Been away

Ok so I have been so darn busy with life that this Blog is suffering...I am really really going to try and post at least once a week.  I have just been choosing to spend time with the kiddos instead of working on the blog,  in my freetime.  So the things that have been happening are gonna be caught up on for a little bit.  

Adam is turning 6 no Monday!  can you believe it?   It seems just yesterday I was bring home my little 6 lb. 14 oz baby boy and he is now 50 lbs and 48 inches tall.   In Kindergarten and Loving everyday.  (Well the days that he remembers to be good at school.  LOL)   We are celebrating his birthday in 2 ways.  On Monday we will be have a get together here our house for friends and family that will not be able to come to Thursdays party.  (money limited the number of people that could come)   So we will be playing a couple games and having gifts and cupcakes  from 5:30 until 7:30.  Since he has school the next day.   On Thursday there is no school so we are going to be going to Jumin Jacks in St. George.  out package only includes 8 jumpers so the invites were very limited.  but I am sure it will be a blast.  I will post about each on here.


Kyle is growing up so fast.  He loves to help, with EVERYTHING!   He is still not potty trained but I think we have come up with a way to get him to potty train.  Just have to wait until payday to get the supplies that we need to make our plan work.   It will be great to have him not in diapers.  he has been wanting to go to school but he can't without being potty trained.  so that has been our goal with him.

Miss Lydia is getting SOOO big.   She gets into everything and has to have her hands in everything that we are doing, like right now she is heping me type this.  She helps with homework and loves to be cuddled.  Those are my favorite times.  She is learning new words everyday and has new dances and ideas to go with the new words.   It is so fun to see her grow.


We are such a busy little family but we always find time to spend time together.  The park and camping, are a blast.  just watching movies and making cookies together are fun things to do.   This next few weeks are full of fun stuff with Adam's birthday, the Halloween carnival at his school, and then Halloween.   My school work is in full load and I am still waiting to hear if I have been accepted into the Education Program.   That has had me on edge the last month, and I am sure a lot of my stress will go away once I know if I got in or not.  That is what will make a better life for my family. 

Well I guess that is all for now.  I will update this blog more.  I want to have a place that I can talk about my family and what we are doing.  Also pictures of our daily lives.    But right now homework, and housework call.   So until next time.


LIVE LAUGH LOVE 

The summer and school starts

Looking back on the summer of 2011.  I will remember how freaking HOT it was...But I will also remember all the crazy things that happened this summer.  Here are a few.  The in-laws moved away, I had a summer job, We went to the pool almost every week.  Jaymes went to work at 430 in the morning.  We finally got the family on some sort of schedule. We gained a dog and 3 kittens.   Every day was different and there were good family times.  I also got my tattoo fixed. 

Now it is time for school again.  This year is very different because Adam is starting school.    I know can you believe it Adam is already school age.  When I first talked to him about school at the beginning of the summer he had a bit of a freak out that Mom was not staying there with him.  Then we told him what he would do at school and things got to be a lot less scary for him.  We actually met his teacher on Friday night and he was very happy to answer every question that she asked him.  Then when we got back in the car he told us that he loves his New Red School.  (it is a brick school)   I know I am freaking out for now reason and he will be fine and have a ton of fun.  But he is my little boy.  And he will always be my little boy.   I am excited for him to make new friends and learn new things I guess it is the fact that he will be gone ALL DAY!   9 to 3.  it just seems like a long time.  I will be in school too but it is just crazy to think that he will be in school.  I am excited and nervous all in the same emotion.  I know I will make it through and I have made sure he is prepared to stay there all day without me and that he feels safe there.  That is the most important.  He knows that he needs to listen to his teacher and be nice to the other kids.  This is going to be a great year for everyone.  and it is the start of a new adventure for the Dalton family.

 

Adam in May 2008.   At age 2.5                    Adam August 2011.  At age 5.5.

Idaho Trip (better late than never)

Alright I know this is late (very late)  we went on a trip to Idaho for Graduations of 2 great people.  My neice Tiffanie and my Nephew Dillon.  It was great fun. We went in May.  On the 24th through the 29th.

We left on Tuesday, May 24th around 7:30 am.  It is an 8 hour drive plus the stops.  we made 3 stops ont he trip there.  Which I wills ay is pretty good since we had 3 little ones with us.  It was Mom, me and the kiddos.  Jaymes sadly had to work.  So we were lucky enough to rent a fantastic Van it was a 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan, with a built in DVD player and flip down screen.   LIFE SAVER!  the kids watched movies the ENTIRE way there.  Sadly we had to listen to the movies because we didn't think to bring headphones for the kids.  No big deal.  It was fun to picture the shows while driving.  Mom and I got to talk and it was a good day of driving.  We got to Bliss around 6:30 (I think)  and my sister Anjie got us a hotel room for 3 nights.  It was good.  We got settled in the room and had a snack.  We also watched American Idol because it was the final week for it.  then it was bed time. 

The Van.

My view of the inside of the van.

Love the DVD player.

On Wednesday we had no plans until that night at 4:30pm so we found things to do and people to visit.  We ended up visiting my Aunt Edie at work and then headed into Twin for breakfast and visiting.  We met picked Jim up and went to breakfast at IHOP.  It was good.  Then we went to the car wash.  It was one of those that pulls you through.  Man it was AWESOME!  the kids LOVED it.  But then this lady in front of me was freaking out when she got out of the car wash.  She stopped right in front of the exit and cars started gettint backed up.  I was afraid one was going to hit me.  She got back in her car and came we moved out of the way.  Then she walked up to my van like it was my fault and said there was a bucket under my car.  Yea it is My fault that the bucket was in the car wash and my van happened to run it over while being pulled along on a pully.  DUH!  So the guy got it out and we went and vaccumed the van out for free.  It was great not to have a limit on how ling you can vaccum for.  So after that we went to the Mall and I bought some spray from Victoria Secret.  Then we found a park and let the kids run.  We also put gas in.  Finally it was time to take Jim home and we headed to the pool for the party.  We got to go swimming at Slager's.  it was so fun with the kids and my family.  Anjie, Jim, Tiffanie, and James.  My Mommy and I had such fun in the nice warm water.  Then it was time to head back the hotel and watch American Idol.  we got to see it and Biggest Loser.  It was great.  We finally went to bed and got ready for the next day.

a lemon for breakfast.

this Slide was very tall and FAST

Loving the park

No time for a picture.  I am playing!

We love the pool

Kyle loved the ball.

Adam was ready to run to the bathroom here but Aunt Anjie had to get a picture of him first. 

On Thursday we got up and relaxed the hotel room, then headed out and did a little shopping in thrift stores.  This day was Lydia's actual birthday.  We got her some pj's, pants and a pair of shoes.  Then we headed to another store and Adam took in his transformer without us knowing.  Then when we left he remembered he left it there.  We dropped my Sister off at her car and headed back to the store Luckily we found it.  I had a melt down then.  I hate it when the kids take things in the stores because they ALWAYS put the item down to look at others.  But we got it back and it all worked out.  Then we visited Aunt Edie at her home and had dinner with her.  It was great to catch up and get dressed there for Tiffanie's graduation.  Aunt Edie was surprised that I got myself and 3 kids dressed and ready to go in under 30 minutes.  Hey this is SUPERMOM we are taking about here.  LOL...Anyway then we left for the graduation and made it in time to get in our seats and the kids to get a little cranky before the ceremony.  The ceremony was short and sweet.  Then we left and relaxed at the hotel.  A great day all in all.

Aunt Edie and Lyle

Me and Lydia

Tiffanie walking across the stage

Kyle all handsome (Adam was not interested in a picture)

Friday we left the hotel and headed to Lena's in Paul.  We had to get there and buy decorations for the party the next day.  We got to Paul and went to Lena's she was not home but we got to sit with Mike and talk until we had to meet Lena at the dollar store.  We shopped a bunch and then got pizza for lunch.  Soon it was time to get ready for Dillon's graduiation from Minico High School.  (my old high school)  It was cool to see the place and some people I knew.  Mom, the kids and I sat in the auditorium because they had to move the ceremony indoors because of RAIN.  Go figure.  It was actually better since Kyle fell asleep shortly after the ceremony began.  I got a good picture of Dillon and after he got his diploma cover.  Then we headed back to Lena's house to have dinner and relax.  Finally bed time came and we got little sleep cuz Lydia was up a lot.  oh well that is life with a 1 year old. 

Dillon before graduation

Adam hanging out on the couch

Dillon walking across the stage

Dillon and his mommy Sheri.

Saturday finally came,  we had a Fantastic breakfast with Lena, Mike and Dillon.  Then Lena and Mike got the garage all decorated and we visited my Daddy's grave site and Dee's grave site.  It was nice to put flowers out there for Memorial Day.  This was the first time I had gotten to do that.  Then we headed back to Lena's and finished decorating and the kids played out in the backyard.  Finally the party started and we had food and cake.  Lydia got a whole cake for her and Dillon and I got our names on a cake since I graduated from College this year.  it was cool.  I got to open Lydia's gifts and Dillon opened his.  Then it was time to visit.  I got to see all my nieces and nephews from my Dad's side of the family and it was cool.  Too bad they are all teenagers and think they are too cool to hang out with there Aunt Chelly.  LOL.  Well then they all left and we got to relax.  Then my good friend Sarah and I got to go out to a bar and have a drink together.  It was great to talk with her and enjoy a little time away from the kids (they were sleeping).  We only stayed out for around an hour and enjoyed 2 drinks and 2 shots of Apple Pie.  Man it was good.  Then I got back to Lena's house and bugged the people that were there.  LOL.  Then I went to bed and we got up super early for our Sunday drive home.

My Daddy's resting place.

Dee's resting place

Dee's house.  Lots of memories in that land.

me with 3 of my sisters.

Lydia got her own cake. 

Sheri and I

Me and Sarah after our drinks.

On Sunday we left Lena's house about 7:45.  We made it to Kara's house just in time for breakfast.  It was so good to see her and her Lovely family.  Sadly it was raining and we needed to hit the road before it got even worse.  also Kara and the family had to get ready for Church.  We set out and decided to stop at the Hoogle Zoo in Salt Lake (weather permiting).  well the weather held out and we got to walk the whole Zoo before it started to rain again.  It took us 3 hours to walk the zoo and it was good for the kids to get the exercise because they all crashed shortly after.  We drive the remaining 5 hours home and got to relax and cuddle with Jaymes.  Adam stayed up the entire ride home and to Idaho. By the time we got home Adam was asleep and Jaymes carried him in.  He did not get up until around 9am on Monday morning. 

The kids at the zoo.

Adam and Kyle at the zoo

It was such a great trip and I loved visiting all my family. But it was so nice to get home to my warm desert.  It was so cold in Idaho the entire time we were there.  I loved coming hom to my shorts and tank tops just as much as I loved visiting everyone. 

Until next time. 

LIVE LAUGH LOVE.

Father's Day 2011

So this past Sunday was Father's day.  The day before we had a little get together for Shannon since her job has taken her to Montana for a year.  We miss her and can't wait for her first visit back to our little piece of paradise.  LOL.  So we didn't really do anything big for Father's Day.  I called DJ and told him Happy day.  Jaymes had to work but we had a nice dinner in his honor. 

I made Spaghetti and meatballs, with garlic bread and salad.  I also made a YUMMY cake with cream cheese frosting.  I also added sprinkles that made the cake read #1 DAD.  it was so yummy.  I got Jaymes a card since he didn't want anything else.  LOL.  I will be buying him a part for his car to make up for it.  All in all it was a good day.  In the evening we were going to go to a movie but decided to buy some popcorn, snacks, and soda.  We rented I Am Number Four and watched it after the kids went to bed.

Garlic bread

Meatballs

Yummy cake!!!  #1 Dad!

Lydia showing Dad what she can do.

Great Father's Day.  Hanging in the bedroom playing games.

#1 Dad

It was a good day.  We missed Shannon but know there will be many days we get to spend with her.  Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's out there. 

Jaymes darling you are a Fantastic Dad and great Husband.  Not to mention a Great Friend.  We are so blessed and luck to have you in our lives.  Love you tons. 

Until next time
LIVE LAUGH LOVE

Slacking.

Alright I have been slacking on this blog :(   I want to keep it up to date but then it just get to feeling like a waste of time.  I know of only a few people that actually read it.  But I will keep on.  It might not be everyday or even every week.  But at least once a month I will post.  Life is hard with 3 kids.  ALL your time goes into them.  Leaving NO time for other things.  I love my kids and doing things with them and for them.  So time for Mommy is limited.  And I always find better things to do than write on this here Blog.  LOL.  I will try very hard to keep it up. 
I am currently working on a post to sum up the trip we had to Idaho last month.  I know that was a long time ago but I will get it done. At some point. 

Also I will start to keep up with this blog so Shannon can follow what we are doing since she is moving so darn far away.  :(   I know we don't to a lot of exciting things but even a weekly update on how the kids are growing will be good for her and for me to post for the future.  I can show them this blog and they can see that we actually do things and that I don't live in my PJ pants.  LOL. 

Alright so for now I am working on the other post and I will try very hard to keep the posts updated and frequent.  Until next time

Live Laugh Love

Great times

This month has seemed to fly by!  We have been busy. Miss Lydia started walking on the 18th of April and has since become a pro.  School for Michelle finished and finally there is some breathing room...but not a lot.  Jaymes still has a week of school and we have lots of things planned for the end of the month. Lately I have been cleaning the house everyday and keeping up with the things that have been put on the back burner during school. 

We celebrated Kyle's 3rd birthday on Easter and it was great fun.  I have a few pictures but Glady has most of them so After her San Fran trip I will ask her about them.  LOL...So much planned in this family but fun all the same.  We also went to The Adventure dome in Las Vegas for a birthday party for one of Al's (mom's boyfriend) grand kids it was fun to see the kids on the rides and it was great to get away from the stress of school. 

We went swimming at Mom's house this week and the kids loved it!  can't wait for theweather to be not as windy so we can go again.  It is good to get a little sun before we head up to Idaho.  We do live in the desert, we should be tanner than those people in Idaho.  LOL...We had a busy weekend last weekend with Graduation, Jaymes's Birthday and Mother's day it is nice to just sit at home and relax this weekend.  Next weekend we are having Lydia's 1st birthday party here in Nevada.  We just have to have one here too.  Since we are having a party in Idaho too think I will have her unwrap her gifts from us here at home so we don't have to haul more stuff than is needed to Idaho.  We will have enough to carry home.  LOL. 

The real reason we are going to Idaho is because my niece Tiffanie, and Nephew Dillon are graduating from High School!  I am so proud of them.  It is just the beginning of the load of people that will be graduating so I think we will be making a trip to Idaho for the next few years.  No problem to me.  I will be excited to see everyone each year. 

Things are crazy here in the Dalton house but there is never a dull moment.  With things going on most of the time and when there are no plans we just hang at home watching movies and just being together.  Hopefully  some time this next week we will get a family picture taken with all of us.  It seems hard sometimes.  but Jaymes will be home tomorrow and that seems like a good day to dress up and plop on the couch for some photos. 

Well that is all I have for now but I hope to keep up with this every week.  It will be good to write about our weekly happenings.  And photos to share.  Until next time.

LIVE LAUGH LOVE

Reflection on Graduation at Dixie State College

WOW!  I never thought this day would come.  While I am not yet done with college I have gotten my Associates of Science Degree.  Do you know how great that feels to say?  It is wonderful.  I have a new found confidence about be today.  because I did something that a lot of people thought I would never do and I can say I kept a promise to someone that is closest to my heart.  Before my father passed away I promised him I would go to college and at least get an associates.  Well that day has come.  I know that he is VERY proud of me and I feel a certain joy about keeping that promise.  It might have taken me awhile but at least I am here now.  It is such a great feeling to say that I am a college graduate. 
    
     There are a few people out there that think it is a waste of time to graduate with an associates if you are just going to go back to get a bachelor's and someday a master's.   yea I will be having a few graduations along the way but I think it is awesome to be able to celebrate my accomplishments as they happen.  Even if no one comes to the ceremony for me.  I think I will always participate.  Getting an associates degree is a big accomplishment and for me it is bigger than high school.  College is harder and much more demanding of self-will power and determination.  Going to class everyday and doing the work.  That is hard.  and you will not just skate through.  I sure didn't.  I have had countless times where I have not gotten enough sleep because of studying, or doing homework after taking care o the kids all day.  But WOW...What a ride it has been.  So for those that think an associates degree in COLLEGE is not as important as a HIGH SCHOOL diploma.  Well POO on you.  I might be going to graduate again but at least I am taking pride in my accomplishments.

What a great feeling it is to say I GRADUATED from DIXIE STATE COLLEGE, CLASS OF 2011.  The 100th year for the college and the largest they have ever had! 

So congrats to me!  and Congrats to the rest of the Class of 2011!  We did something great!  We can all walk with our heads a little higher because we have bettered ourselves and the lives of those people that we are going help in our future endeavors! 

So until next time LIVE LAUGH LOVE!
 following are pictures from graduation.

My cap, gown, tickets, and gift from the alumni association

Lydia trying on my cap.

Adam thought it was pretty cool.

Kyle was not interested in a photo

Walking through the D

Jaymes, me and Lydia. (the boys stayed home with Nana)

My mommy and me.

Growing so fast.

Lately I have been amazed by how fast my children are growing up.  It seems like everyday they know something new and it makes me happy to know they are learning new things.  I think sometimes I am a little scared that they are not going to need my as much in the coming years.  Adam will be starting school in August and I am excited/scared for that adventure.  Kyle learns new things everyday. New words that he is speaking clearer and clearer.  Lydia is getting those teeth so fast and she could be walking within the next month. 
Somedays.  Like today.  I think I take for granted how fast they are growing.  I had a headache and they were just getting on my nerves.  Lydia did nothing but cry for me ot hold her and I had things to do.  I had to just complain about it a little and cry it out.  Then I was able to focus on what she needed and get her happy so I could get dinner made for the rest of the family.  Lydia is very clingy right now because she is getting teeth and I am gone 4 days a week and it seems like she needs that one on one time for a while after I get home.  So I make time for that.  Even if that means dinner is later than I would hope.  Kyle and Adam need my addention too.  So I find time for them.  Even if it is watching a movie together.  It is important to put everything else on hold to spend time with your children.  Some days I forget this and just have to walk away from the moment and come back when I am calm and can figure out what to do. 

We have been having Ian come over once a week for the last 2 or 3 weeks.  I think it is great.  He is wanting to come over more and he enjoys every minute he is here.  This last week he lost one of his front teeth.  I got a picture and we are going to continue to have him come over once a week until he doesn't want to anymore.  If we are going to be busy we will plan another day.  But it is usually on Saturdays or Sundays that he comes over.  It has been good for the kids to get to know each other and to play like brother and sisters should.

Alright on to the pictures.  There have been a lot of photo ops the last few days.  Lydia is so camera happy, Kyle and Adam got hair cuts and Mommy took a few pictures of herself. and the awesomeness that is Spring.

just a beautiful sunset on our walk. 3/30/11

Loving her stroller on our walk.  3/30.11

Enjoying the night.  3/30/11.  love the crazy blurs.

Kyle gotta love the face.  3/31/11

Lydi Lou  4/1/11 (new nickname)

Lydia decided to get into the toys.  4/1/11

Loving to read already 4/1/11

Ian lost a tooth.  4/2/11

Adam is a silly boy at the park 4/3/11

Yep Kyle got a hair cut. 4/3/11

Lydia loves to crawl at the park. 4/3/11

Loving the spring.  dandilions at dixie 4/4/11

Dixie campus 4/4/11

Awesome toes in the grass 4/4/11

More Dixie 4/4/11

Hanging outside before class.  4/4/11

Hope you all enjoyed the update.  Until next time

Live Laugh Love