Weekend Date Nights

Friday night, Colton wanted a date night with Mama.

Okay!

Date night it was.

Saturday night, we needed to take Kaydon dinner.

Colton wanted a date night with Mama at Kaydon's work (and to get ice cream, of course).

Okay!
Date night it was.

This boy is everything good in the world.

He is smart and kind and completely innocent to the bad things in the world.

He loves to be with his Mama and with his Mama LaLa.

He loves to be with his brothers.

He loves to play with his nephews.

And, he LOVES ice cream which makes this mama happy!

P.S. Look at those bits of goodness Kaydon created for us!!!

Day Two - Unhooked & A Star is Born

Last night, D took me to see A Star is Born.

It wasn't what I expected.

Don't get me wrong... I cried big alligator tears.

I laughed.

I swooned over the way Bradley Cooper spoke to Gaga.

It was a beautiful love story.

And it was a heartbreaking life story, I suppose.

D texted me this morning and said, "I have to admit that movie has me depressed."

I texted back, "Ditto."

I have never been a huge fan of Gaga.

Until now.

Now I am a huge fan of Gaga.

She's lovely. She seems very genuine and very sincere. She is beautiful. Her voice is stunning.

Oh, and I had popcorn.

So this girl was happy.

Day two was another successful day with my two goals!

I did not get on social media & I stuck to my reading schedule.

What I learned on day two of being unhooked:

- It's harder than I thought it would be to unhook from social media

- Heavenly Father will make it possible for us to do things that He has commanded when we are doing our best to make it happen

- Not going Live every morning means that I get ready much faster! Probably because I'm not jabbering on and on and on. I've never been accused of being quiet!

- When we are holding ourselves accountable with someone else, it's helpful. T is my teammate in this and it's helpful to know that I will report to her at the end of the night.

- My mind and heart are so much more open to what I can and will do for my business

Get in the Zone!

Kaydon, Colton and I went to Farmington Station on Saturday to hang out. We love it there. We walked around in the beautiful weather and it was so great!

At one point, Kaydon said to Colton, "Colton! You need to get in the zone!"
Colton responded with, "Auto Zone????!!!!"

It was the funniest thing ever!

Pre-Trip Date Night

Before I left for my week-long getaway, the boys and I went to see The Fate of The Furious. It was the bomb dot com. For real. I loved it! I was so afraid that Dom was going to disappoint me and that I was going to hate him and that I would regret going... but Dom pulled it out in the end! I guess that's called a spoiler. Sorry!

My week-long getaway was perfect. But, coming home to these boys is heaven. They did SO good while I was gone. I am so stinking proud of them!

Farmington Station Date Night

I informed the children that Saturday would be a delightful day of deep cleaning the house. There were eight major jobs that needed to be done, including shampooing the carpets, washing walls, cleaning the refrigerator, cleaning all three bathrooms, sweeping and mopping all tile floors, dusting including ceiling fans, removing ALL garbage from the home, and re-organizing kitchen cabinets. I let them know that they could each politely choose two jobs or mom would have them draw papers our of an envelope. The chose the politely choosing jobs. Everything was done by 1 pm!!

I told Jackson that he could choose their reward. He chose Farmington Station.

It was a beautiful night! The kids got some sugar for Easter and Jackson bought everyone a Fizz. It was perfection! I sure love these boys. I can't imagine what it will be like when they are grown and gone. I soak up these moments with them!

I Said Yes

This 17 year old boy of mine asked me on a date. I said yes. Duh!

When I got home yesterday, he said that as soon as I was ready, we'd go. I was ready! He drove me to Tepanyaki! People! This boy of mine drove me to a fancy restaurant. As he always does, he opened every door for me and made sure I ordered first. He told me that I could pick whatever I wanted! I had chicken and shrimp and he had steak and chicken.

We talked the entire time. It was the best date!

I don't do everything right. I probably do more wrong than I do right. But, I've done something right with these boys. When I was asked to be their mama before we came here, I am positive that I didn't hesitate at all before I said yes.

Wacky Wednesday - Crazy Date Night!

Dear World-

I am relatively sure that my life is purely for the benefit of others. My life's chaos is comedy for those who need a good laugh, and I am so careful not to disappoint! For this reason, I am going to publicly share the craziest freaking date of all time... which just so happened to involve me (weird) and occurred on Friday night.

Get your popcorn. It's gonna be good.

First, he was an hour late. Whatever.

When I got into his truck, it was immediately obvious that he had a nervous tick. Now, this is not a laughing matter. I, of all people (with an autistic son) am completely aware of this. However, his tick was that every time he looked at me, he coughed and spit in my face. I tried so hard not to gag, or wipe his saliva off of my left cheek.

After he picked me up, he drove to a car wash. I asked him what he was doing. Mind you, it's like 7 pm. He said, "I've just been wanting to go to a car wash lately." The entire time the brushes are scrubbing his truck, I am being splattered with spit.

After the truck was clean (I guess... I couldn't really tell because it was dark), he drove to Farmington Station. He informed me that, "We need to eat healthy tonight." (He's lucky this was a first date because no one tells me that I need to eat healthy. I am sassy pants, remember?) He went to pull in to a parking spot in front of a certain restaurant and HIT A PARKED CAR. Like, hard. Like, the car moved. Like, it was damaged. What happened next is actually true -- he backed up and pulled away. I was silent (which is a miracle in and of itself). My eyes must have been as big as freaking New Hampshire. He then quietly parked in front of another restaurant... like it was nothing but a thing!

We walked in. I was silent. I could not believe what had just happened. It was a salad-order and walk down the line- type place. Remember, we had to eat healthy. Idiot. Anywho, I ordered a salad. He ordered a wrap. I was starving. STARVING. We sat down. He asked if he could have my salad. He ate the salad and his wrap. I drank water.

I asked him if he would take me home. He asked if he could finish eating. Whatever. Then, he took me back to my complex.

The end.

When I arrived back into the safety of my own home with my own kids' spit and breaking of things... I hollered, "Gather 'round, boys! Mama has a story for you!" And after relaying the joys of the night, we slept happily ever after.

Busy, Busy Life

There was a time when my four boys were all so little and so dependent on me. Now, they are so big and doing their own things. This mama heart is so grateful that they have much to do with friends and loved ones. However, this mama heart sometimes longs for the times when I had them all to myself, too. I can't remember the last time all five of us were able to have date night. Jackson is working or with friends. Braxton has a girlfriend. Kaydon helps Bert often. Colton is my home-body. Saturday night, after I had been at work all day, I told Kaydon and Colton that we were going to dinner when I got home from the gym. And, off we went to Garcias.

In the middle of eating, Colton (with a completely straight face) said, "Mom. Did you know that your mama got locked in a grocery store and starved to death?" Kaydon was like, "UH! Colton, you aren't supposed to tell mama jokes to Mom!!" Colton didn't realize it was a joke! It was so funny. I was snorting!

I love these boys of mine. They are growing up so fast!

Right in Front of Me

Rock says to me often to stop looking beyond what is right in front of me. I told him yesterday that I just can't seem to find peace, that I have this constant heavy chest and I feel the weight of the world crushing me. If I have any talents, my greatest talent is seeking out the storms. I am a pretty amazing storm-chaser. I just love seeking out the storms - the big ones - the ones that kill dreams and shatter hearts. Trophy, please!

Last night, I went to the gym and worked my trash off. Then I thanked Heavenly Father for a strong body. When I got home, Jackson had waited for me to take Brothers to get Subway with our gift cards. Braxton was with Blake and Cole, but the three boys and I went. I looked at them and realized that all I need is right in front of me. My babies. My family. My co-workers. My amazing friends. The Gospel. I have it all already. I don't need approval from anyone or anything. I already have it from my Father in Heaven.

Rock and B-money made this frame for Colton from his Santa breakfast. That smile, though. And, date night. Oh, how I love date nights with my boys. They are funny, kind, generous, a little wild, and my everything.

Oooh Fancy!

Last night, the boys met me at my office after work. We then drove up the very narrow, windy Ogden Canyon to Gray Cliff Lodge. It is a beautiful, quaint, dainty place. It is a bit rustic, and we fell in love with it right away. I had quite a chat with my children before we left the car. I told them that this was THE fanciest restaurant we had ever, and would ever step foot in. I told them that they were to be quiet, they were to keep their elbows off the table, they were to use their pleases and thank yous. I had printed off a menu prior to them coming and highlighted the items they could choose from (this place is so far out of our price range that it's actually funny. They all knew we would be getting water. So, in we went.

The inside is so welcoming and so cozy. The staff was so kind! My boys were SO well behaved. They ordered perfectly and kept their elbows off the table. Kaydon did some weird thing with his pinky finger when holding silverware or his glass. He wanted to toast every time he took a drink. I shot that down real fast. Jackson was speaking with some foreign accent. I couldn't understand a word he was saying. The food was divine. They serve SO much food! It was delectable!

It was a beautiful evening. I am so thankful I won the gift card so that we could enjoy that time. I love every minute I have with my sweet boys!

Date Night

Thursday night, rather than going to Sam's for groceries, we went to Kohl's for school shopping. Each boy had his own cart and a calculator. They added up their finds and then took off 55% for our discount. They each had to be at $100. The three oldest went off on their own, while I took Colton. Kaydon had a big notebook with a list of his needs. The other two had a list on their phones. I was a proud mama watching them be frugal, and always folding clothing and putting it right back where they got it from, never leaving anything in the fitting rooms - but always hanging it back up and putting it back where they found it. We came in way under budget. We could not have done this without my guys at work. We are so thankful.

After shopping, we went to Subway to spend our gift cards. Everyone filled their tummies up and left there happy, ready to close our eyes for the night. Now we just need to worry about shoes and backpacks.

So blessed!

Date Night...During the Day

Kaydon worked for some boots that are only sold at Smith and Edwards. He has been so patient, waiting for me to take him to get them. So, I asked Jacks to bring Brothers to my work on my lunch break so we could go get them. Kaydon got the boots and everyone got to pick one treat from their crazy candy aisles.

On the way back to my office, I explained to them that we had just experienced date night. Braxton said, "Well can we at least go to lunch with you?" How can I turn down these boys of mine when all they really want is time with Mama??

We went through the drive thru at Jimmy Johns, grabbed sandwiches - then headed back to my office. We pulled in, I told them all that I loved them. All four said, "Can't we come in and eat with you??" Seriously, how can I turn down these boys of mine when all they really want is time with Mama??

We all went inside to my office, ate our sandwiches, laughed just like we would on a "normal" date night, and I loved on them before they headed home. I'm serious when I say that the day they no longer want date nights/days with Mama will be the worst day of my life!!!!

Date Night and Date Day

Date night on Friday was just me, #2, and #4. #1 was at work and #3 was with Uncle Brandon and Aunt Carrie.

Braxton and Colton and I got happy meals from McD's, then rented some movies.

On Saturday, the boys wanted to go to Farmington Station. Kaydon was still gone, so the three boys and I went and got a Fizz drink and walked around. That place is awesome!

Date Night Minus Two

These two handsome boys and I had date night on Friday without Jackson and Braxton. Jackson was in Sandy for the week with his best friend, Dalton. Braxton was in St. George for the weekend with his best friend, Blake.

The boys and I got something to eat, then they wanted to walk around the mall. I was all about walking around the mall! It was air conditioned and walking around the mall doesn't cost a dime! We found these two massaging chairs. I have never been so entertained. People literally stopped and watched my boys in these chairs because it was pure comedy!!

I love these boys of mine. I worked twenty hours this week at my p/t job and only saw my kiddies for a few minutes. They bring me so much joy! Kaydon said to me on Friday night, "Mama you are doing great. You are so pretty." I said, "WE are doing great, KK." We really are.

Date Night Minus Peanut

Jackson has to work tonight, so we decided to do date night one night early. Braxton has been at EFY all week and couldn't join us last night or tonight, so we had to do it without him, which was very sad! The boys got some kong cones from Macey's. Perfect date night on a summer night, if you asked me!

Date Night at Home

Friday night, I chose what we were going to do for date night. I stopped on my way home and picked up some hot dogs and s'mores ingredients. The boys carried the picnic table out and started the fire in the fire pit. We roasted hot dogs and made s'mores. We finished off the night with a couple of movies. It was perfect! I'm so grateful for these Friday nights when it's just the boys and I re-connecting after hectic weeks.

Date Night & All That Glitter

I am fully aware that there is going to be a day, very soon probably, when my teenage boys do not look forward to Friday Night Date Nights with Mama. However, right now they are not complaining about it. In fact, they seem to look forward to it every week. This has been our new tradition. Last Friday, I got a text from Jackson. "Pizza Pie Café." I said, "Is that where we are going for date night?" He said, "Yup, and wherever else you want to go." I love that so much! He was thinking about it and even had a plan.

So, we met there with our end of the year free meal coupons and the boys filled up on pizza. They wanted to go next door to Seagull Book and Tape to look for books. Then, they wanted to go to Joann's Craft Store. My Braxton and Kaydon are super creative and love to do crafty stuff. Everyone got a roll of duct tape to create with. SO awesome! They posed for our date night picture. It made me laugh SO hard! I can't wait to put together a post about all of our date nights!!!

Finally, we went to Rue 21. They were selling shirts for $2 on clearance. Each of the boys got two. I'm a huge spender, I know. Free dinner, duct tape, and $4 in shirts. Whoa, Mama!!

Date Night

I am pretty anti-all-you-can-eat buffets. Like, they kind of make me want to vomit. But, Braxton told me that the Chuck-A-Rama in Ogden is the best and that the Young Men went there after being at the Temple and that we had to go. So, date night was at Chuck-A-Rama. The boys were stoked. I was bracing myself.

They loaded up on salad, rolls, ham, roast, potatoes, mac and cheese, and stuffing. Then, they made themselves amazing rootbeer floats. We sat and talked about girls (like every other minute we are sitting and talking), school, bullies, seminary, and their goals. I love to sit and talk with my boys. They make me so happy. They really are a bowl full of joy... most of the time!

Date Night

I met my four hunks at Sam's Club after work yesterday. We grocery shopped, then I fed them. It was pretty much a dream come true for them, I'm sure. Who wouldn't want to go on a date with their mom to Sam's Club?!?!

Seriously, though, these boys are my whole world. I love them so much and I love that they love being with me still.