August - wrap up

August flew by, but proved to be memorable!  Steve received a brand new, spankin', cop car!  It smells better (for the time being), and it's NEW!  I immediately purchased some nice smelling air fresheners to hopefully prevent the impending funk from filtering into his car.  It wasn't too long before his car was "baptized" by a stinky criminal.  Sick!

My little man, Beckham, was blessed on August 5th.  It was a very special day spent with our loved ones.  Steve gave a wonderful blessing and blessed him that he would be a positive light for his friends and family.  I love that! 

 

A year ago, if someone mentioned the thought or idea of me having another baby, I thought they were nuts!  What a difference a year makes.  I can't imagine my life with out Beckham!  Our lives have been so blessed with his arrival into our family.

 



Homer inherited his double chin from his momma.  It's a lot cuter on him.  On me... not so much.

August 14th was the big man on campus, 15th birthday!  Homey amazes me with his teenage antics!  My mother's revenge has come full circle.  I can remember countless number of times when the words, "I hope you have a child just like you!", came spewing out of her mouth.  Thank you mom.  Thank you.

 

Homey is now in the 9th grade and will be driving next year.  Have mercy!  The thought of this frightens me to the core.  He is extremely smart but at times lacks the brain cells to remember to actually turn in his homework on time!  This phenomenon astounds me.  We are hopefully this year will be different.

 

Homey's favorite things to do are:  eat, hang out with friends, and long board.  Yup, he's a teenager.  Love ya fat head!



Homey is ready for his first day of school!  Can you see the excitement?  His very being was exuding excitement!  I did help convince him that his first day of school would not be that horrible by bribing him with breakfast from Burger King.  Food + teenage boys = miracle worker.

I know that many of you have been wondering if Homeboy has toned things down, now that he's older and wiser.  He has not.

 

Proof.



A couple of weeks ago we attended the Brigham City Temple open house.  Such a beautiful temple!  I loved the chandeliers and loved the artwork through out the temple!

Awwwwwe!

I am jealous of the beautiful flowers at the temple grounds.  For some odd reason, my family thinks our yard looks much more attractive if it resembles a junk yard, and jungle.  My poor yard lacks the tender love and care from moi.  I was not capable of weeding and mowing this year due to my large, pregnant, belly, and well, pain.  Next year, my dear yard.  Next year.

A question that I have been asked often is how Homeboy is dealing with the baby.  A while ago we were in the car driving, just the two of us, and I was telling him what our plans were for that evening.  We were to go to Uncle Larry's house and visit with their family.  He asked me if we had to take the baby.  "Of course!", I replied.  His response:  *scowling* "I hate that kid!"  What?!?!  How could he hate his baby brother!?!?!  I told him that the baby had never done anything to him!  He thought it over and then corrected his response.  "Oh, I don't hate the baby!  I hate Cody!" 

"Now that makes more sense!", I told him.

 

Things are going more smoothly and he has become quite "taken" with his baby brother.  Check out Homer!  He is almost as big as big brother Homeboy!  What a chub!

"Get in my belly!" 

Disney Land - Part 2

*Warning - please excuse the extreme randomnous of the placement of the pics in this blog post. I've been having issues with Blogger, lately. I should sue.

One of the funnest things for me to experience, while visiting Disney Land, was seeing the characters! Did I act like a complete and total dork, when I spotted a character, from a mile away? Yes. Did I run over small, innocent, children, and forced my kids to have their pictures taken with characters they did not care for or even knew who they were? Why, yes. Yes I did.

Homeboy was giddy with anticipation to meet the Toy Story characters. So when I spotted them on the pier, I began to hyperventilate with excitement. We stood in line to meet Woody and to converse with Homeboy's idols, when just as we were about to grasp the hand that which belongs to the Almighty Woody, he decided to go on break. Of course.

Jessie took his place. Oh well, it's all good. When Jessie arrived to take Woody's place, they participated in a little, friendly, shoving, match.

It was all fun and games until Jessie all of the sudden tried to "knife" Woody in his enormous, plastic, head. Apparently she had a homemade shiv made from a toothbrush, hidden in one of her braids. It's a good thing one of those Green Army Dudes was there to intercept.

Okay, that really didn't happen. The picture below just reminds me of a knife fight. I've been watching too much http://investigation.discovery.com/.

I must admit, I nearly wet myself when we got to meet Mickey. Homeboy was too tired and cranky to get out of his stroller to meet with Mickey. THEEE Mickey Mouse! It's Mickey Mouse, Homeboy! The only mouse on the earth that I have no desire to lure into a trap and squish to death!

Check out, how my dear, fruit of my loins, is looking longingly at Mickey.

The photo of Mini was taken, courtesy of my Sis-in-law, Kate. We were standing in line to meet her, when we decided to ditch her for Mickey. Mickey was about to leave on his break. Sorry Mini!

By the time we met Cinderella's Fairy God Mother, Homeboy was tired and angry. Gotta give credit to Miss Bippity-Boppity-Boo... she tried with all of her might to get my child to warm up to her. It wasn't happening.

Awwwww!! See! Plowing over innocent bystanders to get to meet Jessie, was all worth it! How cute is this?

And here we have another pic of my smiling, happy, niece, and nephews. And Homeboy. Angry, tired Homeboy. Good grief.

On the second day of our visit to Disney Land, we ate breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen! The breakfast buffet was AWESOME and many characters come up to the tables to meet with all of the families!

I'm positive the hubs is going to tuck this little memory, deep within the chambers of his heart. He may not admit it, but he loved snuggling up to Pluto!

Check out my brother in law being fondled by Pluto? I sense a lawsuit coming.

Homey was more than thrilled to have his picture taken with Chip. I will be posting this picture on his Facebook Wall for ALL to see.

And then of course, check out my lovely sunburn on my upper chest, even though I applied sunblock. My stupid double chin provides too much shade to make an even sunburn.

*click on images below to experience the "beauty" up close and personal.

Homeboy was more than excited to meet the Fairies in Fairy Land! (?Is that where they live?) This particular Fairy below asked him who his favorite Fairy was and he just looked at her with a blank stare. I didn't dare admit that we have NEVER watched any of the Tinker Bell movies. He's a boy for heavens sake. At least he didn't act shy and grumpy with her and he still managed to hug her. Check out the grin? Sure! Smile and give hugs to the cute chics!

I meant for this pic to be the intro to this blog post. But, no! It goes much better, randomly stuck in the middle!

So there you have it! Many of MY childhood dreams became fulfilled and many happy memories were made!

Stay tuned for more pics from our vacation. I know you're thrilled!

Disney Land 2011

Recently, a miracle of all miracles happened to our little family...

We actually went on vacation! Usually our vacations consist of us going to Lander Shmander, Wyoming to watch all of the legal fireworks and visit my family, but this year our vacation actually included beaches, family, and Disney Land.

One of the highlights of Disney Land for me, was the World of Color. One word - awesome. I may have even shed a tear of pure joy and excitement. Don't judge, I live a simple life.

Notice the 3 pictures on the end - in the top right one he is explaining to Steve how he is going to shoot the evil emperor, Zurg. In the last two pictures he is desperately trying to smile and concentrate on the animatronic Buzz at the same time.

I'm pretty sure this is what he was thinking at the time, when I snapped these pics...

"My wife (life) is now compwete! Buzz Wight Yeawa is my heeewo! Sut up mom - I'm watching Buzz! I hafta pee!"

The highlight of our trip for Homeboy, was seeing Buzz Light Year. Check out the "looks" of excitement that were nearly impossible to contain. It was as if the heavens opened and angels descended upon him. (Awwwwwwwwww!)

The excitement was so intense for Homeboy, even his bladder couldn't contain it's normal function. Every time we rode the Buzz Light Year ride, Homeboy would immediately display the signs of over-excited bladder.

"I wuv wegos, mom!"

Another highlight for the boys in our family was the Lego store. The displays were awesome, but I just couldn't help but think about all of the stupid Legos that I have stepped on and vacuumed over the years. Needless to say, it was a little difficult dragging Homeboy outta there. Kicking, bawling, and scowles ensued.

This concludes part-one of our Disney Land adventure! More good times are to follow!

This last Wednesday our family had the opportunity to get away from it all! Hit the open road! Escape to the mountains! Smell the mountain air!

Well, actually, Steve had to help his brother repair the roof of a cabin that belongs to his wife's family. But still, in my mind, it was a nice get away. I'm easy to please.

Besides my husband's six pack and large pectoral muscle (a.k.a. - moobs...man/b*obs)that have always impressed me, deeply, his flexibility has also. Especially when he demonstrated his talent of doing the Chinese splits on our 3rd date. That was the moment that I knew I had to marry that man... and to be the mother of his children. There is just something so wrong, yet, so right about a grown man doing the Chinese splits.

I vow to someday take a picture of his marvelous gift!

Homeboy enjoyed our time away from home also! Check him out as he is deep in thought about his ride on the "fo-wheewer" with dad.

I've often wondered what it would be like if Homeboy had a little sister. Now I know.

His relationship with his younger cousin, Raegan, is a love/hate one. He is constantly asking me to take him to "Waegon's" and if he can call her. But then when you get them together...it's WWF wrestling man! Well, not quite. But, at times, a toy or two ends up being used as a weapon to bonk each other's heads. It's all good.

And speaking of bonking heads... I am sometimes tempted to bonk my husband's head. Not too hard. Just hard enough to knock some sense into his skull. That big, thick, stubborn, skull, of his.

My man is a genius.

He saw no need to strap down the four wheeler in the back of our truck.

To quote my genius, flexible, husband: "It'll be fine! It won't hit the window!"

He said this to me, as if my suggestion to strap the four wheeler down, was ridiculous! Silly man. Oh you silly, silly man.

Needless to say the trip home was interesting. It stormed 2/3 of the way home (from Wyoming - my home turf).

Little breezy.

Little loud.

This is when things got ugly

I know it has been a couple of weeks since my last post and they have been sparse, lately. I blame it on the new calling. And Homeboy, who has decided to NOT sleep at night. And the weather. And PMS. In fact, I blame EVERYTHING on PMS. It's my divine right to, being a woman and all.

When I was set apart with my new calling, a part of me was hoping that our dear Bishop would feel inspired to tell me that my worries would be over. My worries with Homeboy, that is! For some odd reason I believed that as soon as I accepted this church calling, Homeboy would magically stop climbing the counter tops and dumping whole containers of paprika into my new purse (paprika even got into my hand lotion. it was that bad). That he would leave his diaper on and discontinue his practice of "handling" himself (i write this just as i have looked up and see him in the buff, waist down. again.) That he would become my angel child and sit quietly and perfectly still during sacrament meeting, with no escapes to the other ward's nursery. Their nursery leader knows us by name now. Yup, this was my dream as I was being set apart... in between Homey trying to control Homeboy from climbing on to the Bishop's desk (flashback - tithing settlement) and Homeboy yelling at the top of his lungs, "goway! goway!", and hitting his older brother. Good times, people. Good times.

Well, needless to say, I have one word for you... NOT! Oh, how I have such foolish dreams! (insert sarcastic chuckle)

A little over a week ago, our fam dared to venture out, into the public, and enjoy a pizza dinner and movie. These kind of excursions can be a little risky for our fam. Especially if you happen to be sitting in the next booth by us. Flying chicken nuggets have been known to hit an innocent bystander, or two, in the head. I wish I could have video taped such past events and I would share them with all of you... in slow mo. Even better.

Things usually start out nice, whenever our fam dares to eat out.

Homeboy was even in the "giving" mood.

"I sare! I sare!", he says.

Awwww! Brotherly love!

Warms the chambers of my heart.

Peaceful times don't last long before things begin to happen. Things such as a Lego guy stranded by a small mess of - well, something. It doesn't take much for this kid of mine, to notice such things and to all of the sudden do something insane, such as...

...THIS!

Homeboy decided to LICK the mess clean. LICK - the mess on the well established, hundreds of people have consumed their food on, little kids picking their noses then placing their hands on, table, clean. And it wasn't a quick swipe of the tongue. Oh no! It was a full on, cat-like tongue, action.

I would've captured the dreadful moment on digitized film, but I was in too much shock and wondering how much the hospital bill would be when Homeboy was hospitalized for contracting Malaria or some other awful infection.

Oh, wait... here is an example of above mentioned scenario.

Nice.

Awwww, I have such motherly pride for this boy.

The licking of the table was just the beginning.

WWF Wrestling-like beatdown of older brother ensues.

Then impalement by breadstick.

Observe, Homeboy's cat-like reflexes.

Observe, how many times I've used the hyphen and the word like (ie: cat-like, wrestling-like) through out this post. Well, it wasn't that much. But it seemed like it. I have nonsense-like, thoughts running through my head all of the time.

Sometime, in the near future, I hope to be able to attend church, a dinner out with the fam, or any public area, for that matter, without having to hide my head in shame. But then again, life would just seem a bit boring compared to what I'm dealing with now. And you would miss out on my amusing posts about Homeboy!

No Dogs Allowed

I'm not an "animal kinda person". Sorry, I'm just not. Although, I do think baby animals are cute...but from afar. You see, it's the poop, fur, and smell thing. It's hard enough dealing with the above mentioned, from my own family. But from a species that sniffs fellow species' butts and poo- forget about it!

As you may remember, we did once own an evil hamster. (click here to read all about the evil hamster) It was a moment of weakness for me and I blame it on pregnancy. Cody had been begging and begging for a pet for several years and I finally caved. My hormones were out of whack and stupidity had infiltrated the chambers of my brain. Holy crap did that rodent ever stink! (gagging reflexes in full force right now)

There is nothing like stepping in a heaping, pile of fresh poo while mowing the lawn, or accidentally handling some cat poo while weeding the flower gardens. Often these incidents are followed by colorful language and gagging, on my part.

And quite frankly, who needs a dog when you live with a bunch of boys?

And in my case, I have practically given birth to a puppy. We call him Conner (a.k.a. - Homeboy) Homeboy likes to pretend he is a puppy, lately. He picks his toys up with his teeth and will try to eat his meals, without the use of utensils or his hands. True to his "puppy self", Homeboy likes to get into things and makes messes.

All. Of. The. Time.

Yesterday he smeared diaper rash medicine all over my tv and walls in my bedroom, then proceeded to squeeze the substance on my floor. Later he emptied a brand new bag of chocolate chips on the floor. I'm sure there were other messes, that he caused, but they have all become a blur.

(Behold! The diaper rash medicine mess. Again. And I'm sure, will not be the last time. Help me. Whimpering.)

(Oh, good grief.)

(Homeboy displaying "guilt" after the above mess, mishap. The "guilt" only lasted two seconds.)

Another odd, puppy-like, behavior that Homeboy has been demonstrating is to strip nekkid and mark his territory.

That's right - my kid ain't normal. He is his father's child, you know. I believe I just 'sensed' my husband rolling his eyes with that last sentence. It's uncanny at how n'sync we are.

Monday my poor coffee table became his target of choice. I, and the coffee table, will never be the same. I am seriously considering sanding and refinishing the entire surface.

(The pictures below were taken with my highly, covert camera phone. It is proof of the much, annoying, new habit, Homeboy is displaying lately. Be thankful that the image is blurry. Believe me.)

(Homeboy's big brother, Homey, is displaying the much 'disbelief' after little brother, Homeboy, sat on his IPod with his bare, nekkid, bum. I don't blame him.)

Everyday there are new messes to deal with and new challenges to be conquered with my "pack". But truth be told - I would have it no other way.

Flashback Friday - Family History

Today is a special day for my church. Today we celebrate the thousands of pioneers who trekked under harsh conditions to settle in the state of Utah.

This is Enoch Eldridge Gurr. He is my great, great, great, great grandfather. (I believe that's right. There could be one less or an extra "great" in there.) Enoch was a farm servant and ploughman by trade. He grew up in the town of Northiam, a small town in southeastern England.

Enoch and his small family moved to the newly opened land of Australia to seek his fortune. He left his parents and 8 brothers and sisters, never to see them again.

While traveling on the ship for Australia, smallpox broke out. Enoch's wife, Sarah and their baby, Jane, passed away then were buried at sea.

After many months at sea and the loss of his wife and infant daughter, Enoch and his other children, William and Mary landed in Sydney, Australia in the spring of 1838. The following year Enoch remarried and they were blessed with 5 additional children: James, Susannah, Sarah, Peter, and Reuben.

One day two strangers appeared at their home. They were missionaries for the Mormon church. Soon after being taught, Enoch and his family were baptized as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Enoch and his family lived in Australia from 1838 until 1857. It was then, when Enoch and his family set sail on another ship to answer the call of Brigham Young to return "home" to Utah because of problems in Utah.

After 3 months on the ocean, they landed in San Pedro California. They traveled with the Ezra Curtis Company and suffered many hardships crossing the desert in Nevada. Enoch's daughter, Sarah, tells of nearly dying of thirst. Then when a little rain fell they were able to drink the water that collected in the animal tracks. She also told of eating soup made from rawhide.

Enoch's family arrived to Provo, Utah in 1857 where they soon made their home in Parowan and raised their family there.

Enoch Eldridge Gurr

Born: November 27, 1813

Northiam, Sussex, England

Died: March 12, 1887

Benjamin, Utah

I like to think of the legacy that has been created by my dear ancestors of the past. Every triumph, every loss, and every story are the fibers that, sewn together, make up for my beautiful "family quilt". Because of their sacrifices, I am blessed today.

This is a picture of my grandmother and some of her siblings. She is the little girl wearing a big bow in her hair.

The Gurr family. My grandmother is near the center wearing a dark dress and a corsage. My grandpa is standing directly behind her. She was a classy lady!

"No matter if a tree grows to more than a hundred feet in height, each leaf, each day, must return to it's roots for nourishment."

My family in 1998.