Fun in the Sun and a New Baby Boy!

Sigh, summer. The smell of fresh cut crass, the mouth-watering scent of the barebecue, the freckles and bleached hair-I love it all!

We have had such a fun summer, it's hard to know where to begin.

To start with, my mom took us to Lagoon (a huge amusement park in my neighboring town of Farmington) for her birthday!!! The kids had a blast, and so did I! Finally I could go on all the rides because I wasn't expecting, or just had a child, or anything! We stayed from opening (11 am) to closing (10 pm). The rides were great. Joshua, who just turned 6, went on "Wicked." The ride was exhilarating and terrifying!

Here is his picture before the ride:

And here is a picture of afterwards:

Josh was a good sport and of course wanted to ride it again once it was all over.

Here are Dax and Ella on the "Bumper Cars." The picture is a bit blurry because I couldn't stop laughing at Dax driving his car like a mad man, while Ella just sat back and swung her arm around her brother.


Here we are on "Puff the Magic Dragon."

And of course, up and down--round and round on the Merry go round.


We have been to Cherry Hill several times this summer, and love to splash in the water and go down the water slides. Ella and Dax are a bit too fearless when it comes to swimming. They are happiest when they don't have any life-preservers on, and think it's hilarious when I let them go and they go under the water. Crazy kids.
We have also been hiking a couple of times. One of my favorite things about Utah is the beautiful Wasatch Front. The mountains are breathtaking! It is so fun to take our little family up the canyon to enjoy nature, have a picnic lunch, and splash in the streams and waterfalls!
Don't worry, we're not white-trash enough to let them hike this way, just to play in the stream.

JOSH

Josh turned 6 last week! We had his first "friend" birthday party, and invited friends from around the block. It was a water party and there were several games, my favorite being the "saggy jog relay" in which the children had to jump in a small pool of water, put on a pair of sweats, and run to the fence and back. Seeing these kids try to run with these heavy, wet pants was a hoot!

Josh is almost completely independent, and doesn't need my help with much of anything anymore (chu-ching). Which is why I can post this picture, because the outfit was his idea, and his alone. Can you believe we went out in public like this? If only I cared.
DAX

We finally went to the doctor yesterday for Dax's poop problem. This boy has had the runs for way too long now, and it is severely ruining my efforts with toilet training. Overall he's about there, but we just can't get this poop thing down! I think Ella will be toilet trained before her brother.
This is Dax at the zoo. We had a good time, although Ella was a little unsure of the elephants.

Dax, as usual, is a bundle of fun. He keeps us entertained and is quite the dramatic little boy. His newest thing is 'playing dead'. He will just lay there for quite a while, totally expressionless until someone says "Don't smile Dax," then it's all over.

ELLA

Ella went to the salon and got her first "official" haircut. Isn't she cute?!
I just adore this little girl. Her favorite things at this point are purses, shoes, and having her nails and toe-nails painted. Such a girly-girl! I love it!

Nana just got back from Hawaii and brought this outfit back for the Bella. Sad thing is I wear the same size shells.

CAM

Cam is really enjoying his job, and learning a lot. He is impressing his colleagues (his boss is in my dad's stake, and a colleague lives down the street from my dad).

Cam was recently called into the Priest's quorum, and just joined them in a backpacking adventure in Wind Rivers. Cam was totally in his element-packing lots of weight, being in the outdoors and not having to shave. This calling is perfect for him!


ME

It is official, I paid my dues and signed up to be in the Sprint Triathlon this September in Eden, Utah. I am stoked and scared spitless. Truthfully, the only training I have done is running, but I feel like I'm in pretty good shape. (well, decent enough shape that I should finish and not die trying.)

I ran a 5K (first time since 6th grade, no joke) on the fourth of July with my sisters Lisa and Kelli. I had only run 4 times before the race, but felt pretty good. Kelli and I finished in 35 minutes, which is nothing to shout about, but still all right (or maybe that's turtle slow-I honestly don't have a clue!)

And some of the best news is my little sister, Shera had baby #2 last Thursday!!! He is SO BEAUTIFUL! His name is Kenneth (Kenny) Greg Whitmer-however, the name may change because Shera is still unsure about it. Little Kenny looks a lot like Shera. He is VERY long (21 1/2 inches at birth). He weighed 7 lbs., 8 oz. and brings smiles to faces wherever he goes! Shera did an amazing job, he is adorable. (okay Jeff, guess I could include you in that too.)
Before:

After:

We are headed to Bear Lake this weekend to spend some time with my inlaws. I am so excited to go on a vacation and spend time with my family!

Ten years later...

"Graduating class of 2008, you have the potential and ability to do great things. May you go out and use your knowledge and talents to change and to better the world we live in...." the words echoed off the walls of the South Town Expo Center as I sat wrestling with my children at my brother-in-law's high school graduation. "I wish you all great success in your endeavors."

Ten years ago I was told this exact same thing. "Be successful. Go out and make the most of yourself."

The question hit me like a ton of bricks. "Wow, what have I done with myself for the past ten years?" I momentarily felt really bad about not having any great accomplishments. Have I changed the world? Have I been successful? I realize now that I was ranking my accomplishments upon worldly views. How do most of us view success, power and prestige? By how much money you have and how many toys you own. Since I don't have much of either of those things, I was feeling temporarily down and out.

Then I came to my senses and looked down at my 3 beautiful, healthy children (whom I was still wrestling with). Just look at these kids!
I think a lot of people have different theories and beliefs as to why women choose to stay at home and raise their family. Here's mine.

I find as I write these blogs and try to express myself and my feelings, that my lack of use with the English language is apparent. I don't know the words I should use to express what I feel. Maybe the words don't exist.

How do I explain to someone who makes six figures and has the thought of having children in the very farthest crevice of their brain, that this makes me smile?










Sure, it makes me crazy, but it makes me smile! (thank you magic eraser--no, not on her hands, the wall. I don't make the same mistake twice. Okay, well at least not that mistake.)

How do I explain the joy I feel at seeing my little Bella sitting in her grandmother's yard devouring strawberries while the juice drips off her chin and runs down her arms?












How do I define the emotions I feel when Daxton wakes me up, only to discover he has no pull-up on and skid marks in his pants. As terror grips me, I frantically search the house, sniffing as I go, trying to find the source of the smell. I arrive in the downstairs bathroom and discover poop covering many surfaces in the bathroom, including the toilet. How do I explain to someone that my first thought is "Wow, at least he tried to take care of things himself!"
(Don't worry, no picture for that one.)

How do I explain the laughter I expel when my 2 year old is calling me for help, only to find that he has climbed into the bottom basket of the stroller and can't get out?

What words do you use to explain the sense of accomplishment you feel when your oldest child sits down to read a story to his younger brother and sister?

Staying at home and raising these kids is the most important thing I could be doing. Sure, the pay is lousy, but I don't need cash to get the rewards. I just need a hug, a smile, a kiss on the cheek (and let's be honest here, a pedicure once in a blue moon doesn't hurt either.) Just know that I don't stay at home because I was told to, but because I want to. What better a way to change the world then by teaching those who live in it?

Ten years later and I don't have a fancy degree or a convertible sports car, but I have what I feel is most important to me--3 beautiful smiles that greet me each day.

EMPLOYMENT!!!!

After a year and a half with no steady income, Cameron is finally EMPLOYED!!! Let me first say THANK YOU so much to everyone for your thoughts and your prayers. It has helped us so much.

Cameron started his first day at Mountain States Networking on Wednesday. He is their inside sales and service representative. We are both so excited and so grateful to have this job. We were both pretty clueless about how difficult it is to find employment. I guess we both thought with his past work experience and degree, that a job would just come easily. That is so not the case. Cameron sent resume after resume to all sorts of places, to no avail. The saying holds true, "It's not about what you know, it's all about WHO you know." Thanks so much to my dad who gave Cameron the email address to Rob Harker, a man in his neighborhood, who got Cam the interview which led to the job. Oh, I feel so indebted. THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Well, now that that nightmare is over.....

I am so happy to finally know that we have some kind of plan, something to count on. I don't have to worry about selling the house because we are moving to some foreign land (well, not yet anyways, I guess you never know.) I'm just happy.

So, I read through my last blog entry and realized that I am quite a pessimist. I'm sorry. I'll try to pick myself up and not be such a downer. I really am happy.

JOSH

Josh graduated from kindergarten last week. I joined him in his Hogle Zoo field trip, (along with the five other 6 year olds in my group.) It was a great time. They have a "white alligator" at the zoo right now. Pretty freaky. Definitely worth the trip! Josh is LOVING his first week of summer vacation. We went to Cherry Hill on Monday, and had a great time splashing in the water and swimming in the pool. I feel so lucky to have my Joshy-boy. He helps me so much. "Josh, can you hold Dax's hand?" "Josh, can you grab a diaper for me?" "Josh can you massage mommy's shoulders?" Wouldn't it be nice if that last one were true! Actually, he has attempted it, but his tiny fingers don't do much.

DAXTON

Dax loves sneaking downstairs after Josh has fallen asleep, to join Cameron and I in our "veg" state. In fact, he just joined us. He always acts extra sweet, and gives lots of hugs and kisses telling us "I love you Mom," and "I love you Dad," so we won't send him back to bed. Generally it works every time.

Potty training is going well. We've almost got the potty part down, but we're struggling with #2. I don't get it. He knows when he needs to go (often he hides and goes in his pants.) He just refuses to do it in the toilet. Any suggestions fellow potty trainers?

ELLA

Ella is actually showing a ton of interest with Dax's potty seat, so I might start with her as well. She is always laying on the floor with her legs spread, wiping her unmentionables with a wet wipe. Is this normal? She is hilarious. Ella is talking up a storm lately. She loves repeating what we say. What a hoot. She's getting chubbier too, which I didn't think was possible. Ella is officially 18 months old, and will attend nursery on Sunday! Hopefully with her brother in there, it might make things easier (actually, she might run away BECAUSE he is in there. He tends to pick on her quite often.)

CAM

Cam is employed, and I think, happy. He actually has been working at Sam's Club for the past two weeks, to try and make a little money until something else came up. It makes me love him even more. I know how difficult it was for him to spend all the money, time, and effort to get his masters degree, only to end up greeting people at Sam's and asking them if they want to upgrade their membership. Well, hopefully he won't have to do that again, and can finally use his intelligence and skills to better Mountain States' business.

ME

I am happy. Things have been going real well with ModBE, and I am happy I signed up to be a consultant. I've almost made enough to buy the camera I want (Cannon digital XTi). I hope I can keep it up. I've been surprised how busy it has kept me, but hopefully now that I know all the "how to's", it will be smoother.

A few weeks ago my mom, and all 3 of my sisters and I traveled to Salt Lake City (yes, all the way to Salt Lake!) for a 2 night spree. It was AWESOME!!!! I felt like a human being again. Being able to carry on an uninterrupted conversation for 2 days was wonderful. We went shopping, had delicious meals, and even saw Laser U2. (My mom Loved that one.) It was fun to feel like a silly sister again, being lame and crazy, while taking pictures of us posing in the different rooms in IKEA. Yes, that is what we did for fun!

Until next time....

About Me

So lately I have been wondering what makes me, me. I am weird, but I think we are all a bit whacko to some degree. I thought I should write this all down, while I'm thinking about it. Maybe my children will read this one day, or something. So, I am just going to go off here, bear with me.

I love being a mom, it is the funnest thing in the world.
It is the hardest thing in the world.
I feel really bad after I raise my voice at my child.
I want my yard to look good.
I feel guilty almost all the time.
I think my siblings think my kids are maniacs.
Sometimes my kids are maniacs. However, your child will be two soon, so brace yourself. They don't stay sweet and immobile forever.
Laziness makes me nauseaus.
I always feel like I have to be doing something. Like folding laundry while watching a show.
I have a hard time relaxing.
I have scholiosis, but I don't look like Quasimodo, yet.
I don't like my house being dirty.
I hate cleaning toilets.
I have never had boobs. Even when I nurse, I still don't have cleavage.
I lose weight easily. People always comment on my figure, but I don't have an eating disorder. I just have a small stomach.
I have bowel issues. I get sick almost every evening.
I love my family.
I love my inlaws.
I never want a pet. Cleaning poop out of shoes is too much for me. Even a fish seems like too much work to me. Sad? Yes.
I wish I were more outgoing, so I fake it.
I worry a lot.
I'm tired of worrying about money. It makes my tummy hurt.
I want my children to be good people.
I think I'm a good mom. Not the best, but good.
I wish I were a better writer.
I think there are a lot of selfish people in the world. I'm trying not to be one of them.
I love my mom's dog, Monty.
I love the way my kids smell. Ella's smell is sweet, Dax is somewhat pungent, and Josh is boy.
I need to read my scriptures more.
I feel guilty about not reading my scriptures.
I love primary.
I love kids.
I want to publish a children's book. Lot's of ideas, but little talent.
I think emails are great. I don't like talking on the phone.
I love my dryer. Hanging up my clothes to dry for the past year was a drag.
I'm spoiled.
I love my minivan. It is the greatest.
I like helping people.
I like to weed, I think it's relaxing. (there are enough weeds in my yard, so don't offer.)
I dream every night and remember them vividly.
I get scared easily.
E.T. still frightens me.
I love learning.
I wish I were smarter.
I think my husband and I are perfect for each other.

Well, I feel better. I think writing things down gives you perspective.

MOAB

Aside from my upcoming 10 year high school reunion, other things have subtly reminded me that I'm aging. Like my trip to Moab this past weekend. I would love to do fun things like this often, but my body just can't keep up with my spirit. This past month I've compiled a few quotes that demonstrate that both Cam and I are aging.

"We got our money's worth out of that diaper."

We see vaulted ceiling's in a house and say "That would cost a fortune to heat."

Or hearing our children moan and groan when bending over--because they are copying us. I suppose some of you are saying "Just you wait, Cindy." It's true. I better enjoy the last couple years of my twenties.

One of the things I love about Utah is the difference in terrain. You can drive 4 hours and go from snow capped mountains to red rock desert. This past week we drove as a family to Moab, Utah on a camping adventure! Shera, Jeff and Jack, and my sister Kelli came along too! It was a great trip.

The kids were in their element-being outside all day (and all night) long, and completely surrounded by dirt. At first I thought having the kids filthy would bother me, but it was actually quite nice. I could easily get used to not bathing my kids for 3 days at a time. However, once we arrived home and I finally bathed them, their bath water was pretty nasty (they needed a 'wash/rinse' cycle).

I tried out Mountain biking for the second time in my life, and absolutely LOVED it! Kelli and I biked the practice loop on "Slick Rock" (Shera was our amazing coach and walked the entire loop 7 months pregnant!) I am anxious to get back there and do the whole trail--anyone want to meet me in Moab?As a family, we hiked "Negroe Bill." The trail was perfect for the little ones. True to my white-trash nature, I stripped down the kids to their undies and let them play in the creek. They had a great time and the water felt refreshing in the 80 degree weather. Their Belgium-White bodies were blinding, but thanks to SPF 50, we avoided sun burns.


So this blog was supposed to entitled "Employed!" But we still have not had much luck job wise. However, I guess I can at least add that I am self-employed with a business called "ModBe." It's a clothing line that sells everything from cap-sleeve shirts to gorgeous swim suits. I just had my first boutique, and it went really well-so I am excited to keep working at it and hopefully make a little cash flow. If you're curious, check out my website: www.cindyeggertz.mymodbe.com

Otherwise, things are going pretty well. I am excited for this summer. I used my birthday money and bought myself and the kids "Cherry Hill" passes, so we plan to spend every Tuesday and Thursday at the waterpark! Hopefully that might help with the pasty-white skin factor.

Love you all and hope you are doing well!

Greatest Snow on Earth

That is one of Utah's slogans and I will stand by it. Last week Cam, Josh and I went to Snow Basin to experience some of that great snow. Lisa scored some free passes from work (thanks Lisa!) and let us experience some fun. Can I just say that the mountains here are INCREDIBLE! Oh, how I took them for granted for so long, but I just can't say it enough...."Breathtaking!"

Josh was a super stud. I can't tell you how awesome it was to go skiing with my husband and my son! I was all smiles watching my junior stud-muffin go down all sorts of steep terrain. He even did his first black diamond. Good job little buddy!


We also had some fun this month dying our eggs for ole long ears day. Ella just wanted to dip her fingers in all the colors (oh, that looks nice.) Check out that girls' bed head!
Here are the chillin's all dressed up and ready for Easter Sunday. What a wonderful season to be able to again reflect upon our Savior's atoning sacrifice and miraculous resurrection.


My kids are so lucky to have such awesome grandparents! Grandpa Glen and Grandma Holly invited all the grandkids (except our much missed cousins in Arizona) over for an easter egg hunt in their yard. The kids received lots of candy-filled eggs, bubbles, a kite, and a new pair of shoes for each child! Thank you! Check out the sparkles on my Ella-Bella!
















And finally, my Uncle Dave gave the family a model airplane for Christmas. It's deluxe. Uncle Jeffrey led us in an air plane flying adventure! He gave a briefing on "how to fly a plane and not crash it into the ground and shatter it into a million pieces." Cameron somehow missed the instruction portion and flew that sucker into the dirt. It's okay, nothing a few popsicle sticks and duct tape can't mend up. Man, was it a good time!






I had to add this video clip. I nearly pee my pants laughing every time I watch it. Not only because I look like an idiot in my weak attempt at launching the plane, but also because I can't get enough of Kelli's cackle.



A flight by Josh and Uncle Scotty proved to be too much for the little guy. May it rest in pieces. (Jeffrey, buy another fuselage so we can fly again soon!)