Noah's 9th Birthday

23 November 2011 I normally give my children money ($50) on their birthday and let them pick out what they want instead of me surprising them with gifts. This stems from the fact that when I grew up my parents always allowed us to go and buy our own presents, come home and wrap them, and then surprise our siblings with what we decided to get. Hahaha! Honestly, it was fun. We would be sneaky when we came back into the house after our shopping, because our brothers/sisters always wanted to know what we got. We would wrap our gifts and then everyone would gather around anxiously for the unveiling. :) We also got to pick out our cake and my mother would always make us homemade icecream (flavor of our choosing). So. That's kind of why I've never really surprised my kids with presents before. However, I did decide to surprise Noah this year. I don't know why, but I did. I figured I would try something new.

Well, I stayed within my $50 budget and carefully picked out two things that I thought Noah would enjoy: a scooter and a Kinex motorized roller coaster. After I bought the items I started worrying, so I asked Noah if he would rather have the money and he pick out his own things or allow me to surprise him. He relunctantly decided that he would trust me and accept what I got him. Unfortunately, as he was shopping with me at Target for stockings for Michelle/Frankie, he saw something that he wanted! Ughh! He had his eye on a scooter and started begging me to get it for him. I reminded him that he agreed that he was going to trust me to get his birthday presents and that he should just wait and see what I picked out. Well, oh my goodness! He started to have a breakdown! He was crying and was just distraught over the whole ordeal. As we approached the car to put our packages inside, I openend my trunk to show him that I had already gotten him a scooter. :) I couldn't surprise him after all. :( It was just too painful!

Anyway, I also decided to surprise him for Christmas too and get his presents in advance. Did I mention I do the same thing for this holiday? I give my kids money (a little bigger budget) and they pick out what they want. Hmmm...well, after Noah received birthday money in the mail from his grandparents, I took him out shopping again. Would you believe that EVERYTHING that he wanted to buy with his money, I had already purchased for him for Christmas???? Unbelievable! Thankfully, I diverted another breakdown and just convinced him to trust me and buy something different with his money. :) He didn't spend all of it. He only picked out one thing and decided to wait to spend the rest. Yay!

You know. I had no idea that I knew my son so well. Hmmmm...I guess I do! :)

Noah lost his 2nd Tooth

18 September 2011 Well, the teeth are starting to fall...thank goodness! Noah is almost NINE!

He was very happy that his second tooth came out. It was pretty loose since his permament tooth was coming in right behind it.

Here's the new smile!

Noah's Raingutter Regatta

15 September 2011How fun is racing a boat you've made? Super fun!!!! Well....we can't really claim that Noah made this boat. Unfortunately, noone had time to help him sand his little boat down, so he just assembled it (as is) and painted the thing. It's no wonder it didn't race as well as the others and he lost every race.

However, he still had a great time. He thought it was super cool! Towards the end, he even learned how to blow the boat accurately to make it sail faster. He says he's ready to compete next year. :) And, we'll be sure to help him get some aerodynamics to it. Noah also got another belt loop. He loves getting his awards. :) Yay, Noah!

My Favorite Patient!

14 September 2011 Here's my little munchkin patient...lovely pink bean bag, huh? Hahaha! I had to put that under Noah, since the chair was way too big and his head wouldn't reach the headrest. This is Noah at the end of his appointment getting a fluoride treatment. He can't open or swallow. Doesn't he look like he's enjoying it? LOL I've cleaned everyone in my home now, except for Gabriel and Kela. I'm holding off on Gabriel until his braces are gone. Kela? I don't know if I will ever do her. :)

1st Day of School 2011-2012

29 August 2011 Gabriel was up bright and early (5:00 am) to make sure he made it to seminary.

And, of course, he had to sport his Spongebob bookbag. LOL...a boy with confidence!

Kela's bus arrives at 6:30 am. Can you tell she's not fully awake?

She would not look at the camera to save my life!

My two high schoolers!!! Both sophomores!

Noah gets dropped a little before 7:00 am so I can get to school by 7:30.

3rd grade. :)

Noah's Faux Hawk

31 July 2011
Noah's hair was getting sooo sooo shaggy and needed to be cut badly. I wanted to shave it down completely, but my hubby wanted me to cut his hair like Tadd off of SYTYCD and give him a faux hawk. I agreed to do it for a couple of weeks before school starts back. Thereafter, he will be getting a buzz.

Of course, Noah's hair isn't as thick as Tadd's, so it looks a bit different, but this was the best I could do for him. He thinks it's cool.

Spring Fling & Multi-cultural Night

6 May 2011

SPRING FLING @ Trigg's Elementary

(This is Noah's newly built school. He was in the first class to attend.)

I had to pay to throw Gabriel in jail, since he was hanging out with the ladies. (These two little boys were in charge of arresting people, and I told them they might have trouble with getting him. hahaha....but much to my surprise, he cooperated and graciously went with the little deputies.)

18 May 2011

Multi-Cultural Night @ Trigg's Elementary
Noah's class was in charge of representing Italy. This is a picture that Noah drew of a cathedral there.
Dad was admiring his artwork.
This is Mrs. Rutledge, Noah's teacher.

Noah was excited to hold one of the little chicks that hatched in the Kindergarten pod.

Cub Scout Day Camp

24-26 March 2011

Noah had his first Cub Scout Day Camp and loved it! Thankfully, he happened to have it on the week that I was off for Spring Break, so I was able to take some pictures. I volunteered to help out each day and I was happy to do so. The theme for Day Camp was "Cub Scouts of the Roundtable." Everything was set up to be midieval. They got to shoot BB guns, do archery, train with catapults, build things with tools, make swords and shields, imprint on leather, cook over coals with Friar Tuck, watched Merlin do magic, used armor to learn of protection, made a birdhouse, had music lessons, listened to stories, learned teamwork games... ran through an obstacle course with a Jester... learned about raptors and got to see them up close and watch them fly. Among the birds that they saw were a falcon, owl, and an eagle. (They had other birds, too, but these were my best shots.) They also watched some people do fencing and learned about that sport. However, I left early that night, because I had a date with my hubby. ;) The last day the boys got "knighted" and received a medallion.

I'm glad my boy let me hang out with him a bit. I'm SO glad I was out of school for it. =)

Even Noah's dad was able to join in for a day. This is him during Magic Merlin. He was embarrassed of his son for a moment. LOL. The lady playing Merlin was telling the boys during her show how important it was for scouts to be honest. Noah says, "Well, I'm gonna be totally honest...your magic is aweful!" Hahahaha! He was sooo serious! The lady was quick on her feet and said, "Well, I'm glad you're being honest." and went straight back to her tricks. Wow! Can you tell Noah is the younger brother of older boys? Dad told him to sit down and not be rude. However, his scout leaders thought it was one of the funniest things of the camp.

Oh, yeah! Welcome to my world!!!

Noah Lost His Tooth!!!

28 March 2011

Well, after a couple of weeks, Noah's tooth became more and more mobile. He was anxious for it to drop out, and because it was pretty wiggly, I took a photo of it before he left for school that day. However, by the time he made it home, he had already yanked it out. He said it didn't hurt at all and never felt a thing. =) The school gave him a little tooth necklace to put his tooth in, so Noah was pretty excited! When I got home he told me had something to show me...

Whalah!!!! Hahahaha! Awww! Noah is officially growing up.

(He's getting in his 1st molars and he's lost his first tooth.) How adorable is my little Snaggle??? LOL...well, not too adorable since he's trying to wheel and deal me out of big money. He thinks he deserves $10 for this beauty. He told me he would brush it and get it all shiny and then I would like it more and it would be worth the asking price. Hahahaha! What a little snake! I know I'm old and haven't done this in a while, but I'm pretty sure $10 is not the going rate, even if it's a pretty little tooth. Wow! What a booger!

SC Trip

11-14 February 2011

The boys decided to take a trip to South Carolina. It all started when my dad offered one of his time shares for us to use at some ski resort in Utah that he had reserved for Alex, but couldn't go. Well, because of school, I knew I couldn't use it. So, I asked the boys if they wanted to go. They said they would love to. However, they never let my dad know that they wanted it, and he ended up cancelling it. Unfortunately, the boys had taken off work thinking they were going on a ski trip. My dad was going to try and rearrange the trip again, but Frankie decided to just fly to South Carolina and corner my dad there about the screw up, since he couldn't get in touch with him via phone. hahahaha! He bought a ticket for he and his girlfriend to head into Charlotte, NC and arranged for Angel to pick them up. When Brandon and Noah found out that he was heading to SC, they wanted to go too! Thus, they all packed up and left for the weekend (except Gabe because of school). I have to admit, I was a little jealous! Michelle had a BLAST! It didn't take much for her to fall in love with the place. She cried when she had to leave, and swears she will move there if she doesn't get her job in Japan. That makes Frankie extremely happy! =) They played some very competitive games of Monopoly Deal. Here Michelle is beating up on her boyfriend.

(This has become a family favorite, especially for Noah. We literally play this game every day! It's awesome!) Frankie also took Michelle to Charleston where they were able to hangout with my sister and her children. They headed to Folly Beach and The Battery.

While Frankie was entertaining Michelle, Noah hung out with his cousins. They had a wild, remarkable time! When it was time for Noah to head over to his grandma's house, he cried and didn't want to go. He wanted to stay with his homies. However, his mood changed quickly, and he told Grandma the next day that he wanted to move in with her. Noah misses SC soooo much!

Brandon went around with some friends and hung out with some cousins too.

They were all sad when it was time to head back to Vegas. It was especially hard on Noah and Michelle. ;)

I wish I had more pictures, but noone has sent me any. HINT! HINT! Hey, if y'all have any (Lizzy, Angel, Bekah, Grandma) send them!!!

Noah's 1st Loose Tooth!!!!

9 March 2011

Well, it's FINALLY happened! Noah went to brush his teeth the other day, but came running out of the bathroom to exclaim that he had a loose tooth. This is his 1st one that he has ever had and he is over 8 years old! You know, being the student hygienist that I am, I've realized that this is a very good thing. Most kids lose their first tooth at around 6-7 years old, but having that extra time will only help him in keeping his permanent teeth healthier longer! Yay!

He wants me to pull it, but I told him he has to wait until it's a little more loose. He asked me very seriously, "I wonder if the Tooth Fairy really is real?" I snickered and said, "Are you serious!? What do YOU think!?" Hahaha! He didn't answer...I guess I can give him some money since it's nice and clean!!! ;)

Noah's Pack Meeting--Archery

17 February 2011

Noah had another Pack Meeting. He was happy that he got his music belt loop. His best friend, Caden, moved up to a Bobcat and had his face painted. Noah thought it was the funniest thing, and he can't wait until he can get his done!
Afterwards, the boys got to shoot a bow and arrow. Noah thought that was pretty cool too!

Blooms!!! Love it!

17 February 2011 I love that the trees are already blooming! It makes me feel SO good...mainly because it means that spring is right around the corner! There's just something about God's creations that give me a wonderful feeling of peace. I love plants!!!!

Noah loved being up in this tree....................................................until he realized that it was swarming with bees. LOL! I tried to tell him they wouldn't hurt him, and that they were only enjoying the flowers. However, he didn't trust my words. He got down quickly and transferred his attention elsewhere. Seriously, if I could get up in the tree myself, I would totally bask in it's beauty...bees and all! =)

Noah's First Pack Meeting

20 January 2011

Noah had his first Cub Scout Pack Meeting and he was sooo excited for it, because he was going to get to be in the color guard and carry the American flag! He kept telling me, "I can't drop it or we'll have to burn it." He was so serious! LOL! So, I told him, "Yeah, so be very careful!"

Well, I ran out the door with my camera, but I left my battery at home...ugh! I didn't get to take any action photos!!!! ugh...ugh...ugh...ugh!!!!! Urrrrrhhhh!

Anyway, so I had to wait until I got back home to take a picture of my cute little wolf scout. Here he is:
Isn't he adorable????

Vegas Snow

3 January 2011

It snowed last night and this morning. Fortunately, nothing was able to stick. =) I hate snow! LOL!

However, Noah loves it and was very excited when he saw it coming down outside of his window!

He had a small amount of time to enjoy it before leaving for his first day of school in the new year. He was sad, though, that he couldn't make a snowman. Maybe we can head to Mt. Charleston before winter is over.

Gabe's JV Tournament/ Noah's Baptism

4 December 2010

Gabriel had his first JV wrestling tournament the following week after his Beginner's tournament. Of course, Brandon was there to help coach him.
He gave him some instruction before his matches.
However, his first match he got beat 12-1. You could tell this kid knew what he was doing. He rode Gabriel very tightly and just dominated the match. Gabriel was very upset, but we had to remind him that this tournament included wrestlers who had experience and that just because they weren't on Varsity didn't mean they didn't have skills....it took Gabe a little while to come together. However, it didn't take him long to get back on his winning streak. He won his next match. Brandon wasn't surprised. LOL!

Brandon coached Gabriel in his next match to a victory! Oh, yes!

He was very proud at that moment!

Oh, and my parents were in town to give a little support too. They were happy to see his success.

Gabriel had an awesome cheering section. LOL!

HOWEVER...we had to leave the tournament early, because Noah was being baptized! =) Isn't that awesome???? We rushed over to the church for the special occasion.

Noah wanted his Dad to baptize and confirm him a member of the church. That made him happy...and me.

We were very glad that our youngest was making such a special decision.

The boys lookin' all GQ! (Well, some of them anyway.)

Best Friends =)
Kela kept saying that she wanted to be baptized. ;) Aww!

Of course, truth be known, the real reason for my parents' visit was to come to Noah's baptism. They made a long trip to be here for him. They drove to Texas the week before to see another grandchild's (Levi) baptism too, and then kept heading west to see Noah.

Our little group together.

Bishop had Papa and I bear our testimonies during the time that we were waiting on the boys to change their clothes. I was not expecting that and kind of wished that I was speaking to Noah and not the rest of the people. LOL! However, on the ride home, I had a little chat with Noah and asked him how he felt. He said he felt "happy, awesome, special, and good!" =) I hope he'll always remember that.

Well, we rushed from the church and headed to the house to watch the Carolina/Auburn football game (SEC championship). However, I had a feeling that Gabriel still might be wrestling....SO I treked back to the school instead to find out. Boy am I glad I did. Come to find out...Gabriel was still in the running. He had won two more matches while we were away and was up to wrestle for 3rd place.

It was a hard fought out battle, but Gabriel ended up losing. They went for three rounds and Gabriel was losing 3-0. Then in the 3rd period, Gabriel got a reversal and take down with just a few seconds left...had the guy on his back, but time ran out...ugh! If he had a few more seconds to get back points, he would have won! The final score was 3-2. Oh well! He got 4th place (out of 14). That's not too shabby for his first high school tournament.

The opponent's coach spoke to Gabriel and told him that he was a very good wrestler and that if he would have come out stronger quicker, than he would have won. He stressed to Gabe to be proud of himself. I thought that was very nice of him for taking the time to talk to him. That doesn't happen very often.

Then Gabriel also got some words of encouragement from his own coach.

I really think if Brandon would had been there in his corner, he would have won. Brandon was doing a great job while he was there earlier. Anyway, Gabe is learning....and most importantly...having fun!

We're so proud of him! His record was 3-2 for the day (both wins were pins).

So now his total record is 7-3.