Summer Vacation 2012 Part 1

Since Eric graduated we let him pick where he wanted to go for Summer vacation. Eric loves history so he wanted to got to Washington DC. Since none of us (except for Mike had been to the East Coast we decided we'd make a big trip out of it. We visited New York City, Boston and DC.

We went to the Late Show with David Letterman. That was a ball. Bill Murray was the guest for the night.

Mike had to go see if he could find Rupert and low and behold there he was and he was kind enough to pose for a pic.

Rockefeller Center

We visited Harvard. It's so beautiful there.

Katy has been a huge Red Sox fan for a long time so of course we had to go to a game. It was so exciting to be in Fenway Park. We had such a great time on this vacation. We ran the whole trip, but saw so many great things. I will post more pictures later as soon as I can figure out how to get them off my phone (I am technically challenged.)

Graduation!

Here he is our Stansbury High Graduate! We were so proud of him. Eric earned the School Spirit Scholarship Award. It was so exciting when they announced his name. He really got involved in a lot of school activities.

Katy celebrating her baby brothers graduation!

Katy and Marissa thought they would make some specialized shirts for the occasion.

The Hughes' are always such a good support to our family. Good friends make life so much more fun!

Aunt Cheryl flew in for the occasion. Here's a picture of her and Grandma with Eric. It was just a really great day. We're so proud of Eric and his accomplishments!

Literally a life time of soccer!

Eric started playing soccer when he was 3 years old. It's fair to say that soccer has been a very big part of our family. We've traveled all across the state and spent many hours rooting our little soccer player on. Mike has spent many hours coaching Eric and I really appreciate all the time he's spent with our son. I wanted to put the picture of the four boys because they have played soccer together for so many years. I will be sad to not be watching my boy play, but hopefully I will have grand kids someday that will want to play.

Awards Banquet

A few weeks ago we attended the Senior Awards Banquet. Eric received a Path Way Award for completing classes in a specific career path. He completed one in Health Sciences. Eric was also nominated for the school spirit scholarship award, which we had to wait until graduation night for the announcement.

My baby is 18!

Eric turned 18 on March 30th. We spent the day watching Eric play soccer against Tooele. It was a great 6-0 win for Stansbury. Eric's friend Curtis came from West Valley to watch him and Katy's friend Marissa came too. It meant a lot to him to have them there. On Saturday we through a surprise party for him. We took him to Texas Road House for dinner and when he got home his friends were there. I think he was mostly surprised. Then on Sunday we had Grandma Lynn and our good friends the Hughes' over for dinner. It was a weekend of fun celebrating Eric. We are so blessed to have him in our family. He keeps us laughing and is just a nice young man. I love you Eric!

It's Official!

We have another Tbird in our house. Eric has decided to go to Southern Utah University just like his sister. It was a hard decision, but I think he's glad it's over with. As many of you know a lot of my family lives in Cedar City so it's comforting to know he has them while he's away from home. I can't believe that my baby is going to College in the Fall. Time goes by too quickly. I will miss Eric so much, but I'm excited for the adventures that College brings.

Valentines Day at our house!

I love Valentines Day. It is one of my favorite holidays. I love having an excuse to let my family know I love them. I love to make a yummy candlelight dinner for the fam. A few years back I started making hearts and writing things I love about the kids on them and then decorate their doors. The first year Katy was away at College I sent my Sister hearts for Katy and had her decorate her apartment door. I don't know if she liked it or was too embarrassed. I don't think Eric would appreciate me doing that next year for him. So as I decorated his door this year I got a little sentimental realizing that this is probably my final year of taping hearts on my kids doors. Don't worry kids I will find other ways to celebrate that special day.

Girls Weekend!

A couple of weekends ago I headed to Cedar City for a little girl time with my Katy. We headed to St. George for some shopping and food. I love shopping with Katy she doesn't get bored like the boys do. We ate lunch at a cute little cupcake shop....yummy! I had time to visit with my Grandma while I was there. I cherish my time with her. Katy and I had a great time talking about what girls talk about and just being together. I am so proud of my all grown up daughter. Love you Katy Keil!

Hanging out with my boy!

Yesterday Mike headed to New Mexico for a business trip, which left me and Eric home together. Eric had to work until 6. When he got home we had pizza and watched football together. Now anyone that knows me, knows I don't really love football until it gets to the end of the season. Yesterday I watched football all day. Eric was completely shocked that I would spend the day watching a sport I don't really enjoy. The last game of the day was the 49ers. I have liked the 49ers ever since Steve Young was on the team (I have a tiny crush on him) so I had to watch. Unfortunately the 49ers lost....bummer. It was a great night of just hanging out with Eric. This morning when Eric was leaving for school he said Mom that was really fun hanging out with you last night. Now that's what every Mom loves to hear. Such a simple thing just spending time doing something he enjoys. I love being a Mom!

I've got spirit, yes I do!

This year Eric decided he was going to get involved more with school activities. He decided that it was his Senior year so he was going to make it his best. He's been to almost every girls soccer game, girls volleyball game and many of the football games. It's been fun to see him support his fellow Stallions in their events. He's painted his face, worn spray painted sombreros, made a hat out of a volleyball and many other outfits just to show his school spirit. I'm really glad he's making the most out of his last year of high school.

Weekend with Mom!

This past weekend my Mom came to my house for a visit. Of course I didn't take any pictures sure wish I had. My Mom got remarried about 5 years ago, which has been such a blessing in all of our lives, but I have to admit at times I miss my time with my Mom. She was single for so many years that I got use to the time we spent with each other. This weekend we shopped, went to lunch and just had time to chat. Yesterday we went to church together to listen to some old friends give their missionary homecoming address as we sat there side by side at one point my Mom scratched my back. I thought back to all the times she's scratched my back. I almost started to cry. The comfort I have felt all these years just from the gentle touch of my Mother. My kids love to have their backs scratched whether it's by me or their Grandma's. I think there's something special about the nurturing touch of someone who is special in your life. I remember my Grandma scratching my back and loving it. I have been so blessed to have so many special people in my life. So I think the next time my kids ask for me to scratch their backs I am not going to resist just enjoy the time we have together and remember the special people in my life that have nurtured me along the way. Thanks Mom for spending time with me this weekend and reminding me to take time to make my kids feel special!

Freaking Out!

Today I am having a slight panic attack. I am sure it is due to a lack of sleep. I started my new job working in Labor and Delivery and worked last night. Needless to say I didn't get much sleep today. It just hit me that in a year from now we could be empty nesters. Eric will be starting his senior year of high school in a couple of weeks and then who knows what he will decide to do. I can't even bare the thought of having a house without any of my kids here. I miss my Katy so much.

I start school again in 3 weeks. This will be one of my hardest semesters. I will be taking 3 classes rather than 2 and they are rough ones. Thus another reason for my anxiety. Part of me wants to give up on this school thing. I feel like I've been going FOREVER. I just don't know when I will be done. I know I can't quit Mike will kill me, but sometimes I really want to.

Like I said earlier I started a new job this week. I have wanted to work in OB for so many years. I am so excited to have the opportunity to learn and be challenged. I am a little nervous about all the things I need to learn, but it will be a nice new challenge.

Okay now that I've got it on paper now maybe I can stop freaking out and go with the flow of things and stop worrying. I know it will all work out but sometimes I get overwhelmed with all these thoughts going on inside my silly head.

I love these kids!

Anyone that knows me knows I love being a Mom. All I ever wanted to be was a Mom. As my kids grow I am experiencing so many different feelings. I am so proud of the people they have become. I've watched them grow physically, mentally and spiritually. Every once in awhile I feel so sad that they are growing so fast. I know soon the time will come that it will just be Mike and me in this big house all by ourselves (I guess the dogs will be here with us too). Good thing Mike and I like each other! Katy and Eric crack me up. They are so funny to be around. Here's a picture of them dressing up in the hotel robes when we were in Vegas. It is such a joy being around them and I love being their Mother. They are great kids!

Grandma and Diego!

This past weekend we were in Cedar City visiting my family. I love time with family. My Grandma has always loved holding the babies. Every time my Mom had a baby Grandma headed to our house to stay and help for a week or so. Grandma has aged so much in the year that Grandpa has been gone. She's so frail and thin, but she always gets a smile on her face when this sweet little boy comes to visit. My nephew Diego is adorable. My Sister Kari waited a long time for this little boy. He has been such a blessing in all of our lives. It's so fun to see how all the nieces and nephews interact with him. Kari was pregnant with Diego when Grandpa passed away. I think Grandpa spent some time telling Diego all about the family he was coming to. I am sure he gave him some advice and even shared a joke or two. When I look at Diego I see Grandpa. I am so thankful for the old and young in my life that bless it everyday. I love seeing the joy this sweet little guy has brought to our family!

Las Vegas

Last week we took a small vacation to Las Vegas. We had a great time visiting with Mike's cousin Cheryl and her husband Paul. They are such great people and we love spending time with them. I always refer to them as the long lost relatives. Long story, but we're so grateful Cheryl found us. Better late than never!
Cheryl's husband Paul works at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Vegas so he treated us to wonderful dinner and the tour of the hotel, it's beautiful! They treated us like royalty. It was a short visit, bit we loved our time there. Their son Jeff treated the kids to a zip line ride down Fremont street. Katy said she almost chickened out, but it was a thrill. Here's some pictures from our getaway.







It was just so nice to be all together. Now that Katy's on her own that doesn't happen much. We also had a great time visiting with my family in Cedar City. Being with family always makes me happy!

Oprah

Now this may be a silly post to some of you, but Wednesday was the last Oprah Winfrey show. Anyone that knows me well knows that I have watched the Oprah Winfrey show since I was in high school. I remember coming home and watching it with my Mom. All these years later I have continued to watch it. Since life has gotten busier I haven't been able to watch it everyday, but every chance that I got I was tuning in. I think about all the things I've learned from watching Oprah...struggles with weight, sex, relationships, education, loving yourself, giving service and the list could go on and on. I've laughed and cried watching her throughout the years. When my kids were little I would call my best friend and ask her if she had watched Oprah and we'd compare notes. There were many times when I would say "I learned on Oprah"...Watching her show has been so entertaining. I will miss my afternoon date with Oprah and will look back on all the years with fond memories.

What the heck am I doing?

I have been so frustrated with my blog lately. I guess some how I created two blogs so when I've been posting recently it's in another blog. I've tried o get the two blogs to import and I guess I don't know what I'm doing. Hopefully this post will go to the right blog. I want this blog to be cute, but I must be lacking in the skill.

I just finished my 3rd consecutive semester of school. I made the decision to take the summer off. I hate to get behind, but I need a mental health break. I've finally completed all of my math requirements. I am so happy about that. I have three more classes to take before I can get into a nursing program. It is so hard to get into one right now so we'll see how it goes. I have so many projects I want to get done this summer. I hope I don't drive myself crazy with them.

My Katy decided to stay the summer in Cedar City. She made a lot of great friends this past year and has a job there so it made sense of her to stay there. I have to admit I miss her. It feels like she's all grown up and may never come back home. She's grown into such a wonderful young woman and I am proud of her.

Eric is just about to finish his Junior year and boy is happy about that. He's ready for the summer to begin. I am hoping he finds a job so he'll be busy this summer.

We are planning a trip to Oregon this summer. We're going to go visit Mike's cousins there. It will be so nice to get away.

I think Mike is relieved to be done tutoring in Math. He helped me for a straight year on Math. I never would have made it through without him. He's such a great support to me! I am so blessed to have him.

Time to Update!

I was told today that I need to do a new post and yes it's true. I was just thinking that the other day, but life is crazy busy as usual. Just a quick update...we flew to Texas a few weeks ago to pack Mike's Mom up so she could move back to Utah. Then we flew home and waited for her to arrive. Now we've been busy helping her get unpacked and settled in her new house in Stansbury. We are so glad to have her close to us again.

Eric celebrated his 17th birthday. I cannot believe my baby boy is 17. I remember when the kids were little my Mom would tell me to enjoy my time with them because it will go by fast. Once again Mom was right. I know she loves when I say that. They have grown up so fast and at times I get a little sad wondering where all the time went.

Eric went to his Junior Prom last weekend. Pictures are coming as soon as I find my cable to download the pictures.

Katy is finishing her 2nd year at SUU. I still miss her. It's hard to have her so far away, but such a relief she's getting to spend time with my family in Cedar City. Katy got an internship for the summer working with the Obama campaign (yes she's a political science major). So she will be moving home for the summer. It will be nice to have her here.

I am still so busy with school. I am really needing a break right now. I am debating on taking the summer off, but we'll see.

Well there's a quick update. I will get on the ball soon and be better at blogging. I keep telling Katy she needs to make my blog cute so hopefully she'll take pitty on my lack of creativity.

Sacrifice!

Today in Relief Society we had a great lesson on Sacrifice. It was a wonderful lesson that I really enjoyed and I wanted to jot down a few of my feelings. As Mothers we are constantly sacrificing whether it be our time, cooking, cleaning, listening or all other manner of things. Sometimes quite frankly I don't want to cook or clean, but I do it because we need to eat and I love my family. It was mentioned that we as women don't share our true feelings with each other for fear of judgement. I know I am guilty of this. I have felt lonely many times needing someone to talk to but not wanting to be judged so I keep it in. Why is it that we women are so hard on ourselves? I was talking to Mike yesterday about how tired I am for apologizing for myself whether it be I'm sorry I'm not as smart as others or my house isn't as clean as others or whatever it may be. I am fed up with apologizing for being me. I am different from other people and that's okay. We as women need to give ourselves a break. We sacrifice so much for our families and I am glad to do it, but I also need to be true to myself and accept my imperfections and be proud of being me. I know this is a lot of rambling, but I want to make an effort in 2011 to stop apologizing for not having a College degree yet or any thing else. I want to be more confident and look at my accomplishments instead of imperfections. Mike was saying yesterday that he thinks a lot of women are afraid to show confidence and that it's okay to say I think I'm pretty neat. I will continue to cook for my family and do the laundry because I love them, but I'm going to try harder to be happy with who I am today not what I hope to be. No more being afraid to open up to others about my feelings. If they want to judge then I guess we're not that great of friends. I am not perfect, but I try really hard to be the best I can be. Let's all pat ourselves on the back for all the good we do.

Christmas 2010 Part 2

Here's a few pics from our Christmas festivities. Like I said earlier we had Mike's family staying with us so we had lots of fun playing games and eating of course. There was some serious rock band going on too. We hosted the Keil Christmas party at our house. We decided we would incorporate the ugly Christmas sweater into our party. Cheryl also decided we needed some flashy necklaces to go with our beautiful sweaters so we designed our own creations and boy were they festive. We had a lot of fun picking out our most fabulous sweaters. Eric did a fine job with his sweater, but the candy cane turtleneck underneath really sealed the deal. Cheryl picked out the same sweater as Eric, but added the sparkly sweater underneath. I made Mike purchase his sweater out of the womens section. It had ginger bread houses on it and said something about Happiness is Homemade. He thought it needed some manning up so he added a flannel shirt with it. We had a great time laughing at each other.
We played games on Christmas Eve and had a fun time just being together. Then Christmas morning I woke up at 6:00 and waited for the kids to come get us. They never came so finally at 7:00 I woke them up. I guess it is official our kids have grown up. Here's some pics of Christmas morning:



We were so grateful to get to spend time with our family and create more memories. Mike and I did say after it was over we wish we hadn't been so busy so we could have enjoyed it a little more. Next year I need to find a way to be a little more organized so we can truly enjoy the month of December and reflect more on the true meaning of the season.