Survivor

Almost four years ago, our family left all the comforts of home, traditions, and extended family in Utah. After my parents helped us moved, get settled into our new home, and then leave for Utah, I'll never forget the feeling I had...complete fear!! Here I was, a mother of 3 young little ones (Madelyn 3 1/2, Mason 22 months, and Jalen 3 months) left to survive all on my own. I knew not one single person and besides Alan, was left alone to try and love, nurture and simply just survive 3 small kids. My mom could not make a quick drive to assist my Walmart shopping trips or surprise us with dinner. I could no longer rely on my sister's good company to kill time on long afternoons. Sunday dinners at my in-laws were no longer possible, nor the convience of them being 1/2 block away. The thought that frequently raced through my mind was, "How am I ever going to make it??!"



To be honest, some days I didn't feel like I was. Three kids in diapers, three schedules, three different meal preparations, and everything else that goes with it was overwhelming, to say the least. I often thought, will the day ever come when it's not so stressful and chaotic? When I can start and finish a project? When I can run simple errands without it being a whole production? When I can go grocery shopping and not get the look and head shake that says, "what is this woman thinking! She has no control over her three kids!"



Well, I did surive! The day has come and I now have all three of my little ones in school. I am loving it! My sister asked, "How are you going to celebrate your first day when all the kids are in school?" Although this may sound silly, I was so excited to just be at home and get caught up with laundry and cleaning. After dropping Jalen off to preschool, I went home, turned up the radio and was thrilled to be able to do what I needed to get done without interruptions.

However, it wasn't long until the house seemed too quiet; until I started thinking about each one of my kids and wondering how they were getting along and what they were doing. I then started to notice a few precious momentos of my kids....


Jalen had earned some M&M's and wanted to save them to eat after preschool. He told me he was going to find a secret hiding spot. I thought it was quite entertaining because no one would be around to try and steal them, except me, and even though he knew I wouldn't do that, he still insisted on hiding them. I didn't pay much attention to his efforts in searching for a safe place but I soon discovered his hiding spot when cleaning out the microwave....

How cute is that! I never would have thought to check the microwave if I wanted to steal his M&M's! Jalen is such a funny boy.



Then I noticed Mason's bedroom. I couldn't help but smile at the way he had "cleaned his room". Mason has many "special treasures" that he won't store in drawers or in the playroom. He used to insist on all of it being on his bed even while he slept. Sometimes there was so much stuff (I mean "special treasures") on his bed, that there was hardly any room for him! Instead of making his bed and picking up clothes, which I thought cleaning his room meant, he organized his special treasures. This discovery sure made me smile!





My last discovery was when I found Madelyn's family of cars on my dresser. And although it wasn't anything remarkable, it made me remember what she had been playing that morning, and how cute her pretend conversation was with all the cars.




Instead of feeling annoyed that Madelyn chose my dresser as her garage, I felt a big wave of emotion come over me. I felt so grateful for my three precious little ones...who aren't so little anymore. Despite the chaos and craziness that comes along with children, I receive such fulfillment and sweet joy from even the little and simple things they do. They make me feel complete and I wouldn't change things for the world! I've decided that what I love most about those few hours alone each week, is the fact that I appreciate and love my kids even more and are ready for them to come home!

First Day of School Photos

Madelyn was very excited to return to school in Mrs. Williamson's class. She is a social butterfly and has missed her classmates. She also loves structure, projects, and being kept busy so she was ready! She is such a sweet girl and always watching out for others. She has already observed one girl in the class who doesn't have many friends and who other kids make fun of. She often tells me of her kind words or actions to include this girl and help her find friends. It makes me feel so proud of her!









For months I worried about this day for Mason...sending him to kindergarten. Because he often cried before going to preschool last year; all summer said, "I'm NOT going to kindergarten!" and being the soft-spoken and sensitive boy he is, made me nervous. However, after meeting his teacher and receiving special mail from her, Mason's attitude completely changed. It also makes a world of difference because two of his best friends and many other church friends are in his class. On the first day, they all walked in together...so very excited. No tears. No hesitations. Just big smiles and total excitment for this new adventure. Although I was happy Mason was not upset or scared, I also felt very sad...the realization that Mason's growing up was there. His days home with me are in the past and there was so much I wanted to do with him but never had the chance. Time just goes by way too quickly!

Cody Lunt, Mason, Ethan Ashton

Jalen and Brayden made themselves right at home in the classroom. Jalen was very disappointed when he realized he didn't get to stay at school, too. Lucky for me (although he doesn't think so)..Jalen gets to stay home with just mom for two more years!

Jalen's turn finally came for his first day of preschool! He was so excited. However, he discovered two things he was quite upset about: 1. he doesn't get to take a lunch like Madelyn and Mason and 2. his school shoes don't have "ropes" which I am now learning is a very important thing to him!

Don't let his scowl fool you! He was TRYING not to smile! He finally gave in and was so excited to be with his friends and teacher, Ms Jenna.

What cute kids! Did you think you were looking at a Target ad?? They're cute enough to do it!

4th of July Festivities

One of my most favorite times of the year is the excitment and festivities during the 4th of July celebration in my hometown, Gunnison, Utah. The events begin the night of the 3rd with a big dinner, aution, entertainment, and fireworks. This year's excitment included Merril Osmond's performance and a dirt bike show put on by a local boy who has made it big in dirt bike racing/tricks. The boys were so amazed to see kids doing flips and stunts off their motorbikes. (Sorry no pics...camera battery was dead!)

The day of the 4th is enjoyed with a big parade, many activities for the kids, car show, volleyball and horseshoe tournaments and lots of catching up with friends and family.

Enjoying the parade

We recently went to a parade in Surprise and got a big kick out of the Senior Dancers with their batons and sequen outfits...something that you would only find near Sun City. Well in central Utah, we saw more of the country style entries...

Rex Brown and his HUGE cow!

And then a reindeer.

And Jalen's favorite...a HUGE dumptruck!

Here's my cousin Randon who has taken over Grandpa's and then hid dad, Kent's job as the train driver during the parade.



Usually, the riders are young children, but Parker and Tanner just couldn't resist!

The Dyreng family enjoying the parade

More cousins...Trevor, Connor and Taylor

We Love the Red, White and Blue!!

The Gunnison 4th of July Celebration is a huge success only because this small community is full of people so willing to serve and spend countless hours organizing, planning and making the festivities possible. All growing up, I watched my parents and grandparents take on many responsibilities...running the cotton candy or snow cone machine, dime toss, go-cart track, and whatever else was needed of them. One thing for sure, my Grandpa Jack could always be found cooking hamburgers. Even now at 81 years old, Grandpa still is doing the cooking. This year he had a new recruit...my brother Travis!

My dad helping with the BBQ, too!

For an entire month, Madelyn, Mason and Jalen anticpated and counted down the days until they got to leave and meet Nanna and Grandpa for their week long stay in Utah without Alan and me. They were so excited and new they would have a blast with all the family...what could be better! Everyday for weeks, the kids made pictures to give to Grandpa and Nanna. They had a gift bag full of cards, pictures, and projects. So sweet!

Here they are, buckled and waiting in the car for at least 30 minutes while we finished getting things ready to go. They've never waited so patiently in their lives!!

At last we made it to Page, AZ and met my parents for the swap. While eating at McDonald's, Mason came up to me and gave me a big hug and said, "I'm going to miss you, mom. Bye. Love you!" We weren't even done eating yet and he was already trying to get rid of me. As we loaded everything into the suburban for my parents, Mason again kept saying, "Just shut the doors! Let's go! Okay mom, we're all ready!" As we finally drove away, the kids happily waved goodbye. No tears. No hesitations. I didn't know if I should be happy or sad about this. Although I'm so glad that they love their grandparents, I also felt a little disappointed that they were so anxious to leave me! But of course I knew they would have a great week and the memories created and one-on-one time spent with my parents would be priceless.

For the first time since Madelyn was born, Alan and I enjoyed time together without children. It was so relaxing and fun to have conversations without interruptions; eating a warm dinner because 3 other mouths didn't need assistance; remembering how enjoyable sacrament meeting can be; and taking late night walks when we felt like it. We decided we had to take advantage of the fact that we had no children and without real planning or reservations, ventured to Sedona, a beautiful resort town near Flagstaff. It was a pefect weekend get-away!

My mom planned a great week filled with lots of fun everyday. The kids enjoyed participating at a music and art camp, had PE class in Nanna's backyard that even came with uniforms, swimming, jeep rides, sleepovers with cousins, and lots and lots of playing.

My sister Kera just got a new yellow lab puppy, thanks to my brother Travis, and Madelyn absolutely adored it. She packed it around like it was her baby, made a bed for it, and totally doted over it. Kera thought she was going to have to send it home with us...luckily that didn't happen!

Hallee and Madelyn with Marley

Here are the kids in their matching PE outfits. They absolutely love them!

Moon sand party

The kids all love Grandpa... his endless teasing, bouncing on the trampoline, and bedtime stories. They especially love when they get to go for a 4-wheeler or Jeep ride!

Jalen is right in his element in Utah...shooting his gun, wearing cowboy boots and farm pants, and running around without a shirt! For him, life doesn't get any better than this!

As you can tell, they definately played hard and finally gave in for a little nap!

Bathtime fun!

My mom was not the only cool and ambitious Grandma in the neighborhood. Two other ladies also had their grandchildren for the week so for famiy home evening they roasted hot dogs and marshmellows together.

Hunter and Mason became very good buddies. They were inseparable...had to eat, sleep and always play right next to each other. They had a great time!

Madelyn met a fun new friend at music camp...Gracie who is actually one my high school friend's daughter! They were big helpers in the kitchen making brownies for all the boys.

Madelyn, Mason and Jalen are so lucky to have such awesome grandparents! Thanks Mom and Dad for making the sacrifice and effort to give these kids a whole week with you. They love and adore you both and don't enjoy their time better anywhere else than with you!

Bedtime Rituals

I don't know about anyone else, but for me bedtime is often the dreaded hour of the whole day! My kids often struggle when it's time to go to bed and STAY in bed. Even after our 30 minute ritual of stories, drinks, brushing teeth, prayers, and lots of hugs and kisses, there is ALWAYS something forgotten. Usually, it's something like, "Mom I forgot to tell you something!" Or Jalen's famous "Mom, I didn't give you hugs and kisses yet today!" (which that never happens because that is his favorite expression when he's in trouble! So I do hear that and receive hugs and kisses several times throughout the day) Although most nights this becomes frustrating when I'm tired and ready to be done, recently I have stopped to appreciate how sweet and cute they all are, even when it's way past their bedtime!


Jalen has always been my biggest challenge when it comes to bedtime and sleeping. It hasn't been until recently that he has consecutively slept through the night. Up until last month, he was getting up every night and climbing in bed with Alan and I. Sometimes 2 and 3 times in one night! But he is doing great right now. His funny routine at naptime is this:

Jalen: "Mom, will you lay by me?"

Me: "Ok, but just for a minute."

Jalen: "Will you scratch my back?"

So I would scratch his back. After a few days, it turned into this:

"Mom will you scratch my back?" Then he would roll over, "Will you tickle my tummy?"

So I would scratch his back and then tickle his tummy. A few days later it became this....

"Mom, will you scratch my back?" Then roll over, "Will you tickle my tummy?" Then roll back onto his stomach and ask, "Will you rub my head?" So I would scratch his back, tickle his tummy, and rub his neck and head!! Can you tell he is the baby of our family?? I can't believe I do this, but when it gets him to sleep, it's worth it!


Mason always has many treasures. It can be favorite books, a bouncy ball, marbles, rocks, his medal from T-ball, all kinds of different things. But whatever his treasure is at the moment, he keeps it very close, including bedtime. Sometimes, he will have several things either lined up on his bed or on the floor right by his bed. At bedtime, our biggest challenge is making sure Mason has all his treasures because he can't stay in bed unil he has found them all. He is also very particular in lining them up just so. Sometimes he has so much stuff in his bed, he hardly has room to move around! But he doesn't care, as long as he's got all his treasures! Mason has also discovered that bedtime is when he likes to talk with me. One night after a conversation, I got up to leave and he said "Mom, sit down! I'm not done talking!" He went on and talked for a few more minutes, nothing of real significance or importance but he was thoroughly enjoying the one-on-one time of just being able to say whatever was on his mind, having my full attention, with no one interrupting! These have become precious moments for us.


Madelyn has become so independent. After a full day of school, activities and play she is so exhausted but just doesn't want to give in...not until she's "ready for bed". Madelyn's routine that she accomplishes all on her own entails a nice long shower, hair all combed out, clothes picked out for the next day, teeth brushed, and then her favorite...to read. She has made very impressive strides this year with her reading. She will read at night for as long as she can hold out. I usually find Madelyn alseep and snoring on top of her bed, lights still on, with a book laying across her chest. Although it is helpful that she is so independent, part of me isn't ready to let go of the idea that she is not my little baby girl anymore.

So this has been a good moment of realization for me. When bedtime seems endless, I need a little reminder to myself that the time will come way too quickly when they don't want help with their prayers, an extra kiss and hug good night, or a visit about their day. They will continue to grow up way to fast and these precious moments will be only a memory.

Dance Girl Dance!

Madelyn experienced her first year in dance this past year. She enjoyed both ballet and jazz, of course jazz being her favorite! I think it was primarily because she danced to music from High School Musical 3! At her dance recital, she looked so adorable and really did an awesome job. She is definatey a natural and beautiful dancer. I was so proud of her and kept thinking to myself, I can't believe how much my baby girl is growing up!

Madelyn with her classmate, Sierra.

Madelyn with her teacher, Ms. Tiffany, who was an awesome teacher!