All the Fall Festivities

October has a been a stressful one for our family. But amid the stresses, we have been doing some fun things and enjoying fall. We made our annual trip to the Pumpkin Patch and took last Saturday afternoon to decorate Halloween sugar cookies with my siblings and the cousins. What a fun and tasty event that was! I love Fall!

Hailey's D.A.R.E Graduation

Today was Hailey's 5th grade D.A.R.E graduation. She has been learning about Drugs, Alcohol and Violence prevention for about two weeks now at school. During the process, she would come home every day with a new stat or thing she'd learned that day. She was also required to write a one page essay on what she learned. She took it very seriously and wrote a great one! I am grateful for all the information they were taught! What an amazing program.

For the graduation, the parents were invited to watch their child receive there grad certificate and T-shirt after listening to a few of the kid's essays. They also listened to encouragement from the captains of the Bingham Football team who told them why they should stay drug free! Then they all signed each others T-shirts and got signatures from the football players and Officer Campbell. I hope this will be a memorable experience that she will remember for years to come.

Hailey and Officer Campbell (the D.A.R.E instructor)Hailey with classmate and friend, MatisseHailey sporting her new signed T-shirt!

October Book Club at Zinn Bistro

This month for book club, we had lunch together at Zinn Bistro. Some of us had been there and some had not. It was soo yummy from the best pastries to the best pulled pork sandwich in town! I love these girls so much and always leave our discussions with a stronger determination to be better. I've known all these girls since high school! Our lives have all had their ups and downs, goods and bads, but we've always maintained close friends. Thanks for your friendship girls. We missed you Ash, Trish and Christina!

So you think you can dance!

This was my first season of SYTYCD and I loved it! Going to the concert was the icing on the cake. I haven't yelled that loud in forever. I totally loved every minute of it!! I went with Dan, Angela and Melissa and met Heidi, Jolynn, Brad and Suzanne there. Brad took all the good pictures with his incredible camera, but I managed to get a few before my camera battery died.

Aside from loving the season, I think Hailey was the biggest fan. She watched and re-watched each episode. To this day, when she hears any of the music to one of the dances, she can tell you who danced it, what costumes they wore and even some of the judges comments. He very fav was Bleeding Love with Chelsea and Mark. I think I agree with her!!!

The kind of person I want to be...

I was blog hopping this morning and came across this quote by Margorie Pay Hinckley on my friend Lora's blog. Lora, I have to say, is one of the most inspiring people I know so I wasn't surprised to find it there. I loved this quote and it really hit home for me so I'm stealing it to put on my blog. I want to remember it and try to apply it in my quest as a mother, wife, sister, friend, etc... I've read some of Sister Hinckley's books and just love the example she was to all of us. What a wonderful Christlike person she was. I will always remember her and President Hinckley and their dedication to the Lord's work.

"I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden. I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived. " — Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Primary Childen's...Take Two

McCall finally had her surgery to have her ear tubes removed last Thursday. She was scheduled to have it the same day as Tanner in August. But, overnight, she had got the stomach flu. Anyway, Tanner got her up to speed on what would happen (toys, games, slushies...pretty much an amusement park in their eyes.) I am so grateful to the doctors and nurses there that make the experience so positive and even fun. McCall did fabulous. She made a hospital buddy, played with the doctor tools, picked her sleeping smell, rode in a wheelchair and a wagon. I think we are done with Primary's for a while and are grateful to be in good health.

Remembering...

I know all of us can remember exactly where we were and what we were doing on the early morning hours of Sept. 11, 2001. I know I do. This now part of our history should never be forgotten. We took the kids to the fields of flags in Sandy last night to talk with them about what happened and why we are at war against it. It was pretty amazing to see the tribute that it is to the military troops and to the fallen people in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. It was certainly a reverent feeling and it gave us as parents a good chance to remember those events, and talk about our country and this history with the kids. Hailey and McCall were most interested and touched by what they saw. The most touching aspect for Hailey was seeing the Flag of Honor. This flag has printed amoung every white and red stripe all of the names of people killed on 9/11. I don't think before then she recognized the whole magnitude of this terrible tragedy. On the ride home we talked about how important it is to tell each member of our family how much we love them. We never know when it will be our time to leave this earth and we want our family to have no regrets in saying, "I love you" enough or treating each other with love. I am so grateful for the country in which we live and for our freedoms. They don't come free and we owe that to faithful and dedicated men and women who are willing to fight to keep them. We can, in a small way, repay them by never taking their service and our freedoms for granted.

Our family standing in front of the Sept. 11, 2001

field of flags and picture of Statue of Liberty.

All of the kids standing by the flags to honor our fallen

heros who fought the war against terrorism.

Stoney and Hailey looking at the Flag of Honor.

Change of Seasons

I am a definate summer lover and am always sad to see it leave. I really dislike (that's an understatement) being cold, so summer is the best for me. But, I would truly be sad without being able to experience all four seasons. All of them definately have their own good points. Our earth is incredible and I feel truly blessed to be on this beautiful planet that Heavenly Father has created for us to enjoy. I'm trying focus on the things I'll look forward to as summer passes. The days of baking, hot cocoa, warm soups, jackets, cute boots, cozy blankets, the crisp smell in the air, beanies and scarves, football games (did I just say that), family get togethers, the holidays and the list goes on. I'm going to try to be positive as I have to put away my shorts, flip flops and swimsuits this year. There is so much to love with every season.

Kindergarten Already?

Yesterday was Tanner's big day! He's been counting it down for a while now and it has finally come. He was so excited to start and to ride the bus with his friends, Jake and Brady. We misunderstood the bus pickup time and missed it which was a bummer on the first day. So I drove him to school and he was a little late. But other than that, he said school was cool and said he learned some rules and songs. Today, we made it on the bus and I was able to get a picture of him. I'm so glad he's excited. I miss him around here, but I'm anxious to see him progress and continue learning. Three in school, one to go!

Surgery Day for Tanner

Tanner had several ear problems and infections like many kids when he was little. In 2005, he had his Tonsils/Adenoids out and his second set of ear tubes put in. Well those suckers stayed in place for three years (very unlikely) and had to be removed. The doctor said this is rare, but they have to be removed to make sure they don't create a permanant hole. So today he went into Primary Children's to have the surgery. It was a great experience. They are so great with kids there, he want to go back for surgery again!!

After getting into his little surgery clothes, he got play playstation, color, play with doctor tools and pick the smell that he would be put to sleep with. He met the anethesiologist, Dr. Tanner and thought that was sooo cool that a "Tanner" was going to be with him during surgery. He asked if they'd wheel him back into the OR in a wheelchair. It was so funny.

After the surgery, we met him in recovery where he was still sleeping. We asked him how things went and he said,

"Mom, I didn't even go to sleep!"

I assured him that he had and he said,

"I'm SERIOUS Mom, I didn't go to sleep!"

I showed him the picture I took before he woke up and he said,

"Oh, well, can I have a slushy now??"

And that was that. We were drinking slushies and were on our way home within 20 minutes. Our other kids have been mad or irritated coming out of anethesia, but not Tanner. He was ready to go! After a second slushy, of course.

Can we PLEASE have a puppy Dad?

Ever since Hailey was little, she has wanted a dog. We have always said no because Stoney and I don't need another "child" right now. Our hands are full!! I think I would crack a little easier than Stoney after today. Aunt Liz brought her sister Suzanne and her two new baby puppies over for lunch last week. My kids thought they'd died and gone to heaven. They had such a fun afternoon playing with Sketcher and Tucker. I do have to admit, they are adorable. Although dogs are not in our families future, even though our kids beg to differ, it was fun to play with them and send them home.

Scattegories Tag!

It is definately harder than it looks!
Use the first letter of your name to answer the following. They have to be real places, things, names...nothing made up! Try to use different answers if the person who tagged you had the same first initial. You can't use your name for the boy/girl name question.

**what is your name? Jen
**4 letter word: Junk (in the "trunk")
**vehicle: Jag
**tv show: Jetsons (I used to love them, "Meet George Jetson, daughter Judy....")
**city: Jacksonville
**boy name: Jack
**girl name: Jillian
**occupation: Jail employee
**something you wear: Jamies!! In them right now, have been all day.
**food: Jello (Tanner's idea)
**something found in a bathroom: the John.
**reason for being late: Just got up.
**something you shout: Jump!!!

Sorry Lora, it took me a couple of days.

Ok, I tag Ash, Jolynn and Amanda Moore

Back to School!

Today was the first day of school for Hailey and McCall. We've had a fun and busy summer, but boy are we all glad to have some STRUCTURE. I just can't believe Hailey is starting 5th grade (What?? When did she grow up?) and McCall starting 2nd (feels like she should be in middle school with her attitude:) One more week and Tanner will start Kindergarten. He's excited and a little reluctant at the same time. It will be a great growing experience for him. It is crazy to think I have 3 in school. I love watching them grow up but truly feel they are slipping through my fingers when I stop and look at how fast time is passing. I hope all they have a wonderful year and I have a little more quiet time with Mia.

Our first 10 year-old

Hailey turned ten years-old today. We can hardly believe that we have a child this old. She is soo excited! It is bitter sweet to us. We love watching her grow but its sad to see her "little girl" days begin to pass. She had a fabulous day. She started with her breakfast of scones, bacon and eggs. Then we went shopping and out to lunch with her cute Aunt Liz and cousin Sawyer. She had a blast spending her birthday money and getting some new school clothes. For her dinner, she also picked the chicken pillows. We finished the night with cake and ice cream and her favorite show's season finale, "So you think you can dance!" We thought it was bedtime, but she wanted to stay up until she was OFFICIALLY ten years-old. She was born at 11:52pm. on August 7, 1998. She got her wish and then she went right to sleep. We love her so much and it is great having her in our family. She is our peacemaker. Happy Birthday, Beans. You are amazing!!!

And on that note, we are completely and officially done with our birthday season until next year. Now we recover from the party destruction that has hit the house. What a fun few weeks it has been!

Finally Five

Tanner is "finally five" as he says. He is probably one of the last of his buddies to turn five. Yesterday Tanner celebrated at his Incredible Hulk water party. He had lots of his buddies over for fun in the sun playing in the water. They played on the bonzai waterslide, played a water balloon relay race, and hit at a cheap piniata (the hanger broke off after the first two hits). He opened gifts and got embarrassed when we sang "Happy Birthday". But after about 2-3 cupcakes, he was doing just fine. He loved spending time with his buddies and thanks to all of you for coming to help him celebrate.

Today he woke up to his favorite breakfast, "PANPAKES with POWER SUGAR". He was feeling a little nauseated all day for some reason so he had a tough time staying happy. We went to the library where he got his own library card that he's been waiting for (you have to be five). We made his favorite Mac and Hamburger and had cake and ice cream for dessert. Both of which he barely touched due to his tummy ache. What a bummer! He kept making comments all day like, "My tummy hurts, I guess I'm just not used to birthdays" or "My tummy hurts, I guess I'm not used to parties and cake". We laughed inside.

He ended the night by finally learning to ride his two wheeler without training wheels. He's been trying for a while, but tonight he just had the courage to try and it paid off. Good job, Tanner. All in all he had a great day . We love you, dimple boy. Happy Birthday!!

The Winterton Semi-Annual Christmas Party

Between June 22nd and August 7th, everyone except Mia has a birthday in our family. Even more crazy is the fact that all three of the kids have birthdays that are within 10 days of each other. Needless to say, it is a CRAZY 10 days. But, fun anyway. Today we celebrated all three birthdays with our extended families. We had fun making mini pizzas for dinner and finished off the night with a big cake for all three kids. It was a fun night to celebrate this crazy season and three of the best kids ever. Happy Birthday all of you! Thanks to all of you family members who came and who refer to this party as the "Winterton Family Semi-Annual Christmas." That is certainly what it feels like. We love you all for coming and celebrating with us!!

Breaking Dawn Book Party!

Ok, I don't know if you'd call us loyal Stephanie Meyer fans, crazy, excited or pathetic. Any adjective will do. But, nevertheless, we were among the mass of people at bookstores everywhere at MIDNIGHT Friday night waiting for our copy of the new book, Breaking Dawn. We decided to go to get the book on the first night it was out months ago but when 10:00 pm rolled around and after a long day with our kids/work, we were ready for bed. BUT, we powered through and headed out. We went originally to the Barnes and Noble in West Jordan where we had our book reserved. They were having a party, basically a wedding reception for Edward and Bella. The advertisement encouraged formal dress and as you can see, many people got right into that idea. We didn't but were amazed at their ambition to do so. We asked a few if we could take their picture and we just went ahead and took pictures of others without them knowing. We thought we were fans but we had no idea how crazy people were over this! WOW! We caught a few pictures with Edward and Bella before we left continuing to laugh our heads off. Anyway, we walked out of the store at 11:00pm and went to get a smoothie at Iggys. On the way over there, we passed a much shorter line at the Deseret Book. I saw some old friends and neighbors who were pretty close to the front. We debated on what to do since we had wristbands for a place in line back at Barnes and Noble but were #600+ in line. To make a long story short, we got our books at Deseret Book and were out of there by 12:15am and headed for our beds (after reading a couple chapters first, of course). Thanks, girls, for a fun night and a couple really good laughs!

St. George Trip

We went to St. George over the 24th of July Weekend and stayed at the Condo. It was so much fun to get away from the 100 degree heat into the 108 degree heat. What were we thinking??? Because of the heat, (and my personal obsession with the sun,)it was definately a POOL weekend. We spent each day either at the pool, eating out, watching movies or at the pool again. We loved spending time with the kids away from home with just the six of us. One night I told the girls we'd do pedicures and they thought it would be funny to include Mia, too. She was less than cooperative, but the pictures were funny anyway. I love my family!!! Family is where it is at and what memories are made of.

Picture Tag!

1. Shoes (I wear these everyday at some point)



2. Children (McCall is having her 100th bowl of Golden Crisp for the day)



3. Kitchen Sink



4. Family Room (It's clean? That is weird.)



5. Fridge (Notice we are out of milk. That is always the case at our house. We go through about 3/4 a gallon a day! It must be McCall's cereal habit, ya think?)



6. Laundry Room (This is clean, believe it or not)




7. Closet (Doesn't everyone iron in their closet? How embarassing!)



8. Self Portrait (I'm sorry you had to see this extreme close up, WOW.)

I tag Jodi Davis, Liz Johnson and Jody Nice