Life is like a box of..... ♥♥♥♥♥

Bonnie Jean Westmoreland

2011-03-30T09:56:00.000-07:00

This past week our family got together to celebrate the life of the sweetest woman I have ever known. Matt's Grandma, Bonnie Jean Westmoreland, went to live with Jesus and Moto (as the kids put it) on Monday March 21st 2011.

She was so wonderful. From the very first time I met her, she took me into the family. I remember asking her what I should call her, Bonnie or Grandma, she said that Grandma was fine =) and from there on I was very lucky to get to call her that. She had the greatest smile and the cutest most sincere laugh ever. Even when we couldnt make it out for a while, we would cathc up just like there hadnt been a gap in time. She loved our kids even though there seemed to be a new one everytime we showed up. Amazingly enough in all of the time we spent chasing our kids around their house, we only broke one figurine.

She was beautiful, patient, kind, funny, understanding, and just all around wonderful. Grandma, I wish we had more time together, but I know you are in a better place. I know I am only one of many people that will miss you always. I love you and rest in peace.

Please take a few minutes and check out her Tribute Website and her PhotoAlbum.

• Santa Monica •

2011-03-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

This past week has been nothing less than stressful, but I was able to sneak away for a day to go to Santa Monica with my family. We had our Colorado relatives out for spring break and they were ready for some beach action!! Even though it was really REALLY cold out, it was still a gorgeous day.

2011-01-23T18:40:00.000-08:00

Oh My Gosh!!!!! It has been a year and a haf since I last updated!!!! LOL, that has to be a joke!! =) With that said I will be updating very soon. We currently do not have internet at our new house, so Feb 4th will be the day!! =) Im excited!! See you all then ;)

Zuma Beach

2009-09-21T18:37:00.000-07:00

This summer we got a chance to go to Zuma Beach with Kathy and Eddie. Here are some of the photos from our good time

♥Preschool♥

2009-09-21T18:11:00.000-07:00

Wednesday September the 16th was Ryders first day of preschool, and I got to go with him. The parents have to help out in the classroom four times during the session, so of course I set up my day as the first day of school. Ryder was so excited to go, he has been asking to go to school since he was about 3!!! I think it was everything he had hoped for and more!! In fact he likes it so much he has requested that he get to go all by himself this week..... he just doesn't need me like he used to!!

There are more pictures on my moms camera that I will share later. It is amazing how big he has gotten and how much he has grown up!! I l*ve you "little" man!!

School.....

2009-09-15T09:12:00.000-07:00

So school is going to have to wait till next semester. Unfortunately, when I went to try to crash my classes, there was not any room for me. The way the school does it is if there are any students that want to add the class, if there is an opening,will be added by their priority registration date. So there were like 10-20 people in each of my classes that wanted to add. And there were about 5 that still had July dates, mine was Aug. 1st at 10:00am. So there was not any room for me this semester. But I will be going down to the school to use their math lab to get a customized lesson plan to help me be better at doing the calculations in my head. There is also supposed to be open testing for Air Traffic Control in January, which I am studying for. So yeah. Looks like it will hopefully be taking off in January =) YAY!!

Muttin Bustin'

2009-09-14T18:14:00.000-07:00

Ryder has joined the Rodeo, the sheep riding rodeo that is. Thats right, my little man rode like a pro!!!

I think Matt was more nervous than Ryder was.

In the days before the actual ride, Matt got Ryder all pumped up. He was practicing the fall more than he was the actual holding on. But man, he went down like a pro!!!

Matt was so proud of him. There was another little boy that backed out at the last minuet, but Ryder climbed right on and went for it. Matt even told him that if he didnt want to do it, he just had to say so. But Ryder was sure and stuck to his guns.

Well, he looked way more sure before he did it.

And the prize winning t-shirt..... that he wont stop wearing.

Hi, my name is.....

2009-09-14T14:52:00.000-07:00

Christine and im addicted to couponing and sale shopping. Hi Christine.

I guess there could be worse things in life to be addicted to. Here are a few glimpses into the life of a person addicted to couponing and sale shopping.....

Yes, alphabetized coupons.

..... and loot. Just looking at these pictures makes me all happy inside.....

Safety First.....

2009-09-14T14:11:00.000-07:00

So a while back we had gone riding with Kathy and Eddie. Nice day, we all had a great time..... Ryder, Kayden and Mason started running down this pretty steep hill..... good times, but of course it always gets more daring..... so Ryder grabs his bike, no helmet. Gives it a try..... SUCCESS!!! No falls or scrapes, we are all cheering. Goes a few more times, no helmet, more cheering. Im pretty sure it was me that suggested the helmet. Ok, helmet on, bike ready, cheers.....

Umm......yeah.

Editors Note: Ryder only suffered minor bruises and continues to ride. Mom on the other hand is severely scared and suffers from a guilty conscience.

A New Man.....

2009-07-25T10:19:00.000-07:00

Before:

After:

Yep, thats right, the curls are gone and its a little boy cut for Mason!! Courtesy of me, mommy --Smile, and bow-- My little boy is so handsome!!

The 4th Of July

2009-07-07T13:16:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, on the Forth of July, I had to work. I was really bummed, but Matt took the kids to see the fireworks with Kathy and Eddie, so I felt a little better.

Matt and the kids hanging out waiting for the show to start.....

Watching the show.....

Dang my kids are so stinking cute!!!!!!

Jesse & Jillian

2009-07-07T12:28:00.000-07:00

Photo By: Craig A. Boisvert

On June 26, 2009 my brother Jesse and his love, Jillian, started their new lives as man and wife. The ceremony was beautiful and perfect. Gorgeous flowers, excellent weather, very good looking people, a handsome groom and a gorgeous bride, what more could you want from a wedding. It was so wonderful getting to see all of the people from mine and Jesse's childhood, and reminiscing about being young. Seeing how we have all grown up so much, started famlies of our own, started careers, moved. Its amazing where life takes us. It was also great getting to see family from out of town and to meet new extended family. We all danced and drank the night away.

Matt and I also got to spend some romantic time together and we both looked amazing. I even got Matt to dance with me!!!! I know, I was shocked. It was a wonderful weekend. I cant wait to see what Jesse and Jillian's life together will bring. I love you guys!!! Congrats!!!

The day from h-e-double-L.....

2009-07-01T11:39:00.000-07:00

It all started with our huge lug of a non-obedient dog.....

This is Moto.....

Now, please keep in mind, this picture was taken 7 months ago!!!! He is now the size of a cow, and weighs as much..... at least.

Ok so I just took some new pictures of our cow, Moto, just to show you the sheer immenseness of him.....

His big cow face.....

The cow's couch.....

And finally his ginormous paws....

So, now that you have the full picture of his bigness..... the start of the day.

The kids decided that they all wanted to go out and play, which is great, I love when they get out there and run around. But then here comes Moto, running up and knocking the kids down like they are bowling pins and believe me he definitely got a strike. So being the good mom that I am ---at least for that moment---- I step in to wrangle the charging cow. He spins me all around, im yelling sit and smacking his but, he sits and turns his head, twisting my arm and then he starts chewing on my arm. This probably went on for a good 10 mins before I went inside and gave up --- well more like pouted and told Matt to train his rotten dog!!!----LOL, they are always his when they are misbehaving--- Exhausted, i decided to play on the internet.

Then come nap time.

I put the kids down for their nap at 1030am, they were running around whining and fighting..... what better time than then.

They do not go to sleep till 230!!!!!!!!!!!! The whole time I am in and out of there talking, pleading, yelling.... and so on and so on. I even resorted to telling Ryder that he was going to have to live with strangers if he didnt start listening..... this threat worked for a minuet, until he says---- with big sad eyes----.... and i quote " but mommy, I might miss you!" DAMN IT!!!! He always knows how to get me!!!

So, I then packed all of their toys into bags, all of their stuffed animals, and all of my stuff on shelves that they are always playing with. And they are GROUNDED from their toys! Yes, this is the first time that I have had to ground my kids. I never really thought it would happen, but here we are.

Then to work I go.

LOL, yeah, so my gas light had been on for a while, and as I pulled out of the drive way I had forgotten. The way that I go to work, there are no gas stations on the way, so I was hoping that I would be able to make it to the one right next door to Chili's. I made it to the exit on the freeway, down the ramp, and had to push my Tahoe off the rest of the ramp, around the corner and to the curb. Umm Yeah. Sucky!!! I was pouring sweat. So I called my mom, who brought me a gallon of gas, we put it in...... and Im trying to start it, and I kill the battery!!!!!!!! AGHHHHH! So then I am left to call AAA. They came by, towed the Tahoe and I to the mall parking lot, gave me 5 more gallons of gas and jump started the Tahoe. And I made it to work..... 1.5 hours late!

After a day like yesterday, I think I should just sleep all day today!!! Anyone object??

"Foreign" Language Dictionary.....

2009-06-30T12:50:00.000-07:00

I have decided that I must be speaking a foreign language to my kids. When I speak to them they look at me strangely, but smile and nod maybe chuckle a little, and hightail it to the other room. (Mind you, this is my exact action when I have either not heard or understood something said by another person.) Ok, so once in the other room, it is my understanding that they pull out an "Understanding Mommy Language, Version 3, Dictionary" and translate what I say.

Here are some common translation:

Mommy Says: Leave the fruit alone. It is not ripe and will not taste good.

Translation: Please, good sir, eat all of my expensive juicy delicious fruit, and then hide it under my coffee table, for that is where we put all unfinished food. Thank you so much =) Have a wonderful day! =)

Mommy Says: Take a nap. We have things to do today.

Translation: Please, good sir, ITS PLAY TIME!!! ROCK AND ROLL!!! YEAH BABY!!! Thank you so much =) Have a wonderful day! =)

Mommy says: Do not go pee in your bed or on the floor. It is disgusting and smells really bad.

Translation: This here, good sir, is the restroom. Feel free to relieve yourself in any corner, toy box, or bed that is not occupied. And if it is occupied, just dont splash any on the walls. Thank you so much. =) Have a wonderful day! =)

Mommy Says: Stay out of the dog food and dog water. It is not to play in!

Translation: Please, good sir, throw this here dog food, all around the house and dance on it. Be sure to soak it in the water first, it sticks better that way. Thanks so much. =) Have a wonderful day! =)

Mommy says: DO NOT PLAY IN THE WATER OUTSIDE OR TURN ON THE HOSE!!

Translation: Please, good sir, we are having a wet t-shirt contest and need you to be in charge of soaking everyone. Be sure to make it really muddy and get the dogs. Everyone likes wet dogs and mud!! Also, good sir, wet yourself and roll in the mud..... it is the only way to win the contest. Thanks so much. =) Have a wonderful day! =) Oh yeah, good sir, be sure to sit on the couch, it is the winners chair. =)

Now that i have a better understanding of what i am saying to my children, maybe we can have a better day. Thanks so much. =) Have a wonderful day! =)

will be updating on...

2009-06-30T11:58:00.000-07:00

1. kids
2. jesse and jillians wedding
3. some new sites that i found
4. exercise and diet
5. and us in general

i am off tomorrow and plan on taking care of quite a bit of all of this.
Love you all!!

Mommy, your not a FAT GIRL anymore??

2009-06-23T08:21:00.000-07:00

SO i remeasured today---- and yes there are some changes!!!! YAY!!! If that isnt motivation, I dont know what is!!

Funny little story: I was talking to the kids yesterday morning and while getting them breakfast, and I was telling them how mommy needed to work out for the day when they took a nap, and mr. ryder says "Mommy, your not a FAT GIRL any more?!? ---- Thanks Bud!! =)

embarassing, but i need help.....

2009-06-16T13:10:00.000-07:00

OK, so here it goes..... I am going to count on you --- my friends, family and random followers (if any exist)--- to help keep me on track with encouragement, maybe harsh words (i may cry, just a warning), and most of all LOVE. Idealy I need to lose 40 pounds. YES that is the big, BIG 40!!! So I am going to lay it all out on here: my actual weight, height, measurments --- for your sake it will only be numbers, not pictures..... i dont want a blind following --- and I am going to keep an almost daily log on here of my exercise and food intake. Maybe I will put it in the side bar so my blog isnt taken over by only FAT thoughts!!! But please help me --- so no starbucks... ok maybe the tea, no eating out (only in a complete emergency), and so on. If anyone would like to join me in my efforts, please let me know, it could actually be fun..... and no Amy you are not allowed to partake in this, miss skinny minny (well you are only allowed to be part of the encouragement, harsh words, or love)..... once Mr. Maddox is here we may re-negotiate =) So im begging you all to help me out!!! Love you all!!!

A few updates....

2009-06-15T11:22:00.000-07:00

Here are some updates from the last few weeks...

1. Gabby graduated!! Yay for her. I remember when I first met her, she was just about to turn 13!!! OMG, time flies!!! Well congrats to my wonderful sister in law!! Love you!!!

2. I signed up for school and have picked a career path!!! I start in August at Mount San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) in Walnut Ca. I will be studying to be a Air Traffic Controller. This is going to require alot from Matt, the kids and I, but in the end it will be worth it. There may be a move sometime soon and alot of stress, but i think we will be fine =)

3. Jesse and Jillian's wedding is getting close so there have been parties and planning all coming together. There was a bridal shower that the girls put together... it was so much fun!!! And this past weekend was the Bachelorette party, which from what I saw they all had a blast!! I wish I could have been there, but as long as they had fun I am happy =) Next up, hair appointments, shopping, rehersals, maybe a few get toghthers.... lol, you never know. But most of all the wedding..... June 26th.

4. I have started working out. Yep I finally took the plunge after a horribly terifying photo of me..... lol, i know, can you believe it. So I have started working out to the "Biggest Loser DVD" I love it so much. It is not a bunch of little skinny minnies jumping around..... it is regular people who have some weight to lose..... just like me. =) Love it!!!

Well that is about it for updates....

a day at the park.....

2009-06-04T18:57:00.001-07:00

So the kids and I headed up to Fraizer Park to visit Amy, Emmitt, Alaina, and baby belly Maddox. We had lunch, fed the ducks, hung out, and played on the jungle gym.

Mason climbing up a ladder and scaring mommy.....

Kayden and Alaina hanging out.... they are besties =)

Ryder cracking up.....

Emmitt cracking up too.... Something must be funny...

Best buds feeding the ducks..... Dont worry Mason, Maddox is on his way to buddy up with you..... =)

movies......

2009-05-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

so the hubby and I rented the movie Marley and Me. I will probably never watch it again, but it was one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. Totally not what I expected. Even Matt cried.... yeah, that kind of movie. it definitely gets 5 stars from me... Also on the movie front, my friend Amy and I caught a movie the other day on our girls day..... ghosts of girlfriends past. I liked it as far as a chick flick goes, i mean come on.... who doesnt love a movie with both matthew McConaughey and jeniffer garner.... they are both fantastic!! but i think the ending/conclusion was just too easy for him to come to and to make the change to. But over all it is probably like every other movie that he is in or her for that matter..... i watch them over and over and over again. I just cant help it....

New Signature....

2009-05-26T08:49:00.000-07:00

amy, amy, amy.... you are seriously keeping me so busy on this blog..... lol, i love it. Thanks so much!!!

monday madness!! AGHHH!!!

2009-05-18T11:27:00.000-07:00

so far today.... we have spilled not one, not two, but three bowls of cereal on mommy's newly mopped floor.... pushed out the screen door, and fallen with it onto the floor....had mommy tell us 300,000 times not to mess with the screen door.....up-ended mommys nice stack of coupons onto the floor.... and gotten bit by an ant ---which im sure was much deserved--- when we destroyed its home....not eaten our food, but we have asked and asked for something different, by the way we love yogurt.....and only yogurt..... and can you believe that mommy is so mean that she is making us take a nap!!!! ughh!!!!..... we dont like mommy right now!!
---mommy's evil snickers in the background---

looking forward....

2009-05-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

to WEDNESDAY!!!! I get to have a girls day with one of my favorite people..... AMY!!! a day at the mall with girl talk and decaf Starbucks (we don't want maddox to freak out in Amy's belly....) seriously, what more could a girl ask for??? Yippee!!!

so i couldnt not go.....

2009-05-18T10:52:00.000-07:00

so kayden mason and i headed out to cal city the morning after ryder and matts camping trip.... i couldnt help it..... lol. we werent there long, the heat was unbearable (i am not about sweating in the sun.... yuck.) but while I was there I snapped a few pics....

one of the only good ones that I got of matt.... i really need a new camera..... still saving...

....just proof that I really was there...

ryder getting geared up to ride with daddy....

mason is so excited by dirt bikes, well really anything with two wheels. if there is one anywhere in sight he will not talk about anything else.

and miss kayden rearranging the scenery... lol a girl after my own heart....

One big step for little boy-kind....

2009-05-14T17:51:00.001-07:00

so ryder and matt are heading off into the desert for a night of camping and a day of riding. I am so nervous!!! I know everything will be ok, but I have not been away from my little boy, where he is out doing something and not tucked into his bed sleeping. ugggh, I wish I was more excited for him to be out having fun, but I am only excited to see him home again. one big step for little boy-kind, one awful horrible nerve-racking big step for mommy-kind.....

Rock Out ♪♫

2009-05-14T11:46:00.001-07:00

my babies are rockers at heart!! bath time is all about the mohawk...

for kayden it is called the hothawk, lol. we have tried correcting her, but she is convinced that that is what it is called. and the girl will argue it wholehartedly and all day...

ryder is going for the more trendy-hawk...

and little man mason is going for the scrubbed-hawk...

my adorable rockers...

your dogs dont eat bubbles???

2009-05-14T11:22:00.000-07:00

our dogs are crazy for bubbles!!! it is super funny to watch, just be sure to stay out of their way!!

which came first, man or gorilla??

2009-05-13T23:32:00.000-07:00

so I have come to the conclusion that this is the way that men get fat... all men gain it in about the same way, in the belly and the man boobs.... and in general, once they put on a few extra pounds they all look about like this...

tee hee.... see this is why I dont play sports where you have to get in front of people (well none at all actually)... its because I am not a nice person and I am too affraid of people thinking the same lame mean thoughts that I think while I sit there watching....

MOMMY!!!!! kiss my butt!!!!

2009-05-13T10:09:00.000-07:00

I love how kids have no sense of modesty!!! Kayden just fell and hit her butt on the corner of the shoe box lid and came to me crying hysterically.... when she was finally calm i asked her what had happened and if she needed a kiss, so she says yes and lifts her dress. so I gave what I thought was her boo boo a kiss, on her outter thigh.... NO!!! not there mommy....umm, ok where?? here...pointing a little closer in to the middle.....uhh, ok.... kiss......NO!!! mommy not there (dropping the undies) HERE!!! LOL, I AM NOT kissing that!!! LOL, but here is a hug cause mommy thinks you are super hilarious!!!!

my kitty proved that karma is real... teehee.

2009-05-13T08:51:00.000-07:00

as I sit here eating my cereal and drinking my coffee, the kids are already fighting.... its not even 9am!!!! I am already looking forward to nap time and really dreading any form of chores today. to add to my grumpyness, last night, after only 3.5 hours of sleep, the dogs wake me up to their excited tails hitting the wall and their wet noses poking at my face..... uggg!!!! and then the over powering smell of dog farts(?), so i get up to let them out and notice that the smell of farts has changed to a more poop smell.....humm ok. Moto does have it bad sometimes.... let the dogs out, come back and search the floor and under the bed, mind you Matt is sleeping while I have the light on and am sneaking around trying to find the now full on poop smell. it is no where in sight....huh. what is going on.....and then it dawns on me.....the cat was in all night.... i forgot to bring in the litter box.... he really hates matt.... oh crap...... well acutally s*..... HE CRAPPED ON MATTS FEET!!!!!! thank goodness that he had the covers on last night, so i got the mess cleaned up, matt didn't even stir, sprayed a ton of febreeze and tried not to laugh at the fact that pay back is a b**. MAtt has been torturing my poor kitty for years, since day one, and every now and again the kittys will sneak in while matt is busy or sleeping and leave him a nice little suprise.....snicker I totally believe in karma.

Mason's List of Words...

2009-05-12T08:56:00.000-07:00

Oww, brr, momma, daddy, no, kitty, dirt bike, more, ball, fart, pee, poop, car, shoe (his and my first word), uhh ohh, bye, hi, block, bubbles, bath, .... I need to think some more

2009-05-11T18:22:00.000-07:00

Today the kids and I met up with Erika, Julian, Stephanie, and Tabi for some much needed play time. We wound up at the mall play ground because it was just too hot outside!!! You should have seen them all go.... round and round and round. Apparently the boys were having a motorcycle race, which turned into monster truck stunts.... It sure was a sight!!! Kayden kept up with them for the races, but wasnt having any of the monster truck stunts---- which I cant really blame her. Why throw yourself on the floor repeatedly???? After lunch Stephanie and I braved the mall, for a few minutes to grab Kayden some new shoes and her some hair dye. It was a very fun day, and now.... silence, well almost. They are almost asleep. YAY!!!

A Few Updates....

2009-05-10T14:37:00.000-07:00

I got promoted!!!!! I am now bar tending on Friday and Saturday nights and as I get better at it, I will hopefully get some more shifts =D I love, love, love it!! So if you are in town stop on by, even if you dont drink, come and sit at the bar and visit with me.... cause you know, I do pour a tasty soda.... even if I do say it myself ;)

Ryder turned 4, yeah I have a 4 year old!!! AHHH!!! We went to the Jet Hawks baseball stadium for the game, some pizza, and fireworks. It was a blast!!! Ryder got to go out on the field and throw the first pitch of the game, so cute.... but unfortunately, due to much excitement he threw the ball before anyone could get and pictures or video!!! LOL, there is only video of it right after. Crazy boy!! We even had a surprise guest--- Great uncle tim was able to make it out from Texas to join in the festivities, it was wonderful to get to see him. Hopefully next time the whole family can make it out, we miss you guys!!!

We also just celebrated Kaydens 3rd birthday. Our little princess had a party at Chuck E Cheese, oh yes, where even an adult can be a kid---Matt won enough tickets to buy the kids a bunch of junk from the counter. It was so wonderful to get everyone together. Our friends Amy, Kurt, Emmittt, Alaina, and soon to be Maddox joined us in all of the fun. The kids had a blast playing and climbing, and Mason and Kayden are big fans of the Chuck E cheese band, I think they danced in front of the stage for a greater portion of the night. Silly kids!!

And little man Mason is starting to talk up a storm. Anything you say he can repeat and he can tell you what he needs and wants in single words!! He is also still a huge momma's boy.... I love it. He always comes and checks in with me and climbs into my lap for lovin'. momma, momma.... unfortunately it will go to fast and soon he wont need me, so I am sucking up every minute.

Matt recently got in touch with his friend Andrew from high school. Andrew is in the process of moving back out here from Georgia and the boys have big plans. =) I really look forward to meeting Andrew and Matt having a good friend around!!