"Back to school! Back to school, to prove to Dad that I'm not a fool! I got my lunch packed up, my boots tied tight, I hope I don't get in a fight!

Me and the kids at Bear Lake

Where the heck did August go? Good grief. I knew July would fly by, but two months flying by in a row is just a little ridiculous. Here are some past-month Eggertz' highlights:

Joshy-boy

Have you ever had those "slap in the face/your getting older" moments? Maybe it was the day you looked in the mirror and noticed that your crows-feet wrinkles didn't disappear after you stopped laughing. Maybe it was when the sun hit your chin just right and you noticed that you had a black whisker living there (or "stray eyebrows" as I refer to them). Well my slap in the face moment happened this past month when my oldest lost his first tooth. I swear I'm not old enough to be parenting a child whose teeth are missing, but according to my crows feet and whiskers, I am.


Josh was SO excited about the whole process. Granted when he saw the blood involved he was a little nervous. But he ripped his first, and next week his second tooth out all on his own. Das-a-my-boy!

He then asked me all sorts of questions about the tooth fairy and if she really did in fact come at night and bring money. "Is she real, mom?" (refer to December's post when the evil boy on the bus told my kid that Santa wasn't real.) Now Josh is full of all kinds of doubts about everything. I'm actually having issues with this one. I always Loved the magical feeling of Christmas, the thoughts of the North Pole and Santa sneaking down your chimney to leave treats in your stocking and a toy just for you. However, when I embellish these fictional tales, I feel like I am lying to my child. Probably because I AM lying to my child. Also, I don't want to get him confused about not seeing/believing in Santa and not seeing/believing in Christ. Do you follow? Any suggestions about the whole ordeal would be fantastic.

I also must add Josh's first day of first grade! The picture on the left is my G.Q. boy. Look at him strike a pose! The picture on the right is when I asked him to show me his new shoes.

































When he came home after school I asked him a few questions. "Josh, how was school today?" "It was great!" "Do you like your new teacher?" "Yeah, she's great." "How did you like eating lunch at school?" "It was great." So all in all, everything is great!

Daxton

Wow, I love this little guy! There was a point in time where I really did not feel connected to this little man. I was never sure why, but it always frightened me. Now, however, I can't get enough of him! He is always making me laugh and smile. Today I was changing his pull-up (yes, he still will not take a crap on the toilet) and afterwards he says "Momma, I wanna see da poop in der." I know that's totally disgusting, but man I was laughing. Cam thinks I should make him look at the poop and rub his nose in it, but then I reminded him that Dax is a little boy and not a puppy. Who knows though, it just might work. (yes, I'm kidding. Unless you tell me that it worked for your kid in which case I just might try it.)

Ella

Pure sweetness. I love my bells. I thought I should write down some of the nicknames we have for her:

Ella-Bella
Bells
Bella-Boo
Missy-Moo
Miss Priss
Little Fish
Monk
My little red-head
and obviously, Princess

Ella has already used the potty once and pooped once too. (I bet you really wanted to hear that.) She's a talker as well and is even talking in sentences already. In fact she's yelling at me right now to get her out of bed. Perhaps 7:30 is a bit too early to tuck them in. So shoot me for wanting an extra 30 minutes of peace and quiet! Don't worry, it's completely backfired. It's now quarter to nine and all 3 kids have been out of bed 3 times. What was I thinking?!

Cam

My egg-head is currently hiking Gannet Peak, Wyoming's highest peak at 13,804 feet (4,207 m).

"Gannett Peak is commonly climbed on a four to six day round-trip, and is considered amongst mountaineers as second only to Alaska's Denali in difficulty of state high points. However, many climbers rank Gannett Peak behind both Denali and Montana's Granite Peak, which, in 1923, was the last state high point climbed." --Wikipedia

It's funny how Cam never really mentioned that this peak is a freakin' trip to climb! I have to learn it through Wikipedia and through Mike's wife (another mountaineer climbing with Cam). He left early Friday morning and should get back late tomorrow night.

Cam thinks that I get really bugged when he goes on big expeditions like this (probably because I act like I am really bugged) but really, I think he's 100% stud. He can honestly do anything he puts his mind to, especially if it is a physical task. He's amazing. If our house was ablaze, there is no doubt in my mind he could put me and the rest of the kids on his back and carry us out safe and sound.

Another big "Eggertz accomplishment" is his garden. He planted a fantastic one this year. Zucchini, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and watermelon!




























Me

Honestly people, does it get much hotter than this?
Yes folks that is me posing, and yes I do have the figure of a 12 year old boy.

I am probably in the best shape of my life, though my big toe is taped and my butt is inflamed (some nerve thing.) I have 2 weeks until the triathlon and I feel pretty good. HOWEVER, I still hate running. I keep thinking to myself that after a while I would begin to like it, maybe even just tolerate it, but that is not the case. It's like every time I run my body is screaming at me "What the hell are you doing to me? Do you not feel that this is slowly killing you?" I try to reason with my body, but it just won't listen. And you should hear the kind of language it uses! Someone get the soap.

Here are some things I have learned as a triathlete in training:

1) Biking is not a cop-out.

I used to look at bikers as I was running, whilst my body was swearing at me, and think "Sure, just keep pedaling. Maybe you should get a pink basket and streamers for that pretty little bike of yours."

I have learned that biking is tough stuff! Any little incline and your thighs check in and have to work it, work it, to make it up and keep your momentum. I love it.

2) Do not get mad at bikers riding in the road

And please, try not to drive so close to us. We can't ride on the sidewalk without dodging parked cars, tree branches, sprinklers, cats, you name it. So please stop honking at me and giving me the finger. Let's just share, okay?

3) Never make fun of anyone exercising

I don't care how big they are, how slow they are jogging, or how tight their spandex are. At least they are doing something!

4) Don't hold your breath under water

No, I'm not suggesting that you breathe underwater either. But as I began the whole swimming process I just couldn't get my breathing right. I kept holding my breath while I put my head under, instead of having a constant flow of air in the mouth, out the nose, in the mouth, out the nose. Now I feel great and can finish my 20 laps feeling fine.

5) Swim in the lake BEFORE race day

Wow, this was the best thing Kelli and I could have done. The lake freaks us out!!! It is so big, and dark, and there are fish in there! We drove to Pineview Reservoir last week, fully decked out in wet-suits, swim caps, and goggles. After diving right in, we begin to hyperventilate because you can't see a dang thing in that water! It's especially horrid because both Kelli and I have VERY vivid imaginations and can picture all sorts of scary/slimy things swimming below us. Just writing about it makes me all tense. Mind over matter, mind over matter. Wish me luck that I don't crap my wet-suit on race day.


That's right ladies, those lips are collagen free. Look out Angelina.

Disgusted with Humanity

The setting: Cherry Hill's tube ride, "Cardiac Canyon."
The characters: Me, my son Josh, fellow swimmers, Mr. Lifeguard and one lone woman
The dilemma: Lone woman can't get out of her tube

Josh and I just got off our tubes and are waiting in line to ride again. I see the lone woman come under the waterfall, and down the last slide to the "bay" area where she is to hop off her tube, and hand it to the next person in line. My first thought when I saw her come down the slide was pure admiration. "Wow, talk about super-grandma." I was shocked that this older, heavier woman would come down this water slide in the freezing cold water. What a trooper!

My admiration quickly turned to sadness, then disgust as I witnessed what came next.

She couldn't get out of her tube.

Sadness.

The lone woman kept rolling from side to side trying to get up, but to no avail. My heart sunk. But wait! Here comes the lifeguard, what a good guy, coming to her aid. Oh, wait. He's not offering her his hand, he's grabbing the tube and trying to pull it out from under her! My heart sinks again as this lone woman still can not get up. A young girl in line starts to laugh, and the man standing next to her looks down and smiles. They are within arms reach, but don't offer to help.

Disgust.

The lone woman's tube starts to drift around the "bay" pool, with her still stuck inside . Mr. lifeguard continues to hold the handle. The water is deeper now and the lifeguard continues to pull on the handle, trying to pull that tube out from under her.

I begin to yell. "Offer her your hand! Help her up!"

Mr. Lifeguard succeeds in his task, rips the tube out from under her, and hands it to the next person in line. The lone woman grabs onto a bar to try to pull herself from the water's current, back onto the safety of the cement pavement.

She finally makes it and wipes the water from her face in one big exasperated swoop.

And I'm still standing in line. I'm just as disgusting as the rest of the lot.

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!