feel truly blessed that even in the wake of the worst times of my life I have the best darn little cheerleaders around! They keep me grounded and remind me that no matter what is lost due to financial troubles they are not going anywhere and for that I am so GRATEFUL! I love you Keaton and Bailey for giving me all the support and love that you do. I love you for all your little kisses and hugs and the sweet reassurance of your love that you give in your kind hearted words that you express to me daily. You both are the best!

TO BE A BROWNIE!

Well, this year Bailey decided that she wanted to join a Brownie Troop. I never desired to join Girl Scouts when I was young. I guess the activities I was more interested in were Piano and other things that would help me develop a talent. Now even though I can only play "Around the Totem Pole" on the piano and my Ballet career never took off ( one year of each was enough for me) I never felt like my hidden talents were left undiscovered. Well, when my own daughter came and begged if she could join a Brownie troop that her good friend was a part of I hesitated. She is only seven and did I really want her to be a part of a group of girls that wore uniforms and sold cookies and gathered for meetings. Well, no I didn't! I guess since I never was a Brownie then my daughter didn't need to be either. Next summer she would be starting Achievement Days in primary and that seemed sufficient for extra curricular activities. Well, after talking to Kev about it we decided that we would let her join a Brownie Troop. She is in the same Brownie troop as her friend Liberty. Yesterday after school she had her first Brownie Meeting. She was so excited that for weeks she has been counting down the days and couldn't wait for school to end so she could experience the Brownie Troop meeting. About 30 minutes before the end of their meeting the parents came to have a mandatory meeting which would explain in more detail all about the Troop and their activities. When I walked in and saw Bailey participating I couldn't help but notice the look of pure enjoyment on her part to have something of her own to be a part of. Keaton has Boy Scouts and now Bailey has Girl Scouts. I was not too thrilled when the leader of her troop started to go into detail of the parent participation area though. It looks like I will be more a part of this then I had originally wanted but, then I figured that it's better to know and be a part of my children's activities then not know who they are with or what they are doing. Bailey is thrilled to be a part of this and I can't help but be excited for her.

This was the Craft that the girls did at their first meeting. They also had fun making sticker sheets and decorating cupcakes with candy bones. What little girl wouldn't have fun doing that?

CAMPING OUT!!!

Bailey was upset with me last night because I wouldn't let Kevan set up the tent in the back yard and let her sleep in it. I know I'm not fun. No really, I'm not! Anyways, before I turned in for the night I went to do the final tuck in of my kiddos to make sure there were no possible neck kinks or entanglement in their sheets or suffocation due to the number of stuffed animals that sometimes find their way into the bed after the first tuck in. After checking on Keaton and rearranging his legs so that they were actually on the bed, I peeked into Bailey's room and this is what I saw... NO BAILEY

I began looking around to see where she she may have crawled into and fallen asleep. She had set up her own little tent and camping chair when she was playing "camp out" earlier that evening. So of course that is where I looked first. If you look closely you can see her inside.

I pulled back the flap and yep sure enough Bailey was snoozing comfortable except for the fact that no air moves in those tents and she was all sweaty. I took off the tent and tucked her once again back into her bed where she slept peacefully the rest of the night!

Now see if I had let her sleep outside in a real tent I would not of had something to blog about this morning!

NEED A LAUGH?

Now watch the mama panda. Now this is funny!

CHANGES BRING FORTH ADVENTURE!

Well, as some of you may know that due to the major slow down in the cabinet business Kevan made the decision to do go and do something different that had a bit more stability when it came to bringing home a paycheck. He accepted a job with a company called MAJOR DRILLING AMERICA. He is a drill helper and hopes to move up into the Health and Safety program within the company He may have to become a driller to do this though. HE is not real thrilled about becoming a driller and hopes he can bypass it. His first hitch he was sent to Alaska! We packed him up and off he went to the top of the globe to work on a drill rig in the middle of nowhere. He was stationed at the Red Dog Mine which is the world's largest zinc mine. He worked 12 hour days 7 days a week. His hitch was supposed to last 6 weeks but, thankfully they reached a little beyond their required footage (3600 feet) and he was able to return home after 3 weeks. He was extremely grateful! He was lucky enough to work the 7am to 7pm shift and didn't have to train his body to sleep during the day and stay up all night. We talked a few times on the phone as he would call collect ( I'm scared to get the phone bill!) and we were able to update one another on the daily happenings of each others lives. Now that he has returned from Alaska I can tell he enjoyed the experience even though he says it is the hardest dirtiest work he has ever done. He will most likely be sent to Safford, AZ from now on where he will work 15 days on and 6 off. He will be living in Safford three weeks out of the month and though it will be hard to have him away we feel extremely blessed that he has a job. The pictures posted are some that he took with his phone camera so they are not that clear but, I think you can get the jest of it. If you ever get the chance Kevan has some great stories to tell about his time in Alaska. Enjoy!


This is Glen, the driller Kev worked with who enjoyed hand feeding the squirrels!

These are the squirrel friends that showed up everyday faithfully for food. They would help themselves so Kev had to keep his pack in the rig! They actually gave names to these little critters!

The first day Kev was thrown down by the powerful water pressure that built up in an ice blocked water hose and dislocated his jaw and split his face open. This is after he cleaned it up. He came home with a full beard since he couldn't shave with the deep cuts. Ouch!

Though Kev never came in contact with a bear while he was there he did get to see one running wild on his last day as he was flying in the helicopter back to camp. This is a stuffed one at the Anchorage Airport. Kev said they are so massive!

Here is what he saw everyday - miles of hills and nothing else but and occasional heard of caribou. Isn't that open country beautiful?

This is the drill rig he worked at 12 hours a day. As you can see it is in the middle of nowhere!

This was Kev's transportation to and from the drill rig each day. There are no roads to the rig. He is a pro at flying in a helicopter now!

A FRESH START!

Well, I decided to start up a new family blog. This was a decision I made just about four months after deleting the one I already had since last year. I just felt I had no time to blog and even though I enjoy reading friends and family blogs I just felt I spent too much time blogging so I deleted it! Then I decided it was the best way to keep in touch with friends and family and so I decided a fresh blog start was in order.
Here we go...