So behind!

I am so behind....I have been so busy lately! Here is Shaffen's birthday party....we invited everyone (family) over for some cake and ice cream. Conner was soooo excited to help make the cake. He was giggling the whole time. I got nervous leaving him there while I ran to get my camera....he thought he was so big!

Here are all the boys....Carlee didn't come...I can't remember why...so this is our typical boy party! It's hilarious to watch the kids at an adult birthday party, they are so confused. Where's the pinata? Why doesn't he get any presents? They crack me up!

But one thing for sure we ALWAYS have plenty of candles!



So over the weekend was the annual Light parade. We took the boys early so they could see Santa! Covin was pretty excited. Conner not so much! What 3 year old kid doesn't like Santa? UMMMM....MINE!!! He is such a mess. He way over thinks the whole situation....a man in a red suit who comes into your house while you sleep! Yes, I can see where the problem would be....but what 3 year old kid thinks of that! He actually started this crazy fear last year! So we tried to convince him to at least tell Santa what he wanted and we would tell him to leave his presents in the garage....that way he can't come inside! That worked....so far!


Yep, still not sure why Santa does the "thumbs up" thing in the pictures! Why can't he just keep those mittens down!

So hoping that we conquered Conner's fear of Santa.......Yep, it didn't work! Scared to death and crying his eyes out! But through all the tears he mustered up enough breath to tell him he wanted drums! Poor kid! Forget the fact that there is a weird man with a beard in a red suit....that's not the problem.....he just doesn't want him to break into his house while he is sleeping!

Still a little traumatized....I was cracking up! He didn't even care that he gave him candy....he would have gladly gave it right back!

Covin trying REAL hard to smile good! Gotta love that age!

Me and my boys....

Now that we have hot chocolate, cookies, and popcorn...we are good to go! Bring on the lights!

Santa always is in the last float....I thought this picture turned out really cool!So these next couple of weeks will be a little crazy....the semester is coming to an end!!! WAAAHHHOOO!!!!! I am going to be half way done!!! As if you couldn't tell I am so excited! I have a lot of tedious work to do along with a test and then my final! We have been pretty busy lately! Shaffen is working all of the time to pay for vehicle tags (seriously with all the vehicles we have bought we should learn not to buy them in Oct, Nov, and Dec.) and Christmas. He is working really hard and all of the time. I feel bad for him but am very grateful he is willing to do it! We love you lots and thank you for all your hard work (and sleepless days)!

If I don't return in a month....Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

Happy Birthday Shaffen!

Today is Shaffen's 34th birthday! We just wanted to wish him a Happy Birthday. The boys made him cards last night while he was at work. We taped them to the mirror in the bathroom so he wouldn't miss it at 2:00 am!


Here are him and the boys with the deer he shot on Tuesday. It's not that big, but it will do! The boys thought it was HUGE!!! :)
I think he was just happy to shoot his gun! (I mean MY gun!)

Here are my mighty Hunters! They crack me up!

Well Shaffen we just wanted to tell you that you are the best! Thank you for always taking care of us. You are the BEST dad that the boys could ask for! Thank you for being such a great husdand and freind to me. You are always there for us when we need you! We love you so much! Happy 34th Birthday!!!

The last Football game and Halloween!

On Halloween day the boys had their last football game of the season. We were all excited it has been a long season. They played a team from Douglas and won 36-19. They were so excited. I didn't get to go to all of their games but I will say this was the BEST game that I was able to watch.
Carsen, Dallin, and Covin with their trophies....So excited. I think that's why Covin plays, to win trophies!

The final score!!!

Covin with his trophy!!!

Conner eating his cupcake....he was wanting those since I made them that day!

Carsen, Landen, Covin, and Dallin.

Conner, Dexen, Jaten, Carsen, Dallin, Landon, Carlee, and Covin.....The RAMS clan!

This was part of the family, we all have RAMS shirts on except for my dad. Covin had a lot of family there that day....All of his grandparents came!!!!

After the game it was time to get ready for Trick-or-Treating......We all met up at Rachel's to take pictures of the kids.

Here is Zorro, I mean Landon and Frankenstein, aka Conner.

This is me....the boys wanted me to dress up!

Me and my SCARY boys!!!

Conner trying to play the Frankenstein part! I loved his costume!

Conner just being Conner!

My boys!!!! I love that they are friends!!!

Here are all the kids....Beautiful Carlee, Bones Covin, Zorro-Landon, The Grim Reaper-Dallin, Carsen the Tiger, Jaten the Vampire, Frankenstein-Conner, and Dexy Bo the Green Monster.

Carsen, Dallin, and Covin. I think Carsen's face turned out amazing....Nikki did such a good job!

Me and Carlee Sue!!

Here are all the kids taking a break.....Chloe is in Red in the middle....the Little Devil!! So cute!

Miss Chloe....she makes such a cute Devil with her pig tails!

And here is Conner....I am not to sure what to do with this kid. He didn't want candy, didn't want to trick-or-treat, and just wanted to go home. But of course I wouldn't let him.

And Covin trying to be scary with a smile???!!!

I really love living around my family. I love that the kids can grow up together. They play sports together (for now at least). I think it's a blast having everyone around! The only down fall is that they pass sickness around too. We are apparently sharing everything....sorry guys....gotta love flu season!!!!

Parade, the fair, and a football game!

So this weekend was the county fair. We got together and put the Flag football team in the parade. Wow was that interesting! Here is the front of our truck.....

Here are a few of the boys. I think we ended up with 12 out of 15 boys. Then our little boys were in it too. Check out the blue hair and the black eyes....they thought they were pretty cool!

Here is Conner helping his dad drive the boys!

And Mr. Dex he cracks me up!!!



Steven made the signs before he left. The boys enjoyed seeing their names all over our truck!
After the parade we took the boys to the fair with my friend Lisa and her mom. They rode all of the rides for about 4 hours. Shaffen left to take a nap cause he had to work that night. Anyways, Lisa's mom wanted the boys to ride the mechanical bull.....I haven't laughed this hard in a LONG LONG time! It was hilarious! Here is my brave Conner.....I was laughing so hard that I pushed pause so there are 2 videos of him.

Part 2


Now here is Covin....he was chicken until Conner did it and then he felt like he could do it. Watch all the way until the end he thinks the bull is chasing him.....hahahaha....

Today was the first game I wasn't out of town or working. These boys did such a good job. The other team was really rough. Covin is the 3rd kid with his butt sticking out.
Covin pulled the first flag of the game!!! He is # 13. He is holding the flag in the air....apparently I missed the flag in the picture!!!


Shaffen giving the kids a talking to....I don't think he even knew Conner was on his back!
At half time the kids run through a banner....this is right before the pile up....Look close and you can see a little blonde head (Carsen) getting smashed....they all landed on top of him!
And the final score Rams 32 and Wilcox 19....Wahooo....the kids were so excited!!!

I had someone work for me on Friday because I feel like I am missing out on everything! I am glad I did.....It was a little hectic but I love making my kids happy.

As for school it is still very time consuming. This week I will finish up with my clinicals and will just have volunteer hours and a presentation to complete!!! Yeah this semester is flying by!!!! Shaffen switched to nights and now we don't have to have as much help as we did earlier on!!! Which is a lot easier on everyone!

Other than that my kids are still cracking me up. Covin is doing good in Football. He doesn't like everyone chasing him so he is on defense mostly. He does good. He is now doing better in school with a little bribery. Not that he was doing bad he is bored and doesn't want to complete his work fast. So he missed recess until his paperwork is done.

Conner is a mess. He has quite the imagination. Which surprises me, Covin was nothing like that. Conner told me last night that he was sad because at the fair he didn't get to see any elephants or monkey's and that make him sad. I tried to explain that it wasn't a zoo....yeah he doesn't know what I am talking about! He also thinks that all rules apply everywhere. He goes to preschool and tries to apply those rules here too. Like no one gets a snack until you are in your seat and scooted all the way back! He cracks me up all of the time! He is a mess!

Our month!

Right before school started for me we took the boys to the Cardinals football game with some friends. We had a lot of fun. Conner saw the Cardinal and has called it the mad bird! Since the game the boys, including Shaffen have been addicted to football. They seem to be watching it all of the time.

The team entering the field....it was very loud and entertaining.

The boys thought the fire was awesome.

I think this was half time. The cheerleaders danced and so did Conner. My very observant husband even noticed that the cheerleaders had actually changed into new outfits after they finished their dance! He even asked me if I had noticed. Hmmmm....can't say I even saw their outfits to begin with. He liked the 2nd set much better....what a dork!!! :)

This is Conner's mad bird face!!!! What a mess!

The next week Shaffen and his friend took the boys Dove hunting. So these pictures are the ones they shot (sorry)! Covin called me on the phone at work and was way excited that they had shot some Dove. He told me all about it. He then proceeded to tell me that when his dad was cleaning them up he got blood squirted on his face, but don't worry mom we washed it off!!!! Sick! I am glad I was at work!

Can't even imagine how my life with boys will play out. My boys were apparently running and climbing under bushes to retrieve the dove. I guess Shaffen doesn't really need a dog cause my boys play fetch very well.

This last Saturday the College here had a football game and they invited the Flag football teams, they wanted them to run across the field at halftime. We came a little early. The mascot is a Gila Monster. Shaffen paid Dallin and Covin $1.00 to go and shake the Gila Monsters hand. They were embarrassed. I made Carlee take a picture as proof that they did it. Covin was a little to fast for her so his picture is of him just standing there!

I tried to take a picture of them running across the football field but it turned out really dark. There were about 10 kids and Covin outran all of them. He came back and asked if I saw him win the race!

Dallin, Covin, and Landen Shurtz.

Conner, Landon (Rachel's), and Lathen Shurtz

These kids ran and played hard that night. It's crazy that we all have boys (we were missing Nikki's or there would have been 3 more) and they are all so close in age! Good times. Notice Carlee is missing she thought she needed to be with her friends, I guess I can't blame her!

These last few weeks have been so crazy and busy. I have been out of town for the last 3 weekends for clinicals. I was leaving Thursday after class, driving to Chandler with some classmates, and staying and working at a hospital until Saturday evening. We got home between 6 and 8 pm. Then Sunday I have been working. I then have class all week long. I have so far missed ALL of Covin's football games. I feel so bad about that. The first game they lost and he called me crying, it broke my heart. The second game they tied, he called me bursting with excitement cause they didn't lose! The third game they won, he called me overly excited. I am so sad I feel like I missed a ton. Shaffen's mom came and stayed a week to help with the kids while I was at school and Shaffen was working. It was a huge relief not to have to worry about my kids!

Last week Covin lost another tooth, making this one #7. He was way excited and had to call Rachel to tell her!

So far school is flying by. It is REALLY time consuming. My house is not as clean as I would like it to be. I am having to choose between studying and clean. Studying is winning! Shaffen has been such a huge help. He has stepped up like crazy! I appreciate all he does to help with the house! Our life should get a little less hectic now that my out of town clinicals are done! I only have 4 more to go but they are here!!!! I am already getting my midterm paper ready!!! MIDTERM!!!! YEAHHHHH!!!!

Our little trip!

Yesterday, Rachel's family, Jarrod's family and my family took a little trip to Morenci. We got together and took a lot of pictures of our families and our kids. It was fun. The kids had fun playing on the trains and in the old jail. Then we went and towards the mine. We saw some Rams and watched some of the huge dump trucks unload their dirt.


Earlier this month Shaffen and I hit 9 years of being married!!! Holy cow, that's a long time. It has flown by! We haven't changed very much. Shaffen still has a crazy sense of humor that I laugh at. He is such a good person, always honest no matter what! He takes good care of me and the boys. He tries really hard to make sure we are making great memories with our kids. So far he has done a great job. He is a good example to me and the boys. And we both talked about it and decided that if we had to get married all over again that it would still be to each other!!! :)
Here is to another 9 years!!!
We took a lot of good pictures and a lot of crazy ones!!! My boys are so cute, it was hard to pick any favorites. Right here they look about the same size!!!Here is all of us that went. It was surprising that we all sorta matched our clothes. And no it wasn't intentional!!!

My family. I think this was one of the better ones, even though we aren't all looking in the same direction!

I thought this was funny. Both of them with squished cheeks!!

This on I am not really sure what his problem was....but this does show his personality!

This is one of my favorites. Nikki and Rachel both had a camera and me and Shaffen were looking at Nikki and the boys at Rachel!

My cute boys!!!

All of the kids in jail....Conner wouldn't go in. He was holding the door shut!

My boys being good.....and looking handsome!!

So it is official Shaffen has graduated with his Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice Administration!!!! He says that it's not final until he gets his diploma in the mail. It will apparently take 4-6 weeks!!! He is very relieved he is done and so am I! Just in time for me to start school today at 12:30!! It will be a long road but so worth it in the end!!

Back to school and Conner's first day of preschool!

So I am a little slow with blogging, sorry! Covin started back to school last week. He was so excited to go. He didn't want me to take him on his first day, but his dad insisted that I take him. I felt bad cause he really wanted to ride the bus. His teacher is very nice. I think it's going to be a great year!!


At Covin's school they changed around the bus loading and unloading area. So they are having the officers hang out so that the parents follow the new rules. Here is Shaffen not to excited about the picture and hanging out. Shaffen has been at the school almost everyday. Yesterday, Dallin and Covin were getting off of the bus and Shaffen yelled at them to tell them Hi and the boys got a little embarrassed and Shaffen got a hidden wave from them. Shaffen was a little disappointed the he is already embarrassed of us already!!! I thought it was funny.

Covin came home yesterday and was telling me about his day. He proceeded to tell me that when he gets to school his pencil is always sharp, it's like magic! I thought it was funny that he thinks its magic!!!!

I LOVE THESE BOYS!!!! I am also so happy that they love each other!! They are growing up too fast!

And here is my not so little baby!!! Today was Conner's first day of preschool! He was so excited! He thought he was going to ride a bus today. He told me I have to get ready so I don't miss the bus (which is what is said everyday to Covin to make him hurry up). And mom you don't have to take me I will walk to the bus and I will watch for cars!!! Me: WHAT!!!!!!

He is so stinkin cute! I was getting him dressed and he told me I am big like dad, cause he has a shirt like mine! Then I took him in my bathroom to comb and use some hairspray and he told me why are you doing that it's not Sunday!!! Apparently he thinks you only comb your hair on Sundays!!

He was so excited about his Lightning Mc Queen backpack!!!

Me and my little man. I kept taking his picture and he told me, Mom that's enough!!! So sad!!!

When we got to the school he unbuckled and said, Ok, see you later, pick me up after lunch!!! Me: What!!! Who's kid are you!!!!!

He is such a turkey! I love this kid so much. I didn't cry but I am very sad that he is gone. I know its only 3 hours, but what am I going to do with myself??? I am feeling guilty about going back to school on Monday. I won't get to see my kids very much. My schedule is going to be crazy. Conner will go to preschool and I will have to go to class before he gets out. I won't see him for over 6 hours!!!! I am very grateful for all of the help that is coming my way. It is very comforting to know he will be with my sister for a majority of the time. But it's already making me sad to leave him. HE IS STILL MY BABY!!! Even though he doesn't care!! I am such a baby.....seriously only 30 more minutes before I go get him. I should have been cleaning or studying or something!!! I LOVE MY BOYS!!!