Happy New Year!

It's a new year! We have had a fantastic Christmas break. I have a ton to post, but it will wait until next week when my kids are all back in school. I do, however, want to post my New Year's Resolution. Dave Ramsey says, "A goal unwritten is only a thought." I am a believer in new beginnings and setting goals. Here goes...

In 2012 I plan to-

1. Become a healthier person by surrounding myself with ONLY kind, positive people.

2. Become a healthier person by cutting my refined sugars. Only one day a week!

3. Become a healthier person by exercising (1 hour) 5-6 days a week. Plus, 20 full pushups and 50 full situps everyday.

4. Become a healthier person by focusing on my family.

5. Be better and keeping this blog up!:0)

T.J.

Meet T.J., the newest member of our family. He is a Mojave Desert Tortoise hatchling, born in September. He loves Romaine lettuce, hiding in his cave, and basking in the sun. We have had such a great time learning about him, and setting up his habitat. Thanks Darwin and Terri Hall for this little gift!!!

Interesting Desert Tortoise facts-

1. They can live to be 80-100 years old.
2. They live on a diet of mostly leafy green vegitables and a little fruit.
3. You can not determine the sex of a tortoise until he/she is about 8 years old.
4. Once they are big enough, they can live happily in your back yard.
5. They are a very easy pet to take care of.

Basic Health and Sanity

Of course I am behind. It's summer. I am in charge of four (five including Warren) very active boys. Boys are happy when they are moving. I cannot keep four boys moving and blog at the same time. It is impossible.

The good news is that football season begins in one week. This means that they will all still be home all day, but will be extremely tired from practices every night of the week. The next week schools begins. Finally I will be able to update you on our summer adventures...It's been a good one!

Unfortunately, it's been a sad and jarring couple of weeks. 3 women, all under 40, that I know passed away. Each one of them left me speachless. When things like that happen you question your own mortality.

To top it off, I attended a health and fitness RS activity this week. Nothing new, but things I am really interested in. What really got me was the video clip from a group of doctors teaching that just to maintain a healthy lifestyle, MAINTAIN, everyone of us should be doing a bare minimum of 30 minutes cardio 6 days a week. That does not include the weight training and diets that we should all be following. It floored me.

Why? Don't we all know that? Well, kind of. I sat there realizing that the older you become, the more kids you have, the easier it is to forget about yourself. An hour of exercise, all of the sudden, becomes a treat for us moms. Like we are taking a vacation, or going to the spa or something. In reality, it is something we should be doing everyday, like tieing our shoes.

I realize what a gift good health is. I morn the loss of my sisters. I vow to be better to my own body. We just don't know how long we have...

Hop On My Soap Box For A Moment...

I have spent most of my adult life teaching middle school and high school kids. I now work, very part time, at a place helping students in areas such as writing, study skills, SAT/ACT prep, homework support, or just basic reading. Last night I had a particularly challenging group and a few thoughts came to me that I wanted to share. I love the kids that I work with. I love my little job. However, I can't help but thinking that some of their parents could have saved HUNDREDS of dollars by knowing a few secrets.

1. Successful students have good study skills. This means that kids who get A's are able to sit down for longer than 10 minutes and really read or study. Kids need to learn this as soon as they hit kindergarten, if not sooner.

2. Information is given at school, what to do with it should be taught at home. I watch many, many people who think that school is going to teach their kid study skills, values, etc. I have yet to see any school, public, private, or charter that does this very well. If you want your child to be an "A" student or be a good person, it truly starts and ends at home. Think about it. Your teachers have classrooms of 20-30 kids each day. It is not logistically possible for them to spend much one on one time implementing these skills. We have that responsibility at home.

3. Communicate with teachers, and teach your child to do the same. Successful students have parents who communicate with school teachers and administrators. Even in jr. high and high school, most of the a.p. or honors kids have parents who are on top of what is going on at school. I'll never forget the first "Meet the Teacher" night I did as a teacher. My regular classes of 30 had about 2-3 parents there. My soph. honors classes had full rooms of parents asking questions. Also, kids who are not affraid to communicate with teachers do better in school. Sometimes this is a fear that they have to overcome, but it is well worth the effort. Don't do all of the talking for your child. Let them do it. This is a skill that will help them through college.

4. Education does not begin in high school. I have seen parent after parent who does not take education seriously until they are ready to begin high school. At this time they might start implementing study time, or reading time. Or, they might wondering why their child doesn't value grades. A parent might also begin noticing procrastination and other habits. These habits all started back in kindergarten for most kids. Catch them early, and teach them as you move along.

K, i'm going to step off of my soap box now.:0) I often think these things in my head, but have never put them down on paper. These ideas are usually only shared with those who ask. It's difficult being a mom....overwhelming at best. But, I promise the four steps above will change your life, and the life of your child.

Learning is intriguing to me. Why do some kids end up in honors with straight A's and scholarships, while others, who are just as intelligent, end up not caring about school at all? I am convinced that, for most, it is because of habits learned early on at home.

I'm Back...In More Ways Than One!

Hi everyone! I've missed you. My phone, camera, and laptop all went out over the last two months. Needless to say, I have been very technologically challenged for a short while. But, I'M BACK! My picks were all downloaded last night. Look for many updates in the next week.

In the mean time, I wanted to share something with you all. Warren and I have gone back to the "fresh lifestyle" that we both used to religiously live before kids, demanding jobs, bills, sports, and the busy, busy lifestyle that we have now. That means lots of fresh cooking, gardening, exercise, farmers markets, etc. YAY! I feel so much better! I'm excited to share some of the information I find about this lifestyle. Here's the first...http://www.ediblecommunities.com/phoenix/. I love this website/magazine. It's all about local growers, markets, and restaurants. I know that you'll love it too!

Camera Trouble

I have not given up on this blog. I am still a faithful blogger through and through. However, my trusty Cannon gave out on me. The Nikon I bought is sitting in the box, just waiting to be used. It will happen...very soon!

I Think I Forgot

This morning I woke up and couldn't remember whether or not I had brushed my teeth the night before. Has that ever happened to anyone else? Probably not. In fact, it bothered me so much that I spent alot of my day trying to think back....nothin'. How does one become so busy that one does not even remember whether or not she had brushed her teeth???

Seriously!

Hot Stuff!

Found this pic this morning and just wanted to show off my sexy legs and tan. I was actually going to BYU at this time, but my good friend, Allison, and I had come down for a visit. Remember this Al?? We both have 7 kids between us now, but I think that we are still as sexy as ever!!

Alone At Last!

Baby Dane turned two last August. Because of his late summer birthday, Dane will not begin kindergarten for 3 and a half more years.

I find myself thoroughly enjoying this child. I'm not used to only having one set of diapers to change, or only one needy little one at home during the day. I'm not used to having a 2-yr-old at home and not worrying about when i'm going to get pregnant again, or having morning sickness most of the day long.

Needless to say, it is pure bliss. We go to the park, we shop, we read, we cuddle, we play. He watches a show while I buzz around getting things done.

Together we get things ready for "the brothers" to come home in the afternoon. Dane is my little buddy for the next 3.5 years, the perfect little caboose to our crazy Coates train...and I am loving every moment of it!

Totally Awesome

Warren has the opportunity to coach one of my cousin's kids on Preston's basketball team. Hunter is just shy of 7 years old.

Last week at practice he skipped up to Warren and stated, with all of the confidence in the world...

"Hey Warren."

Warren, "What?"

Hunter, "I'm only 6 and i'm already totally awesome!"

T.P.ing

I'm a Mesa girl. Growing up in Mesa, we t.p.'d all of the time. We only t.p.'d the cutest boys, or our favorite friends. It was true compliment! Elli had a bunch of girls at her house, I had a bunch of boys a mine. We combined, and t.p.'d one of our favorite people! Try as we might, we couldn't get caught!

Grampa Wilbur Coombs Woolf

Grampa Woolf (Above). Cousins Dallas, Blaze, and Grampa Woolf (Below).

Today we remember Grampa Woolf on what would have been his birthday. Wilbur Coombs Woolf was one of the most valiant and noble men that I have ever known. Those of you who had the great opportunity to rub shoulders with him know what I am talking about. He helped shape my life. I love him. Happy Birthday Grampa! Glad you get to spend it with Gramma this year!!!

Click on the link below to see a beautiful tribute to Grampa Woolf by my cousin, Dallas (One of may very favorite people!).

What's so funny?

Coming Soon...

Nope. I haven't quit blogging. In fact, I have a bunch of pictures lined up. It's just that, with the new school year, and 3 boys in sports, it's been hard to keep up with everything. So, don't give up on me. Some very interesting, fabulous, unforgetable posts are coming soon!

Lazy Summer

It has been a lazy summer at our house. How wonderful is that? The boys have enjoyed diving, swimming, extra time with friends, ice cream, the beach, Disneyland, the cabin, random trips to get an Icee, trips to the dollar store for treasures, UNO, the library, hundreds of Otter Pops, no schedule, sleeping in, and summer reading.

This morning I asked Cody what his favorite day of the summer has been. He said, "I like the days when we don't have any plans."

"Me too", I answered.

We are looking forward to escaping one more time to the mountains in Greer very soon. The older my kids get, the more I look forward to spending this special time with them. They seem to grow so fast.

Double Chocolate Cake

Although I love to cook and bake, I don't have alot of time to do so right now (A.K.A. four active boys). However, tonight I was invited to a Bunko party where fancy food is usually served. I didn't want to fall short and came up with this. Warren was impressed! The recipe involves four eggs, sour cream, an entire cup of oil, and chocolate shavings. Not low in calories, but isn't it pretty??

Sunflower Surprise!

This is what happens when your children randomly place sunflower seeds in your garden! For the longest time, I couldn't figure out what was growing until the buds started to come out. The taller flower stands at over 9 feet high! Next year I think we'll plant them on purpose. What a fun surprise! I love them!!!

David and Jonathan

In Gospel Doctrine on Sunday, I taught about the loyal friendship of David and Jonathan in the Old Testament. It is a beautiful story. A very wise sister in my ward was asked to share her thoughts on true friendship. This is what she said...

I have two best friends. They have been my best friends for a very long time. I love them and know that they love me. Each of them loves me when i'm at my very worst, because they know what my best is. There are never any reservations. I can call them when I am a total mess, or when things are good, and they love me regardless. They each seem to forgive me before I even mess up. They are truly loyal friends.

I loved her words, and am also thankful for the special friends that I have in my life. I am blessed because of each of you. Thank you.

Coates Family Disneyland Rules

Now that we have been to Disneyland a number of times, we have a few rules that we live time each time we visit "The Happiest Place on Earth". Following these rules can save you alot of time and money, as well as make your trip more enjoyable. Enjoy!

1. Before you plan your vacation, check the Disneyland website to see what big events are going on during that time. Avoid Disneyland when any new shows or attractions are opening. Also, travel to Disneyland only when the California schools are in session. You can also find this information out online.

2. Have a plan. Before going each day, sit down with your family and decide which parks you are going to enjoy that day, when you will take breaks, etc. Failure to do this wastes a ton of riding time.

3. Park at Disneyland. If you have a car while you are there, we find it to be much better to just pay the parking fee there at the park. It gives you the freedom to come and go, and is not as slow and tedious as the trollies that travel from the hotels.

4. Go where everyone else is NOT going. Look for the shortest lines getting onto trams, into the park, and at attractions. For some reason, people at Disneyland seem to travel in herds. STRAY FROM THE HERD I'M TELLIN' YA! Some of our favorite times to go on rides are during Fantasmic and the fireworks show. Then most people are doing that, and we enjoy the rides more.

5. Don't eat meals in the park. You can eat at McDonald's in Disneyland for the same price as Cheesecake Factory accross the street. We eat breakfast before we go, bring in snacks, leave for a late lunch or dinner and a break, and then come back in to close the park down. Some of our favorites near Disneyland are Mimi's Cafe, Subway, Wendy's, and Sweet Tomatoes.

6. Buy Fastpasses, or learn how to use the Fastpass and Switchpass system.

7. The least busy months of the year to travel to Disneyland are September and February. They guy at Subway told me this, and when I looked it up, he was right on!

8. Never buy tickets at the gate. They are ALWAYS cheaper online. We also use a site called Getaway Today online. If you book your hotel there, you will almost always get free park hopper tickets. We haven't found a better deal yet.

9. So far, we have found the Marriot and Hilton hotels to have the largest rooms, nicest breakfasts, and best service. We also find awesome deals for these hotels at Get Away Today.

10. Don't miss some of the smaller shows or attractions. Sometimes the smaller shows become family favorites. If you have boys and haven't experienced "Jedi Training", you must! Also the "Crush" show and "It's Tough To Be a Bug" in California Adventures are also a must.

Have Fun!

Lost Things

As I know some of you are anxiously awaiting a new post (because who wouldn't want to view our family vacation photos??), I feel the need to explain. My cel. phone and camera were left on the above ride late last Thursday night. Of course it was our last ride of the evening, and right at closing time, because that's just how we roll. And, because over 80% of lost things are returned at the wonderful Disneyland, I am lucky enough to say that my bag should be in my hands by this Friday.

Until then...have a relaxing and enjoyable summer!! I'll see you in a few days!

Settling Into Summer

Yes, I know i'm behind in updating this blog. However, I strongly don't believe in ever appologizing for one's own blog. After all, it is an extension of one's life right? If I am too busy, then I am too busy.

Warren has been on me about updating. I have pictures just calling my name to be posted. But, they will have to wait a couple more days.

Right now I am knee deep in waterslides, library days, movies, friends, sleepovers, 10 o'clockies, museums, Sonic slushies, swimming pools, Wii parties, vacation planning, sports camps, etc., etc., etc. And, I love it!

If you hear water running, and kids yelling in the backyard late at night, they're probably mine. Come on over and join the party! We'd love to have you!!!