Birthday Boys

Josh and Max turned 6! I can't believe it. I wish they were still babies. They are fun now, but I miss holding them. I remember the day they were born and after everyone left that night, I held both of them and just layed them on me and we fell asleep. I couldn't believe those babies were both mine and they were so sweet.

We went to Jungle Jims to celebrate their big birthdays. We had a great time. Rode every ride there and played everygame. Then we went to Hires and had some dinner. It was a fun night and at the kids had fun. We had two cakes. Max wanted a Pokemon cake, and Josh wanted a My Little Pony cake. They got Bakugan (I have no idea) game pieces and loved them.
Riding rides


Two cakes

Festival of Trees

Haley is the second one from the right! The kids had a dance performance at the Festival of Trees. They all did so good. They danced their little hearts out. Then for the next 4 hours we walked through the trees and did the kids crafts thing until I forgot where I lived and began to think I lived there, in the South Town exhibit hall.
Here is a video of the boys dancing. Bless Max, he tries. This gives me Christmas cheer!

Happy Birthday Haley !

Twelve years ago today, our sweet, little Haley was born. At 9:17 a.m. on a snowy November morning, she arrived and we fell in love. She was so little, 6 lbs 9 oz, had all this black fluffy hair, a little bump of a nose, skinny long fingers, and big skinny feet. She was perfect. My angel-baby. She looked just like Troy and she was(is) so beautiful. She made me a mom. The job I love most in the world. The job that is the most challenging and rewarding. I couldn’t have asked for a better daughter than Haley. She is sassy, energetic, exhausting, loving, kind, crazy, smart, thoughtful, sweet, happy, friendly and so much more. I wouldn’t have her any other way. Happy Birthday Haley!
Here is my baby going to a new year's eve part. So pretty !

I love this photo. She kept falling over. Everytime she would start to tip over. I would push her back up. Look at those cheeks!

Each of the kids picked out their own pumpkin and what character they wanted. Haley designed her own, Max wanted Tigger and Josh... of course... Hello Kitty. The boys helped a little bit, but I question who's big idea it was to let little kids jam a knife into a gourd and not kill themselves. So we caaaarefullly carved the pumpkins and luckily had no trips to the hospital.

Aunt Bee and Dad were happy to see the kids in their costumes. They made a big fuss over them.

Happy Halloween

As you may know, Halloween is not my favorite holiday. In fact, I think it is my least favorite. I think I even like Flag Day better. But, I have children, so I deal with it. Haley went with her friends, and I took the boys, and Troy "Mr. Candy" handed out candy. Max was a transformer "bumble bee," Josh was a dalmation and Haley was a 50's girl. It was lovely weather, no need to bundle the kids up. I gave the boys the instructions on how to ring the doorbell, say trick or treat, say thank you and walk away. What screwed the whole thing up is the old people in the neighborhood who think it is nice for the little kiddies to pick out their own treat. NOOOoooooo!!! As I slap my forehead. My children don't understand the "take one" treat concept. So as Max and Josh were just taking handfulls, I am saying from the curb, just one, just one ! So as we walked down the street we discussed the rules again. Then the next old lady said, oh you can take two. Good God people. Just give them one candy bar and let's move on! We made it to the end of our street and around the corner, when Max had his first meltdown. He layed on the grass, saying "I can't do it." It's a struggle for Max. So we went a few more houses and Max screamed at me, "I am done with Trick or Treating." So we went home. Josh was ready too. Max was home and out of his costume before Josh and I even made it in the house. They had fun, got to wear their costumes, and had a parade at kindergarten. Haley had fun with her friends and got to go to IHOP after. It was a very happy halloween.

Dancing With the Stars

I am grateful that the fall TV schedule has started so I can update my blog. It seems the summer is too busy to watch TV and that is when I update this page. We like Dancing With the Stars (DWTS). Max, Haley and I watch it and say who is our favorite. Of course, I like Lance Bass (such a NSYNC fan) and Haley likes the kid from the Disney channel. Max sometimes will re-enact the dance. Sometimes we have to watch certain dances over and over (he found the rewind button). It takes a while to watch it. Derek Hough is my favorite to watch dance and Julianne Hough is just gorgeous. But Warren Sapp? Oh Hell yes! I love him. So hopefully I will get to update my blog more as more shows come on that we like to watch. That is if Max will let me on the computer long enough to type.

Josh and Max start Kindergarten

Yep, its true, the boys started Kindergarten. Josh was very excited to begin. What is not to love at Kindergarten for Josh. New friends, new clothes, new backpack with new crayons, snacks, glue and of course, glitter. Max was not as excited as Josh. He made it through the first day, but when we picked him up and asked him about his day he said, "Kindergarten is too long." The second day, when Troy took him and it was time for him to go into class, Max threw down his backpack, folded his arms and said, "I quit!" Oh this is going to be along 12 years! Josh, skips he is so happy to go to school today, loves doing his homework, and is friends with everyone. Max was recently allowed to go into the workroom at school so he could work alone. Apparently, the other kids were bothering him while he did his work. Max tells me about the kids that are on his list of "bothering him." He points them out to me, "that's the one I was telling you about" he says. He loves being at home, with his TV and internet searches for toys, and cheetos. Why go to school? The "you have to go or mommy will go to jail" story doesn't seem to be working.

6th Grade for Haley

Haley started the 6th grade this week. She sure grew up fast. I can remember following her school bus on the first day of kindergarten, making sure she got there safe. I followed it back home again to make sure she got off on the right stop. Now she is a the big kid of the school. She loves school and couldn't wait to go back. She looks so grown up and pre-teenish.

Just Talkin' to the Old Folks

My dad has a summer party every year for his friends. My mom and dad had the same group of friends for about 65 years. They all knew each other from high school or the neighborhood and all got married around the same time. They played poker every month and alternated the place. At 1 cent for 2 chips, the winnings were usually $1.25. My dad being the social director of the group holds this annual party since the poker games have ended. At 85, there aren't many of them left. So we also invited the family along to help fill in. My dad had a great time, a little scotch always helps. His friends seemed to have fun too. Josh, liking any party, joined in and sat right down with the crowd and talked with them. I asked him what he was doing and he said "Just talkin' to the Old Folks" they all laughed. Dad is still thinking about the party, now we are just reliving it and eating leftovers.

Throwin' Rocks

A couple weekends ago, we went to Oakley for lunch. We stopped at the Road Island Diner which is a box car diner and 40's style diner. The waitresses had cool hairdos and names like Flo and Dottie. So fun. They had really good shakes, and music boxes on the tables. Then we went to Smith and Morehouse Reservoir. It was nice, quiet and made me want to go camping. I thought well the kids might be bored, but they started throwing rocks in the lake and looking at the difference in the rocks. It's always fun to throw rocks ! We took this family photo, with niece Candice in there. I was amazed that everyone was smiling.

Vacation in Boise

A few weeks ago (sorry I haven't updated in a while) we took a little road trip to Boise, Idaho. I know I know, you are saying, Boise, Judy, can you handle the excitement. Well, I can only try. We went there for Uncle Tom's birthday party and we had a great time; Even though the kids were asking if we were there yet when we hit Bountiful. Oh the joys of family bonding time in the van. I said to them in my most loving way, No dear children, we have 4 hours and 45 minutes to go ! Ugggh. But somehow we made it there, the kids were surprisingly good. But they don't sleep. Max usually falls asleep when I drive to the store, but on a long road trip....hell no. Troy got sleepy though.. (cough) wuss. So I drove some of the way. I like my driving better anyway. But we followed Tim and Mary, or should I say lead foot Tim, and lost him somewhere after Gooding. Yet I digress. So the trip was fun. Lots of family dinners and gatherings. Troy's family is wonderful. I love to get together with them because they are fun to hang out with and talk to. I haven't ever seen cousins get along like they do. They are more like brothers and sisters. Which is great. We did a lot of swimming. When I say a lot... I mean I started to grow gills. Josh was a swimming machine. He has no fear and just jumped in and swam all over. Max wanted to stay on the stairs and just chattered his teeth. Haley had fun jumping in the pool and swimming like a pro. We would swim all day, sometimes twice if time allowed. The good thing about swimming is that once they got in the room and in their jammies, they passed out. Wherever they were, eating, going potty, whatever, they just fell asleep so fast. That is a good thing, because I was tired too. It was fun to be there to wish Uncle Tom a happy birthday and to be with the fam.

Family Reunion

I am going to Boise today, so this is going to be a short entry, but I had to get this on the blog, and I will write more about it later. Each year on the 24th of July, we have the Bohling Family reunion. Shelley, my sister, is gracious enough to have it her home. It's wonderful. The backyard is shaded, there are plenty of chairs and tables, activities for kids including a slip and go waterslide, everyone brings some food, it's a good time. But the ultimate Bohling Family reunion experience is the Candy Cannon. Only at Shelley's can you find this good, down-home entertainment for free! This year, they brought out the big cannon, yes, they have two. Basically you add gun-powder, and tons of candy, move the kids back, warn the old people what we are doing so they don't have a heart attack, and pull the string and BOOM! Ah Candy falling from the sky, it's like heaven.

The Garden Part Two

Troy's garden is off the HOOK! We have so much lettuce, I don't know what to do with it all. Troy is pointing to our broccoli, which is totally cool to grow. I afraid when the tomatoes come on I will turn into Betty Crocker and have to can like never before. I love having all of the vegies just right out the door. Troy has worked is little butt off. I think he has a cooler hiding out there because he spends a lot of time out there. But his hard work has paid off. If anyone needs any lettuce or herbs, come on by anytime. We are open 24/7.

Obon Festival

The annual Obon Festival at the Buddhist Temple was last weekend. The Obon festival is a celebration of the lives of those who have passed on. This year we have lost two family members, Grandma May and Auntie Martha. So the whole family danced the first dance of the Obon to remember and thank Grandma and Auntie Martha for all they did for us. Auntie Martha's death was such a shock that I still haven't realized that she really is gone. I look for her at family parties and events like the Obon Festival. She was so sweet and lovely and fun to tease. She always had a dish towel in her hand, always standing ready to help, always asked about how my family was, always there. One of my favorite memories of Auntie Martha is of when she bought coffee cups and they had animals on them. She gave them to her bowling team. She didn't realize that the animals were in various sexual positions. I still laugh at that story because Martha had no idea that the cups were funny cups, she thought they were cute animal cups. I miss Auntie Martha so much. Grandma May was 96 when she passed away. She was an amazing woman too. So giving, I never left her house without some food or a gift. Whatever she had, she shared. She was fun, upbeat, could make a ribbon bow like no other, and loved everyone. Sometimes Troy and I would go over there and she had been napping and didn't have any pants on. She would shake her behind and do a little dance. Kookie, but great. Of course I never go through an Obon without thinking of my mom. It has been 19 years since she has passed away and not a day has gone by without me thinking of her and missing her terribly. So Obon was good. The boys wanted to shop the little shop there and of course wanted to go in different directions. I would find Max and dragged him to find Josh. Josh wanted to do crafts and Max wanted to buy something then sit and play with it and Haley I don't even try to keep track of her. Thank goodness she has a cell phone (yeah, I said it). It makes me crazy when they go in different directions. Finally I got them together and put them on the stage in the middle of the dancing. There, I thought I could watch them. Then they started to perform. Here is the song they sang. Makes all the chasing worth while.

Summer

It's hot. I am trying to enjoy the summer and not complain. How can you not love the summer when the kids are running around in swimsuits and no shoes. When I put the boys in the tub, their feet are black. I have to scrub them clean. Somehow shoes aren't part of the daily attire.

The Park

We went to the park the other day for a picnic. Earlier in the day we had been at the store and Max had to have some of these chapsticks in a packet. Max loves sets of things. So we brought the chapsticks to the park. I was taking pictures of the kids and Max wanted to take pictures of the chapsticks. So I have about 10 pictures of his chapsticks. Thank goodness for digital cameras.

C.O.P.D.

My dad has COPD which is chronic obstructive pulminary disease. He is on oxygen and is having some trouble coping with this new ailment. He is 85. COPD can cause depression and anxiety. My dad has both of those. I didn't even see my dad yesterday, he stayed in bed all day and Troy brought his meals to him in his bedroom. He is going to the doctor today to see if there is something else that can help him with this disease. I worry about him alot. He is my only parent left. I love him and he is a wonderful dad. I worry that this is the beginning of the end.

The Swing Set

We have been putting this thing together for weeks. It has a house on top of it and a turny slide. The kids love it even though it isn't done. Here is a video of the boys on the glider. A side note... I didn't dress the boys on this day. Max dressed himself and Josh was in his jammies. They look like poor orphan kids. This video makes me laugh when Max joins in the song. They are too funny. Hopefully we will get the swingset put together before they grow out of it.

The Garden

Every year Troy puts in a vegetable garden. This year's garden is awesome. We have I think 21 tomato plants, red, green and yellow bell peppers, cabbage, squash, cucumbers, lettuce, and garlic. We also have an herb garden that has 4 kinds of thyme, 3 kinds of parsley, basil, cilantro, oregano, and dill. Here is a picture of it now and I will take one later in the summer to compare, that is if I can get close to it, the tomato plants may be too thick to get through.

What's New Kitty Cat?

Haley has been wearing these kitty ears around and she put one on Aunt B. It was too funny and Aunt B loved them. I told her we should have her wear them all the time and pretend that she has lost her mind. Just good family fun! She looked so cute in those ears.

Happy Birthday Aunt B

Aunt B turned 97 !!! We had one of her favorite meals, taco salad from Taco Time, and had a cake, the kids helped blow out the candles. Aunt B is a sweatheart and doing really well. She walks like a champ. I hope that the weather gets warmer so we can get her outside walking a little in the sunshine.

New Hair for Haley

Haley got a hair cut, and she looks about 16. It drives me crazy. But I love the hair cut. It is the "Posh Spice" hair cut. Haley is also playing volleyball. She plays on a team at the County Rec center and she does pretty good. The games are mostly serve, point, other team serves, point, our team serves, point. There isn't too much "volley" going on, but it is fun anyway.

CRAZY KIDS... The saga continues

Max is a different boy. He and I like the movie "The Producers." He likes it so much that he can sing a song from the movie. My favorite part is when he says "wooser" instead of "loser." Too cute. Watch the video link below. He also does another part from that movie where Max and Leo go to the house of renound composer Roger Dupree and his common boy assistant Carmen Gia answers the door. Yesssssssssssssssssssss.

Easter 2008

Whose insane idea was it to use food coloring, water and eggs with children and tell them not to break the eggs and not to make a mess. Haley was rather excited because she got to eat the broken ones, which ended up to be about a dozen. She wasn't so excited an hour later. We all weren't very excited later that night. Josh would drop the eggs in the cups. Max just dipped his whole hand in the cup while holding the egg and the wire egg dropper. Therefore, Max's hands were a lovely shade of Shrek green. Josh liked to make all the eggs bright pink, his favorite color, and most of them had hearts on them.

The kids were wound up for the Easter Bunny, almost like Christmas. They woke up earlier than they did on Christmas. The boys got big boy bikes and Haley got a scooter. They searched for the hidden Easter eggs filled with candy. They ate candy all day in fine Easter spirit. They were hyper! All talking all the time. I figured, well, what goes up must come down. And that theory proved correct. At about 5:00 p.m. both boys crashed. They fell asleep where ever they were. Max, the lucky one, fell asleep on my bed. Josh fell asleep on the kitchen floor. His eyes were half open and crossed. I think he was tired !

CRAZY KIDS!!!

I think my children are the most wonderful kids in the world. But also the Craziest! Josh has initiated "naked time." Usually around 8:30, he declares it, strips down and gets in my bed. Max has started to follow him in this game. Aunt Bee is happy that only the boys are doing this and the rest of the family hasn't caught on. Amen sister.

Max is into the internet, printing any character he can find, then cutting them out. Everynight, I find paper cut characters all over the place. It is enough to make me crazy. He knows how to search You Tube and type the first three letters of the toys he likes best.

Haley just got braces today. She is growing up too fast. In the fifth grade and almost as tall as me. She has a busy life with two dance classes (jazz and ballroom), flute, piano and wants to go to volleyball camp this summer. She loves the University of Utah games and going to events with her Grandma and Grandpa.

What's Bud up to?

So my dad, Bud, just turned 85 and has certain crazy behavior. Like moving rocks. The man enjoys moving rocks like no other. But his rock moving has slowed during the winter. So all he can do is contemplate which rocks to move and where. As soon as it thaws, he will be out there, working in the garden. He lives for the summer. The hotter the better. Until then, he thinks, plans, thinks some more as to where he is going to put those rocks.

The Sandwich Life

If possible our life has become more hectic. In January my 96 year old Aunt (Aunt Bee) came to live with us. She had broken her hip in November, and after therapy and rehabilitation, was good enough to "break out" of the rehab hospital. She made great progress practically racing up and down the hallway with her walker. But, then she fell one night, and that has slowed her progress. Luckily, she did not break anything and is slowly regaining her ability to walk. She is quite an amazing person. At 96 she is very spry and alert and opinionated. She drinks wine and eats cookies, and puts up with my crazy children. She praises them and loves them and this experience is good for us all. She will turn 97 on April 15, maybe I need to throw a big party ! I titled this the Sandwich Life, because I am in the middle of taking care of aging family and also raising young children. Sometimes my life feels like the ham in the middle of a ham and cheese sandwich. At times it is squished, but it is also really good. (I guess I could be the cheese, but really, I think I am the ham.)