Memorial Weekend

It's certainly been a busy; but, fun holiday weekend. We did a lot of shopping to take advantage of good deals, and most of all, try to get an idea of what exactly we want for the new patio. It was nice to day dream at some of the awesome sets at Leisure Living; but, when we came back to reality & realized we haven't won the lottery, we continued our search. It was also the weekend for planting, trying to touch up those last few areas, outside of the patio area. Doug is very good at all that, he's got the touch for sure!
We did manage to take a break from all that to have some family time too. Here's a few things we enjoyed...

A night out at Joe's for Doug's Birthday was a great start to the weekend....our family is always up for good seafood!!

The movie of the weekend....Harrison Ford's still got it! :}

BUT, MOST IMPORTANT....

LET US NOT FORGET OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS THIS MEMORIAL DAY & ALWAYS!! WE HOPE YOU ALL TOOK A MOMENT TO STOP & THINK ABOUT WHAT IT TAKES FOR ALL THESE MEN/WOMEN TO FIGHT FOR OUR COUNTRY. GOD BLESS EACH & EVERY ONE OF THEM!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!!

Doug turns another year older...but, it's only a number, right? We're pretty sure he's still young at heart, and always will be! And he's still as cute as he was 20 years ago when I first laid eyes on him! Happy Birthday Doug...hope 41 treats you better than ever!

The kids right there to open his presents with him

Kaley was excited to give him her present..she picked
out her gift all by herself...straight from her own shelves.
"He will just LOVE these math flash cards & bottle of
lotion from the St. George Hotel!" (nevermind it was empty! :})

"Hey look...a new golf shirt. I better go Sunday then!" :}

Kaley feeding Doug skittles, while he closes his eyes
& has to guess what flavor they are

"Look at me in your new shorts Daddy!" :}

Little Doug right there! No doubt he's his son!

The boys decorated the cake themselves (hence the reason it was completely covered in sprinkles!) And they just had to help blow out ALL THOSE CANDLES ! :}

What a show!! That was so entertaining, they had so many great performers, I was just glued to the TV! I particularly liked when Cook was jammin' with ZZ Top...I bet he was on a total high there being in that moment....and it proved he was deserving of the title! And despite Dylan trying hard to tell me the winner before I actually got to see it...it was still a nail biter til the end! Congrats to Cook...YOU ROCK!!! (and Archie...it's ok, we still luv ya! You're still our Utah Idol & no doubt you will go far!)

Oh, what a show last night!! These two both proved they are both very talented & deserving of the title. So now I just don't know who's going to win!! I just couldn't vote this time actually because I love them both! I had to watch it again today while I was getting ready for work (another reason I LOVE DVR, or TVO....it is the best invention ever!! :}). I tell ya, it was the best finales ever! They just sang their hearts out! Despite having to record the final show again tonight due to my class at the same time (which is all about the Americal Idol theme of course :})...I'll anxiously be awaiting the results (and if ANYONE tries to tell me who won before I see it...oh, you're in trouble! :})


Just having to highlight a bit of the Hometown visit with Archuleta at Murray High School, which is within just a couple of miles where I grew up. That's just made this all the more exciting! We play softball just across the street at good ol' Murray Park, where I've spent MANY summers!!


He certainly is loved by his hometown! (And my nieces!! :}) I mean...if he got my Grandma to start watching American Idol, then hey, he's gotta be good!

We ALMOST had an addition to the house....

I just thought I'd share this story from the weekend too. I realize I have boys, and boys are boys; but, I still get the final say on what creatures we decide to have in our household! (well, Doug & I...that's the hard part! :}). The boys found a snake this Sunday & just HAD to keep it for a pet. Now, understand I have a HUGE phobia of reptiles, particularly snakes! I don't care if it's a garter snake, it's still a snake! I don't even care to go in to that part of the zoo for that matter, I prefer to sit outside until they're done in that building! I don't even like play snakes! (which reminds me of a hillarious story of a time at Rod & Jeannine's when Bubba threw a fake one on me..wasn't funny at the time, is now :}). They begged Dad to have him talk me in to keeping it. They PROMISED it wouldn't come out in the house, they will leave him in the tank unless they're taking it outside, yadda yadda. So, whatever....my agreement was, besides all that, that Bradon bring me his laundry & stay on top of keeping his room cleaned so I never have reason to even have to go in his room! I'm trying, really! So I leave for a few hours to get that blessed long overdue massage, come home so relaxed & so far, fine with the fact there's a snake in the house. That was until I went up to my room, ready to attack the piles of laundry & here comes "Mike", the snake, slithering out from under the towel, approximately 5 inches from my foot. Oh, you haven't ever seen me run so fast!! OK, I realize this is funny to most; and ok, maybe it is. But, my heart was racing for hours...forget that nice peaceful feeling I had from the massage! Needless to say Mike is not a member of the Coleman household anymore. That lasted a whole 5 hours or so! I think a dog and two turtles is plenty, really! Plus, we don't exactly have a great history of pets as is (that's a whole nother funny/sad story to maybe write about some time!)

The project continues.....

So this was certainly a busy weekend as you see. This was literally a ton of gravel. (Finally gave me an excuse to use that massage gift certificate I've had for too long now! :}...as if I haven't had many other reasons to use it!) And, I'm sure we broke all child labor laws! (It doesn't apply when it's your own kids, right? :}). Ah, it's good for them! Plus they took plenty of breaks! :} It's coming right along, ready for concrete this week. I can't wait to see the finished product & actually get to use it!


Bradon, our Little Man, being a huge help!

Our neighbor Paul helping Doug get the posts in.
Paul rocks....he is always helping us with our
projects. And all he ever wants in return is a steak
dinner every now & then!

He's a funny one too...always cracking a joke.
We're lucky to have such great neighbors!

Dylan helping me dump the gravel around

My little stud thinking he's going to get to use
the post hole digger

The kids enjoying time with thier good friends...

The kids enjoyed a sleep over with the Moulton kids this weekend. The Moultons are some close friends of ours, Christina & I actually even share the exact same birthday & have many other similar traits, it's kind of funny really. We were equally matched with the kids (their other son Jacob is close to Dylan's age...swore I got a picture of him too!) until Madison came along. That's where it stops (sorry Chris & Tony, luv ya; but, we are done with all that!). Kaley & Bailey, who are only 9 days apart, were being SUCH girls, it just makes you laugh! (and no, the name matching thing wasn't planned; but, they are inseperable when they're together!) Connor & Bradon have been best buds too since birth...wish we could get together more often; but, glad to get the chance when we can!!We love you Moulton Family!!

Meet my mom....

In honor of Mother's Day this week, I thought it would be nice to put a little piece about my own mother...since it wasn't just about honoring ME that day after all! :} As much as we hate to admit it, we end up being much more like our parents than we think (which is a good thing really...you just swear "you'll never be like that!", right?). She is truly caring towards others, always willing to give everyone a chance & give them the benefit of the doubt. She's not shy..will meet anyone anywhere (how she has managed to get in a conversation on the bus or trax over the years, in that short time, and find how this person knows one of the family members somehow. Which this has happened a couple times, I'll never be able to explain!) She is THE Geneology Guru.....she will pretty much find out how we're related to about anyone, including Cary Grant! She's outgoing & fun...and always there for her kids & grandkids! She loves playing games...just don't ask to play pictionary with her because she can't not speak or use her hands! :} And especially if Aunt Toots is there...the two of them together breaks all Pictionary rules! :} She has continued to come to our softball games over the years...always the loudest fan in the crowd! Honestly, as a kid it was a bit embarrasing; but, when you grow up & learn not to care, you love it! :} She will be at every birthday party & event possible, always taking good care of my Grandma Tate & keeping her involved as well, and much more.
As I think about fun times, I can't forget the one year she came to Bradon's Birthday party, which involved sleigh riding down the mountain. Oh, she was not a spectator at all...she was sliding down on the tube with the rest of the kids (and yes, went flying off a big bump even). I just remember my friends in awe that my mom would do that! Or the time when we all went to the Circus & she got to go down to the floor with the clown...she loved that, as we did too! Kaley refers to her as "The Grandma who gives really tight hugs and likes Precious Moments too". We do like to tease her a bit for being "a little crazy" (and who's isn't); but, she had 8 kids...wouldn't you be a little nuts too? (you know I'm just kidding with you mom! :}). She has managed to survive ALL that we have put her through (and that's a lot!!...and I'm still really sorry about my part there too!), and still loves us unconditionally! Now, if only I wouldn't have picked up the trait of calling people right back after I hang up (actually remembering what I had to tell them while I was still on the phone with them), like she does too, I'd be ok with that!! :}


So Mom...Kudos to you, Love you lots!!

KALEY GRADUATES PRESCHOOL!

Our Little Girl is growing up! She has officially graduated from Preschool & is more than anxious to start Kindergarten (she was a bit disappointed that she didn't actually get to start Kindergarten the day of their orientation). She just loves her teacher, Ms. Julia Jones, and has really enjoyed the preschool experience. Thanks for taking such great care of her Ms. Jones!!

Who's it going to be?

Just having to throw my 2 cents in......I always thought it would come down to the 2 David's. This has been an exciting year for American Idol (helps to have a home town boy there too! :}). I know I may seem a little fanatic, ok, so I am...and I'm ok with that! My Jazzercise classes have enjoyed hearing some of my favorite performances before & after class each week (as well as getting routines to any songs we had that they did perform to throughout the season)...or at least I think they have! :} But, who do I vote for since I always voted for both of these guys? I know I should show my local support for Archuleta...and he is just a sweetheart, so cute & humble...how could you not love him? But, being honest....I have to say I think Cook is just all around awesomely talented, my kind of style & as Paula says, all ready a Superstar & an American Idol. Soooooo.......I'm guessing it will be David Cook. Guess we'll see just have to see next week!

Our Very Own Dancing Queen!!

Well, if you know Kaley, you know she LOVES to dance & perform (she currently has a number of "recitals" planned.....including a "making recital" where she will perform a little Rachel Ray action & show us how to "cook a PB&J". She's still waiting on her piano recital until I get Jules over here to see it, since she is the one who gave us the piano after all....no one else can see it first she says:}). So, it's no shock that she did her dance competition with true heart & soul. She enjoys getting to be in the same dance company, Dance Biz, with her good friend Hailey. As you see....It's Broadway Baby! Is she just not the cutest?! :}
(sorry, it was hard to get good pics of the actual dance; but, she did do great still!)

And long as we're posting some of her dance pictures...ever see these ones from her Christmas Recital?

Want to see the latest household project? It's a doozy!!

We thought you might want to check out what we're up to (OK, mostly Doug; but, you know that means "WE" somehow :}). It's actually been in the planning for years...it's just a matter of finally getting to it. Doug's very articulate at invisioning things & drawing it out. I just hope the boys are ready for some hard work this summer! :} As you may recall, we had that bit of a slope in the back. Plus Doug has always wanted to put in a pond. So, we got the boys over Saturday who like playing with these toys for a living & there you go, we've got our space for the new patio/fire pit/BBQ & pond area on the other side. It's going to be very nice (and a lot of hard work!) & hopefully all the more enjoyable to sit outside & enjoy the fresh air (as long as we don't always have too many of the cold days like we've had this year!). We'll see how long it takes to get there; but, at least the main part is done & we can actually get to the building of it all. No problem...we'll just do that in our spare time! (hee hee...as if there is such a thing! :})

Mother's Day

Mother's Day...a day we so look forward to each year. I mean, when else can we just completely refuse to HAVE to do anything we don't want? (or is that just me being selfish for a day? :}). My family took good care of me, making me breakfast & just getting to sleep in was a gift enough!! We fotunately got to spend the day with some of the family, and enjoy a killer Jazz Game! GO JAZZ!!! Always funner to watch the playoffs with others who get just as excited as you do about it all! (just have to watch the cussing a little more :}) TC cooked us up some good grub (he's a King at the BBQ!) & yes, I pigged out once again! Well, how exactly do you choose from chocolate cake or strawberry shortcake? Yea, see what I mean! You know you're ALWAYS in for fun & laughs when you're in for time with the family. Especially mine! Seriously.....I don't recall a time without! Doug & TC have just about heard ENOUGH of American Idol talk...I don't think they minded being outside by the BBQ just because of that! :}

All I can say is it sure is a good feeling to be a mom...despite how rough it can be, there's just nothing like it!!! It truly is a blessing that you just can't take for granted. I realize no one out there is the "Perfect Mom" (OK, I certainly know some who are 99.9% there; but...), all we can do is try our best & hope they survive (and we survive!). We can just hope that they grow up knowing how to be a good person & to be able to know what's really important in life!