Get Jazzed

On Christmas Day, the boys unwrapped their gifts from Maga ... they got eight tickets to the Jazz game on January 28, 2011. Enough for the entire family, plus Maga! And to make it even better, Uncle Clay (who has Jazz connections) took the older boys early, so they got to get up close watching the players warm up, and even got autographs. That will be a memory they will treasure *Ü* The boys had also received a Fanz giftcard, Landon had used his on a previous trip (with friends) to buy a Jazz hat, and Callahan and Keaton also used their giftcards to get hats as well (see all three hat boys in the family photo below).

Dad, Mom and the two little boys picked up Maga from her job at the Capital, and met up with Clay the the three older boys. We even ran into our neighbor (the boy's best friend) in the parking lot (what are the chances of that!) While Cooper has been obsessed with basketball and all things NBA, he was a little nervous, intimidated by the crowd and the noise. He soon got into the game however and I think everyone had a great time. AND the Jazz finally won! YEA!

Dental Days

In November, I took the three youngest in for a checkup and cleaning and they all did GREAT... but, Cooper and Keaton did need to come back for a little work, which I scheduled for their next off-track time (this past week). Now when Keaton first had work done several years ago, he was NOT cooperative. We had to opt for oral sedation, which had some extreme negative side-effects afterward (he was screaming at me, throwing things, very unusual for my little boy). He has since had some work done with just the usual helps (a little laughing gas and a numbing shot) so I was fairly sure he'd do ok. I was really worried about Cooper though (he's had so many fear issues in the past) ... but he surprised me and was an absolute angel. I'm SO relieved to have this behind us, and while we have a good dentist, I hope we don't need to see him again for work any time soon! Keaton had a tooth extracted and he placed it under his pillow that night with the usual expectations. The next morning, he called for me, lifted up his pillow and the tooth was still there ... nothing else ... his words? "Well this just sucks!" I cannot express the frustrations with our flaky fairy! Now, our boys ARE constantly changing their sleeping locations, so it can be a little difficult for the tooth fairy to always get it right, when she's never sure where the kids will be sleeping. Almost always after the initial disappointment, when MOM looks around, she finds a little tooth money under a different pillow. Such was the case ... Keaton got his cash ... what will he spend it on? That is a topic for another post ...

Fat Lip and Fever

Poor Colton, he's had a rough few days! Last Friday he was playing on the kitchen stools when he fell face first into the floor. I think his bottom teeth pierced his top lip, there was a lot of blood. We were able to stop the bleeding, but his lip immediately swelled up, a fatter fat lip I have never seen! He cried for a half hour, with me holding him and trying to comfort him, and then he finally fell into an exhausted sleep (and slept all night long). The next morning, his lip was still quite swollen, it didn't go down until late Saturday. The damage was still quite visible as the cut had clotted and formed a large black scab. Sunday morning Colton woke with a cough and fever, so I told him I would keep him home from church. On ibuprofen however, he perked up and seemed completely fine (by this time Dad and the boys had already left). He wouldn't have made it through church though, he fell asleep and woke up with hallucinations of being "high" in the air, crying for me not to throw him up so high. I got him calmed down, and once again on medication, he seemed fine. He had a rough night, again feeling "high" and during the day Monday he had a couple really rough times when his fever would hit full force and he seemed to have trouble breathing. I ran him to the doctor where they tested him for strep and influenza A ... he tested positive to BOTH. So, antibiotics and TamiFlu ... luckily for me Colton is a wonderful little boy and willingly takes his medication. And lucky for him, he seems to be recovering in record time. Even the scab on his lip has fallen off and he looks 100% better. Thank heavens for healing!

Chalk it Up to Colton

The other day, Colton found a couple small pieces of chalk around the house. He carried them around, saying he wished we had a chalk board for him to write on. We didn't. A few days later, we were at a middle school gym, watching Callahan play basketball. Colton seemed more excited by the fact that there on the wall ... was a chalkboard. As he pointed it out to me, I said "Too bad you don't have your chalk with you" ... Colton got a funny smile on his face, reached into his pocket and said "but I do ..." (um seriously, chalk in his pocket??) So after the game, I let him go write his name ... what a character!

Me and Matt D

For Landon's geography class, he had to do a report on South Africa. There was a written portion, and then an oral report, which needed to be given in a creative way (not simply reading it in front of the class). As Landon worked to prepare the written portion, I read over the information and it reminded me of several things from the movie "Invictus" which was based on true events in South Africa in the past years. My idea for Landon, was to create a puppet "Matt Damon" and then "interview" him for the class presentation. We wrote up a little question and answer session. At first I could tell Landon thought it was a pretty stupid idea, but then I could see it growing on him, until I think he was actually a little excited to give his report. I even found a plastic noisemaker trumpet (a vuvuzela) ... which South Africa had introduced while hosting the Fifa World Cup in 2010. Between the puppet and blasts from the vuvuzela ... Landon's report was a hit! Thanks Matt D ... and Invictus is a pretty good movie too!

Ooops

I guess it's bound to happen, living in a house with five active boys. A couple of years ago, we got a nice double-shot basketball hoop for the basement. It's pretty ragged after two years of almost daily use. During the cold season, when the kids can't play outside, I would have to officiate disagreements over who's turn it was to use the hoop. We had this other hoop that came with the pool/fuseball combo table (last year's Christmas), and I asked Gray to hang it in the hallway, to provide a second place to play and hopefully cut down on the fighting. A little TOO much energy going up and in resulted in this nice hole in the wall .... oops!

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas ... the Sequel

A little while ago, I wrote up a post about Keaton and his striped pajamas. I wasn't sure we'd see them again, as even though he had outgrown them, and he is now happy with his replacements ... he STILL was not ready for anyone else to wear them. Now, we have PLENTY of pajamas, so it's not like they were needed. I was more than happy to pack them away in Keaton's box of special things, but he actually kept them hidden in the back of his closet. One day, Cooper was having a very bad day (I can't remember what had happened), but Keaton decided that perhaps his beloved jammies could help the situation, and he presented them to Cooper. Cooper wasn't particularly impressed ... but Colton ... he picked up where Keaton left off. He LOVES his striped pajamas and wears them almost every single night. If you look down at the Christmas post, you'll see him wearing them in the photo there, and I'm sure they'll make many an appearance in upcoming pictures. Keep your eyes open for "The Boy in the Striped Pajama's ... the Sequel".

Cute Quotes

*** Cute Quotes ***

This will be a post in progress ... just a central spot to put those cute things the kids say. The ones you think you'll remember, but you don't. I'm sure I'm missing a million funny statements said and forgotten, but hopefully with this blog I'll stop and record them as they happen from now on:

I'm leaving this post here until I double check that it is a duplicate - I switched it to a PAGE, and the page is the one the sidebar links to, and the one that has been updated (currently through 2024). 

• (March 2020) Overall the boys moving to online/digital school has gone fine. Even Callahan's electrician class moved online. I asked him how it went. "I fell asleep" ...
• (March 2020) Colton made plans to hang out with friends, and I was asking him if he knew when he'd need a ride. But I made the mommy mistake with kids names and said Callahan instead of Colton, so Cal answered "um, I need a ride ... FIVE YEARS AGO before I learned how to drive myself!"
• (January 2020) Gray stopped to grab a few groceries on the way home from work. I glanced over the receipt and told him "You were charged for two heads of lettuce." He's used self-checkout, so he can't even blame the cashier (well, we can ... )
• (December 2019) We were heading out to Olive Garden, a belated birthday dinner for Colton. Keaton was working at the Nike store, and I figured it was a stretch, but I told him when we were going just in case he could line up his lunch and join us. He couldn't. I texted him "We'll miss you" and he texted back "I'll miss Olive Garden ..."
• (November 2019) A conversation between basketball brothers ...

Keaton: When I went to play basketball Monday there was this new guy who was freaking awesome, Ben said ...
Cal: Ben? My Ben?
Keaton: Ya, and Sam and Parker and Daxtonn
Cal: My friends? You were playing with my friends? Where was I?
Keaton: Well, you have a broken foot ...
Cal: I'll play in my boot!

• (October 2019) Keaton said he got a call from the blood donation place, asking if he might be able to come in. "And I said "hey lady, I'm getting bloody noses every day. I don't know if I have blood to give. I might need some myself!" I asked what the response was and he said "oh, it was a recording"  ;)
• (October 2019) Landon comes over from work on his lunch break, and as he sat down on the couch he moaned "I don't understand it. I'm dragging SO much. Usually, after resting over the weekend I'm good on Mondays."  Coop looked at him and said "It's Tuesday" ... that explained it!
• (June 2019) Cooper moaned and held his stomach and said "I'm SO full! Guess how many brownies I had? .... One."  Granted, these were Landon's uber gourmet, rich, filling brownies, but it still made me laugh. One IS plenty though!
• (April 2019) Keaton was discussing the new Star Wars movies and mentioned that "Solo" was a favorite. To which Colton asked him "Didn't you fall asleep while watching that?" "Well, yes ... but..."
• (April 2019) Colton had some off moments over the weekend, and his brothers were teasing him, saying he'd been particularly stupid. Colton replied "I'm not as much dumb as ..." and he paused for a long while thinking. Everyone started laughing. 
• (February 2019) Colton was helping Dad with a derby. Colton asked if Dad needed the screen, and he replied that he did, but that it was quite heavy and bulky and probably more than the munchkin could handle. Colton came back with "Challenge accepted" and went and brought it in. 
• (February 2019) A new favorite treat are the Ruffles "All Dressed" chips. I'd picked up a few bags, and they disappeared before Callahan had any. He confronted Keaton, and Keaton admitted he'd eaten them all (I actually think Cooper downed one too). As Callahan pounded on him, he gasped out "but the bags ... are so small ... and they're ... all ... dressed..."
• (February 2019) I told the kids it was National Pizza Day and Cooper said "You know what that means ... buy donuts!" 
• (January 2019) Colton was laying on the couch, when Callahan came in and suddenly started pounding on him. I called him out on it and he said "Mom, I'm playing Super Smash Brothers!"
• (July 2018) After doing a full load of laundry after Keaton unloaded his Bear Lake backpack directly into the dirty clothes basket, I noticed the two littles dirty clothes baskets were still quite empty. I asked Colton if he had unpacked and he gave me the "sure" answer (which I hate!) So I asked him again if "sure" actually meant "yes" to which he replied "sure ... I mean, wait, what?" And then he went to unpack ...
• (July 2018) Keaton was mentioning his big work week, three back-to-back 11- hour days! Grayson had just worked long into the night trying to catch-up after taking a couple days off for a the Bear Lake getaway and had worked 18-hours. I mentioned that fact to Keaton and he replied: "It isn't a competition Mom!"
• (July 2018) Cooper: " I can't take all this flopping! And I've only watched for 10 minutes!" ... shortly after Landon turned on the World Cup. 
• (July 2018) I'd left for Zumba and forgotten to put the garbage bins out. I quickly texted Callahan and asked if he'd take care of it. I got an audio file back. I listened ... "roooaaarr" ???? That was followed by another text which stated "that is 'yes' in dinosaur"  ;)
• (June 2018) More made up Blackham words ... Jesah, Dupasena, Bbbbbrrrazy (which is like crazy)
• (June 2018) I put some vanilla lotion on before bed ... Hubs looks a bit confused and asks "is someone baking cookies this time of night?" 
• (April 2018) Sunday breakfast and Dad said it was such a nice day he was going to go eat outside. Colton commented that it was raining. I told him it was just the sprinkler. Then Colton said "Well, it's SPRINKLING" and I laughed and he gave a little bow and said "bad puns by Colton" ... I laughed more. 
• (March 2018) Cooper's recent words ... "bet" "jinx" "ooph" and "oofenboofer" and "begadah" ... I have no idea what a "begedah" is or how it should be used, but Cooper and Cal are keeping track and exchanging "begadahs". The other day Cooper told Callahan "I give you 30 begadahs" and proceeded to say "begadah" 30 times. Then he looked a little sad and said "I have no b.... I can't even say it because I have none left." Callahan gave him seven back the next day and they've been exchanging more ever since. If I say it, they get mad and say mine are counterfeit. Silly boys!
• (Febraury 2018) In loving brother fashion, Callahan turned to Keaton and said "You're ugly" to which Keaton replied "Do you know what is funny? People say we look alike!"
• (January 2018) The boys love to play "basketball" with a small hoop and ball in the family room. It gets crazy. It is not allowed when Daddy is home. One evening Callahan tossed the ball in the hoop and Cooper said "no basketball, Dad is home" and I said "he actually gone to a derby" ... and basketball insanity ensued immediately. 
• (January 2018) Landon was trying on some jeans passed down to him from a friend. They fit around the waist, but were a little long. I told him "why don't you just grow a couple inches" to which Landon replied "You just needed to get me better jeans" ... I again teased "No, just grow" to which he clarified "I need better GENES..."
• (January 2018) Callahan had ordered a sweatshirt for Cooper for Christmas ... when I brought the mail in and there was a package from the NBA Store, Cooper said "Hey, that's my present! I want to open it."  I told him to text Cal and see if that was okay. Cooper came up a bit later wearing the new sweatshirt. I asked him if he'd contacted Callahan and he said "yes" and then I said "and he said it was okay for you to open it huh?" and Cooper said "no" ... but he was kidding, Callahan had been fine with it. But his deadpan response while wearing the sweatshirt made me laugh. 
• (December 2017) After Colton's birthday, I'd cut the remaining ice cream cake into large pieces and frozen them. Callahan commented on how big the pieces were and I told him "You don't have to eat the whole thing" but he had already replied "Challenge accepted!"
• (November 2017) I came home from running some errands to find the front door locked. When I realized #1 had left, and #5 was home alone, I was glad that the boys had thought to lock the door. When I mentioned it to #5 he said "I was alone? I didn't know that!" Oblivious, playing Minecraft on the computer. When I mentioned it to #1 he said "Oh he was home? I didn't think anyone was!" ...Hmmm!
• (November 2017) "What does it mean when McDougal's Funeral home sends you swag?" ... that was Grayson's question when we received a calendar from them in the mail. 
• (October 2017) Keaton complained that his paycheck didn't seem to add up to his hourly wage + hours ... I explained taxes to him and we ended up chatting about finances for over an hour. As Keaton asked what would happen if you did NOT pay taxes, I mentioned how that is what got Al Capone imprisoned when nothing else would stick. The very next day in one of Keaton's classes, a teacher was talking about Capone and asked "Does anyone know what it was that finally lead to his arrest and imprisonment?"  Keaton knew!
• (April 2017) Keaton was craving omlets and Gray gave him a quick cooking lesson. A few days later, Keaton prepped his breakfast and announced "This is the best omlet I've ever made" ... it was his second one.
• (April 2017) Little Cousin Amare was invited over for a family get-together. Ana said he was so excited and said "I can't wait to see my cousin ... what's his name? The one with the girlfriend Kate!" (Callahan) *Ü*
• (March 2017) "Look, I have a Big Mac" ... statement by Colton after he got the large Mac laptop at school. ;)
• (December 2016) During a bad allergic reaction to cashews, Keaton (a little Benedryl drunk) sighed "Remember earlier tonight? When I was in the hot tub, and NOT having an allergy attack? Good times."
• (November 2016) A little construction in the neighborhood removed a few sections of sidewalk for replacement. With a tarp and cones over it, Colton pointed it out as we drove by and asked "What are they doing there? Burying a body?"
• (November 2016) Callahan walked into the kitchen one afternoon and paraded in front of me. I just looked at him. He flipped his (short!) hair and said "I got my hair cut and you don't even notice!). 
• (October 2016) Out and about with Keaton at the wheel, getting those driving hours in. Across my playlist comes the song "Car Crash" by Matt Nathanson. Keaton mutters to me "I don't think that song is appropriate right now" ... ;)
• (October 2016) Keaton is reading "To Kill a Mockingbird" for school, and I'm reading it too, so we can discuss it together (he actually asked me to do this!). Just finished chapter 11 and went over some words K wasn't sure about ... wrathful, apoplectic, philippic, umbrage, interdict, tirade, cantankerous. After going over the definitions, Keaton said "well that was an ANGRY chapter, wasn't it?!"
• (September 2016) Prepping lunches in the morning before school, I'd washed grapes and bagged some up. Callahan walked by and grabbed some then turned to me and asked "are these breakfast grapes?" I hadn't heard of breakfast grapes previously, but I assured him that yes, they were fine to eat for breakfast. :)
• (September 2016) A conversation from our kitchen ...
Keaton: I want some bananas and Nutella, but we don't have any bananas :(
Me: Yes we do, they are on the table.
Keaton: But YOU said we have no bananas!
Me: No I didn't
Keaton: Yes you did
Me: Did I sing it? There's a song like that, I guess I might have sung that without thinking about it.
Keaton: Seriously, there is a song that says "we have no bananas?" What kind of stupid song is that?
• (August 2016) I was switching the fish (cleaning/changing the bowl) and as I lifted the beta out of the water, the little plant was sticking to the net. I took a moment to unhook it while the fish was out of water and Keaton yelled "Mom, you are air-drowning him!"
• (July 2016) Cooper showed me a cool basketball he wanted to buy with his saved spending money. I looked it up online, and pointed out that it was pre-order only, and wouldn't be shipped for another month. "then no" ... my kids and immediate gratification (they take after their father!)
• (July 2016) Keaton had gone to the gym for some basketball, and headed to the shower after. He admitted to me ... "I haven't taken a shower in a couple days. I didn't need to, because I wasn't active over the weekend, and I didn't want to, because my hair was AWESOME."
• (July 2016) Daddy was smoking brisket, and it was taking F.O.R.E.V.E.R... he ended up picking up some PandaExpress for the boys to eat. Cooper said "this is to fill the void" until the brisket finished up (which didn't happen until around 11:00 that night!).
• (June 2016) After a tragic loss of their spring basketball championship, Colton was having a bit of a tough time keeping his emotions in check. I tried to bring up other things to cheer him up, and thought I had been successful ... until I heard the sniffling start again. I said "oh no, you'd stopped crying, you can't start up again!" and he said "actually I never really stopped crying." Poor, funny kid. 
• (May 2016) We've been having issues with our wi-fi lately. It will say we're connected, but nothing will update. Cooper announced "We have lie-fi ... it SAYS we have WiFi but it's a LIE".
• (April 2016) While the Blackham Boys don't LOVE school, then know it's important and hard to make up if they miss. Grayson keeps threatening to take them to Disneyland or something, and they all say they can't miss school. Even the elementary kids are stubborn about it ... much to Grayson's chagrin! In prep for an upcoming summer trip, everyone needs passports, and it does require a daytime visit and Daddy told the boys that Friday he was checking them out of school early for the appointment. Colton looked concerned and asked what time exactly, Gray told him (1:30 on a Friday, which is early out at the elementary). Colton carefully considered and then said "Okay, I guess that will work". 
• (April 2016. Grayson) A meat smoker recently joined our family, and Grayson has been trying it out for our Sunday dinners. Ribs, then pulled pork, and many more items to try. Being his new baby, he keeps it in the garage, rather than out in the weather. After a day of cooking, the smell of smoke lingers in the garage. When Gray commented that he still goes out and smells the smoke, I mentioned I do too, every time I go into the garage. Gray came back with "No, I mean I actually go lift the lid and stick my head in the smoker!"
• (March 2016. Keaton) Wheat bread is making a bit of a comeback in our home. Hubs has been improving his eating, and Callahan decided to as well (he specifically asked me to buy some wheat bread). I mentioned it was healthier to Cooper, and he switched. I asked Keaton if I should make his sandwich with wheat bread ... he responded "um, no, that is NOT going to happen". Unfortunately, he  and I are alike in our white bread loving ways!
• (January 2016) Conversation in the car ...
  Cooper: You better not have told your friends to laugh during my Shakespeare play today!
  Colton: Naw ... I DID tell them to mock you at the science fair, but then the teacher said if she caught anyone teasing she would pull four cards! So I was like "abort plan, abort plan!"
• (December 2015) Conversation in the kitchen ...
  Mommy: Thanks for unloading the dishwasher Colton.
  Colton: No problem.
  Mommy: Well, it seemed like a bit of a problem since I had to ask you three times to do it.
  Colton: Well then ... "You're welcome"
• (November 2015) After a recent haircut, I mentioned to Colton that he looked very cute that day. He responded with "I always look cute!" When I laughed a little, he said "Well ... it's a fact!"
• (July 2015, Keaton) In Landon's latest letter, he mentioned playing Uno one day. Keaton asked "So if they are playing Uno in Spanish, when they only have one card do they say "ONE" instead of Uno?"
• (July 2015, Keaton) As Landon's cell phone was now the "family phone" it would usually be around in the kitchen/family area somewhere. But then, it was gone. I hadn't even realized when it went missing, I tried calling it, but at that point the battery had died. After an exhaustive search over several days, I finally told the boys "okay, whoever can find Landon's phone gets $20".  Five minutes later, Keaton had found the phone (fallen deep into the couch) and said "I guess I just needed a little motivation."
• (July 2015, Maga) Gray's mom had come over to visit, and we were out back watching the ducks swim in the pool. I mentioned how Grayson had purchased goldfish just the other day, and put them in the pool for the ducks to eat. Maga had an "oh dear" expression on her face and murmured "poor little fishies" .... immediately followed by a devilish look and the question "so, do you have any fishies?"  
• (June 2015, Cooper) As Landon left on his mission, we turned his iphone into the "family phone" as we cancelled our home service. As Cooper and Colton had started wanting to go to the local park for some basketball, I'd have them take the phone with them, so we could easily and immediately talk if needed. I was a little caught off guard one day when I received an incoming text from Landon Blackham saying "I'm done, can you come pick me up?" Landon was done? He wanted pickup? Then logic stepped in and I realized it was from Cooper, at the park. I had to change the contact information after that though ...
• (June 2015, Cooper) As we were hit with a storm, and thunder and lightening ensued, Cooper was struggling and earnestly inquired "how is it that EVERYONE isn't afraid of storms?" ... he just can't comprehend not being afraid :( 
• (June 2015, Colton) I'd invited my folks over for dinner and games, but my brother Shane and his kids were already visiting Grandma and Grandpa that night. When I told the boys why the grandparents weren't able to come over, Colton said "Well they can just leave!"
• (May 2015. Callahan) I make lunch for the boys every school day, and as a while back, Grayson got sick of sandwiches, I've tried to mix things up with Callahan. Different meats, then different cheeses (colby jack or provolone instead of the usual cheddar). I asked him if there were any combinations he liked or didn't like and his response was "There were different cheeses?"
• May 2015 Colton) ... this one requires a picture, and is more an auto-correct funny than a quote ... but it probably WILL be quoted quite a bit in the future! (He meant "Skookie")

• (May 2015. Cooper) It was Mother's Day, and Cooper came to me and said "Now, you don't have to do this today, because it's Mother's Day, but my laundry needs doing. You can do it tomorrow."
• (April 2015. Callahan) I am completely spoiled by our nice home gym in our basement. Usually I'm the only one really using it, but this Spring Callahan and his buddies have been coming over and working out a lot. Once, I was in on the elliptical when Callahan walked in and saw me there, he commented "Oh, well, go ahead, take your time..."  Why thank you for your permission Callahan!
• (March 2015. Gray ) I was unloading the dishwasher, and commented that the new scoops I'd purchased seemed to be getting used a lot. I mentioned out loud that I was happy someone liked them, that I didn't tend to use them, I just used a spoon ... to which Grayson commented "as you eat straight out of the ice cream container, right?" Okay, yes, I do that.
• (Feb 2015. Callahan) Callahan had his 16th birthday, and I teased him that he needed to learn how to drive a shift stick. He objected and said "Mom, by the time I'm 40 they won't even make cars with a stick! Cars will be levitating!"  ...hmmm, we will see!
• (Fall 2014. Colton) The little boys helped out at a derby and in addition to Grayson's payment, the guys in charge gave the little boys a tip. Colton told me excitedly "I got a tax at the derby!" ummm... ok, that's almost the opposite!
• (Fall 2014. Grayson) The Container Store opened up at Fashion Place Mall. Gray went to check it out. He came home and said "I think I might be gay. I just went to The Container Store and it was fabulous."
• (Summer 2014 Cooper) The boys were playing Monopoly. I asked Cooper why he didn't join in. He said "I played Monopoly once. It didn't end well."
• (Summer 2014. Landon) It was Saturday morning and Landon went into his little brother's bedroom to wake them up. He said (in a "Frozen" voice) ... "the sun is awake, so I am awake, so it's time to play!" So cute!
• (January 2014. Landon) Landon insisted he was DONE with reffing this year. Both Jr. Jazz and churchball (for the young women). Then one afternoon he gathered up his whistle and got dressed in his ref shirt and I said "I thought you weren't going to ref this year" to which he shook his head and said "I just couldn't say no to Sister Maxfield". I've gotten so many compliments on his confidence, professionalism, and how well he works with the girls ... although he did have to make cookies to try to make up a bad call to a gal in our ward who refused to talk to him for a few days after one of the games :)
• (January 2014. Colton) At Colton's baptism, he was struggling a little with the top button getting back into his suit. Gray asked him if he needed some help. Colton continued trying for another minute, succeeded, showed Gray the buttoned shirt and said "What do you think?"
• (April 2013 Colton) Colton came in looking sad and said "My head hurts" so I asked him if he needed some medicine. Then he said "It's actually my arm that hurts."
• (April 2013 Colton) The word "drunk" came up, and Colton asked "Is that when someone has too much oatmeal and then is silly and stupid?" 
• (March 2013 Colton) I told the boys I was making toasted cheese sandwiches for dinner ... Colton sighed and said "I wanted GRILLED cheese sandwiches".  (I told him they were the same thing, so he was happy after all). On another note ... apparently grilled cheese sandwiches MUST be cut diagonally into triangles. I cut some across into rectangles and no one would eat them!
• (March 2013 Cooper) Watching the Top20 Countdown (videos) the host was showing memorable places in Boston. One featured was "Ye Old Union Oyster House" established in 1826. Cooper turned to me and said "that is OLD, that's why it's called "Ye Old" .... and as some of the clips are truncated, Cooper noted "this one is a short one" as one video was getting a shortened viewing. But as it continued a little longer than usual he said "this is a LONG short one!"
• (February 2013 Colton) As the flu struck, the kids had almost no appetite. I would ask them if ANYTHING sounded good and would try to oblige. When I asked Colton, he said "You know what sounds good? A Pluot." ...at the kids school they introduce them to new fruits and veggies as part of a healthy kid campaign. Unfortunately, I did not have a pluot on hand. 
• (December 2012 Cooper) Colton had been sick for a week with a high fever. The other boys got the thermometer and took their temperatures. Colton's had been high (at 103.8° at one point) and I told them normal was 98.6°. Cooper said sadly "I must have a cold." When I asked him why, he explained that the thermometer only said 97° for him, so obviously a LOWER reading meant COLD ...
• (December 2012 Colton) After being sick for almost an entire week during mid-December, I asked Colton if he was going to be better by his birthday, which was quickly approaching. He said "Even if I am still sick, I am still turning seven!"
• (November 2012 Cooper) With all the election talk, Cooper was originally for Obama, but switched his loyalty to Romney after his brothers convinced him. As the results were being televised and they showed Romney winning Utah, Cooper cheered "Romney is the president of Utah!"
• (October 2012 Cooper/Colton) We have a small, over the door basketball hoop in the family room, and the boys are always shooting. I overheard Cooper saying "now HERE is my 7th sweet spot" and Colton shot and exclaimed "I swooshed it from even not one of my sweet spots!"
• (October 2012 Landon) Walking past the kitchen sink, Landon scowled and quickly ran the disposal as he muttered "I hate it when the dishwasher makes the sink throw up" (does YOUR dishwasher do that?) 
• (September 2012 Colton) Now that he is in 1st grade, Colton gets lunch at school. One day, he asked if I had a cold pack to add to his lunch from home ... "because it is COLD lunch" he pointed out *Ü* I did have one, I told him I had stopped sending them with his big brothers, because the they kept accidentally throwing them away as they dumped their lunch garbage. When he got home from school, I asked for the ice pack to put back in the freezer, Colton looked a bit sheepish and said "I accidentally throwed it away" ...
• (September 2012 Landon)  Landon came to me and asked "you like miss me, don't you?" ... I wasn't sure how I was supposed to miss him, as he was standing right there ... and he usually does NOT talk like a valley girl. He was asking if I liked the song "Miss Me" by Andy Grammer *Ü* The boys will often try to get me to like a certain song, so that I will buy it, rather than making them spend their own hard earned cash on it.  It reminded me of when my niece Janika asked if I had the popular song from Wicked ... not being familiar with the soundtrack, I wasn't sure which song was the most popular ...oh, the title IS "Popular" (I am NOW very familiar with the Wicked soundtrack, and the "popular" song).
• (August 2012 Callahan) After having several scouting activities in one week, I asked if he was overwhelmed with them all. He replied "It's ok, after Saturday my Life will be done."
• (August 2012 Cooper) Grayson brought home some gourmet cookies, one being a snickerdoodle. As Cooper went to eat it he asked "Does it have Snickers in it?"
• (June 2012 Cooper) While working on a school assignment about shapes, Cooper asked me what one was ... we counted the sides, there were eight. I said an OCTopus has eight legs, so ... and immediately he figured out that the shape was an octagon. Then he thought a moment and asked "so is OCTober" the 8th month of the year?"  
• (May 2012 Cooper) We had gone out to breakfast, and Cooper looked at his plate with pancakes, bacon and hash browns and said "Hmmmm, I'm missing something ... the smashed eggs!" (he meant "scrambled"). *Ü*
• (May 2012 Colton) As he played the Ipad before school, he suddenly stopped and put it down and stated "Well, I stand corrected ... I said I wouldn't be able to get the green fish, but I did!"
• (April 2012 Colton) Cooper has been quite fascinated with coins, looking them up and even buying some on ebay with Daddy. Colton came to be and told me he was saving his money to buy a coin to Cooper for his birthday. He then said "there's one for $10, buy it now and free shipping!" ~ he's got the vernacular down!
• (March2012 Colton) I got this text from a friend who volunteers in the kindergarten classroom ... "So cute story about Colton today while I was helping. They were writing a sentence about what their dads do. Colton asked me how to spell "jwive"...his dad "jwives" he said. It took me a moment to realize he meant "drive". Cute guy. When we sounded it out together he put his hands on his head and says, "OH! DrrrrrrrIVE!" and laughed. :)"
• (Feb2012 Cooper) Cooper said he didn't want "chicken in a pillow" for hot lunch ... he meant "pigs in a blanket" ...
• (Feb2012 Cooper) While watching the Superbowl, the ref threw a flag and Cooper innocently asked "is this FLAG football?"
• (December 2011, Callahan) The song "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" came on the radio and Callahan "Christmas isn't the most wonderful time, basketball season is" ... then he added "I guess they happen at the same time though" ... another funny, although not a quote per say. We have a white board where I write down the things I need to pick up at the store. The kids will often add items they WANT me to pick up. I looked at it, and there on the list was "Indoor Basketball Court" .... hmmmm, I'd actually LOVE that, but ...
• (November 2011, Jen) "I should be a Lego surgeon, the little boys are always coming to me to help them reattach the little dude's arms ..."
• (November 2011, Keaton) After spending some time with Dad at the work site, Keaton commented "Dad talked to some of the workers there in SBO" ... at my confused look he explained ... "that's how you say "Spanish" IN Spanish"  Ahhhhhh ... "español" ...
• (November 2011 Colton) "I used to have a dog, but it was before I was born" ... watching old home movies when Landon was little and we did have a dog ...
• (November 2011, Landon) As I picked him up from school, Landon noticed Colton wasn't in his usual spot in the car and inquired where he was. I said he was at a playdate with three other 5-year olds at Chick-Fila. Landon replied "Why wasn't I invited to this party?" He would have been welcome! The little 5-year olds LOVE Landon!
• (November 2011, Cooper) "I like Fridays, if you can make it through lunch, you can make it through the day"
• (October 2011, Colton) "I think I'm addicted to the Ipad" ... and I think that is true!
• (October 2011, Cooper) I had a single rosebud garnished with baby's breath in a vase. Cooper looked at all the little white buds and commented "I've never seen SO many flowers"
• (October 2011, Colton) As we put out a few Fall/Halloween decorations, Colton was NOT impressed. He said "I wish there was just a button we could push and the whole house would be decorated with ghosts and spiderwebs and Halloween stuff." ... maybe if there WAS such a button I would actually decorate!
• (September 2011, Keaton) As we struggle with Cooper's anxiety, we are encouraged by any small success. As Cooper willingly went to scouts one afternoon, I voiced my relief and happiness that he had gone without tears or complaint. Keaton replied "yes, they grow up so fast".
• (July 2011, Colton) Belgian Waffles are a family favorite. As I gave Cooper his, I asked if he wanted a whole one (complete circle) or just a half. He said he wanted a half. Colton asked him "a whole half, or a quarter of a whole half?"
• (June 2011, Colton) "Did you hear me burp Mom?" ... I had NOT heard a burp, and told Colton that. To which he replied "Then I guess I don't have to say excuse me!"
• (May 2011, Colton) Colton slipped and bumped his head. Maga, not sure what he had hit it against asked him where he had bumped it, he replied "on my HEAD!"
• (May 2011, Cooper) We were discussing "sloppy joes" ... we've never had them for dinner as a family, so Cooper didn't know what they were. I explained they were like a hamburger, only with messier meat. Callahan piped in that it was more like chili than hamburger. Cooper then asked me if you ate them cold. I replied that no, they would be warm. He then asked "then why would they be chilly?"
• (April 2011, Cooper) Someone must have told Cooper to "chill" ... because he came and asked me what that meant exactly. I told him it mean to calm down, relax. He thought that over and said, "That's what I tried to do when I broke my arm, I tried to chill."
• (September 2010, Colton) Colton is still attached to his blanky and binky ... he's pretty good at only using them at night or with a special need (if he gets hurt or something). The bink usually falls out as he falls asleep, and he often has trouble locating it in the morning. As he was looking yesterday, I mentioned that he was getting so big, he really didn't need his binky anymore. He replied "But Mom, YOU call me Baby Boy"  
• (September 2010, Colton) Colton was tired of Cooper telling him what to do. He turned to him and said "YOU are not the boss of me .... Daddy is."
• (September 2010, Landon) It doesn't matter what he got in trouble for ... but Landon was grounded, unfortunately on a night when he had made plans with friends. He actually said "It's no fair to ground me when there's somewhere I want to go!"
• (September 2010, Colton) Mom and Colton had gone out to Grandma and Grandpa's during the day. Mom and Grandma went out to lunch while Grandpa tended Colton. When Mom asked Colton how it went he said "Well, it was kind of scary ... we were downstairs alone, just me and Grandpa ... and I thought there might be ZOMBIES ..."
• (August 2010, Callahan) After reading the Percy Jackson series, heard Callahan say to a friend "I am a demi-god, my true father is Micheal Jordan, God of Basketball!"
• (June 2010, Colton) I've been derelict in teaching my youngest about jokes ... knock knock jokes in particular. A little friend TRIED to tell one to Colton. The friend would say "Knock knock" with absolutely no response from Colton. The friend tried again ... still silence. The friend tried one more time, to which Colton turned to him and said "this is NOT a door!"
• (February 2010, Landon) We'd gone out to a restaurant for a family breakfast and Landon didn't finish his bacon. He said he only likes MOM's bacon. Grayson commented "It's just pig and salt, it's all the same" to which Landon replied "Mom's bacon is pig and salt and LOVE."
• (July 2009, Colton) We were camping with our travel trailer. Colton was not able to open the door to get in. He would walk up to the door and then announce in a loud voice "Ding dong the door!" ... it worked *Ü*
• (June 2009, Cooper) Keaton had made a little bird feeder at scouts, and brought home an extra bag of birdseed. When I told Cooper it was birdseed, he asked "If we plant it, will it grow birds?"
• (March 2009, Colton) One day when I didn't give Colton the desired response to a question he asked, he cried and told me "Mommy, you are making my eyeballs sad!"
• (March 2009, Cooper) As we were working to get Cooper potty trained, at Grandma's house, she rewarded him with M&Ms when he went while there. Back at home, Cooper said "I want to go back to Grandma's house, poop in her potty and get some M&Ms!"
• (February 2009, Keaton) Keaton was unloading the dishwasher. He came across a turkey baster and didn't know where it went (we don't use it very often). He asked if it went in one of the drawers where we keep the kitchen utensils ... or in the MEDICINE drawer ... it DOES look like the little dispensers I use to give the little ones medication.
• (December 2008, Callahan) After signing up for Jr. Jazz basketball, Callahan pondered "I wonder what they call kids basketball in California ... Little Lakers?"
• (September 2008, Cooper) "Do you want to take a hug of me?"
• (July 2008 Cooper):  We were at our grandma's neighborhood pool. A little girl, Maddie age 3, was there and she and Cooper were playing together. Cooper kept calling her “he,” so I explained to him the difference between masculine and feminine pronouns.  He seemed to finally “get it,” and pointing to Maddie said: “Oh, I’m a “he” and he’s a “she”!!
• (June 2006, Keaton) We had a travel trailer we used for camping. We weren't really in the market, but stopped at an RV center to look at some of the new, nicer ones available (and boy were they nice ... you can't really call it camping!) As we were done, Keaton innocently asked "so which one are we going to get?"
• (June 2006, Callahan) While shopping at the store, I picked up some Western Family products, Callahan looked confused and said "I didn't know Grandma and Grandpa Westra made those" ... Westra Family brand!
• (Christmas Eve 2002, Callahan) Callahan used to be into “Superman” everything, wearing superman clothes day and night. (He will be 4 in February). Now he is into “Spiderman” and will wear only red. On Christmas Eve, he proudly showed Grandma his shirt with a picture of a spider on it.  Later in the evening, Grandpa Westra opened a present--a white dress shirt. Callahan came up and looked at it and looked sadly at LaMar with empathy. Oh, dear, no spider (on the shirt).

Sunday Shifts

So with the new year, comes the annual change in church times. We just came off the 11:00 slot, which I know is a favorite for most, moving to the 1:00, which many dread. Me? I actually prefer it! I have NOT been great about cooking family dinners, but on Sunday, every single week, we have Belgian waffles (now labeled Sunday Circles I even did a post about it previously). I also like to sleep in, and get a morning workout ... it's a little hard to do all three with the 11:00 schedule. The 9:00 schedule was ok, we'd just do the big breakfast after church, but the 1:00 makes for a nice, relaxing morning, which is needed ONCE a week. So while others may lament at the late schedule, I for one am enjoying it.

There were also changes for the kids. Cooper is now in SENIOR primary! Can you believe that? This little boy is growing up TOO fast. It seems like just yesterday that the moment the prayer was finished in Sacrament meeting, a wail (loud enough for the entire congregation to hear) would come pouring out of his mouth "I want to go home". He had such a hard time in nursery, but a patient Sunbeam teacher made good inroads, and he's been so good these last few years. I just can't believe he's in SENIOR primary now. I've got three in there ... at least for a couple months until Callahan turns 12 and moves on to young men's (which he is anxiously awaiting). He didn't change classes, but now Keaton is in that same class (the older boys)! There wasn't a lot of change for Colton, he is even keeping his same teacher (one of them anyway, he had two switching off).

Time to take the tree down! The picture above was actually taken the Sunday after Christmas (still December), before we went to my brother's ward for a baby blessing. Landon took the opportunity to NOT wear a white shirt ... and that is the only time he will wear that shirt, because after one washing ... it's now in Keaton's closet! The shrinkage skipped Callahan completely. I'm glad I have multiple boys to pass clothes down to *Ü*

Happy New Year! 2011!

For the past several years, we've hosted a New Year's Eve party at our home. This year was no exception. Family is invited over and we get out the favorite games and play them all night long. This year we had Grandma and Grandpa, Chris and his boys, D&D and baby Ani ... Shane's family was planning on coming, but they had to cancel due to sickness. Keaton actually wasn't feeling that great either, and he went to bed early, as did Cooper and Colton (and Gray!) Landon abandoned us to go to a church dance (doesn't he look handsome in the picture above?). So it was the grandparents, Callahan and cousins who were the main game players ... a little Blokus, Apples to Apples, Pictureka, Rat-a-tat-Cat, SET and Farkle (my SIL put together this dice game as gifts this year, GREAT instructions found here if you'd like .... it's a new favorite) ... a highlight of the evening was a little earlier, when D&D introduced "Just Dance2" for the Wii, here's a little video ...

We made it to midnight ... but I was very ready for bed (Gray had to go pick up Landon from the dance at 12:40, good thing he got that nap in). Luckily everyone got to sleep in the next morning, January 1 ... a new year. 01/01/11 ... I pointed out the date to the boys at 1:11 as we were in the car headed up to Maga's house. Another family tradition is spending New Year's day at Maga's.

For the past ... I don't know for sure, 25 years or more, Maga has been making this delectable pastry wreath, it's very flaky and flavorful, and it makes people break any resolutions they had just made, YUM!

J&G's Gym

New Year's Resolution time, the majority of goals set probably are about fitness or losing weight. I'm spoiled ... in our basement we have a large unfinished room that has become J&G (Jen&Gray's) Gym. For cardio, there is a treadmill, an elliptical and a stationary bike. The wall I face as I workout has a plethora of pictures ... I love to look at all the memories (it's my happy place). To help keep me entertained and motivated, there is a nice speaker system and Ipod to blare music ... there is a TV, with both a DVD player and a Wii attached (the Wii streams Netflix ... and is there for WiiFit if I'm so inclined). I always need a little bit of a breeze, so there are fans on the bike and elliptical (which can be tilted toward the treadmill, although the treadmill has its own fan ... it's just a very NOISY fan). Those are my fuzzy slippers next to the elliptical, because yes ... I like to wear slippers instead of shoes when on the elliptical *Ü* (I'm not sure if they'd go for that at Gold's Gym).

And fitness isn't just about cardio, so we have a full set of weights, a leg press, a calf machine as well as a full bench system. Add a ball, kettlebells and resistance bands ... as I mentioned, I'm pretty dang spoiled with this set up! Personally, I really like the treadmill (I know many really prefer running outdoors), but I have NO excuses not to work out with all this just a few steps away.

It's always nice and cool in the gym (sometimes a little TOO cool in the Winter months, but that is just a motivator to get moving). I like to lock the door when on the treadmill, but there is a little window into the room that the kids can safely poke their head in if they need me. Whereas sometimes it can be hard to get away for a solid hour, I can almost always slip away for 20 minutes here and there. In fact, the little ones sometimes get a bit spooked by "the basement" and don't want to be down there alone ... it doesn't matter if I'm in the same room, as long as I'm on the same level ... so the two little boys will say "Mom, I want to go downstairs, will you go exercise?"

... both Gray and I DO have a membership at Gold's too ... because alas, as wonderful as this gym is, we can't play racquetball in it.

Keaton's Corner

*** BLOGS go backwards, so do these journal entries ... Keaton started writing about halfway through 2011, start at the bottom and read UP to get the posts in chronological order ***



1225 (Sunday)  Today is CHRISTMAS! I got some of my favorite chips called, “takis.” They’re baked corn tortillas covered in chili. I also got my favorite game Super Mario Bros Wii, a BUGS BUNNY hat, a board game called BLOCKUS, black and white Nike socks, and all the candy in my stocking. This was a really fun Christmas.

1218 (Sunday) At grandma’s today, we played bingo, ping pong and a candy bar/money game. It was really fun even though I got $1, Callahan got $10 and Landon got $5. I got an extra large size Reese’s. And at church today, I got a large sized Reese’s! My brothers were jealous.

1211 (Sunday) I had another game yesterday and we won! I was still coughing a lot that game, but it was still fun. My coach has 4 other teams! He coaches my team, 2 girl teams, (with his daughter) my brothers Jr. Jazz team, and a Copper Hills, 7^th grade B team. His name is Klint and he is one crazy guy.

1204 (Sunday) Jr. Jazz started this last week. My practices are on Friday from 6:00-8:00pm! I had a game last Saturday and won by 11 points! It was fun , except that I was benched half of the game because I was coughing a lot. I have been sick for a very, very long time.

1127 (Sunday) Last Thursday, it was Thanksgiving! We went to our grandma’s house. Every Thanksgiving, my grandma gets my favorite ham. It is the best ham ever!!! My cousins brought flavored and colorful jello. It was orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple in one! It also had whipped cream on top!  

1120 (Sunday) A few weeks ago, my family preordered MW3! It is so fun. We beat the campaign mode on the day we got it

1113 (Sunday)  Last Thursday was my mom’s birthday and we got her a ping pong table! It is so much fun having you play your friends on it. We played ping pong with a strobe light. It almost made us puke and get blinded. But it was funny.

1106 (Sunday) My family went to our grandma and grandpa’s house today to see some of our cousins. We went downstairs to play ping pong. First we played against our cousins, it was fun. Then we played each other. Then mom came downstairs to play ping pong against us one at a time. She was surprised how good we were at it, even though none of us beat her. My mom is quite the player when it comes to…PING PONG!

1030 (Sunday) Yesterday I went to my grandma’s house. We made sugar cookies. It was so much fun. My cousin , Will, was rolling his dough and says, “grandma, the dough is sticking to the roll.” Grandma says, “maybe some flour will help.” So she pours some flour on the dough and the roll. But Will said that it was still sticking. So Will pours all of the flour on the table and then rolls it. When Will’s cookies were done he decorated them. First, he put frosting on the cookie and then sprinkled a whole bottle of sprinkles! It was so fun.

1023 (Sunday) Two days ago, my mom made my dream cookies! They are called COOKIE PRESS COOKIES! I like the m fresh out of the oven and from out of the freezer. She usually makes them at special holidays. She made orange, pumpkin shaped cookies this week. This month is October, and Halloween is like a pumpkin.

1016 (Sunday)  Last Friday, the scouts went to the sand dunes. It was so much fun. We went for two days. The first night, we played capture the flag from 9:00-1:00!! My team won all of the games! I had a very nice sleep that night. The next morning, we went to the dunes and sand boarded. It was so fun!

1008 (Sunday) In the game, pokemon, Landon has all six of his pokemon level one hundred! It will at least take you 2-3 days to get a pokemon level one hundred. Same with Callahan. He has all of his pokemon level one hundred. I’m trying to get all of my pokemon level one hundred, but it’s taking me a long time.

1002 (Sunday)  Me, Landon and Callahan all started playing pokemon! Some people think that pokemon is stupid because nerds play it. But we still think that it is fun. Callahan is playing in the KANTO region, Landon is playing in the HOENN region, and I am playing in the SINNOH region. Pokemon have really weird names a lot. Like PIKACHU, CHARMANDER, or SNORELAX. POKEMON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

092511 (Sunday) After church, I went to my grandma’s house to have a baby blessing. The baby’s name was Amare. His father is named Adrian and his mother is named Ana. His brother is named Aiden. Aiden is big trouble maker.

0918 (Sunday) The sixteenth Utah vs BYU in history was yesterday!!! Utah won by forty-four points!! BYU have won six games and Utah won 8! And my brother, Landon, said that BYU vs Utah made a world record of the worlds biggest dodgeball game!!



0911 (Sunday) Yesterday the new series of nerf guns came out! They were called the vortex series. They shoot little, foam discs. They seem painless but they hurt! There are four guns of vortex. The first gun is called the PROTON. The second gun is called the VIGILON. The third gun is called the PRAXIS. And the last gun is called the NITRON. My brothers Callahan and Landon got a gun the day it came out. (Yesterday) Callahan got the VIGILON, and Landon got the NITRON. Landon is lucky that he got the NITRON because it is automatic! It also has a scope that has a green light in the scope! The NITRON can hold twenty discs! Callahan got the VIGILON. It can hold up to five discs. And it can shoot very far!

0905 (Monday) This morning my dad was thinking of going to Walmart. And they have nerf guns at Walmart. We’ve been doing all of these sorts of nerf wars out on our front yard. So me, Landon, Callahan, and Colton went to Walmart with my dad. Colton and I bought nerf guns. I bought a gun that was as big as my little brother, Colton. It was called the LONGSTRIKE. It’s a sniper, even though it doesn’t shoot very far I still like it. It was 30 dollars.  Colton bought a gun called the SPECTURE. It’s a powerful gun that shoots 5 darts that whistle. Dad bought a nerf gun for Cooper. Cooper was sick at our house. He wanted and got the gun from my dad called the DEPLOY CS-6. It can fold up and it has a red flashlight!

August 28 (Sunday) Today is Cooper’s birthday! He didn’t want to go to church today because the weather man said that it would be rainy and stormy. He also didn’t want to go to church because it’s his BIRTHDAY!!! So he didn’t go to church that day because he was crying, sobbing and pouting. For his birthday I gave him all of my signed basketball cards. He also got a RAY ALLEN SIGNATURE!! Ray Allen is one of my favorite basketball players! He also got a LeBron James jersey! His friend gave him a big lego set. And also, there’s just three more days until MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!

August 21 (Sunday) Me and my brothers got new Nerf guns. We play with them all the time in our basement. We have four pistols, a shotgun and an automatic. We play with the guns in a hallway with the lights on, or off. I like it better, lights off. We also have to play with vests and goggles. We sometimes play with two lives.

Callahan's Weekly Reports (2011)

BLOGS go BACKWARD ... so do these entries ... to read them in chronological order, start at the bottom and read up ... *Ü*

1225 (Sunday) So today was Christmas. I got a ripstick which was the thing that I think was the best. The Nike socks I got were really good, too. The ripstick is so much smaller. I also got the 1st and 2nd season of George Lopez. I also got a TON of Skittles and Starbursts. The first NBA games were today. The Celtics lost by 2 which made Landon and Keaton mad. The Bulls won by one to the Lakers which is the best!  The new Clippers play the Golden State Warriors and they will probably win.

1218 (Sunday) On Sunday we went to Maga’s and played the candy bar game. I love the candy bar game. I got 10 dollars in the envelope. I also got Mike and Ikes. On Saturday we lost because Cody and I were off. I got elbowed in the face and I got the foul. I wish our school was out. The Jordan School district is so weird!

1127 (Sunday) So Brian’s team asked me to be in a AAU tournament with them. I did and we went 2 and 1. We never really “lost” a game. Our “first” game that we had no idea about it because of the schedule was messed up. We might have been in the finals if we could’ve played them and won. It was still fun. I will also play on their Jr. Jazz team. 3 games a day on Saturday starting this week.

1121 (Monday) Practice today! Ya Buddy! Basketball is the best sport ever. At school I’m getting famous for paracord. I’m gonna bring all the paracord bracelets that I don’t wear and sell them. I’ll make a bit of mula! I’m still addicted to ping pong. I’m getting way good and I almost beat mother! But I still have a long way to go.

1114 (Monday) We got Modern Warfare 3 a couple days ago. It is the best!  I made the A-Team in Copper Hills basketball. I have practice today. I can’t wait! I want to see how my coach coaches. School started again on Monday, I missed the weekend. Also the little kids went back to school. HAHAHAHA!

1106 (Sunday) Ping pong is the best! or should I call it table tennis. My mom is talking about getting one. It would be the best! We would kiss that foosball table goodbye. We had our last basketball game on Saturday We lost  by 9. It was against Mason and Rowland. I wish they were on our team still. Mason made at least 8 threes in the 4^th quarter. It was a sad day.  I still did well though. Mason is an up and down person with me in basketball.

1029 (Sunday) I did after school hockey on Thursday before open gym. It sucked! I got hit in the hand by this older kid. On Saturday I had another game, it was against Steve’s team. We won by 30 I think. Everyone scored besides Hayden. We tried for the last 5 minutes of the game. He was so close but then missed.

1022 (Sunday) Yesterday was the funnest! Jared’s berfday party was the best! The paintball people didn’t show up though. When we got back from the Southtown Expo Center we did airsoft wars. Stockton had his rifle and pistols and Brenden and Jared had shotguns and pistols. I used Jared’s pistol and I was the best. I never got hit and hit them like every time. Then we had a game. We won 75-20. I got 11 points and 14 assists. I  could’ve had a lot more points but I was being a good passer. Everyone scored too! Landon also found this thing with my dad singing “MY SCROTUM,” he did it like 2 more times. It was really funny!

1016 (Sunday) We left for the dunes Friday afternoon. It took two hours to get there. We played Monopoly all the way there. The dunes were really fun! Capture the Flag was the best! I got the flag the first time then we switched teams. I was on Landon’s and Keaton’s team. We won the series 3-1. Then on the way back we continued on Monopoly and I won! I got back in time for my game and we won. I had 15 points. It was a fun game. Then today we went to Clay’s house for Will’s and Addie’s berfday!

1008 (Sunday) On Saturday I had a game. But in the morning my shoulder really hurt! I still went to my game. It takes a lot for me to miss a game. I still did good. It still hurts now but not as much then last time. I’m not looking forward to school. My mom and I finished my Utah Studies project today. It’s not due till Friday but I’m glad it’s done.  Now I don’t have to worry about it.

1004 (Tuesday) On Saturday we versed Gena’s team. She crushed our team last time. This time we won by 4 points. I scored 16 points I’m pretty sure. My friend told me about this West Hills basketball camp. I went today and it was really fun. Jacob was there last time and Ben was there both times. They do it a couple more times.  Another plane crashed in West Jordan at the soccer fields. Luckily no one was at the place when it crashed. It was made out of fiberglass. One person died and another seriously injured.

0925 (Sunday) On Saturday we had our second game. We won 51-28 I think. I had a really good game, I had 30 points and in that I had 5 threes. It was against my friend Ben. He is in my CTE class. I don’t want to go to school tomorrow. School has been really boring lately. But at least I get to see my friends.

0918 (Sunday)  We had our first game on Saturday we won 40-27. I had 19 points I also made three threes. Then at 5:30 I went to Stockton’s birthday party. Jared, Brenden, Parker and a lot of other people were there. It was really fun because we did night games and the Utes TRASHED BYU!

0911 (Sunday) The new nerf guns came out on 9/10/11 I got one and Landon got one. Mine is a pistol and Landon’s is huge and fully automatic. Keaton is gonna get one and I want the one he wants, too. I can’t wait to have a big nerf war Monday. I’ve probably spent a lot of money on nerf guns already. Time to spend some more!

0904 (Sunday) So we have been doing nerf wars a lot! Colton got a gun, Keaton got another gun and Cooper got a gun. So we made our own setup in the yard. We got a lot of people to play today. On Saturday Taylee got baptized at 9:30 then Cooper got baptized at 3. After Cooper’s we had the chocolate fountain which was really yummy!

0828 (Sunday) I went to my school on Thursday and it was pretty easy to get to my classes. I couldn’t open my locker till the end of school. Then I went to Stockton’s house last week twice. Brenden and Jared were there the first time then Brenden was there the second again. We had the last basketball of the season on Saturday. We lost but I had a good game. It was both Mason’s last game with us and Ty’s. Then Monday is the official first day of school.

0821 (Sunday) So all the sudden Mom buys 2 Nerf sets. Landon buys both and we start doing Nerf wars. Landon and I see guns we want on Nerf.com. I go to Walmart with Mom, Colton and Landon. We get our guns and do Nerf Wars more often. Now everyone is looking for more guns to buy. Then on Saturday the whole stake of young men and women are doing service projects. After that I have a game against the team we beat before. We won by 20, I had a really good game so did Masonx2.

0814 (Sunday) I lost my basketball game by 1 point on Saturday. Joey made a buzzer but his foot was on the line. At my Middle School my classes are close together. Yeah!

0807 (Sunday) Dad took me on a stupid hike for Keaton, he made me go. I  missed Fast Offerings so I had to go it in 90 degree weather. On Saturday we lost by 6 because the refs were bad.

0731 (Sunday) When we went to the Waterslides at Classic it was way fun! They have 4 slides and water bounce houses. We were there for 3 and a half hours. I did the waterslides the most of the time! On Saturday I had my game against Keaton’s coach’s older team. We lost but not by a lot. It was a 5 point game, so we had pretty good game. I had 6 points myself and a lot of assists. It was a fun game.

0727 (Wednesday) So I went to Steiner for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, but I had to go home Wednesday because I got Altitude sickness. But before that I went fishing with Gary, Bryce, Travis and Chance. I caught 2 fish! I could’ve got 4 but Travis took the line away from me. I also got the First Aid Merit Badge and the Rifle Merit Badge. Dad took up the paracord while he was there. We will be flushed out of paracord because we had it for Monday Tuesday and Wednesday, then he is taking it to Youth Conference Wednesday-Saturday. Smith and Edwards hopefully be stocked again.

0724 (Sunday) So we went to Jump N' Bounce a lot over the month because we had a month pass. We went with Ryland and Ridley, then Stockton's family then Tony, Mark and Mara. We also went to Kearns, a while ago, it was so fun! I kept doing front flips off of diving boards. Then Dad, Landon and me went to Smith and Edward's for paracord, there was like no paracord at all! We got 1000 feet of white and that's all! Then on the way home we went to Army Navy Surplus and no paracord again! But Landon got throwing knives! Then we went to 7-11 and got Slurpies. We also got In N' Out and played frisbee.

0717 (Sunday) I had my 5 month late berfday party yesterday, it was so fun! I got 80 bucks total! We had a dunk tank and a lot of water stuff! We had the best chocolate cake ever! :) I got a big sunburn though, it hurts so bad! We also did mentos and bottle rockets, and as party favors we did paracord. It was the best berfday party ever!

0711 (Monday)  I went to Stockton’s house and we played Black Ops and had a basketball game in the house. He won me in the games but in 3 point contests and free throw contests I won him, but it was on a mini pro hoop inside. Then we went to Jump N’ Bounce and then the rest of my family went too! Travis came too. We played Tag, it was so fun! I barely got tagged. When we were done I went back to Stockton’s. We played a game to 100 on a 10 foot hoop.  I won 100 to 77! I was on Fire!

0707 (Thursday) So we went to breakfast at The Outpost before we went swimming at Grandma’s. The Outpost is way good! I had pancakes and hashbrowns, HASHBROWNS ARE GREAT!   J Then when we went swimming and it was pretty fun. Then after everyone was hungry again so we went to Wendy’s and had a lot of CHICKEN NUGGETS! Then the fries were really good too. Then Landon found out another weave the “KBK” it is awesome and a easy weave. I LOVE PARACORD! J

0704 (Monday) Today we went to Clayton’s house and had a waterslide and had a lot of food. We tried to getAunt Livi in the water again, she kept locking herself in the bathrooms so me and Landon finally got in the bathrooms. Then my dad and Clay got her outside and we dumped water on her! It was awesome! The first try her pants fell down! It was pretty funny. Then we got icewater and dumped it on her. When she got close to the pool my dad pushed her in! :) Then we went home and watched fireworks with Bailey, Jacob and my mom. There was awesome fireworks this year! Happy 4th of July!

0703 (Sunday) So Kolby, Jami, Maddy and Mia cam back into town. We went to Maga’s on Thursday and had hotdogs in 95 degree weather. It was way HOT!!!! I also got my iPod case, it is red. It looks so awesome on my iPod. We also had are last day of school on Friday and everyone was crying for some reason. Dakotah and Haley were crying like the whole day. I am so glad that it was are last day even though it was a little sad because not a lot of people are going to my same middle school. SCHOOL’S OUT FOR SUMMER!

0626 (Sunday) Yesterday I had my second 7th 8th grade game. We lost but we did okay against a big, huge, gigantic team! It was 47-30. I had 15 points. :) I made 2 threes and a couple other shots. Mason had 7 points to add on. Then I went to the Carnival after. It was really fun! The sunk tank was really crowded. I went in it 3 times, 4 times if you count getting thrown in. Travis, Jared, Jacob, Bailey and I kept throwing water balloons at parents. I went in the pie eating contest but Landon pushed my face in and my braces ripped some inside tissue. It was bleeding for a while. Then we went to the Demolition Derby with Bailey, Travis and Jacob. Number 12 and M80 won! It was so fun! :)

0619 (Sunday) So my team had their first 7th and 8th grade game. I was really worried at first but then we came out powerful and full of energy. We started a 5-0 run! At halftime we doubled their score. I had 11 points and quite a bit of assists. I also got a new game ton my Ipod that's called Hanging with Friends. It is so fun! I am doing pretty good for a rookie(I think.)

0612 (Sunday) SO the Finals are over and Dallas won. Went to game 6 not game 7 sadly. But it was a good series. :) My mom got NBA Jam for the Xbox 360, it is so fun!!! Now I'm not used to it on the iPod. We also saw Ana and Adrian's baby, Amare. He is so small :) and cute! I can't wait to see him again. School tomorrow :( Don't really want to go.

0605 (Sunday) So we went to Bear Lake yesterday for a mini trip. We had the FAMOUS raspberry shakes. YUM! They are great. I couldn't get to sleep because Landon and Keaton were being annoying! We also went to the playground and we got spun on the spinny thing. We finally got home and missed church. Cooper and Colton were REALLY inpatient during the drive home.

0529 (Sunday) So I did a AAU tournament with Klint and we lost every game but it was a fun time! :) The first game I had 23 points and 6 assists. The other coach told his players to make sure I didn't get the ball. The 2nd and 3rd game were blowout games. I wasn't as happy as usual. I'll admit when I'm losing I don't take it very well. The 3rd game had a TALL kid that was VERY GOOD. It wasn't even funny it was crazy! We also found stuff called Paracord. It is AWESOME! We make wristbands, I have made like 20 of them!

0410 (Sunday) Yesterday I won my basketball game..........again. :) It gonna take a lot of effort for a team to win us. We won 65-14. Another 50 points win. It's getting a little boring now, JUT KIDDING! Well it's not AS fun but still fun. :) I'm waiting for the game againt Steve and Brian(COLE/HUNTER).

0403 (Sunday) On Saturday I had a game again. We had it easy.......again! We won by 52! The highest scoring game we have ever had! I had 21 points and 12 assists! A DOUBLE DOUBLE! Mason had 22 and Stockton had 12. Cooper's soocer season has started now. I went to his first game. They won by a couple goals. There was also a yard sale Colton was at for mostly the whole day. :) He probably spent at least 5 bucks.

0326 (Sunday) So finally basketball season started up again. I am so HAPPY! We won 62-15. I had 10 points 4 assists. I only got half the playing time as last season, because Mason is back as the 1 with me. I found an old magic trick that is super awesome! :) I am like addicted to it! I also got my 2nd class for scouts.

0320 (Sunday) On Friday I went to the West Desert for a Scout Camp. We stayed overnight and Cody, Bryce, Chance, and Tyler were singing all night which was ANNOYING! All of them went outside and their tent collapsed! They had to sleep outside which was pretty funny. Then Saturday we made breakfast and I ate 3 pancakes, 2 sausage (which I cooked) and 5 bacon. YUM! Then we shot the shotgun and the 22 rifle. On the shotgun I hesitated but I did it. It hurts for a 1/2 of a second then you feel better. I went to Stockton's when I got home and we played a basketball game to 100 points. I won by 4 points. I made a 3 when the score was 97 to 96. We also watched the BYU game. It was really fun!

0313 (Sunday) So I had my first time passing the sacrament today. Everyone put pressure on me and I don't know why. I had to pass it to the Bishop and his counselors today which people say is hard but it isn't. It is actually pretty cool passing the sacrament. First week as a Deacon wasn't bad. My basketball seasons are over which sucks but Spring season is coming up it 2 weeks.

0306 (Sunday) Callahan didn't write in his journal today ... WHY? Because he is sick, and has been sick for days now. He was sick on Wednesday and couldn't go to his Superleague game ... and without him (and two other players) they lost, so that was the end of the season. He missed four days of school. He missed church on Sunday. Poor kid is hungry but nothing sounds good to eat. He's been living on the couch in the family room.

0227 (Sunday) Well today I got ordandided to a Decan. That means no more primary! WOOHOOO! On Saturday I went to Powow, more boringness. Rowland was in my class. The YO-YO tricks. I saw some people on the other team in the Championship game(That we won.) We did the Fun Shot thing but didn't win. Plus we can late and the dude was like, "Can't do it anymore." It was retarded. And then Klint canceled the team party so we have it next week which sucks more!

0220 (Sunday) We had our game yesterday, and it was our final and championship game! :) It is against the team we played at the first of the season. We won that team by 13 and it was our least scoring game(35-22.) It was another low scoring game but we still won. :) The score was 41 to 36. I was on fire at the first part! I hit 3 3's and a couple more shots.

0213 (Sunday) On Saturday, we had to wake up earlier because of the scouts Powow. It was the most boring thing ever! And it was even for three hours! But then we had our basketball game. We won( as usual.) We played at West Jordon Middle. That court is way better than the CopperHills court! It was another blowout (as usual.) So now we play Darin Birch's team that we won by 13 the first time. 

0129 (Saturday) Today I actually played for the church ball team. :) We were down by 10 points at least, yet we still won by 8. I didn't score but Cody said I made the right pass and that I did really good. But what is really awesome is that I'm not 12 and you have to be 12 to play for the church team. So I went to my rec game at 6. Maga and Rex came and saw me play. It was my best game and we played Jacob and Jared's team. It was a big blow out and I mean BIG BLOW OUT! 61 to 23 was the score. :) I went to Wendys after the game.....................................finally. I was wanting to go to Wendys forever! So that was it. :)

0128 (Friday) Today I went to the Timberwloves game. Clay took us early and I got some signatures from the Jazz and the Timberwolves. :) Deron Williams wasn't there so that was a bummer. I got a Utah Jazz hat which is super awesome! Landon and me screamed our heads off. It was really fun. :) I thought me voice would leave me but it didn't which was good. Me throat was sore though. The Jazz finally broke their loosing streak with a 108 to 100 win. Hehe! :)

0127 (Thursday) I had a ortho appointment today. I got these springs in my mouth that really sucks. :( Then I went to a derby with my dad and got $20. Some kids were really annoying. Then I got home and went to sleep.

0126 (Wednesday) I went to the church thinking I had scouts but my mom comes in and says that it was canceled so I played basketball to 8:10 (I started at 7). Then we went to my game at Bennion at 9 o'clock at night! It was another blow out team. We won by 20 or something.

0122 (Saturday) Friday we had 2 practices, the first one at Reggie's then Klint's. We had Stockton over after Reggie's then we went to Klint's. Colton fell and cut his lip and his lip got about a inch wide! Then our game Saturday was another blow out. 50 to 20 we won. But their team were poor sports.

0119 (Wednesday) I went to school then felt bad so I went home sick. I didn't barf or anything for awhile. But I finally barfed and had diarrhea. But I still went to my super league game at West High. We won by a long shot.

0117 (Monday) Monday we were out of school and I was bored, until I went over to Stockton's house. It was fun because we had Parker over, Tanner over, and Brenden over. We played “Hide and Seek,” I seeked only twice. Yeah so that was really fun. Then I went to Nickelmania with my family and I saw a game that I remember that I bought for my iPod. It is called “Galaga.”

0116 (Sunday) Well this week I went to Classic Skating which was really fun! Haley called me and said that she could take me so I went with her Kevin, Courtney, Kari and Kevin's sister. Then on Wednesday we played the undefeated team the "Riverton Heat." We won by 3 points which was good because we didn't want to have a 2 game losing streak. Then on my other league (Jr. Jazz) we played Cole, Bo, and Mason's team. I was waiting for this game as soon as the season started. The first quarter was a breeze and tooked a 11-0 run. But they came back in the 4th quarter to put it to a 4 point game. But than we came out to win by 8. My mom made a video (which is awesome!) of the game. I did pretty great! Just kidding I did awesome! I got 20 points. But Rowland was about to blow because this crazy kid like tackled him! It was very crazy! I also hurt my knee on a layup. I played the whole game(again.) So that's all I looked forward to and all that did happen this week really.

0109 (Sunday) Well I started school Monday because we had our Christmas break which kind of sucked. But on the up side this week I started basketball again. I had basketball practice twice on Monday. Then I had a super league game which we lost by 1 by the same team that won us last year by one. We were kind of mad...............fine we were really mad. We still have a better record then them. Next week we play the undefeated team which sucks again because then we might be on a two gamelosing streak. Then on Saturday we had a rec game. We won 47 to 23 which gave me another boost for the next game when we play Mason's team, also on Saturday I was a Cole's house so I went to his game and saw Mason and Hunter. They lost to the team we played last week and won by about 15. That sucks for them but our team is still undefeated. My mom made a sweet video of my game which I always love watching. I almost got a double double which means that I almost got double digits in points and assits, but it could a different statistics like rebounds, steals, blocks and others but I got 11 points and 9 assits in the VIDEO, so I still might've got another assit in the game and other points. I really want to know.

0102 (Sunday) On New Years Eve cousins came over. The first hour was boring then some people played "Just Dance." Derek and Danielle brang it. Derek really wanted to see Grandma and Grandpa dance. Then we played board games. There was Apples to Apples, Rat a tat Cat, Farkle (which was a new game Grandma tought me), Pictureka and that was about it. I stayed up till about 2 or 3. I fell asleep in Napolean Dynimite. We went to Maga's the next day to .............well I really don't know. Adrain, Ana, Dad and I played Electronic Monopoly. I did good then sucked then sucked more than I destroyed Ana. The game probably went on for 3 hours but who knows. Cooper and Mom got a haircut. Mom and Dad are really glad Cooper got a haircut from Livi. Then today I was just really bored.