Jackson, WY

Yesterday, my husband had the day off so we took the kids to Jackson Hole, WY. it was so much fun! Robert was able to show us the buildings he was working on, (THey are awesome) also, we took the kids to an Elk reserve and they were able to see them, Also they saw a museum. It was fun to walk around and check out the city. And let the kids see the shops and the boardwalks. We had a great day together as a family. on the way home we took they to get the "world famous square ice cream cone" and it was great. They had fun eating their "square cone" i did obstain from the ice cream cone though. Kudos to me !! have a great Day all !!

So I am rocking out to Christina Aguilera's Back to Basics CD today. I have a ton to do. My parents are coming to visit tuesday. I am soooooo Excited. I haven't seen my mom for almost 9 months. Now that is not our record but it has been awhile. I miss her. And am still trying to convince her to move up here, anyway I am sidetracked. They are up to see my brother that was put into a Bishopric this weekend. My dad Ordained him a High Priest. ( he was excited b/c this means that the priesthood line wouldn't die out -which seems to be a big deal to my dad.) So we have a ton of work to do. And it will be fun to see them. I really need to go but I just wanted to drop a line. And let you all know how hectic I am feeling today. and I am posting a complete family photo of my entire one so you can all see the Phillips brood. I have 5 brothers and 1 sister.

Aroud the World

I found this fascinating, check it out. it's a photo essay of families from around the world. It shows what they eat in one week and what the cost is. interesting..............

http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1626519,00.html

I have been getting up at 5:45 to get started on my day and that has been great for the last month. I get alot done and feel great to. The baby is big enough that I am able to do more. AND I won't be having more any time soon :) IF EVER. Babies I mean. anyway, (that was off track) So my next step is to give up all non-nutritional sugar. I mean the kind that is treats and such. Not the fruit and good for you in food kind! And i start on Monday. I hope that this next step will also kick some of it into drive. I think the first two weeks is gonna be hell. And I also think that my diet Coke is gonna be a little of a life line, but hey, One thing at once, right? And i will deal with that little demon in good time. so wish me luck!!

Goals

So I have actually continued my progress in the exercise area. I did have days were I thought "No WAY" but........I did it anyway. And that does give me a good feeling. I have alot more improving to do. Even though I am very happy with my progress. It does feel good to accomplish some of these goals. I have had some increased energy and an overall feeling of well being that I have enjoyed. Even when I have been up late and exercised anyway my day has gone better. So that has definitly been a perk. I probably need to step up my workout program again. Having the kids in T-ball has helped tremendously. With the activity level in my life. It keeps me busy with out having to think about it to much. I just wanted to update everyone on my progress. And give myself some accountability. Have a Great Day!!

My girls are growing up. This morning they were so excited to be off the Krupp Scout Hollow. They have activity day/Day camp today. It's fun to see them grow up. It's fun to see them have their own ideas and thoughts and experiences. I have really enjoyed my girls. They have been a huge help to me. They are getting more fun all the time. I think I enjoy the older kids as much as the newbie's. And that is saying alot! They're home now with lots to tell me about, so until next time...........bye.

CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN

Finally, it's all clean. My house feels more in control than it has for months. We got the basement deep cleaned for the first time in awhile and boy does it feel good. I am all smiles this evening and it is finally not an embarrasment for the family. I think that the kiddies even noticed how it looked :) So all in all it is a nice evening! -now if I can only get my old appliances hauled away.....................

Crazy?

So I have a dilema. A love hate relationship with my children and the summer. I truly love my kids, yet I find that this summer, (it does seem much worse this year than before) they are driving me absolutly, up the wall, crazy. I feel like all the work I do is undone, (I have 5 kids so that is no small feet) And the bickering this year seems unprecidented. I am not sure why it has escalated to this. Tonight I sent all my kids to bed at 7:30pm and its JUNE. Translation 30 minute later betime. With this much fighting I figured they must be tired, right? So here I am, so tired of their poor behavior that they all were down 30 minutes before the normal time. Much to my relief my home is now quiet. They are helpful kids, they are loving children, they can be quite charming and polite-here's the catch- When they WANT TO BE! I can't make it happen more than that. I find I am unsure of this new ground I am on. Usually, I feel pretty unflappable. I can roll with the kids, I'm tired by bedtime, but so are they. And this year they have me exhausted by 3pm! I love all my Babies, but right now I feel like I could post some on ebay, and come away ok with that thought! (Just kidding, I would never sell the darlings) So any hints to deal with chores, or bickering dilemas are welcome!!

Kids, Kids, Kids!!

My kids really give me a kick sometimes. Lately Alexa has started to talk more and I get a huge kick out of it. She is starting to mimick almost anything you say. I don't think I've ever had a kid do that before, it's alot of fun. Anyway, if you blow in her face (she doesn't like it very much) she will put her hand over your mouth and say "No, No!" very funny. Of course the parents that we are, we do it over and over to hear her say it. Its really not good b/c we shouldn't encourage her back talk, but it is so darn cute, and she hardly ever talked before that, so it was fun to see her personality emerge. She's my sweetie pie. I love her so much. It is also a little bittersweet b/c I 'm not planning anymore children and I will most definitly "miss" having a baby! There is something special about the little newborns and their smell. Yes, their smell! I love that. I will miss that. I will miss the time with little ones. I don't want anymore kids. I really do think we are at our limit. But I will always miss the babies. So I will probably become the official baby holder at church or something, to appease this ache for the newbie's.:)

Gardening

So, we finally got our garden in. I have high hopes for it this year. Last year I was able to can alot of the cucumbers and this year I am planning even more salsa, beans, peas, and tomatoes. I hope it produces like I want it too. The family has really seemed to enjoy it. ANd I think I like having the availability of it on my shelves. It does give an immense feeling of satisfaction, to have it done, I must say. The kids really enjoy having our trampoline this summer. They have spent alot of time of late on it. I do think it was a great investment. It gives them something to do and it has been a relief to me to have them play on it and get out of the house a bit.
We start the t-ball games this week. Ian has his first game tomorrow. It should be fun.

Summer

So we are officially into summer. The month of June is going to be hard core baseball. 3 of my kids are into t-ball or coach pitch. I love to watch them. It is so fun. It also takes me back to the days that I used to play. I played pitcher in a softball league in high school. I do miss the competetive play. But NOT my coach. He was a jerk! But onto happier times..........My kids are having fun on their respective teams and it is fun to see. I like being out on the sidelines cheering them on.
We also bought a piano yesterday! YEAHHHHHH. I have been wanting one for so long it seems like a dream to actually have one. Now we have to set up paino lessons in the fall. Hopefully that can work itself out somehow. The piano is beautiful. Or at least I think it is. ANd I love seeing it in my front room. I also, like having the extra "space" for my pictures ect.........It's a dark wood and the yellow sponged/ragged walls look awesome behind it. It really seems to show off the piece. So that is also nice. Now , only for a few other things that are on my "list" to get.
I think it is never ending. And that bothers me too, Now that I'm on the subject. I hate it that I always am wanting "more" I wish that I was more content with what I have, but alas, I am greedy I guess.
Update,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, I have exercised almost everyday this week. I'm on a good streak and I hope I can maitain this. I really want to make it work. And I'm happy with my progress thus far. REally the workout hasn't been intense yet, but its more about just getting up everyday, no matter what! so wish me Luck!