Bittersweet

We are both excited and dejected to announce that this summer.....

We have been in our home seven years and absolutely ADORE our neighborhood and ward. We are just experiencing the repercussions of living in an area with so few children. Especially the ages of our boys. There are actually several girls Summy's age. There must have been something in the water that year. ;) Trace is a SUPER social person and simply has nobody to play with. His bestie moved last year and no matter how many times I send home notes with his classmates, we never get calls for play dates. I hesitate to say "never" because he has ONE friend with whom he plays. Mike and I are really good friends with his parents though and I am sure our friendship will continue. That said, it has been a very hard year. Well, for a few reasons, but not having friends is one of the big ones. 

We also want a garage. I don't want a big house or want to leave more of a carbon footprint than we need to.....but I have always dreamed of having a garage. I don't think that is too vane or big of a request. Haha. I had one growing up but never parked in it. I moved out at 17 for college and have always dreamed of one day having a garage. Silly, I know. We looked briefly into adding one to our house several years ago, but it just wasn't worth the price/effort. 

We aren't exactly sure where we are going to move. We like areas in Sandy, Draper, Murray and Holladay. If anyone has any input we would be grateful. :) There are different aspects of each area we like/dislike and simply cannot pin it down. Our main desire is somewhere with more kids. That seems to lead us to Draper. Yet, Draper would be a long commute for Mike and to the U for me when I go back to school. We like Murray schools but there aren't a lot of kids in some areas. Same with Holladay. Our real estate agent has no idea what he is getting into having me as a client. I think things through often waaaaaaaaay too much. 

We are putting our house on the market in a couple of weeks. I have been in and out of the blog world so much these last couple of years I don't even know if anyone reads it anymore. LOL I just felt the need to spew my thoughts and explain why we are leaving. Last year a few families moved and the rumors began right away. NO, we don't think we are "too good" for the area, NO, we haven't been offended by anyone, and YES we still plan to keep in touch. 

To any of our neighbors who read this, we love you and appreciate you making this area home for the last seven years. :)

Stay tuned.....

Big changes about to happen.........

Probing for answers...hee hee hee.

There are many things in my genetics for which I am grateful. For the most part I am strong and healthy. I think my father once referred to me as "sturdy". lol There are also a few things which I would gladly do without. One of things my younger brother and I refer to as the "Bennett Bowels". Technically it should be the "Romney Bowels" being that it comes from my mother's lineage. Regardless of what you call it, it runs a gamut of symptoms ranging from frequent diarrhea to ulcerative colitis to polyps. (I will get to the reason for my graphic descriptions later.)
Due to my awesome, overactive digestive system I have the opportunity to undergo an invasive colonoscopy every five years. This all started when I was 21 and a precancerous polyp was discovered. Who would have thought having diarrhea may have saved my life? If I hadn't had that colonoscopy 11 years ago, my doc says it likely would have become cancerous. Crazy!
Between being pregnant, nursing and just not wanting to subject myself to the nastiness of the bowel prep, I put off having a routine colonoscopy for a few extra years. Last month I suddenly had a feeling it was time. I HATE, HATE,HATE the electrolyte nastiness you drink to cleanse your poop tubes. I think it is the texture that gets to me. I almost throw up with every gulp. Uggggg! Just thinking about it I just dry heaved in my mouth!
The Dr. who performed my procedure was awesome! He kept joking about how I was "special" to have such crappy (pun intended) bowels at such a young age. I told him to give me a punch card where every fifth colonoscopy was free. If he weren't about to "colonoscopize" me, I would have thought we were old friends.
To get on with it, the procedure went fine.( I woke up once in a previous colonoscopy when the nurse was pushing on my stomach and the doctor was pushing something else the other way.....let's just say it was awwwwwful.) In fact, when I came out of anesthesia, I started shouting and flailing my arms. Both the doc and staff began laughing HYSTERICALLY! I asked what I had just said, and the Dr. replied, "You yelled, 'Mike! Get out of my colon.'" Hahahahaha! No offense to any of you who may be into that kind of thing, but I have enough bowel issues. I have no idea where that outburst came from.
Dr. Fenton told me the procedure had gone well but that he had found more polyps and they were being sent out for biopsies. They way he said it as he grasped my arm made me nervous. There was no way something was wrong. Right? I waited in angst the following week Had I waited too long? I couldn't help but think about my mom waiting to hear back about test results and that made me worry even more. Fortunately, I received news that they were all BENIGN! Yay! Some did, however, show potential to turn into something cancerous so it was good I had them removed when I did. I WILL NEVER PUT THIS OFF AGAIN!
That is the reason for this graphic, personal post. It is SO important to take care of ourselves! Be sure to get your mammograms and pap smears and colonoscopies and annual physicals. SO many life threatening medical issues can be resolved if found early enough. I am grateful I listened to that little voice that kept nagging me to get checked. I owe it to myself and to my family to be proactive about my health.

Farewell to Ryno.

Today I attended Ryan's funeral. It was a beautiful service. I have also never laughed so much at a funeral. His father was stalwart as he spoke of his fun, crazy and sometimes reckless son. He reminded us of how everyone teased Ryan as a child for looking so much like Ralphie from "The Christmas Story". I laughed at hearing how Ryan would hide fireworks in hot dogs for unsuspecting roasters to discover. I about died when his father went on about how he had to try "harder and harder and harder" to conceive Ryan. Then once he was conceived he got to take a break. Who talks about that at a funeral? Why Darryl Wendel, of course.
Even more hilarious was when his dad talked about how much Ryan loved girls and would bring them on boating trips. He smiled and said HE loved when Ryan brought these girls along too! Watching his dad speak, I could picture what Ryan would have looked like down the road had he had the opportunity.
I had a moment with his mother at the viewing which was very sweet. She grasped my hands tightly, we reminisced about all of us as kids. She said she loved seeing all of us grown up with our own kids and she then she told me how much she loved my mom. In that sad moment we knew we felt each other's loss. I am still amazed at the grace and strength Ryan's mom upheld through the service. I can't even imagine the pain and anguish one feels at the loss of a child. Ryan leaves behind two beautiful girls, ages 7 and 9. The older daughter spoke of some of her favorite memories of her dad. I pray for comfort for them. There was so much love and support in that room for those girls I feel Ryan has left them in good hands.
It was a day full of reunions. I saw some friends I haven't seen for almost 20 years. I don't think much of my childhood anymore so it was fun to relive the happy times with the people with whom I caused so much mischief and shared so much laughter. I wish more than anything we had gotten reacquainted under different circumstances but Ryan's death has prompted us to all get together and keep in contact better.
You were one hilarious guy Ryan. You always knew how to seek out adventure, live life to the fullest and show the people you care about how much you loved them. May the sand dunes in heaven be ready for you. At least now, you won't have to worry about breaking bones. See you again one day old buddy!

Ryan Darrell Wendel 

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1978 ~ 2012
Our beloved Father, Son, Brother and Friend passed away unexpectedly Sat Jan 28, 2012
Son of Darrell and Chris Wendel, Brother to Michelle Siegismund (Otto) and Wendy Romero (Brian). Ryan married Angie Holmes and had two beautiful girls, Allie (9) and Lexi (7). Later divorced. Ryan was adored by nieces and nephews and his special sweetheart Chelsee. Loved by all his many Friends who were always there for each other which we are so grateful for. 
Ryan worked as an electrician with his father (Wendel Electric). He loved to golf, boat, ride his Motorcycle and go four wheeling at the sand dunes. Most of all he loved being with his two sweet girls! 
We all loved our Ryan (Ryno) so very much and will miss him everyday until we meet again.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 2, 2012 at the LDS Chapel at 400 North 700 West, Saratoga Springs, Utah with a viewing at the church Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Thursday prior to services from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m.

To the days of picking raspberries.......

 Today I learned one of my oldest friends died of a heart attack at the age of 33. He leaves behind two adorable little girls. The shock is still setting in. I have had friends die in accidents or from having a serious illness, but it never crossed my mind someone could have a heart attack so young. I hear about it happening, but I never thought it would happen to someone in my life.I feel so young and full of life and I look forward to a long and bright future with my family. Realizing that could be swept away in an instant is disheartening.
I was literally in diapers with this friend. Our moms were friends. We rode the bus to kindergarten together. We picked raspberries on the property by his house. He was the funny one in our group. I remember thinking he resembled Donahue on that TV show from the 80's. I remember one of my best friends asking me to ask him to be her boyfriend. He brought smiles to all our faces.
When we are young we have nothing but hope for the future. We don't think of the possibility we may only have a short time on this earth. We can't fathom the idea we will leave behind loves ones in an instant.
Truth be told, this has been the worst week I have had in a long time. This news just about broke me. But, as sad as I feel I can't help but think of his sweet girls. I am so grateful to know that this life is not the end. In a couple of weeks, it will have been eleven years since I lost my mom. It was devastating watching her die, but I am grateful I at least had the opportunity to say goodbye. I was able to feel closure.
My heart goes out to his family. Loss is never easy. Moving on is impossible and for that I am actually grateful. If we carry a piece of them with us then their legacy lives on.
Here's to you old buddy. I will think of you whenever I see raspberries and remember how we would eat them all while we were supposed to be picking them for your parents. lol

The truth about Mother Goose.

Last night, while reading Mother Goose nursery rhymes Tracy commented, "Mother Goose sounds drunk to me." He was so serious about it!

 I don't know where he gets his knowledge of how someone acts when drunk, but I have to agree with him. Most nursery rhymes are dark and grammatically poor. For instance, "and down he RUN"????Seriously? I have a pet peeve about grammar as it is, but how does one get published with that? Plus, a cradle falling out of a tree? Kids singing and dancing about the plague? 

I suppose I should give MG a little slack. She did, afterall, raise a litter of kids in a shoe. I would probably hit the bottle too. JK Okay, enough ranting. As much as they annoy me, we often read these macabre stories at bedtime. I admit I enjoy a little "pat-a-cake" and "this little piggy". But, overall I think I will stick to Dr. Seuss and The Moon Shines Down. 

2012 Interview with the Kids.

On my best friend's blog she had posted interviews with her daughters and I thought it was so cute I had to copy the idea. What better way to capture who they are and what they want to be at this point in their lives than to simply ASK THEM? I have left answers UNEDITED! Here goes.....

HOW OLD ARE YOU?

Tracy: "Seven. What are you doing?"

Everett: "Mommy I'm five. Why do you ask?"

Summer: "Three and a HALF!"

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK?

Tracy: "Books about Army and Aircraft Carriers."

Everett: "Transformer."

Summer:" Beauty and the Beast."

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE?

Tracy: "Cars 2."

Everett: "Despicable Me."

Summer: "All of the Princess movies."

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW?
Tracy: "Mighty Machines."
Everett: "Dinosaur Train."
Summer: "Ooooh. Strawberry Shortcake and Angelina Ballerina."

WHO IS YOUR BEST FRIEND?

Tracy: "Max."

Everett: "Sam and Dominic."

Summer:" Sam likes me. He goes to Challenger too." (Note to self: check out this Sam fellow. He is a different Sam than Ev's friend.) 

DO YOU HAVE A BOY/GIRLFRIEND?

Tracy: "Noel." (She was in his class last year. She is a cute blond with big blue eyes. She is really sweet too. When Tracy first told me they were dating a year ago I asked what that meant. He said it means you like each other. After witnessing what the 5th and 6th graders do when they are "going out" I was relieved!)

Everett: "Uh uh."

Summer: "Milo". They have in fact been dating for over a year now. He is a cute kid. We approve. ;)

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?

Tracy: "Lego Engineer."

Everett: "Mad Scientist hahahahaha!"

Summer: "Princess."

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO TO COLLEGE?

Tracy: "University of Utah."

Everett: "BYU" (He always chooses the opposite of what he thinks we want him to say thinking he will cause a commotion. Sorry buddy. I don't care WHERE you go to school.)

Summer: "I don't WANT to go to college!!!" (Um, this answer WILL be changing in years to come!)

WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO VISIT?

Tracy: "Places where there is water. Then I can boogie board."

Everett: "Arizona."

Summer: "The beach." (That's my girl!)

IF YOU COULD GO ANYWHERE, WHERE WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Tracy: "Lego Land and the Grand Canyon."

Everett: "Disney land and Lego land."

Summer: "Another Disney cruise."

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO PLAY?

Tracy: "Legos."

Everett: "Legos".

Summer:" Sleeping Beauty dress-up."

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TOY?

Tracy: "Legos."

Everett: "Batman toys."

Summer: "I like all of my toys!"

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE MUSICIAN/BAND?

Tracy:" Bruno Mars and Michael Jackson."

Everett:" Michael Jackson."
Summer: "Taylor Swift, Justin Beiber and Avril Lavigne."

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SONG?
Tracy: "Going off the rails on a crazy train." Ozzy Osborne
Everett: "I'm Bad." Michael Jackson
Summer: "Hey, hey, you, you, I don't like your girlfriend." Avril Lavigne

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO WITH MOM?

Tracy: "Play legos and do crafts."

Everett: "Go to the library."

Summer: "Play games."

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO WITH DAD?

Tracy: "Play legos."

Everett: "Get prizes when he comes back from out of town."

Summer: "Go potty!!!!!" No joke! This was her answer. HAHAHA!

*Mike and I discovered the sentimentality of Summer's comment this week. We went our to dinner twice and BOTH times Mike took her to the bathroom she had to poop. She was in there for at least 15 minutes each time. She would say, "I have six more poops" or something along those lines. Ahhh. My little princess. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE STORY?

Tracy: "Alma the Younger."

Everett: "Alma."

Summer: "Baby Jesus."

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD?

Tracy: "Quesadillas, tostadas and nachos."

Everett: "Macaroni and pancakes." 

Summer: "Hot dogs."

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FRUIT/VEGETABLE?
Tracy: "Apples and carrots."
Everett: "Clementines, bananas and broccoli. I like edamame too."
Summer: "Clementines, grapes and edamames too."

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL?

Tracy: "Crocodiles, alligators, wild life animals and iguanas and lizards and snakes."

Everett: "Every animal, but I like T-Rex's the most cuz they can eat stuff. I like turtles too."

Summer: "Elephant!"

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CAR?

Tracy: "Ferrari, hot rods, sports cars, and police cars."

Everett: "Hot Rod."

Summer:" Dune Buggy."

WHAT THEME DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR NEXT BIRTHDAY PARTY?

Tracy: "Transformers again."

Everett: "Hot Rod."

Summer: "Rapunzel".

WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR NEXT BIRTHDAY?
Tracy: "More legos."
Everett: "I want one of those Fin boats where when Fin from Cars 2 jumps onto the bad boat and he's on the side and he goes to get the bad guys. You can get it at Target."
Summer: "Um, uh, a monkey stuffed animal. I'm getting tired of telling you things." LOL

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPORT?
Tracy: "Basketball."
Everett: "I like a lot of sports but mostly I like baseball."
Summer:"Basketball".

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL?

Tracy: :Science and math and reading."

Everett: "Science". (Hence, wanting to be a mad scientist I suppose.)

Summer: "AIRPLANES!!!" (They just finished a section on transportation.)

WHAT CAN'T YOU SLEEP WITHOUT?

Tracy: "All of my stuffed animals and blankies."

Everett: "My teddy and my aliens and my space blankie."

Summer: " My purple blank." (translation=blanket)

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY FROM 2011?

Tracy: "Skiing."

Everett: "Cruise."

Summer: "Cruise!"

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO IN 2012?

Tracy: "Going skiing again."

Everett: "Going to be an East Midvale Eagle."

Summer: "Looking for dinosaur bones". (Not sure where that came from but I will have to keep on eye on the sandbox.)

Well, there you have it. The Bollinger legacy in the works. I can't wait to ask again next year.

I want a hip hop hippopotamus for Christmas.

I love this part of my life partly because I enjoy being a "soccer mom". I love going to my children's sports games, recitals and school events. On December 14, I attended the dance recital of Trace and Summy. Summer began a jazz/ballet class in August and Tracy a hip-hop one. They both worked very hard and had a FUN, FUN, FUN time at class as well as during their performances.

I have to give props to Tracy's instructor, Brandon. Managing seven rumbustious, hyper little boys was no small feat! The class consists of a half hour of tumbling and another half hour of learning routines. We had a few.....ehm....missteps along the way. Let's just say Tracy was a little TOO rowdy on more than one occasion and sat in the corner for part of the class. I bring this up because as time has passed I have seen much growth in Trace. He has learned to control himself (most of the time) and is often the teacher's assistant during class.

Summer's teacher, Miss Tami is adorable and so sweet with all of the little girls. Summer behavior is completely OPPOSITE her brother's. She takes it so seriously I keep asking her if she is enjoying herself. When Miss Tami does kicks across the floor and asks the girls to follow, most of them give up half way and start playing with each other's skirts. Not Summer! With a serious look on her face she kicks her little legs the whoooooole distance. At the end of class she is smiling and jumping around and chatting with her friends. Maybe I am just used to rowdy boys and I assume because she isn't yelling and causing chaos she isn't having fun.

Summer's class was one of the studios selections for the Festival of Trees. She was LITERALLY jumping for joy at the chance to perform. I will have to post the video. She was not only dancing her little heart out, she was singing the words! We didn't know what to expect when she got up there on that stage. Little did we know we have a little diva on our hands. She had facial expressions and everything!!! It was awesome.

It has been an exciting few months of dance and I look forward to the next recital come spring. Everett has just joined Tracy's Hip Hop class. So far, so good. I am just pleased my kids have found something active that brings them so much joy.

Sun Beam

Who better to become a Sun Beam than the little lady with a name literally paying homage to the sun? Yes, our little Summer is now officially in primary!!! I didn't even realize it until her cute new teacher called to get some information for a spotlight. I think I am in denial my kids are growing up as quickly as they are. Sigh.... I am so proud of our little ray of sunshine. That pretty much sums her up. She is so sweet and loving to all. When I ask her why she is so sweet, or beautiful, or smart etc. her simple reply is always, "Jesus did it."

Reflections 2011

The theme this year for Reflections was "DIVERSITY". Tracy said he wanted to enter and came up with an idea all on his own. He drew a picture of himself with his friend Tino and wrote "Buddies". Such a simple drawing on one level, but with deep roots into who Tracy is. He loves everyone regardless of what they look like, what they wear, where they live or what they believe. There is a reason he makes friends everywhere he goes. He has an open heart and puts himself out there in the world. I love Trace for many reasons, this being just one of them.

As it turns out, I wasn't the only one who thought Tracy's entry was noteworthy. He moved onto the next level and was a finalist for the whole district!!! I am proud of this accomplishment, but mostly I am proud to know the sweet, open-minded boy who created it.

The things we learn from our children...

I thought that as the parent I would be the one to provide teaching and guidance. I have since learned that I am often the student.

This last Thanksgiving, Mike's father learned an old schoolmate had nowhere to go for Thanksgiving. Being the generous man that he is, he invited him to join our family for the holiday. It was a tasty, enjoyable and LOUD feast followed by some down time before pie. I had noticed that the "friend" didn't join us for dessert and figured he just needed some quiet away from our rambunctiousness. Come to find out, Tracy had asked him to join us and he had politely declined. Tracy then asked if he would just like someone to talk to and spent some time keeping this man company. I was too wrapped up with filling my belly with pumpkin pie to notice my sweet seven-year-old showing love to a man he met only an hour prior. 

My father-in-law later told us about what had happened and I feel very touched. I am so proud of his unprompted act of kindness. As this time of year we turn our hearts toward gratitude, I am grateful for my children. I am thankful for the love they show to me, to each other and to others. If you know me well enough, you know crying is not in my lexicon. However, each time I read this post or think about Tracy sitting with this gentleman, I get a little choked up.

Urban Adventure

Rather than spend money on school pictures where the kids look awkward and it's a single pose, we opted to spend the money on professional pics instead. I used this AMAZING photographer who captured the kids and their personalities perfectly. One of our favorite places to play is the skate park so I wanted to incorporate that into the photo shoot.There were over 100 pictures from which to choose, but here is a taste of what was captured.

Just getting started.

Yep, she is the boss!

Hey there, GQ.

I have no idea where he gets his gangsta attitude. ;)

Aww, my sweet Trace.

This hat is one of my favorite things in the world.

He kept posing on his own and Jodi just kept snapping pics as he went along.

Million dollar smile!

Little outdoors man.

Pat-a-cake

Helloooooo blue eyes.

Okay this hat is another of my favs, and so is the cute girl.

Going.....

Going.....

GONE!!!

Walk like an Egyptian.

Smiling, happy people...

Love her!

Look out Bruno Mars.

This picture captures Everett's personality with perfection. He is adorable and sweet and yet you know he is plotting something mischievous. 

Handsome guy.

We are a happy family!

 Hope you enjoy those as much as I do. The kids have never had so much fun getting their pictures taken. Jodi Palmer at Yummy Life Photography was amazing! I feel like we captured them in this time of their lives. One day, when I look back at these, I will remember how fun, quirky, silly and adorable they are.

Farewell to Veloy

In October, Mike's wonderful grandmother passed away. She is one of the most gracious and classy women I know. I say "is" and not was because I know she is sharing her wonderful gifts with others where she is now. The funeral was beautiful and Tracy rubbed Mike's back the whole time. He has grown into such a loving person. As sad as it was to say goodbye to someone we loved so much, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to discuss death with my children. To me, the sadness is brief. I still miss my mom and it hurts to not have her here. That said, I know she is looking over my family and that we will be with her again one day. I feel this same way about Grandma Bollinger. I am blessed to have the knowledge that people will be reunited with loved ones and death is only a temporary goodbye.
Here is Veloy's obituary.

12/25/1923 ~ 11/03/2011
VeLoy Tucker Bollinger was born Dec. 25, 1923 in Price, Utah, the second child of Wilhelm (Bill) Paul Tucker and Doris Maria Winn Tucker. She passed away on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011 due to complications from a fall and Alzheimers. VeLoy grew up in Salt Lake City and graduated from South High School. On August 4, 1942 she married her sweetheart, Kenneth Harlow Bollinger in the Salt Lake Temple. They immediately moved to Seattle, Washington, where Ken worked with the military during World War II. 
VeLoy was a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. She loved the changing of seasons, spending times in Palm Springs and enjoyed the friends and family that went to visit them there. She loved her husband, four children, gardening, needlework, playing tennis and golf. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, holding many different positions. She was a wonderful cook and her children and grandchildren loved going to "Grandma B.'s" house for Sunday dinner. 
Survived by her husband, Ken, one daughter and three sons and their spouses: Judy (Bill) Stagg, Jerry (Judy), Ted (Kelley), and Steve (Dawn); 14 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren, two brothers, Clyde (JoAnn) and Billy (Sherrie), two sisters-in-law, LaVora Tucker and Bobby Tucker Shelley and many other extended family and friends. VeLoy was preceded in death by her parents, one infant brother, Paul, and two other brothers, John and O. Keith Tucker. 
We would like to thank her wonderful care givers who have made things easier for VeLoy and Ken. 

Checking in with the Bollingers

I have said it before and I will say it again, WHEN WILL I FIND TIME TO BLOG? I have missed the blogging world and it is a fun way to journal. Plus I know you have all missed hearing about our exciting lives. JK
To catch everyone, as well as myself, up on what has been happening with the Bollinger crew here is a little synopsis:

Mike has been busy, busy, busy with work. With his increased load, however, he has been traveling more leaving me to play single mom. I don't know how you single gals do it! Getting them all ready for school, while I am getting ready for work, getting lunches made, doing homework, shuffling them off to school, sports, dance etc. is a massive feat! Back to Mike. He is working with a lot of Universities, Deseret Book, and even the Leonardo which has been both exciting and challenging for him. I am so grateful he enjoys his job.

As for me, I may be finding more time to blog because I just put in my two weeks. Well, sort of. After crunching the numbers, factoring in both Mike's and my work schedules, paying a sitter etc. we discovered I was almost PAYING to work! It was very difficult to come to this realization. I love my job and was disheartened at the thought I would not be working with my cute students any longer. Fortunately, when I talked to my awesome boss (first time I had to go to the principal's office in my LIFE, lol), she offered a solution. She created a new position in which I will be working with the school psychologist and resource regarding behavioral issues. The best part is I will only be working while Ev and Summy are in preschool. :) I am grateful for the opportunity to be home more. Kids are only little for such a small part of their lives and I don't want to miss ANY of it!

Tracy is our big first grader. He loves school and excels in his schoolwork. I enjoy seeing him in the halls, which is one thing I was going to miss about leaving my job. He recently started a hip-hop class which involves a lot of tumbling and jumping around. PERFECT for our little ball of energy! He is going to start playing basketball in the fall. As for piano, he is on a sabbatical of sorts. He still practices but I don't want him to be an over scheduled kid so we let him choose something to cut out. He wants to try it again next year. He is a lego-master and can spend countless hours coming up with new creations. I wish he could spend countless hours cleaning them up as well. He continues to be the sweetest and most protective big brother. When I walk over to pick him up from school, he always has to push Summer's stroller. He often puts his arms around and comforts Ev and Summy. Well, when he and Ev aren't fighting. Oh, the joys of boys. He has become an awesome swimmer and wants to join the High School swim team....NOW! Haha. He isn't THAT good yet.

Everett is our mischievousness little squirt. He just finished soccer, in which I coached, and looks forward to starting hip-hop with Trace in January. He is in his last year of preschool and can't wait to start Kindergarten. He loves riding his bike and playing games. Especially when he makes up his own rules. Ev loves his friends and loves to tell stories about them. Even if they are full of hyperbole. So far his friend Sam has a race car, owns a rocket launcher and is part ninja. Haha. He is my favorite little exercise buddy. Whenever he hears the treadmill, he runs in and jumps on the cross-trainer. When we race at the playground he just keeps running, and running and running.....He wants to run the 5K Race for the Cure next spring with me. I am so excited! His amazing abilities also include the ability eat exceedingly without gaining weight. I think he has hollow legs. He has also become an awesome swimmer so I feel like the mamma of little fish. I am just glad all three love the water because Mike and I are water lovers and spend a lot of recreational time in it.

Summer is the princess of the family. For example, last week I gave her a foot massage because her feet hurt from wearing her boots all day. At least she is a sweet princess. She looks out for "her boys" and loves to give kisses and squeezes to all. Her Grandma Kelley is her best friend and she has her wrapped around her pink painted little finger. She began both preschool and dance class this fall. She loves both. She takes her ballet/jazz very seriously. She is working on "I want a hippopotamus for Christmas" for her upcoming recital. Among her favorite things to do are playing princess, playing Jessie from Toy Story with Everett, making up and singing songs in public and getting excited over EVERYTHING! I love seeing her eyes light up and hear her sigh over the simplest things like getting Slurpees. Often times when she is sitting quietly I see my mom in her. A little gesture or turn of the head and I get a glimpse of the Grandma I am sure will be her other best friend one day.

We had a busy summer full of camping, family, birthday parties, time with friends....it passed far too quickly! On one of our trips, Mike, Ev and I were attacked by yellow jackets. Poor Mike got it the worst with SEVENTEEN stings! Everett got stung on the eye. It was so sad! I only got stung once, but being allergic, I was a little nervous the rest of the trip. We saw"The Little Mermaid" at Tuacahn last month and it was incredible! I will post pics of all of these things once I have time. Haha. Time.

Well, that is the last little while in a nutshell. I am excited to get back into the bloggity blogging world. I miss looking at all of your cute families and seeing what is going on in your lives. Sometimes that is the only way I keep in contact with many of you. I hope all is well and I look forward to blog-stalking you soon!

A very SCAAAARY birthday to Everett.

It is no secret we love both Halloween and birthdays here at the Bollinger home, so when Ev asked for a scary birthday party I was absolutely elated! He wanted blood and spiders and vampires and ghosts.....just what every five-year-old asks for, right?

Nothing beats a hairy spider for dessert!

The little ghosts and goblins entered through the haunted gate. I sometimes forget how desensitized my children are to monsters and blood. Some of the kids were too afraid to come to our house. SAD! 

We played pin the eye on the monster, had a candy pull and ended with scary bingo. I have no idea where these pictures are.....

Anyway, I am a mean mom and rather than have kids bring the birthday child a gift they bring a small present to exchange with the other kids. It seems to always be a hit.

I was so excited to get the Halloween decorations out a couple of weeks early. :)

Mummy cupcakes.

Ev got plenty of gifts at the family party! He loves Buzz Light Year and Megamind right now. 

We sure do love you Ev! You are the comic relief in our family with your adorable laugh and ginormous smile. You always make sure we give each other lots of hugs and kisses before we all head off to our busy days. Thanks for reminding us of the important things in life. I am always amazed at your ability to fall asleep anytime....anywhere. Just like your pops. Even thought it causes me to do more laundry, I think it's awesome you think you need to change your ensemble several times a day. You are quite the fashion guy. Your teachers and leaders always comment on how sweet you are and we are happy you are in our family.