The Captain

Sometimes I just don't know what goes on in Bryce's head, but boy does he crack me up. Trever was making him dinner, which of course, consited of macaroni and cheese and captain crunch. As Bryce was pouring his cereal he said, "This smells just like captain crunch." Trever replied, "It is just like captian crunch." Bryce deep in thought looked at Trever and asked, "What is he the captain of? The captain of flavor?" The captain of flavor!!!! What a funny kid I wonder how long he has been contemplating this question--

CRAFTS

This weekend I stayed at my sister's house (thanks to Jalee BTW). On Saturday Jalee, Anne, and I did a little Christmas shopping. We had so much fun. Thanks for the great time! I was however distraught about our stop at the craft store. I am just amazed that people can charge so much money for some of these crafts. That is when it hit me that I am going to start making crafts. I was interested to see what people think. I would probably work up to selling some of the stuff after a little practice. I will hopefully have some pictures by the end of the week of my little experiment. As for now, my mom makes vinyl signs and tiles if anyone is interested please leave me a comment. I am trying to get a blog set up for her company.

New Family Photos

My mom and I love to take photos, and I really wanted to get a family picture for the year. So, I gave my mom a call and she hooked us up and took some really fun photographs. I will say that is it a lot more difficult with three children--it seems that we never were able to catch all three kids smiling at the same time. I owe my mom a big thanks!!

Life on East 8

As I am wrapping up the last few hours of my third shift, I have decided that I need to send a big SHOUT OUT to my AMAZING patients this week!!! Every shift that I spend here on East 8 I am reminded of how the human spirit can triumph in the face of adversity. I am convinced that each and every patient that I meet and care for has a lesson to teach me. Every patient seems to hold a special place in my heart--momories, laughter, and even tears. I am a better person and gain so much strength from being here.

TWILIGHT

Last night we went to the Twilight Movie with some friends. It was so fun--I just love going out in big groups it makes for great conversation at dinner. And yes, I was still awake! Overall it was an entertaining movie. Not quite as great as some of the big budget kind of films, but I enjoyed it. Thanks to all of our friends--Trever and I had a great time.

Breakfast of Champions!!!

7:44 AM---I find myself completely engrossed in thought as I am driving down the road. I had already reviewed my entire night, every medication, Rash, mouth sore, Blood Product, central line, and lab value. This is often my morning ritual with such a long drive home, but now my mind moved to a more pressing manner---Bryce's Medicine Man report. Yes, you read that correctly--a report----IN KINDERGARTEN. Normally I am not one to procrastinate, but with my schedule the report was left until the second to last minute. I had already printed out pictures photocopied stories and bought a coloring book for Bryce to color. Wow, this Kindergarten stuff is a lot of stinkin' work.
7:56AM--Chuggin' along Parley's Summit I suddenly realize that I have just comsumed an entire bag of M&Ms and a can of Dr. Pepper for breakfast!!! As you can see I am learning nothing in my nutrition class.
10:34 AM--Still awake just waiting for Bryce to get on the bus and hoping that his report makes it to his class unscathed! I don't think I have ever stressed out about any of my own homework this much. Good thing I had that AWESOME breakfast to keep me going!!!

Disneyland Here We Come!!!

It's official we are heading to Disneyland--Sadly without Monica and Jorge :(, but we are going to have a blast!!!!! I am so excited. I have been trying to talk Trever into going for nearly two years now. He was always so worried about taking our kids when they were too little. So when are we NOT going to have a little baby around??? I told him we should go while I am not expecting or nursing. Our first family vacation!!!!! BTW, if anyone sees my kids don't tell them anything about it---We are just going to surprise them. We will just load them up in the car and show up at Disneyland---Bryce will be so surprised and excited! I think this will be the only time I will be able to pull this off since eventually they will have to pack for themselves. I'm sure Mickey will make sure we have a lot of FUN.

Lake Powell 2008

I am Finally posting our Lake Powell Pictures. We had so much fun!!!!!! Jamie and I made a scrapbook to remember all the great times. I don't think I've ever had this much fun on a vacation. I have never laughed so hard--who knew that we were all a bunch of kids when we're not busy being responsible. Thanks to everyone for the great memories.

Veteran's Day

Freedom Isn't Free
I watched the flag pass by one day.

It fluttered in the breeze

A young soldier saluted it,

and thenHe stood at ease.

I looked at him in uniform

So young, so tall, so proud

With hair cut square and eyes alert

He'd stand out in any crowd.

I thought how many men like him

Had fallen through the years.

How many died on foreign soil?

How many mothers' tears?

How many Pilots' planes shot down?

How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?

No Freedom isn't free

I heard the sound of taps one night,

When everything was still.

I listened to the bugler play

And felt a sudden chill.

I wondered just how many times

That taps had meant "Amen"

When a flag had draped a coffin

of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children,

Of the mothers and the wives,

Of fathers, sons and husbands

With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard

at thebottom of the sea

Of unmarked graves in Arlington.....

No -- Freedom isn't free!!...

Cadet Major Kelly StrongAir Force Junior ROTC

I can't think of anywhere I would rather live than here in the USA. We are all so blessed to have people willing to give everything to protect the freedoms that we enjoy. My little community is full of these patriotic individuals who served our country and protected those who could not protect themselves. I truly believe that the WWII vets are part of the greatest generation. That patriotism is what keeps our country moving forward. I haven't lost faith, and I am so grateful that there are soldiers out there protecting all the things that I hold dear. So Thank You to all you have served and are serving to pay for our freedom. And to my dear Grandpa, my favorite Veteran of all.

Halloween

Finally I am posting some pictures of Halloween. When I get them all scrapped I will put up a slide show. So here are just a few pics of the spooky fun.

Brynn, Kira, Bryce, Steele, and Kambree (she's excited)

All the kids at the Trunk or Treat.

Harley and Kira--Best Friends!

Cornbelly's

I am a little behind on my blogging. Now that the funeral is over, I need to post all the pictures I took. Last Thursday, Monica and I decided we needed a day out with the kids. So, we headed for Cornbelly's. The kids had a blast! I was so impressed with how much there was to do there. It was so nice for me to catch up with Monica, we always have so much fun when we're together. Thanks Monica for the fun day, even though it was cut short by the sad news, it was nice to have a little fun before my emotional weekend.

My Grandpa Peacock

DeVar Mills Vernon
May 13, 1932- October 30, 2008

DeVar Vernon 1932 ~ 2008 DeVar Mills Vernon passed away October 30, 2008 in the farm house where he was born on May 13, 1932 to Marie Mills and GrantVernon in Hoytsville, Utah. He graduated from North Summit High School where he participated in FFA and raised a State Grand Champion ewe. He also played the trombone in the school band. He married LaVaun Geary on June 15, 1953. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved the outdoors and spent many fall seasons trapping beaver. He was a second-generation mink rancher and had a great love for his farm and his animals. He loved watching the Utah Jazz, BYU Cougars and local North Summit High School sports. In the later years of his life, he enjoyed sitting on his front porch, whittling canes and watching his peacocks. Surviving are his loving wife, LaVaun and children: VaunaDe (Doug) Swensen, Jeff (Jeanette) Vernon, Chris (Lani) Vernon and Crae Vernon; a sister, Galeen Johnson; 12 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
As my Grandpa became more sick, he was always surrounded by friends and family. Hospice was so wonderful and I was glad to see that from a family member's point of view, they are a great resource. I often see death from a different perspective, as a Nurse or a friend, but not a family member. It was comforting to know that Grandpa passed in peace surrounded by those who loved him most.
I was so lucky to have had such a close relationship with my Grandpa. I was always riding my bike to my Grandparents home to ride horses and play in the play house. My Grandpa was always cracking jokes (sometimes the colorful kind), just to make everyone laugh. he was a joker. I always admired his work ethic, he worked long days on the farm and it was always hard work. I remember sitting in the pelting shed listening to Christmas music to help make the work a little more fun. He loved the ranch and all the animals on it. His favorite had to be the Peacocks. My kids were quick to find him a nickname because he was always showing them the peacocks. Soon that is what Bryce thought of when I mentioned Grandpa Dee. So, Grandpa Peacock became his name. My Grandpa was a very patriotic, stubborn cowboy. He was part of that great generation that has gone through so much, and really understand the meaning of life in America and how blessed we all are to be part of it. My Grandpa will be loved and missed always.

Life in the third demension

As I was strolling through the electronic department, I saw that Shrek 1 was on sale and it came with a bonus 3-D DVD as well. I couldn't pass up the thought of the kids in 3-D glasses.

Well, now they are both convinced that the glasses make every other movie we own fascinating. That is the first thing they asked for this morning (even before breakfast). I told them if they get dressed and eat breakfast really fast then they could watch the movie. Bryce, of course, put on his Halloween costume as he does every day.

So here they are enjoying life in 3-D!!

Rock on!!!!!

Just need to tell my sisters-in-law Sherie and Jamie how much I appreciate them. Last night we decided we were all long over due for a girls' night. So, we got together for a little nerts and our new favorite--GUITAR HERO. We usually don't play video games, but last night we made an exception to try something new. That's right we were all tearing it up and Rocking out. It was a blast! I am now addicted to Guitar Hero. I've got to find a way to fit that into my schedule somehow. Anyway, Marci and Lindsey came along as well, which just added to the fun. And, as usual Sherie and Jamie had me laughing so hard I could barely move by the end of the night. I do want to mention that Bonnie and I kicked everyone's trash at cards---I know, Jamie, I'm working on my nerts scrapbook page. So, here's to Jamie and Sherie for making me forget about reality and have a good laugh!!!!!! I couldn't ask for better in laws! Oh, and thanks to Sherie for supplying the banana splits and candy.

The Great Pumpkin

On Sunday We spent a little Quality Family Time carving pumpkins. I found some templates online and Bryce was beside himself when we saw the Spongebob template.

Kira thought that Kambree wanted to eat the pumpkin, so of course, she stuffed it in her mouth and told her to eat it "it's yummy" she said. I don't think Kambree agreed after the first bite.

I'll be the first to say that I hate pumpkin guts. The kids were disgusted when I started pulling this mush from the pumpkins. And yes I am actually working with a sharp object running on zero sleep. Trever was certain I was going to lose a finger.

Under the Sea.

Bryce was out of school last weekend for UEA. After spending Thursday at Lagoon we decided to mix it up a little and try something new. Monica posted some pictures of her trip to the Living Planet Aquarium, and I thought that would be a perfect place.

I was surprised by just how much fun we had. The kids were able to run around, they even have a "coral reef" place for the kids to crawl around. It was so fun to see their faces light up in amazement (or disgust in Kira's case). I highly recommend it.

Shout out to #22

I have to give a big shout out to my brother #22. The kids and I went with my mom and dad to watch the game. It was in American Fork at ALA. The braves played a great game, especially considering that they were playing against sophmores and juniors. Jaxon caught an interception and nearly a touchdown. I was so proud of him--so Way to go Jax!!!!

I tried to photoshop an arrow in there because you can't see him very well.

He obviously inherited the vernon chicken legs.

Back to the huddle after his great interception.

Bryce, Kira, and Bronson always hang out at all the football games.

:)

I found this cartoon and it made me smile. I'm sure all my Nursing friends can appreciate it.

Study Break

Well, I know I haven't been keeping up lately (I know, I know the "blog queen of east 8" has become deliquent). So, I am taking a break from my studies to report that I am still alive, still in school, and yes, I still have three kids. However; I wasn't aware that having a Kindergartener and going to college would be so much work. I thought Kindergarten was a little more laid back, but I was wrong. I am pretty sure I spend double the time on Bryce's homework (which he gets EVERY day) than on my own. This means that I am getting A's in college and barely making it in Kindergarten. I guess schools are really stepping it up, which is awesome, so hopefully Bryce will be extra prepared! Now, back to my studies (the college ones). Oh and thanks to all my girls at work and Rori for keeping me going--you all inspire me.

Sticky Situation

I know that as mothers we can't be in two places at once, however it would be handy. I was thinking this when I received a disturbing phone call from Trever in the middle of my Yoga class. Kira had somehow managed to take the piece of gum that her dad had given her and wind in in her hair (the front of her hair). I of course was helpless to do anything. I suggested he try to get it out. But, we all know how patient men are in these kind of situations (no offense hon.) Trever tried a little PAM, then just cut it out! We all know I'm pretty freaked out that my kids are going to end up bald like their mother so I was upset. Georgia came to the rescue and was at the beauty shop fixing lexie's hair so Kira and I stopped by. Her new cut ended up really cute. I've always been a big fan of the A-Line.

Kambree's First Birthday Party!!

My BABY is ONE

I can't believe that my little baby is now a one year old. She is just growing much too fast ! She has been such a sweet spirit. Even when I was pregnant with Kambree, something seemed different. I felt that I had such a strong bond with her.

You all know that Labor and Delivery is my favorite experience ever, and with Kambree I had the best experience. It was a lot of work, I'm not going to lie, but I just loved it and was so happy when she was placed in my arms. It was as though she was my little angel. She is just the perfect addition to our family. One rowdy boy, one drama queen, and one princess.


We are so blessed to have her. So, Happy Birthday Kambree!!!

School News

So everyone has inquired about my school blog. FYI I am going back to school for my Nursing Major with a Minor in Dance. Hopefully I am not getting in over my head, but when have I ever been worried about having too much on my plate? So, I am officially a Weber State Wildcat!
I also want to give a big shout out to my awesome patients and co-workers. It seems that my workplace is full of amazing people (just a side note).

The Big Day !

Jalee and Kyle were married at the Salt Lake Temple yesterday. She was so beautiful and I am so proud of her for taking this big step. The two of them make a great couple! Hats off to my mom for making her amazing dress!

We had to get some pics of the family at the temple. We're quite the bunch.

Here's a pic of me and my favorite sister.
Hopefully it will be a day that Jalee can look back on and remember how wonderful it was. Everything was so great and everyone in the family worked very hard to help out and ensure that it all turned out well.

Back to School/ The Best Trip Ever

This is a pic that Tom put together for all of our desktops of our awesome trip to Powell. Just wanted to write a quick post to let everyone know that I am still alive and returned safely from our wicked vacation. It was such short notice I didn't have time to do anything before we left. I will post all the sweet pics later when I have time to photoshop after the big wedding so y'all can see them. I am also heading back to school in a few weeks--that's right folks, I am officially a Weber State Wildcat. Hopefully this first semester back won't be too crazy. This is the second time that Bryce and I will be having our first day of school together. I am sad to say that this time around we won't be attending the same classes. Though I am sure that Kindergarten will be a lot more fun for him than college, and I will sure miss having a study buddy :). I will say that we are both excited.

Trip down Memory Lane

Laura posted this fun game on her blog, so I thought I would give it a try.

1. Add a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments(Rori). Oh, and for all my nursing friends--try to keep it clean, this is a family site:)

Tag I'm It!

So, What is in my purse?


This is my no-name-brand purse. I think it was 15 dollars. I'm a big spender when it comes to purses :). I usually end up with melted chocolate or fruit snacks all over the bottom of my bags, so I try to buy the cheap ones that are easily replaced.

Pretty messy for someone with OCD. I have chapstick and lipgloss--a must. Kira's tootsie roll a sucker from the bank. Andes mints and a wrapper. A dollar, 21 cents. Tylenol which is a necessity with three children in the car. My fortune that reads "The world will soon be ready to receive your talents". Kira's hair clip, a pen, a McDonald's receipt, my wallet, and one earring (I lost the other one at the batman movie. What is not in my purse is the straw that I picked up at the movies, which I used at chilli's. It was a good thing I put that in there otherwise I wouldn't have had a straw, and also the napkins I had to use to clean the Dr. Pepper I spilled on my shirt when Jorge got me all flustered (apparently that is easy to do). So, what is in your purse?---I TAG ANYONE WHO READS THIS!

Happy Birthday

So today Trever is 32 . . . again. So, Happy Birthday!!!! Unfortunately I am going to work today, so he gets to spend his birthday the same way he spent our anniversary....at home with the kids. So, hopefully we will be able to escape this week sometime and have a little fun to celebrate. My three favorite things about Trever are
1--he is a positive person and is always trying to look on the bright side of things
2--He is great with the kids, anyone's kids for that matter--He is just so much fun to be around
3--He is always trying to make me smile and laugh, though sometimes I act annoyed, I think it is really sweet.
So, here's to you honey on your birthday---I love you.

Saying Goodbye

My heart goes out to three courageous people who lost their battle with cancer this week. I was amazed by their strength and they have all touched by life and changed me for the better. I am so blessed to be able to care for such amazing people. My heart also goes out to their families who were always there through thick and thin. So maybe you could all throw a prayer their way.

Bryce's Birthday Bash

This was Bryce's Birthday Surprise. . . A HUGE blow up water park. We set it up and the kids have played in it nearly every day since. I even took a turn down the slide. I think it looks pretty white trash in our yard, but as long as the kids love it I guess that doesn't matter.

Brynn and Steele came over to celebrate the day and play in the pool.

On Sunday afternoon we had a bar-b-Q at Bonnie's to celebrate Bryce and Bonnie's birthdays. We took the water park along for all the cousins to play. It was a big hit with all the kids.

The case of the missing remote

So since my last post was so emotional, I decided to lighten things up a bit and tell a funny story. Once a month I work a Saturday/Sunday back to back. I leave before the kids wake up and I get home after they are already in bed, which means--Trever is on his own with the kids for two days. This usually means that the house and yard is in complete disarray by Sunday night (no offense honey). Well, two weeks ago, while I was working, the remote was lost. I have looked everywhere. I must say I wasn't surprised--thinking that during my days at work it must have been misplaced. Well, by monday I was too busy to think about it and one item on my to-do-list was to fix the hole in the seam of the bedspread. The kids always stick their feet in it to crawl in our bed and now it was a huge gaping hole. I rounded up my needle and thread and sewed it up and that was that. During this week I have been on Trever's case about helping me find the remote. I told him to just think if he had seen the kids with it during those two days. I nagged and nagged. I think he was pretty offended actually--Soooo today I was making the bed and the bedspread was sagging at the bottom----That's right folks--I had sewn the remote into our bedspread. I don't know how it got in the hole, but I didn't even notice it when I sewed up the hole. I called Trever to apologize and we both got a pretty good laugh about it.

3 am thoughts

So, being as I work with Cancer patients there are bound to be frustrating days (or nights as the case may be). Well, I left report wondering what in the heck are we doing! Sure there are days when lives are saved, differences are made, but some days tears are cried (and not the good kind). So why is it that these amazing, wonderful people are pushed to the very edge? It is all so unfair. Yes, that is such a childish view, but wouldn't it be nice if just for one day life was fair? That good people would survive and their families wouldn't mourn. That a three year old wouldn't have to cry outside her Dad's hospital room with a homemade Father's day card unable to go inside because of the sniffles????? I can't count the times that I have sat on the edge of the bed of a certain patient and just let the tears roll. This is just the hardest place to keep your cool. However isn't that what makes it all worth it? If we didn't love a care for those we serve I guess we wouldn't be nurses. So, here's to all of my fellow nurses-- sporting the blue gowns and purple gloves

My BABY is FIVE !!!

Today is Bryce's fifth Birthday--For all of you who went to Nursing School it seems like yesterday he was hanging out in class with us. I just can't believe how time flies by. I couldn't have been blessed with a better little boy. So here are a few things I just love about Bryce
--He is a big helper, he loves to help me with the baby and washing dishes.
--He is very kind-hearted. He is always includes other children. He often finds little kids at
lagoon and invites them to ride with him so they won't have to ride alone :)
--He is independent. One day I think I will be a little more excited about this one since it makes
me a little sad he doesn't need me quite so much anymore.
--He is a great big brother. He makes sure to include Kira and is always helping her.
So, Happy Birthday, Bryce We love you!

Sunday adventure

Now that everyone is feeling better, we decided to mix things up a bit and stray from our usual sunday dinner. We all took the four wheelers for a ride up the canyon to roast some hot dogs and s'mores.

Home sick

Kira and I have had the stomach flu. So, since I can barely make it out of bed, I decided I can sit and redecorate my blog. I'm just sitting here sipping gatorade and blogging, what a crummy day.

A case of the cold

A couple months ago I purchased a doll for Kira. Of, course I had to buy the doll that says momma and daddy when you squeeze her hands. She also giggles when you squeeze her tummy and sneezes when you squeeze her cheeks. So cute, right? Well last night Dollie got a serious case of the sniffles or allergies. She sneezed all night long. I couldn't figure out how to turn her off. The sound maker is sewn in to her belly and she doesn't un-velcro like other sound making toys. At dinner we all got a kick out of the sneeze interrupted conversation. Needless to say at about two AM Dolly found herself shoved in the corner under a very large blanket. And, yes, she is still sneezing this morning. Kira and Bryce get the biggest kick out of it. They both keep saying "bless you" everytime they hear the sneeze. It is so funny.

The two best Dads ever!

Since Trever is home alone with all of the kids today, I thought that the least I could do was take a minute during my lunch break to tell him how awesome he is. I am amazed by his 'fatherly' skills. He has never once hesitated to change a diaper, in fact, I don't think I have ever had to ask him to. He has always been selfless when it comes to the kids. I remember when Bryce was born and I was in nursing school, Trever would wake up for every feeding and bring Bryce to me, then take him back to him back to his crib. Never complaining about his interrupted sleep. There have also been countless sleepless nights or rough nights while I'm at work, but he just finds a way of handling it all. Yet, I hardly ever hear a negative word about it. I am so lucky to have him as a father to our kids, and our kids are so lucky to have a Dad that is so involved and takes such good care of them! I also must add a note about my own dad, because he has taught me so much about how important dads are. He never missed a softball game, cheer competition and yes, even Drillteam competitions. I was always so glad to see him in the stands! So to all the Dads in my life--Love ya.

LAGOON ! ! !

We spent Monday and Tuesday at Lagoon. We had a blast. I love watching the kids get so excited about the rides. They just love lagoon. I think it is my favorite place for the summer. Hopefully next week the weather will be warmer so we can visit Lagoon-a-beach.