Bear World!!

We took the kids to Bear World to see the baby bear cubs. Kade and Porter loved seeing the cubs. Kade was so excited to hold them, he loves animals and is always wanting to find out more about them. Porter tried to actually take it out of Kade's hands. Benson was being a little stinker that day so he wouldn't even look at the bear cub. When he saw the pictures afterward he felt bad that he did not get to hold or pet one.

The Making of John Deer!!!!

In February Jordan, Riley, Scott Stoker and Dee Stoker all took a trip back East to Waterloo and Maline Iowa. They were invited to tour the John Deer Plants. Of course any guy would not turn down a great opportunity to see how the tractors and combines were really built. The first tour was in Waterloo Iowa where they got to see how the tractors were made. They weren't allowed to take camera's or cell phones in that plant. I guess it was top secret. The plants were so big that just the building alone was built on 60 acres of ground.

The guy who took them on the tour through the plant said they do not make a single tractor or combine unless it's been ordered. Can you imagine all those tractors that Jordan is standing infront of are already sold and waiting to be shipped out.

This is a picture in Moline Illinois at the Combine Plant. After the Combines are put together they line them up in an assembly line and test evey single part of the machine to make sure it is working properly.

Every Man's Dream.....

I got the pictures switched but this picture is of the inside of the combine where it processes the grain and dumps it in the bin.

Rigby Youth

Kade was so excited to start playing Basketball. We put him on a team this year when he really shouldn't be playing until next year when he is in 2nd grade. He is one of the shortest kids on the team. Hopefully he will get some height on him soon. He loved every minute of it. Mark Lounsbury and Jordan were the coaches. I think Jordan enjoyed coaching them as much as Kade loved playing.. This is of them starting to warm up. I had a hard time getting good pictures of them playing.

Kade was actually guarding that tall kid behind him.. He pretty much had to jump on him.

It was a fun year for basketball he was pretty sad to see it end.

Trip to see our cousins...

We went to an airforce base the day we were leaving, I think it was called Hills Airforce Base Museum. I'll have to check on that. While we were at Steph and Tony's you could hear the jets flying over there house all day long. So we decided that we needed to take a tour around Museum.
Kade really liked this chair. He wouldn't let us strap him in it though.

They let us have a tour inside the rescue plane. Benson was so scared to go inside. I think he thought we were going to leave him in it or something like that. He waited outside for us until we were about to leave and then he finally got brave and wanted to take a tour. Tia is the same age and wanted to be strapped in, maybe Benson could take some pointers from her.

I had to put this picture in because it's amazing how they could fly these helicoptor's and airplanes.

All the kids that wanted to go to the airforce base. Savannah, McKayla, Seth, Kade, Tia and Benson were really enjoying looking at all the airplanes.

Porter had a blast with the girls. I think he followed them around the whole time. It was nice for me because I actually got a break from entertaining him all day.

We made Savannah play her Saxaphone for us. She wasn't to happy about getting it out and playing for us, but she was a good sport about it. Thanks Savannah we really enjoyed hearing you play.

Benson and Tia spent the whole 2 1/2 days playing dress up. I can't even remember all the costumes they tried on for us. I think Benson was pretty excited to have someone who would play dress up with him since Kade isn't really interested.
We had a great time at the Moser's. Thanks for letting us stay with you for a couple of days, the boys loved it.

Love and Logic

I have been going to these Love and Logic classes every Thursday Night with some ladies in my ward. I really didn't think I would get anything out of it because my kids are still pretty little and not in middle school yet. I actually have learned quite abit from just the few times I have been.
Did you now that on average the amount of time you actually spend talking to your kids is only three minutes a week. I was thinking no not me, I am always talking to my kids. That week I tried testing myself. Everynight before they go to bed I spend about an hour telling Kade to finish up his homework, Benson to get in the shower, heres your pajamas hurry and put them on and then go into the bathroom and brush your teeth, go potty before and come on kids lets get in bed. I spend most of my time telling my kids to do things.
This class actually tries to teach you to give some of the responsiblity to your children..
Here is an example, one Saturday I asked Kade if he had already finished his homework so we wouldn't have to do it on Sunday Night. He told me that him and Dad already finished it. So come Sunday night when it was time for bed I said to Jordan it's a good thing you and Kade already did the homework. Jordan's response,"We did." And you know all us parents we hurry up and try to get it done so we don't look like the bad parent to the teacher. This class has taught me that since he lied about it and it's bed time I guess he is going to have to stay in for recess at school tomarrow and finish it and hopefully next time he will have learned his lesson. If he calls from school and says,"Mom I forgot my library book, will you please bring it to me?" My response, " Kade sorry but you need to make sure you put that in your book bag at night so you don't forget it." I know this sounds harsh, but even if you are going to the school anyway don't take it because they need to learn to be responsible and after a couple of times of not taking it I garantee they won't forget it.
I am constantly telling Benson to hurry up and get dressed for preschool or we're going to be late. I have not done this but several people in the class have, they take there kids to daycare or preschool in there pajamas or bring there clothes in a plastic bag and they have to hurry and get dressed there. They said I have not had to ask them to hurry and get dressed again.
I have my sisters girls playing over at my house alot and the kids are always telling on eachother and when they come to me I just tell them they need to work it out themselves. They actually have and it's been nice. If I really want one of the kids to do something and they really want to play on the wii, I simply say feel free to play on it all you want as soon as you get your task done. If it takes them till bed time, maybe tomarrow they will get that task done sooner so they can play. The feel free method is a really good insentive to get them to do what they need to do because there is a reward when it's accomplished.
There are plenty more ideas. If any of you ever get the opportunity to take the class I really recommend it. I spend more time enjoying my kids and less time nagging on them. So we are all happy..

Winter Days...

Here is Kade and Dad kicking back on the cuddlesac watching a movie. The boys are always looking for the opportunity to spend time with dad...
This is what has kept us entertained through the long winter weather. Benson is having a golf tournament with Dad and Riley.

Porter and Parker were climbing all over everything and everyone.

Here is Benson and Porter climbing in the dirty laundry basket. They are always found in my closet throwing all our dirty clothes everywhere so they can play in the baskets.

We love you guys...

Kade has come so far in his life. We went to his parent teacher conference a week ago, he is doing so good in school. He is a great reader and his true talent is writing stories and drawing. He loves to do art. His teacher Mrs. Surerus said they are doing something new this year for all the kids in this district. The kids are writing there own book and getting them published. The older kids are writing there own book, but the younger grades like 1st grade is making a class book where they all put stories in it and then it gets published. Mrs. Surerus begged them to let her pick three students to do there own individual books, out of 26 kids Kade was one that was picked. He was pretty excited. He also got to make the cover page of the class book, since he is such a good artist. We are so proud of how good he is doing. Kade you have your own special place in our family. You are such a good example for your younger brothers and they look up to you.
Benson is such a character. He is doing so good in Pre-school. He can write his name and recognize most of his letters and there sounds. He knows his colors and his shapes. He is always telling stories and making us laugh. Just the other day he was with his dad and suddenly he leans over and says "Dad I have a secret." Jordan's reply "whats your secret" Benson "DAD I HAVE A SECRET," Jordan was starting to get frustrated and says "Benson what is your secret" Benson's reply "I can't tell you dad it's a secret." That was a good one Ben. We are always learning from you. You are always making us laugh.

Now Porty is going to be 2 years old in March. I can't believe how big he is getting. He is so easy going and I am so thankful for that. He loves to play with cars, tractors, trucks etc. I can not keep him from climbing on everything, he climbs up on the couch and jumps off. I'm affraid that he is going to brake his leg. He loves music and can do all the actions to "PopCorn Popping." I will put in the leapfrog learning video's which are his favorite. (if anyone does not have them I highly recommend them) He repeats the alpabet and there sounds with the video. When we have family prayer he folds his arms and trys to say the prayer with us. Porter loves his older brothers, he is always hugging them and trying to keep up with them. Porter you can make us smile and melt our heart by the things you do. You add so much joy to our family...

We couldn't imagine our lives without these boys. It can sure be hard at times but a true growing experience. Kade, Benson and Porter you make our lives so much more meaningful and enjoyable. We love all three of you so much.