ONE WORD

1. Where is your cell phone? ....................counter
2. Your significant other?.......................machine
3. Your hair?....................................short
4. Your mother? .................................Nedra
5. Your father?..................................Don
6. Your favorite thing?..........................make-up
7. Your dream last night?........................forgettable
8. Your favorite drink..........................water
9. Your dream/goal?..............................perfection
10. The room you're in?..........................quiet
11. Your children?...............................beautiful
12. Your fear?...................................bugs
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years...........Clovis
14. Where were you last night?...................home
15. What you're not?.............................unhappy
16. Muffins......................................Costco
17. One of your wish list items?.................pool
18. Where you grew up?...........................California
19. What you read last...........................scriptures
20. What are you wearing?........................clothes
21. Your TV?.....................................free
22. Your pets?...................................non-existent
23. Your computer? ..............................black
24. Your life?...................................blessed
25. Your mood?...................................good
26. Missing someone?.............................siblings
27. Your car?....................................Venture
28. Something you're not wearing?................shoes
29. Favorite Store?..............................Costco
30. Your summer?.................................fun
31. Like someone?................................everyone
32. Your favorite color?.........................red
33. Last time you laughed........................today
34. Last time you cried?........................Friday
35. Dislike?..................................regret
36. Like?...................................accomplishment


I tag........Kathryn Poduska, Judy Ryan, and Irene Ryan. I'm tagging you because your the wittiest women in the world and I am curios to see what you all come up with.=)

Fearless Jet Jumping Off The Diving Board

Jet is so funny because he is my most fearless and biggest chicken at the same time. When it comes to animal.........even small ones he is scared to death. He has also been known to be afraid of human babies if they crawl towards him. Quit the contrast to this video. When it comes to things that can actually be dangerous the boy has no problem taking a risk.

Part Fish

This summer I am amazed at how good my two year old, Jet, can swim!

Locks of Love

So Heidi used to always ask if she could have her hair cut short. I always said "No way" and back in the day I used to have long hair. i would also say "Look at me I have long hair. That's how we Gage girls wear our hair." Then I turned thirty............and chopped my hair off. The first thing Heidi said to me when I picked her up from school was "Hey! That the hair cut I wanted!" I began to say when she turns 30she can cut her hair.

I've been trying to teach Heidi how to take a shower by herself. Her long hair is just to much for her to handle. I've been considering cutting it a little shorter but not too short. She is going to be 8 in Sept and I want to raise my children to be as self reliant as possible. In a lot of ways I realize when I baby them I'm not doing them any favors..........esp Jet......I'm still working on that one.... Anyway, I thought about donating her hair to locks of love. You need at least 10 inches of hair to do that. This morning I went for it. I cut 10 inches off both Heidi and Kayla's hair. Of course Kayla wanted her hair cut too. I gave them a typical bob with a subtle A-line. It isn't my favorite style for little girls but it will grow back. Maybe they can both learn how to shower themselves this summer. I am totally MORNING the loss of all the fun up-do's I used to give them. I'll probably curl their hair more then I used to. Maybe I'll invest in a wave iron.



Heidi's Before and After's





Kayla's Before and Afters

Sleeping Bear

During the summer months it seems like my goal in life is to wear out my children so they are exhausted and ready to go to bed at 7pm even though the sun is still out. I don't let them watch to much TV not just because it isn't good for them but because I am afraid they won't be tired at the end of the day. We swim most every day after nap time for an hour or two. Then we come home, have dinner, baths, books and bed. My older children go right to sleep. Jet used to as well. For some reason he is going through a phase that he refuses to sleep with the door shut. Sometimes he'll play in his room for a while then go to his bed and finally sleep. He almost never comes out to bug us because he has learned that his mom is super strict about that rule. A couple nights ago I went down the hall, when it was finally quiet, to tuck my four little ones in. I found Jet sleeping in half way in the door and half way in his room. This is why tucking the kids in at night is my favorite time of the day. Sleeping babies are so cute! You never know what position they'll be in or even what outfit they may have changed into. Every night a surprise. =)

Party Time

Now that Paul is in a phase where he doesn't have to study so much he always wants to hang out with friends and have fun. He invited some friends over to eat and watch the movie Willow with us. I haven't seen that movie in forever. It was a fun movie to make fun of together. My pictures didn't turn out all that great but our friends are so great I wanted to put the night into my journal/blog .
Irene and Tim Ryan, Kathryn and Caleb Poduska. Can't you tell they are HILARIOUS. When we invite them over I never have to worry about entertaining them........I'm completely entertained by them. Irene, Tim and Kathryn are super witty! Caleb is a sweet man all the way to the core. there are so many good people in our ward.

Tracy and Todd Dunning. Last night Paul was telling me that he thinks Todd and he think alike as far as their take on people/gospel/life. He also says Tod is his favorite moving partner when they help people move. He completely enjoys Todd. I love Tracy every bit as much as Paul does Todd. She have NEVER said anything gossipy in my presence and is naturally kind. she is a nurse too. She was nice enough to come over and take Heidi's stitches out for me. Thanks Tracy!

I also wanted to post a pic of James and Kresta Kraucyk but for some reason that pic is refusing to upload. James and Kresta held Mitchel Ryan (Tim and Irene's 5th baby). He spit up on them and they still loved holding him. Mitchel was being quite the flirt with Kresta. I was often confused if I was hearing him or the baby in the movie. Also, Krestat made an awesome ice cream cake that I loved!

Thanks for coming over and hanging out guys. You are all great company! I wish my house was bigger so I can have our whole ward over for an evening. All our Clovis 3rd friends are wonderful!

Fathers Day Poem I wrote for 2007

Happy Father’s Day

As I reflect on you, my husband and Dad this Father’s Day,
I realize the men in my life couldn’t be stronger, or gentler I should say.
My heart is overflowing and bright.
I am totally amazed by your might.

You are so strong!
I have watched you overcome and suffer long.
You are full of Priesthood authority,
Because in your heart, selflessness is the majority.

Surrounded in your arms, I feel loved and protected.
I know you seek for inspiration and you are guided.
Combined with your strength, is a gentle heart.
You make me feel good about myself, beautiful and smart.


You offer me support divine.
Seemingly impossible goals soon will be mine.
Your love dulls the pain of my trials.
Memories of growing experiences go on for miles.

I will forever seek for your approval and praise.
To return your love, surely the bar I must raise.
You have given me your hand in love and friendship.
I can hardly express how highly I esteem our beautiful relationship.

The sacrifices, you have made, have not gone unnoticed.
In a world full of distraction and frustration, on important matters you stay focused.
I know you do your best and give me your all.
With eyes single to the Lord, we shall not fall.


As we strive to become perfect, like our Heavenly Parents,
Through the eternities we shall gain our inheritance.
Our Temple covenants are indestructible and eternal.
How joyful we’ll feel when we fully reach our potential.

To put my thoughts simply, from Heavenly Father, you are my gift.
I can always count on you to give me uplift.
Thanks for all you do!
I will always do my best to live righteously for you!

Your love will trickle down for many generations.
There is not a more blessed woman in all the nations.
You have given me the most beautiful times of my life.
I’m so glad to be my father’s daughter and my husband’s wife!

I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!

Kayla, Jet, and the Dress Ups

Kayla asked if she could play with her dress ups this morning. I said "Sure". She giggled and said "Come on Jet." Then she held his hand and took him down the hall. I guess big sisters love to dress up little brothers. At least this outfit was a pants dress-up. He loved the attention and was feeling pretty cool!

Cannon 2nd Hernia

Cannon just underwent a surgery to repair his second hernia. His first hernia was on the left side of his groin. This one was on the right side. He had a scary experience the Sunday before the last week of school. He was walking around with his cousin Hailey and got goosed out by a dog poop in the back yard. I don't know why but looking at it made him gag. The gagging pushed out his hernia and caused a lot of pain. Then he really started to puke because of the pain. His hernia was hard and I could not push it back in. We rushed him to the ER. Gwen took my younger children home, bathed them, and put them to bed for me. Thanks Gwen!!!! After laying on a bed (for along time) with his legs propped up in the Er his hernia did go back in. We were able to take him home and not have an emergency surgery. He received the surgery on Tuesday June 10th 2008. He is nine years old. After the surgery the pain was to much for him to walk at all. Whenever he needed to go to the bathroom I had to carry his 75lb body around for him. Working out and lifting weights has definitely payed off. I'm so glad I'm capable to helping him. Lifting him up to put his underwear on was a major event. I felt so bad for him!!! There is nothing fun about recovering from a surgery! I set my alarm during the night to be sure his pain medicine never completely wore off. Now he walks funny but he walks! YEAH! He'll be swimming and playing around by Monday at this pace. I love you Cannon! Keep up the good work!
Above:They gave him a bear at the hospital. He named it Prayers. He remembered a story out of the "Friend" from a while back with a cat named Prayers. I don't really remember the story but I think it is a cute name.

Below:Cannon doing a word search in the "Friend" magazine while we wait for surgery. I love that magazine! It has been such a good influence on my family!






I took the below picture to show Cannon in the adult size hospital gown. The children size was too little so....



Cannon waking up from surgery feeling a lot of pain.

A popsicle and some morphine helped a lot!

Kayla's Pre-K Gratuation

Kayla is all grown up now and ready to go to kindergarten! Cannon Jet and I went to her celebration. We watched them sing songs, then Mr. Peterson (Red Banks Principal) handed out scrolls, and finished with a slide show of pitures from the school year. Red Bank has the BEST Pre-K teachers!!!! I am so lucky to have been able to have them teach my girls!

Kayla I love you! You are the life of the party and keep my laughing and amazed every day! I'm so glad Heavenly Father gave me the privilege to be your Mom. I love watching you progress in life. Your potential is limitless and I get so excited when I think of your ability to accomplish to do the thing you set out to do. So....what will you enjoy the most and what goals are you going to set for yourself? I will be right by your side loving you and anxiously watching to see just how wonderfully you develop your gifts!

Jessica Howard?!?

Jess where did you go? I just tried to check your blog and it's gone? Please don't be a stranger! You're one of my girls and I want to know how things are going for you! Take care and good luck on your move to Utah!

Tagged

Hey, I've been tagged by Shelby!

A-Attached or Single?-Very Happy to be Attached
B-Best Friend- Paul!!! Our pillow talk is always a highlight of the day.
C-Cake or Pie?- Both with ice cream on the side please.
D-Day of choice?- SUNDAY!! Paul and I go to church (we love our ward family!) and usually spend time with extended family for dinner. .
E-Essential item?- Kitchen Appliances. Our fridge recently gave out. It’s all fixed now. You never realize how much you take for granted until it’s gone. Kind of like when you get a cold you realize what a blessing it is to breath through your nose.
F-Favorite color?- Can’t pick Yellow-bright happy fun Pink-feminine pretty Red & Black-sophisticated, powerful, passionate White- pure, true, brilliant Can you tell I’m very effected emotionally when it comes to color. I LOVE colors!
G-Gummy bears or worms? Cinnamon Bears
H-Hometown?-Clovis, California
I-Favorite Indulgence? I have a lot of favorites…probably, hot brownie, hot fudge banana split.
J-January or July?- Both are AWESOME!

Kids?-4 Cannon, Heidi, Kayla, and Jet
L-Life isn't complete without? My family and my Religion
M-Marriage Date?-Dec 27^th 1997
N-Number of Bro & Sis?-4 brothers and 2 sisters
O-Oranges or Apples? I love both. No comparison
P-Phobia and Fears? I don’t really have any super obsession with any fears….but I don’t want Paul to die until we are OLD…super duper OLD!
Q-Quote?- off the top of my head “There is nothing so bad that wining about it won’t make worse.”
R-Reason to smile?- I’m alive, healthy, blessed and happy
S-Season of choice? Fall
T-Tag Ten People? Jen Haroldsen aka Miss America (time for a new entry girl!), Kresta Kraucyk, Kirsten Rass (you never did the last one. You act like your busy or something. I’ll be waiting), Jill Shelly (I can hardly go a day with out visiting your blog) Amy B, Miranda R, Lisa Owens, Hulio, Angela Cantido, Kristi Silva
U-Unknown fact about me?-I can do crazy things with my eyeballs. It freaks Paul out. It's nice when I get to grouse him out =)

V-Vegetable?- I love salad so I guess Lettuce
W-Worse habit?- not writing Thank you note soon enough even when I feel really grateful. I guess I have intentions that are to big for my real life then nothing gets done for a while until I give in and send a little note.
Y-Your favorite food? I love food! I enjoy everything about it. There is one thing I know I don’t like at all…Pumas. YUK!
Z-Zodiac sign? Don’t know. Don’t care. I’m not into that stuff at all.