Monday, March 31, 2008

My Hero....



My Hero
By Kennedi Ludvigson
March 27, 2008
A hero is a person who encourages you. A hero is an example of positive behavior. My Dad has always been my hero.
To begin with, my dad teches me to make the right choices. He also teaches me very good skills. He is very kind to people, and he's always happy.
Furthermore, he is a great example of kindness. He is also very helpful to everyone. He is also a very funny man, and he is very fun.
Finally, my Dad loves me so much, and I love him as much as he loves me. He shows love to one another. He is a great example of love. He loves me because I am his little girl, and I'll always be his little girl. I'm going to end up being older, but no matter what I'm his little girl.
My Hero is my Dad. He is a good example to me. He also is a person who is funny, and fun. My dad is a very, very good example, and he encourages me.
I'm going to save this and pull it out when she is a teenager, or going off to college, or getting married. Priceless.

Mesquite Fire



This is Kennedi's little soccer team Mesquite Fire. This is the first year Mesquite has ever had a team in the league. Since we are just starting our program they let us play boys on our team. We play every Saturday mostly in St. George. I am very impressed with how organized and well run the program is. We held our own in the game on Saturday, they only scored 3 goals, we have yet to score. Our kids did a great job! For a lot of them this is their first time ever playing.

Kennedi did a great job! She has never played , but really hustles and is pretty aggressive, she isn't afraid to get in there and throw her weight around. She was battling one little girl for the ball and Justin yells from the side lines super loud "get in there Kennedi, trip her" Kennedi looked up at him like what are you crazy dad? I can't trip her! Even her coach turned around and was laughing! Anyway it was fun to watch and great for those kids!

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Fun Kids Activities

These are so fun! Hot Rocks and crayons!! All you do is find smooth rocks, place them on foil lined pan in the oven 350 degrees for 15 min. While they are in the oven remove wrappers from crayons (I hear glitter crayons are cool for this, we didn't have any) Take rocks out of oven, and color with crayons. The crayons kind of melt over the rocks, so fun! Use caution with younger kids. The rocks are super hot. I had the kids put on the winter knit stretch gloves so they wouldn't burn them.

Stetson is do into mazes right now, I can't keep enough books of them in the house he does them so fast. Justin made this one for him, I thought I would post it, I don't know if you can print this picture and have a go at it yourselves?! I don't have a scanner but that would probably work better, oh well. Have fun!!

Field Trip!

I was so excited to be able to go with Kennedi on her field trip to the Natural History Museum in Vegas. It was a fun day, although the hour and a half bus ride seemed extra long. We went through the museum and then ate lunch at the park across the street. We had a fun time. It is so interesting to watch these kids interact with each other, it gave me a taste of how Kennedi acts at school and around her friends. All in all I decided she is a polite, social butterfly! My friend Christine watched Tyra and Maverick so i could go, Thank You Christine!!!!!

This is Kennedi and her best friend Tatiana checking out a dinosaur tooth! I think this volunteer was doing community service! What do you expect we are in Vegas!! He was pretty excited about the dinosaur room and cute with the kids.

Kennedi, Tatiana, Mariah, and me. These three girls are buddies and all in the same class.


Monday, March 24, 2008

I've been Husband Tagged

I was husband tagged by my cousin Brooklyn and earlier by my friend Christine! So I thought I better comply. I love hearing more about family and friends that I don't know very well so I figure other people might want to hear mine and Justin's story, so here you go!

What is your husband's name? Justin

How long have you been together? Married 12 years in June.

How long did you date? 18 mo.

Who eats more? Him, but I can keep up pretty good.

Who said I love you first? I think he did, but not sure.

Who is taller? He is when I'm not wearing heels.

Who has more speeding tickets? He does. But we have both been pretty good about not getting many.

Who is smarter? Justin is definitely the brains of the family, and I am the more creative and organized one.

Who is more sensitive? Him

Who does the laundry? I do all of it, my least favorite job.

Who does the dishes? I do. Justin thinks dirty dishes are disgusting and would rather scrub a toilet, although I have yet to see him do either.

Who sleeps on the right? If your looking at the bed, then I'm on the right (always).

Who pays the bills? Justin does, (I'll admit I'm horrible at balancing a check book)

Who mows the lawn? The landscape company did up until a week ago when Justin fired them, so now Justin does the back and home owners association does the front. Although I don't mind doing it. I find it kind of therapeutic. Wow, all of that to explain who mows the lawn.

Who cooks dinner? We both do. If I'm on the ball and have something planned then I do. If we barbecue then Justin does.

Who drives when you are together? Him, he can't stand when I drive, I make him nervous.

Who is more stubborn? Me.

Who is the first to admit when they're wrong? Me.

Whose parents do you see more often? About the same amount. Justin's family comes down here to visit more often, so when we go up North to visit we usually go to my mom and dads.

Who has more siblings? Me. I have three. He has two brothers.

Who wears the pants in the family? Both. I think he might just let me think that I do to keep the peace, but when the Daddy duck says quack, quack, quack you know the rest.

Who eats more sweets? We both have a sweet tooth, but I have more self control to restrain.

How did you meet? At college. I was at Dixie feeling very homesick and Justin was roommates with my cousin Kip who was from St. George. Kip would bring Justin home with him on the weekends and would feel sorry for me and come and get me to go hang out with them. So all in all I was a charity date.

Who asked who out first? Justin asked me to go to Dixie college homecoming dance.

Who kissed who first? He kissed me.

Who proposed? He did. In Montana with a candle lit dinner my sister in law made for us at their little house. Kind of funny we ended up going back to live for the next 7 years.

Best Feature? His eyes and smile!

Best personality trait? His sense of humor for sure. He always keeps me laughing, anyone who knows him knows this is true. I also love that he always thinks the best of people, is non judgemental and gives everyone the benefit of the doubt. I have to brag for a minute here, he is the best Dad ever. He loves to play with the kids, and just loves them so deeply, it is so sweet!

Pet names? I call him honey, and he calls me babe~ I love it when he calls me babe, he has ever since we were dating.

Where do I see us in 15 years? Good question. Our youngest will be seventeen and we will probably be worried about having empty nest syndrome, but excited to begin a new chapter of our lives together.

What is my favorite thing about him? I kind of already answered this one with one of the earlier questions. I love that Justin's spirit is so loving, and understanding, he reminds me not to sweat the small stuff, and it's all small stuff.

I tag, Cami, Leslie Young, Kendra, and Tara.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Easter Weekend!!!!!.........

I have been a bit of a slacker the last couple of weeks with my blog. I haven't had anything too exciting going on until Jenny and her cute kids came to visit us this weekend! We had so much fun, I look back at all of the pictures (and believe me I took a lot of pictures) and wonder how in the world we fit everything in. We had a great time. Jenny's kids are so cute and they all played together wonderfully, (not one argument). We missed the rest of the family, Wade, Mom and Dad, Cami and her little family, and Bo and Lauren, (maybe next year!) Here are some pictures of the highlights of the weekend. Warning...there are a lot!!!


This is just my little family after church on Sunday!


Sage and Tyra were little buddies all weekend. It was sad to have to see them go home.



Our first day Jenny and I took the kids on a bike ride. There is a cool trail that goes along the Virgin River about 2.5 miles round trip. Sage was in the stroller holding on for dear life when Jenny started running, her little face was so funny.



The four older kids rode their bikes the whole way! The three younger ones were in the
strollers.



Half way through the ride we stopped to see the farm animals in someones back yard. The have horses, turkeys, chickens, ducks, goats, pigs, you name it. It was a good rest for the kids.
Left to right (Kennedi, Dalton, Stetson, Oaklie, Tyra, Sage, Maverick). We are only missing Mary and Will. We sure did miss you guys!! Mom and Dad have had a grandchild born every year from 1999-2008. They are all about 1 year apart!



Look at that pile of kids, needless to say that photo attempt didn't quite work out how we planned.
We rode on to the park and played Lava Monsters forever. (Me and Jenny were the "Lava Monsters", we were on the sand and if we touched the kids or if they touched the sand they had to go to "jail" and couldn't get out until one of their teammates came and touched them.) It was so fun, But wore me out!!!!



Dalton and Oaklie





That night we went out to Whitney Pockets (kind of like a mini Moab about 30 min. away) and had a hot dog roast and Dutch oven dessert.



While the Dutch oven was cooking we went for a fun little hike! It was a great place for the kids to explore and climb on the rocks.
L-R (Dalton, Stetson, Kennedi, front row Jody, Jenny, Sage, Oaklie)



Stetson climbed up on a rock and thought he was King of the Mountain!




Dalton was an awesome climber, although a little nervous at times, he scaled this face like a champ. So rewarding for a little kid to accomplish such a feat! He was so funny. Way to go Dalton!!!!



Oaklie, Stetson, Dalton, Kennedi



Stetson and Dalton are the best of buddies. They had a great time playing swords, basketball, baseball, and just hanging out together.




Oaklie, Jenny, Sage
There were pretty cool rock formations, and we couldn't pass up the photo. opp.



Yes, we pulled out the slipNslide on Saturday. It was hot (80 degrees) and the kids loved playing outside, having water fights, and running through the sprinkler. It was a nice relaxing day in the sun. Jenny thought she was in heaven laying in the sun and getting some
"Vitamin D therapy."



One of the several Tea Parties that were had by all.


Of course we had to have an Easter egg hunt!


Later that day we decided to go swimming at the local rec. center. Maverick entertained himself the whole time hitting the beach ball with the diving stick all around the pool.
(Jenny and Sage in the back ground)



Sage, Oaklie, Tyra
2 out of the 3 with their eyes closed what are the odds??? Oh Well!



Maverick, Justin, and Stetson

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Happy Birthday to Me!!!!

So yesterday was my Birthday! I don't like to toot my own horn or anything but I have to give my wonderful husband credit for always making me feel so special and important on holidays. He came home from lunch and surprised me with a dozen of the most beautiful roses ever! I had thought he forgot but he obviously didn't. He is such a wonderful caring husband, I don't know what I would do without him, life would certainly be a whole lot duller. Anyone that knows him can testify of that. I love you babe! (I took this picture of one of the roses that I thought turned out pretty cool!)

Later on he and the kids cooked me a candle lit dinner of spaghetti, salad, and garlic bread! It was so cute. (I think it was all the kids idea!) they are so thoughtful! I love them so much!!!!




Before dinner we went to Stetsons flag football game! He had a great game with two great catches and 2 touch downs! In this picture the boy missed Stetsons flag and Stetson ran it down to like the 3 yard line! It is so fun to see your kids succeed and cheer them on! And yes I am one of "those moms" who is on the sidelines cheering for their kids to Go! Go! Go!


This is their little team!(Stetson is in the red shorts). Justin is the coach/quarterback! He even has a play book with little plays written out for the kids. He does such a great job! We have parents request to be on our team! Thanks Justin for all your hard work and PATIENCE!







Sunday, March 9, 2008

Watch out Tiger here comes Stetson!!!!!

I think his favorite part of golfing is being able to help steer the golf cart! Sorry the picture is so dark.



It is definitely spring in Mesquite! The weather was beautiful yesterday, so Stetson and Justin had to take advantage and hit the links. There is a course here (Coyote Willows) that flooded a couple of years ago, so while they are rebuilding there are only 5 holes and they are all Par 3, it is perfect for Stetson! Justin gives Stetson one stroke per hole, Stetson hits from the womens tees and usually beats him! Stetson sank a 35 foot putt yesterday and was pretty excited about it! Watch out Tiger here comes Stetson!!!!

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Kennedi's Piano Recital


Kennedi had her first piano recital on Sunday! It was held in the chapel at the church and I felt kind of weird taking pictures in there so this is all I got. Anyway, she has been taking lessons for about a year and a half and is an absolute natural. She played two songs one was a duet with her teacher, and the other was a fun little tune called School Bus. Her duet was Lord I Would Follow Thee, Justin is thinking about playing it with her for a special musical number is sacrament. Kennedi did awesome!!!! I was so proud of her. Kennedi loves to play and we have found it to be theraputic for her. When ever that stereotypical red hed temper starts to flare, okay explode, she goes in shuts the door and just plays away! It is such a great outlet for her, I am so glad that we found piano for her. In school they had to do an all about me poster and one question asked is, if you could wish for anything what would it be, and Kennedi said, "to be a famous piano player". Watch out Liberachi here we come!!!

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Book Review...


So Justin has been out of town this weekend and I have pretty much locked myself in my room while I was enthralled in reading this book today.What were the kids doing you might ask? Let's just say they have had free reign of the house today. Don't worry I threw some cereal out on the floor for lunch. No just kidding, but I am terrified to survey the damage, but hey sometimes it's okay to "vege." Anyway, has anyone read this book? I have read a few Mary Higgins Clark books but this one is by far my favorite. I loved it, and couldn't put it down. If you like murder mystery plots then I am confident you will love this page turner!!