Merry Christmas

Why is it that men don't like to get their pictures taken? Why is it that when you are in the middle of getting said pictures taken do your children go into laughing attacks? These were my questions last week when we did our family pictures!

Most of you know that we don't get family pictures taken too often (Gareth HATES getting pictures done), so why is it that when you do go get them, everyone is off their rockers? Shouldn't we just be able to sit still for 5 minutes and smile normal?

Well, not us Ewells. The boys were on the verge of peeing their pants from laughing so hard. Gareth had his "Are we done yet" smile on his face, and I was just trying to stay still and not slide down the hill from all the leaves!

So, needless to say half our pictures are "black mail if you make mom mad" pictures, but we did seem to actually get some good ones!

A big "Thank You" to my friend/photographer Kari for having enough patience to deal with my crazy family.

Merry Christmas everyone!!!!!

Friends

Ever wonder what your life would be like if you didn't have your friends in your lives? Sitting here with my boys, watching them play with their friends, it makes me wonder what it would be like if we didn't have any friends.

I don't know about all of you out there, but my friends are not just friends, they are family! It doesn't matter how long it has been since we have seen/talked to each other- I know that they will always be apart of my life. I don't know what I would do without my friends. Yes, I do know... I would be a lonely old lady, lol

Watching my boys with their friends is so much fun! Hearing their laughter (best sound in the world), watching them learn new games.... It takes me back to when I was younger!

*Flashback moment*

I remember walking to my friends house, riding bikes/scooters, talking on the phone. We would walk down the street singing at the top of our lungs, like we were famous or something. Nothing could tear us apart.

Back then life seemed to go by so slowly. We didn't have a care in the world, or a worry! We could just play- and that is what we did :) We would make up dances, put on plays- we did anything and everything that we could think of! Everyday... Whether we did the same thing or something new, we were always together.

*Back to reality*

Spending time with my friends now is not an every day occurrence, but when we do get together, it is simply wonderful! Of course now we are older, and more sophisticated- we only sing at the top of our lungs in the privacy of our homes or cars (or movie theatres), but we still know how to have a good time.

So, to all my friends old and new... I don't know what I would do without you! I appreciate you all more then you will ever know! To my handsome little boys, remember not to take your friends for granted. Remember to let them know you enjoy hanging out with them... And most of all... Enjoy your youth!!!!!

My children will do it better!

Have you ever wondered or thought back to when you were in school, what you would change? I was fighting with my son who insists that school is NOT FUN and doesn't seem to think homework is important, when I came to the realization that I didn't have any ground to stand on. I loved school (the social part) but for the most part, I didn't do my homework, hell I was lucky if I even went to class.

So, I decided that my children will do it better!!!! They will get their butts up and ready, even on the days that it is cold outside, and go to school. I will make sure that they get their homework done, even when they are saying "Mom, you are mean!"....

Now, don't get me wrong, this isn't a dig in the back to my mother, but thinking back now, I knew how to walk over her. I knew the buttons that I needed to push to get my way! And now can say that I finally understand.

So, I will gladly take the title MEAN MOM..... Because being the supportive mom, just isn't enough in their eyes!!!!!

Slacking

So, as I sit here and read all my favorite peoples blog.. I have come to the understanding that not only am I a slacker, they are slacking! This in truth makes me laugh. We all want to let everyone know what is going on with our lives, but non of us have the time!

So, with that said, I will "try" to update more frequently, and let all of you know how my family and I are doing.

Quick update:

Cadyn is learning "Give me Liberty". This has been quite interesting, and he is now on the memorization of the Gettysburg Address. He almost has it done, which in it self is a project.

Eastyn is loving 7th grade. He is in band, he plays the bass clarinet. He is getting real good :)

Gareth is still working in Mesquite. Its a love hate relationship.

Me, well I am working hard at the theatre. We have been slow, but I have been busy. We are currently getting ready for "New Moon", which I have to say- I am excited, but I am not :)

Well, I hope that you are all well.... Love you, Miss you, and GET writing on your blogs

Holly Turns 29!!!!!!!

I know that I am almost 2 months late, but here are pictures of my 80's birthday party!!!! This party was more then I could have hoped for. It was such a great night! I had my friends, family and lots of fluorescent colors there!

Gareth and Kari were wonderful in planning the surprise party, but in the end, they decided it was best for them to tell me about it, so that I could find me an outfit! And the crazy thing is, we actually bought all the clothes... Who knew that the 80's were making a comeback???

Magen, Emily, Kari, Jamie, Karen, me and Brandi

Tony, Brian, Jeff, Gareth & Bryan "Tubs"

Kari & Tubs

Me and Gareth

Emily and Me

Random Update

So, just a quick update on my biggest loser challenge- I am down almost 10 pounds in 2 weeks, so YAY me!!!!

Also, because I have been so good... In return I have gotten a kidney Stone.. Oh yeah, so much fun....

Oh, PS.....

I am now the house manager at the 8!!!!!

Wow... I suck

I just realized that I haven't posted in over a month!!! Sorry...

Well a lot has been going on in the Ewell household. Cadyn is still playing baseball 2 nights a week, Gareth also. Eastyn is happy that it is finally summer, and I have been extremely busy with work.

I have also started the biggest loser with a bunch of friends, so wish me luck.

Short and sweet... WOW, that's not like me :)

A productive week

Ever wonder.....? If so, go read my Holler'N Holly blog and I will wonder with ya,lol....

So, this week has been full of fun activities and projects. Choir performances, baseball games, house cleaning, and to think... It is only Wednesday :)

Yesterday Eastyn had his 1 and only choir performance at school, he did a fantastic job. The only thing that I wish would have been different, is I wish they had the A/C on in the school. When you get 100 kids and 200 adults in one little auditorium, it gets extremely hot! Right after his performance, we went to Cadyn's ball game. He got to play 3rd, and did a fantastic job. Sad to say they lost the game, but they gave their all!!!

This morning Cadyn had his last choir performance, one of the songs almost made me cry. They sang You raise me Up..... It was very moving. After I left the school, I came home and started to clean the house. I haven't had a day off in awhile, so this needed to be done! Now, I am relaxing before I go to the store, ugh.... I hate the store.

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

Crazy

So a lot has been going on in the past couple weeks. Cadyn started baseball, he plays for the Yankee's which makes Aunt Kari extremely happy, and Uncle Jeff extremely upset. He is doing a fantastic job. Eastyn is playing church basketball, and has become a fan of the skateboard. He loves taking it apart and putting it back together again. It is just mind blowing how quickly they are teaching themselves new things. I love to sit and watch them figuring out something new, whether it be taking something apart, or learning to draw something. It truly is amazing!!

I have become the new House Manager at the movies. This is a honor, and a test all in one. I am sad that the previous manager decided to leave, but am happy that he thinks that I can run the theatre (especially since I have only worked there since January). It is a test, as I am still learning myself, but I have faith in myself, and I know that I will be able to give 100% and get things done. I have this motivation tool for my "movie family", which is..... Wait for it...... Wait for it...... SINGING, lol.... I will sing until things get done. Now, for those of you that have heard me sing, you can understand the motivation to get things done. I am not a good singer by any means, and if they hurry, I will shut up! Now, the downfall to this, is that they have decided to sing also, lol.... So, I guess that keeps me motivated to get my work done, lol.

Well, I will try to post more often, and until I do, just remember this......

Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful phrase

Hakuna Matata! Ain't no passing craze

It means no worries for the rest of your days

It's our problem-free philosophy

Hakuna Matata!

(yes, I am singing- get over it, lol)

Updates on everyone!

I know, I have been slacking on my blog duties. It's not that I or the family have been super busy in the last month, but we have had a lot going on.

Gareth is still as busy as ever, with work and Softball (yes, it is that time again). He plays softball 2 nights a week, and is starting up with the Tournaments on the weekends. He also has been doing projects around the house. He has tilled up the side of our yard, so that eventually he can lay sod down.

The boys are always running around. Eastyn has been playing Church basketball every Thursdays, and is awesome at it. Cadyn has started his practices for little league, and games will start next week. His team is the YANKEE'S... I know, I know..... If you would like to join us at either Eastyn's basketball games, or Cadyns baseball games- let me know, and I will get you the schedules.

Me, I have been keeping myself busy, with working and watching my kids and my beautiful niece Haylee... I haven't had much time to really do anything, if that makes sense!?!?!?

Oh... The boys have also now takin' a liking to Raquetball... Gareth took them over spring break, and they both loved it! What other extracuricular actives can they come up with???

New Blog

Wow.. 2 Posts in 1 day... I need a life, lol... Well, I have created a blog that is just from me, it has nothing to do with the Ewell family. I just needed a place to write my random thoughts, vent and anything that I think I want to post there!!!! My good friend Kari (who I have learned so much from) has a "Ramblin" blog, and I thought that it was time for me to join in and have a "Holler'n Holly" blog. So, if you would like to read it, here is the url....

http://www.holleringholly.blogspot.com/

Sand Volleyball

On Sunday we decided that we were going to be an active family (like my boys aren't active enough, lol). We invited some friends over for a BBQ that we hadn't seen for awhile, and Mrs. Kari & Kamree joined us, and we went and played Sand Volleyball.

This itself maybe isn't that interesting... But... What I am about to tell you, might just make you pee your pants !!! LOL

We get to the park, took off our shoes, put our feet in the sand (Kari & I were in HEAVEN) and split up into 2 teams. Well, I guess you can't say split up, it was basically Brian, Gareth, Cadyn, Donvyn on one team, Kari, Kamree, Karen, Eastyn and I on another.

We were playing minding our own business, having fun... Then we started getting serious *drama music*

The boys were diving, running into eachother. Cadyn decided to pick on Kari. She was playing in the middle and he would serve to her everytime. She was diving, falling, stretching and at one point, she decided to give her knees a rest and just say down in the sand. She was kicking some butt! She finally had enough and switched sides with Gareth. Well, this maybe wasn't the smartest Idea, since Gareth and Brian are way to aggresive,lol . Everyone had sand in places that it wasn't supposed to be in. lol.

Well, okay... You didn't pee your pants, but we have decided to go play every weekend (probably Saturday afternoons), so if anybody would like to join us, let me know!!

Well, Kim seems to think that I can be creative, so.....


Another Fun Blog Game
The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me!
My choice. For you.

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make! Of course, I'm sure you will love it purely because it was made by me. Right?
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. Don't hold your breath or anything, but it will be done at some point this year.
4. You have no clue what it's going to be. I have no clue what it's going to be. But it will be something.
5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange or completely predictable.

The catch?
Oh, the catch. And yes there is a big ole' catch... is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog.
The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment win a homemade gift!
It may not be great, but it will be fun!!
* * *Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!* * *

Eastyn Tyrell

As I sit here (yes Kari... I said the dreaded words, lol) and wallow in my tears, I am remembering when I first had Eastyn.... As most of you know he will be 12, yes 12 on the 7th and I don't know where the time has gone!! He has gone from baby to toddler, to little boy to pre-teen wonderful son!!! So, I thought I would dedicate this blog to him, for being a fantastic big brother, and an amazing son.... I LOVE YOU EASTY....

Eastyn was born on Friday, February 7th, 1997 (2/7/97 lucky huh?) almost 2 months premature. He was a stubborn little man even in the womb. I remember laying in the hospital bed, all the monitors on and the nurses saying that I was going to be in the hospital for at least 3 more weeks.... And that I needed to keep him from coming. He wasn't ready!!!! Well, that is when it all started.... (Sit back and relax, come on a journey of Eastyns life with me....*soft elevator music in the back ground*)

When the doctors decided to admit me to the hospital on Thursday night (around 11PM), Gareth and my mom decided that they needed to go get a coffee.... When they walked out of the room, that is when the fun began...MY WATER BROKE... Well, as most of you know, when your water breaks, that means you are having a baby!!!

Gareth and my mom decided to come and check on me, when they got to the room, they saw about 4 nurses franticially working on me. Gareth had that "Deer in the headlights" look on his face, and asked what was going on.... Me not to happy, (because everyone told me that if I had the baby now, he would most likely be 2 pounds if that, and have only a 25% chance of living) said that we were having a baby!!! Well, the next few hours we waited for the doctors to get ready for the c-section, and just tried to stay calm....

Well, at 7:02AM Eastyn Tyrell Ewell, made his grand appearence into this world.... He weighted in at 6pds, 4oz and was 17inches long! (I know, could you imagine how BIG he would be if I would have carried him full term? LOL )

When he was born, they put him on oxegyn and put a feeding tube in him, since he didn't really have the sucking motion down yet, but all and all... He was pretty dang healthy (thanks to his weight). He did go a little down hill the next day where he stopped breathing and they had to do a spinal tap on him to see why.... Well as you can see, he didn't feel a thing. He actually fell ASLEEP.....

Since then he has grown in so many ways! He is amazing at science and loves animals! He has been the best big brother that Cadyn could have asked for, and hardly ever complains. I truley am blessed that he is in my life. He amazes me everyday, by the things he learns, his personality and his humor... The boy is pure GENUIS!!!!!

So, here are some more pictures of the life of Eastyn!!! Sit back and enjoy!!!!!

Eastyn's first hunting trip with Aunt Emmy!

Eastyn 10 months old!

Eastyn's Kindergarten Picture

Eastyn lookin' all handsome!

Christmas in Mexico 2008 on the Captain Hook Cruise

Random

RULES: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.
**(To do this, go to “notes” under tabs (+) on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.)

1.Born premature in Salt Lake City
2. My favorite color is Blue
3. My favorite food is Steak & Potatoes (Oh and Marla's cake)
4.I don't really like sweets.
5. I have been with Gareth for almost 15 years
6. I am the mother of 2 precious little boys
7. I had Eastyn at 16
8. I was married at 16
9. I LOVE Mexico
10. I would love to retire and move to the beach!!!
11. I can read x-rays pretty dang well for not being a trained x-ray technician.
12. I love to Country Line dance, two step and swing!!! I am a pretty good teacher also, thanks Annie & John.
13. I used to play the Violin
14. I make my bed at NIGHT before I go to bed.... and then re-make it about 2 times before I actually fall asleep.
15. I can't stand dried toothpaste in the sink.
16. I was stranded in St. Louis, MO. on 9/11 by myself!!!
17. I love camping
18. I am very close to my cousins!!!
19. I have a big heart, and it usually gets stepped on a lot
20. I was a model when I was younger (and prettier, lol)
21. I did a wedding dress commercial when I was 13 (Yes, I was the one in the wedding dress, only in Utah, lol)
22. I came in 1st place for the reflections contest when I was in 3rd grade ( I wrote a poem called "Imagine That")
23. I am not that funny of a person! But I try to be on my blog, lol.
24. I can't cook, but thanks to Marla, I try.
25. I am a very loyal friend, and would do anything for my friends and family!

I tag everyone that reads this blog!!!!!! =)

DEXA RESULTS!!!

Just thought I would let all of you that read my blog know that we have gotten Cadyn's Dexa Scan results back.... The results were wonderful, he actually has scores that are for "normal" kids!!! You heard me right, Cadyn is NORMAL....

Now, this doesn't mean that he no longer has OI, because he does! It just means that the PAM treatments are helping him and his bones are getting stronger.

So, now comes the hard part. We have to decide whether we are going to keep him on the PAM for another year, or take a year off. Now, I can hear all of you asking this question "Why would you take a year off if it's helping him?" - Well, we don't really know the long term effects yet, and we don't want his body to get used to the drug and stop responding to it. On the other hand, if he happens to go through a growth spurt while he is off the PAM, then his fracture rate could go up...

Any suggestions?

All I can say is that I am so very happy that his bones aren't as fragile as they were 3 years ago!!!

Miracles do happen!!!!!!!!!!!!

Slacker

Yes, I know... I am such a slacker! I have been so busy, that I haven't been able to blog. So, "sitting here" at 8:30P, I will update you all on our family!

As most of you know, I am no longer working for Planet. This in itself was a very sad time for me. I miss all of the agents so much, but thankfully I can keep in touch with all of them.

My new job, is working as a Manager at the movie theatre. I am learning so much. I never realized what it took to actually get the movie up on the screen. Very Interesting!!!

Cadyn & I just got back from Salt Lake City for his OI clinic. He also had his PAM treatment & Dexa Scan while we were there. He was so tough. They had to poke him 3 times to get the IV in, but still had a wonderful attitude. His Dexa results will be back in about a week, and then we will know if they want to keep him on the Pam. His doctors also said that his bones look good, so far, he has no bowing in his long bones, and his back is still straight... For this we are very happy!

In other news, Gareth has been working very hard, the boys are doing AWESOME in school and life just couldn't be better!!! (unless we were back on the beach, and a millionaire, lol )

Love you all =)