Versing

This past year Garrett has gotten so into all types of sports. He enjoys watching them on TV or in person.... and of course he likes it best if he gets to play against another team. Who ever is playing, or whom ever he is playing against.... he has an interesting way of stating it. For instance.... if BYU and Utah are playing Garrett would say, "BYU is versing Utah." Or if he is playing against someone he would say, "My team is versing American Fork." I think he gets it from reading things like BYU vs. Utah or Lonepeak vs. American Fork.

It just sounds so funny when I hear it. Seriously.... say it out loud, it will make you laugh.

Falling Apart

Zander is such a scheduled little guy. If one thing is different in his daily schedule he sure has a difficult time.

We had gotten home late from one of Conner's football games. Garrett was sweaty from football practice earlier that day, so I asked him to get in the shower. Usually, both Garrett and Zander hop into the bathtub together right before they go to bed, which bedtime is also usually at the same time. It had been a long evening. Zander was so very tired, off schedule in getting to bed, which made his temper a little shorter than usual. When Zander found out that Garrett was taking a shower without him.... and that Garrett was going to stay up a few seconds longer than he was, he got mad. He started stomping around the house... irriated. I asked him to get his pajamas on, and he did.... but he kept saying "I want to take a shower with Garrett." Or "That just isn't fair that Garrett gets to stay up later." After he was nearly dressed he came up to me and said....

"I am too dirty. I am so dirty that my body parts are going to fall off. Do you really want me to start losing some body parts? That would just be really mean if you do Mom!"

Where does this kid come up with this kind of stuff? Too funny!

Gambler/Football Player

Football season is upon us again! This has got to be my favorite time of the year!! I simply cannot get enough football in!

Stockton enjoys football.... but he also needs a little incentive to focus on the game. Stockton also really likes money. I came up with this brilliant plan to pay him every time we broke through the line. Stockton was thrilled about this new plan and was determined to make some money.

During the first game Stockton played his heart out! It was his best game to date. He broke through the line each time he was on it. He paid attention to the plays and to his team. He paid attention to what was going on when he was outside the game, waiting for his turn. He played amazingly and earned himself $20.

A week went by and I hadn't paid Stockton his money yet. To spice things up a bit.... I told him if he sacked the quarterback I would pay him double. If he didn't sack the quarterback, I wouldn't pay him out. So basically, it was double or nothing.

Stockton loves a challenge.... so he took it! During his game he took the quarterback down!!! AWESOME!

After the game Stockton came up and said....

"I am a professional football player AND a gambler!"

He was just so proud of himself!

Football has started!

Conner started football practice this week. He came home from his first practice, dropped his helmet on the ground and slumped down on the couch. One arm had blood on it, he had a big bruise on the other arm, his head was drenched in sweat. He looked beat up. He sat there barely moving, layed his head back and closed his eyes. He looked so worn out I was a little concerned. So I walked up and asked "Hey, how are you doing?"

He opened his eyes. As he looked at me, a huge smile crept over his face and he exclaimed,

"Man I LOVE football!"

Boys do some strange things

We had a couple big BBQ's at the house over the weekend. Niel had gotten a large tote bucket thing, filled it with ice, and put the soda drink in the bucket to keep them cold. As the day wore on and as the drinks got emptied out, the ice melted some, leaving a large tub of freezing cold ice and ice water.

The boys were cleaning up and noticed this incredible cold bucket of water. It was almost like a light went off in Conner's mind.

"What would you give me if I stuck my face in this bucket of ice?"

I just laughed and said back... "Nothing! That is just stupid."

Without hesitation, Conner turned his head from me, bent down to the tote bucket, and plunged his full face into the freezing cold ice water.

His face wasn't in the water but a second when his head came out of the water. With water dripping off his face he said, "WOW! I have a major brain freeze! OUCH!!!"

I wasn't the only one watching this act of craziness.... Megan, Stockton, Garrett and Zander were all witnesses.

Stockton immediately wanted to try it too. His head went in and right out. He started laughing and loudly telling his siblings the water had give him an instant headache.

Stockton and Conner started daring Garrett and Megan to try it. Megan, the smart one in the group, said "No way! You guys are crazy!!" But Garrett was easily persuaded. He stuck his little face into the freezing bucket of ice. He didn't go full on like his brothers, but just enough to get the cold sensation. He got goose bumps all over this body.

The three boys were gathered around, singing praises to themselves about how tough they were.

Zander had been sitting back watching this entire event. He could see the laughter and group togetherness and I guess he just wanted to be a part of it all.

"I am going to try it!" and with that he dipped his little head into the freezing bucket of ice. I am not sure what Zander was expecting the cold to feel like, but it obviously was a lot colder then he thought. The second he pulled his head up he started to crying.

"My face! My head!! OOOOUUUUCCCCHHHH!!! My head!" With tears and loud screams he came running to me. "Mom! My head hurts. Make it stop!!" Both hands were on his forehead, pressed hard as if he were trying to make the pain stop.

Boys! They do some of the craziest things!!

Alive

Conner has been very sick the past few days. We aren't sure if it is The Flu or if he has food poisoning. He doesn't have a fever but his stomach is just killing him. His skin gets clammy and he get the chills. He can't keep down anything he eats, not even liquids. It is horrible. I feel so bad for him.

Thankfully, Garrett and Stockton are in Las Vegas with Grandma and Grandpa Dean. This just leaves Conner and Zander at home for the week. Conner stayed home to go to football camp but unfortunately he is too sick to attend. I have been trying to keep Zander and Conner apart just in case Conner is contagious. Kallie (the nanny) has been keeping Zander busy outside of the house, so Conner can rest. This has left Conner home at home by himself.

I have to admit, I am a worry wart at times. I have asked Conner to check in with me and let me know how he is doing. The day was progressing along and Conner checked in with me in the morning, but all afternoon he was silent. I started to worry when I hadn't heard from him, so I left work early to go check on him. He was fine, but the cell phone had been having issues, that is why he hadn't called.

Well, this morning he was sick again. Kallie took Zander out for the day and I had to go to work. Niel is out of town as well. As I left, I asked Conner to check in with me. I told him he could call or Instant Message with me.... I just wanted ot know if he was doing good.

When I got to work I gave Conner a call to make sure he had the phone near him. He told me he was good and he would be checking in with me in about an hour.

I was sitting at my desk when I got his IM. It read...

"Mom.... I am a live" that was it. He didn't say anything else.

Laugh! What a funny kid! I guess that was all I needed to know.... he is a live.

8:00 in the Morning

I remember when I was a kid sleeping in was a big deal. I looked forward to summer time because it meant more time snuggled warm in my bed, resting my eye lids. I just loved it!

Getting up around 8:00 was perfect!

Now... 15 years later I have my own kids. It is summer time and sleeping in is a big deal to Megan, Conner, and Stockton. The first day of summer comes along and I head downstairs to wake them up. Feeling like such a great parent for letting them sleep in until 8:00 am, I gently and happily tap my hand on their shoulders and speak ever so softly in a whisper, "Time to get up! Time to start summer!!" With that, I move to the next kid. Once I have tapped each of them, I leave the room and head back upstairs, leaving it up to them to get out of bed and start the day.

About fifteen minutes goes by and I realize I am not hearing the loud noises our house usually makes. There are no breakfast sounds in the kitchen or shower noises from the bathroom. I scratch my head just a little and wonder where everyone is?? I headed back downstairs only to find everyone curled up in the same spots I had left them in several minutes ago.

My voice gets a little louder this time as I announce to the sleeping troops.... "Time to get up everyone. Let's get going!!" I turn on the light in hopes the extra brightness will stir the group. I stand there for a minute.

Nothing!

No movement!!

"Ok! Get up NOW!" With this, I walk over to Conner and shake the couch he is sleeping on.

"Mom! It is summer time. There is no reason why we need to get out of bed."

I walk over to Megan and shake the opposite couch she is sleeping on. "Come on Megs. Rise and shine!"

She rolls over and puts the blanket over her head. "My dad said I could sleep in if I want to."

Ugh! I decide to send in some help.

Little Zander has been awake for over an hour now. He is lively and ready to have someone to play with. I send Zander down to jump on them.

Needless to say, Conner and Megan are not happy that this summer they have to be up by 8:00 am.

Maybe sleeping in means sleeping past 8:00. Maybe everyone else has nicer parents who let their kids sleep in past 8:00. Not me! My kids are SO lucky they get to wake up early!!!

Stockton's Biography

Stockton recently had to write an autobiography for a school project. I found it very interesting how he described his family....

My mom's name is Amy Ruth Oscarson. She has a different last name then I do. Her maiden name was Amy Ruth Dean but then she married Niel. She can get a little mad sometimes but she is cool. My dad’s name is Dietrich Quiring III. He is very strong! He gets mad too, but he is funny. My step-dad is Niel Edwin Oscarson. Niel is a pretty cool step-dad to have! My step- sister is Megan Jean Oscarson. She likes to write stories. My oldest brother is Conner Dietrich Quiring. He got his middle name from my dad. He is a nice big brother. Garrett Raymond Quirng is my little brother. He is very athletic and fast. Zander R.D. Quiring is my littlest brother. He loves to fight and he gets mad all the time when he gets home from school. I have a good family. I love them all!

Oatmeal

My alarm went off. 5:45 seems FAR to early to be getting out of bed. My grumpy self climbed out of bed, walked across the room, and turned off the annoying buzz noise.
I could hear the little cherping sounds of Zander's tiny voice. I couldn't believe he was awake all ready. His voice was coming from the kitchen. I decided to see what he was up to.

As I walked out of the bedroom door towards the kitchen, Zander saw me. Immediately he climbed off the kitchen bar stool and with much excitment came running towards me. I couldn't help but smile. I knelt down and open my arms wide to give him a morning hug. His body hit mine in an enormous bear hug.... he nearly knocked me over. He squoze me with all his might!! Then, as his hug released, he looked at me with very wide, very happy eyes and said...

"Mom! Thank you for getting my favorite oatmeal!" Then, he proceeded to give me another big hug.

He completely made my day! It is amazing how the simple little things, like oatmeal, can make the biggest difference in Zander's little life. And... I find it amazing how such a tiny littler person can have such a big impact on my day!

Gross!

In fifth and six grades, the boy and girls have a special assembly. I am sure each of us remembers this "special assembly" ....the girls and boys maturation program. Conner is growing up to be a fine young man. He brought his note home and showed it to Niel and I. It was topic of conversation at dinner. Niel said he would be willing to attend. Garrett had a funny look on his face as we discussed a few things about the topic.

Conner said, "At least I am not a girl. And I am glad I don't have to go to the girl's part"

"That's gross!" Garrett said with a disgusted look on his face. Niel and I just looked at each. I am sure we were thinking the same thing, "What does Garrett know of the maturation program? He is only 6 years old?"

With much wonderment I asked Garrett, "Gar. What do you know about the girl's maturation program?"

"The girl's part is gross!! They talk about how to put on bra's!! Yuck!"

haha... I couldn't help but laugh!!

Birthday Party Crash

Our cousin Brynlee was celebrating her 6th birthday and invited the entire family to come along. The big event was being held a Boondock, a local mini golf, slick track, indoor video game, laser tag with pizza place. It happens to be one of the boys most favorite places. Because of the cold weather the party was held inside. The arcade kept all the kids entertained while the parents were in the pizza parlor enjoy small talk.
It was time for cake! All the kids were gathering up.... coming from the arcade into the pizza parlor. Now, the pizza and cake area were separated by a nice, shiny clean window wall that was very think. The thick glass wall was a perfect way to quiet the pizza room down, allowing the arcade area to be extra loud..... but it also gave everyone a view from either side.
I was standing inside the pizza parlor with my back turned away from the glass wall. Zander had just finished playing a really awesome game and wanted to tell me all about it. He started to walk through all the many rows of arcades, making his way to the pizza parlor for cake but also with much enthusiasm to tell me all about his game experience. Once he was past the games, but still quit far away from the pizza parlor, he saw me through the window. Immediately he took off in a quick run. "Mom! Mom!" He was all smiles and running as quickly as his small little feet would carry him. His small little eyes didn't see the think, see-threw glass wall.

**SMACK!!! **BANG!***

He hit the think glass wall head first. The hard hit threw his little body about 4 feet into the air and onto the floor. The sound of the hit was extremely loud. It drew everyone's attention. People on both sides of the glass turned their attention to see what the loud bang was. I turned myself around to find Zander, laying on the floor, with a dazed look in his eyes. I don't even think he knew what happened. His amazed looked soon turned to pained look as his head started to protrude ever so slightly with a nice little goose bump. Tears of shock and pain welled in his eyes and his arms stretched out for someone to help him. Good thing Niel was close by to comfort him. I ran over to see if he was all right.

"Mom, I just wanted to tell you I won the race!" I laughed just a little and then examined his head. He seemed all right. Zander has had many head bumps in his life, this one wasn't too bad.... just really loud. Together we went over to the think glass wall to see if he left a mark, just a slight smudge....laugh!

After a little cake, birthday songs, and presents..... Zander was as good as new and ready to challenge me to an arcade game race!

Snowboarding

It was a beautiful, wintery Saturday. Stockton and Garrett had been practicing their snowboarding skills on a nearby hill in a park close to our house. The three of us thought it would be a great idea to see how well their snowboarding skills had become. We headed up to Sundance with very happy faces.
We received several smiles and fingers pointing at Garrett, as he was the smallest little snowboarder on the mountain. I thought it was very cute and I was proud of both of them for taking on the big challenge of snowboarding. I also was prepared for the patience that would be required for the day, but I was looking forward to the challenge.

Our first lesson was learning to get off the lift. I remembered how scary getting off the lift was for me my first time down. I was not sure what the boys were expecting, but I gave them a few pointers. Then, we climbed up the hill a little ways and we pretended we were all getting off the lift together. The boys seemed all right with the instruction and anxious to get on the mountain.

We got in the long line and each of us waited with anticipation. When it came our turn we all shuffled our way out in place. Stockton's shuffling was a little to slow for the fast lift. I tried to grab him, but I didn't help him at all. The lift came and knocked him right over.... then, it ran over him. The lift operators stopped the lift immediately. They had to swing the lift up and pick Stockton up off the icy ground. Stockton was all smiles! He told them thanks and just laughed!! That is Stockton for you.... everything is funny! I don't think I have ever heard him cry in pain, unless he is trying to get one of his brother's in trouble.

Once we were all safely on the lift, we laughed, talked, and watched all the other snowboarders. The boys were super cute and I loved to being up there with them. Getting off the lift was simple. Garrett was a little scared, but he made it off well. We buckled on our boards and started going down the mountain. Garrett took off with no problems. Stockton got off pretty good too. They both fell a lot, but they got back up a lot too. They were doing pretty good! Well, as long as they were on a hill.

The next part was fairly flat. It meant they couldn't fall because falling would slow them WAY down and make it hard to get moving. It only took one fall for Garrett, he completely lost it. He started crying. Stockton fell too, but he kept getting up and doing his best to keep his board moving. It wasn't long before Garrett got so frustrated he was beyond reasoning. As I watched and tried to help Garrett, Stockton kept at it. He got up time and time again..... and every time he did it with much excitement. He went all the way down the mountain and by the time he was done, he was pretty good. He had learned the basics by falling and getting back up. Stockton absolutely loved it!

Garrett made it down the hill too but we decided to spend a little more time practicing. He is pretty young to tackle the big mountain just yet. I learned a valuable lesson from Stockton watching him getting up when it was hard, maintaining a positive attitude in a difficult situation, and making it fun! When we got into the car Stockton said, "Mom, now I am so bored! I am going to be bored until I get to go snowboarding again! That was the most exhilarating day of my life!!"

Not only can Stockton make himself happy, but he knows how to make me smile too!

Phone Conversation with Zander

Zander was away for the holidays, spending time with his dad in Montana. It is always a pleasure to speak with him on the phone. His little mind thinks of the craziest things.

"Zander, guess what Santa Claus brought us for Christmas?" I said!

"What?"

"He brought us Rockband 2! Isn't that great! It even has the song 'Eye of the Tiger'!" I mention Eye of the Tiger because that happens to be one of his favorite songs.

"Oh! That is my favorite song! Does it have David Archuleta too?" Zander is a big David Archuleta fan. He sounded so excited!!

"Nope. It doesn't come with that song."

"Mom. Can you stop talking. I want to talk to Nielie now." I guess Zander didn't like my answer.

"Hi Niel!! Does Rockband have David Archuleta?" Zander asks with much excitement.

"No Zander. It doesn't. How are you doing?" Came Niel's response.

The two of them talk for a little while and every time I chime him to add a comment or something, Zander reminds me he is talking to Niel and I need to stop talking. haha!!! Of course when it comes time to say good bye Zander says....

"Niel, I love you! Now you need to say you love me too!"

"I love you too Zander." Niel says

Zander says, "Ok Mom. You can talk now! I love you!!!"

"I love you too Zander. Good bye!"

I sure do miss him and all the boys when they are gone!!!