Quote of the day

Never regret. If it's good, it's wonderful. If it's bad, it's experience.
~ Victoria Holt

Crazy Summer

Why hello, long lost blogging buddies!

It has been a crazy summer with the Ewells. Here is a quick recap.

May-
Both boys finished school. They were super excited!
June-
Both boys bored from nothing to do! LOL
July-
Boys are counting down the days to school!

There's my crazy update.... Hope you all enjoyed it, LOL

I am Alive

First I was afraid
I was petrified
Kept thinking I could never live
without you by my side
But I spent so many nights
thinking how you did me wrong
I grew strong
I learned how to carry on
and so you're back
from outer space
I just walked in to find you here
with that sad look upon your face
I should have changed my stupid lock
I should have made you leave your key
If I had known for just one second
you'd be back to bother me

Go on now go walk out the door
just turn around now
'cause you're not welcome anymore
weren't you the one who tried to hurt me with goodbye
you think I'd crumble
you think I'd lay down and die
Oh no, not I
I will survive
as long as i know how to love
I know I will stay alive
I've got all my life to live
I've got all my love to give
and I'll survive
I will survive

It took all the strength I had
not to fall apart
kept trying hard to mend
the pieces of my broken heart
and I spent oh so many nights
just feeling sorry for myself
I used to cry
Now I hold my head up high
and you see me
somebody new
I'm not that chained up little person
still in love with you
and so you felt like dropping in
and just expect me to be free
now I'm saving all my loving
for someone who's loving me

Super Proud Mommy

Today is such a bitter sweet day!

Eastyn had his last day in Intermediate School and Cadyn had his last day in Elementary School. There are no words to describe of how proud I am of them but I am also sad..

I am sad that they are growing up so fast. It seems like yesterday they were 3 & 4. Where has all the time gone????

Muchas Gracias Monday

Muchas Gracias Monday (Thanks Kim)

On this wonderful, yet not as wonderful as Saturday, Monday- Here are the things that I am thankful for....

*My sister Jamie. Thank you for making our life safer out on the streets! It takes courage to be a police officer, and you my dear have got it!!!!

*Work. Even though sometimes I don't want to go, I appreciate you being there.

*My boys who are crazy busy, loud, dirty, and just plain weird! I LOVE YOU!!!! I don't know what I would do without you.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Our Family

The most amazing picture EVER!!!!

Well, we have been so busy lately in this Ewell Household. As most of you know, we went to Mexico again in April. We took the kids, and it was AMAZING!!!! We also have been doing baseball practices, games and still dealing with school, homework & all the other duties that we all have to do! Needless to say, it is EXHAUSTING, but a blessing at the same time.

The boys are doing good. They are getting excited that school is almost out for the summer. It is hard to believe that Eastyn is going to be in 8th grade and Cadyn 6th.... Where has the time gone?

Gareth is still hard at work at SunRoc. He just received another promotion!!!! I know, 3 promotions in a year, I think they might just like him ;)

I am still at the theatres, they keep me busy as always. We are now into our busy time, so I have long days, but at least I have an understanding family (well, for the most part).

I promise that I will try to update more often....

Loves

Quick Update

I know, I know... I have been such a slacker! I hate that I am so busy that I can't even update my blog. I really need to just slow down and take a breather.

A lot of things have been happening in our little family. Gareth is crazy busy in Mesquite. They are working on some sort of bridge that keeps him ornery and busy! I am staying busy at the theatres. We are now getting ready for our busy season, so I am going through applications and trying to get people trained before than. The boys, well they keep me busy all in themselves. Between school, band, choir, and homework. Now they are throwing in baseball to the mixture. They have tryouts next week, and the games will start at the end of the month. Oh, and did I mention that they just got done taking the hunter safety course? I am glad to announce that they passed that with flying colors, lol...

On another note, we got to see my dad this week. I can not even tell you how happy that it makes me when I get to see him. I miss him every day, and don't know what I would do without him. So, if you are reading this dad.... I LOVE YOU!!!!

Dysfunctional

Tonight we had dinner at my Aunt's house. The Aunt that we always stayed at in SLC when we were there. The only difference is she is here now! She moved to the Sunny St.George!!!!

I am so very happy to have a part of my dad that lives here.... The dysfunction, Ahhh... Good Times!!!!

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!!