Season's Greetings

I got this email from my Mom yesterday, and I had to share!

Happy Holidays 

MY THANKS TO ALL OF YOU ...As we progress through to the end of 2011, I want to thank you for your educational e-mails over the past year.  I am totally screwed up now and have little chance of recovery.
I can no longer open a bathroom door without using a paper towel, nor let the waitress put lemon slices in my ice water without worrying about the bacteria on the lemon peel.
I can't sit down on a hotel bedspread because I can only imagine what has happened on it since it was last washed.
I have trouble shaking hands with someone who has been driving because the number one pastime while driving alone is picking one's nose.
Eating a little snack sends me on a guilt trip because I can only imagine how many gallons of trans fats I have consumed over the years.
I can't touch any woman's handbag for fear she has placed it on the floor of a public toilet.

I MUST SEND MY SPECIAL THANKS for the email about rat poo in the glue on envelopes because I now have to use a wet sponge with every envelope that needs sealing.

ALSO, now I have to scrub the top of every can I open for the same reason.
I can't have a drink in a bar because I fear I'll wake up in a bathtub full of ice with my kidneys gone.
I can't eat at KFC because their chickens are actually horrible mutant freaks with no eyes, feet or feathers.
I can't use cancer-causing deodorants even though I smell like a water buffalo on a hot day.

THANKS TO YOU
I have learned that my prayers only get answered if I forward an e-mail to seven of my friends and make a wish within five minutes.

BECAUSE OF YOUR CONCERN,
I no longer drink Coca Cola because it can remove toilet stains.
I no longer buy gasoline without taking someone along to watch the car, so a serial killer doesn't crawl in my back seat when I'm filling up.
I no longer use Cling Wrap in the microwave because it causes seven different types of cancer.

AND THANKS FOR LETTING ME KNOW
I can't boil a cup of water in the microwave anymore because it will blow up in my face, disfiguring me for life.
I no longer go to the cinema because I could be pricked with a needle infected with AIDS when I sit down.
I no longer go to shopping centers because someone will drug me with a perfume sample and rob me.
And I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask me to dial a number for which I will get a huge phone bill with calls to Jamaica , Uganda , Singapore, and Uzbekistan .

THANKS TO YOU
I can't use anyone's toilet but mine because a big black snake could be lurking under the seat and cause me instant death when it bites my butt.

AND THANKS TO YOUR GREAT ADVICE
I can't ever pick up a 10 cent coin dropped in the car park because it was probably placed there by a sex molester waiting to grab me as I bend over.
I can't do any gardening because I'm afraid I'll get bitten by the Violin Spider and my hand will fall off.
If you don't send this e-mail to at least 144,000 people in the next 70 minutes, a large dove with diarrhea will land on your head at 5:00 p.m. tomorrow afternoon, and the fleas from 120 camels will infest your back, causing you to grow a hairy hump. I know this will occur because it actually happened to a friend of my next door neighbour's ex mother-in-law's second husband's cousin's best friend's beautician . .
Oh, and by the way..... A German scientist from Argentina, after a lengthy study, has discovered that people with insufficient brain activity read their e-mails with their hand on the mouse.
Don't bother taking it off now, it's too late.
P. S. I now keep my toothbrush in the living room, because I was told by e-mail that water splashes over 6 ft. out of the toilet.

NOW YOU HAVE YOURSELF A VERY GOOD DAY…\

And Merry Christmas from the Layton's!!!

Turning 60

My Mom just recently turned 60 the end of November.  For her Birthday I took her to see Breaking Dawn.  I wanted to get her a cake, but she told me she didn't want one.  I think it's because her birthday is so close to  Thanksgiving that the thought of sweet stuff just makes you want to gag.  I understood, and was fine with just going to eat at Cafe Rio, and going to the movie.  We had fun!

Then last Thursday my Brother Quinn called and asked if we were going to do anything for Mom's birthday.  He really wanted to do a cake.  So I said that I would make dinner and he could do the cake.  He really wanted to do something for her on Thanksgiving.  Which we should have, but it just didn't happen.  I'm glad he was pushing to this.  

I called my Mom and got it all set up, and we celebrated her Birthday yesterday.  I made my White Chili, Cornbread, and Salad.  It was super yummy, I love that combo! Then it was time to bring out the cake.  It was beautiful!  Quinn had the people put this saying on the cake: Turning 60 is like peeing in a pool... If your lucky nobody will notice! LOL My Mom got a kick out of it, and loved her cake.

It was a chocolate cake with a cream cheese filling, super yummy!  The frosting on the outside of the cake was good, but super rich.  The flowers on top were beautiful, but did not taste that great.  Kenzie and Maddie wanted to eat a whole one each.  They started too, and then while holding it their fingers started to turn Red.  Then I saw their mouths and teeth and they were completely red.  I laughed and said no more, go wash your hands and do not touch anything.  Kenzie had eaten the most of her flower and her mouth was still red.  What is it Red dye #10? LOL  Quinn did an excellent job on picking out the cake.  My Mom was excited!  She hasn't had a cake in years.  I don't know why we haven't pushed to do this before.  We are definitely going to do it again next year.  Cake and candles are very important, it's tradition to have them and be sung too!  Anyways Happy 60th Birthday Mom!  You don't look it one bit!  Love you!!! 

Crazy eyes

So back in October Maddie had an eye appointment.  Her eyes were not getting any better.  Her lazy eye actually started to get worse.  The doctor decided to have her start using eye drops.  1 drop every night in her right eye.  We have been doing this religiously since the beginning of October.  I have forgotten to tell people that she has eye drops and not to worry she doesn't have a head injury.  The first person to ask me about Maddie's eyes was her Kindergarten teacher.  I totally meant to tell her and can't believe I didn't.  I apologized!  Luckily she sees this all of the time and asked if she was on drops.  I'm glad she understood.
Then last Tuesday we had gone to Matt's sister's house to have a family day before Matt's parent's went back to Illinois.  Rachael and I were talking and Maddie came and sat on my lap.  We continued to talk, and then Rachael happened to glance at Maddie and she blurts out oh my gosh Karen what is wrong with Maddie's eye? I just started to laugh.  I explained, and then she started to laugh.  Then yesterday at church I was helping my friend Jacoy in the nursery.  When Church was over my girls came in.  Jacoy and I were talking, and she just happened to glance at Maddie.  She had the same reaction as Rachael.  I laughed and told her what was going on, then she laughed too.
It's quite a shock to see when your not used to seeing a dilated eye. I mean look at huge her pupil is!  Maddie is always coming  up to me and saying look at how big my pupil is Mama!  She is obsessed.  Kind of hard not to be when everyone is commenting on it.  So this past Friday we had another eye appointment.  The drops have been helping.  Her lazy eye is getting stronger.  Her vision isn't getting better though, kind of a bummer.  Time will tell. The Doctor has told us to keep using the drops, and has spaced Maddie's appointments to every 8 weeks instead of every 6 weeks.  That is improvement!  Hopefully we will have good news at her next appointment in January.  I love my Crazy eyed girl!

30 days of Thanks

My month of November was extremely busy that  I didn't have the time to really sit down and post about the things I am thankful for.  I had my BFF Brittnie come stay for a couple of days, I hosted Bunco at my house, and I had Matt's parents come stay with us for almost a week and a half.  It was nonstop fun!  We also celebrated Thanksgiving twice.  One on Thanksgiving at my Mom's house, and the other at our house the Saturday after with Matt's family.  Yea I would say that was a pretty busy month, and a legitimate excuse not to be able to blog.  So here it goes my 30 days of Thanks in 1 post!

#1- I'm Thankful to have been born into such a loving fun family.
#2- I'm Thankful to have married into such a loving fun family.
#3- I'm Thankful to be healthy, and in the best shape of my life ever.
#4- I'm Thankful for my husband Matt.  He puts up with a lot.  My emotions are constantly out of whack.  He loves me no matter what.
#5- I'm Thankful for my girls McKenzie and Madisynn.  They put up with my crazy emotions as well.  They love me.
#6- I'm Thankful that my family is all healthy at this time in their lives as well.  Matt's gallbladder problems are gone.  Kenzie has always been healthy.  She is growing like a weed.  Maddie is doing so much better.  She is eating and rarely gives me grief about what she is eating.  She has grown so much.
#7- I'm Thankful for a kind loving Heavenly Father who let me come into this world into such a good family. He loves me no matter what.
#8- I'm Thankful for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who payed the ultimate price because he loves us. I'm thankful for his example.
#9 I'm Thankful for the Gospel.  I'm thankful to be a Latter Day Saint, Mormon.
#10- I'm Thankful to have a nice beautiful home to keep me sheltered from the elements.
#11- I'm Thankful to have 2 cars, so I don't have to rely on other's to give me rides.  Also so that I can leave if I choose to do so.
#12- I'm Thankful to have good wholesome friends that would do anything for me.
#13- I'm Thankful to be a crossing guard, and to have a crossing spot 2 min away from where I live.  Easiest money I have ever made.
#14- I'm Thankful that Matt has a stable job, and that he can support our family.
#15- I'm Thankful that Matt has been going to school and that he will be graduating with his associates this month.  Hopefully I can get him to go for his BA.
#16- I'm Thankful for comedy.  I love to laugh.
#17- I'm Thankful for modern conveniences to make our lives easier.
#18- I'm Thankful for good teachers that have taught me, and have taught my kids and family.
#19- I'm Thankful to be an Aunt.  I love my nephews and neices.
#20- I'm Thankful that I can cook and bake, and make yummy things for my family to eat.
#21- I'm Thankful that I like to be organized
#22- I'm Thankful that I like to clean, and have a clean house to live in.
#23- I'm Thankful that I can be a good listener and be there for those that need to vent.
#24- I'm Thankful for Bunco to have a fun group to play with.
#25- I'm Thankful for Girls Night Out.  It's nice to get away and be goofy for a little bit.
#26- I'm Thankful for the Temple.  That I could be sealed to Matt and be able to have an eternal family.
#27- I'm Thankful for a living prophet today and the apostles to have their guidance and direction that comes from our Father in Heaven.
#28- I'm Thankful to be able to have all of my senses to be able to enjoy all the sensations thrown our way.
#29- I'm Thankful for good wholesome books to read and use my imagination.
#30- I'm Thankful to live in a free country to have the opportunity to serve my husband, kids, family, friends, and people I don't even know to see them be happy.

There is so much more to add to this list, but it would take forever to type it out.  I don't have the time.  Just know that I am Super Thankful for everything!  Thanks for reading. =)

Family Photo Shoot October 2011 Gardner Village

Matt's friend and business partner is branching out into the photography business.  He is needing some practice to gain more experience.  Knowing this we asked him if he would do our family pictures.  Not bad for just starting out.  These were our favorite shots!  Thanks Dustin for taking our pictures.  The first one is my favorite!

Halloween 2011

I absolutely love Halloween, it's one of my favorite holidays!!!  So yea I realize that Halloween has come and gone.  I'm a bit late in posting, but better late than never, right?  We did some fun things this year, I would have liked to do more, but we weren't able.  We had to keep up with family tradition and decorate sugar cookies.  It is so fun to decorate with different colors of frosting, (Purple, Orange, and White)  M & M's, and the autumn mix of Candy Corn, Indian corn, and pumpkins.  This year we added Halloween sprinkles to decorate with.  We had a lot of fun decorating, eating, and of course sharing them with our friends.

I made a Dinner in a pumpkin 1 night for dinner.  The girls got a kick out of it!  I posted about it earlier.  It tasted delicious, we snarfed it down.  The girls weren't too fond of the leftovers though.  Shocker?  I think not!  Next time I will get a smaller pumpkin.  =)

We wanted to be on top of it this year with the girls costumes.  Last year we procrastinated; we went the week of Halloween, and there were slim pickings to choose from.  We decided it would be best to not procrastinate and go at the beginning of the month.  We weren't disappointed!  McKenzie wanted to be a Vampire.  Madisynn wanted to be Rapunzel.  Then she changed her mind after watching Treasure Planet.  She wanted to be a pirate captain.  So we all went to Walmart to look for costumes.  McKenzie found a Vampire Queen costume, and Madisynn found a Pirate Princess of the sea costume.  They were itching to wear them all month long.  I couldn't let them until it was time for trunk or treat, trick or treating, and school parties.  I'm glad I waited because both of there costumes got ripped up pretty quick.

Madisynn's school had their annual Fall Fest.  We went as a family to support the school.  We ate pizza, hot dogs, chips, and drank soda.  The girls went around and played the games, and won prizes.  Got balloon animals.  They wanted to go outside and do the jump house and slide, but we didn't have time.  Plus it was freezing outside.  We went and got free Ice cream cones from Arctic Circle which made it all better!

We went to Gardner Village and got our family pictures taken.  Matt's business partner took them.  He was needing practice.  He did a really good job!  Thanks Dustin!  I love our pictures and will post them soon.  I love Gardner Village at Halloween time.  They have all of their witches, and pumpkins on display.  It's so Festive!

We went to the Cruise the nights car show in Magna.  They were doing a Trunk or Treat, as you looked at all of the cool cars.  There were a lot of beauties, and Matt was coveting them.  We saw a delorean, and they had put a flux capacitor in it.  Too funny!  The girls had never seen Back to the Future, so they had no idea why we were laughing.  We had to educate them, so we borrowed the collection from my Mom.  The girls loved it!  I think we all love number 3 the best.  The girls got plenty of candy, but could have gotten way more if we had shown up a half hr. earlier.  Oh well, we had fun!

We went to our wards Trunk or Treat.  They had it the Saturday before Halloween.  We were supposed to be doing it with 2 other wards.  We were kind of disappointed when hardly anyone showed up.  One ward opted not to do it, the other decided to do it on Halloween.  We had 15 cars or so for the kids to go through.  Thanks to those that supported it!  The kids went through about 3 times.

The Sunday before Halloween my family had a Halloween get together.  We had Clam Chowder, and Taco soup, Salad, Rolls, Salsa and Chips, and Fruit salad, and Pumpkin Pie from Costco topped with Whip Cream.  YUMMY!  We took pictures of the kids in there Halloween costumes.  Carved Pumpkins, Ate candy, and just spent time together.  I love family time!

Halloween night  I wasn't sure of it we were going to do.  My brother Quinn brought up the night before that he was going to be playing video games, and Matt asked if he could come.  Matt doesn't get to hang out much, and who better to hang out with than my brother, so I agreed.  It was good to see Matt's face light up.  He needs that male bonding time!  I still wasn't sure of what the girls and I were going to do until my friend Jacoy asked what we were doing.  Problem was instantly solved.  Her husband had to work, so we decided to take the girls to the other wards trunk or treat and then drive them around to the houses that we knew.  They were still able to get that experience of going door to door trick or treating.  They had so much fun, and didn't want to quit.  They both got pretty much a whole bag full.

Just as some side notes.  My girls aren't wearing make up until they are 30.  They were gorgeous without it on, but even more gorgeous with it!  Just a reminder that they are growing up, and i'm not ready for it.
Next side note- before Jacoy came and picked us up we had some trick or treaters come to our house.  I told them to choose 1 candy because I needed candy to hand out at the trunk or treat.  Well they were so rude and started to take a handful.  I was like just one piece please.  I had to tell them several times.  I wouldn't be complaining to much about it but it happened 3 different times.  And one was a mother.  It was so rude and disrespectful.  Losing the trust in people I started to just give it to them and not let them choose.  Teach your kids how to be polite, is that asking too much?  Gee Whiz!

It was such a fun month, and i"m glad we got to spend it as a family!  I have pictures posted below.  Enjoy, and thanks for reading!

Dinner in a pumpkin.  I posted the recipe on a earlier post if you want it:

Carved Pumpkins from family party:

Just our families carved pumpkins:

Maddies' pumpkin:

Kenzie's Pumpkin:

Matt's Pumpkin:  His big pumpkin took some bites out of another pumpkin:

My Pumpkin:

All of the pumpkins:

 Dress up time:

August 12, 2011 Day 3 Kotter Family Olympics, and 4 wheeling

Day 3 we went to my  Sister's house out in Cedar Fort.  Yes it's in Utah past Sarratoga Springs, and Eagle Mountain.  It's a small town.  Lot's of land perfect for 4 wheeling! My Mom picked up the 4 wheeler.  Kenzie and Maddie wanted to go with her.  Matt had worked the night before, so he was sleeping and would meet up with us later.  I had to run some errands before going to my sister's house.

To start the day out Sarah had flags and bean bags for the kids to decorate with their country for our family Olympics.  She had also made them medals to wear for it.  After the kids played in the swimming pool.  We took turns riding on the 4 wheeler.  Well those that wanted rides did. I went with Sarah.  I get a little nervous when I'm riding on 4 wheelers though.  I had a bad experience back when I was in high school.  My parents, my brothers and I were 4 wheeling.  I was on the 4 wheeler with my older brother Chris.  We were going up a hill, and it was a little too steep and the 4 wheeler started to tip backwards.  It rolled over us.  It was very scary.  Luckily we weren't seriously hurt or killed.  I can't go up any steep hills like that anymore, I would prefer to hike it.  Anxiety just thinking about it.  I gave Kenzie a ride, which she loved and wanted more.  When Matt came he gave Maddie a ride, which she loved as well.

We had a little tournament with the washer game.  What is the washer game?  You have 2 slanted boxes made out of wood.  At the top of the slanted top is a skinny slit, and below that is a circle.  The goal is to get your washer to go in the slit, the hole, or land on top of the box.  The first one to 21 wins.  The slit is 5 points, the hole is 3 points, and landing it on top of the box is 1 point.  I really suck at this game.  I'm very uncoordinated, or maybe just very self conscious.  The top dog was my Bother Chris.  Matt was up there, and I think my Brother in law Justin was too.  My Mom was pretty good as well!

We had lunch, and had cupcakes that Sarah had made and decorated with the Olympics.  Then Sarah set up the obstacle course for the Olympics.  First you started out by doing a ring toss, then you ran and had to crawl through a tunnel.  Then run back and forth through some orange cones, wave a streamer wand 3 times, run and and do a bean bag toss, go on top of a picnic bench, go down the slide on the swing set,  jump rope 3 times, sit down, stand up through 3 small camp chairs, make a basket, fill up a water gun and spray, I think hopscotch was involved, and to finish it all off ride the tricycle to the finish line.  It was a lot of fun, and very tiring.

We were timed and the one with the highest score won.  We did Gold, Silver, and Bronze, with the kids, and the adults.  The winners for the kids were Gabe, Jack, and McKell.  The Adults were Chris, Sarah, and my Mom. Go Kotter's!!!  Then somehow I got involved in a water fight with Kaleb, Jack, and Gabe.  So much fun!  We then had a Hula Hoop contest.  Another thing I totally suck at.  The winner of that was McKell.  She is dang Awesome!  I wish I could Hula like her!  Go Kell!  Then it was time for dinner.  We celebrated Kaleb's birthday. He turned 14.  I can't believe he is 14.  He looks like he is 17.  I love that he wants to hang with me, he is a lot of fun!  Well all of my nieces and nephews are a total blast!

We 4 wheeled till it got to dark.  My Mom had to leave to get them back before we were charged another day.  Matt had to go to work.  We had brought our big tent to camp out in it.  We got it set up, and Chris and Sarah and their kids, and the girls and I slept in it.  In the morning we had waffles which I made.  I'm so glad Sarah asked me to be in charge of making breakfast.  It's my favorite.  Waffles with strawberries and whip cream, and different syrups, it's the best!  Then we had a family photo shoot.  I was so mad, I forgot my makeup.  I feel like less of girl if i'm not wearing it.  I feel totally blah!  The pictures still turned out good though.  It was fun to be with everyone.  I wish Matt and Quinn could have been there for it!

After the photo shoot we decided we were going to go see the horse show in Fairfield which is about 5 min. form Kate and Justin's house.  Kate's family and my Mom who took my girls, Gabe, and Mckell left first.  I went with Chris and Sarah, and Trace.  We weren't too excited to go.  We pulled in, and just as we were going to get out Sarah decides that she doesn't want to go, I instantly say the same thing.  Then Trace says he wanted to see a horse.  So we drove over and when we were going to get out he threw a fit about it.  It was really funny!  I'm so glad we didn't stay.  It was funny because we passed my Mom and the way there.  She said it was pretty lame, and the kids were ready to come back.  We said we would take our chances.  Which obviously didn't last long. LOL  I'm glad we didn't stay.

We hung out for a little bit longer, and then it was time to go home.  Chris and Sarah were going back to New Mexico the next morning.  They needed to get home and packed.  Matt had to work that night, so the girls and I  went to my Mom's to hang out before Chris and Sarah left.  So that is the end of our family reunion staycation.  It was a total blast, and it was nice to just stay in the area, and relax.  Thanks Sarah for doing such a wonderful job planning it all, you are the best!  Next year it's Matt and I's turn to plan the reunion.  What to do? What to do?  Matt jokingly suggested having a Movie Marathon watching the Harry Potter Collection, The Lord of the Rings Collection, and 1 more collection maybe it was Twilight.  LOL  Not going to happen.  Hopefully everything will work out and we can all do and go somewhere fun next year!

Decorating for the Olympics:

Swimming:

Four Wheeling:

The washer game:

The obstacle course:

Sarah going through it with them before it started.

Competing:

 For some reason this is the only 2 pictures that I have from the adult competition. Me and Chris at the finish line.
  

The winners:

 Hanging around:

 The Master Hula Hooper's:

 Family Pictures:

 Thanks for reading!!! =)