HELP!

Has anyone seen Lego Star Wars fruit snacks?!
I have looked just about everywhere!

Is Santa Coming Tonight?

Last night was Reid's preschool Christmas party and Santa was there. When he first came out, Reid was scared, he didn't want Santa to see him so he hid under the table. (I have no idea why he was so scared). I got Lliam to go up, but he was a little timid and finally Reid decided to be brave enough and go up too! By the end of the night he wanted to make sure he said goodbye to Santa!

And what did they ask Santa to give them?

Reid: A big, real snake
Lliam: Lego Star Wars fruit snacks

(And so now every night, they ask if Santa is coming!)

Christmas Tag!

1. Have you started your Christmas shopping?
Yes and I only have 2 more people to shop for!

2. Tell me about one of your special traditions.
Growing up we always would do a live nativity with the kids and we each could participate in the program on Christmas Eve night. I tried that last year on my side, didn't quite turn out due to the ages of the kids, but we'll try again!

3. When do you put up your tree?
Typically I like to do it around the 1st of December, that way we can enjoy it for a whole month and it feels more like Christmas. However, this year our tree and decorations are still in storage out home (Jed's parents) but should be coming tomorrow hopefully! So this weekend is when we'll put it up!

4. Are you a Black Friday shopper?
I went for my first time this year and it wasn't too bad. There were some amazing deals so if I have someone to go with me next year, I just might go again!

5. Do you travel at Christmas or stay home?
So far it's always been travel. We love our family and do as much as we can while we can! We switch off every year so we go somewhere different!

6. What is your funniest Christmas memory?
From my childhood: My Uncle Brett came dressed as Santa and sat in the rocking chair. He would rock and laugh and eventually tip backwards and fall. As a child, it was hilarious!

Recently: Just last year Reid was so excited about Santa coming. He wouldn't go to sleep. Finally, when everything was quiet and we thought Reid was asleep, we started to bring out the Santa presents. As we were bringing out his present, he POPPED up from behind a couch! We quickly turned around and put down his present so he didn't have a chance to see it and I snatched him up and took back to his room. He told me that he was hiding so he can see Santa!

7. What is your favorite Christmas movie of all time?
It would have to be A Charlie Brown Christmas.

8. Do you do your own Christmas baking?
Since we are always at parent's home I haven't had to do all of it before, or be in charge. But I do always help!

9. Fake or real tree?
Unfortunately fake right now. We can'T afford a real one every year so we were blessed with a free fake one last year. Hopefully one day we can go back to real.

10. What day does the actual panic set in to get it all done?
Panic? What panic?

11. Are you still wrapping presents on Christmas Eve?
I would be all done, but I may be helping someone else get theirs done!

12. What is your favorite family fun time at Christmas?
Just being with family and not having to worry about the cares of the world. I enjoy standing in the kitchen munching on the goodies, chatting and dancing with everyone at the Burton's. And playing with the kiddos and enjoying the loudness and craziness at the Gentry's.

13. What Christmas craft do you like the best?
The ones my children make. We decorate our tree with their ornaments, so nothing is really matching but it still looks good to me!

14. Christmas music, yes or no? And if yes, what is your favorite song?
Definitely YES! I love Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians, Rudolph version. This is a group my dad listened to growing up and he passed it down to us and now I'm passing it down to my kids!

15. When do you plan to finish all of your shopping?
Before we leave for Grandma's and Grandpa's house...hopefully!

So now that you've read this, TAG your it! Copy the questions on your blog and answer them! It's so fun seeing what everyone's traditions and favorites are!

Merry Christmas!

Another Interview!

Although we don't have an acceptance yet, things are looking better. Jed has another interview in Pamona, California at Western University.
On January 7th he'll be at UNLV and then the 9th at Western.

Up To's!

It's been such a long time since I've last posted and I know I've promised pictures, however I am not at the computer that has all of my pictures, so you're going to have to sit through a boring post again!

Lliam: Turned 3 on the 28th of November! I can't believe he is growing so much! He loves his brother and continues to copy him as much as he could! He is fully potty-trained (no more little accidents! Though he does still wait till the last minute!)

Reid: Absolutely love preschool and does so well. He is such a good friend, especially to the girls! He's starting out way too young to have any kind of girlfriends! He is a good big brother and includes Lliam in his playing!

Leona: Is busy as ever! Has taken 3 classes for her Bachelor Degree so far and has gotten all A's! Still is a Nanny for 6 kids and tries to do preschool for Lliam and Nolan ever now and then!

Jed: Is stressful as ever waiting for replies from dental schools. We've received a couple more rejections but are on the wait-list for 4 schools. There is still hope, but we still have to wait!

We are excited to be spending time with family every chance we can. Thanksgiving was wonderful in St. George with my family and we are anticipating Christmas in Upalco with Jed's family! We love you all and wish we can spend some time with everyone! We hope you have a Merry Christmas!
(This may or may not be our Christmas Letter...we'll see how much time I can find!)

We're Back!

Just a quick post while I have a couple of seconds to let you all know that Jed and I are back and had a great trip! EVERYTHING went well, no car or weather problems during the whole trip! The boys did exceptionally well with my aunt and their grandparents.
A big THANK YOU to my
Aunt Rachel and Grandma and Grandpa Burton
for watching the boys for us!
And a big THANK YOU to
Nathan and Sarah and
De and Kat
for letting us stay with them!
A more detailed post will come as soon as I get back to normal!

No Posts For Awhile

Starting on Monday 2nd, and ending on November 14th, we will have traveled 5265 miles (and then some, I'm sure)! We're off on our road trip and are super excited to celebrate our anniversary (back in July) with just the 2 of us for 2 whole weeks!
(I am sooo going to miss my boys)!

Another Interview!

Jed just received another interview request! This one is to
UNLV (Las Vegas).
He hasn't yet set up the date yet, so we'll see when that road trip will be!

House For Rent!

Hey guys, my friend is renting her house out and needs renters ASAP! SO if you're looking for a beautiful home, check out the link!

4 Bedroom, 3.5 bathrooms for $1500/month!

Rent My Home

Source: rentmylehihome.blogspot.com

Our latest adventures! BeWaRe, post overload!

Back in September we were out to Jed's parents house for Dad and Jed's birthdays. We went up in the mountains to celebrate. We brought 4 wheelers and fishing poles and tin foil dinners. Not much luck with the fishing, but it was still nice to be outside. The weather was pretty good, not too cold until the evening.

He may be Grandpa, but he can still pop a wheelie!!!

The grasshoppers we were using as bait!

Lliam loves to eat apples, but only if they are whole!

Swimming in October!

Jed had an interview in Mesa, Arizona last week so we all piled in the car, leaving at midnight so the kids will sleep through...worked pretty well. We stayed at Jed's cousin's house...

THANKS EMILY AND DARREN!
And were able to play with Ben, Emily, Charlie and Myles as well. We had so much fun...especially when we got to go swimming.

Lliam sneaked some more cookies and now has a big belly to show for it!
Not to mention the chocolate on his face :)

4 Babes in the Tub

All the boys wanted to take a bath, so we piled them all in (except for Myles and David).
They had a blast!

The Grand Canyon

On the way home we thought it would be fun to stop at the Grand Canyon...I'm sorry to say, but stopping for 10 minutes and looking out is NOT worth the $25.00 we had to pay. But we were to the point where we had to or turn back around and waste time and money. So we just wasted money instead.
But the sun was setting and it made for a pretty sunset and pictures.

Uncle De!

For our last adventure...so far...we went to Moon Lake. Uncle De is visiting and he missed the mountains. So we all bundled up and drove out to Moon Lake and had some yummy dutch oven dinner! It was a little chilly, but the fire and hot chocolate made everything great!

WHAT?! Where am I?

What? You don't see me in any of the pictures?! Trust me, I was there... (Didn't you see me at the Grand Canyon?) somebody had to take the pictures. And since I'm the only one who does...I'm never seen. :( At least it works out on my bad hair days though!

First Day of School!

Today was Reid's official first day of school! He is soo excited about it. Wednesday he was able to go to meet some of the kids and I was able to go with him also. This way when he goes by himself, he feels more comfortable. The whole day on Wednesday, Reid would say, 'This is so awesome!!!" Everything was his size, especially the bathroom! Lliam came with us today to drop Reid off and for Reid to show him around. The first thing he showed him was the bathroom! We're so excited for the things Reid will learn and for the good friend he will become.

Our Last Play Time

Some time last month we went up to visit Alta and the Fillmores in Logan. We had so much fun and the boys always ask when we're going back to 'Aunt Reid-A's' house! We went to Bear Lake. Unfortunately the weather wasn't the best but the boys still managed to play in the lake!

Daddy and Reid wading out far. It was shallow for a long time.

Reid jumping the waves!

Before everyone came up, Alta came with us to go fishing. Lliam caught his first fish!

Reid is such a pro, he doesn't need any help! He casts, jigs, hooks the fish and reels it in all by himself now! He loves it when he can get into a good school!

He's Ba-a-a-a-ack!

Just thought I'd update you all on Reid...he's completely healed and lets me know every day. He'll stick out his tongue and tell me that the sore is gone (that was his worst one). So he's back to being his crazy, whiny, rambunctious little self and I wouldn't have it any other way! I was so sad to see him lying around with no desire to move or talk. So, even though I can do without the whining and disobeying, I'm happy to say that he is healed. And just in time for our Primary Program and Preschool! Thank you to everyone who asked about him and wished him well!

My Preschool Has Started!

We started preschool on Tuesday and are excited about it! If you'd like to follow along, try out some of things we are doing or get some great information regarding strengthening your child's skills...check us out! Copy and paste this link or just click on the link to the right!

missleonaspreschool.blogspot.com

Brotherly Love

Before I explain the title, let me give you some background information...
Reid currently has a virus which causes canker sores to form in his mouth. He is in so much pain when he opens his mouth, he doesn't talk or eat. He does have some medicine that he takes but has such a hard time with it. The other night Reid was crying while we were trying to give him his medicine and Lliam was standing next to me...

Lliam: Reid's making me cry
Me: He's not making you cry. (thinking he was just wanting attention and copying his brother)
Lliam: He IS!

So I thought about this for a moment then asked, "Does it make you sad when you hear him crying?"

Lliam: With the saddest look on his face and starting to cry, "YES"

He sure does love his big brother and I'm sure misses him because all Reid does is lie around.

He Eats and Speaks!

So it's been about 5 days since Reid started getting the sores in his mouth and wasn't eating or talking. He would have at most 1 pudding cup a day...we were constantly making him drink water so he didn't get dehydrated. Wednesday I got some PediaSure because I was so worried of him not getting anything in. However, he wouldn't drink that either. So after we gave him his medicine through the syringe, we would give him the drink through the syringe also. We started with 4 Tsp each time he took his medicine (4 times a day).

Finally, today (Friday) he would take about 10 Tsp. of the PediaSure each time and this evening we tried sucking up pudding through the syringe (just added milk to make it creamier). He was doing the mixing and licked the spoon and realized that it didn't hurt and started shoveling the pudding in. He was going so fast that some spilt on his shirt and before I could give him a napkin he had licked it off! He was still hungry so we thought of plain oatmeal, we mixed vanilla pudding in with it and he ate it up! His first words to me after 5 days of 'mmmm' in different tones was, "Put some milk in it!"

He's not completely healed but watching him jumping off the couching and playing doggie with his brother reminded me of the boy I love so much!

I am so thankful for the Lord in my life. As a mother I worry so much for my children, especially when I feel like I am not doing as much as they need me to do. I felt so helpless watching my boy screaming and crying while clinging to me because he was in so much pain. But through the comfort of the Lord I was able to know that things would be ok. I am also so greatful for an amazing husband who holds the priesthood and was able to give Reid a blessing!

Mary Kay

Yes, I am one of the millions here in Happy Valley who is a Mary Kay Consultant...however I don't do much with it right now due to the fact that everyone I know knows at least 5 other consultants! I do want to keep my consultant status when we move (to where ever!), and in order to do this I must order at least $400 worth of product, so I was wondering if anyone out there needs/wants Mary Kay products and are willing to purchase them through me! It doesn't matter the distance, I can have them shipped to you ASAP!
Personally I've been using Mary Kay since the beginning of this year and I love the products! I especially like their foundation (which is what brought in to Mary Kay in the first place). It's not thick at all, very light weight, blends in well and doesn't rub off! Plus it doesn't clog pores, which is always nice!

Just let me know if you are interested, leave a comment here or shoot me an email at lonaburton@gmail.com and I'll help you out as much as possible!

Dental Schools Update!

So far we're about 50-50 on the "wait and see" process of our Dental Applications! We've received 3 rejections but have also received 3 Interview Invitations. To NOVA which is in Florida, another one to Indiana University and the last one to ASDOH in Arizona! We're still waiting on more schools, so we'll keep you posted!

Star Light, Star Bright...

I wish I may, i wish I might, have this wish, I wish tonight.

Is what Reid said tonight with the first (and only due to clouds) star he saw tonight...

Me: What's your wish?
Reid: what?
Me: What do you wish for? What do you want to happen or have?
He thinks about it...
Reid: What is that thing that squirts blood out of it's eyes?
Me: A Horned Lizard?
Reid: YEAH! I wish I was a Horned Lizard.
Me: Why do you want to be a Horned lizard?
Reid: So that I can squirt blood out of my eyes and make more horned lizards.
Me: OK!

Today I...

Felt the cool breeze

Listened to the wind blow

Admired at the beautiful nature all around me

Saw pure excitement on Lliam's face as he reeled in his first fish!

Watching enjoyment all over Reid's face as he cast, hooked and reeled in all of his fish.

Enjoyed a morning out on Mantua (pronounced Maneay) lake with the family and Alta.

Took a nap

Played race, Duck Duck Goose, Obstacle Course, Watermelon Watermelon (remember that game my family?), tag, wrestling and on the playground with my boys (they definitely have short attention spans but never at a loss for energy!)

Listened to my boys laugh

Watched my boys play well together

Promise to have more days soaking in the joys of my boys!

Children Are My Business

Some of you may know that I have always wanted to start up my own preschool...and hopefully soon I'll be able to do that. However, there are a few things I need to do in order to achieve my goal. The first thing is to get my Bachelor Degree, this I will be doing starting September 8th. It's a Dual Concentration Program in Infant/Toddler and Preschool Development/Education!
I am so excited to get this going!

Also, I feel like I need to show my future parents (of the children I will be teaching) what kind of a teacher I am and how much I love what I am doing. So I have designed a blog to better do this.
It is...
http://missleonaspreschool.blogspot.com

This way, wherever we move to, anyone will be able to know my reputation. So check it out! I'll be posting some weekly lessons, good reads for kids and other fun and developmental information!

Where Babies Come From

We ask the boys all the time where we got them from because they are just too funny and crazy! Jed asked lliam where we got him from and he said, "From Chuckie Cheeses!"
Reid knows the answer (he always says from my mommy's tummy).

Enchanted

Recently we watched the movie Enchanted and today when we got home from church Reid went into the little 'cabin' that's in the back yard, opened the window and sang, "Ah-a-a-a. Ah-a-a-a, calling all the animals!

Amazed

I am always amazed when I hear Reid or Lliam answer questions directed to them. I always wonder, 'When did he learn that? or "That's been so long ago since we talked about that." The minds these boys have are amazing and are still growing. Now is the time to be teaching them, they are so eager to learn (not to mention their brain is growing again at this age). Plus the many cute things they come up with on their own, some not even making any sense.
For example, today Reid said that we needed more girls in the family (i'm training him well!) and Jed asked why, Reid's reply was so that everyone would have their own toothbrush! Doesn't make much sense to us but I'm sure he has a logical reason that only he would understand!
I want to start writing down more of what they say. I forget too easily and am definitely not up for Mother of the Year, so I'd like to remember those good times more and more. So hopefully you'll get to enjoy some fun insight from my boys and learn more of what they see the world as! It's a completly different place!

Free Redbox Movie!

I finally got another free code! Happy movie watching!!!

27HZ4KT

*Remember, if you use different credit cards you'd get multiple free movies! Good until midnight tonight!

Great Giveaway!

Sassy Saver is giving away an In Balance Mattress Topper! It's way cool and would be nice for us (anyone) to have! Check out her website to learn more about it!


The In Balance Mattress Topper is made OUTLAST fabric technology. This fabric is specially designed to reduce the ups and downs in temperature that causes hot spots and cold spots on your bed and cause you to have a restless nights sleep. It is hypo-allergenic and anti-fungal. They have a variety of sizes as well. These aren't just for queen or king beds!!!

What's New?!

We have been so busy, working, studying, playing that I haven't had much time to post...finally I have a little bit, i wanted to post some pix but am not home so those will have to come later!

Reid is still the crazy boy we all know and love! He becomes a fish when his feet touch the water. He's not quite tall enough to play in the shallow end, but loves to stay on the step at Aunt Jenny's pool and swim around! He is so smart and loves to learn new things.

Lliam is currently being potty trained and I must say, it's going easier than I thought. I put them straight into underwear (only pull-ups when they sleep and at church so the nursery teachers don't have to worry or clean up any messes). He's doing pretty good, currently he'll start peeing in his underwear, stops and finishes in the toilet. So, we're working on realizing when he needs to go and going in the toilet first! Any advice would be wonderful!


Leona is enjoying the summer and all the mini vacations we've done and will still do. We're just about gone every other weekend (i have to teach my Sunbeams sometimes!) I am also preparing to do a preschool this year for Lliam, Nolan (the boy i bbsit) and maybe others. AND once all the kids go back to school I'll be starting a Bachelore Degree program online! I am so excited to get my Bachelor degree!

Jed finally woke up and realized that summer is nearly over and is trying to have a bit of fun before things (hopefully) get crazy again. He took the DAT (Dental Admissions Test) a couple days ago. He got a 19 on it witch isn't awful (20 is the average accepted score), yet it doesn't guarantee us a spot. So we still are waiting and hoping for some interview requests. We'll keep you posted!

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO PRAYED AND FASTED FOR US.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT!!!

REDBOX FREE RENTAL MONDAY!

Every Monday you can get a free rental from RedBox. You can sign up and they will text you on Mondays the code (however I haven't received it EVERY monday). or just check back here and when i receive the code i'll post it!

Today's code is: 4J7LF6

California Dreamin!

*WARNING* Picture overload!!!

Last week the boys and I ventured off to Mesquite to pick up my 2 nieces and nephew. My sister Celeste was going to have a baby so I took her kids and mine to California to visit my parents and to celebrate Candi's graduation. With the 6 of us loaded up, we headed off Wednesday morning. (Just in time too because Celeste had her baby that evening!) The kids were AMAZING on the way down, I couldn't have asked for them to be more perfect! (since it was 5 of them and 1 of me!)

We kept them busy the whole week, but they still managed to drive my family crazy with the loudness and craziness!

The kids pretty much went swimming everyday!


Lliam "I'm a Mermaid!"


And ate Cheetos!

We went to the Friant Fish Hatchery...it was totally free and so much fun (we were able to feed the fish too).


Candi and Lliam


Grandpa and Lliam


All the Crazy Chilin's


Josh and Alexis


My good friend Melissa and her family were able to come too! It was so good seeing some friends!

After the hatchery we went to Loss Lake for some lunch. The water was freezing cold, but that didn't stop the kids!

We also went to Rodery Park, there is the Zoo, a Playland and Storyland and a bunch of playground and picnic areas that are way fun! We always went to the zoo so this time we went to Storyland and Playland.



Reid and Jace going down The Old Women's Shoe slide!


The Hughe's kids in the 3 Bears Chairs.


Grandma, Alexis and Lliam going down the 3 Bear's slide.


Reid on the Dragon Roller Coaster


Lliam on the ladybug ride


Jace and Cassidy on the Dragon Rollercoaster


Alexis on the ladybug ride

I could have stayed longer, but the kids and my family were ready for it to be over. Plus the Hughe's wanted to see their new baby brother! So Monday we loaded them all in the car and took off (this time I had my mom with me so it was even easier!)
Thanks Mom and Dad for letting us crash your house (literally). And Dad, I hope you're enjoying the peace and quiet and cleanliness of you house!